Expedition machine on the cheap

[haven]

Ron Douglas has posted an interesting series of articles describing the process of converting an inexpensive motorcycle into a machine suitable for adventure travel. The articles are collected on Ron's web site, Overland Journey.
http://overlandjourney.com/category...erland-projects/red-baron-100-adventure-bike/
The articles appear in blog format, with most recent at the top. So scroll down to read from the beginning.

The inspiration for the project was a friend's comment: "It doesn't matter what you ride, the wind feels the same." Whether your budget is $500 or $15,000, the important thing is that you hit the road.

Ron posts on ExPo as "Colorado Ron."

 

[haven]

Craigslist is your best tool to find inexpensive motorcycles that are in working condition. Looking locally, I see a couple of candidates for Ron's ExPo Bike on the Cheap project:

Street legal
Yamaha TW200 $550
Suzuki DR250s $800

Off-road, could be converted to street
Honda XR200R $575
Yamaha TT500 $550

 

[MN ZJ]

I bought my KLR 250 for $250. I probably had less than $700 invested in it by the time I ran Leg 1 of the TAT. Friends would donate things like old tank panniers, DR 650 foot pegs, hand guards, etc. Anything else I needed I borrowed. I already owned my riding gear and I was given a Camelbak. So, under $700 invested in the bike and another $700 spent during the trip. I'd call that a bargain.

-K

 

[805gregg]

Look for an older TW 200 great cheap and reliable D/S. Low seat height but 10" of ground clearance, I love mine.