Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
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 Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posts: 45
2-up bike dilemma

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
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 31 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Decisions, decisions!

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.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 31 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon, USA
Posts: 54
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.
__________________
Ted, DL650, wanderer.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 31 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
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.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 Jul 2007
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
the boys are young, strong and fairly fit,

But not a good two up bike.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 05:48.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 303
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?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Posts: 146
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?
__________________
The Road To Rio - Locokiwi
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Aug 2007
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
I agree, better if this couple were both on two wheels.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 05:48.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Albany, West Australia
Posts: 63
lekker

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.
__________________
www.brucethart.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 5 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
bruceontheloose:

Nice one Bruce!!!
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 13 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 303
lekker = good, nice, tasty
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Customs impounded Bike in Argentina skip SOUTH AMERICA 11 30 Nov 2006 16:17
Buying a bike in America kitcross Trip Transport 2 19 Feb 2006 02:52
Clearing bike at Buenos Aires Airport Fritz Trip Paperwork 2 3 Nov 2005 05:48
UK citizen on Australian bike to NZ & S America ribspare Trip Paperwork 7 11 Mar 2005 14:27
Bike missionary to Hungary needs information. TresMon Make a Difference 3 26 Feb 2005 19:59

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:41.