Viva Mexico

Moto Muerto

January 21, 2009
by floracycle

About 160 miles north of La Paz we were cruising along then just like someone turned off the ignition my bike died (muerto).  No lights nothing about 2 pm in the middle of the desert.  Thankfully I wasn't alone. We started inspecting fuses and found the 20amp master blown.  We put another fuse in with the ignition off and pop it goes immediately.  Not good.  We pull side panels off and the gas tank then start inspecting wires nothing looked obvious.  About this time our savior Jesus arrived.  No this wasn't the miraculous kind of visit but rather this gentleman worked with Mexican Tourism.  His job was to help gringos like us in trouble roadside.   No miracles were offered but he did take Dad to town to find a flat bed tow truck.  Before they left we tried another fuse to no avail.

I was left to button up the bike and since I had plenty of time I decided to go through the wires one more time but nothing jumped out.  I didn't have any more fuses and I didn't really think I made any progress anyway.

Mike Proo of Southbay Motorsports in San Diego was very helpful in offering suggestions and assisted us in locating a mechanic in La Paz. 

The tow truck ride was interesting a real "bargain" for the money $4,400 pesos.  Luckily our Mexican insurance includes roadside assistance which is equal to a $200 reimbursement about half the two truck fare.

Tags: Motorcycle, sightseeing, Desert