I am also in a "which bike?" qaundry, but but with a small twist.

I'm in the (very) early stages of a trip plan, definitly the Americas (since I live in the US and am already here), but then maybe Europe and east. Or the Africa north, then east...you get the idea.

I want to take one of the bike I already own, since I do most of my own work, and have already logged a lot of miles on them (model, of not bike). I know there is time enough got get familer with something else, but don't see the point. And one thing I've learned from reading this forum is any bike can go, its all a matter of the rider's preference.

So then why am I even posting? I've never ridden in the Andes, and 'off road' in the US is by no means the same thing as the rest of the world, which you have seen. I don't think I really have a preference between the bikes, but you all might have advice I'll never get if I don't ask.

So, the bikes -

Bike #1 (which is my local mechanic's choice), is a 1981 xs1100. I have over 150,000 miles on xs11s, and own two. This one has locking luggage and has been my endurance riding bike for a few years. One the down side, it is the more complicated of the two bikes (4 cylinders and 4 carbs), and weighs...well a lot. The dry weight is listed at 640lbs, but that isn't with the luggage. Also, without an aux fuel tank I don't think I will want to bring with (One more thing to fail...), the range is only about 200 miles, and there is little I can do to stretch it.

Bike #2 is an 1981 sr250. I started riding on an sr250, and rode all over the USA for 18 months after college, until the lack of money (and a bit of homesickness) found me back home again. It is much lighter, 250lbs with it's current luggage, and simpler with one cylinder. It doesn't have anything like the power of the big bike, I find myself down shifting more. And while it does currently have a locking trunk, I will probably take it off, since it is big but not easy to use. Its current range is also less than 200 miles, but since Yamaha used the same frame for it's 2-stroke RD bike, which has a tank half again as large (and should fit, I have one on the way for $10).

So, knowing that I am at least riding down the Americas, and might extend the trip much farther, which one should I be spending the rest of the winter prepping?

Thanks
Andy

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I write books about motorcycle travel. Small, cheap, motorcycle travel. Also superheroes.