I'm planing a trip with a couple more guys to Vera Cruz, Mexico. A Triumph Tiger, a KTM 990, a BMW Adventure and mine. The question is, should I take the KLR or the Vee?
I'm more inclined for the Vee, but I would like other opinions.
Its a LONG way to Vera Cruz irmão. I'm guessing 2,000 miles +/-? It's all paved (I think) unless you want to hit some dirt on purpose. Tammy may want to answer this as she has ridden both long distance, but my guess is that the V will be ALOT more comfortable.
I would take the Vee. You are going to be riding with all big bikes and they are mostly road bike also. Just have a good set of tires and if you hit the dirt you will be able to smoke them
and if you hit twisties you will have just as much fun
the real question is should the others be taking the bikes they are taking... size weight reliability and rob you for it factor are way high! if you are in that crowd the Wee will hold its own and you'll be comfortable... the KLR might be a bit too little for the open road streches but it would be a hoot in the off road crap you are going to ride...
this sounds like an epic ride bro!
Viva mexico!
Nope, the KLR will do 80+ packed up all day long and 4k in 5 days was no harder then the wee or connie. I would take the KLR but that is just me...
here's the plan and route. Wifes are going by plane and we're going by bike. It's 4 days riding, 2000 miles to the border and then another 400/500 miles. It's a total of 8 days riding and 8 days at the beach or exploring the surroundings.
We might have another rider to join us on a FJR and in that case it will be a nice group. 3 of the guys have very good experience on traveling by bike, they've done Europe and Africa and 1 did USA also.
I know the KLR is lighter and good for some dirt roads in Mexico, but definitely the Vee has more power, more comfortable, can keep up with the others and it takes less beat on the engine, plus it's the new baby, but I don't know yet.
What are the things that I should look out for? I'm pretty familiar with Mexico and their people and I speak the language fluently, so I'm not the normal gringo tourist, but there's always something.
Jose
I'm pretty sure that you MUST buy insurance at the border. I would check here>>
HORIZONS UNLIMITED. This is THE board for serious "around the world" travellers. I suggest doing a search for what you need and start reading. There is LOTS of good info there.
Costa,
I've been checking on that site for all the information.
80+ all day will not beat a KLR's motor. Mine has 50k on it and burns no oil my wee has half that and burns 1 qt every 3k to 4k
But if your going to do 90% road save the KLR. + if you take the KLR you will have to stop for gas even tho you have 1/2 a tank just to fit in with the others LOL.
you're right Tammy.
When I took my KLR to Ocean City it was fun to see the others stop at every 150 miles while I was having coffee and relax.
I know I can cruise at 80 miles to keep up with the others, but it was a lot easier with the Vee on my last trip to the Grand Canyon, PA to keep up with a beemer a FJR's and a Tiger.
Besides a tyre kit, 1st aid kit, chain lube and some tools, what else do you recommend.