The total distance of the South American motorcycle tour was 38,000 km. The remaining 70 km and the 12 km to the motorcycle shop from here are likely within the margin of error of the odometer.
The fuel consumption data shows a total distance of 38,070.2 km, fuel consumption of 1,024.5 L, and a total cost of 104,765 yen. The resulting fuel efficiency was 37.2 km/L, which is a good number.
This is a natural result for a small motorcycle (180cc), but even with a maximum cruising speed of 90-100 km/h, it is sufficient to cover a good distance in South America. In fact, high-speed driving is dangerous, so it is safer to drive at a moderate speed.
The fuel tank capacity is 16 L, and the maximum distance on a single tank was 671 km (this was a special case of driving downhill from an altitude of several thousand meters in Peru). Under normal cruising conditions, it was possible to maintain a distance of 600 km. There were no instances of running out of fuel, but the reserve was frequently used.
It is normal to be able to travel 500 km when cruising at 80-90 km/h. When cruising close to 100 km/h, fuel efficiency decreases, and in the worst case, it can be reduced to about 380 km. On the other hand, at around 95 km/h, it is possible to maintain a distance of 400-450 km.
When I was looking at Honda and Yamaha vehicles at the time of purchase, I was concerned about the small fuel tank capacity and its suitability for driving in South America, but I chose this motorcycle and it was the right decision. Also, the large carrier is a great advantage.
I purchased it about 8 months ago for approximately 2.3 million yen, and today I was able to sell it for 800 US dollars. Considering the cost of the vehicle, I drove it for 8 months at a cost of 1.5 million yen, which is a very high cost performance.
I was worried that I would not be able to use Colombian pesos, but the payment was made in USD, and the shop staff also mediated the private sale, so it was possible to sell it smoothly. I have successfully received 800 dollars, and the mission is complete, which is very satisfying.
My impression of Bogota has changed significantly. Previously, I felt it was a dark and scary town, but now I know it is a normal city with relatively good security.
Because I was able to sell the motorcycle faster than expected, I am thinking of traveling somewhere before going to Easter Island (April 27th). The first candidate is Medellin. It is a place I have not yet visited, and it is also a recommended place by local people in Bogota. However, it may look dangerous from the perspective of a Japanese person, but local people in Bogota say it is not a problem at all.
■Northern Colombia, an island near Panama
According to a local in Bogota, it seems like a resort and is recommended. However, considering the number of days, it might be a bit far.
■Cuba
Is it too short of a trip to go there specifically?
■Brazil
I am interested in a lake that appears only during the rainy season in the desert in the north, but I think I might not have enough days to go.
■Venezuela
When I watch CNN, I often see news about Venezuela, and it's always terrible. I think now is not the time to go. Even when I asked a local in Bogota, they said that Venezuela is currently politically unstable, so it's better not to go.
- Oil exports are a fraction of what they were in 2004.
- Annual inflation of 480%.
- Food shortages.
- Outbreaks of riots. There have even been deaths.
- Political unrest. Demonstrations against the president.
- Hospitals have no anesthesia, and patients are being cut and stitched without anesthesia. Antibiotics are also scarce. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36228104
→If you get into an accident in a situation like this in Venezuela, it's a disaster. It's worse than death to have surgery without anesthesia, and there is a high possibility of infection due to a lack of cleanliness.
Therefore, I decided to go to Medellin starting on the 22nd.
Earlier, while I was standing in front of the Gold Museum, an old woman reached out and touched the shoulder bag I was carrying.
There is an 80% chance that she was a pickpocket. When I noticed and turned around, she made a gesture and said, "You shouldn't carry your bag like that, you know."
This is the same gesture that a pickpocket in Delhi, India, made when they failed to pickpocket me. Perhaps it's a universal social nicety that pickpockets use when they fail.
"Be careful" is like saying, "Good job noticing," or "I won't let you escape next time."
If someone were to point it out, they would usually do it directly and honestly. There are people like that, so they are kind.
If they touch you and then point it out, it's a pickpocket.