Trip from Canada to Patagonia...KLR650?
 

I'm planning a big trip from Canada to the bottom of South America and am trying to decide which bike to take. So far I've found that the KLR 650 appears best suited to the type of trip and budget. From what I can find the parts are pretty interchangeable between almost all the models for the last 20 years, and the KLR is quite reliable and performs well, but it sounds like it isn't easy to find parts South of the US.
Looking to spend 2000-4000$ and am happy to get a bike up to 20 years old. Also, was originally looking to buy a bike in Mexico but it seems that it's actually cheaper in Canada.
Any good online sites for purchasing?
Anyone have experience or input to share?
Thanks!

Hello Mac
 

If your handle of Jasper Mac is any reference to Jasper Alberta we might be able to help each other out. I have a 2004 KLR 650 sitting in my back yard that has to go. This bike hasn't turned a wheel in two years now and I am selling my house. I will send more information once I get home such as mileage. Probably looking at $1000 to $1500.

KLR is a good bike for the trip but . . .

. . . you need to get one and go through it before you leave, expensive if you hire it done and lotsa work if you do it yourself.

I'm leaving for Ushuaia in November on a '07.

Ive just started to plan the same trip.
Keep a look on craigslist and Kijiji. not sure what province your in.
Also watch here and your local buy and sell, i have seen a few on kijiji thats for sure. Definitely buy the bike early and go through everything your self, this way your totally comfortable with fixing things your self and you know everything has been checked. Thanks to youtube digital pictures and online pdf files while you have the bike in canada its only a matter of putting in the effort and time.

how much of your route is planned? i would love to know what your going to see and where your going to go and why!

Jasper_mac,
I'm also leaving from Alberta and headed to Patagonia. The HU meet in BC in August might be the launching point for my trip. I'd be interested in sharing trip ideas and possibly having a ride partner through Central America.
As for bikes, the Suzuki DR650 is very similar to the KLR. I researched both before buying a DR. I suggest the Suzuki has a reputation as a simpler, lighter, more reliable bike with better dealer support in South America. I liked the KLR's bigger fuel tank and bit of wind protection, but easily added those features to my DR. Both are virtually unchanged for many years and have plenty of aftermarket parts available. Either bike would be a good choice.
Steve

What are peoples opinions on using a XR 650? Honda makes amazing bikes, and from what i hear they have a bit more get up and go and are more reliable with cheaper parts then the KLR.
KLR's are EVERYWHERE on this type of trip tho, and thus there will be allot more parts and knowledgeable mechanics/ bikers.
So far from what I read the XR just doesn't do as good on the highway as the KLR.
Input from others?

Edit found a similar post from a few years ago with a read.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...t600-pan-21472

I assume you are talking about the L model XR650, not the R. There are many more Honda dealers in Latin America than any other Japanese brand. The 650 is bigger than most local bikes, so I am not sure they would have model specific parts, but at least they could get them.


I used a KLR650, because I thought it was the best street bike of the Japanese dual sports. The Honda is lighter, and therefore better in rough conditions, but to me the miles are so huge that highway comfort and performance are important. Both bikes are good choices.