Missing moto Argentina
 

I had to leave my 1986 Harley Davidson Sportster in a tunnel/underpass under Ruta 3 in Patagonia several months ago. Specifically, it was left south of Comodoro Rivadavia and north of Caleta Olivia near kilometer markers 1890-1893. I have received reports the moto is no longer there. I would appreciate anyone (everyone!) spreading the word to locals, the police, travellers, etc. The battery is dead, specialized Harley electronics are dead, vehicle tourist permit is expired, and I have the legal title here in the US. I would not be surprised if a local mechanic has been asked to work on it, or if parts are being sold. It could be the police have impounded it.
Description:1986 Harley Davidson XLH 883 Sportster
South Carolina license plate
Color: Turquoise
Olive green panniers made from US Army ammunition metal boxes with stickers
Mag style (not spoke) wheels
Front fender is half metal- half dirt bike plastic
Small windshield
Black travel trunk
2 piece seat
Chain drive
Last three digits of Vehicle Identification Number (on frame neck): 728
Any information of any type is greatly appreciated. Martin Alexander

Walked Away
 

You just walked away from it and did not return for hours? days? weeks? Don't get yur hopes up - that bike is history.

If this is true, the rider has some mental issues. :)

Lone Rider, you obviously do not know what you are talking about. You know nothing of the circumstances resulting in the necessity to leave the bike. It was not a person whom was left, but rather a machine. I, in fact, have been a professional in the mental health field for 30 years. Ignorant and uninformed comments such as yours are are too common for those, such as yourself, who have no understanding of "mental issues", but like to spout nonsense. I was asking simply for help in spreading the word about the moto in case it has been seen. Enjoy your lone riding.

A perfect example of the kind of thread in which I ought to know better than to participate, right? Slim chance of anything constructive happening; rapid onset of the hurling of abuse back and forth with a promise of more to come. So why do I find it so irresistible?

While Lone Rider's use of the phrase "mental issues" is perhaps a bit careless from the perspective of a mental health professional, the original poster might consider the basic thrust of that brief post, which I will paraphrase as follows: "You left your bike unattended under an overpass in Patagonia months ago??? What're you, nuts???" To me, this seems an understandable response to the original post, although I myself might have phrased it differently.

OTOH, if there are circumstances of which we are unaware, maybe the OP will fill us in. The alternative, it seems to me, is to leave the original post as an open invitation to further misunderstanding, not to mention insults. Whether an offer of further information might also encourage more constructive responses is open for question.

Hope that helps.

Mark

My thoughts exactly, but here goes....

One of the reasons for taking a 20 year old bike on a trip like that, is so if circumstances demand it, it is not to painful to walk away from it. I have no iidea what the situation was, but obviously the best course of action was to abandon the bike. The chances of getting any info out of the original question on this thread are slim, but if you don't ask, they are zero. So what's the harm, except a few clowns throwing insults.

Martin, I hope your situation wasn't injury or illness to you or your wife (girlfriend?) whose name I'm sorry to have forgotten.

Quite truthfully, although I appreciate the comments of Andy and Mollydog, I have never been, nor ever will be , a person who shares personal motivations on a public website. It is no one's business (on this public forum) why the bike was left. After 40 years of riding and over 50 motorcycles, I know exactly when certain actions have to be taken concerning cycling and well-being. If you are not currently in Argentina I do not see how you can be of any assistance at all. If you are, I would appreciate it if you keep you eyes open for the bike. And,yes, a reward is to be offered to the police and others who may have knowledge. That also will not be discussed publically. Andy, my wife and I are fine, thank you for the concern. You description of some of the other commentators was quite mild compared to what Bev(wife) thinks of them. But, as believers in karma, we know helpfulness is circular, just as is the opposite. I do find it quite amazing that others will inject such useless comments into a straight forward request, but really only reflect on the writer. I use my complete name and city/state and never feel the need to make disparaging comments while hiding behind a self given nickname playing keyboard commando.

Hey Martin, I can see where you are coming from, but it would be helpful for the rest of South American travelers to know your situation and why you had to leave your bike. I am headed for Argentina and I will keep a look our for your bike.

Geoff

For Martin
 

Having lived on my ranch in Arizona and now living in Buenos Aires, and having been involved in Martin's extensive efforts to secure his Harley, I feel more than qualified to advise the readers of this thread that while I understand and appreciate a rider's responsibility to his mount, there comes a time when even the most faithful horse must be put down. (cowboy jargon for shoot his horse)

Although I am not at liberty to disclose the reason Martin had to put his Harley down and "get out of Dodge" (cowboy jargon for leave town quickly) I know he did so as an ultimate last resort with any alternative leading to a fate far more lethal than whatever has happened to his Harley.

It might be better for us, who are sincerely interested in forwarding the goals of the HUBB, to give all motorcylists the benefit of any doubt regarding their behavior until: all potential danger has been handled and all the facts are known.

Martin has taken the high road in not sharing the events leading up to putting his Harley down. I know for a fact he has since done everything humanly possible to rescue his Harley and suffers greatly its loss.

I, other at the HUBB, the police and even UFO investigators have done all we could to find his bike. Now, Martin is asking for your help. Either you will help him find his bike or not, but you will not continue to attack him for logical decisions he made while under great stress. Not unless you want more of my wrath. xfiltrate

You are quite right. I shouldn't have posted what I did.

Would you share what led you to believe that a bike left under a bridge overpass should be reasonably considered as secure, with expectation of recovery after.....months?
Was there no one available to pick up the bike you you, or was the bike considered 'untouchable'?

If you think it would help a I have the email and phone of the main motorcycle dealer/mechanic in Caleta Olivia. I also so know HD riders in Buenos Aires who might help. Please pm me for details.

I am in Comodora Rivadavia NOW, but only until the morning.. If there is anything I can do in the next 12 hours (within reason), let me know soon. Ill check my mail again before I leave.

Ted

P.S, I dont think you will ever see your harley again mate. The parts are worth their own weight in gold down here. LITERALLY !!

Ted
 

Thanks for the offer. If you could contact the local police (if only to get their email address to give to me) and, should you see an open bike shop, drop in to inquire, that would be useful. If not, thanks anyway. Since the bike cannot be legally registered, it probably has been broken apart. I am sending you a PM with further info. Martin

Ted
 

Ted, my friend, Martin's return ticket expires soon. Fast action is required. And, know you have a place to stay with us in Buenos Aires until you get yourself sorted out.

If you do nothing else, give data provided by Martin, at start of this thread, to the highest political/police officials you can find in Comodoro Rivadavia and surrounding areas, , explain the situation as a "stolen bike" and announce a $100.00 US dollar (plus) reward for the bike's recovery. IMPORTANT: THE BIKE MUST BE RECOVERED, PHOTOGRAPHED AND SECURED IN A VERIFIABLY SAFE LOCATION BY THE 10TH OF FEBRUARY TO QUALIFY FOR ANY REWARD.

The above has been authorized for my distribution by Martin Alexander, owner of the turquoise 1986 Harley Davidson XLH 883 Sportster with army green panniers made from ammo boxes, a South Carolina (USA) plate etc.

Thanks Ted, knowing Martin as I do, he will be very, very appreciative for your efforts on behalf of his Harley. xfiltrate

Asap
 

Martin or someone contact me ASAP I think I have located the bike. I will be on email most of today.

BklynDakar,I have sent you a PM. If you do/do not get it let me know. Martin

Well, I went into the only bike shop I could find and they looked at me like an idiot... sorry :(

I rode around a little but could not locate a police station. Im sorry I couldnt do more but I was in a huge rush to get back to bsas as iv lost my passport, all my documents and only have enough cash to ride back to bsas with no time to spare or sleep ..

Xfiltate, thanks for the kind offer but i will ok at Dakar Motos and my friend is flying over for a visit and bringing me a new cash card...

I hope your bike has been found like it seems to have been !!

Ed

Thanks Ted
 

It appears the bike has been located near Caleta Olivia, condition unknown, and ability to secure it unclear. Lots of arrangements to be made. I appreciate your effort (and those of others who believed it could be found). Will post here when more is known. Marty

Bike found??
 

Martin this is fantastic news!

Let us know of the developments there. I was so sorry I could not find your bike when I went through that road!

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid... strike again???
 

In San Vincente, Bolivia on November 6, 1908 historians tell us that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, after suffering gun shot wounds, took their own lives. But their spirits live on in Patagonia where they reportedly owned a cattle and horse ranch for a couple years.

Marty is Dr. Cassidy and I am Sundance, don't know how or why exactly, but I do know that together, those of the HUBB and friends of the HUBB, WE have found his 1986 Harley Davidson Sportster 883... in the same condition he left it last year near Colete Olivia, Argentina.

On Monday the fate of his bike will be determined by a local judge. Now would be the time for incantations, prayers, positive thinking, and wishes of good luck on the part of all who hope his Harley is released by the Court and that it will be immediately and safely transported for a reunion with Dr. Cassidy in Buenos Aires. xfiltrate

This is AMAZING and FANTASTIC!!! My eyes are all welled up with tears. Nothing like a little trust, eh??? Hope all continues positively.
As for leaving the bike in the first place, sometimes these things just happen. I made the VERY difficult decision to leave my dogs in the van on a highway once, while en route to New Orleans, where many people had also left their animals. The experience made me very humble, and non-judgemental of those in similar bizarre situations...
Lorraine

Harley is safe and mostly sound
 

My Harley that I had to leave in a tunnel under Ruta 3 in Patagonia over a year ago has been recovered! But only do to the determined efforts of many people, for which I would like to thank them publically. So thank you Maria and Alistair for searching some tunnels, Ted Magnum for asking about it at a bike shop. Special thanks to to BrklynDakar (Jacob Sherman) who "cracked the case" by contacting Cristian at Coyote Motos who had seen the bike. Cristian Roberto Morini is an honest and hard working mechanic who turned down the cops offer to sell him my bike and , instead made all of the arrangements to get the bike away from the police in Caleta Olivia by dealing with a judge, the cops, and arranging truck transport. It took a LOT of time and persistance.
Xfiltrate (Eduardo) is the star of this saga . We have been in contact over 6 months trying to find the bike. He enlisted the services of Quique Mario, a journalist who made many contacts and much more effort in seeking the moto's recovery; much more than I am even aware. Xfiltrate was relentless in pursuit of the bike, using his own resources and tremendous amounts of his time and energy. He was always sure it would be found. The roadblocks were many and daunting, but he always found a way over or around them. So I am happy to say the Harley, as of today, is safely in his care in Buenos Aires, where it will remain. Unfortunately, I had to cancel our return tickets to B.A. for personal reasons and so will not see it or ride it for anytime in the foreseeable future. But I am so happy the police do not have it any longer. A final thanks to Elisa for translation services and other help and a premature thank you to kiwiryder (Jeff Condon) for his offer to get it running again-good luck!