We're pertty new to this, but have always dreamed of riding south america, we're researching which bikes to do it on, I'm thinking of trying it on a Harley sportster, can anyone offer me any advice on this, and recommend a better of similar bike?

to the HUBB...... this Guy travelled a lot on a Harley! and he did it without the use of legs..... Respect!

www.davebarr.com

Martyn

Which Sportster were you going for? I've only had a go on the little one (883), but it seemed hugely gutless. That was just with my 13 stone on and no pillion.

With a pillion (I'm assuming, because you say 'we'') and all associated gear, I don't think you would be getting much of a move on.

If you haven't got your heart set on Harleying it across the states, take a look at some of the threads for more regular adventure bikes. There are hundreds on here. Or maybe look at a Jap cruiser? The Star series from Yamaha are very good, especially the 1600 (Midnight?) Star.

I can see the attraction of doing the trip on a Harley though. If I was to do it I would pick the Fat Boy or the Road King, partly for their added luggage/pilion capability, but mostly for their appearance and just sheer 'yankeeness.' I never said I wasn't shallow.

Some people will say that a cruiser is not the bike for S.A, but this board was founded in the spirit of adventure, and as most people will tell you, any bike is a RTW bike.

Happy Riding

Joel

I had an XV1600 (Wildstar) in the UK and it was a great bike for just kickin back and lettin the Miles roll by...I wouldnt personally RTW on one, rear rubber far too exspensive and economy, well, I did have V&H Bigshots, a Kuryakyn Hypercharger & Dynojetted it....
Probably in the region of 35mpg but i did ride it Hard! ( 2 up, luggaged to the max, naughty on the speed limits) I could eke it out to 50 if i was carefull but there was naff all fun that way.
Handling, once you got used to the fact that you had to muscle it some when you were moving along it was fine, footboards were niceley chamfered and bits of frame ground away too, from seriously overenthusiastic cornering in the Lake District two up.
All in all, Id rather have a Wildie than a Harley. 100% reliable! never a problem, ever in 13,800 miles. ( in all that time it had two oil changes.... and 1 set of new front pads, 1 front tyre, 3 rears)

Martyn

Actually we were looking at getting 2 1200's so no pillion, mainly in light of off roading( some at least) I figure a sporty would handle dirt a little more forgivingly than a road king,( which is my ideal bike btw)

two of the same should cut down a little on what we have to carry regarding parts and tools, and the simple and accessable motor design should make roadside repairs a little less complicated. what I need to kno0w about would be endurance of the brand and accessability of spare parts.

any help would be appreciated

'had an XV1600 (Wildstar)'

Ah, I stand corrected, Wildstar, not Midnightstar! Nice bikes, good effort on grounding away the frame! I agree with the reliability too. I like it when people say I'm not wrong. Haha.

'Actually we were looking at getting 2 1200's so no pillion, mainly in light of off roading( some at least) I figure a sporty would handle dirt a little more forgivingly than a road king,( which is my ideal bike btw) '

As I have only had a go on the little one, I can't comment through experience - but the kid in me says they look and sound cool, so it is the correct bike. I'm sure the extra 400ccs would alleviate the gutlessness of the 883 too. It's like I read your mind with the Road King - great minds....
Got to agree that I wouldn't fancy dragging one off road though.

'what I need to kno0w about would be endurance of the brand and accessability of spare parts. '

Definitely going the right way with taking the same bike. As for availability of parts, I'm sure that finding Harley parts in North America would be like seaching for sand in the Sahara. As for S.A. I don't know about availability on the road, but Mr FedEx is your friend. Like you say, it is a big simple stone age bit of tech, which is an absolute bonus for roadside fixing.

It is also essential to properly 'bob' them up and take off all the extraneous chromey bits that will only vibrate themselves off anyway!



Sex.

Happy Riding

Joel