South America - advice requested

rean1mator

rean1mator

Well-known member
well if glen heggstad can do it on a klr i don't think you at 190lbs would have a big problem.


cp1 said:
Craigmo: Thank you so much for taking the time to write all your insights down. It's very helpful and I'll make sure to keep it all in mind.

I've gone to a few dealerships this past week and I can't imagine doing it on smaller dual sports like the Suzuki DR and Honda XR. 6'4 and 180-200lbs with gear (riding gear) + the gear necessary for the trip. I feel way to big on them for 14.000 miles.

The GS1200 is super comfy but for the price, a DL1000 might do the same job and I am more comfortable working on it mecanically.

The KTM950 is another option I looked at, there are a lot a problems reported and it spooked me a bit. It seems that the issues have been resolves on the 990s but I may be wrong. It would be an african trip/euro trip, I'd feel more comfortable with a KTM given the amount of support available. I haven't seen to many KTM on the many trips I've taken in South America.

So getting there in the bike choice.....
Thanks again!
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napmonster

napmonster

xoxoxoxo
hey CP1, this adventure ride is something i've wanted to do for years myself, as you well know. while i can't physically ride for several months, i can handle maybe a week or two. if you get your trip set up, could i possibly fly down, meet up and ride with you and your pals for a week or two? i may have zero knowledge on how to adjust your valves, but i could wash your bike and do other 'girl'-bike stuff. : ) sure hope you make your dream trip!
 
cp1

cp1

Well-known member
napmonster said:
hey CP1, this adventure ride is something i've wanted to do for years myself, as you well know. while i can't physically ride for several months, i can handle maybe a week or two. if you get your trip set up, could i possibly fly down, meet up and ride with you and your pals for a week or two? i may have zero knowledge on how to adjust your valves, but i could wash your bike and do other 'girl'-bike stuff. : ) sure hope you make your dream trip!
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you already know that you're part of the trip... not only you are welcome but you HAVE to be part of it. that's part of the dream....
 
cp1

cp1

Well-known member
well after weeks of debates.... I sat on everything I could find KLR, DR, F650GS, Vstrom, KTM 990, F800GS, 1200GS/GSA

in order of preference:
1- F800GS
2- KTM990
3- 1200 GS

I really don't fit on the smaller bikes... feel cramped and it's exhausting just to try to fit on the bike.
The 1200GS seems way to heavy but has everything I'm loolink for. The KTM is awesome as I rode it several times but I haven't heard of too many on the roads (from people who took these trips and who gave me an average of what they saw on the road). The F800GS is much lighter, does everything I need but isn't as comfortable. I picked it up from the ground to try it and that was ok. Whereas the 1200GS is almost impossible...especially after riding for 6-7 hours for weeks after weeks.

So... the decision (not necessarly purchase) is getting close.
I am going to do another test ride next week on the GS's and get it settled.
 
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