KLR or BMW1200GS

[mbrooks]

I have a Goldwing and a KLR650. I was thinking of selling both the wing and KLR and purchasing a BMW 1200 adventure since my wife does not like to ride. I would like to do some adventure riding, but think most of my riding would be on hard surface and would think the BMW would be smoother. Having never been on one I don't know. Opinions? Oh and i'm 70 but in excellent shape.

[ta-rider]

I would definitly stay with your Kawasaki. This might be interesding as well: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...dventure-77034

[robson]

Originally Posted by ta-rider

I would definitly stay with your Kawasaki. This might be interesding as well: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...dventure-77034

I concur, who need oversize, overweight, overprice and unreliable beamer...

[backofbeyond]

You could have the best of both worlds - hang the KLR from the back of the Wing like a lifeboat on a cruise liner, only to be used in case of emergency.

Actually, nothing wrong with Wings for adventure riding. I'm planning a coast to coast to coast trip on one next year with my wife - she be coming for the first leg anyway. On a Wing it'll have to be post ironic adventure touring of course. :confused1:

[Guillaume]

I used a KLR for my Montreal to Ushuaia trip.

While the bike was overall perfect for this trip, I would'nt use it for adventure riding on mostly paved roads in the US.

If your adventure riding means lots of going long distances on mostly paved roads, I'd be looking into something a bit more confortable. Riding the KLR long distance on paved road is not confortable, this bike is truly at home when you're off good pavement. It's a go everywhere kinda bike, jack of all trade, master of none. Your needs seems a bit more targeted from what I gather.

If you want a big bike and have a desire for the BMW badge (and the wallet) I'm sure the GS1200 would better suits your need for long distance touring in the US, with the possibility of tackling gravel roads from time to time (or better, the GS f800) . That being said, for a heavy, comfortable adventure touring bike, I would take a look at the V-strom 1000. The newest version is a seriously good looking bike.

Revzilla just did a raving review of the V-strom 1000:

Review: 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS - Common Tread - RevZilla

All this though is if you want a big bike. I also concur that a lighter bike is more practical for adventure riding. It could be worth it to look into medium size road oriented "adventure-ish" bikes, like the v-strom 650 or the versys or the new honda nc700x or even lighter with the CB500x. All twins that should be way more comfortable then the KLR on paved roads (and more fun) while allowing a bit of exploration off pavement. Throw some aftermarket on those and you can make all of those more adventure worthy as well (albeit still in a civilized way).

Good luck in your search.

[jkrijt]

If you ride mostly paved roads, I would keep the GoldWing.
I used to ride a BMW R1100GS but ride a GoldWing, a GL1200 Aspencade, now.
The BMW was a very nice bike and when I was riding on the badly or not paved roads in Morocco, it was the best bike for the job but for long trips in Europe where there are plenty of paved roads, (and I guess in the US too), the GoldWing is more comfortable for you and your wife.

If you want to be sure about your choice, go to a BMW dealer and rent a R1200GS for a weekend and try it on a weekend trip with your wife.