Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Suzuki fails to make it to Cusco

Abancay to Cusco - 120 miles

The ride to Cusco begins with a steep ascent. It is a paved road full of 120 degree switchbacks and dramatic views. Before leaving Jeff our Kiwi mechanic investigated the V-Strom trying to find out why it was running so poorly. He cleaned the airfilter, checked the plugs and a few other odds and ends. He told me to try to ride it to Cusco.

On the steep ascent it started loosing power badly. Sometimes it would stall and not start again. After over 30 such events I reached the top. I coasted the first mile or so and then dropped it into gear. It was perfect. The next four miles of descent were flawless. Jut before reaching th bottom my optomism was dashed when it stalled again. Mac and I limped along for 57 miles. Finally it would go no more. Jeff arrived in the backup van and sadly we loaded it in.

In Cusco there ae no Suzuki dealers. The next day I was pre-booked for the daylong trip to Machu Picchu. Julia said to leave it to them to sort out while I went to MP with everyone else. I worried all day that it could be the end of my trip. Everyone had an opinionabout the cause and solution. When we got back at 9 pm I was told Jeff and two other mechanics travelling with us took it apart down to the high tech innards and discovered a hairball-like glob blocking the fuel intake port. They cleaned it up and put it all back together again. It's the next morning now and I'll have to go for a 20 mile test run before I'm convinced. They feel it's 100%. Right now I'll go try to find them at breakfast an give them each a big hug and squeeze.

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