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What bike do i need for Trans Americas trip????? What bike do i need for Trans Americas trip?????
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #16  
Old 21 Mar 2006
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All the experienced guys in one thread...can't resist!!

I'll be off in Chile, Peru, Bolivia in a few weeks (Grant, you need smilies with bigger grins...)

How about 2000 KLR650 with about 30,000mls vs. 2004 XT600 with 45,000mls

And what about the height? What is the recommended minimum growth someone should have before trying to ride either in rough terrain?

Which one is better for for the Lady? Self drive, no gravel experience?

I had a DT for 2 years and loved it, but realise that the Xt600 is a completely different kettle of fish........

help!!!!!

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  #17  
Old 21 Mar 2006
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Quote:
Originally posted by Atwoke:
All the experienced guys in one thread...can't resist!!

I'll be off in Chile, Peru, Bolivia in a few weeks (Grant, you need smilies with bigger grins...)
You mean like this one?

That's a : and a D

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  #18  
Old 21 Mar 2006
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Quote:
How about 2000 KLR650 with about 30,000mls vs. 2004 XT600 with 45,000mls
I'd go for the XT, a lot more common in South America...JMHO

[This message has been edited by fcasado (edited 21 March 2006).]
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  #19  
Old 21 Mar 2006
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Ahhh, grant, Grant (excuse the pun)

sooo much better


Cheers Fernando,
I noticed that most bikes in the papers are Yamaha and thought that might play a role...

How about the milage on the XT? Not too much?




[This message has been edited by Atwoke (edited 21 March 2006).]
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BMW R100GS
Triumph Tiger 885
Yamaha XT600e

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  #20  
Old 21 Mar 2006
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Quote:
Originally posted by Atwoke:

Cheers Fernando,
I noticed that most bikes in the papers are Yamaha and thought that might play a role...

How about the milage on the XT? Not too much?
Well, if you could get one with less miles on the clock would be good, however I don't think this is a problem (on a well serviced bike)...

Honda and Yamaha are the common ones down there, I've never seen a KLR in Brazil to be honest, but owned a DR650 though (very difficult to get parts), and I think Suzukis and Kawas are pretty much the same...having said that, go for a Honda or Yamaha you can find people on the smallest villages to fix them if needed and CHEAP!
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  #21  
Old 22 Mar 2006
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Fernando,

Thanks again! You confirmed my thinking.

I think I know what I'll do....
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Triumph Tiger 885
Yamaha XT600e

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  #22  
Old 22 Mar 2006
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Quote:
Originally posted by Atwoke:
Fernando,

Thanks again! You confirmed my thinking.

I think I know what I'll do....
Cheers mate!

You're not going to Brazil then?

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  #23  
Old 23 Mar 2006
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Unfortunately not. I don't think well have enough time to do Brazil justice. Only 8 weeks in total, and after riding around Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, and doing the Inca Trail I fear we'll be running out of time.

Next time perhabs.

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  #24  
Old 9 Apr 2006
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Josh,
I hope I can answer some of your questions about what bike to take on an Americas tour.
I am currently in Ecuador, riding a 2005 BMW F650GS. My wife is also riding an F650GS. We have been through a lot of the Western US, Most of Mexico, and have hit all of the Central American countries. We will continue south.
In my opinion the F650GS is well suited for someone who does 80% paved roads. This bike is heavy so when you get into sand or gravel you need A LOT of upper body strength to man-handle the steering. The bike has a lot of tourque and it is true that power saves your butt when your front starts to go its own way. We have taken some pretty rough roads on these bikes, one stretch in Guatemala was over 100 miles of mountain roads, and the worst thing that happened to my bike was the back brake going out. That may have been due to rider error as my wifes bike has no noticable pad wear.
As for highway milage, we get 60 to 65 mpg and that has been speeds from 45 to 80 mph. Very comfortable on pavement.
Let me know if you have any specific questions,
Tom


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