Is the GS850G up to this?

[Larry D]

Not sure what title laws are in your state, but make sure you have no problem taking full legal custody of the bike. If you're set on that one, go see it, ride it, take a multimeter and test it, etc......For a near perfect one, $1500 isn't to bad. Of course, $1000 would be better.

[shirazdrum]

It's actually on Ebay. here's the link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320346492467&sspagenam e=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=.
he said he'd let it go fo $1500. this is the second time relisting it. he originally had a buy it now price of $2000.
It's way too far from me anyway, but it looks good( without that goofy windshield and those saddle bags of course, bike gottta be naked baby)

[C.V.]

It's actually on Ebay. here's the link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320346492467&sspagenam e=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=.
he said he'd let it go fo $1500. this is the second time relisting it. he originally had a buy it now price of $2000.
It's way too far from me anyway, but it looks good( without that goofy windshield and those saddle bags of course, bike gottta be naked baby)

That looks like a clean bike, and it comes with extra forks and motor, new rubber, etc. 1500 seems like a decent deal. Like said above, take a multimeter and check the charging system, don't buy it without fully checking it out. 1500 seems fair, but if you need to replace the RR or stator, batt. and any of the other standard maintenance issues, 1500 can baloon pretty quick.

[ny_redneck04]

holy crap

However, before planning trips to Southern North America and South America, I strongly suggest people read this:

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136505

Read all of it.

this so hits home being a fellow rider and breaks my heart to see any one hurt like that and as a parent of 3 great boys i have no idea how or what i would do.just goes to show NEVER take anything for granted in life.. be well be safe everyone.....Pat

[Big T]

I'd pass on an 850L based upon gas tank size and handling.

Noting the handling issue, are you sure you can take something as big and heavy as an 850 down lots of unimproved roads? Are you a big time dirt bike rider?

If you check the AVRider site, these guys are using dual sports and adventure bikes to go south of the border.

The story posted up was just sad. He was a novice and he really didn't think about the big picture. I can see where

1. You need to be an experienced dirt rider
2. You should speak more than phrase book Spanish
3. You should have health insurance
4. You should have medical evacuation insurance
5. You need lots of preparation and supplies

I know that's a bit off the "which bike is better" topic, but in reality, I'd take neither one for such a trip. I'd be cursing myself wrestling that big GS down another dirt road or goat trail all day. And, I'm an experienced dirt and street rider (40 yrs) and I'm a big guy.

But, everyone has their own idea of what an adventure is.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I paid $1500 for mine a couple of years ago. It was in "push the button and ride" condition much like the bike you linked to seems to be, but with only 13,800 miles. But I agree with Mr. Big T. I'd rather not get an "L" model because of the smaller gas tank. The "regular" G models have a gas tank that is just shy of 6 gallons. The "L" models are more like 3.5 gallons.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[shirazdrum]

It's just too far from me. It’s 1400 miles to Montana and with the weather here; I can't count on riding it home. Shipping it is out of question.

I'm not an experienced rider but I know this much that I wouldn't be caught dead on a KLR650 on a highway that a semi is going to pass me 90mph. Cross winds are another issue even there are no truck blasts.
I know that 850 is heavy and that's the point. I won't be doing any goat trails, if a car can't get there, I won't be riding that road period.

It might not make any difference to everyone else's opinion of safety but I drive for living. I work for the safest (hands down) driving business in the world. UPS (I used to hate the intense safety training that we go through but after few years I started to see the real effect, we still do the same thing everyday religiously)
I know we drive big brown trucks but the safety of the road is the same regardless of what you're driving. It's called defensive driving and believing that every one is out to kill you so you stay the hell back accordingly.
To have more experience riding a bike, I need a bike to begin with but I can't afford reliability or my safety for dirt riding narrow trails. I can always hike where I can't ride.

Every sport, every activity and everything we do has more or less of danger attached to it. I’m a mountaineer and have seen quite few corps in my time. Some were novices and some world-class climbers. It’s the assessment of the danger and judging the acceptable risk that makes the difference.

On the bike note, I’m going to keep looking till I find one nice and clean closer to home. I didn’t know that the 850L had a smaller tank, I figured if they made that a cruiser with extra accessories they would leave the tank just the way it was or even make it bigger. That’s just odd.

I appreciate your concern and all the kind words; I’m just a beginner in the world of motorcycles and have no problem learning what anyone has to offer. May it be harsh, I can take it, so don’t hold back.

[Big T]

Well, like the guy in AVRider, if you're a novice, that is probably too much of a trip for you. It's not like there's a freeway or even a highway where you are planning on going. A reasonable muddy mountain road may be the only alternative, so , since you lack any dirt riding experience, I think maybe a trip to the Pacific and back on back roads would be a good starting point.

I remember there were some guys that rode from Missouri to the Oregon coast stictly on dirt roads and trails a few years back.

As for a KLR being too small on the freeway, I think you'd find it too large on the roads you'd find outside the US. Especially after the fourth time you've dropped it that day.

And, while I admire your truck training and safety skills (retired MSF instructor here) it don't mean squat on a Mexican (Or Columbian, etc) road when 2 trucks are coming at you head on.

You mention you're a novice, have you taken a MSF class?

[shirazdrum]

I have taken the MSF and i'm riding north To Alaska (plenty of civilized dirt road there) before i start south. i'll be riding in Alaska for a month before i head south.(Climbing and fishing mainly)
I know how to ride but i never owned my own bike but you're right, ive never ridden for 20,000 miles road trip either.

Chris

[cruz del sur]

Chris, I have hitchiked from Ecuador to Buenos Aires , Argentina in 1986. I travelled throughout Brazil, from the southernmost border ,to Fortaleza darn close to the Amazon. I travelled to Usuahia and throughout Argentina. Crossed almot all of Chile (there was gravel at the time from Northern border -Arica- to almost half way to the capital, Santiago) . Went to Paraguay. I have seen those roads. So, it depends what you want. You want asphalt: You got it. You want dirt roads, then you will find those. Roads are excelent. The Panamerican Highway is all asphalt. There are other things you should worry about. In Guatemala they don't respect the signs. People will cross a red light without thinking it twice. In Peru, they will cut you off in the blink of an eye, Those are the things you should worry, But definetly not the roads. And, if you have to ride in a dirt road, it is a reduced speed area (too many holes for anybody to speed)

[Planecrazy]

Thanks a lot guys for all the information so far. I read the ADVR story of the guy. That was just sad. Animals are unpredictable; you just don’t try to go around them in a two-lane road that fast. I hope he’s doing better.

Well I found a nice bike with 25,000 miles on it. It’s in a prefect shape(so he says) ; no rust anywhere and no dents at all. No oil leak starts right up and it looks very good. (It’s not in my state so I haven’t ridden it). He’s asking $1500 firm.
It’s an 81 GS850L that already has case guards and a luggage rack.

Is it a good deal or should I keep looking? How much is too much?

Regards,
Chris

Chris,

In addition to what Big-T and BassCliff told you about the "L" models, there are a lot of people who object to them because they are less comfortable than the "standard" models. I owned a 550L for years and was generally comfortable on it, but on longer rides the riding position was not nearly as comfortable as the 1100G I ride now. If you are planning to regularly ride longer distances then don't even consider the "L" models - you'll regret it.

Now, with regard to your lack of experience, may I respectfully suggest that before you take multi-thousand mile trips north or south you try some long weekend get togethers with GSR members? There are excellent weekend rallies that happen all over the country and you could easily rack up hundreds or thousands of miles in less than a week, especially if you ride the bike to and from the rallies. This is the best way to get your feet wet and make sure both you and your bike are up to the ambitious trips you already have in mind.

Welcome aboard! Look forward to hearing about your exploits once you've got the bike!!

Regards,

[Don-lo]

Are you sure that almost all the roads will be well paved? Even off-roads to hotels and restaurants? The GS650G rides almost as well (shaft-drive too) but is considerable lighter. It shares many components with the GS550, but not the cases and shaft drive.

As for the GS850, I think the 79 would have 3 advantages:

1. Kick starter

2. VM carbs. Simple and straightforward, can work with a compromised airbox, and parts can be scavenged from old GS750s, GS1000s, and KZ900/1000s.

3. Points. Replace these with dyna ignition but take the points too!

Cylinders, head and pistons can be swapped from a GS750.

Do you need extra hidden money for "tips" for police and border crossings?

[cruz del sur]

Off course all roads are not paved Just like not all roads are paved in the US. But, you can find excelent hiways to move from one country to the other. If you decide to take back roads you will find plenty of dirt roads, which turn into mud during the rainy season. Then you will need a 4x4, and even these will have problems.

[reddirtrider]

I say go for it and have fun.

As for the dirt roads down there, I'm an experienced dirt rider and I wouldn't take either of my bikes (XR650R or CR250) on them in the rainy season. I've seen 4x4's stuck in that mud and deep mud ain't no fun on ANY motorcycle.

Just plan ahead and use the brain God gave ya'. You'll do fine.