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ADV RidesRiding TerrainDesert44,000 Miles, 18 Countries Astride 2 Suzuki V-Strom 1000s

44,000 Miles, 18 Countries Astride 2 Suzuki V-Strom 1000s

Traveling couple rides 18 countries in 18 months for the benefit of children.

Published on 02.04.2016

German couple Mirko and Claudia Nagler have completed a 44,000 mile (70,000 km) ride of a lifetime through 18 countries over 18 months. To commemorate their ride, they produced a short video that gives a tantalizing glimpse of their adventures through North and South America astride their customized Suzuki V-Strom 1000s.

The reason for their expedition was to raise funds for EBM International, a missionary organization that builds schools, clinics, orphanages and vocational training centers across the world. In the process, they’ve experienced what many can only dream about in a journey that starts in New York, takes in Canada, meanders through the US and Mexico, heads through Central America, before landing in Colombia for the South American leg.


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Cotopaxi Volcano

It’s a trip filled with thrills, spills and a litany of unforgettable highlights – a fireball in Banff National Park in Canada, riding the canyons of Utah, Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, the Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador, and streaking across the world’s largest salt pans of Salar de Uyuni at 11,984 ft (3,653 meters) elevation. Then there’s the earth tremor in California, homicidal drivers in Peru, dodging drug cartels in Colombia, and obstructionist border officials.

Salar de Uyuni

An adventure of this sort is best attempted on a bike with good range, reliability and carrying capacity. Suzuki’s generous sponsorship of two new V-Strom 1000s demonstrates its long-term confidence in the machine. Completing the package is an extensive make-over by adventure touring specialists Touratech that includes a full luggage system, crash bars, headlight protectors, long distance foot pegs, auxiliary lights, heated grips, Scottoiler chain lubrication system, the works!

Touratech equipped V-Strom

The Naglers’ Suzuki V-Strom 1000s were fully accessorized by Adventure Motorcycle Outfitters Touratech.

While some may raise questions about the V-Strom 1000’s off-road prowess, the V-Twin powerplant mated to a six-speed gearbox proved perfectly adequate for the expedition. So did the 19″ front/17″ rear wheelset, Heidenau K50 rubber, and a 20-liter (5.28 gal) tank, not to mention the technological niceties of ABS and traction control.

Astride these customized long-distance runners, the Naglers have written their own chapter in the annals of adventure riding. In fact, their exploits have won them recognition as Jupiter’s Travelers, the Hall of Fame of adventure riding. For more about their travels, see their disarmingly honest and hugely entertaing travel diaries at http://www.2ar.eu

Author: Derek Alberts
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Jonathon Brent
Jonathon Brent
February 4, 2016 3:10 pm

It’s enjoyable to watch motorcycle journeys, and thanks to everyone who documents and shares theirs. They fire up our imaginations and inspire us to get off our butts and take our own. Good editing, cinematography, unique shots, and telling a good story can certainly make a video more exciting and watchable, but they are all largely the same. That being said, the first half of this video is a blatant rip-off of Alex Chacon’s “Around the World in 360° Degrees” video right down to the same song. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery but c’mon. repainting someone else’s picture cheapens them both. Not cool. They could have at least used different music.

kalahari ozzie
kalahari ozzie
February 5, 2016 5:11 am
Reply to  Jonathon Brent

Show us how to do it differently

Mario B.
Mario B.
February 4, 2016 4:28 pm

What an inspiring video! And to know they did it for a good cause is awesome!

Dale Avery
Dale Avery
February 4, 2016 9:28 pm

What a fun video! And, they really come off across and a very nice couple. Wish I could get my wife to ride with me, but maybe at 63 it’s a little too late. Geez, maybe I should try something like it on my DL650 hack???

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
February 5, 2016 12:40 pm
Reply to  Dale Avery

It’s never too late to follow your dream Dale! Hope this helps to inspire you 🙂 https://www.advpulse.com/adv-videos/crossing-a-4000-meter-himalayan-pass-at-eighty-years-old/

kalahari ozzie
kalahari ozzie
February 5, 2016 5:10 am

Great video, and a wonderful adventure

trackback
Vee 2's on a Proper Adventure Ride - 44,000 miles - Stromtrooper Forum : Suzuki V-Strom Motorcycle Forums
February 5, 2016 12:02 pm

[…] Apologies if this has been posted previously. I searched and didn't see it on this site: 44,000 Miles, 18 Countries Astride 2 Suzuki V-Strom 1000s […]

RobG
RobG
February 7, 2016 9:32 am

It’s nice to see a story like this where the bike ISN’T a BMW.

Mark P.
Mark P.
February 15, 2016 8:39 am
Reply to  RobG

I agree! V-Stroms are wonderfully capable and affordable bikes!

MotoLara
MotoLara
February 14, 2016 9:57 am

‘dodging drug cartels in Colombia’ … love the exaggerated drama LOL. Nice vid though 🙂

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