Lucky to be alive in Ecuador
 

On the way from Riobamba to Cuenca I experienced the last thing anyone wants to happen and I went off the road....downhill curve, fog, wet roads, gravel, etc, etc...but I'm lucky to be alive...in fact I walked away from the experience miraculously with nothing but a sprained thumb. My vstrom Dl1000 didn't make it through too well, and now I'm in Cuenca wondering how I'm going to either get a new front wheel and two forks or find a replacement bike for cheap. Any suggestions or help in any way to help me get back on the road and down to the tip would be very appreciated!

Myroadisyourroad.com

I spent few days in Cuenca few years ago, (ill with food poisoning!).

We found a Harley Davidson place to do an oil change (We had BMWs; there were also few big bikes there (BMW maybe? can't remember).

I do not remember where the HD workshop was, but ask to some bikers.
In the town centre there are a couple of dirty bikes places doing small bikes. Ask them for the HD workshop.

"Por favor, puede decirme donde esta el garage Harley Davidson?" should do the trick.

It is close to the town centre. I remember walking there few times as there were few shops selling parts as well. Sorry can't be more precise, but you should be able to find them! Good luck!

Don't Panic!
 

I would contact the Vstrom community in the USA (several forums I assume you know about). Ask for help buying the parts you need. Make sure of the damage to the bike. Is the head stock or triple clamps bent? Frame damage?

In some cases fork tubes can be straightened out and some wheels can be pounded out to work. I did this twice on my former DL1000 ... both front and rear wheels were dented from rock hits.

But I'm guessing your damage is worse.

Using Ebay and will help from a kind soul on the Vstrom forum ... you may get lucky and find what you need. Once parts are sourced ... have them sent in. Talk to the HD dealer for best method. He may know a "better" way to avoid the 100% import tax of Ecuador.

Also, IIRC, Suzuki have an assembly plant in Colombia. I believe the Vstrom is sold there ... and the DR650 as well. So maybe parts available there. Contact a good Suzuki dealer to find out. Perhaps they can order parts?

The good news is you were not hurt. Bikes are very cheap and easy compared to compound fractures and head injuries. Thank your lucky stars!
:D:D:D

Thanks so much. Ill check it out today. I might have a chance to buy a bike from another dealer here, but that will take a while to process the paperwork. Thinking of going down to Lima and trying my luck there.

I believe, from the info I got from a resident of Ecuador, that Ecuador is one of the easy places to buy and register a bike if you are a foreigner. Not sure Peru would be easier.

Maybe going to Quito would be closer for you and there is a lot of choice in Quito. Also Quito is a very pleasant town! There is also some Hubbers there I think. They might be able to assist. Check the community pages and send them an email.

I also have an argentinian friend (and biker) in Quito. Let me know if you end up there. I could check if he is in town and get you in touch with him. He is a top bloke. But he does not speak english at all.

Good luck,


Forgot to add: maybe you should move this thread to the South America Forum, you will get the right public there to provide help and advice.

Thanks again for the information. Actually i{m heading to Lima to buy the bike there, because I hear it is much easier to arrange there. Ive already met a guy who has a KLR650 for sale for a decent price so i{m going to follow up on that and see.