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.

__________________
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

Your nuts not to-

Hypothetically speaking here is how the scenario could work—

I know of a 2004 KLR650 with 2500 +/- miles on it that can be had 1650 GBP. Fly to the states pick up the bike call happytrails order a set of panniers and rack for 400GBP have them sent to your campsite/ hotel what ever and you are done and on your way in less than 10 days. Total investment 2050 GBP plus airfare and you are on your way.

Believe it or not there are any number of yanks that will be more than happy to assist you in the accusation and outfit of a bike here in the states. I am one of them. Happy to help in anyway from this side of the pond. Seriously, save the cash for the trip. You will be surprised how easily and economically you could put together a bike here.

I'm looking for a KLR. Is that a reasonable price for an 04 with 2500 miles.
$3200+/-. Have you seen the bike you are referrring to?

All the bikes you've listed sound like great bikes on paper BUT...
Personally, I would take bike that you are familiar with, do the necessary pre-trip maintenance on it before hand, and carry a few spare parts that experience normal wear and tear.
You can acquire the skills to handle rougher terrain if you're patient with that bike. THe converse unfortunately isn't always the case.
HTH...

PS Consider buying the bike in the US...its a lot cheaper considering the Xchange rate these days and the cost of NOT shipping a bike over...damn Euro!

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edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com

The exchange rate at the moment means anything in the US is a next to nowt.
XT600 would be good but if going through just the US then I'd get a HOG, perfect and no doubt in abundance 2nd hand.
If off road i'd go for the KLR - crap but there still popular over there, then again you need to spend the same again sorting it out to get to a level on par with anything else.

Translap- perfect bike just get one although shipping is expensive due to weight. get the 650 and yes you ca get large tanks for them. Dommie way too vibey, all i can say is just try one for 1 hour....

Buy the KLR - reliable, easy to fix, loads of parts from Cananda to Argentina.
It does not not win any beauty contest that's for sure.

Buy it in the USA - you can buy one the same afternoon you arrive from the
UK, it real is that easy!

Hello,

short after i bought a Yamaha TT600R (yes, kickstart...) for off-road fun next to my 1200GS, i decided on a trip through central america, starting in Mexico, ending in, euh, wherever i end up around Darian ;-)

Simple, light, cheap and reliable bike, and lots of aftermarked stuff to convert it to a decent travelbike to go to the america's.

Bought the (4000kms onroad) bike for eur. 2850,- and ordered approx. 1500 for spareparts, big tank, very solid panniersystem, center stand and other usefull bits and pieces. For eur. 4500 i'm ready to go.

I (still) think it is a good decision to go on a cheap low profile bike, but not entirely sure about the absence of the all-mighty-magic-button ;-)

good luck with your choice.

cheers,
Sander

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http://sanderonasingle.blogspot.com/

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

yup..the very same !!

Never a dull moment in my life is there I always have fun storys for the camp fire though lol

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

I have not personally seen the bike but here is the dialog that goes on about it and a couple pics http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194682