I am fully aware that they are not the ideal option, but I can't help but wonder. I survived open heart surgery and am considering taking an extreme chance at a difficult journey, trying to ride a restored 74 DT360 from Ohio to Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. It's about 3000 miles if highways are avoided. Just curious if anyone ever gave it a shot and wants to tell their story.

Sounds like you are feeling better ! Great to hear !!
Here is a link to the Trans American Trail ride some of the guys here took. Don't forget to check out the " Blog " site above.

yamaha-enduros.com/index.php/main-blog/e...petat-the-back-story

So far the longest adv trip I have done is 250 miles at once. I'm sure though if you did a good job of rebuilding the engine and cleaned and buffed the ignition connectors and sealed them to stay dry and make sure the mag stays dry and make sure the oil pump is adjusted properly the bike could easily do it with a few spare plugs and tire repair equipment. Install a spongy set of grips and some larger foot pegs. I was really surprised how comfy the seat was on the 250 mile trip. The thing on the older bikes is the vibration does some weird things like the throttle cable end that fits in the slide barrel will wear out from the vibration and the only fix is usually a new cable because the end that wore off goes thru the engine and out. For the most part if you can keep the electrical system well connected and dry the bike will run for a very long time especially if you use Yamaha OEM pistons and feed it clean air.
Doug

Merida is a fantastic place. Sounds like a great trip! Keep us posted if you decide to go.

What a great trip. Adventure ride...…..
The bike ( with simple ,basic preparation) will do it but just take your time and enjoy each day of the ride - it has the potential to become something you will never forget, for the right reasons - do not overdo it otherwise you will hate it. The satisfaction of an adventure like that will remain with you forever.
There is a great article on a DT1 ridden (when new ) from Singapore to Amsterdam ……..Google it . I came across a guy on a Honda 50cc scooter in the Yukon who had ridden from Florida - had actually covered 55,000 mls. during the trip! Also another guy who rode a 1980? Yamaha DT175 across Canada. ……. list goes on
I wish you luck , prepare and enjoy...…. (but keep us all informed!)

In 1970 a buddy and I rode 125s from Northern Minnesota to Estes park Colorado and back, packed up (see pic) to camp and ride in the mountains. (note the knobby tire slung over the pile on the back) The enduros would run 60miles at 60 mph on a tank of gas (on flat road) My buddy's seized outside Broken Bow Nebraska and I towed him to Souix City, IA (the nearest Yamaha dealer) to get it fixed, then continued home. Did the same basic trip the next year on a 360, (with a different buddy) and he also seized half way back. (Same plan, towed to Souix City and got repaired) Wonderful adventures!

Joe Gresh has done this on a 1971 Yamaha RT1B Enduro a few years back. He is a Member here.
www.motorcyclistonline.com/toxic-tour-ad...n-yamaha-1971-rt360/

Matthew that’s gutsy, did you have a support truck to follow?

I rode a Bultaco 500 mi in 2 days on Memorial Day weekend, did it three years in a row. All dirt, I was beat.

That was a great article, thanks for sharing that!

Only the big support truck in this sky, man. I am a professional firefighter and am going to try it when I retire or near retirement (couple years to go). I'll take my chances with God's graces and fire stations. What's the worst that could happen? No one lives forever ;-)