Hi everybody. This is my first post and I'm sure some variation of it has already been asked so bear with me.

I am a 6' tall 34 yo man with a great deal of travel experience, but virtually zero riding experience. What sold moto-touring for me, was having rented a motorbike on Bali for 2 weeks. Talk about a slice of heaven.

Anyway, Im sold on the idea and I finally have enough $ to make this actually happen. My first hurdle is the bike. Like many, I saw my first F800gs and was instantly aroused. However, as I have been doing more and more research, i realize how unimportant my first impressions were.

For a fellow doing the central/S.A. routes i am now perfectly comfortable buying a used and farlkled jap bike, and no longer feel compelled toward the BMW. Although I realize most any late model dual sport bike will be by and large just fine, my dilemma seems to have come down to cylinders and overall power.


Whereas I know I will do plenty of off tarmac driving and exploring, I am also confident I will be logging many many hours on paved roads as well.

The biggest dilemma for me is not whether to drop $6 large for a new KLR vs. $13 for an f800gs, It is simply: does the extra power and comfort of a 2 cylinder merit choosing one for S.A. vs a thumper?

I have NO idea how vibrations will affect me with distance riding, as I am a complete noob.

What I have come up with is this list, with my surface thoughts:

F800gs- Super sexy, but I have a real hard time justifying the price tag when a KLR type thumper can do almost the exact same things. Used ones in the USA seem almost non-existent.

F650gs twin- if i go BMW, a used f650gs twin would likely be my choice- at about $6500 for a 2007 with farkle and low miles, why not?

KLR- since the price point is so low, id likely opt for a new one even though the current models are hideously ugly. Still KLRs seem great regarding performance, particularly with the right add-ons.

Yamaha Tenere 660- This is one sexy bike but it appears it is not readily available in the USA new or used.

Honda africa twin- havent done too much research, but it too seems on par with the tenere and klr.


So my budget is hovering in the ballpark of 8 grand ( preferably with upgrades included), but I could go higher or preferably lower.

I lean towards a twin, but havent the experience to know if it is even worth it for this trip. The leader so far is the used BMW f650gs (because of the more powerful engine and 2 cylinders), but I could give a toss if it is a BMW or not. I just want the right bike for the job. I have no problem dropping 5K on a used bike then to add another 3-4K of upgrades. I see no point in getting a brand new F800gs, unless i want to stare at every night with an erection.

thanks in advance for the advice- cristiano

Twins are more comfortable over a greater range of speeds.
I wouldn't write off the Triumph bonneville at this stage

triumph bonneville for this trip? if that is a joke it is definitely funny- otherwise, i am indeed planning on plenty of off-road exploring and dont think that would cut the mustard...

thanks for your reply, though

I wonder if you've been reading the many, many threads here on the Hubb and over on ADV rider which address your question at exhaustive length. If so, and you're finding you still have those very basic questions, may I suggest finding a bike and riding it? No one else's preferences are going to tell you what you need to know. Buy, rent, borrow, or jack a bike and see how it works out for you.

(Guess I gave in to the urge to be briefly sarcastic. Please don't jack a bike.)

And if you're planning lots of off-road, you might say that in your original post, not in response to someone's well-intentioned (I have no doubt) response.

Hope that helps.

Mark

Marc-

Who rides from the USA to Tierra Del Fuego on a dual sport without leaving the tarmac? Maybe you were too busy formulating a smart- ass response to read my post thoroughly to see this quote:

" Whereas I know I will do plenty of off tarmac driving and exploring, I am also confident I will be logging many many hours on paved roads as well."

Don't forget the DR 650, try a variety until you find one that suits, as mentioned already.

__________________
I'm not getting older; I'm just progressing through LIFE!! Harleys do not have a throttle- they have VOLUME control!!!

You'll figure it out. Good luck and safe journeys!

Mark

Agreed .

__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."

Here's what I'm gonna take...this one is for sale I have another.
08 KLR, moto-sport bavaria panniers, sw-motech bars, 1990 miles, new shinko 705's not installed. Side panel is off as I just pre-fitted panniers.
$4200 Colorado



Mike

Don't knock what you havn't tried. I'm yet to find a road a Bonneville with knobblies wouldn't get through (compare the spec sheet to a R80GS and ignore the advertising photos of blokes going out for coffee three miles from home). Still, I'm only 6 years into Bonneville ownership so there are a few roads still to try. Find the Scrambler thread over on ADV rider and you'll see just how wrong Triumph's "old blokes bike" advertising is.

Given your coments about the F800 I think that's what you want and you should just go get one. No need for anyone here to support or not support your decision, it'll do the job. Personally I think it won't do the job 40% better than a KLR or DR to justify the price and you'd have to be sure you like electronic modules over mechanical bits when it breaks, but that's only me. Single or twin won't make a jot of difference compared to training your body to take a decent number of miles per day, day after day. Sounds like a classic case of head saying KLR, heart saying F800 which I'm afraid no one can answer for you unless they are just going to pass on their own personal choices as gospel. There is no right answer, only choices.

Andy