Only limited experience here, but personally you can't go wrong with something like a 250 or 300. I'm planning a similar trip myself but can only stretch the cash for a 125cc, if money wasn't a problem I'd buy a 250 Tornado. I met a guy/girl who went two-up from Colombia on one in Nicaragua. Looked like a great bike

If you are not planning to ride much in the USA at highway speeds then Id suggest 2x XT250's - its lightweight, tough, will take a beating, the seat height is quite low stock. You can also pick them up used, late low mileage on Craglist/Kijiji/Gumtree for a few grand.

If you are planning to ride (lots of) highways in the USA then Id suggest DR650's or KLR650's

The Honda Tornado is not available in the USA, the CRF250L is, its a bit different.

It sounds like your both keen on riding, but also throw into the equation riding 2up on one bike - half the money on fuel, insurance, registration, border fees, servicing, transporting bike across Darien Gap etc etc.
Depending on your wifes physical size, you could both take turns riding.

If you were planning on doing more dirt riding id suggest two bikes, but if that is not your priority then taking one bike would save you a bunch of cash.

However I understand the desire to each ride your own bike

What time constraints do you guys have ? with smaller bikes you tend to have longer days riding - think about that too, its not necessarily a bad thing, you see a bit more and get off the beaten track.

As mentioned though, whatever you choose, pack light.

Also, think about what you will be doing with the bikes after the trip, not sure how tricky it is to import a US reg. bike into Brazil, or sell them on the HUBB for the next traveler.

let us know what you decide!

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Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca

Hiya been a while...

Been doing a little more research and I like the idea of the Suzuki DL650 V-Strom. Seems that its comfortable and quite well rounded. I envision that it will be a lot of touring. with occasional off road ventures. Few questions.

1. Would it be too heavy for me or my wife to ride? Probably not considering 2 up. Is it overly heavy in comparison to other overland favorites?
2. As I said predominately will be cruising, but if i did want to get off road do you think it could handle it ok. Would you recommend any mods?
3. Mechanical simplicity. How would I go getting parts or getting fixed in Central or South Americas?

I also was looking at the DR but it just seems that although maybe a more rugged off roader. I figured I wont be off roading alot so its better to be more comfortable for the majority of the time, and just take it a bit more easy if I do go offroad.

Thanks all.

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http://www.facebook.com/whatsovertherainbow

stroms are really good cruising bikes. They are heavy for most women though. Particularly when the road is destroyed.

I've seen a mate of mine ride the thing on single trail putting KTM's to shame. But he was an off road legend. For the most of us it'll be a struggle. I've come across a 1l version on the altiplano riding with a bloke on a 640, and he was wrestling the thing. So I don't imagine your Mrs will enjoy that stuff. Well worth it though.

It depends on your frame of mind. If you don't mind wrestling the thing along 500km sections and still see the beauty of the place, then you're fine. They make the best memories. But I personally try to cater for the worst case and compromise on the other end. The DR is very smooth though, (apparently, never owned one). A fairing is only for looks. Don't think of it as a pedigree thing. Take is off the DL, put a high fender on and you end up with a similar looking bike. The seating position would be largely the same.

The DR is more suited in my opinion.

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Tacos Tyring Travels.com

The DR is a lot lighter and has a 21 inch front wheel, but the stock suspension is too soft, the seat is terrible and the tank too small, with a few aftermarket parts they are a good all rounder - not particularly good at any one thing, but quite good at everything.

The V Strom is quite a bit heavier and has a 19 inch front wheel, they ride really well on the highway with 2 cylinders, fuel injection, 6 gears and have ABS, they can be taken 'off road' but it wont be much fun, the smaller front wheel and extra weight make a big difference for a novice rider on a loose soft surface.

The DR is not available in Europe any more, but you could buy in the USA and ride South, saving you a bunch of cash on shipping from Europe.

If you are short on time and are not planning to do much dirt, the faster smoother V Strom is the better bike for sure, if you have plenty of time, want to do more backroads trails and wish to travel slower then the DR is a good bike, they are also simple (air cooled) cheap to fix and maintain. If you are buying in North America also consider the Kawasaki KLR


I looked very hard at the Strom and DR and went with the DR - I have no regrets, for us it was perfect.

__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca

how about all good, cheap and reliable KLR650 ? Actually I have been thinking about it as well.