Budgeting for a motorcycle is always a big decision that requires careful thought. New versus used? There is a reason that the most popular bikes for extensive world riding are the KLR 650 (especially the new one) and the BMW 1200 but more useful, the 650 models. Eight years ago, I rode a KLR through South America and consider the bike sufficient for light duty, and for the price, surely one of the best values on the market.

But you do get what you pay for with BMW, like life-saving ABS brakes, a reliable EFI and a stronger though heavier frame. When riding a 650 Dakar across Siberia , the Gobi Desert, Borneo and Africa, I sheared a few sub-frame bolts with little damage to anything else. My KLR would have crumpled at the beginning of that 52,000 mile journey. Also, although I never rode one for any distance, those old Honda Africa Twins are real tempting...

In South America, until reaching Argentina, Kawasaki parts were scarce. But except for India, BMW was no problem anywhere else in the world as many police departments in developing countries ride donated BMWs. Still, sometimes when you break something, the only option is to do what locals do, visit a qualified machinist. Several times after crashes, I just removed the good part from the undamaged side and had it duplicated.

Makes and models are important but not journey-stoppers--Remember, the adventure begins when things stop going as planned. As Pete and Kay Forwood prove from over a decade of roaming the planet on an old Harley Shovelhead, with sufficient determination, you can ride anything, anywhere.

__________________
EARTH RIDE!
Understanding the world through adventure travel.
www.strikingviking.net