Thanks Andy for considering my questions and for stating the obvious about the "get a 4x4" response. The reason I posted here is because my research into taking a trailer/bike combo on a tour of South America has turned up very little. I would love to follow/read about other bikers doing similar trips, but I just haven't found any. Maybe I need to post this in the South America forum and see what kind of response I get.
Mark, I would love to read the reports from Goldwingers! I just can't find any. Maybe you could direct me? I'm also a bit curious what experience you've had in South America. What ride did you take and when did you do this?
On another note. I'm not planning on taking the kitchen sink! My consideration is distributing the weight from the rear end of the bike which makes it less maneuverable, to the stability of a trailer. Yes, the trailer has two wheels but is not much wider then many of the bikes with panniers I see bikers using on these trips.
I also wonder what the percentage is of "off road" traveling will be on a SA tour? I don't plan on being 100 percent of the time on pavement. And I've read many posts indicating that the dual purpose bikes used on these continental trips don't actually see off road excursions as much as on tarmacs. Which makes me question the actual comfort of riding those 12 hour days on a dirt bike. Just wondering...
BTW, speaking of gas mileage. I get 42 mpg without the trailer and 40 mpg with the trailer attached and loaded.
Another BTW... I've got about $4,000 into the current setup which includes the bike and trailer. Buying a new adventure bike is going to cost me at least twice that amount. Is it worth it and will I be more comfortable at the end of long day riding? I'd love to hear back from people who have experienced both types of long distance riding.
Again, thanks for the feedback and have a great 2 wheel ride! Nothing like the open air ride on 2 wheels...
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