It's true, buying in USA is quite a bit LESS than the EU in general and used bikes are pretty cheap too. No shipping costs. Sell off before you go back or ship to EU?

My good riding buddy Torsten (originally from Denmark) owns an Explorer and loves it. But he does not take it off road much. He is not a good off road rider but he can do most easy dirt and gravel roads OK, but nothing technical.

He also has a BMW R1200GS ... which he's ridden since 2005. He bought the Explorer a year or so ago and really likes it a lot for two up or just long range touring solo. His R1200GS is for sale NOW ... a great low mileage one for good price! Has lots of extras on it.

As Gipper says, in South America you can mostly stay on paved roads but if trying to get to more remote areas (like inland areas of Northern Peru') then you have to ride dirt roads.

Most dirt roads would be fine on the Explorer if not too wet/muddy ... if you take MAIN ROUTES. You would have to stay OFF the little remote back roads ... as some become technical, so might be tough on the Explorer.

She's a big heavy beast at slow speeds but a delight once moving. (I've ridden Torsten's Explorer for an hour or so) Torsten also owned a 1050 Tiger. He did not like it but is totally SOLD on the Explorer ... likes it even more than his GS. IMO, that says a lot!



My riding group on one of our monthly rides. This one up to Oregon.
Torsten's Explorer on right, my 1050 Tiger on far left (out of shot). Nice mix of KTM's, GS's, Yam Tenere', Tigers et al.