which bike
 

ok you lot africa twin or big bm traveling usa to south america march ish next year on to oz . im well versed in running and maintaining bikes just usless at deciding which one my brain now hurts, help.i wont be carrying a pillion or tonnes of junk will set the bike up as to the terrain. thanks folks

errr, neither?

650 single. light, cheap, easy to ride anywhere.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

I agree with Grant completely. Light good - heavy bad in my humble experience. You are one up without loads of kit... If you don't need a big bike don't take one. If you must take one or the other I recommend the AT - the best build quality on the market, comfortable and lighter than an 1150/1200GS.

Any help?

thankslee i have tested two very low milage at ,s with luggage ,im going to end up taking more than i thought i can see it they seemed a bit top heavy ill try the 650 bm next but the at seems quite a good all rounder ,thanks

I have an Africa Twin (after 10 years of Transalps) and use it for the daily commute (150 miles a day). It's very reliable, but the build quality is not as good as people generally believe (mine is a 2001 model). You may not be worried by rust though!

Knowing parts (but not all) of South America I'd say the AT would be fine for most things (I saw quite a few out there), but it would not be my choice - in fact the Transalp is a far better bet, and there are more of them too. The AT is just too heavy, and the trans-continental cruising ability of the AT and the BMWs for me somehow detracts from the journey, because when I travel I like to see and spend time in the areas I'm travelling through rather than get through them ASAP. These larger bikes tend to encourage that, at least with me aboard!

Overall, I agree with Grant et al. - a 650 single is the way to go. Keep it light and simple. If you are not two up or carrying the kitchen sink a single is enough, liquid or air cooled. Any bike will do though. Perhaps you need to have a shot at a shorter but similar trip with an AT or GS to find out what you'll want.

Stig