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bike for 2-up across China, Asia bike for 2-up across China, Asia
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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 Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

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


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #1  
Old 15 Mar 2015
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bike for 2-up across China, Asia
Hi folks,

after Europe, North and West Africa last year by Toyota Landcruiser, and India the year before by tuktuk, we are now thinking of following Laura's footsteps (tire tracks?) across China, this time by motorcycle. I have ridden various bikes since a kid, currently ride a CBR929 sport bike locally for fun. Although my wife got her MC license a couple years ago (needed it to drive the tuktuk), she does not feel that she wants to ride her own bike through the cities of Asia.

So, two-up adventure bike. I am currently considering KTM 950 Adventure, BMW 1200GS or BMW R100GS Paris-Dakar. The 1200 seems very big and heavy. The KTM a bit tall (I am 5'-7") and not sure how comfortable for the pillion. The R100GS seems an interesting choice - I am a bit nostalgic, and mechanically inclined. There is a very nice 1994 Paris-Dakar locally for sale with 62k miles.

Need to be able to handle rough roads for long distances, be reasonably comfortable for two, and be very reliable. I have not personally ridden any of these bikes. Looking for perspectives from those who have - pros, cons, things to look out for.

Thanks in advance!

Rick
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  #2  
Old 16 Mar 2015
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Same dilemma I where solving half year ago for Asia trip this Summer. My main points was reliability, buid quality, fuel comsumption and ridig comfort. On finish line came up GS, Supertenere and Tiger. (KTM seat is not separated, passanger all the way slips over rider)
Finally we ended up with Super T.
Tested durig comig home from Germany. Road constuction sections with removed asphalt, grawel and sand- 80km/hr- no sterss. Last day milage- 1100km- next morning my wife jump on bike again.
And shaduled services I'm able to do my sef.
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  #3  
Old 26 Mar 2015
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made a decision
Decided on a 2010 KTM Adventure 990. Has 30k miles, but one owner and well sorted and maintained. Planning a trip to northern Canada as a trial.

Rick
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  #4  
Old 26 Mar 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rkubin999 View Post
Hi folks,

after Europe, North and West Africa last year by Toyota Landcruiser, and India the year before by tuktuk, we are now thinking of following Laura's footsteps (tire tracks?) across China, this time by motorcycle. I have ridden various bikes since a kid, currently ride a CBR929 sport bike locally for fun. Although my wife got her MC license a couple years ago (needed it to drive the tuktuk), she does not feel that she wants to ride her own bike through the cities of Asia.

So, two-up adventure bike. I am currently considering KTM 950 Adventure, BMW 1200GS or BMW R100GS Paris-Dakar. The 1200 seems very big and heavy. The KTM a bit tall (I am 5'-7") and not sure how comfortable for the pillion. The R100GS seems an interesting choice - I am a bit nostalgic, and mechanically inclined. There is a very nice 1994 Paris-Dakar locally for sale with 62k miles.

Need to be able to handle rough roads for long distances, be reasonably comfortable for two, and be very reliable. I have not personally ridden any of these bikes. Looking for perspectives from those who have - pros, cons, things to look out for.

Thanks in advance!

Rick
China? I curious about how the authorities would monitor your travel, doesn't the chi-coms get their feathers in a ruffle if you vary off the designated tourist layout? or have they become more open to people wandering around the back roads of the country? Because that does sound like a blast to do...
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  #5  
Old 1 Apr 2015
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Yes! Apparently it has opened up, with some bureaucracy of course.

here are some details:
OVERLANDING CHINA: SELF-DRIVE AND WITHOUT A GUIDE…IT’S NOW POSSIBLE! | Laura's Travel Tales
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Old 2 Apr 2015
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Hi guys,

thanks for adding my post, but it was from Oct last year and we've found an even better (cheaper) option.
All details here...

Travel Independently through China…Take 2! | Laura's Travel Tales

These guys (Tibetmoto) are well respected in the industry and well known too. They're in the process of organising groups for this year, going to/from all sorts of borers.
Best of luck to all ))
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  #7  
Old 3 Apr 2015
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Originally Posted by EvilNerdLord View Post
China? I curious about how the authorities would monitor your travel..
Well ~ as soon you check into foreigner approved guesthouses or hotels your passport details get reported to the PSB = Public Security Bureau and they will know exactly where your vehicle is most times due to the enormous amounts of traffic cameras (automatic license plate recognition). TIC = This Is China... nuff said'...
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Old 3 Apr 2015
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guess that means 'stealth' camping is frowned upon not that I would ever do anything like that....
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  #9  
Old 3 Apr 2015
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Originally Posted by EvilNerdLord View Post
guess that means 'stealth' camping is frowned upon not that I would ever do anything like that....
I crossed China with friends in their Landcruiser a couple of years ago and we camped on several occasions with no problem at all. The Chinese were either friendly and respectful or just pretended that we weren't there at all, although we had a guide who answered any questions from curious locals about who we were.
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  #10  
Old 3 Apr 2015
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well, now I'm more pumped to go there myself...sounds like a completely different place than I thought...If I can get away from the cities and see the 'real' china...
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