What would make a better motorcycle to tour Laos?

[Wheelin]

I travel light with only a duffel bag bungied to the rear rack. I would be termed as a light tourer by bicycle standard. I don't camp, staying at commercial guest house or hotel. I also don't cook, but buy my meals. I don't intend to cruise over 80kph. I'm thinking of CRF 250 Rally, or a Versys X300. What do you guys think? I don't intend to ride secondary roads, but my experience with Highway #3 to China has been awful.

 

[bsacbob]

The CRF Rally would be perfect for the roads there, so called paved roads are less than perfect.

 

[Snakeboy]

Second what Bsabob mentions. A Honda Crf or Crf-Rally will be a perfect bike for Laos sometimes beaten up roads. Reliable, sturdy and cheap on fuel.

 

[prince666]

My only concern with the CRF with the 7.7L tank.
Is fuel range could be a problem.
Traveled most parts of Laos on my CFR with a 7.7L tank and was never a problem.
IMO just be careful.

 

[bsacbob]

The rally does have a larger tank as standard or fit an even larger Acerbis tank giving a range of 250 km or so.

 

[Captain_Slash]

Is the CRF thirsty or something? 7.7L should give a reasonable range, my KLX 250 had a 7.7L tank and it was never a problem

 

[Snakeboy]

I easily get 250 kms out of a standard tank on my Crf, 275 if I take it easy. At Laos roads you should get at least 250 kms. And the fuel in Laos is still not gasohol mix (?) so thus you should even get a tad more.

Anyhow - just plan a little, have a look at the map and see where there is a town. It should be fuel there too.

I remember the stretch Nong Khiaw to Phonsavan via Muang Kham (the 1C) looked a bit remote, but even there it was a couple of small towns with gas stations between Nong Khiaw and Muang Kham.