Hi,

I have arrived in Vancouver yesterday with a friend of mine and we are looking to travel down through to Argentina over the next 8-10 months. We've spent today going around to motorcycle dealerships to get a general idea of the type of bikes we want, as well as to see what sort of price we can expect. We've been looking mainly towards two bikes, the dr 650, and the klr 650 (also have heard some good things about the dr z400)

It would seem a lot of people are recommending to buy a brand new bike, which would end up costing us around $5,500 (excluding taxes). This is quite a lot higher than our budget of $3-$4000, however we've been told that we will of course run in to a lot less problems with repairs, as well as a much higher resale value once we have finished our trip.

However after browsing through Craigslist, we have found a few old klr 650's for around $2,500. That would leave us with around $3,000 of room to spend on repairs and maintenance. Although we are quite inexperienced in bike repairs, it would seem unlikely that we would spend this amount on bike repairs.

Has anyone had experience buying a used bike? We're looking to find out what sort of repairs we might be looking at and roughly how much this could cost. Of course, there are many things that can go wrong mechanically with a bike, we are just looking to get a rough guide to the most common problems (with ballpark price estimates if possible).

To those who have done similar trips, did you buy a used or new bike? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help

Julien

It would be nice if there was a definite answer to this but there is not. A KLR that has been thrashed for 8,000 miles may well be a worse buy than one that has done 28,000 miles but has been meticulously cared for, it really depends - though I am not a mechanic!

The thing about buying new is that you know every kilometer covered on the clock, and so long as you follow the service intervals and do not drive recklessly, you`ll be able to feel pretty confident the bike will get you down and there and even back to the USA.

But it really depends, buying a second hand KLR that has only been used on weekends and never seen rain, say one careful and enthusiastic owner that only ever clocked up 3,500 miles, then sure, that could make a lot of sense, especially if it`s already setup for overlanding.

What sort of mileage do the KLR`s have on the clock that you`ve been looking at? They have a very good reputation for having solid engines, but if you`re going to buy a used one, then you would really look into condition of sprockets, chain, wheel bearings, tires and tubes and have oil, filters and other consumables replaced before a big trip.

As far as KLR`s go, you can find parts in S.America but never forget the old saying - buy cheap buy twice. I`d go with the newest and best setup you can afford now, rather than paying out later on.

You know, someone recently started their KLR and blew the gasket because the coolant had frozen at high altitude. Other people just wreck and stuff their bikes up that way. If you need to ship in a new head or replace gearbox, that could take weeks of waiting around, and finding reliable mechanics in South America is easier said than done - not unheard of to take bike mechanic out here and have them turn it into a write-off through sheer incompetence, negligence, etc. Imo, do anything that means you`ll be able to stay the hell away from mechanics down here.

For me, having not had a lot of experience before hand with bikes, I bought new and I think it`s been quite good to own a motorcycle from zero, and sort of start from scratch with the maintenance cycles, etc. Before I span out and ruined the fairing, would have probably got a really good price back on my Honda XR too, nevermind! If I were to buy again, well, having already done a fair few miles now, I`d feel much more confident about the buying process, etc but YMMV

Good luck!

Hi Julien

Don't forget.. If you buy new you also have the additional cost of outfitting the bike.. taking your 6k bike ( inc tax ) to 7k + ..

You have plenty of time to shop for your trip bike. Winter is coming up and some people won't want their unused bike sitting in the garage for 1 more winter so good deals can be found if you are patient..

I spent about 2 months looking until I found my KLR.. 2011, less than 2000 miles on the clock.. for $3200.. bone stock. Spent about $1000 getting it ready for the road. Bags, bars, seat, doohicky tires.. You can spend more than that if you want.. But that is what it cost me to get it to the point where I would take it out of state for on/off riding..

the KLR is a good.. solid, simple & dependable bike.. So don't fear buying a used one.. Just use your good sense. If it looks beat up.. then it is... Don't let 'go fever' get to you.. be patient. You'll find a great one at a great price..

Even a new bike will need some attention for a long trip, different tires, etc

We are leaving for Ushuaia in November on three old KLR650, the newest '07. All have less than 10,000 miles on them, all cost less than $3k each plus another $500-$1,000 to outfit them not including luggage. This does not include the labor to do the work as I am the indentured servant doing that.

The KLRs are pretty solid, especially the Gen I, '07 and earlier. Look for something very low miles and pay a little more. Anything for $2,500 I wouldn't want to take on a long trip.

Do some research at places like klr650.net.

All good bike choices. Are you buying TWO bikes or planning to ride Two Up on ONE BIKE? Are you a couple or ... ? This is big, as for Two Up, I'd pick a DL650 V-Strom none of your above choices. If you are two small people you could squeeze onto the a KLR. The DR is a lighter, smaller bike. Neither ideal Two Up.

Are you buying in Canada? If so ... you'll find a limited range of bikes for sale and prices will be high. If you can buy in the USA, you'll save roughly 20 to 30% and have HUNDREDS of bikes to chose from.

I would NOT buy NEW. A new bike will depreciate nearly as much as a good used one by trips end and your initial outlay is BIG. Buy used, you will save at least $1000 right off the bat. But as Juan says ... don't buy a worn out beater either. Buy a well cared for, low miles example if possible or a bike that's really been fettled nicely by a knowledgable owner.

You can find lots of good used bikes in the $3500 to $4500 range now. Buy as new a bike as you can find and afford, one under 10K miles if possible.

I'm a DR650 owner but have owned two KLR's previous. I prefer the DR650. It's simpler, lighter, smoother, better off road and STRONGER ... and the main thing I like ... it crashes much better than the KLR.

Also, the DR has no radiator/hoses/water pump to break or leak and can run forever even with a dead battery! Stone reliable, easy to work on, even for novice mechanics.

The KLR is a good bike too IMO, but needs more careful set up and looking after to be a good travel bike. The DR needs help too for travel but generally a bit easier / cheaper to outfit. Both bikes have tremendous owner support groups and forums with LOTS of good cheap items for sale to up grade your bike. And TONS of Free Help and Advice! USE THEM!

With Both bikes I'd advise to buy a nice used example complete with LOTS of good aftermarket things already on it. Yes, you will pay a bit more for this. Bargain hard, get the best deal you can.

Both the DR and the KLR need:
Seat, Bigger tank (DR only), hand guards, soft luggage. (avoid hard boxes)
suspension modification (both). Lots more, but those are the basics to start with.

You will want to start your ride with the following MUST DO's:
1. New tires, new tubes (plus 2 spare tubes minimum)
2. New battery
3. New top quality X ring chain and NEW Sprockets with two front spares.
4. complete tool kit.

Worn out chains/sprockets are number one thing novice motorcyclists get into trouble with. Don't be foolish with this. Take care chain/sprockets.

If you buy wisely and do a bit of prep you won't be doing many repairs on either bike. YES ... they are that reliable. Both can easily do the 20,000 miles you would likely do. The key is good prep before departure, including bringing proper spares ...(stuff you Can NOT get down South) If you find a good seller, maybe he can help you through this prep?

You'll need to learn the basics of maintenance. Tire changing being top of the list. Proper tools a must. Doing Oil changes, cleaning air filter being next up. Chain lubing, cleaning maintenance next. Be very careful about who you leave your bike with. Get recommendations when you can. Lots of GREAT mechanics in Mex, Cent. Am, S. America ... but even more Bodgers.

If neither of you have ever ridden I'd be taking some rider training courses.
In USA it's readily available. Canada too I'd guess. Riding down South is MAD to the uninitiated, many many crash ... use caution.

I've never seen much point in buying a new bike.

Not sure about Canada, but in the UK you loose 20% of the value just in tax as soon as you sign your name on the papers.


If you're concerned about condition and wear, buy a 'nearly' new bike from a dealer with a warranty. You should still get an 'as new' bike for a few thousand cheaper.



My advice would be to buy a 12-24 month year old bike that someone else has paid all of the tax on and thrown all the accessories onto. Buying anything 'new' in the motorcycle industry is massively expensive as it's a leisure/hobby industry.

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

the new one smells nicer...

Thanks to everyone for the detailed replies,

Judging from the responses, as well as the research we've been doing today around several Vancouver bike stores it looks like we will be going for a second hand KLR 650, trying to get it for cheap as possible to leave a margin for repairs/bike prep for our trip.

From what I understand, some pre 2008 KLR's had some issues with the doohickey, so we might look at getting this replaced before our trip (we got a rough quote today for around $400). New tyres, tubes, sprockets and possibly a chain are definitely on the list as well.

Neither of us are particularly technical when it comes to maintenance, so it would be great to see as well what you guys would recommend we replace before our trip. Is there anything crucial we are missing out on here?

We're in the process of contacting a few sellers in the Vancouver area, and hope to get moving at some point late next week. We'll have a blog up shortly as well so we'll be sure to post it up here once its ready!

Thanks again

Julien

As Molly said:-

If you need to do much more than this I would reconsider buying it.

Note: If you buy new sprockets, some would recommend a brand new chain as well...

Are you going two-up?

Your first point is key, IMO. If a bike you're looking at needs "repairs" ... I would pass on it. Any bike bought should be 100% tour ready or very close to it.

Adding accessories and upgrading a stock bike to make it travel ready is one thing ... but having to do repairs is another. I'd buy a new-ish, low miles machine that needs NO repairs. It's a bit of a run to Usuhaia.