This is the motorcycle we will be using to ride through South America.  It is a 1983 Honda GL 650 Interstate.  The engine is water cooled and has a drive shaft instead of a rear drive chain.  It is not a new bike, but leaves the USA with a smooth sounding engine/transmission and 32,000 miles on the odometer.  Happy Trails Manufacturing custom built the rear luggage and aluminum pannier carriers.  The tankbag (Explorer) and front (Enduro) bag on the fairing (holds the motorcycle cover) are from Wolfman.  The tires are Avon Venoms and should make the entire South America trip.  Our bags on the back are Dry Duffel Bags (100% waterproof and nearly bullet proof) from Aerostich/Riderwearhouse, large (black) and small (red).  

The choice of the Honda was based in part on "Dr. G's rule for riding outside the USA - don't take something you can not afford to lose."  Rather than spending $15,000 to $25,000 outfitting a new motorcycle to ride around the world, we are trying to save that money to maximize travel time and distance.  We tested the Honda and found the 650-cc engine give us all the speed we need, some excellent wind/rain protection, and can be picked up if it falls over.  It already has a few scratches on it (merit badges), some of which we covered up with stickers.  Richard Livermore sacrificed a Honda 650 from his private collection and provided us with the spare parts he thinks we might need.  The spare parts, repair manuel, tools, tire irons, and assorted repair items take up about 3/4ths of one of the aluminum panniers (saddle bags).  Our chances of finding any spare parts along the way are  zero.  Once we leave America we are on our own and must be totally self-sufficient when it comes to maintaining the motorcycle.

We have faith in our Honda, but realize it is 21 years old.  If we manage to reach Cali (Colombia) by Christmas, our wish for a gift is a mechanically smooth ride the rest of the way to Ushuaia, Argentina (the southernmost point in South America) four weeks later, then up to Buenos Aires.  Honda's slogan was "You meet the nicest people on a Honda."  The GL650 and we are looking forward to that adventure!