Since the Long Way Up announcement, many people are speculating about the best Long Way Up bikes. At this stage, there is no indication on what bikes will be used for the Long Way up, we will update you when they announce it.

But, with an educated guess we can narrow it down to a few bikes.

For the Long Way Round, McGregor and mostly Boorman wanted to take KTM’s. But after meeting a KTM representative in London, KTM decided they couldn’t achieve the trip. One decision KTM is still probably kicking itself over.

McGregor and Boorman then turned to BMW gaining sponsorship and taking three R1150GS’s on the adventure. One GS for McGregor and Boorman and the third for Claudio the Swiss cameraman.

In the follow-up, the Long Way Down, BMW stepped up again and provided the latest BMW R1200GS Adventure models for the African odyssey. Combined, the two series have been a major factor in making the GS range the best selling adventure motorcycle year after year.

Charley is a brand ambassador for Triumph, the UK bike builder. Ewin has worked with the Italian bike manufacturer Moto Guzzi.

With these connections to Triumph and Moto Guzzi, BMW may still have the best chance and possibly budget to get their bikes featured on the Long Way Up. Its called ” Product Placement” in marketing jargon.

KTM is also an option, but because they turned down the request to sponsor the Long Way Round the relationship could still be sour. We are sure the KTM marketing department is looking for any possibility to get KTM’s in the Long Way Up series.

Possible Long Way Up bikes from Triumph

There are two adventure-ready models that Triumph could offer.

Tiger 800

Models: TIGER 800 XCX / TIGER 800 XCA

Specs Type Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder Capacity 800 cc

Max Power EC 95 Hp (70 kW) @ 9,500 rpm Gearbox 6-speed Dry Weight 452 Lbs. - 205kg Tank Capacity 5 Gal. - 19L More Specs

Tiger 1200 XC/XR

Specs Type Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder Capacity 1,215 cc

Max Power EC 141 Hp (104 kW) @ 9,350 rpm Gearbox 6-speed Dry Weight 534 lbs - 242kg Tank Capacity 5.2 gal - 19,68L More Specs

Photo Triumph Motorcycles

Possible Long Way Up bikes from Moto Guzzi

Moto Guzzi has the MOTO GUZZI V85 TT but it’s still in the works, maybe they can get it out in time for the estimated 2019 start date. This bike is listed because Ewan Mcgregor’s Moto Guzzi connections.

MOTO GUZZI V85 TT

Specs Type two-cylinder 90° transverse air-cooled Capacity 850cc Max Power EC 80 HP Gearbox No Data Dry Weight No Data Tank Capacity No Data More Specs

Photo Moto Guzzi

Possible Long Way Up bikes from BMW

BMW has a range of adventure ready bikes in their GS range. The most well-known bike is the R1200 GS, but they also have the new f850/750 series that they would want to push.

BMW F 850 GS

Specs Type Water-cooled 4-stroke in-line two-cylinder engine, four valves per cylinder, two overhead camshafts, dry sump

lubrication Capacity 853 cc Max Power EC 70 kW (95 hp) at 8,250 rpm

OE output reduction 35 kW (48 hp) at 6,500 rpm

OE RON91 unleaded regular fuel: 66 kW (90 hp) at 8,000 rpm Gearbox 6-speed Wet Weight 229 kg Tank Capacity 4 Gal. - 15L More Specs

R 1200 GS ADVENTURE/Rallye

The bike that needs no introduction, the R1200 GS range from BMW. There are a few options here: R 1200 GS standard, R1200 Adventure model or the R1200 Rallye model. There is also a new bike that will launch in 2019, the R1250 GS.

R1200 Rallye

R1200 Adventure

1200 GS

Specs Type Air/liquid-cooled four stroke flat twin engine, double overhead camshaft, one balance shaft

Capacity 1,170 cc

Max Power EC 92 kW (125 hp) at 7,750 rpm Gearbox 6-speed Wet Weight 579 lb - 263 kg Tank Capacity 8 Gal. - 30 L More Specs

Photos BMW Motorrad

Possible Long Way Up bikes from KTM

KTM has a range of bikes perfect for the Long Way Up. From 1290’s to 690 enduros, there is no shortage of aggressive power to ride the plains of Patagonia up to the highways of America. The most likely choice could be the bigger bore bikes, but let’s have a look at the options

1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R

1090 ADVENTURE R

690 ENDURO R

1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R

Specs Type 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° Capacity 1301 cm³ Max Power EC 118 kW Gearbox 6-speed Dry Weight 478 lb - 217 kg Tank Capacity 6 Gal. - 23 L More Specs

Photo KTM

Possible Long Way Up bikes from Honda

Honda has been in the adventure market since the RD03 which was introduced in 1988. Since then they have grown a massive following of passionate adventure fans. The latest models have strengthed the Japanese manufacturer’s position in the adventure bike market. Here is what they have to offer.

CRF1000L Africa Twin

Specs Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve Parallel Twin with 270° crank and uni-cam Capacity 998 cm³ Max Power EC 70kW/7,500rpm (95/1/EC) Gearbox 6-speed Kerb Weight 533 lb - 242 kg Tank Capacity 4.7 Gal. - 18.8 L More Specs

CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Specs Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve parallel twin with 270° crank and uni-cam Capacity 998cc Max Power EC 70kW/7,500rpm (95/1/EC) Gearbox 6-speed Kerb Weight 534 lb - 243 kg Tank Capacity 6.3 Gal. - 24.2 L More Specs

Photos Honda

Possible Long Way Up bikes from Harley Davidson

There is no reason why they couldn’t change bikes midway. Possibly the South America leg on Traditional “adventure bikes” and then switch to an another for the North American section. PAN AMERICA™ from Harley could just be the ticket. If they can get one out before the 2020 scheduled release date.

Whatever they choose, sponsorship money will be a big factor as they have a proven record of accomplishments and media coverage. Its also well known this series sold thousands of GS’s for BMW and “setting a benchmark” for what an Adventure bike is. Many think that you have to have a big touring bike to be able to globetrot, that’s far from the truth and makes for heated discussions across the web.

What bike would you like them to take for the Long Way Up adventure?

And leave a comment and let us know!