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Which bike for me?? Which bike for me??
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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 Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

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


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



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  #1  
Old 24 Aug 2006
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Smile Which bike for me??
Which bike??

I am looking at doing a trip flying from Australia, buying a bike in USA and heading north as far as I can before it is too cold (Alaska would be nice). Then south travelling through Mexico (Baha Peninsula, Copper Canyon), Central America and South America (including ruta 40). I think it will still be wet season in Central America to I am nervous about mud on a heavy road bike?

I have not ridden a motorcycle for 20 years (apart from scooters) although I rode both a motocross and road bike before that. I am 5 ‘8’ tall and weigh 68kg. I will have camping equipment. I keep very fit and can sit on a road bicycle for 3 to 4 hours at a time. No mechanical experience although I used to pull apart the motocross bike and put that back together just fine. Thinking of taking about 1 year. Leaving in 2 to 3 weeks time.

From what I have read the KLR650, DL Vstrom650 and the BMW F650GS are the best bet. The BMW seems to be overpriced and I may not get enough back trying to sell in South America.

So what do you think is best for me the KLR or the Vstrom??

Thanks
Maurice
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  #2  
Old 24 Aug 2006
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Nervous about the mud, keen for freeze?
If you like cold and snow go ahead for Alaska.
I think it doesn't look a good idea doing Alaska after mid Oct.
Instead you can go around in B.Colombia.

V-Strom sounds better IMHO.

Good luck
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  #3  
Old 26 Aug 2006
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Thanks for feedback
I agree about Alaska, unfortunately I left it too late. Idaho, Montana, Utah are appealing and very likely.

I wont spend too long in the US though as I would rather spend more time in Mexico, CA and SA. They are cheaper and less like Australia (home)

Patrick I know you are a huge Vstrom fan. I have read many of your positive reports in other threads. I look forward to trying one out. They seem to be quite a bit more expensive that the KLR. Are they worth the extra? Particularly since I will be having to sell in SA to a very reduced market as it appears I cannot sell to a local, leaving me only other travellers.

Cheers
Maurice
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  #4  
Old 26 Aug 2006
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You better get moving bud, times a wasting.
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Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 02:54.
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  #5  
Old 1 Nov 2006
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KLR, if you don't mind going 70 to 75 mph on the highway.
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