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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #1  
Old 25 Nov 2019
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Opinions please
Hi
Opinions please
Thinking about shipping out a couple of 250s to South America to tour around on for 6-12 months.
This is just one option we’re looking at so please no, off topic, conversations about shipping v buying / big v small - thank you.

So I have a Yamaha WR250R my wife has no small bike at the moment. A WR250R would be too tall for her (and they’re hard to get in the UK). A CRF250L or rally would be perfect for her, I would need the rally and jack it up a bit due to my long legs.
I realise that it’s better to have the same bike but that means me selling the WR, then buying 2, nearly new and therefore expensive CRF250 Rallys.
My WR250R is 10 years old but lowish miles and they’re pretty reliable. An older CRF250L could be bought, both bikes farkled for a lot less.
On the flip side we could just sell the 2 Rallys on our return to recoup some money or we may decide to do some more long distance trips where 250s would be appropriate so the investment now might stand us in good stead.

I guess I’ve looked at all the angles and just need to decide but a few different or similar opinions are welcome.

Many thanks for your time
FF
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  #2  
Old 25 Nov 2019
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My only reservation about shipping by ship eg Grimaldi would be the bikes will be stripped by the time they get there. Containerising, or air gargo (al la Itchyboots on youtube) would be secure, faster but more expensive (I'm guessing the last bit)


I don't think having a Yam and a CRF would be a big problem - what spares are you likely to be carrying that don't fit both? A universal cable repair kit in a tin will do for both. Fuel pumps, plugs... Most tools will fit both (plus a few specific sizes)


If your WR is comfortable enough, and it's a known quantity (ie you know how it's been treated for a fair portion of it's life), why deny the obvious child?
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  #3  
Old 2 Dec 2019
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mossproof View Post
My only reservation about shipping by ship eg Grimaldi would be the bikes will be stripped by the time they get there. Containerising, or air gargo (al la Itchyboots on youtube) would be secure, faster but more expensive (I'm guessing the last bit)


I don't think having a Yam and a CRF would be a big problem - what spares are you likely to be carrying that don't fit both? A universal cable repair kit in a tin will do for both. Fuel pumps, plugs... Most tools will fit both (plus a few specific sizes)


If your WR is comfortable enough, and it's a known quantity (ie you know how it's been treated for a fair portion of it's life), why deny the obvious child?
Hi
Thanks for your opinion
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  #4  
Old 2 Dec 2019
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keep your wr and get your wife a crf

you're not gonna be swapping engines anyway if something happens

if wr is that old you'd need a spare stator if I remember right.
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  #5  
Old 3 Dec 2019
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tremens View Post
keep your wr and get your wife a crf

you're not gonna be swapping engines anyway if something happens

if wr is that old you'd need a spare stator if I remember right.
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  #6  
Old 2 Feb 2020
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Have you considered buying a China bike in SA. Perfectly capable and cheap. Toby who owns this business will treat you right.
http://www.aroundtheblockmotoadventures.com/

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  #7  
Old 3 Feb 2020
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Yes I’ve thought about it. Haven’t seen this company before, looks very interesting - thanks for the info.
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  #8  
Old 4 Feb 2020
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Hi. Don't know where in SA did you thought of starting, but the CRFs, TTs, and WRs sold here in Brasil are not allowed on the roads and city streets. Maybe the ones that cross the border, with foreign license plates and complete docs are fine, I dont know. For around 12000 BRL ( less than 2500GBP today ) you can get a used XTZ 250 Ténéré in good condition here. Might do the trick. I know they are available in argentina too, and in chile you can find the street version ( FZ ) that shares the same engine, so spares probably are not a problem.
Hope that helps...
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  #9  
Old 5 Feb 2020
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Theres a good write up with costs from a guy who bought a brand new Honda Xr190L in Santiago Chile with detailed costs like equipement, purchase handling, documents etc etc - worthwhile a read.... https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...tiago-45637-12
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Old 5 Feb 2020
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Thanks for all the info
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