Which Bike

[Zibou]

I am planning a long road trip for September: Mexico grand canyon, Yosemite, Baja california, Mexico.

I have a KLR650 and my Friend a Bandit 1200. Will be 100% on the road

I am thinking of buying an other bike that will full fill the task a bit smother than the KLR. Not much choice down here in Mexico but I found out a 1999 750 Katana with 35000 miles on the clock, decent price.

In my opinion
KLR650
positive:
- easy to load
- comfortable position and possibility to move on the saddle
-fuel range
negative:
- lack of top speed for almost 4000km of mexican highway
- vibs
- lack of protection

Katana
Positive:
- top speed
- wind protection
Negative:
- lack of torque at low rev (from what I've been reading)
- have to pay for a new bike
???
- Fuel range
- load abilities
- comfort (not too sporty position?)

Any insights that could help me make my mind would be great taking into account my priorities are:
- a reliable bike
- on which I can do several heavy riding day in a row
- with a motor with some character on road
- mini 250 km fuel range (without drinking 10 litters / 100KM)

Thanks a lot

[kluts]

You could do worse than a 750 Kat. It can be built into a great sport tourer with minor changes. Bar risers (available through a number of suppliers) will add $250 to your bill but are worth it over thousands of miles. Here's the good stuff:

• They are reliable.
• They get 45 MPG (70km/4 litres) if ridden well
• Good tire mileage (if you don't beat it to death)
• Fast enough to get you as many speeding tickets as you desire
• Good carrying capacity
• Seat is fair, but you might want it worked on for better padding
• Good fairing
• Parts can be found stateside as easy as pie, just as easy as a KLR.
• Pashnit sticker looks good on it

Downside:

• Adjust the valves every 10,000km (better every 6000km), but you can do it yourself, really!
• 4 carbs to adjust and keep clean instead of one, but not really a big issue
• Buzzy. Better than a KLR, but they are buzzy.
• You would NOT like to ride this on gravel roads for too long
• ADV sticker looks silly on it.