Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
harley or bmw? harley or bmw?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: london
Posts: 57
Red face harley or bmw?
we are going to ride across the states, through mexico, central america, and then on into south america, and cannot get a straight answer to our boggle.....can this be done on a touring harley, I have riddden Harleys all my life, but am wondering if a GS may be a better option for this one, and we are going 2Up.................words of wisdom please!
Dan
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 31 Oct 2008
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Those are very valid reasons for taking it along. Learning a new bike (BMW) on the road is not the best time for that.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 20:44.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 31 Oct 2008
JimD's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Western NC USA
Posts: 62
Straight answer

I rode an Ultra Classic down Baja, across the Sea of Cortez by ferry, across the Devils Backbone and out at McAllen, Tex. Took a Softail all over the Yucatan and had a ball. No prob, just be careful of your kickstand on the topes(speedbumps).

Not on a Harley, but on my ride to Panama, I did not run across anything I would be afraid of with a Harley ---- careful of the potholes and sugar cane.

SA dunno - yet.

All the normal south of the border precautions apply.

Take the Harley.
__________________
Jim
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 31 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 433
A Harley is the wrong bike for the job. There are many unmarked speedbumps that you will hit at high speed. It is likely that you will come upon washed out roads that you can not do on a Harley. Buy a lighter dual sport and you will have a lot more fun on the trip, trust me.
__________________
http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: South Africa
Posts: 30
Take your Harley. It's your bike, you know its quirks and you like it (Keep in mind it may look totally different when you return... bye bye to smooth chrome if that matters to you.)

In any case ,I agree with the first response. Knowing your bike is important on the road and adds a layer of confidence. Just keep your speed down (even perhaps painfully slow at times) on dirt / gravel roads and look out for oil on the roads.

Another aspect is that there is something great in my opinion about having a high mileage bike that has been places with you... like a great pair of boots or any equipment you have had for a long time. It's an odd but wonderfull bond.

Have a great trip.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
Hi,

Water melon or banana? Which one has more vitamin?

A Guatalaman man will choose banana, a middle eastern will water melon...

Go for the one you know and use well.... IMHO.



Enjoy your ride...
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 31 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Having done trips on a Triumph Bonneville that "people" tell me are only possible on an dual purpose type bike I'd say take the Harley. Only thing I'd suggest is look for tyres that won't block up with anything loose, so a block/catspaw tread rather than semi-slicks. Far better to have a bike you are comfortable with mechanically and on 90% of surfaces than start planning for the what if's.

Enjoy your trip,

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 31 Oct 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Almeria, Andalucia
Posts: 185
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
Having done trips on a Triumph Bonneville that "people" tell me are only possible on an dual purpose type bike I'd say take the
... Bonneville.

Lovely bike.

--Mike
__________________
www.BesideTheSeaside.eu
---I'm back. Now what?---
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 31 Oct 2008
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Quote:
Originally Posted by gatogato View Post
A Harley is the wrong bike for the job. There are many unmarked speedbumps that you will hit at high speed. It is likely that you will come upon washed out roads that you can not do on a Harley. Buy a lighter dual sport and you will have a lot more fun on the trip, trust me.
A harley is not the WRONG bike for the job
I rode with a dutch guy on a HD pulling a trailer down to The Gambia in 2006 and he had no problems, he had also 'done' Mongolia on the same machine, I now ride R80gs but would have no worries on riding a HD or any other bike for that matter on a trip,ride what you know,I can't understand why you either have to be a Charley Ewan or David Knight clone to do a trip.
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 31 Oct 2008
Xander's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
Quote:
Originally Posted by harleydan View Post
.....words of wisdom please!
Devil dog spelled backwards is god lived....

Other then that most of the above summed it up.. ride the bike you know/love.. you will spend way too much time with something that you dont love.. so your harley is the right tool for the job...

Sure a deep river fording will mean you have to turn around and find a different route.. but this could be an adventure in on itself.
have fun!
__________________
2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 31 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 137
Take the Hog. Myself and Gato would not because we ride different. There are Harleys all over CA and SA. (Not allot, but they are here.) There are paved roads almost everywhere. If you decide not to take paved roads, put a different set of rubber on it and ride a little slower.

Your bike is probably allready set up too. You should leave tomorrow.

Jeff
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 31 Oct 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 1
Hi There,
i rode a couple of BMW years ago while my former wife forced me to sell my
harley instead of a more confortable Boxer. we went in morocco north europe and middle east. nothing to say, were excellent bikes expecially the gs 1100r.
but i felt in love with harley once again and loose her. i owned an old '93 electra sport, wich allowed me to ride through iran for 12.500km, no problems. then i buyed a new Dyna fxd in 2002. with this one i rode through
caucasus, middle east, west sahara 'till dakar and back. and last year leaving from Italy i went to touch the sky on khardung la, himalaya, just 3 months after Peter & kay forwood. now it have 90,000km just common maintenance
tyres, brake pads & battery. it still work so i'm plan to ride south america on 2009. everyone makes the choice he's feel, everyone ride the bike he's like.
u can ride the world with your mind, but still on two wheels...
www.lungastrada.it
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 31 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: london
Posts: 57
Talking harley or BMW
to all of you who replied to my post, thank you!! I will venture forth with much more confidence now with your support, but ifmy bike sinks into a bog in Ecuador, I will come find you!!!!
but seriously, thanks to all for your wisdom, I have never taken my baby out of europe, and the pictures of the Off Road possee going through rivers and down gravel mountains scares the $@*t out of me!
Happy riding all of you
look out for some short guy pushing a HOG round SA , it could be me!!
Dan
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 31 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 54
The bottom line is: Ride what you love.

That said, you will face certain constraints when riding a Harley instead of a large dualsport-ish bike like the BMW GS:

* You will avoid the dirt and malpaved roads more than you would otherwise. Ground clearance makes a huge difference.

* Topes will be significantly more irritating. On a GS with a well-behaved passenger (who stands up when you do) you should be able to hit topes barely slowing down.

* You should be more concerned about locking the bike up. There's a huge aftermarket for Harley parts so they're easy to strip and sell. Not so much for KTMs or BMWs.

Don't accept anyone's anecdotal reports of the reliability of the bikes; Harleys and BMWs both fail with enough frequency to provide plenty of fun stories on advrider. You will have problems, it's just part of the experience. If you're in a hurry take an airplane!

Personally I would not go south without a dualsport because the backroads are WAY MORE FUN. I can't comment on South America, but if you stick to major highways you miss out on 90% of the experience of Central America.

Jeff
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 1 Nov 2008
BCK_973's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Buenos Aires,City of good sex,mate and asado!
Posts: 539
Asado(grill) in BA is on me!!!!
Hey great choice!
Do the trip,modern HD are great bikes.Far better then crap chinese....fu%&$ing bikes.
Remember when you enter BA i will make your first asado here.
Why don´t you share a few pictures(or link to them)of your travelling HD?
Maybe we all can advice you a bit more.
Have seen 1200 sporster on TKC 80!
Karl
__________________
http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
harley?can it be done harleydan Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 4 8 Nov 2008 12:51
Harley Heads skullz Other Bikes Tech 1 23 Aug 2008 00:31
Ex military Harley MT 350 ctc Which Bike? 3 22 Oct 2003 17:37
Harley 350 gypsy Which Bike? 0 20 Nov 2002 18:57
Harley Davidson ctc North Africa 1 1 Aug 2002 03:50

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:08.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top