After years of research, I selected the BMW 1200GS. The rationale behind this selection is that worldwide, the 1200GS is the most popular motorbike in the dual sport community. The advantage to the bikes popularity is finding parts and maintenance shops while in foreign countries. Further, BMW has a phenomenal reliability record which is reflected in its place at the top of most dual-sport bike rankings. Lastly, the the bike is quite large, and at 6'6" and 230lbs, it suits my frame well. In contrast, the Yamaha Tenere and Triumph Tiger XC, both considerably smaller than the BMW, are fine bikes, but not popular outside of Europe and Asia. The Suzuki V- and Wee-Stroms are both great bikes and offer a considerable bang for the buck, but reliability, while good, is not up to BMW standards. Lastly, Harley Davidson was not an option as the roads in South America tend to be quite poor or unpaved and the brand does not offer a ride suitable for these conditions.
Cost
I have been monitoring Cycle Trader, Ebay, and other sources for years looking for a good used dual-sport bike. I found my bike at Eagle Rider in Orlando, FL, which they had received on trade. The bike is a 2012 model year, has just over 20,000 miles and cost $9,457. For comparison purposes, the base price of a new 1200GS is over $18,000.
Modifications/Upgrades
As anticipated, the bike did not come with a allot of after-market parts (aftermarket skid plates only). As such, I outfitted the 1200GS with the following:
- Panniers/Pannier Rack- Givi Trekker Outback (Right: 48L, Left: 37L)
- Top Case - Pelican 25L
- External Fuel Cell - 2 Gal
- GPS - Garmin Nuvi
- Tires - Heidenau K60 Scout
- Throttle Lock - Kaoko
- Tank Bag - Wolfman Blackhawk
- Lower Crash Bars - SW Moto
- Foot Pegs - Pivot Peggs Mark 3
- Risers - Rox 2"
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