Adventure

I've been planning for a dual sport ride on a KTM 525 or 530 from New Mexico to Oregon in August via the Trans American Trail (TAT). It is 90% off road riding (from dirt roads to single track) and I want to keep it fun in the dirt. So I'm using an enduro style dirt bike and mod'ing it just enough to make it street legal and to carry my stuff (I'm taking a minimalist approach in regards to gear). It's not Mexico to Belize that is for sure but the preparations can be similar.

The best advice I can give you is join and read and post. Those guys have been everywhere on everything and the amount of information available is off the charts. Super helpful and knowledgeable board members.

Really there is a ton to consider for a trip like that. A lot depends on how you plan on traveling. Do you see this as an off road adventure with hope of avoiding as many improved roads as possible? One thing to consider if you plan on going into remote areas is a SPOT device (). Satellite based emergency contact service that is affordable and proven.

I'm sure you don't have to be told, but considering the areas you'll be in and the current unrest, read up on where it is safe and where you don't want to be. Again, I'd be surprised if you can't find out everything you need to know and then some at advrider.

Sounds like a kick in the ass. Hope it happens for you.

I spent a month riding through Mexico on a KLR. about 6000 miles. I did not fair well on the KLR. There are mountain passes through the Sierra Madre that beg for a real motorcycle. If your dirt portion is going to be as little as mine was. Gravel roads for a couple hundred miles at the most. May I suggest an SV 650 or a DL 650. If you like spirited riding the thumpers power and lack of even a reasonably working chassis will leave you begging for a real motorcycle. I am planning on spending two months in Mexico, starting in November. It is breath-takingly beautiful down there. I had not one negative experiance the whole time I was there and The people I met were the kindest giving patient souls around. I am excited for you. If you are not looking for trouble in Mexico you will not find it anywhere.

Thanks for the thoughts. No plans to hit cities - smaller roads and towns are more my speed.

Anything I should make sure to see on the West side of Mexico? We probably will start in Phoenix, head south, cut east at some point south of Copper Canyon, and then when we are running out of time head north to Texas.

I suspect I'll trade the KLR for a dirt bike when I get back. The KLR is fine, it just doesn't give me a hard on like some bikes do.

My retirement plan is now death, so I figure I'll spend a little on the way!

The road from Durango to Mazatlan is a must do. Or from Mazatlan to Durango. I think it is hiway forty but dont quote me. It goes through El Salto. motorcyclists dream come true. I have done a fair share of riding and touring and by far it was the best. You could not ask for more beauty or motorcycle friendly road. You could head up to the canyons from there. Also as a further read you should check out the book Born to run. It is about running so the cover may throw You off, but it is also about Mexico, specificly the Tarahumara and so much more. Stay in Creel and see the hot springs at the bottum of the canyon. Just ask around. Go in through Douglas, no fears.
Zacatecas and Colima were great. Man I need to win the lottery. and tip the station attendants, hell tip everybody. A smile goes a long way down there, I mean friendliness is contagious.