My Current Dilemma
After several weeks of contemplation, I have decided that it just cannot wait any longer. I need to travel on the motorcycle. Yes, I've made the decision. I will go around the world on a motorcycle as so many others are doing at this very moment. I want to see everything this planet of ours has to offer.
I am indeed a very lucky guy as I am not alone in this. I have found a wonderful travel companion who is not only great company but also looks after me very well and keeps me out of trouble. Besides the above, which is no small task, she is an excellent navigator and can easily handle all these very "important" custom officials.
We will start this trip in Switzerland, then head to Spain where we will get on a freight ship and head for Argentina. Our plan is to see South, Central and some parts of North America in about a year. Then it will be on to New Zealand and Australia.
So what's the dilemma?!? You might have guessed, it's the Caponord. By now you should know how much I love this motorcycle, but I'm just not too sure whether this is the bike for such a trip. For awhile, I had made the decision that it would be a R1150GS Adventure. Now, I'm back to contemplating the pros and cons of these bikes and of course also what such a decision has on our travel budget.
Here are the things that worry me most about going around the world on an Aprilia:
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There is only one Aprilia dealer in all of South America as far as I know. Therefore, if I need any parts when there, how many weeks would we be waiting. What about any service or technical help? Sure I can fix most things myself, but what about a major electrical failure? |
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Same thing for Africa. As far as I know there is only dealer in all of Africa. |
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I have no clue about Asia. I know that Australia and New Zealand seem to be covered quite well. |
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Parts can be shipped anywhere, but what about the parts availability. I waited 9 weeks for a topcase mounting plate for the Caponord here in Spain. |
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As it's such a new model, there is very little available for it aftermarket. I would need to get large aluminum boxes for it. As far as I know, no one makes these yet for the Caponord. I would have to adapt some others for it, for which I really don't have time right now. The stock hard cases I have are just too small. I think they are only 35 liters. |
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With the Caponord you're pretty well stuck with the 25 liter fuel tank. I think it will be ages before anything bigger is offered. |
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How reliable are the electronics on this bike. I have only had trouble once. I tried to start the bike in the garage and nothing happened. For 10 minutes I played with the switches and then suddenly it started. This may have been because I pressure washed it the night before. But still, it makes you think. If this happens to you in Patagonia and you can't figure out what the problem is, then you're really stuck for awhile. |
Here are my thoughts about using a BMW motorcycle for this trip:
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There is a BMW dealer in almost every country with a large city. |
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BMWs have gone around the world so many times that the record speaks for itself. |
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Parts availability should not be a problem. Even if a dealer doesn't have some part, there are dozens of companies shipping BMW parts internationally to any place on this planet. |
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Excellent luggage systems and accessories are available for these bikes. People have put a ton of stuff on these things and they usually take it quite well. |
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Shaft drive seems very nice to have. One less thing to worry about? Although I'm sure I can get 25k out of a chain and sprocket set on the Caponord. |
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The new BMW adventure model comes with a 30 litre tank. Even larger ones are available aftermarket. This seems almost a must have. |
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I've never worked on a BMW, but it seems they are easier to work on and on the whole just simpler built. |
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But, are BMWs really so reliable? Recently I have run over several reports of transmissions being rebuilt with 20000k and clutches being replaced at 7000k, etc., etc. One guy even had this to say about his BMW, "Sometimes I wonder if there ever will be a day when I can take it for a ride without something letting go." Wow, talk about a worrisome comment. |
Well, those are my thoughts on the subject. I certainly love both the Caponord and the new R1150GS Adventure. We'll see. Maybe I should start looking at a third brand just to complicate things a little more.
Dilemma no more. We have bought a new R1150GS Adventure for the trip. For pictures of this bike go to our trip website at www.hanneshaller.com .