XR400 or CB/CX400 for S. America

**hanshans** · #1 21 Jul 2001

I'm looking to travel through Central and South America and I see it's quite a long way. Should I go with an Honda XR400 or something more comfortable like a Honda CB or CX?

I definitely want to get back up into the mountains but I really don't know what the road will be like. Could anyone tell me his or her opinion as to which bike and what the trail will be like?

Thank you much!

**Grant Johnson** · #2 12 Aug 2001

I'd suggest the XR400 if you really want to get into the mountains, the pavement doens't last long. But you're right, it is a long way - otoh, are you in a hurry?

Read Ryan and Dan's account of their trip - same route on CB550's. It's in the Travellers Stories section.

The "road" varies from excellent to absolutely terrible - you, your interests, and your experience and bike choice will dictate where you turn back.

You can go all the way to Ushuaia on pavement if you're lucky, if not, well it can get interesting when the weather turns bad. Read my account of Ecuador at http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/johnson/Ecuador.shtml. Thsis should give you some idea of the bad end of the scale.

An XR appropriately loaded (LIGHTLY) will be a blast on the backroads, easy and fun. BUT you will have fewer creature comforts. And ride slower on the good roads - but that's not a bad thing.

Have fun!

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**nomad** · #3 20 Aug 2001

Hanshans

I grew up in Bolivia and i can tell you that the paved road runs out very quickly even if you stick to the pan american highway. My suggestion would be the XR400. If you are there during the rainy season you will defintely need the clearance etc. Also, some of the best parts are off the main roads.
For what it's worth, i'll be doing the same trip next year on a XR650L. Am working on bike setup at the moment.

Good luck