I'm sure you have heard this one...

[PIBIT]

...yes, I am a "newbie" to this site, and riding outside North America...and I know like most message boards all the oldtimers have heard this all before, however, here goes...my plan is "Alaska to Argentina" starting out from my home in Toronto summer or fall of 08. I currently ride a Honda Valkyrie with about 150 thousand miles on it...I have also had several Goldwings and have done many long (ironbutt) days in the saddle. I am just finding my way around here on my first day on this site...found this site via the Adventure handbook...my plan is to buy the GS 1200 Adventure for this trip (going alone thus far) and future trips as I hear this is the ultimate bike for this kind of trip...but I am interested in other recommendations from those who know better...how much off road stuff will I encounter...how is it at 80mph on a freeway compared to what i am used to...all input very much appreciated...no arrogance here, for sure.
Two weeks ago I was standing in a doctors office and he had a huge map of the world on his waiting room wall...saw Alaska and just followed the coast all the way down to the southern tip of Argentina and just knew I had to do this trip...it just makes total sense to me.
Thaks for all input...I hope to become a regular here.
PIBIT (Paint it Black in Toronto)

[mollydog]

I know you have this Zen sense from doing IBR events and in that way you have had the perfect training.

[Walkabout]

Hi PIBIT,
You will get lots of advice from this webpage and, hopefully, a bit of fun and entertainment along the way.

So welcome to the HUBB and enjoy reading the threads - some answers to all the questions in your head are there already!

As for the 1200GS, a fine bike; I reckon you will change your mind a 1/2 dozen times before you settle to your final decision, but that is all part of the fun!!

[trophymick]

Have a read on here about the 1200GS and the other models ::. UKGS'er.com .:: - Powered by vBulletin
There have been a few issues with them (1200's, reliability), but they still seem to sell well:confused1:


Trophymick

[PIBIT]

Thanks guys for the responses...to clarify...I am 52 and the "ironbutt" thing was just to illustrate that I have spent long days in the saddle...I have never bothered saving my gas receipts to actually get the plate tag or anything...and yes most of my riding has down a straight line along the interstates although I am ok when I get someplace alone as long as I can find a 6 pack and a clean room, both of which I know may not be garunteed on this trip...when younger, I lived in Thailand for four years and at 15 I hitchhiked to the west coast by myself, so I think I will be ok on my own. I did have a partner who rode on the back for many trips but not now and I don't think I would want to take that risk on a trip like this...ideally, it would be nice to find someone who is up for the trip on their own bike, however, no takers so far. I started riding dirt bikes at 12 and all my riding was off road until I turned 16 and could get a license, so I am comfortable with getting off the interstate. I plan on at least 3 months but would like to have the flexibility of 6, but it depends what I can negoitate from work...the GS 1200 is a possibility but was also thinking the Honda ST1300 particulrly if off road travel on this trip is not so much of an issue. The valk is all chromed out with a supercharger and gets about a 100 miles to a tank before reserve, and with all the miles on it is no longer a reliable enough ride, so I am in the market for a new bike anyway. And, by the way, I can't speak a word of Spanish and I have no mechanical ability whatsoever...two things I would like to address over the coming year.
Again, thanks for the responses....seems like a great group already...I am fully commited to this trip, will e doing it whether I should be or not, and looking for all the help and advice I can get...
PIBIT

[Walkabout]

Love it!

As Mollydog says, every bike you can imagine is on your proposed route right now, and guys who are 20 years older than you, with and without Pillions; suggest you take a look at the blogs on here as well as reading the threads - there are lots of ideas about bikes, routes, kit needed and not needed etc etc

[oldbmw]

Pibit
Most here have different opinions. most see things with a different slant. generally there is some good bits from most.
There is no perfect bike. Because your needs change as your mood changes, as the terrain and weather changes. Get a bike on which you are comfortable. Comfort at the end of a long day is worth a lot of horsepower. Most bikes will do most jouneys one way or another, Just try to synchronise its way with what you want and all will be well. You could invest millions in trying to get a bike that will never break down , but rest assured Murphy will get you in the end

[PIBIT]

Thanks...that would e my valkyrie if it got more than 25 miles to the gallon (supercharged) and didn't have so many miles on it..however, rumour has it there may be a new Valkyrie model this fall, if so...that will be it...
By the way, from the US to Argentina, you can ride all the way...right? No shipping, right?
PIBIT

[MountainMan]

Nope, can't ride all the way. Have to cross the Darien Gap, about 150km between Panama and Columbia. Fly over or boat around from Panama.

[PIBIT]

Bummer...can you travel by boat with your bike...sorta like a "ferry"? What is the usual way of going around this part of the journey?
PIBIT

[Walkabout]

Originally Posted by MountainMan

Nope, can't ride all the way. Have to cross the Darien Gap, about 150km between Panama and Columbia. Fly over or boat around from Panama.

PIBIT,
Use the search for the key words shown in the quote here.

e.g.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...earchid=517565
That's the Darien Gap dealt with as a starter.

As stated, you fly or you boat the gap.