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25 Feb 2018
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Lifetime Member
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 367
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I'm currently doing South America to USA two up on a KLR. I've also previously used a Vstrom 650 for the same role in Australia. Both will do the job, but for Europe the VStrom is an easy winner - more space and luggage capacity and more power for the generally faster roads. Also because the KLR hasn't been available on Europe for wire a few years of day the VStrom is likely to be easier to get repairs done.
I won't enter the BMW debate
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25 Feb 2018
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Lifetime Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 367
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I promise next time I'll reread what's written before posting to correct the horrors that auto-correct has done. That garbage sentence above should say:
"Also because the KLR hasn't been available in Europe for quite a few years the VStrom is likely to be much easier to get repairs and maintenance done".
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26 Feb 2018
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Gold Member
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 107
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mbdiain
Hi all!
I am currently in the tail-end of planning a year long trip through Southern Europe and beyond, and have almost gotten to the point of actually having to buy a bike. As a long time lurker trying to pick up bit of info as I go I thought this would be a decent place to ask.
There will be two of us on the bike, plus as much of my girlfriends wardrobe as we can fit on the back  so I suppose the main issue will be weight and maneuverability. The route will begin in London (where the bike will be bought) before travelling through France, Spain and Portugal, Italy, the Balkans, Greece and perhaps Turkey and beyond if we make it that far. Back roads will be the aim so it doesn't need to be particularly fast though it will probably need decent power once its all loaded up.
Does anyone have any experience 2-upping for a long haul and pros / cons on the bike you did it on? The two main bikes we have been looking at were:
- Kawasaki KLR 650
- Suzuki V-Strom 650
We are looking to do it on the cheap, although we understand its a fine line between cheap and not getting a reliable bike, not looking to spend much more than $4,000 USD but please let me know that's unrealistic.
Appreciate any comments! 
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Here's what I did.
I ride two-up most of the time. The VS was a little short winded two-up with gear and touring. I bought a Triumph 1200 and now have a VS 1000, my second, and love it.
I'm also American and I bought my bikes from Americans, tagged them in my home state (no inspection required) and they stay and we're purchased in Germany. Look at a website Knopftours.com in Heidelberg, Germany. He's a great guy and can help you buy a bike and get the green card insurance for the bike. They also have a for sale page on the website. I've ridden most all on Western, Central and Eastern Europe, over 35,000 miles. We camp and cook also on the road so space is at a premium. Eastern Europe still is our favorite.
Have fun.
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Greg "WANDRR" Turp
2WANDRRs.com
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26 Feb 2018
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New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 13
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With regards to insurance I've done some poking around other threads and it seems its easy enough to get Green Card insurance from a company in Europe itself (saw ADAC mentioned), and for much cheaper?
Worst case scenario, I have British citizenship also as well as names and local addresses I can register bikes in.
Suprised at how cheap some of these used BMWs are as well, but some have raised issues regarding reliability in this thread and to be honest, breaking down as little as possible is a high priority seeing as a lot of the time I'll be in countries with very little english being spoken.
EDIT: after a bit of research it looks much harder to get Green Card insurance if you don't have a European drivers license - looks like I may have to post in the paperwork subforum for this one.
Last edited by mbdiain; 26 Feb 2018 at 21:47.
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19 Mar 2018
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Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 107
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mbdiain
With regards to insurance I've done some poking around other threads and it seems its easy enough to get Green Card insurance from a company in Europe itself (saw ADAC mentioned), and for much cheaper?
Worst case scenario, I have British citizenship also as well as names and local addresses I can register bikes in.
Suprised at how cheap some of these used BMWs are as well, but some have raised issues regarding reliability in this thread and to be honest, breaking down as little as possible is a high priority seeing as a lot of the time I'll be in countries with very little english being spoken.
EDIT: after a bit of research it looks much harder to get Green Card insurance if you don't have a European drivers license - looks like I may have to post in the paperwork subforum for this one.
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I am from the US and have my international drivers license and never have a problem getting green card insurance. The costs can vary though depending on where you get it from. Polly at MotoCamp Bulgaria can help you with that for a good price.
Have fun, and remember, you can never get too lost.
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__________________
Greg "WANDRR" Turp
2WANDRRs.com
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)

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What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
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"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
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Lots more comments here!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
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New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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