Best bike for S. America?

[TaosTraveler]

What is the best bike for South America. I'm planning a 6-month trip through, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and perhaps Brazil. Which is best for parts and maintenance BMW f650gs / f800gs, KLR 650 or something else?

[juanvaldez650]

Don't know about best but KLR will certainly work. BMW seems to have good support for new bikes in warranty.

[newrungs]

Hi,
Considering the road situation, I think that KLR650 would be good

[robson]

America Twin will be the best fit IMO.

[chris]

Originally Posted by robson

America Twin will be the best fit IMO.

Is that like an Africa Twin, but American?

[TaosTraveler]

I would prefer to buy something here in the US so I can ride it all summer and get it set up the way I want it then ship it down there. This is contingent on finding an affordable shipper. I don't really want to buy something there that is unfamiliar. Right now I'm looking at the KLR 650, a BMW f650 or 800 GS, and a Suzuki DR650. It would be nice to have something I can find parts and service for there if I need it.

[robson]

Originally Posted by TaosTraveler

I would prefer to buy something here in the US so I can ride it all summer and get it set up the way I want it then ship it down there. This is contingent on finding an affordable shipper. I don't really want to buy something there that is unfamiliar. Right now I'm looking at the KLR 650, a BMW f650 or 800 GS, and a Suzuki DR650. It would be nice to have something I can find parts and service for there if I need it.

all good choices except one, you don't really want go bmw route...

[mollydog]

Originally Posted by robson

America Twin will be the best fit IMO.

Can you fill in your profile and country location? Language?

Originally Posted by robson

all good choices except one, you don't really want go bmw route...

Have you owned/ridden any of the bikes listed by the OP?

Originally Posted by TaosTraveler

I would prefer to buy something here in the US so I can ride it all summer and get it set up the way I want it then ship it down there. This is contingent on finding an affordable shipper. I don't really want to buy something there that is unfamiliar. Right now I'm looking at the KLR 650, a BMW f650 or 800 GS, and a Suzuki DR650. It would be nice to have something I can find parts and service for there if I need it.

You can do research on ALL these bikes. Extensive ride reports on ALL and model specific boards for these bikes.

Many guys here on HUBB have done extensive rides on ALL these bikes. ASK about specific bikes with specific questions regards and issues/problems, pros & cons. None are perfect but all can be good travel bikes if set up properly.

Trails of South America (PtI)... a photo journal - ADVrider
Adam started his RTW ride on a BMW F650, he then switched to a DR650. Look up his comments about just how far superior the DR650 was as a travel bike. Great ride reports spanning several years, fantastic pics.

the DR650 thread - ADVrider
Biggest single thread on DR650 and biggest thread on ALL of ADV Rider.

www.DRRiders.com
DR650 specific forum. Very helpful group of owners.

2008 through 2014 KLR650 Discussion - KLR650.NET Forums - Your Kawasaki KLR650 Resource! - The Original KLR650 Forum!
KLR specific forum. Great support!

The BMW F650 Technical FAQs
BMW F650 FAQ and forum

[TaosTraveler]

Thanks for all your help. It was a tough choice but I found a great deal on a BMW f 650 gs that I couldn't pass up. 2010 with 4500 miles for $3000. I will check out the BMW tech page since it will need a lot of prepping (never ridden off road).

[ridetheworld]

Good luck with the Beemer! See plenty of brazilians on then here. Personally after 25'000k of riding here (on XR250) the only bike I'd swap it for world be either a DR650 or XR400, though EFI on any of them three would be a godsend.

[mollydog]

Originally Posted by ridetheworld

Good luck with the Beemer! See plenty of brazilians on then here. Personally after 25'000k of riding here (on XR250) the only bike I'd swap it for world be either a DR650 or XR400, though EFI on any of them three would be a godsend.

This deal did not work out for Taos. See posts on other threads ... was a scam.


He ended up buying a DR650 ... no feed back yet on how it's working out!