The good, the bad and the ugly...
 

KLR 650 or BMW 650 DAKAR?

We are planning a trip through the Americas (3 guys, 3 bikes), and I've narrowed it down to these 2 bikes.
Some people swear for one, some for the other, I almost made up my mind for the Kawi due to the possibility of lowering it to some 32 1/2 inches (I'm 5-07"), the fact that it's been around since 1987, parts are relatively inexpensive and available all over, they appear not to break, and there are tons of aftermarket stuff for it, especially to customize it for a long trip, but I still beg you to tell me which would be better suited (and why) for going down to Tierra Del Fuego and back to San Diego (down west, back on the east side of the Americas).
Thank you fellas, enjoy yer bikes and yer beers....

[This message has been edited by Dario (edited 25 July 2004).]

Either would do you well, however my pick would be the BMW if money is not a problem. The reason is the BMW I believe comes with fuel injection, so it should handle the altatude changes better. Also from my resurch the BMW is a better bike, however both are good bikes. People have diffrent opinions on fuel injection vs carbs, but modern technology seems very reliable these days.


Since you mentioned a height issue you may consider the Suzuki DR650. A They are lower than other bikes in its class and can be lowered more.

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John

I have the KLR. I also am planning such a journey and the decision in favor of the KLR came down to what type of riding, road wise I hope to do. My plan is to explore anywhere 2 wheels can take a person, be it pavement or otherwise the KLR is that tractor capable of such endeavors. All the notable bikes in this class are very competent if they are not pushed beyond their limitations. For example DR more dirt worthy BMW more street oriented and the KLR a compromise, falling somewhere between the DR and BMW. Also in favor of the KLR is the fact that the design/tech has not change since 1987, couple that with the aftermarket products and support you can purchase a used/low mileage bike, install upgrades/luggage, all for the price of a new/stock KLR.

Trip to S. America
 

I have a KLR but I wrote because there is a story that should interest you and be helpful in your trip. Mike Jacobs did the trip on his 2001 KLR and has a very detailed trip story at kilrog.com He goes into details about his border crossings and places he stayed.

broken link?
 

Bob-not able to get the link to work :confused1:

I just did a google on his name and found -
KLR Owners Group KLR 650,KLR650,Motorcycle Adventure Touring,dualsport,Ushuaia,Prudhoe Bay,Inuvik