Originally Posted by Christopherjs

How do you think the new (KLR) rates given the specs as it seems to address some of the concerns with lights, doohicky, seat, "A high-capacity 36W alternator powers a new higher-output headlight" better spokes, stronger suspension (although less travel) etc etc.

Originally Posted by elgreen

Haven't heard about a new "doohicky" in the new KLR. The part number has changed several times over the years but it has remained the same cruddy weldment all that time (other than the original one-piece stamped part in early KLR's). I have not personally seen the new KLR (due to slow sales of the 2007 models the new 2008 model isn't going to get here in the United States until September or October, probably), but it's the same basic bike. I have some concerns about whether the new shroud will be unduly fragile, and because the design of the luggage rack has changed current luggage mounts may not fit, so personally I'd look for the "old" KLR rather than go with the new one if I were setting out for a long trip today. That said, the new one is definitely on my list of bikes to look at when my current KLR dies (but that may be a while, I have "only" 36,000 miles on my KLR).



Indeed, that is why. The only Transalps we have here in the United States are 15 year old models, and comparing those to the new models is rather senseless. As far as the 15 year old models we have here goes, they weigh about 125 pounds more than a KLR (which itself is no lightweight), and have much less suspension travel. Capability-wise they're similar to the Suzuki V-Strom 650, i.e., a smooth highway cruiser and okay on a gravel road but a disaster when the road turns to mud and ruts (not that a KLR is much fun in that situation either, but at least if you put decent off-road-oriented tires like a Kenda 270 on it, you'll get out of there, even if you might need to drag it out of a mud hole or two on its side). You'll also have problems getting parts for the thing if it breaks here in the Americas, since the current-generation bikes are not sold here and dealers don't sell parts for them (unlike KLR's, where more common parts are easily obtained either directly from local motorcycle shops or via airmail from Fred at Arrowhead Motorsports). So if you're doing the Americas, I'd probably advise against the Transalp.

Originally Posted by Christopherjs

El,
As you have a KLR, do you do two up? How does it handle it two up with hard panniers & gear? (panniers are so they can be locked up)

Originally Posted by elgreen

I don't do two up. If you put a stronger rear spring and change out the subframe bolts the KLR will do two-up better than other 650cc singles, but that isn't saying much. Too much weight on the back of the bike makes it handle weird. That said, if you travel light and get metal paniers that tuck tightly to the side of the bike and put heavy stuff in your tank bag and tank paniers to reduce the weight behind you and your pillion, you can make it work. It's just not where the KLR's comfort zone is, especially since you'll be taxing the bike's already-limited power (i.e., better switch to a 14 tooth front sprocket if you're hauling that much weight). And BTW, if you and your pillion add up to more than 300 pounds, forget about it -- adding another 100 pounds of luggage and luggage contents (typical) will exceed the weight limits of the bike.

Originally Posted by elgreen

320 pounds isn't that bad, the KLR isn't going to disintegrate just because you have 20 pounds overloaded, though with a lot of gear you're going to not be having much fun. Just out of curiousity, why not ride two motorcycles? That adds a lot of safety in remote areas, because if one motorcycle breaks down and nobody comes along within a few hours who can help haul you to the next town, you still have one motorcycle to get somewhere that you can hire help. It doesn't matter if she's not any good at motorcycling yet, when Chris and Spice set out to tour South America on their KLR's, Spice had never ridden a motorcycle before, but she picked it up just fine. Adventure motorcycling means just that -- adventuring. Which means stretching your limits in some cases.

I did realise that about the weight but thought that our weight plus gear is going to add up considerably and as you said it may not be much fun (whcih i want it to be).
I am encouraging my partner to get her license soon but i do not think she has or will have the confidence to ride in hectic traffic or bad mountain roads. She has been riding a mountain bike for a long time yet she still does not like riding in traffic and i think this is her thinking also. Having said that she has agreed to get her license but she is thinking more in an emergency situation rather than riding. I guess shipping one bike would also be cheaper than two if i was looking for positives.


If you absolutely insist on two-up, probably a big BMW twin has the best parts availability of big "adventure" bikes in the Americas. Not that this is saying too much, because for most of the past two decades it was the *only* big "adventure" bike sold in the Americas. The limitations of the big BMW twins when encountering mud are well known (hint: get rid of the inner fenders, they will pack up with mud and put you down), but with TKC-80 tires they're adequate as long as you don't go into car-swallowing mud holes. And as I noted, while parts availability for BMW's is not the best in the Americas, parts availability for current-generation Transalps is absolutely non-existent in the Americas...

Originally Posted by elgreen

Hmm, you are right, I just pulled up the Honda Argentina site and the Transalp *is* sold there. On the other hand, it weighs 191kg while the BMW 1200GS weighs 199kg. Trivial difference. I also note that both the Transalp and BMW have a low fender and thus will not work on muddy roads, the mud will collect between the fender and the tire and eventually lock the wheel and throw the bike down. Whether this is acceptable to you depends on when and where you're going...

Originally Posted by mollydog

Mr. Green has it right with advice to take two bikes. You have 19 months to teach her to ride. Plenty of time, even for a slow, reluctant learner. Take DR650's, DRZ400's or XT250's, not KLR's. Much more girl friendly.

Thanks for your thoughts Molly. Understand about the 2 up part and I will be getting her to take lessons and then we will go from there to see if she wants to ride or not. So that may not be decided for some time yet.

Cramming two riders and gear aboard a single is not so easy. It can and has been done, but today there are better alternatives IMO.

I honestly would prefer not to take a single if we are going two up due to weight, subframes etc. I guess at the moment i am exploring possiblities.

As for twins I would give the Transalp a pass. It's a 20 year old design with only some minor up grades over this period. Mostly Bold New Graphics and plastic changes. The motorcycle world has moved far beyond theTransalp....about three generations beyond. Light years maybe. The Transalp is a good solid bike, typical of Honda but is by current standards underpowered, undsuspended and over weight.

Interesting as that is a strength most say with the KLR. That it IS an old desgin so easy to find parts for etc. I agree about bikes have moved on but then people complain about the new designs eg. CANBUS technology on Beemers. Guess the manufacturers can't win eh?

It's a "no contest" thing when you talk about light weight twins. The Suzuki DL650 Vstrom is the best modern two up, all road travel bike there is at the moment.
Again i guess my concern is the "all road" part as the Wee with its cast wheels and lots of plastic seems a little to guided towards gravel roads at worst. Yes i have seen people flogging them and jumping them but i also saw where a guy rode his R1 around the world and i sure as hell ain't about to do that.

Do some research and see what you come up with. Plenty of RTW folk on Vstroms currently and most doing very well. See the blogs here on HU. See ADVrider "beasts" section and other various Vstrom boards.

I have been checking out the ADVrider site for some time and had discounted the Vstroms but must admit i will now take a bit closer look although i still have some concerns.

Of course you could alsways go super cheap. Take a Honda CX500 or 650 if you must have Honda. Don't laugh, these are some of the toughest bikes ever made and can be had for a song. Will easily reach 100,000 miles without even so much as an oil change.

No not a Honda lover at all.... never owned one. Currently own a 05 GSXR600 track bike and a 04 Aprilia RSV1000R. I do believe a 500 is getting a bit small with two people and gear... a 650 maybe but not a 500. Would prefer a 750 really. I honestly do not expect a bike to get around the world (or Sth America to start with) without having issues and was actually going to buy a R100GSPD which is still on the list but i am expploring my options.

The DL650 has the same room and comfort as the DL1000....which is plenty. BIG seat, BIG rack, Super strong rear subframe, tough wheels, 25 more HP than a Transalp, 55 mpg, great handling and suspension. The perfect two up adventure bike. Strong enough for two yet does not have the weight, height and bulk of a BMW. And if you want to compare reliability...just start reading travel reports. It's fuel injected so perfect to RTW as it works at all altitudes.

Sounds good may have to take one for a spin.

The "Wee" Strom is 40 lbs. lighter than the DL1000 which makes it far lighter than any BMW, including the new F800. Dry weight is about 418 lbs.

mmmm... weight. Always a contentious issue. I don't get why people say about the weight of the 12GS (esp on orange crush over at advrider) as the dry weight of as 12GS is 199kg. On the Suzuki Australia website the DL650 is 194kg? Suzuki Motorcycles, Motorbikes & ATVs Australia Now if the japs weigh this bike like their sports bikes then it would be one part at a time with no fluids whereas the germans normally weigh their bikes with fork oil, brake fluid etc so the diffence in weight is minimal as far as i can see.

The Wee Strom will need some mods (bash plate, crash guards, bark busters,
TKC 80 tires, springs) but is mostly ready to go. It's cheap too at about $6500 USD new. Cheaper still used for much less than that. Nearly Zero maintenance as well.

Yeh purchase cost is certainly on its side although that is not such a big concern for me. Ability, comfort and how enjoyable it is, is though. Cost is a factor from the aspect of once we do this trip the bike is going to be shagged i guess, also if it gets stolen or something then cheaper is better.

No fully loaded adventure bike ridden two up is going to be a picnic in deep sand, rocky or super rutted tracks or deep mud. So pick your battles.
Whether it's a KLR, F650, DR, Transalp, Wee Strom or GS, none are great in nasty conditions. But the Wee Strom is the best compromise by far when talking two up fully loaded. It's ability on the road exceeds most of the above bikes by a fair margin. It can handle plenty rough roads too...if you can ride well.

I realise this and thats why each on our own bike would be good but then doing a few rides between now and then we leave isn't goiing to replace 15 years of riding experience. Yep they are all going to be difficult in some situations and I think we both understand that but its going to be part of the adventure.

The new BMW F800 parallel twin has no off road (GS) model out yet. The Current ST and S model cost around $12,000 USD. Compare that price with the DL650.

Originally Posted by ssa2

I have not owned a BMW but have owned a KLR and rode it from Minnesota to Panama Canal. Mine was a 2000 and I did not like it at that time. It was a heavy mushy dog I thought. I rode with guys that were on Honda XR650L and so when I got back I purchased one of those. I rode it to Prudhoe bay and back and liked it better than the 2000 KLR. Then I rented a KLR in California and it was like a totaly different bike than I remembered. This winter I rode a KTM 640 down in South America for 6,000 miles and it is also a totally different bike. My 2 cents is the KTM is to heavy. The Honda is pretty good quality but no one makes much for it. The new KLR seems pretty good and if I were to have to go buy one I think would buy the KLR just for the best buy for the money. There is no one bike that is perfect for everyone. Deal with it. From the feedback from everyone it seems that the BMW just has to many problems and when I am on the road I do not want to have those. I worry about the ABS brakes and the fuel injection that if they go down you are screwed.