Aaron Twite, Jesse Toler and Eric "E-Brake" Pettit are embarking on a six week stunt adventure through the island country of Indonesia. Twite will be reporting for the duration of their trip right here on StuntBums.com! These boys are in for an epic ride so be sure to check back each week as their story progresses.

The first morning in Jakarta we are at the shop to begin work on the bikes.  Our employer is a Husqvarna dealer in Jakarta and also specializes in importing autos, and motorcycles.  He speaks English well, was educated in Oregon, and I infer from his demeanor he is quite wealthy.  He is a “business man”.  Motorsports, I'm sure, are just a hobby.  

F4i for Eric, 2005 R6 for Jesse, and a 2003 R6 for me.  We are informed Jesse's bike is cross country in the city of Malang, already in transit to the first show destination on Lombok Island.  We focus our energies on Eric's F4i and my R6.  We came prepared with parts from Sick Innovations, Hohey Designs, Motoheaven, C4 Revolutions, RSC.  Luckily Eric brought a suit case full of tools, because the shop is a bit lacking.  

As riders we always expect certain complications, problems, and unforeseen needs.  In a place like Indonesia these issues are compounded by the complete lack of spare parts and communication difficulties.  The best way to cope is to view such barriers as points of interest, adventures to be faced with an open mind and patient attitude.  A sense of humor is priceless.  

The setup of my R6 goes fairly smooth.  In spite of the language barrier I am able to communicate intention fairly well to our local mechanics.  I have the majority of my work complete by the end of the first day.

Eric's F4i is a different story.  There is the immediate issue of a front sprocket incompatibility.  There is a secondary issue of a mangled cush drive.  Locating a replacement is out of the question.  Machining the sprocket to fit a 520 chain is the next best thing.  Cush drive gets pirated from a 2008 Honda CBR 600rr in shop.

With my bike mostly complete, the 3 of us pick up the 2nd day tackling Eric's F4i.  The morning disappears quickly and it is time for the media press conference!  This being my 3rd time in Indonesia I know what to expect.  It was a new experience for Jesse and Eric, which makes the situation more entertaining for me.  We sit in the front row, in front of cameras, trying to follow the matters spoken in Bahasa, but finding ourselves wholly distracted.  The sudden interruption of English into the atmosphere means they are suddenly talking to us, and indeed all attention is focused on us.  Without a sense of humor this would be overwhelming.  Luckily the elements of the interview are basic (as always):  what is your name, where are you from, what bike do you ride in America, etc.  Smile for the camera, shake some hands, then gravitate towards the good English speakers.

After the interview we return to the shop to finish the bikes, for they are to be loaded and ready this night for the journey across Indonesia.  Completing Eric's F4i and out for a test leads to a brutal discovery:  mangled wiring harness and what we believe to be a faulty ignition.  The only thing to do is load up, and hope to find parts in Singapore before the show. 

READ PART 2 HERE
READ PART 3 HERE

Thanks to Aaron Twite for sending us their story from the road! For more information on Twite and his company Static Moto Designs, click here.