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Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 29 Aug 2010
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BMW 1100 or 1200RT to Argentina

I'm planning a trip US to Argentina. Would an RT be OK for this route or should I go with the 650 or 1200GS. I'm 57 and worried about driver fatigue with the GS.

Thanks!
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Old 29 Aug 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rasjay View Post
I'm planning a trip US to Argentina. Would an RT be OK for this route or should I go with the 650 or 1200GS. I'm 57 and worried about driver fatigue with the GS.

Thanks!
I've done long, multi-1000 mile trips on pavement and gravel on both, the F650 and the 1200GS. Can't give you much feedback on the RT.

A couple of questions you need to ask yourself/provide answers to:
1. At 57 you're considered a young man (57 is the new 40 ). Are you physically fit to handle the 1200 GS by yourself if in a pinch?
2. Do you intend to stay on pavement or, better yet, what do you anticipate in terms of ratio, traveling on pavement vs. gravel?
3. Have you done any long(er) trips before?
4. Why do thing fatigue is an issue?

Personally, I find the big GS less fatiguing because of its mass and momentum. But, that's just me... (I'm 47 and not exactly into any fitness or sport routine )
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  #3  
Old 30 Aug 2010
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Location: Santiago, Chile
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Which Bike?

It's been done on damn near everything with wheels. I just finished the trip on an R1200gs, and it did great. But so did my daughter's f650gs right along side. I would not fancy horsing an RT through some of the dodgy bits. I do NOT think BMW is the only way to go, but it is a way and did great for us. Saw a lot of KLRs on the road. Might be worth considering...

What you ride is probably secondary -- just know you're going to have a fantastic time, no matter what it is you launch on, and believe that 300 mile day counsel -- you're gonna take longer than you may think. Especially if you stop to admire the coconuts!
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  #4  
Old 30 Aug 2010
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Thanks

I really appreciate all the great advice. We're on the absolute beginning stages of trip preparation and the learning curve is huge. I've ruled out the GT for sure after comments and riding one this weekend - bad idea! Still a few more bikes to check out but the BMW GS (1200 or 650) is the current lead contender.
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  #5  
Old 31 Aug 2010
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Hi Man
I am 55 and I went from Argentina to Colombia and back on a Honda CB 250 Nighthawk without problem. Take selfconfidence and go. By the way, drop in my house in 34°35'2.25"S 60°56'43.84"O and tell me about MN. Cheers
Raul
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