Hi, I am nervous of posting advice. I can hear the Yeah, Yeah, Yeah - and the Dumb old man, what does he know?
However i have been perusing ADVRIDER. Forums contain so many horror stories. Prompted by two young men heading south from the US this week, I had the temerity to post the following advice gained from my own ride of 46000 Ks.
All of it is obvious.

Hey, guys, any advice from an old man is boring - of which I am reminded frequently by the last teenager in our home. However I am recently returned from a 46000K trip from Veracruz, Mexico to Tierra del Fuego, then north to New York. I rode a small bike (Honda 125) - aged 75, I am not as strong as I was and need something I can lift after a fall and I am on a small pension so gas prices and tire prices matter.
The advice is simple. Firstly never ride at night.
Second, ride slow - and I mean slow slow - speed limits are not to be ridden up to but down from.
Third, be prepared for the unexpected - whether a hole in the road, sudden end to tarmac, the road fallen down the mountain or the mountain fallen on the road, stray animals, stray people.
Fourth, expect cars and trucks to have poor breaks and wacky steering.
Fifth, expect drivers to act irrationally and ignore the rules of the road.
Sixth, cuts and abrasions get infected easily - treat them thoroughly.
Seventh, courtesy and patience will make borders easier. Expect officials to be helpful and they will be helpful. Expect them to be corrupt and they will act accordingly.
Eight: Respect people and they will respect you. Remember that you are ambassadors for your country.
Lastly, have fun.
There you are - I already said I was boring...
You might find something useful on my BLOG at cover

Boring it maybe but all so true, I would also add watch what locals put in the tank, lets you know what is diesel and petrol. Got that wrong once.

__________________
julian

Simon knows what he is talking about. I have just finished reading his Blog about the trip, one of the best I have read. It was not just a trip report, but more like reading a good book (he is a writer). A good description of how to travel & how a good attitude toward the people you meet & the trip in general is most important. Read his Blog it contains so much useful information. What a great adventure he had. He used a minimalist motorcycle & minimum luggage. It shows you don't need the most high tech, powerful motorcycle & the latest, greatest stuff to have a great adventure ride.

PeteC PS: He is not really fat, just that like a lot of us old guys we have a few extra pounds!

Hi Simon,
This is just great advice,

The simple fact is that you are an inspiration to many of us.
I, for one, take my helmet off to you.