Hello

@Touring Ted
Yes the rear shock is really hard. No suspension work at all. Those are one of the things that I will have to do, besides Brakes, chains ect.. ect..
What I like about the bike I never had to replace anything, just brakes and chains.
My brother with his Brand new bought BMW dakar, allready had several problems... well at least his engine is not using oil at all with the same mileage.

The shipping costs (just oneway, maybe we will ship our bikes to south africa from argentina depending on the funds) are about 2500 swiss francs for both bikes. Around 2900-3000 US Dollars. But what I read on the forums here it can be shipped cheaper.
I am allready am watching craigslist for weeks now. I think the motorbikes are still a little cheaper here. Biggest bugger is finding an adress in the US.
Would you take all youre travel equipment from home or buy it in the US ? Like fuel stove, tent, side racks with panniers ect ect ?
I think we will end up buying the bikes in the US. It is the most reasonable and enviromental friendly option.

@ Magnon
I love my old KLR, but again I try not to stick so much to material stuff .. .
I would buy any brand or bike, it just should leave enough funds for the Ride and some , have good suspension and some dirt capabilities.


If you guys go with a partner (each with own bike), would you go with the same model ?

thanks 4 the inputs, greetz

Well, as much as you love your old bikes, they sound like they've had a good life and will be better suited to be waiting for you when you get home. You say you've never had to replace anything on them yet. That means that you WILL have to soon. On a RTW trip is not the place to be finding out that you need a new gearbox etc etc.

I would strongly suggest that you pick up some KLR's in the USA. They are very popular over there, there are plenty for sale and there is a great deal of aftermarket luggage and spares available. I'm sure the exhange from the Franc to the Dollar would work nicely in your favour too. I'm sure somebody will let you use their address. Just put a request out on the HUBB and also ADV Rider..

As for equipment.. It's a simple question. Will it cost you more to carry it over to the states or buy it new there.

If you already have all the gear, it doens't make much sense to buy it all new. If you need some new stuff, buy it there. Again, there is A LOT of choice and it's well priced.


Bottom line.... I reckon you could pick up a couple of fully prepped, ready to travel KLR's in the USA for far less than you ship yours over.

Fly over there, find a cheap place to stay and get shopping. It will be half the fun.

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

My KLR went to 95,000 miles and was still running daily when I garaged it. That's 155,000 km. Yours is still pre-pubescent at 60,000 km/36,000 miles.

On the other hand, yours is using as much oil as mine is. Is it a 2008? Some of them had oil burning problems due to bad rings. Did you abuse and beat on it a lot? Do you know what's wrong with it (via leakdown test, basic inspection of major systems and components)? New rings and piston won't be expensive, but if it's got a lot of wear and tear you could easily spend a lot more than that, but still end up with a worn-out bike.

If you shop wisely and without rushing, you can find good KLR's fully outfitted in the States for $3000. You need to choose the state carefully, since some will allow you to register the bike in your name and some won't. Florida and California are usually described as good choices, particularly if you're buying during winter. Google is your friend.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Hi,

@markharf
We both have the C-Model, mine is 1995 and the other one is 1997. Strange thing is the KLR of my partner also uses quite some Oil, and has only done 40 000kms .
From what I read on the german forums it seems to be the piston rings.
Well I sure rode it in all weathers and below zero. The salt on our street rusted my rear frame away, which I had to paint new in 2010. The engine itself also lost 40 % of its paint . It looks well used ... .
Adjusted the shims only 1 time, as it never changed afterwards. Never found any metal chips in the Oil filter... the Doo-H. should be done .
Did not do any test, I know it is getting burned... as my riding buddies always complain about the stinky KLR . Maybe the valve sealing ?
Anyway, I will stripp the bike and see... as I am to curious now. Wouldnt get anything for the bike here, they arent so famous here as they are in the US.

let me see if I can upload a pic

thx 4 inputs

I'm with TouringTed. Your bikes have had long, useful, even fruitful lives. That's alot of money and little anxiety reduction to ship one that's tired. Buy a good used one in the US.

The KLRs are fair to poor off-road. The suspensions are pretty minimal (you can find mountain bikes with larger fork stanchions) and they're very heavy. Upgrades to the front brake seem to allow the fork to testify increasingly to it's rather borderline stoutness. For gravel roads - they're fine, if not fun.

__________________
Orange, it's the new black.