The bike
For the trip we have chosen (again) a BMW 650GS.
Following our previous experience with the 2007 F model, this time we opted for a brand new 2011 G model.
What I like about the bike is the low fuel consuption (over 30km with one litre), the fact that it is easy to mantain and it is very reliable (in 4 years the only time the old bike let me down was when the clutch cable broke in the middle of the slovenian countryside).
What I really like about the new model is the fact that the tyres are now tubeless (easier to repair in the event of a puncture).
The bike is also relatively cheap. The basic model only costs £4500.
No need to say we spent almost twice as much to fit the bike with "few extra accessories".
Protection was one of our priorities. We opted for engine guard, crash bars, hand protectors, ABS and anti theft alarm.
Elena, who is always cold, insisted to have heated handlebar grips both for the driver and the passenger. (they might come handy on the Andes)
From my part I thought it would be good to have a taller wind screen to protect me from wind and rain.
But most of the bill came from the "luggage department".
The bike will have to carry the entire wardrobe for 2 people over 6 months.
Luggage space was always a problem with the BMW panniers on the old F model. The pannier had an odd shape, since they had to surround the 2 exhausts. The other issue was the fact that you could not open them from the top, which caused major issues when you had to open them or close them.
This time we chose the Touratech panniers and box. They open from the top, you can fit almost twice as much and most importantly they can even fit the helmets inside.
The panniers are flat on top and equipped with hooks that can be used to secure extra luggage on top.
