Javier is right, I took a KLR650!!!

It is fun for me to see this thread again. It made me think about the planning phase of my Central and South America trip (2.5 years ago).

At that time, I considered taking a CB750 because I was already owning one. I did not have to invest money on a bike. And with 76000km on the odo, it was not too bad to have it stolen.

But with what I know right now, it would have been a big mistake to take the CB750. It is way too heavy. The pipe under the engine would have been destroyed every week. It would have been a lot more trouble to ride up and down stairs (it happens all time).

For touring the Americas, unless your are a small person the XT225 is too small. Lois suggested me to take a bigger bike. You will also loose the joy of riding your bike at full throttle in the mountain to espace from the Cops in Guatemala because you were speeding. I had a bigger motorcycle than the police so why not try? Good old memories!!!

Also for me it is a really bad idea to choose a bike that will limit you to pavement. A big part of the adventure happen off-road. When you are at home planning your trip, how do you know that you will not want to take that dirt road that will bring you to most incredible scenery you have never seen!


As life is not perfect, I'm currently working again. I'm happy because everyday I'm coming back from work, I'm one day closer to my next trip!!!

Would I choose a KLR650 again? Yes to go back to South America. But for Africa a DRZ400 seems a very good choice. But I know the KLR soo much mechanically. I already have spare parts and my current KLR is all equipped. I just need to buy another cheap KLR and I'm ready to go back on the road.

See you all on the road later,
Patrick