Thanks Maria,

I will see if some local guys have a dr650 to sit on and then we will know more. The bmw 650 is a good choice to but I find the simple DR be more accessible to work on.

The DR is simpler and lighter. I rode 23,000 miles around south america on a BMW 650GS. I would not recommend it. On top of having lots of software and electric/electronic problems, the bike is top heavy. Also for any repair, you need specific BMW parts and plug the bike to a BMW computer diagnosis software. Not easy once off the beaten track.

I rented another F650 in the US and had similar problems; so it is common on that bike.

But the beemer is lower vs. the DR. Depend how much dirt / unpaved roads you plan to do and how comfortable your missus is on that sort of ground?

In the end there is no "perfect" bike. It depends on what you like and what you want to ride!

Here in Rio I did nasty dirt roads on my Kwak er-6n with road tyres.... anything is doable in the end....
Have fun!

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Maria

www.franglais-riders.com

hoi,

I'm doiing the 3 America's on a perfect F 650 GS BMW, build in 2001. No big problems so far and the small things we could fix it easly ourself or in any mechanic shop.
i'l very happy with it. I'm 160 cm small and can handle the bike without any problem.

Kiss the ride!

Ils

So very true. I don't think anyone can tell anyone else what to ride, as each person has different abilities, and different ideas on what kind of route they want to ride. Of course Hendi, you weren't looking for an answer, just some ideas!

Despite being told my bike is too old, or I should get myself a GS, my touring has all been done on a Honda Bros - not the most common choice of bike, but I love it. I also have an XT225 - but it doesn't have the bags to carry all my kit, and I don't think it's reliable enough (yet?) for long journeys.

You have to ride to your bike, and your comfort zone. This is true regardless of gender - but we ladies do have less strength and height to work with. I know I can ride a bigger heavier faster bike than the Bros, but the margins for error would be smaller. Likewise, there are some roads I choose not to risk on Bros, that I would fly down on the Serow.

One moment of unintentional genius with a previous boyfriend was the decision to take two bikes of the same model. This was decided on mainly because if anything had happened to the boyfriends main bike I would have felt bad as the trip was my idea. What it did mean was (a) fewer spares and tools needed, and (b) we both had the same speed & acceleration available. No frustations from the fella on the faster bike having to wait for me (though he did still take those corners faster, I'll have to admit), no frustrations and risk taking from little me on the smaller bike trying to keep up. Worth bearing in mind in my opinion, though you gents may have your own ideas!

Hi there...I am currently in Peru having flown my BMW F650GS over to Buenes Aires in Argentina. Its a 2009 plate...so computer managed! The bike is great to ride...the seat is awful!!..had to have a new fuel pump in Argentina...US$1200..as it's an imported part (covered by my BMW warranty..phew)..But..when the bike is going down, it's heavy..and unless you are a very skilled biker..riding in sand...well..I just kept dropping the bike. We have met many bikers who have chosen the KLR 650 here..it's versatile..not too heavy and spare parts are quite easily available..i.e. the police in Bolivia ride this bike! I am 5'10" so don't have a problem with the height of the bike..it's a comfy position for me..wish I had had a gel seat fitted beforehand though. But..it's powerful enough to get me up through the high altitudes..around the tight mountain bends and past the many lorries. Would I choose this bike for an overland trip again..probably not..purely because it is so heavy...not as top heavy as the single that I had..but once it's on it's way down I do not have the upper body strength to stop it going good luck...do your research well...there's thousands of miles out here in the world to travel...but a numb bum is no fun!! And bear in mind the spare parts and imported costs wherever you may be!! Have fun on the road

As the female half of Kate and Will, I ride a Yamaha XT 250, which is available in the States. I got mine in Australia. It lacks a bit of oomph but I rode it from Sydney to London last year and for most of the journey, it was just perfect. It struggled to keep up with Will's DR650 on the vast open stretches of road across Australia, and again in Kazakhstan. But through Nepal, India and Pakistan, where the going was pretty slow and often difficult terrain, it was ideal. It is light, I can put both feet flat on the floor when sat astride it (i'm about 5'6") and it is easy to ride. Although I haven't ever had to pick it up on my own when I've dropped it (Will has always been around to help ), I feel confident that I could, if I had to!

At times, I would like to change the bike for something with a bit more go, but I feel so comfortable and confident on this bike now, and that is so important.

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