Hi everybody. This is my first post and I'm sure some variation of it has already been asked so bear with me.

I am a 6' tall 34 yo man with a great deal of travel experience, but virtually zero riding experience. What sold moto-touring for me, was having rented a motorbike on Bali for 2 weeks. Talk about a slice of heaven.

Anyway, Im sold on the idea and I finally have enough $ to make this actually happen. My first hurdle is the bike. Like many, I saw my first F800gs and was instantly aroused. However, as I have been doing more and more research, i realize how unimportant my first impressions were.

For a fellow doing the central/S.A. routes i am now perfectly comfortable buying a used and farlkled jap bike, and no longer feel compelled toward the BMW. Although I realize most any late model dual sport bike will be by and large just fine, my dilemma seems to have come down to cylinders and overall power.


Whereas I know I will do plenty of off tarmac driving and exploring, I am also confident I will be logging many many hours on paved roads as well.

The biggest dilemma for me is not whether to drop $6 large for a new KLR vs. $13 for an f800gs, It is simply: does the extra power and comfort of a 2 cylinder merit choosing one for S.A. vs a thumper?

I have NO idea how vibrations will affect me with distance riding, as I am a complete noob.

What I have come up with is this list, with my surface thoughts:

F800gs- Super sexy, but I have a real hard time justifying the price tag when a KLR type thumper can do almost the exact same things. Used ones in the USA seem almost non-existent.

F650gs twin- if i go BMW, a used f650gs twin would likely be my choice- at about $6500 for a 2007 with farkle and low miles, why not?

KLR- since the price point is so low, id likely opt for a new one even though the current models are hideously ugly. Still KLRs seem great regarding performance, particularly with the right add-ons.

Yamaha Tenere 660- This is one sexy bike but it appears it is not readily available in the USA new or used.

Honda africa twin- havent done too much research, but it too seems on par with the tenere and klr.


So my budget is hovering in the ballpark of 8 grand ( preferably with upgrades included), but I could go higher or preferably lower.

I lean towards a twin, but havent the experience to know if it is even worth it for this trip. The leader so far is the used BMW f650gs (because of the more powerful engine and 2 cylinders), but I could give a toss if it is a BMW or not. I just want the right bike for the job. I have no problem dropping 5K on a used bike then to add another 3-4K of upgrades. I see no point in getting a brand new F800gs, unless i want to stare at every night with an erection.

thanks in advance for the advice- cristiano