Best Motorcycle for Round-the-World Travel?

What bike would you take around the world? Let me know in the comments section.

Since ADV bikes have gotten heavy and complex, what bike makes sense for a remote journey? Here is my choice.

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[MartialGandhi]

My buddy and i traveled South America on a WR250R and a DR650. Both great bikes, never let us down.

[philflat]

A very ordinary cheap reliable bike that doesn’t draw attention in poorer countries

[dwwphoto]

I’m a big believer in the BMW R1250GS Adventure. I own one. So far it’s ultra reliable. I can agree with your thought process about reducing complexity, getting on a smaller bike, and having greater parts availability. I get that. It makes a lot of sense. But I’m a big man, I’m a very experienced rider, and I feel confident on my GSA and as long as I don’t crash it hard, it’s a good choice for really long hauls and in remote places.

[williamdickson]

Excellent video! The DR650 would (does) make a great RTW bike. One thing about the EFI bikes is that a lot of them require high octane gas which can be hard to find in some places. The DR650 will run on just about any grade of gas.
Good job on laying out why the DR is the way to go for RTW.

[johndevito]

I have a DR 650, KTM 790 Adventure, 650 V Strom, KTM 450 EXC and 250 XCW. DR 650 would be my choice. It's even my first choice for a BDR.

[demetriuscooksey]

I went back to a DR after selling my first one like 15 or 16 years ago. In the interim, I had a GS and a KLR. Whatever shortcomings I felt the DR had, it's positive attributes more than made up for after owning a couple other bikes. After you get done chasing greener pastures, you just want to go home.

[DrLoki]

Hody! Thanks for your insights! I own a KTM 790 R in Germany. One thing I like to comment on is the support you receive in Africa. I lived in South Africa for a year buying a Yamaha XT 660 for my adventure rides around this wonderful country, to Mozambique, Lesotho etc., I thought I get this bread and butter simple bike where I could pick up parts at least I'm mayor cities. Totally wrong! I did not even get a cloth love or a thermostat in the mayor cities.Not even within 4 weeks of time. Whereas BMW, if they hadn't the part in stock, could get it over night days - at cost, of course. Bemmers are to heavy fo my purpose, but un terms of spare parts: well done BMW. Cheers Andreas

[ivannunes]

KLR. Because its what I already own and its never died.

[chrisbaumann]

Best kept secret:
F650 GS Dakar/Sertao
Would do it instantly again.
Best choice for 1up, not hardcore, frugal, simple (FI) and safe (ABS).
Sits at a sweetspot of technology: modern enough but not high tech.
Go for post 2004 model only due to fork issues in previous years.
Enjoy

[domp]

I did a rtw in 2000 to 2003 on a honda dominator, 150, 000km not one problem...except well over 100 punctures. A perfect bike for the job. For new bikes the only serious contender for solo rtw is the crf300 rally.

[StewsChannel]

The best motorcycle for round the world travel is the one you have.

[andrewpeters]

My very first bike was a DR650. Still have it too. I also have a Vstrom 1000 which is way better on the highway, but DR is way better on dirt. My riding instructor told me that his preferred choice for a round the world trip would be a DR650 or a postie bike (Honda NBC110, which is used by Australia Post to deliver mail)

[DrLoki]

BTW, I am currently living in Costa Rica and put 8000 km on my Royal Enfield Himalayan. It's even simper as a KTR. Besides the head bearings - no issues so far. There is a Royal Enfield dealership in San Jose. Of course, this would be the bike to go across India. Cheers Andreas

[lucimoto]

Suzuki xf650 freewind
Lite, 48 HP, carburator, wheels 17/19, no vibration.Very good bike

[greensocks]

Just subscribed. I recently picked up a '15 model DR650 with only 1500km on the clock ( lucky find ), still running it in and the big tank ( 20l ) suspension work done front and rear ($$) .It's virtually a new bike. Renthal bars and the carb swap, GXR exhaust can and heated grips. It also has an aftermarket seat which is very comfortable. Been sitting in a shed the last few years covered in dust. The lack of complexity appeals to me greatly, as the does the relatively light weight. Agree with all your comments along the same lines. This is the perfect bike for me and it won't break down. From New Zealand. It'll be a keeper. Thanks for the video.

[geirskjret]

The best one is that bike you already have. People have traveled around the world on Honda 90cc and Yamaha R1. Everything is possible. The biggest obstacle is yourself not realizing your dream.

[KeepItSimpleSailor]

The dirt pig - aka DR650 - is a really good choice, especially if modified with the adv gear/suspension/fuel. Even as a stock standard bike it is surprisingly capable. A 250 DRZ/XR/WR/KLR could also be a good choice if you travel light.

It would be interesting to travel super light and just buy a used bike of whatever little variant (probably a Honda) is most prevalent in the country you fly into. Think Vietnam, India, etc. Cheap as chips, literally mechanics roadside everywhere, and if it completely dies you just grab another one.

[michaelhayward]

Before bikes got so compartmentalised and seperate niches, a RTW bike was whatever you liked. Generally, simple and cheap with no wow factor.
I agree with a DR 650, but i also agree with a RE Himalayan, hell, even a 350-500 Bullet with knobby tyres. I'd also say a well sorted SR/XT 500 Yamaha, a well prepped XL 883 Sporty, anything simple and easy to work on. Ted Simon, rode round the world on a 500 Triumph back in the 70's...

[marekgalecki]

I agree with you DR 650 is the best choice.

[jjjjjjjjrifufjssjosskenf]

I would take my Tenere 700. It’s the heaviest bike I can pick up by myself and is incredible on the road and gravel. If you’re riding around the world, you’ll be doing alot of miles and want the comfort of a bigger bike. Fuel injection had proven itself over the years. Nothing to worry about. Filter your gas in sketchy areas though.