Honda CBX250 Twister for a S. America Journey: Yay or Nay?
 

I'm beginning a motorcycle tour of South America from Santiago, Chile, in three weeks. I think a 250cc will suit my needs just fine, as I intend to favor smaller roads and off-road trails over highways (while still being able to pound out the highway hours when necessary). I plan to drive Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia before heading back to the States via Central America. At times I plan to have a passenger, plus 25kg in the saddlebags.

It's also important to note that I'm a beginner, and I'm in no rush to get anywhere quickly. If some experienced riders would care to share their opinions, I'd love to hear them! Thanks everyone!

I've read one trip report of a guy and gal riding 2-up on a Ninja 250 from the US through Peru and Ecuador, so I imagine you could do it - though I think most riders would find a 250 a tad bit too small once loaded up with two people and gear.

That Honda has a good rep for reliability, so I wouldn't have any worries there.

So long as you or the pillion are not particularly heavy you should be fine with 25kg - remember that you'll need 4-8lt of water for the two of you if you plan to travel away from the main roads in the Atacama in case of brake-down. I assume you're not going to camp. The maxload is 156kg, maybe you could get away with overloading it while taking it easy on good roads. For a similar price you can have a Tornado XR, but completely different bike.

As for the Twister - I wouldn't hesitate to that that bike anywhere. It's got a 16.5lt tank - if it is EFI you should get a decent enough range with that - with cautious riding maybe even 28k/L. The Yamaha YBR 250 is an alternative, similar setup but 20lt tank and it's definitely EFI. People do that route on Vespers, CGL125's and C90's - the CBX250 will do it no problems.

When are you thinking of leaving Santaigo? I'm flying out on 14th, getting my bike serviced and should be good to leave around 22/25th of September. I'm riding north all the way through Chile on a Tornado XR250 but I'll be camping and taking minor/dirt roads.

Thanks for the advice! In total we are 125 kilos, so we should be sitting right about the max weight for the bike including gear. We do plan on camping though! Gotta travel as cheap as possible ;)

As for leaving Santiago, I'm not sure. Most businesses are closed for the holiday weekend, and I've just now started contacting individual sellers. I still need to get all my paperwork in order, so we may not be able to leave until the 28th or so. We do intend to ride north first so it sounds like we have a pretty similar plan!

The Twister is OK for you solo but two up will be tough.
Have a look at the Brazil made Honda XR400 Falcon. I think it's sold in Chile.
They also make the XR250 Tornado. Both will be better travel bikes than the Twister ... from what I can tell just at a glance.
Both are more rugged dual sport models designed for ON/OFF road.

The Falcon and Tornado will handle rough roads and off roads much better, the 400 Falcon will have adequate power for 2 up travel.

But to really save money, you could buy a used KLR650 off a traveler cheap. Lots for sale in Chile ... quite a few advertised here constantly. The KLR will give you both lots of room for luggage and gear and easily climb the 14K ft. Andes.

A 250cc will struggle even solo, two up I'm not sure it would make it if overloaded. ????

So buy a US registered KLR650 off a traveler, figure out how to transfer title and go.

:D

The Twister is $1.000.000 cheaper than the Falcon. best deal is a bike from a fellow traveler. you get to help out someone who needs to get home and you get a bike ready for what you need it for. Win win

Think about changing the rear shock spring at a minimum.