You're all a bunch of bad influences!

[adventureduo]

Looking at buying a KLR650 now instead of doing what's responsibly right.... re-gearing my Landcruiser.

Thanks a bunch! :(

[bobDog]

I suppose you never heard the old rule...."Never shop food when you're hungry"?
:coffeedrink:

[Mr. Leary]

:violent-smiley-031:





:coffeedrink:

[adventureduo]

One of the reasons why i made my appointment with Yotamasters a few weeks ago for the gear and axle work. I didn't want to jump on a bike instead :(

That's ok, The boss approved me for a new toy at the end of the year if we're doing better by then.

Thanks to all for the bike inspiration even if it does indeed make my wallet thinner :costumed-smiley-007

[Scott Brady]

Braaaaaaaap!

[HMR]

C'mon, just admit it: when you saw my custom-RTT-ladder-holder on the back of my bike you just knew you needed one.
I thought I saw you drooling as I pulled away from your shop. :sombrero:

PS- Great choice of bike!

PSS- When's the MotoTrasharoo gonna be available? :bike_rider:

[CoastalDefender]

They are $1k off MSRP right now ($5k) for the '09s....


Wait, that probably didn't help...

[Cabrito]

They are $1k off MSRP right now ($5k) for the '09s....


Wait, that probably didn't help...

That's definitely not going to help me or Dave. :sombrero:

[805gregg]

Get an older model, save lots of dollars and more important save about 100 lbs in weight.

[weezerbot]

http://i.zdnet.com/blogs/nelson-muntz.gif


:bike_rider:

[upcruiser]

What Scott said....

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Here is one for you!


Beautiful Blue and Silver 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650, ONLY 14 MILES!!!! - $4000 (San Diego)


That's right, ONLY 14 MILES!!!
BRAND NEW
ONLY ONE OWNER


http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/mcy/1657702308.html

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/ScenicWonderRunner/2007KLR650.jpg


This would be a wonderful escape vehicle for the the back of my truck, on a rear bumper rack! I keep thinking about it!




.

[UK4X4]

he he another one folding for the bike world.

..............I'm sat in Abu Dhabi drinking a beer whilst doing support for a team of 5 riders in the UAE Desert Challenge.........

oh do I have bike porn for you all................

and car porn and truck porn..

Today was a short speed trail tommorow we'll be in the desert...

PS there are more Nissan patrols than Toyo's doing the rally ! on the car side

Man is the biggest entry in trucks

and CRFX 450 Honda's in the bike class- the pro and semi pro's are on KTM 690s

KLR comfy offroad cruiser.....crf450x road leagal thumping desert bike....

yep my name is Paul and I have an issue with bikes !

[Redline]

I'm one of the last guys to discourage a new toy [tool], particularly a new moto... but if you need help being strong I'll say that "Gearing is The Thing" and you should/could make that a priority. I re-geared my GS too :)

Of course, there are few things as fun as flying on two wheels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :bike_rider:

More moto, more often!

[ChuckB]

wish I had kept mine, never really got a chance to get into it.

[Petrolburner]

Get an older model, save lots of dollars and more important save about 100 lbs in weight.

I second that great idea, plus the new models just look...weird?

[Doin_It]

Beautiful Blue and Silver 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650, ONLY 14 MILES!!!!

Yep same old story, here we again....................when the Boss says "go ahead and buy what ever the f@#& you want", it doesn't really mean go buy a bike. So just be sure you get the story straight, hate to have to take another bike off some guys hands who thot she meant he could buy a bike.

[ChuckB]

Yep same old story, here we again....................when the Boss says "go ahead and buy what ever the f@#& you want", it doesn't really mean go buy a bike. So just be sure you get the story straight, hate to have to take another bike off some guys hands who thot she meant he could buy a bike.

umm, yeah that's pretty much my story...

[rctr03]

you'll love it. i bought mine in october for 4,200 in richmond va!

[adventureduo]

Went and test rode a KLR last night. A 2006 with 6,100 miles on it. Great bike, perfect condition, never crashed.

I felt like it was too big and bulky for me. I was simply not used to it. Im thinking about getting a smaller dual sport for now and staying off the road for the vast majority until i get my grip and take a class or two.

I've ridden dirt bikes my whole life, but riding on the street didn't feel right to me. I have to be honest, i felt as if i was going to be hurt in the first few weeks. I know it comes in time, but i didn't care for it just yet. Maybe down the road.

Yosh and my family were happy i chose to walk away for now :D

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Always Learn to go with your First Inner Deep Feelings....in all things!


In Hawaii we would say.....

No Shame Bradda!


Good Choice!



.

[CoastalDefender]

Went and test rode a KLR last night. A 2006 with 6,100 miles on it. Great bike, perfect condition, never crashed.

I felt like it was too big and bulky for me. I was simply not used to it. Im thinking about getting a smaller dual sport for now and staying off the road for the vast majority until i get my grip and take a class or two.

I've ridden dirt bikes my whole life, but riding on the street didn't feel right to me. I have to be honest, i felt as if i was going to be hurt in the first few weeks. I know it comes in time, but i didn't care for it just yet. Maybe down the road.

Yosh and my family were happy i chose to walk away for now :D


http://www.media.suzuki.com/mc/09/gallery_images/DL650_Orange.jpg (http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/V-Strom%20650/2009/DL650.aspx?category=dualsport)

[TACODOC]

http://www.media.suzuki.com/mc/09/gallery_images/DL650_Orange.jpg (http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/V-Strom%20650/2009/DL650.aspx?category=dualsport)

Evil. Shame on you! Tempting the weak!

[CoastalDefender]

Evil. Shame on you! Tempting the weak!

Helping him see the light... :elkgrin:


When are you trading in your KLR for a DL? :bike_rider:

[CoastalDefender]

http://www.stromtrooper.com/showthread.php?t=49922

Okay, I'll quit pooping in your thread.

However, if you're looking for a bike that can take you 80% of where a KLR can, is 100% better on long tarmac, and makes you say "holy ****, this is great!" take a serious look a Wee.

[RedDog]

I walked away 3 years ago after 28 years of riding, mostly road bikes all over the continent. It looked like the Jeep and off road trail exploring were taking over. The Kawasaki 1100 was just sitting there insured and registered and not being ridden. I finally sold it.

It didn't take. My new toy just before Christmas. The snow is gone and insurance kicks in Friday... Good Friday. :bike_rider: I'm baaaaaaaaack.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e399/RedDogAlberta/Alberta/buell-ulysses-xb12x--2_460x0w.jpg

[RHINO]

hey dave something to consider,,, a DR650 feels smaller than a klr, it leans a bit more to the dirt, and when you feel like taking on more street you wont feel like buying a different bike.

[Cabrito]

Went and test rode a KLR last night. A 2006 with 6,100 miles on it. Great bike, perfect condition, never crashed.

I felt like it was too big and bulky for me. I was simply not used to it. Im thinking about getting a smaller dual sport for now and staying off the road for the vast majority until i get my grip and take a class or two.

I've ridden dirt bikes my whole life, but riding on the street didn't feel right to me. I have to be honest, i felt as if i was going to be hurt in the first few weeks. I know it comes in time, but i didn't care for it just yet. Maybe down the road.

Yosh and my family were happy i chose to walk away for now :D

I think you did the right thing. Like SWR said - "No shame Bradda"

I never recommend riding to anyone. I've been riding street bikes since I was 16 and I'm 45 now. The dangers are very real and inherent to the sport. Going down is not pretty and can have some pretty serious negative results. I laid my bike down four times before I was even 18. Not once was I wearing a helmet and I was extremely lucky to survive those younger and dumber years. Luckily those were all at 45mph or slower, and just on city streets.
I crashed once at 75 mph on the freeway, and thank goodness I was wearing my helmet. It saved my life. This was in my mid 20's, and I was actually a passenger on that one.

To get on a street bike and start learning as a 30 something is just not something I'd want to do, but I do understand the desire.

I've been without a bike for the past few years and can't wait to get back on one, but my girl and family really don't want me to.

I was a little surprised that you didn't like the KLR though. I guess being a short guy at 5'6 I've always been on bikes that were a little big for me. When I got my first KLR it was so stable and comfortable I thought I could ride anywhere. It felt nimble in the city streets, splitting lanes, and off the pavement even though I could only tippy toe the ground.

I'm impressed with your approach to the whole thing and like your idea of getting a smaller dual sport. I especially like the fact that you're thinking of taking a class. It will teach you a lot, and I think all new riders should take one.

In my perfect world I'd like a nice big KLR or WeeStrom and a little 250 dirt bike.

Keep us posted on what you decide to do.
:sombrero:

[Oni]

Dave

Check into taking an MSF course, or try the Honda Rider Education facility in Colton. The Honda place has bikes, gear, everything you need. Just sign up and show up. They have mini bikes so Yosh can take the class too. :victory:

I've been riding since I was 14. Did the dirt bike thing, did the street bike knee dragging thing, now back on dual sports. Dual sports are really fun.

KTM's and Husky's are much lighter than a KLR, but probably not best for a new rider, plus they are more maintenance heavy.

Maybe try and find a used DR650 Suzuki. A plated XR400 would be a good choice too. :bike_rider:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

You know you want one!

Just get a smaller one for now. Pay attn. to seat height and overall weight.

2010 KLX 250s.... (http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Product-Specifications.aspx?scid=14&id=416)

Why not try this or anything up to a 450.

Get a rack for the back of your Cruiser and/or the back of the trailer. And Only use it on the dirt trails and get used to it. What a wonderful base camp escape vehicle!

I would rather only ride one in the dirt anyway!

I continue to consider one for the rear bumper on the SWR.

I am a true dirt bike Pioneer. My first dirt bike was a 1972 Kawasaki 250 bored out with a stinger pipe. Knobby tires and suspension added. It was a reg. bike turned into a dirt bike. Hard to find dirt bikes in the old days.

You have no idea how lucky you are!



.

[trailsurfer]

Here is my story, I think it might help you with your decision

I have only been riding for two years now. I rode my friends dirt bikes growing up, but had never ridden on the road.

I started with the MSF course and it helped tremendously, and I wanted a dual sport bad! I immediately bought a BMW 650 GS, and was completely intimidated. I stalled it twice upon leaving the garage of the person I bought it from. I was SCARED, and didn't get above 40 on the 5 mile ride home. Like you, I thought I was going to die, and hated riding around cars and trucks. Honestly, that lasted about 7 days and 4-5 rides. Then the light went off, the training took over, and it became fun.

And within two weeks I had sold my 650 and bought my BMW 1200 GSA. I have ridden about 20,000 miles in the last 24 months. 80% on the road.

Take the MSF course, then find a friends bike to ride for a week or two on quiet roads. You will get hooked and also you will get an idea of what bike works best for you.

[goodtimes]

However, if you're looking for a bike that can take you 80% of where a KLR can, is 100% better on long tarmac, and makes you say "holy ****, this is great!" take a serious look a Wee.

. . . and then RUN!!! to the nearest BMW dealer and take a G650GS out for a ride. Once you do it, you'll know why.

sorry, it had to be said!

But as long as you're there, take a 800GS out for a ride too. But leave your credit cards and all bank information at home. Those things are like crack . . .

[Scenic WonderRunner]

A brand that seems to get overlooked a lot.

I got to visit the Husqvarna Plant in Jönköping in 1973. I watched the motorcycles being made. It was state of the art quality at the time, and I'm sure it's even better today. They were All about Quality! I wanted one so bad. But I couldn't afford it at $1.95 per hour working in a furniture warehouse after school!

They bussed our group out to the best test track in all of Europe to let us ride. Turns out it was raining so bad that day, we would have been covered in mud! And we had a company dinner later that night so I couldn't ride the track. Shoot!

http://www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/_vti_g5_ver.aspx?IdVer=119&rpstry=198_


.

[goodtimes]

Husky makes some good bikes.

BMW owns them, you know. :snorkel:

All kidding aside (but not kidding about BMW owning Husky), it's all about finding the bike that fits you (ergonomics), and your riding style.

[RHINO]

KTM own husaberg and i prefer husaberg to KTM. that doesnt have anything to do with anything, but what the heck.

[MarcFJ60]

You should definitely get a bike you feel passionate about. The KLR is a great bike for many people, but you aren't one of them (and neither am I). I've only sat on a KLR and it felt huge (although I am only 5'8").

The seat height on my XChallenge is 2 inches higher than a KLR but it feels a lot smaller (possibly due to it weighing 100 pounds less). The Husky TE610/630 is also similar to the XChallenge - relatively light weight, fuel injected, fairly powerful. But there are some sweet 250cc bikes as well. Good luck in your search.

[goodtimes]

KTM own husaberg and i prefer husaberg to KTM. that doesnt have anything to do with anything, but what the heck.

Speaking of things that have nothing to do with nothing . . .

Graffiti seen at Campo Archelon last week:

Kant
Take
Mexico


:coffeedrink:

[CoastalDefender]

You should definitely get a bike you feel passionate about. The KLR is a great bike for many people, but you aren't one of them (and neither am I). I've only sat on a KLR and it felt huge (although I am only 5'8").

I had the same experience, and I am 6'3". The new KLR just felt too massive and unwieldy for me. I was afraid I was going to drop it just getting on it in the show room. The ride wasn't much better. I chocked it up to either I was having a bad balance day, or it was just the wrong bike for me.


In all seriousness, I suggest taking an MSF. Then go out and get the cheapest road-worthy bike you can. Get some quality gear (I run Tourmaster and Scorpion) for protection, and get out there and practice. My short game was the toughest, but it's all doable once you get the feel for the bike.

And I'm not 100% certain if this means anything, but when I was on the KLR I was convinced it was not only too poor a fit, I knew in the back of my head I was going to end up hurt from riding it. When I got on my Wee, the fit was so perfect, I knew this was the bike I was going to be negotiating price on...

Take a day and go sit on a LOT of bikes. Hit 3-4 dealerships and talk to the salesman. Tell them what you're intentions are, and let them show you what they have. Leave your pocketbook at home and bring an open mind. In the end it's best to find yourself on a bike that works best for you, not one that works best for others.

[TJDIV]

Nothing wrong if it doesn't feel right!

I remember my first test ride before buying my TL1000R. If I hadn't driven all the way to MI to buy it (up from FL) I probably would've held off. But I really enjoyed it..glad I followed through.

Most guys who have something to lose tend to be OK on bikes. I, for a couple years, lived like I had nothing to lose. I didn't need a 1000cc V-Twin :)


Looking at a KTM525 EXC now for the U.P. style of Dual Sporting. We'll see...