KLR650 vs 400cc Thumper for Trans Am trail and Baja California?
Hi guys
I am planning a couple of trips to North America during my holidays. I’ve got long holidays: Christmas/New Year: 3 weeks, summer: 8 weeks. One of the pros of being a teacher...
I want to ride:
1. Baja California over Christmas/New Year 2008/9 (solo)
2. Parts of the Trans Am Trail, possibly combined with parts of the Shadow of the Rockies Trail (solo in summer 2009)
3. Doing some general road touring with my wife in West Coast USA (summer 2009)
At home I ride a big dual sport bike and a thumper (Honda Transalp and Suzuki DRZ400) and I have a lot of experience with both. Also, I have a fair bit of off-pavement experience on the DRZ, including sand.
I want to buy a bike to use (Probably in the San Diego area). I know the DRZ could do everything I want, except 2-up with the wife. A KLR650 seems a better compromise. I rode one in South America a few years ago and really liked it a lot.
If you’ve been to the Baja or have ridden Sam Correro’s routes, how many tracks/routes do you think I am excluding myself from by riding a KLR650 (because of bike weight, running gear/ suspension issues)? I can put a fork brace and use appropriate tyres/ chain/sprocket combinations for the terrain. I'll be riding light weight, with a minimum of luggage/soft bags.
Many thanks for your time.
Chris
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