Hi all,

I am looking at doing a trip from Ecuador down through Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina early next year, some of which will be 2-up and am having a dilemma about the bike.

I currently ride a BMW R1200GS so the obvious idea would be to use that, but it has the standard cast wheels, plus petrol can be tricky to find I believe in N Chile etc so I am considering trading up to a 1200GSA, giving the extra range, spoked wheels, engine protection etc. Expensive but affordable. I have ridden it and I like it. This may seem the ultimate setup but doubts are creeping into my mind. Firstly the sheer weight of the thing, especially when fully loaded. If/when I drop it can I/we lift it !? Secondly, is riding a 10K UKP bike around South America asking for too much unwanted attention ? Thirdly, used ones are like hens teeth so would probably be new and thus have less time to get through any teething troubles. Still, I am very tempted by it.

So what are the alternatives ? Upgrading my 1200GS with the desired bits and bobs would probably be only a bit cheaper than trading up. Other bikes ?

1150GS/GSA. Heavier still and being older, more chance of mechanical issues ?

What else is there that is good for 2-up with luggage (inc camping) ? The only thing I can think of is an Africa Twin. Pros are that it would be cheap, Honda parts easy to get, less flashy. Cons: water cooled, carbs, chain, bit lower on power ? Older so more chance of a breakdown ?

All good bikes that people have had great adventures on of course but which way to go from my present position ?

Any thoughts appreciated,

Ian

flyerb,
I am a bit surprised that you have not picked up on some of the discussions in other threads; for instance, I suggest that you take a look at the Suzuki thread about the VStrom DL1000/650 and you could read into the KTM thread.

By the time of the bike shows, which will kick off in the near future, we should know a lot more about various other manufacturers offerings for 2008. The 800GS comes to mind for example.

Hard to say anymore really; not clear how much you may ride 1 up/2 up, on the tarmac etc.

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Dave

I'm just finishing up a run from the states to Ecuador (in Ecuador now). My wife and I were 2-up on a DL650. Plenty of power- really, you don't need a 1200 for on- or off-road.

We were happy with cast rims. We dented them in Panama, but repaired them easily. No flats on this trip.

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Ted, DL650, wanderer.

Sure the big GS could be the best of them all for big roads while fully loaded & 2-up. But its a big and heavy machine for any worse conditions. It looks expensive, too, guess riding one is a good way to tell everyone youve got plenty of dolares to spend.

Dont know if theyre all true, but ive heard of an awful lot of technical worries with the 1200-model. That is surprising, as BMW´s got a reputation of building highly reliable bikes.. well, it just could be that the "old" 1150 was better. I dont mean to slam BMW, in fact I like their bikes, but it is strange there has been so much talk about issues with the big GS.

In the past ive owned a few Africa Twins, five of them to be exact, and the XRV is a bulletproof bike.. ok, the fuel pump or regulator may need replacing (or so they say, mine never did) and I mustve ridden something like 200.000kms with them. Never ever had one big problem with them. I wouldnt hesitate to take one on a RTW tour, that bike really lives up to its reputation. Sure it has less power than a 1200, but (except for motorways maybe), its always been enough for my needs. Too bad Honda havent done a newer version, and used ones are getting older.

Ive read a lot of good things about the Suzuki Vstrom, in fact I have a 650 now, but only ridden for less than 10000kms with it, so cannot really comment on its reliability yet. I had an SV before, though, thats basically the same engine, and it was just as troublefree as the Africa Twin.

the boys are young, strong and fairly fit,

But not a good two up bike.

Here in SA you can get two DR650SE for the price of one GSA and have money left for riding school for the missus and a lekker holiday.
Questions?
If I would have the choice I would always opt for two small bikes rather than one army tank. What are the chances that you break or crash two bikes simultaneously?

gas range

Hi, no comment on the bikes but the only spot with scarce fuel was Paso de Jama which only needed range from SP de Atacama to Solsques (or something, look for first town on the map in Arg) 100 miles to border + 90 miles, surely you can make that? You won`t be taking anything 2 up where I ran out of gas...

Have not been through north CHile except for this but this is the most isolated of the lot?

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The Road To Rio - Locokiwi

I agree, better if this couple were both on two wheels.

While I don't speak Afrikans I do have a few friends who do so my guess is 'lekker' means 'good/nice'. Am I right??

Bruce.

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www.brucethart.blogspot.com

bruceontheloose:

Nice one Bruce!!!

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Dave

lekker = good, nice, tasty