returning to cycling on a new klr650
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2000 1:59 pm
After much thought (and poking around on the web), I think I'd like
to buy a new KLR. I am 40, rode dual-purpose and street bikes up
until my mid-twenties, and haven't ridden since. (Except for a few,
nerve-wracking outings on my Honda CT90. I'm 6'6" and 220 lbs --
picture that!) I now live in central Pennsylvania, surrounded by
state game lands and fire roads. Time for another bike. But first,
I have a few questions for the group.
1) Except for severe weather, I'd be riding it about 10 months out
of the year. (Fortunately, I only work 2 miles from home). How is
the KLR in the winter? Starts okay? Will my seat crack when frozen?
Any cold-weather or moisture-related concerns I should be aware of?
I'd be keeping it in a carport, covered with a tarp or cover.
2) The front brake is much maligned. I had a few close calls on my
street bike involving stopping in a hurry. My front brake saved me
from smashing into a stopped car (on the other side of a blind
curve). I have to have a decent front brake. I saw somewhere that
the KLR has a 153' stopping distance from 60 mph. My family station
wagon stops faster than that! Can the KLR's front brake be fixed
with
a braided steel brake line and new pads? Or, must one buy the $365
MAP Engineering disk to get "normal" front braking performance. It
doesn't have to stop like a superbike -- average for a motorcycle
would be just fine. $365 Is a little much for me.
3) Finally, does anyone know what the dealer invoice is on an '01
KLR? I've never bought a new bike, nor do I know how willing dealers
are to discount. Any bargaining tips would be most appreciated.
Looking forward to riding again (on my new KLR?),
Jay