Which bike for me??
 

Which bike??

I am looking at doing a trip flying from Australia, buying a bike in USA and heading north as far as I can before it is too cold (Alaska would be nice). Then south travelling through Mexico (Baha Peninsula, Copper Canyon), Central America and South America (including ruta 40). I think it will still be wet season in Central America to I am nervous about mud on a heavy road bike?

I have not ridden a motorcycle for 20 years (apart from scooters) although I rode both a motocross and road bike before that. I am 5 ‘8’ tall and weigh 68kg. I will have camping equipment. I keep very fit and can sit on a road bicycle for 3 to 4 hours at a time. No mechanical experience although I used to pull apart the motocross bike and put that back together just fine. Thinking of taking about 1 year. Leaving in 2 to 3 weeks time.

From what I have read the KLR650, DL Vstrom650 and the BMW F650GS are the best bet. The BMW seems to be overpriced and I may not get enough back trying to sell in South America.

So what do you think is best for me the KLR or the Vstrom??

Thanks
Maurice:biggrin3:

Nervous about the mud, keen for freeze?
If you like cold and snow go ahead for Alaska.
I think it doesn't look a good idea doing Alaska after mid Oct.
Instead you can go around in B.Colombia.

V-Strom sounds better IMHO.

Good luck

Thanks for feedback
 

I agree about Alaska, unfortunately I left it too late. Idaho, Montana, Utah are appealing and very likely. :thumbup1:

I wont spend too long in the US though as I would rather spend more time in Mexico, CA and SA. They are cheaper and less like Australia (home)

Patrick I know you are a huge Vstrom fan.:clap: I have read many of your positive reports in other threads. I look forward to trying one out. They seem to be quite a bit more expensive that the KLR. Are they worth the extra? Particularly since I will be having to sell in SA to a very reduced market as it appears I cannot sell to a local, leaving me only other travellers.

Cheers
Maurice:scooter:

You better get moving bud, times a wasting.

KLR, if you don't mind going 70 to 75 mph on the highway.