you forgot one,
how about a real basic easy to fix at the side of the road with minimal tools, tour all day at 65mph and return 80 mpg and remarkably reliable if you prep it properly before you go.cheap tyres, cheap chain sprockets etc and never likely to get nicked?
don't laff - a royal enfield 500.

If you not in a hurry might work out, but I think your 65mph all day is slightly optimistic. more like 50-60 from memory . for about £150 you can up the fuel tank to 20 litres from the 14.5 that comes standard. This gives an easy 300 mile range.

If you purchased a KLR 650 in the UK wouldn't it be a C model, not the A model sold in North America? I've never ridden, or even seen, a C model but from what I've read they are much inferior to the A model as an adventure bike (see Chris Scott's "Adventure Motorcycling Handbook" for comments on the two).

I must disagree with your statement that the KLR handles poorly if you mean the
A model. I have two friends who are ex road racers and ride theirs incredibly quickly and often comment on how well they handle for the type of bike that they are.

IMHO, the KLR 650A is an excellent adventure bike - reliable, handles all types of surfaces and terrain well, simple and easy to work on and repair, pleasant to ride for a single cylinder dual sport bike, and inexpensive to purchase. They do need a few upgrades for improvement in reliability and performance but there is a large aftermarket for this here in the US and the finished bike still won't be costly. I would recommend not exceeding the bikes GVWR or using it for two up adventure riding.

After much mental agonizing about it I chose a KLR for my rtw ride, had no problems with it whatsoever except for an aftermarket chain breaking, and would make the same choice again. Just my 2 cents worth.

Mike
Idaho
www.rtwrider.net

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Mike

Most trips are on asphalt or dirt roads how about a Susuki DL 650?

I agree with Surf Dude. If you don't plan a lot of technical dirt exploration then the DL650 could work. It handles like a sport bike, is faster than anything on your list, tough as nails and easy to load up. Gets over 50 mpg and can cruise at 80 mph and is practically maintenance free. It will do dirt roads fine, just slow down a tad and avoid half meter deep pot holes.

You'd save a bundle buying it in USA. Same goes for KLR, DR650, XR650L. All decent choice. In this part of the world the KLR is King. I just spent the day yesterday working with two young lads from New Zealand who've bought near new KLR's and I gave a hand kitting them out and doing a bit of service.
They spent about $3000 per bike. Another $500 for bits, tires, riding gear. They head south on Saturday.

You could pre-arrange a sale with a dealer (in, say L.A.). Pre pay it so Title is waiting when you arrive. Either have dealer order after market kit ahead or bring it with. (cheaper if you buy here...due to incredibly weak Dollar vs. Pound) But hey, its only money. Your choice. You can do it all online and have the stuff sent to the shop or ask the dealer to order it and make sure you get
near online prices.

My guess is you could buy a set up new bike here for what you'll pay for a good low mileage used bike in the UK. Then you've got $1200 (700 UKP) or so worth of air freight charges on top of that. 700 pounds will see you right in Mexico for a month or more.

You could set up a deal where the dealer meets you at the airport, takes you to his shop, you load on your crap and go. In fact, there is a shop in LA that specializes in doing just that. Honda-Suzuki place, don't remember name.

Hey Ted, you've been screwing around asking about bikes and travel for over a year.....are you ever gonna take off?

Cheers and good luck....if you ever make out of the UK!

Patrick

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Dont I know it mate, dont I know it.

I was meant to set off in September 06 for South America but my partner pulled out at the very last minute with no warning (nice). It put things on hold for a few months (financially). In that few months I was seeing a lady who screwed me out of 2 grand (smashed up my flat and valuables) so that really set me back.

Instead of 3 months in South America I thought **** IT, i might as well do the whole Americas for 6-12 months so having to save save which is hard when your paying back debts too

Fear not... iv got the plan in gear and nothing is spoiling it now ! Iv already got a prepped an XT600E so im probably just going to use that. Im just considering alternative as iv got over a year till i depart.

I like the look of the DR650 so gonna research that a little too.

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Ted
Just be thankful she didn't boil your bunny... See you on the road. Stephan

Gosh Ted! Is that the same girl that the one who went off to Greece without you and had a bit of sex on the side?!!! I hope it's the same, otherwise you really are unlucky in love!

Your life has more twists and turns than an Episod of EastEnders! Maybe you should start a blog

I wish you good luck for the future and maybe see you somewhere in South America!

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Maria

www.franglais-riders.com

Another positive comment from this thread a while back; except some folk say that 100mpg can be achieved - I guess you have to go easy on the throttle.

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Dave