Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Ushuaia on BMW K75s? Ushuaia on BMW K75s?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Oct 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: HAMBURG
Posts: 5
Ushuaia on BMW K75s?
Hi dear All!

I am thinking about a trip with my BMW K75s from Valparaiso to Ushuaia in March 2013 and

wonder if it is realistic with a road bike to do this on my own?

How much gravel is still left in what condition and can the new Battlax BT45 tyres cope or would e.g. Gripsters be lots better?

I am not a born mechanic, are there enough people travelling in March to get some help if needed?

Where best to leave the bike afterwards? I heard Argentina 6 months, Uruguay 12 months? Any country where I could actually sell the bike?

Many Thanks in advance,

Cheers Mark
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: 600km North from Ushuaia.
Posts: 140
Mark, of course you can do it! It used to be 140km of gravel, but now they are paving the Onaisin road.
You are not going to find spare parts for your bike (in Argentina), but you can order them from USA
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Oct 2012
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
If Simon Gandolfi can do it on a Honda CG125 pizza bike I'm sure a K75 can handle it. :-)
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Oct 2012
Genghis9021's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Posts: 193
K75s as dual sport
Sure !

Why not. Did the Dempster in the Yukon/NWT in '93 on a K75s.

Serious pucker factor for alot of it but that's 750km of calcium chloride littered clay mud that's slicker than snot when wet.

Didn't fall down once. Didn't set any speed records.

And the K75s . . . uber-reliable. I've joked with BMW mechanics that a K75 head gasket is a weld bead. @ Bob's BMW in the US they told me that they'd NEVER had the head off of one except for performance modifications. Paul Mahalke (sp?) put over 500,000 miles on his before they retired it as a demo.

The rear shocks, back in the day, COULD blow and I did have a tank slapper due to that on the Dempster. The non-Showa forked bikes are well-known for leaking seals . . . but you probably already know that. So take an extra set of seals ! Otherwise, the boxxer i rode up with (and who gave me guff for my 'new-fangled BMW') was nowhere near as trouble free. At the end of 22,000km the boxxer rider proclaimed for all who would listen - best bike I've ever ridden WITH.

Do it.
__________________
Orange, it's the new black.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Oct 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: HAMBURG
Posts: 5
Hi Guys

Many Thanks for your posts and reassurance:-) Hope my plans work out.

I reckon Carretera Austral is more gravel, but also rideable, right?

Any suggestions where best to get over to hook on the Ruta 40?

Cheers Mark
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: 600km North from Ushuaia.
Posts: 140
Yeps, Carretera Austral is mostly gravel but as you said, its rideable and with awesome landscape

I live in the beggining of the "Ruta 40" and the place that I like most is called "Lago Posadas / Hipolito Yrigoyen"

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Oct 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: HAMBURG
Posts: 5
Thanks Manolito!

Sounds like I should have a look and see how it goes.
Reckon it depends pretty much on the weather with street tyres in March...

How is the Andes transfer to Argentina, do you have any suggestions where best to cross over?

And do you have an idea where I could leave the bike afterwards for 6 months?

Cheers Mark
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: 600km North from Ushuaia.
Posts: 140
Mark, to be honest with you, I don't know where is the best spot to cross over. It also depends on on your trip and what places you want to see.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Bucharest
Posts: 118
Hi guys, interesting thread! I was wondering also how would the weather conditions would be in March to Ushuaia. Of course the summer would be over but would the weather be still OK for riding so far South? And also crossing the Andes would be OK?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 9 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: 600km North from Ushuaia.
Posts: 140
Going in March is OK. It's going to be cold, that's for sure
You have to know that in Patagoina, everything can happen... why I tell you this??


This is Ushuaia right now! it snowed during the night
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 9 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Bucharest
Posts: 118
Wow Manolito! That is an encoureging picture Hopefully than in March you will have a nice Indian Summer

Once I get closer to the you, I will kindly try to pick your brain about other things like the route to go and other "technical" details.

For now, let's just hope the weather will improve fast for the guys how are riding now towards Ushuaia
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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
Buying Used Bike in Santiago Chile lachy South America 187 5 Dec 2023 14:53
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 19:55
Information wanted from experienced bikers in South America joentje100 South America 35 1 Jan 2010 04:00
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination South America 20 30 Oct 2009 18:02

 
 

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

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 06:22.

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