After receiving a last moment order from MaxBMW we took Palomina to the shipping company. After this, I already feel more relaxed. Questions still exists about the customs procedure in Hanoi, but hopefully everything will go smooth.
See you in Asia!
Final preparations
Since most of the troubles during the past trip came from the clip type chain master link, I decided to use a rivet link this time and I got a small press to be able to service it on the road. Also I got a portable tire inflator, to be able to adjust the air pressure to the road condition.
Since I heard good things about the Touratech fog lights, I decided to buy a set. Very expensive, at $450/set! Actually I received two Hella fog lights (a $100 value), and smart mounting kit. I paid $350 for the know-how. I hope it’s worth!
I also ordered a brand new Happy Trails rear rack, to replace the old one that failed several times, but unfortunately the manufacturer was out of stock. That means I saved $500 that I am going to spend on welding 🙂
That being said, Palomina looks ready, 36hrs before I have to deliver it to the shipping company. Which is quite an accomplishment!
The long way West
Since the last trip ended in New Jersey, Palomina has been resting and recovering there, in my parents’ garage. Now it’s time for her to come over to California, where a China Airways plane will be taking her to Hanoi. The crew of the van is composed of my father and my sister and her cat, Felix.
Let’s wish them a pleasant trip!
Almost ready!
After replacing or fixing many broken/ worn/ missing/ cracked/ bent/ corroded/ burnt/ leaking/ uneven parts, our bike is now almost ready for new adventures.
Special thanks go to my father, who dealt with most of the problems!
Nobody conquers Vietnam!
After defending their country against the French and the Americans, now the Vietnamese are defending against big engine motorcycles. Apparently, no people managed to bring such bike and travel before 2009. Now, according to gt-rider.com it might be possible, but only with special approval from Ministry of Tourism, the Department of road control, the police, the military and the Trade Ministry.
Since we have no connection at the Ministry of Tourism, the Department of road control, the police, the military nor at the Trade Ministry, we had to rely on Voyage Vietnam to obtain the necessary approvals.
Hopefully they will do it! Otherwise, Vietnam shall be cancelled and the trip will start from Cambodia.