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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 Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
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Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



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  #1  
Old 7 Oct 2012
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 28
Two up around S.America with not much cash...

Hi all,

At the moment I'm just getting my full license - I'm going to fly out to Santiago and get a 125... However, my GF expressed interest in coming along, so thinking that 125 is already going to struggle at high-altitude, can anyone make a better suggestion for the two of us? I'm looking for something:

1. Economical / Cheap
2. Reliable / easy to find spares
3. Nothing fast or heavy, just enough power to get us both up the hills.

Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 8 Oct 2012
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Posts: 2
Hi,

I live in Santiago/Chile. Do you want to ship your bike to Chile or buy here? There is a decent second hand market here, or do you want to buy new? I would definitely recommend a larger bike if you want to enjoy your ride, especially 2 up. What about an XT600 or similar? Let me know your budget and I can tell you what you could get here.

saludos,

Janni
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  #3  
Old 8 Oct 2012
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: kuala lumpur, Malaysia
Posts: 138
Hi!,
I just did the South America trip early this year. I was on KLR 650 model 2009. Bought it in Cali, Colombia and sell it again same place after my trip.
Not promote any bike but from my experience the KLR performed excellent. I had 2 punctured, clutch cable broke, 2 set of tyres and a set of sprocket and chain replaced and battery terminal loose. In fact, in Potosi, Bolivia due to my own mistake, the pump girl put in diesel into the KLR tank. I took 2 hours to clean the tank myself, put new petrol and off I go again.
The KLR also did not suffer altitude. I only clean the air filter once through out that trip due to heavy dust along Ruta 40 Argentina and La Quiaca - Tupiza - Uyuni Bolivia. I was 2 up.

Amzah
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  #4  
Old 8 Oct 2012
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Join Date: Dec 2009
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I bought a 125 wich was good for me but not strong enouth for two people + luggage Diavortrag: Die Welt da draussen ist auch HD
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  #5  
Old 19 Oct 2012
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Posts: 6
2-up on KLR

Quote:
Originally Posted by amzahsulaiman View Post
Hi!,
I just did the South America trip early this year. I was on KLR 650 model 2009. Bought it in Cali, Colombia and sell it again same place after my trip.
Not promote any bike but from my experience the KLR performed excellent. I had 2 punctured, clutch cable broke, 2 set of tyres and a set of sprocket and chain replaced and battery terminal loose. In fact, in Potosi, Bolivia due to my own mistake, the pump girl put in diesel into the KLR tank. I took 2 hours to clean the tank myself, put new petrol and off I go again.
The KLR also did not suffer altitude. I only clean the air filter once through out that trip due to heavy dust along Ruta 40 Argentina and La Quiaca - Tupiza - Uyuni Bolivia. I was 2 up.

Amzah
Amzah - I'm very interested in your post. I am thinking about getting a KLR for a long trip which at times will be solo and at times 2-up. What was your passenger's experience on the bike? Was he or she comfortable? Did you have metal panniers on the bike and if so, were they filled with gear? How long were you on the road for?

Let me know your thoughts about getting this bike for a 6 month trip which will be 2-up part of the time.

Thanks.
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