Happy 2009. I was planning to return to South America to continue where I left off but decided to go back to South East Asia and explore more of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Cambodia especially fascinates me. From what I've read, it seems so third worldish, dirt roads, washed out bridges, river crossings, and dirt tracks through the jungle leading to forgotten temples. Not to mention landmines, malaria infested mosquitos and the Kmer Rouge. Sounds like an adventure to me. I've been planning for over 3 months, which is the most I've ever planned for a trip. So much to do.
- Secure Plane Tickets, got business class using miles this time. hehehe
- Researching bike transport. Sea or Air?
- Research Thai Customs procedure.
- Bike prep including major service, new tires plus spare tires, upgrade stock bmw tool kit.
- This time I installed a Garmin Zumo GPS.
- Secured many maps both electronic and paper.
- Research routes, POI's, places to go etc. A great source is www.gt-rider.com and horizonsunlimited.com, both motorcycle touring sites.
- Moto insurance.
- Also a first is EVAC insurance thru Medjetassist. If I get in a bad wreck, they will basically fly me home in their medically staffed jet.
Shipping the bike overseas can be a big task by itself, especially if you are shipping back home from a foreign land where the language barrier can be hugh obstacle. Its important to shop around because the shipping costs could vary by as much as 100 percent. Nippon Express quoted $1200 excluding crating costs. They also required I use fire proof wood for the crate. Ridiculous! Another company said I would need a Carnet de Passage certificate in order to clear customs. While it is true that many countries do indeed require a "Carnet", I know from experience and research that Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos do not recognize these documents. I finally settled on Great Way Shipping in South San Francisco. They charged me $500, San Francisco to Bangkok, with me crating and delivering the package. I will attempt to clear the bike myself thu Thai Customs. 
Crating the bike was simple since I'm a contractor and have all the tools including the trailer in which to deliver the package in. The plywood and 2x4s cost about $100. I started with the base and emphasized strength since this was the most important component of the box. I then put the base on the trailer and rode my bike onto the base with the help of my wife Wendy. The wind screen, mirrors and rear luggage box were removed to make the package smaller and thus cut costs. Straps were tied to the handle bar and secured to eyes hooks that were screwed to the floor. The front shocks were compressed partially during this process. I than proceeded to build the box around the base and bike. 2x4s were used to totally secure the bike within the box including one across the rear luggage rack, one thru the engine area adjacent to exhaust manifold and one over the cross bar of the handle bar. I then put my riding gear, helmet, extra parts and tires and sealed the top and delivered the package to the warehouse. Totally weight was 1009 pounds. Bon Voyage!
