Parts shipping (washers!) to Ecuador (or Northern Peru)
 

My DR350's clutch seems to be on the way out. I've lugged complete clutch (plates+springs) and seal kits all the way from Canada, but I realize now I need two $2 thrust washers (Suzuki part 08211-20363) I'm exceedingly unlikely to find here :(

Wondering if anyone has an address in Ecuador or N. Peru where I can letter mail the washers (afaik a post office box is required to get mail here?), or if anyone has plans to visit Ecuador or N. Peru in the near future then I could send to you to bring?

Help much appreciated. I strongly suspect worn washers are more my problem than plates or springs.

heya, still suffering through with that old girl? try perucourier.com. good company. i used them to ship parts to folks in peru.

Courier looks really reasonable: will have to think of some other nickknacks I need to add up to a pound :)

Bike's still running fine (besides being hit, most mechanically trouble-free of anyone I've met whose made it this far). Buying my fourth rear tire this trip tomorrow :o

It may be that I'm confusing lack of air=power up here in the Andes for slipping, but if I ever do really need to change the clutch I'll need those washers as they're a wear item. And it should give me neutral back at idle (common problem with these DRs as the washers wear according to the wisdom of the internet).

...actually just noticed minimum shipping is 4 pounds. http://www.rapidperu.com Doesn't seem to have a minimum, although I'll still need an address unless I go to Lima I think.

Dont forget the time for customs. So many people just ship exotic bikes in countrys were they dont get parts but shiping parts is not as easy as it seams to be. Sometimes the officials at customs need a few weeks just for a stamp and then they will try to rip you off if the parts are not oily and dirty but look new...

I'd be looking at making some new thrust washers ... or some shim to make up for the ware. Or see what a gearbox overhaul shop has that is a very close match and then adapt it. Saves waiting, and you meet some really nice people. :thumbup1:

If the washers are small enough .. put them in a personal letter ... could work.

with perucourier.com, they will also ship to their address (like we did in guatemala!) and you go there to pick it up.

using peru courier there was near zero wait time for aduanas. from the day i dropped the box here in miami until it was available for pickup in peru was like 4 days. no drama, no extra charges or bs.

i've got an ecuadorean friend asking around to see if anyone he knows is going to ecuador anytime soon

dr 350
 

Hi there, get them send in a letter by a courier company to the companies address in the next big town you go to. Two washers should not cost that much in customs duties, if anything at all.

I also ride a DR350 (now at nearly 150.000kms) here in Bolivia and I never had the problem you have, but I know it as I have the same problem with my DR650 and this washers are on the way from Europe together with a whole clutch.

If you come to Bolivia, I invite you for a beer and food here in Samaipata.

Enjoy your ride.
mika:scooter:

I'm gonna give regular Peruvian letter mail a shot (according to https://www.tripsavvy.com/post-in-peru-1619922 it's pretty ok). Seems I can send general delivery, although if anyone has an address there that'd probably be better.

At what point did you need to change the cam chain on the 150k DR350? No sign mines going, but it's the one thing that worries me since I don't know if it'd notice before it was too late and it went *boom*. I suppose I should check it for stretch when I get the chance.

If it is worrying you, get a new one when convenient.

How is the postage of the washers working out?

I'll find out in ~2 days when I get to Trujillo (had it sent there general delivery).

Peru is really bumming me out so far. Most terrifying traffic I've ever experienced (and I've driven all over SEA!) Accom is the most expensive on this trip for what you get, as is gas and beer (food is good and cheap though). It's the ugliest and most trash-strewn country on this trip by a mile (comparable to the worst of Africa). Really hoping the south or at least Bolivia makes the drive down worth it.

timing chain
 

timing chain DR350: mine has now 47 tkm and it makes a little bit of noise ... so I would say I can get another 15 tkm to 20tkm out of it ... but if it gets too bad I just put a new one in ...

enjoy your ride and good luck with the washers.

ohh, I send you a pm did you get it?

mika from bolivia

Don't think I got the PM.

Maybe a bit late now but ..
Worn thrust washers shouldn't make the clutch inoperable, just difficult to find neutral when stopped and the clutch dragging when disengaged.
Removing some cable slack will help; as will re-tightening the centre nut on the clutch basket once you get to dismantle it.
The washers tend to wear on one side so turning them over might help too.

Please give an update when you do take it apart. I'm curious about the outcome. Best of luck on your trusty DR.