Want to travel the Carretera Austral in Chile

[Pola]

Hello friends, I'm back to ask for help :)

I want to travel the Carretera Austral in Chile, in February of 2014 :roll:
I leave a link so you can see what I mean http://www.ayacara.cl/carretera_austral.htm

My doubts are:

I can make this great adventure in my GZ 250 years 2011? :??:

The frame will withstand the ravages of gravel road, taking into account that the southern highway is only 300 kms of asphalt and the total is 1240 kms one way? The road is rough, gravel, mud and holes and a very adverse weather.

What is the total weight of the motorcycle resists?

It will be beneficial to change the tires for about touring correspondintes measures? This link which would you recommend? http://www.motoaventurachile.cl/index.p ... ry&path=55 (http://www.motoaventurachile.cl/index.php?route=product/category&path=55)

What other changes or additions may need the motorcycle for adventure? I mean protect pond, engine and fairings.

I know it sounds crazy, but I like to sell my GZ to buy a multipurpose, not if my little can make the journey.

I hope you can help me, and make the best decision, sell my GZ make great route with my little GZ.

Best regards from Chile :)

[alantf]

I mean protect pond,

Can you check the translation? :) A pond is an area of water, nothing to do with bikes. I know it's difficult when English isn't your first language. I have the same problem with Spanish words. :2tup:

[Pola]

:biggrin: ups I apologize, I did not check the translation ...
I meant gasoline tank :2tup:

Thank you

[Water Warrior 2]

Sounds like quite an adventure Pola.
Will the GZ make it?? Probably it will if prepared well...........just like any bike that is destined for a journey on rougher roads and questionable weather.
First question is will you be travelling alone or with a group of riders. The reason is certain bike supplies used on the road can be shared by others and each rider will not be required to pack all of their own supplies which makes their loaded bike heavier and more bulky. Extra oil and chain lube come to mind. Get together with your fellow riders and discuss what tools might be needed during the trip and determine who can supply them. Small light weight tools are good but they must be good tools too.

Before offering anything else I think it will be better to get the lone rider or group of riders answered first. Also, if a group, what bikes will they be riding?

[Pola]

Hi Water Warrior, how are you? I hope my English is not so bad this time :blush:

relating to your question, there will be two custom motorcycles . My boyfriend's and mine, he has mechanical and basic electricity skills , he is self-taught and repair your bike and help with mine.

We have the tools and replacement parts needed

What really worries me is the way, I went to the mountains on a gravel road, but only 50 miles, and the road of the Carretera Austral, will be at least 940 kilometers of gravel to get to Villa O'Higgins and 940 kilometers of gravel in return.

I need suggestions for the GZ least possible damage

Should I put tires "trail"?

My second biggest concern is if the chassis of the GZ will resist the requirement for that road. :??:

I really need your help, I have´t found Chileans who have traveled this road in custom motorcycles. :cry:

All comments and suggestions will be useful. :2tup:

Greetings from Chile

[Water Warrior 2]

The GZ is a pretty tough bike and should make the trip without much problem. It is used throughout the world as a workhorse and family hauler with success. Using a trail or dual sport tires will be a wise decision for better grip and control. Front and rear for best results. Also a little experimenting with lower tire pressures may be a good idea for the gravel.
Did you ever find wide crash bars for the bike in case you drop it? Suzuki makes ornamental stuff but is mostly useless. Alantf has some good ones on his GZ but they may not be available to you in South America. I'm sure he will enlighten you in a short time about the supplier and availability.
Pola, can you make a list of the tools, bike supplies and other items you will be packing? Then we can offer suggestions and hints. Preparation is the key to the great ride you are planning.

[alantf]

Try googling SPAAN. Some folks say they're not available in North America. Dunno why, because there's an American licence plate holder in the catalogue.[attachment=0:17u0577d]img103.jpg[/attachment:17u0577d]

[alantf]

[attachment=0:2zef4kth]img104.jpg[/attachment:2zef4kth]

[Pola]

Thank you both...
ups, sorry guys I haven´t posted photos of how it looks my gz at this point
Heres a photo.

[alantf]

If the bag on the other side is as low, it'll be touching the exhaust pipe. That means your bag is going to get burned. Pop rivet a piece of aluminium underneath, as a heat shield. :)

[alantf]

Did you ever find wide crash bars for the bike in case you drop it?

From the photo, looks like she did. :2tup:

[Water Warrior 2]

Thank you both...
ups, sorry guys I haven´t posted photos of how it looks my gz at this point
Heres a photo.
Pola, I love what you have done with your bike. A really big :2tup: to you.
The bags will carry a lot and you can bungee a lot more across the pillion seat and tops of the bags. You can also use the top stuff as a backrest.

[Pola]

Alantf, this is how it is on the right side, so it won't get burned. :2tup:

Thanks for your words Water Warrior, the sissy bags are made of fibre covered with synthetic leather, that make them washable. :)

Guys... I'm working on the list , I'll post as soon as I finish...there are so many things and i don't want to forget something.

Thank you so much, kind regards :)

[iamcanjim]

Hi there. I had a cousin of this bike in China, a QS150. It was great on gravel roads except that
a. you don't haven enough suspension to absorb really big bumps. Slow down when you see them.
b. the stock tires will not give enough traction. get better ones.
c. the stock headlight doesn't give enough light for riding at night in the wilderness. you may have to upgrade.