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A 2012 goes down in flames

13K views 48 replies 13 participants last post by  Damocles 
#1 ·
This guy was doing an Americas tour when his bike lost power, caught fire, and exploded in California: http://www.gofundme.com/4wizng

He said he looked back and right and saw the seat (and he) was on fire.

The only culprits I can think of are gas, exhaust, and electrics. And the first two seem unlikely.

Any other ideas?
 
#4 ·
If the "official" cause is found out, I'd like to know - because I've got a 2012 myself.

Hopefully he'll be able to continue his journey in the future...
 
#5 ·
A couple commenters on the Google+ Dual Sport community are saying they had wire rub problems on their Gen2s, and that there was a recall on the 08-09s for wire rub issues:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/p...650E&veh_model_year=2009&searchtype=DrillDown

My gen1 wiring rubbed through above the coolant overflow, and threatened to on the upper engine mount. I've hardened the two points against it. Maybe we should have a catalog of problem spots for wire rub...
 
#6 · (Edited)
No insurance, I reckon.

Without some evidence of faulty materials, design, workmanship, or whatever, I'd be surprised if Kawasaki bites into the product liability apple offered.

With 30 years of production of essentially the same bike, with no known systemic fire hazard obvious or experienced, voluntary product liability relief appears a remote possibility, to me.

Glad the rider escaped serious injury; regret the property damage loss; have no idea how the fire started (although the proximity of the apparent point of origin to the exhaust, and the somewhat cluttered-appearing packed load, may hold clues).

Wish the rider well.
 
#7 ·
Most of the wires on the back half of the bike are on the Left Side.
My guess is luggage issue. I still ride with the (Original) Melted RH rear panel from My Error, as a reminder. All it took was an Odd Cross-wind to get my panel and soft saddle bag.
Looking at his bike, it looks like plastic Luggage. Who knows how much stuff was stacked on it/over it?
I've got a Near Perfect E-bay part, for a spare of course.
pdwestman
 
#8 · (Edited)
I'm going with Ocham's Razor on this one: His spare fuel can leaked on the exhaust. Poof!

Take a look at the "before" photo and you can make out a red object on the right side.

Fuel cans are traditionally red...

FWIW, I made a donation to this young man's cause.:)
 
#9 · (Edited)
Is that a fuel can, or his tail light?

I'm only asking because as I'm going through three night shifts this week (Tuesday - Thursday), I'm doing a little reading on ADV, reading an old thread and one guy posted about a minor exhaust problem... It almost seemed like in the pic below, the guy had too much gear around the tail end of the bike, and it restricted the air flow, allowing for hot exhaust gasses to build up and damage the tail light, etc.




I'm not saying that it wasn't supplemental fuel, and I'm not saying it was... Either way, it put a total kink in the guy's plan, so I followed your lead Dan, and did my part to see if we could get him back on the road.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Donate? To a guy on a discretionary, recreational ride? [EDIT: The rider claims to be in pursuit of some sort of elective academic endeavor.]

Free will donation, and all that, but . . . I decline this opportunity.

While I sympathize with the rider's misfortune, and regret his plight, he assumed the risk and responsibility for the expedition. Don't know what went wrong or why it did, or who might be responsible, but . . . I'm not inclined to respond to the cyber-pan-handling solicitation for donations.

The rider made a choice, declining the opportunity to buy insurance [EDIT: He claims some administrative mix-up frustrated his attempt to obtain coverage.]. That decision may be fully justifiable, given the low cash value of a KLR650. Total the bike? Just write it off, as an expendable artifact of the vacation. LOTS of vacations cost more than a KLR650.

Regardless, the rider decided to forgo insurance [EDIT: Confusion over date of coverage claimed.], not I. I do not feel incentivized to compensate him for the consequences of his decision. Again, I sympathize with his situation; I wish him well in returning home and earning enough money to strike out again; but--my charity doesn't extend to endowing his pursuit of pleasure [EDIT: Discretionary academic exercise, vs. "pleasure.].

Let's say he begs enough money to re-mount and proceed on his journey; suppose he suffers ANOTHER misfortune and his new bike becomes also a total loss--what then? Another solicitation for contributions,?

Am I cold, heartless, MEAN, declining this opportunity to contribute to this "cause," the perpetration of this stranger's journey? If so, let my punishment fit my crime! Do NOT, under any circumstances, send ME any money, if my own ambitious riding plans are disrupted by accident or casualty. I made the choice, took the risk, and, take the responsibility to work my own way out of my predicament.

That said, YMMV! If contributing to this unfortunate motorcyclist's kitty somehow satisfies your own motivation, by all means, kick in! I'd only suggest, be aware of your own motivation; I respect your generosity and charity, your good intentions. Just--know whether you're indemnifying the rider for the ACCIDENT, or for his failure to provide adequate insurance coverage.

======================

EDIT: A more thorough and careful reading of the "Send Me Money!" blog discloses, the rider was on some sort of academic pursuit, studying alternative power sources for Latin American border crossing facilities . . .

While this endeavor may be of crucial international scientific NEED, don't know why the field research must be performed on a MOTORCYCLE.

And, some sort of administrative mix-up/effective dating allegedly frustrated activation of fire-and-theft insurance coverage. Pity.

Yet, the rider elected to perform without a net, the safety net of insurance coverage for the event he suffered.

Regardless, each viewer determines the worthiness of the "cause" individually.

I wonder--what if this guy's KLR650 had immolated itself while he was on the way to Tim Horton's (the Canadian answer to Ronald MacDonald's), around the corner from his house? Would he have launched an Internet-wide charitable contribution scheme in that circumstance? If not, why not? Why should a calamity in the darkest San Diego environs inspire charitable contributions, while one close to home would not?

Just askin'. If the world never learns of optimal alternative power sources for Latin American border crossing, all because I didn't chip in to buy this guy a replacement bike, that's a transgression my conscience shall have to bear (in addition to its already "over-gross" load).
 
#15 ·
Regardless, each viewer determines the worthiness of the "cause" individually.
I think this sums it up. There's no right or wrong answer here. Either it's worth it to a donor, or it's not, and if enough people think it's worth it, he'll go.

He already raised $1500. If I were him, I'd continue on at this point no matter what. If that means buying a beater KLR for $2200, and shelling out the rest himself, so be it.
 
#14 · (Edited)
Call me Mr. Negativity. Something about this tale just doesn't sit right with me, as in "we're not hearing the whole story."

I do my best to donate to people who suffer misfortunes. I don't know what "fire insurance" is, but would assume it's another term for comprehensive coverage. If he didn't make sure the bike was covered against calamity before he left, in my book that's not misfortune, that's stupidity and risk-taking.

I don't know how much effort they would have put into it considering the value of the bike, but I would imagine an insurance adjustor would have taken an interest in how that fire started and might have solved that particular mystery for the young man.

I think he probably knows exactly how the fire started.

Just some things I noticed. Look at the picture of the burning motorcycle and the picture of the "explosion." Do those surroundings look the same to you? They certain don't to me. In the first photo, there is a large bank/hillside on the side of the road. In the second picture, the terrain looks pretty much flat: definitely no hill there. The tidy pile of gear and helmet in front of the burning motorcycle also seems kind of odd. Were I in that situation, I probably would have been throwing shit everywhere and doubt I would have taken the time to remove my helmet. He claims the bike exploded "only a minute later." In one minute he had time to pile that stuff up and take off his helmet? What else would have caused such an explosion besides a fuel tank or very large quantity of a contained, flammable liquid in one of his bags or a spare fuel can. He doesn't mention a spare fuel can. I'm sorry, but to me it just doesn't add up. I would go so far as to say I've seen that roadside explosion photo before somewhere else, but I can't find it anywhere, so can only speculate.

Also, the chances of capturing the exact moment of the explosion on still film are slim to none. If it is culled from some kind of video footage, I would like to see the rest of that footage.

The still photo of the burning motorcycle is obviously "real," but is it his? In the short amount of time he described between stopping and the explosion, he also had time to whip out his camera and take photos?

Like I said, to me things just don't seem to add up or be straightforward in the young man's recounting of his tale and the photographic "evidence" presented on the site.

I try not to be cynical, but in this case I am.

I would also note that gofundme.com seems an environment that would be ripe for con artists. There's no way to vet everybody's tale of misfortune. Who knows whether they're true or not? Post up a tale, get a few friends to make the initial donations while making some feel-good comments and sit back and wait to see if any money rolls in. If none does, it's not like you're out much.

Am I accusing the guy of fraud? Yeah, pretty much. If I'm wrong, get the guy on this forum or send him to my house and I'll apologize to him and even give him a donation.
 
#16 · (Edited)
Call me Mr. Negativity. Something about this tale just doesn't sit right with me, as in "we're not hearing the whole story."
Mr. Skepticism, perhaps, but not Mr. Negativity, planalp! :)

You raise some salient issues regarding the photographic evidence. Imagine; bike on fire, one's own personal hind end burned (maybe second- and third-degree burns), fighting the fire with sand and a fire extinguisher, and . . . time somehow is available to stack up the salvaged luggage, and . . . to take a photograph of the inferno. Well, maybe some "shutterbugs" are that sensitive to "photo-ops."

Then, again; snapping the dramatic photograph right at the magic moment of the tremendous explosion! What timing! What coolness! Natural instincts for self-preservation, I'd imagine, would inspire most people to FLEE FOR THEIR LIVES, amid such cataclysmic deflagration; never mind taking pictures!

That's a rather dramatic and extensive explosion, by the way; much greater magnitude than I'd expect from even a full fuel tank on an automobile, much less from a KLR's fuel supply. And, I've witnessed more automobile fuel tank explosions than I ever cared to; by comparison, this one looks plumb Hollywood, to me. As you point out, planalp, no terrain/highway features can be keyed between the fire image and the violent explosion picture.

Could the website, "Fund Me Now," have added a file shot of an unrelated explosion, for dramatic marketing purposes?

Regardless, even if every word of the solicitor's story is completely true, I'm not inclined to include him in my charity budget. If he can't now afford to visit every international border between San Diego and Tierra del Fuego by motorcycle, perhaps he can choose a less-demanding research topic (than alternate power sources for Latin American border crossings) for his academic ambitions.

Again, I respect the compassion in the hearts of those who "Fund Him Now," I'm just not among 'em.

------------------------------

If klr4evr will indulge me, I'll raise a couple more issues:

1. HOW MUCH does the website, "Fund Me Now," receive from the monies collected from solicitations such as this one?

2. If your motorcycle trip were similarly interrupted, would you beg for money from strangers to replace your motorcycle and equipment and continue your journey?
 
#17 ·
Meh...

If it's a scam; so be it. I don't really care... I've "donated" money to different "scams" throughout my life, be they organized scams, or simply the homeless guy wandering down the street. If I've got a little "extra", what's the harm in giving a helping hand.

Granted, I WON'T give a buck to the guy / gal standing on a freeway off-ramp with a cardboard sign, because if someone is healthy enough to stand there for four hours a day, he / she is healthy enough to get out and look for a damn job.

And I'd help out a fellow rider passing through my area - with a tank of gas or a plate of food, or possibly even a couch to crash on overnight (and yeah, that's open to anyone on this message board if you're passing through ZIP code 84074 here in Utah).

As for me personally, I wouldn't go online to beg - nor would I do it personally (unless I was totally desperate, in which case I'd offer an exchange of services, such as WORK for compensation). It's just not my style...

It's kinda like the thought process mentioned in a different story I'm reading on ADV rider where the poster's chance encounter with another motorcycle nomad gave this little tidbit of knowledge: Whenever you're trading / working for assistance received from a fellow rider, always give more than is expected.
 
#19 · (Edited)
I'll answer part of my own question.

The website is, "GoFundMe."

Their fees are:
GoFundMe's fee is 5% from each donation you receive. WePay's fee is 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
So, if I read this correctly, 7.9 % plus 30 cents per transaction goes into the website's pocket, not to the supplicant/benefactor of the fund-raising effort.

And now, for the uncanny, coincidental part: The website's (GoFundMe's) headquarters is in . . . San Diego!!!!!!

How, well, coincidental that this poor, wayfaring stranger (apologies to Burl Ives) from Canada, on his academic quest to discover the optimum alternate power supply for all Latin American border crossings, should have his motorcycle self-destruct on the doorstep of this, "We'll collect money for you for a slight fee," website.

Recalling Humphrey Bogart's "Casablanca" line, reflecting upon an unusual coincidence, "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine."

So, it is what it is. GoFundMe collects $ 8,000 for this cause; pockets about $ 600 itself for packing-and-handling the cash, and the solicitor rides off on a new KLR650, hoping to discover/define optimum alternative power sources for Latin American border crossings. Generations yet unborn may profit from this fund-raising effort. Or, . . . maybe not!

Here's a link to some other fund-raising causes fronted by GoFundMe:

http://www.thelostogle.com/2013/08/20/taking-a-look-at-some-local-go-fund-me-campaigns/
 
#20 · (Edited)
Why vet people's tales of woe? The more money flowing in, the more you make:

http://www.ibtimes.com/gofundme-acc...ts-loose-rules-big-campaigns-can-it-have-both

I would note, though, that it seems a feature of the site is being able to contact the solicitor and ask questions. For some reason, this brings to mind an old Brady Bunch episode where Greg, after recently acquiring his driver's license, gets reamed on a junker car and Mike keeps repeating the phrase, "Caveat Emptor." Good Lord. My take on life has been, at least in some measure, shaped by The Brady Bunch.
 
#23 ·
Why buy a brand new bike for such a trip?

Why didn't he have any experience on the bike before leaving?

I ask this because every KLR I've ever seen dribbles a little gas when taking a nap. The small fire may have contained itself had he not laid the bike down.
 
#26 ·
This guy was doing an Americas tour when his bike lost power, caught fire, and exploded in California
For the record, I wasn't trying to start a discussion on the crowdfunding; it was more about what might have gone wrong so I wouldn't have it happen to me.

Also, I think the probability of it being a scam are lessened by the fact that he first posted about the ride over 2 years ago on advrider.

Edit: funny advrider post: "The fire was caused by a bad doohickey."
 
#27 ·
For the record, I wasn't trying to start a discussion on the crowdfunding; it was more about what might have gone wrong so I wouldn't have it happen to me.
Good point, and a constructive perspective, beejjorgensen!

Unfortunately, the victim isn't helpful in providing any evidence, any useful details.

He attempts to blame Kawasaki; but--without evidence of any sort, certainly none suggesting product liability.

One thing we might all take away from the incident; if you must lay your bike down, SHUT OFF THE PETCOCK! As mentioned above, some fuel will leak, regardless. A closed petcock will limit that source of combustible material.

The spectacular explosion, as shown in the candid still picture, is hard to explain, along with the photographer's impeccable timing, capturing the instant of maximum fury; hard to imagine a guy with his hind end just burned, and his worldly possessions going up in smoke before him, having the ability and interest to film this debacle.

I can't think of anything ordinarily on-board a KLR650 likely to explode in that manner and magnitude, including the fuel tank (comparing the picture with fuel tank fires and explosions I've witnessed). Can't think of a systemic fire-and-explosion hazard inherent in the bike's design, as-built.

Looks like, no insurance claim, no death or serious injury, no liability claim and thus no accident investigation; no full answer to the question, "What happened?"
 
#28 ·
First let me say that I’m not an uncharitable person. When I first learned of this over on ADV and clicked the link to “gofundme” my bullshitometer went into the red. I like helping people, feel its my duty if able whether by service or money but for me it needs to be on a community level.

Only once have I given “online”. If I remember correctly it was one of Lockjaws neighbors that their home became flooded and LJ posted a plea to help them out here. I did not know them but knew through a trusted member here in this “community” that they were deserving of help and sent a small amount of money via PayPal. That made me feel good to have been able to do that.

But, I hate being scammed.
 
#29 ·
It was much appreciated brother. I'm pretty much the same way. If I know the person and can trust the money is going where claimed, then I am pretty generous. But I have been scammed and conned and I did NOT like it. So, I'm cautious (being broke helps). ;)

I was thinking just the other day how awesome it was that members of this forum and some of my writer friends stepped up to help out after the flood. So, another big thanks to everyone who helped out. Community is important. Whether online or off.
 
#33 · (Edited)
I want my Key Engine Upgrades.
To qualify for your own Key Engine Upgrades, planalp, you must arrange for a devastating fire and tremendous explosion roadside; then, cyber-beg money from strangers to compensate you for your loss.

Then, take your replacement bike to Kawasaki Motors USA, Irvine, CA, requesting your Key Engine Upgrades.

Then, your dream, too, will continue!

--------------------

I'm gratified the world will now realize the optimum alternative power systems applicable to Latin American international border crossings . . . and this guy's Master's "dissertation" (in US academe, dissertations accompany doctrates, not master's degrees) may be published by his university, perhaps reaching the best-seller list.

One wonders; will this replacement KLR650 be insured?

I futher wonder; what if the unfortunate fire and explosion had occurred in Canada, BEFORE this traveler left on his trip. Would he have cyber-panhandled funds to compensate him for that loss; and--would his contributors have kicked in so generously?

====================

Finally, I must salute the entrepreneurial genius of "FundMeNow!" Whoever thought up this scheme, where the website receives its commission from its collected plethora of sob-stories, like this one about the incredible exploding KLR650, NO MATTER WHAT, clearly exhibits GENIUS, for making money! Hey, it may be only about 8 % of the gross collected, but . . . it's from OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY! How else can you make this kind of money, with no capital investment, no risk?

Brilliant; BRILLIANT!

========================

Finally, I wonder if Kawasaki Motors, USA, Irvine, CA, will perform any incident investigation, sharing the results so others may prevent such an occurrence and be spared the unfortunate fate of a destroyed motorcycle and personal injury.
 
#36 ·
The Internet is full of money making opportunities and millions of people stampeding to them to give their money away.
Time to get creative. I'm trying to fund my retirement.
 
#37 ·
A fascinating narrative; yet . . . one subject to abrupt and immediate revision!!!!!

First, I'm grateful to the incident for adding the phrase, "crowd funding," to my lexicon!

It's not, begging/panhandling from strangers, but . . . CROWD FUNDING!

I may point out this technique to the next individual I observe standing on the median at the intersection, holding a "Will work for food" sign!

About the editing/revision; earlier, the . . . well, the guy who's asking for money, previously said Kawasaki Motor Company USA performed "key engine upgrades" on his replacement KLR650, SPECIFICALLY, regarding the doohickey! Amazing; Kawasaki's factory-trained dedicated technicians at its USA headquarters in Irvine, CA, performed this service, unique for someone whose uninsured bike burned up.

In the current version of the "update," however, the reference to the doohickey has been excised. I imagine the Kawasaki benefactors suggested this editorial change, because, to say the least--mention of the doohickey might draw unwanted attention to that part. If Kawasaki replaces his doohickey as a "key engine upgrade," might not others request the same consideration?

Another editorial change noticed: A previous edition of the "update" declared, somehow a motorcycle journey to Tierra del Fuego would disclose a source of FREE ENERGY (author's designation) for Latin American border crossings; such data to be presented to the Canadian government, resulting in the universal benefit of REDUCED TAXES.

Well, references to this "free energy" aspect have been redacted from the current version. I'd imagine FundMeNow influenced this revision, because--the preposterous characterization of the purpose and result of the trip might raise questions in would-be contributors' minds, regarding the CREDIBILITY of the mission. FundMeNow gets paid only if viewers contribute, and--the website's interests are served by encouraging maximum contributions.

"Free energy" has been an elusive goal of many; don't know how a motorcycle trip southward might solve the complex technical problems involved. Yet, free energy might be easier to achieve than lower taxes; the latter about as probable as discovering evidence of cold fusion outside the state of Utah, I should think.

This skepticism aside, blessed are those who support this rider's quest. Somehow, no used KLR650s were available in southern California, thus the rider had to "gyroscope" back to Victoria, British Columbia and return to San Diego with his replacement bike. The contributions received doubtless were put to good use in funding his transportation for re-mounting.

I've already declared myself an unlikely contributor; however--I'd be more inclined to chip in to someone's kitty who said, "I failed to insure my bike and it burned up; I need some dough to get another one and continue on my trip," than to someone promising concurrently to discover a source of free energy to power international border crossings . . .

YMMV! :)
 
#38 ·
"Free energy" has been an elusive goal of many; don't know how a motorcycle trip southward might solve the complex technical problems involved. Yet, free energy might be easier to achieve than lower taxes; the latter about as probable as discovering evidence of cold fusion outside the state of Utah, I should think.
It's already be done. The sun and wind both provide free energy if you have a way to harness it, which takes a bit of investment itself.

Now let's going riding - even if it's a sled.
 
#39 · (Edited)
Here's the original disclosure; Kawasaki technicians performing a "key engine upgrade," vis-a-vis the doohickey:
Everyone at Kawasaki USA was very warm and welcoming. The whole team really came together to do anything they could to assist including: sourced/donated parts, did service checkup on the bike, installed some key engine upgrades (doohickey) and offered their continued support while I continue my travels to Central and South America. I left Kawasaki USA feeling refreshed in my confidence in Kawasaki, not only as a corporation, but also as a great group of riders who truly support epic dreams of riding to distant lands.
As mentioned, the reference to the doohickey was later deleted from the update.

Here's the now-redacted passage about, "free energy:"
As for the dissertation its an idea that I'm submitting once complete to the Canadian Government to implement as a pilot project and this is why you you may care.....FREE ENERGY collected from border crossings = REDUCED TAXES for any country that implements it, and thus hopefully more money in your pockets to buy bike parts with!
One wonders at the source of and technique for producing this "free energy," its nexus with a motorcycle ride, and its association with border crossings . . . could this free energy materialize and be used elsewhere?
 
#42 ·
Update!

Or, non-update!

Last contribution reported on the FundMeNow website was 9 days ago . . . gross collections considerably short of the [lowered] goal of $ 5000 . . .

So, don't know if the guy launched, returned to Canada, or sits now on some Pacific Cliffside, dining on ceviche accompanied by white wine, waiting for the money to come in.

A couple of threads addressed the solicitation on Adventure Rider; however, can't find 'em now--maybe they were excised.

Just curious whether the initiator crossed the border, after receiving "key engine upgrades" (including a new doohickey?) at Kawasaki Motors Corporaion, USA., Irvine, CA.
 
#43 ·
Actually, there was a previous update, available on his site.:beatdeadhorse5:

He bought another KLR (one year newer) from a sympathetic reader for a "very good" price.

After that was done, Kawa Canada came through.

So he actually has 2 new KLRs.

:high_five:

All's well that ends well!
 
#44 ·
I read one update on "FundMeNow," Dan Diego (edited to remove the doohickey reference), but was unaware of the Kawasaki Canada support.

Do you have a link or reference to, as Paul Harvey might have said, "The rest of the story," i.e. the Kawasaki of Canada participation and the second KLR650, Dan Diego?

Thanks!
 
#45 · (Edited)
Info available on ADV, as well. From Chris Connoly's website (http://www.gofundme.com/4wizng): Here is a little update for...

Here is a little update for everyone following the story. This last week I traveled back to Victoria, BC, Canada where last Saturday I met Mike, a fellow adventure rider, and member of the ADVRider.com forum, whom was kind enough to sell me a used KLR650 in pristine condition for a very reasonable price. SG Power was generous enough to give the bike a thorough complimentary examination to ensure the bike’s readiness for this epic adventure. The result was that the bike passed with flying colours. Then last Sunday October 27th, I prepped the bike with a modest compliment of spare parts and gear I had been able to find locally and departed to Vancouver where I began my trip south the following morning. After ending the first day of travel in Oregon City, I spent the night with friends. Then I continued to Redding, California the following day before the big push to LA. I passed the same spot on the I-5 that had so nearly ended this dream two weeks previously and naturally had to stop to take a picture there with the new bike in commemoration of its predecessor.

During my long 900 km ride to LA, I received a surprising phone call from Kawasaki USA who expressed their sincere concern for the previous events. We proceeded to discuss how Kawasaki USA (though not directly affiliated with my previous KLR as it was a Canadian motorcycle due to the fact they are a separate entity from Canadian Kawasaki Motors) could assist with my situation. As a result of the conversation while heading from LA to San Diego, I stopped in to Kawasaki USA’s Headquarters where I met with several Kawasaki representatives from various departments. Everyone at Kawasaki USA was very warm and welcoming. The whole team really came together to do anything they could to assist including: sourced/donated parts, did service checkup on the bike, installed some key engine upgrades and offered their continued support while I continue my travels to Central and South America. I left Kawasaki USA feeling refreshed in my confidence in Kawasaki, not only as a corporation, but also as a great group of riders who truly support epic dreams of riding to distant lands.

Now, I’m currently back to my San Diego base of operations awaiting the final and necessary parts which are due to arrive tomorrow, November 4th , from various suppliers like Twisted Throttle and MondoMotos—both of whom have also stepped up to provide support towards continuing this adventure. If all goes to plan, I will cross into Mexico Tuesday morning and will write another update for you all soon.

Thanks to everyone--friends, family, and people I have never met whom have shared the story, donated or even simply sent me kind words of support. Another big thanks to my local Vancouver Island motorcycle dealers whom have come together and supported this adventure including: Steve Drane with Harley Davidson, SG Power, Island BMW, Action Motorcycles, and lastly to Kawasaki USA for your support and assistance.

This journey, which started as a personal dream and solo adventure, transformed into a grand team effort. I now strive to finish my trek for not only for myself but for all of those who have supported me and set me on a course for its completion.

There are some photos of his new KLR on the I-5 at original fire site...

Glad I could assist this young man in getting back in the saddle...
 
#47 ·
Here are the ADV posts:

Everything seems to be working itself out.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22698455&postcount=17

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22698628&postcount=18


Lots of vitriol.

Here is a thread from the guy's dad...a GoldWing rider:
http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?381961-Not-a-Goldwing-story

Not a Goldwing story, however a true MC story about my son working towards a dream.
Hello Everyone.

This topic has been cross posted on the Adventure Forum.
My Son has a dream to travel though South America, and to that end his has managed to gain the support of family and friends.

I will admit to being very concerned about his choice of destination, however, he has spent years learning Spanish and at 25 years of age has overcome various challenges which would have likely stopped me in my tracks.

Supporting the dreams of your children is easy to say, then come the reality of their dreams and unexpected turn of events. And so yes, I do support Chris in his most recent dream.

On day four, last Friday, of his quest to ride his KLR though South America, Chris's bike caught fire, likely a fuel leak from a loose connection, and he his bike burnt to the ground, see pictures in attached link.

Expecting to pick up insurance for Mexico and beyond, this bike was not insured for fire and theft. And yes there is a very valuable life lessons have learned thus far.

Chris is safe and sound in San Diego. One of the owners of Kamloops Harley Davidson, was driving by in a car and helped out my son and provided him with a ride to meet his friends. Once again I am grateful for an HD Guy stepping up in a big way.

Ideally, Chris would be able to come home, regroup and continue this trip, however, his employer needs to have Chris back at work in 100 days so it's now or a wait for a couple of years.

This is not a instance of someone looking for support in anything other then supporting a young man trying to do something many of us wish we had the gonads to attempt. If I had the funds to join him, I would love to.

However, if you find this story of some interest, and feel like tossing the kid a couple of bucks, feel free. Every little bit helps.

Rick

http://www.gofundme.com/4wizng
 
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