Yamaha V-star and the Pan American hwy?

**JimmyGO!!** · #1 16 Oct 2001

I've heard of stories of people doing RTW's on just about every kind of bike. I have a Yamaha V-star 650. My questions are- Is it possible to do the Pan American Hwy starting in California and ending in Buenos Aires on the V-Star? Obviously I am not going to attempt any off road riding thats too hairy but I was wondering if the normal road conditions, especially in C.America, are ridable? What will be the major disadvantages of the bike? Will there be any advantages? What about bike theft- I ask this because the V-star is a flashy bike and other people (people who haven't done the trip or been to C.America)have expressed concern to me about this. The bike is a gift. I do not have the funding to buy another on top of saving for the trip. So the V-Star it is. I'll appreciate any further advice.

Thanks in advance,
Adrian

[This message has been edited by JimmyGO!! (edited 18 October 2001).]

[This message has been edited by JimmyGO!! (edited 18 October 2001).]

**Grant Johnson** · #2 14 Dec 2001

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by JimmyGO!!:
Is it possible to do the Pan American Hwy starting in California and ending in Buenos Aires on the V-Star? Obviously I am not going to attempt any off road riding thats too hairy but I was wondering if the normal road conditions, especially in C.America, are ridable?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Absolutely! A Gold Wing has done it, so you shouldn't have any trouble. Also read Dan and Ryans story in the travellers' stories pages. You will have to pick your route carefully, but that's it. There is pavement all the way if you make the right choices.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
What will be the major disadvantages of the bike?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Lack of long-distance comfort (relative to a real long distance touring bike) and off-road-ability, which will prevent you from getting to some interesting places.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
Will there be any advantages?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
No.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
What about bike theft- I ask this because the V-star is a flashy bike
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Almost ANY big/travel bike is a "flashy" bike to people whose idea of a big bike is a 175cc trailbike.

The flashier it is the less likely it is to get stolen - it can't be ridden without getting caught, no one else has one, so who are they going to sell the parts to?

So when are you leaving?

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**Kurt** · #3 18 Dec 2001

Why not? If Ernesto Guevera managed half way around South America in the 1950's two-up, I'm sure you can do just fine. Of course they fell down alot....But I'm joking. I'd do it. Not my first choice of bike but if it's what ya got, what the heck. Have a ball.

Kurt