Here's a dilemma I have, cost of new bikes that I have settled on for a trip. First off, I want new bike and set it up the way I like so not have to worry about IPO (idiot previous owner) issues. The 2 bikes I have settled on for a trip down to S. America and most likely RTW are an 07 Wee or 07 KLR. $6500usd OTD for the Wee and $4900usd OTD for the KLR (I've found in California).

Now, lets not count panniers and stuff you would kit both bikes with for the trip. So, taking into consideration that there seems to be a long list of "MUST DO" mods before a long trip on the KLR, $500usd over what the OTD is what I'm guessing minimum (am I right?).

I'm not wanting to rock radical offroad during my trip (stick mainly to paved or fire-type roads but sometimes the roads south will treat the bike like you're offroading it seems when you're not). Is there a big difference for maintenance, parts, general upkeep? I am NOT a moto mechanic, but I'm (I will learn the model I choose for a month or 2 crossing the States before the dip south though) so reliability and ease of maintenance is #1, comfort #2.

Question is, $1100'ish more for the Wee, would it really be worth it? I'm 38 years old, and have budgeted about $45usd a day for the trip south/RTW if that matters at all with the above questions.

Thanks for all input. -Shane

Hey there.

First, decide which bike suits you best for long riding days. That'll be worth the price difference if the DL is more comfortable. If your budget is strained, go with the KLR. It'll do fine on street and dirt.

The KLR has a huge aftermarket and support community. It's probably easier to work on (I have a KLR but never wrenched on a DL).

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Done with Prudhoe Bay and Ushuaia.

http://www.errant-ronin.com/PrudhoeBayUshuaia.htm

A friend of mine has a flawlessly running high mileage (85k+) Wee with Jesse's both sides, top box, skidplate, centerstand...and some other nifty stuff, really well set up for touring. And the idiot is going to sell it. He's moving to the 250-400 size world.

If you're interested, PM me. But regardless, don't feel squeemish about a used Wee that's had regular maintenance. Zuki built that motor right, right out of the blocks.

I would personally put on a KLR the front brake, upgrade handguards, air horn first for RTW (horn really would help)

seat is optional, I no longer feel it after 5 months. Very good offroad all day performance.

I have wrecked a couple of times today, the IMS shift lever just bent where the stock lever would have left me stranded.

don`t worry about the centre stand, just more weight and you get pretty canny at propping up the bike soon.

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The Road To Rio - Locokiwi