Thanks for your reply Daniel. Nice choice!! :thumbup1:

I really like the 12GS and would look at getting one except my main plan for the bike is to ship it to Sth America and ride around there in about 18 months time. I think that a cheaper bike proabably be more suitable in case it gets stolen damaged etc etc. I think when we get to Europe though a 12GS or a 990KTM will be the weapon of choice for rideing through the alps to keep the :funmeteryes: high!! :D

mollydog - i can understand you love your Strom mate but i think your post is probably a little to negative to someone that has just spent a small fortune on their pride and joy. Your posts and insights seem quite valuable to the forum and you have even got me pointed in the way of the Wee for our trip for which i thank you but being quite critical of anothers choice is a bit harsh mate.

Chris

Consider the cost of a CDP
 

Daniel,

Good choice on the 12GS considering your height. BMW has resolved some of the problems in the driveshaft and the break system for the '07 model.

Too late for Daniel, but for future considerations: Work the cost of a CDP into the equation if the bike is intended for RTW. Countries like Iran and Pakistan would tie up a good junk of your money. Imagine putting up 45000USD (300% of the cost of the bike for Iran) on a 15000USD bike to get a CDP. This was one of the reasons I "downgraded" from an '05 12GS to an '01 650.

Completely agree with trekkingbee, except I think you will find Iran and pakistan are currently highest at 470%, so even higher bond required..... an often forgotten expense when deciding on the best RTW bike.

Mollydog, There has been lots of talk about how ugly the Vstrom is, when traveling in 3rd world countries I lost track of how many thousands of times I was told what a beautiful bike I have and how the Vstrom was the most beautiful bike they have ever seen etc etc. So I guess beauty is really in the eye eye of the beholder. I could not have attracted any more attention on the latest BMW or Ducati. Well I dont think the Vstrom is ugly, but then I wouldnt call it beautiful either.....

Skillo

Which bike
 

I was in the same position few month ago and was looking for a good bike for two up and after trying, many of them the 1200 gs was the most confortable for the passenger and also the lighter to drive, great power and very good brake, now the bike has 20.000 miles and so far so good I do not regret my choice and my wife love it even more than I do. Now if you talking off road , the bike is ok on jeep road but would I ride it two up in challenging sand or mud hell no , 600 pound is way over my level of riding and I will not like to have to put it straight up in 90degree temperature. Regarding the mechanical aspect the bike is great but I will not want to have to do some serious repair in a little village in the middle of nowhere,but I am a poor mechanic and will not be able to do it with most of new bike on the market.
I am still waiting for the new Africa twin to come on this growing DS market.

Well.
 

by the way things are going, i won't be leaving Australia anytime soon. we're thinking on visiting South East Asia (one year away), to test the skills and abilities of travelling long distance, but no long or half way round the world yet. the bike is great for me, at least. it takes me where i want, i am not an off-road rider, but have been with my wife, on fire roads, enough to test me at this stage, i don't think that any 650's out there, unless DR650, xr650 or klr650 (maybe), ktm 640, are good for extreme terrains either. Do you really have to go down single tracks? most of the time we all ride on tarmac, anyway. so, it's good to know you can go offroad if needed.

fixing the bike overseas? everyone says DHL, UPS offer a great service :)

thank you,
Daniele