Originally Posted by thecoon

Hello fellow riders,

Me an my girlfriend are planning to do a trip from Canada to Argentina next year.
We both ride a KLR 650 C here in Switzerland. It is my first big bike.
Did some longer trips, Italy and Norway... and alot of riding in the alps.
I feel very confident riding the bike.
Sadly there is no chance to do some seriuos offroad here. So I dont know how good it performs in that direction. Did some gravel roads, but that is all.

We still cannot decide if we should buy bikes in Canada/US (seems to be difficult) or ship our own bikes.
Well if we ship our bikes, we will take the KLRs.
So here is my question. Would you take an old KLR on a long trip ? My Baby has over 60 000kms on it, and the oil consumption is really bad. I would say around 0.5-0.8 l to 1000 km. Of course I will have to do some stuff, but will the engine to some 50 000-80 000 kms more ? I dont want to invest much in the bike, as it isnt really worth much here. Worst case I will rebuild the engine, with new piston.... but as I read also new engines consume alot oil.
I just dont want to carry so much Oil cans with me, specially if we are in non populated areas. I need the extra place for fuel and !

I like the KLR alot, just not so confident if the engine will do it. Maybe some of you fellow bikers has some experience ? I would be glad.

another question besides, how important is it to ride the same bike as a couple ? is it just for the spares ?

cheers.... and snowy greetings from Basel.... brrrr