The bike decision  

 It wasn't easy to pick the right bike. I have a BMW 1200 Gs that performed fantastic in two previous trips (Calgary-Napa and Calgary Alaska). Why change it then ? Other than the fact that we always want to do things differently, in this case my concern was the weight and the simplicity in case of a break-down. 

The 650 is a very simple bike, chain transmission, and almost 40 Kg lighter than the 1200 GS; if you think 40 kg are not relevant, wait and see trying to lift the bike loaded alone !!!! 

Anyways, two bikes appeared as the more suitable ones : F 650 of BMW and the KLR 650. My choice was the Dakar....... 

In any case you can check here for more info coming from really professionals www.ultimatejourney.com/motorcycles.html

 

 

 

 

 

Bike preparation 

I'm stuffing the bike with some gadgets (luggage racks, protections, etc) and it's becoming painful to work in the garage without heating. 

This is a list of basics modifications (in construction), you'll find the TOURATECH number in case you want to check :

  1. Luggage racks ZEGA 41 lts 050 - 0020
  2. Two canister  of 2 lts each 070 - 0520  
  3. Radiator guard 300 - 130
  4. Kick stand extension 300 - 0134
  5. Faring crash bars 051 - 0524
  6. Brake cylinder cover 300-0120
  7. Fork guard 300-0145
  8. Koubalinks 1" to lower the bike www.koubalink.com

I'm very proud of the modifications I made to the Zega to include the canister ...... 

 Thanks ! we did it !!!!

https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/PersonalPage.aspx?eventid=29133&RegistrationID=665249

 

 The best advice for an obsessive rider 

 

 ".....Do not use any maps.......do not plan.......the only important thing is to travel light, then, just ride, ride down south, Argentina is at the end of the continent, there is no way you'll miss it....." 

Juan, a chilenian friend that did this same trip three times