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ok guys and gals, convince me to buy the klr!
Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2001 10:37 pm
by Brett
Damnit, I've been screwing around for weeks now, and have yet to go
and slap down the cash for the KLR650 I've been wanting. The reasons
are many...nasty economy, uncertain job market, etc etc. The one
that has really got me perplexed is the safety issue. I've done alot
of motocross riding (about 15 years ago), but never any street
riding. My parents have warned me over and over NOT to buy a street
bike. Well, I'm 33, so I dont have to listen to my parents right?
He he. Safety does concern me, so what are your thoughts?
My main reason for wanting the bike is to do some adventure touring
next summer. After getting Mariola's Alaska photo CD, I've been
toying with the idea of heading up to Alaska eventually.
Lately I've been thinking of instead getting an SUV (Nissan XTerra or
something) and do my off-road touring in that, but for some reason I
really want the bike! There is just something about the idea of
heading off on an adventure... on a motorcycle. I've been scouring
this site, and many of the other KRL sites, and all the adventures
really fascinate me. I want to be a part of it. Sure I could do it
in a truck, but would it be the same?
Wishy washy aint I?
Brett
Future KLR owner?
ok guys and gals, convince me to buy the klr!
Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2001 11:00 pm
by monahanwb@yahoo.com
--- In DSN_klr650@y..., "Brett" wrote:
> Well, I'm 33, so I dont have to listen to my parents right?
> He he. Safety does concern me, so what are your thoughts?
>
After getting Mariola's Alaska photo CD, I've been
> toying with the idea of heading up to Alaska eventually.
>
> Lately I've been thinking of instead getting an SUV (Nissan XTerra
or
> something) and do my off-road touring in that, but for some reason
I
> really want the bike!
Sounds to me like you are fully qualified to go the KLR route; you
might want to see a doctor or some other professional about that urge
to own an SUV, though.
ok guys and gals, convince me to buy the klr!
Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2001 11:05 pm
by Ryan Newman
> Damnit, I've been screwing around for weeks now, and have yet to go
> and slap down the cash for the KLR650 I've been wanting. The reasons
> are many...nasty economy, uncertain job market, etc etc. The one
> that has really got me perplexed is the safety issue. I've done alot
> of motocross riding (about 15 years ago), but never any street
> riding. My parents have warned me over and over NOT to buy a street
> bike. Well, I'm 33, so I dont have to listen to my parents right?
> He he. Safety does concern me, so what are your thoughts?
Sure bikes offer much less protection than other means of transportation,
but that's just the nature of the beast. I'd venture to say that *most* bike
accidents are caused by people trying to do something that their bike is not
designed to do. If you ride your bike responsibly, *within* it's limits, you
will have a much less chance of crashing. It also depends on where you ride.
If you ride on byways instead of inner cities, you will also have less
chance of being involved in an accident. Personally, I try to ride
respecting all traffic laws, just for MY safety. I, for one, have never laid
a bike down on the street. Not bad for riding on the street for 4 years. Ok,
maybe once, because some old fart hit the gas when the light turned green,
and for some unknown reason nailed the brakes imediately after hitting the
gas. Me, not being prepared for this, hit his back bumper and fell over at 2
mph. The old guy hit the gas again and went through the light. Boy was I
pissed, shouting expletives as he drove away. Try picking up a BMW R100GS-PD
with a full 9 gallon tank at a light, it takes a while. Anyways, I believe
that bikes are only as dangerous as you ride them. As far as a KLR vs.
sport-ute goes, the KLR will be able to take you *WAY* more places than the
SUV. Hmmm, "what's down that nasty path"? Go find out with the bike, wonder
with the SUV. There's also a much "free'er" feeling while riding the bike,
literally a feeling of more freedom. Sounds dumb, but it's true. I was
choosing between a pickup and a bike, I chose the bike.
Ryan
Phoenix
ok guys and gals, convince me to buy the klr!
Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2001 11:08 pm
by jayed36@yahoo.com
>The one that has really got me perplexed is the safety issue. I've
>done alot of motocross riding (about 15 years ago), but never any
...Snip
The safety issue? Which issue is that? Safety on a bike is
basically common sense if you have a mechanically sound machine.
I was riding to Alice's restaurant this weekend, which is a very
popular ride out here for motorcycles... lots of twisties. Coming
through one of the tighter turns and there were three crotch rockets,
on their sides, smashed into the guardrail. One of them, their forks
and tire were seperated from the rest of the bike. I would imagine
they were road racing through there.
Jeff
San Bruno
ok guys and gals, convince me to buy the klr!
Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2001 11:28 pm
by rob
Buy a Jeep Liberty, you'll be more comfortable, wishy washy boy!!
Brett wrote:
> Damnit, I've been screwing around for weeks now, and have yet to go
> and slap down the cash for the KLR650 I've been wanting. The reasons
> are many...nasty economy, uncertain job market, etc etc. The one
> that has really got me perplexed is the safety issue. I've done alot
> of motocross riding (about 15 years ago), but never any street
> riding. My parents have warned me over and over NOT to buy a street
> bike. Well, I'm 33, so I dont have to listen to my parents right?
> He he. Safety does concern me, so what are your thoughts?
>
> My main reason for wanting the bike is to do some adventure touring
> next summer. After getting Mariola's Alaska photo CD, I've been
> toying with the idea of heading up to Alaska eventually.
>
> Lately I've been thinking of instead getting an SUV (Nissan XTerra or
> something) and do my off-road touring in that, but for some reason I
> really want the bike! There is just something about the idea of
> heading off on an adventure... on a motorcycle. I've been scouring
> this site, and many of the other KRL sites, and all the adventures
> really fascinate me. I want to be a part of it. Sure I could do it
> in a truck, but would it be the same?
>
> Wishy washy aint I?
>
> Brett
> Future KLR owner?
>
> Checkout Dual Sport News at
>
http://www.dualsportnews.com
> Be part of the Adventure!
>
> Visit the KLR650 archives at
>
http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650
>
> Post message:
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com
> Subscribe:
DSN_klr650-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Unsubscribe:
DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> List owner:
DSN_klr650-owner@yahoogroups.com
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
ok guys and gals, convince me to buy the klr!
Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2001 5:36 am
by Jim Keal
Brett,
I'm 33, I've been to Alaska a few times. Once on a m/c. Go big or regret it!
KLR is an excellent bike for distance adventouring.
-But-
Fiscal crisis forces me to sell my beloved KLR to finance a project. It's a
2000 that has been babied, many extras for $3000. Contact off list for
details.
Jim
Duluth, Minnesota
>From: "Brett"
>To:
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [DSN_klr650] OK guys and gals, convince me to buy the KLR!
>Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 04:37:09 -0000
>
>Damnit, I've been screwing around for weeks now, and have yet to go
>and slap down the cash for the KLR650 I've been wanting. The reasons
>are many...nasty economy, uncertain job market, etc etc. The one
>that has really got me perplexed is the safety issue. I've done alot
>of motocross riding (about 15 years ago), but never any street
>riding. My parents have warned me over and over NOT to buy a street
>bike. Well, I'm 33, so I dont have to listen to my parents right?
>He he. Safety does concern me, so what are your thoughts?
>
>My main reason for wanting the bike is to do some adventure touring
>next summer. After getting Mariola's Alaska photo CD, I've been
>toying with the idea of heading up to Alaska eventually.
>
>Lately I've been thinking of instead getting an SUV (Nissan XTerra or
>something) and do my off-road touring in that, but for some reason I
>really want the bike! There is just something about the idea of
>heading off on an adventure... on a motorcycle. I've been scouring
>this site, and many of the other KRL sites, and all the adventures
>really fascinate me. I want to be a part of it. Sure I could do it
>in a truck, but would it be the same?
>
>Wishy washy aint I?
>
>Brett
>Future KLR owner?
>
>
>
>
>Checkout Dual Sport News at
>
http://www.dualsportnews.com
>Be part of the Adventure!
>
>Visit the KLR650 archives at
>
http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650
>
>Post message:
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com
>Subscribe:
DSN_klr650-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
>Unsubscribe:
DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>List owner:
DSN_klr650-owner@yahoogroups.com
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
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ok guys and gals, convince me to buy the klr!
Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2001 8:22 am
by johnsilv@enoreo.on.ca
The one
> that has really got me perplexed is the safety issue.
With regard to bike vs. auto...
The way I have always looked at it is, you have less chance of
getting into an accident with a bike because of its superior
handling, braking and acceleration. Once you hit something on a
bike, of course, you are more exposed and therefore more likely to be
seriously injured or killed. Statistics support the latter assertion.
However, you said you wanted to adventure tour, and taking an SUV
takes the adventure right out of it, don't you think?
John in T.O.
A11
ok guys and gals, convince me to buy the klr!
Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2001 9:16 am
by Arden Kysely
Brett,
Adventure touring in a truck is definitely not the same as on a bike.
In a truck you stay dry when it rains. You also isolate yourself from
the country you're driving through, can't go some places a bike will
go, look like just another tourist, spend more money on gas, listen
to music instead of your engine, smell the heater or air conditioner
instead of the outside air, limit your view to what you can see out
of the windshield, and a few dozen other things that make truck
touring a poor substitute for motorcycle touring. Look at it this
way: would driving a truck to Prudhoe Bay give you the same sense of
accomplishment, risk, and adventure as riding a bike there?
In my opinion, motorcycles are the best way to tour. The next best is
by horse.
Arden Kysely
A11 "Mr. K"
--- In DSN_klr650@y..., "Brett" wrote:
> Damnit, I've been screwing around for weeks now, and have yet to go
> and slap down the cash for the KLR650 I've been wanting. The
reasons
> are many...nasty economy, uncertain job market, etc etc. The one
> that has really got me perplexed is the safety issue. I've done
alot
> of motocross riding (about 15 years ago), but never any street
> riding. My parents have warned me over and over NOT to buy a
street
> bike. Well, I'm 33, so I dont have to listen to my parents right?
> He he. Safety does concern me, so what are your thoughts?
>
> My main reason for wanting the bike is to do some adventure touring
> next summer. After getting Mariola's Alaska photo CD, I've been
> toying with the idea of heading up to Alaska eventually.
>
> Lately I've been thinking of instead getting an SUV (Nissan XTerra
or
> something) and do my off-road touring in that, but for some reason
I
> really want the bike! There is just something about the idea of
> heading off on an adventure... on a motorcycle. I've been scouring
> this site, and many of the other KRL sites, and all the adventures
> really fascinate me. I want to be a part of it. Sure I could do
it
> in a truck, but would it be the same?
>
> Wishy washy aint I?
>
> Brett
> Future KLR owner?
ok guys and gals, convince me to buy the klr!
Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2001 10:00 am
by rob
Naw, buy the SUV. You'll get drink holders!!
Arden Kysely wrote:
> Brett,
>
> Adventure touring in a truck is definitely not the same as on a bike.
> In a truck you stay dry when it rains. You also isolate yourself from
> the country you're driving through, can't go some places a bike will
> go, look like just another tourist, spend more money on gas, listen
> to music instead of your engine, smell the heater or air conditioner
> instead of the outside air, limit your view to what you can see out
> of the windshield, and a few dozen other things that make truck
> touring a poor substitute for motorcycle touring. Look at it this
> way: would driving a truck to Prudhoe Bay give you the same sense of
> accomplishment, risk, and adventure as riding a bike there?
>
> In my opinion, motorcycles are the best way to tour. The next best is
> by horse.
>
> Arden Kysely
> A11 "Mr. K"
>
> --- In DSN_klr650@y..., "Brett" wrote:
> > Damnit, I've been screwing around for weeks now, and have yet to go
> > and slap down the cash for the KLR650 I've been wanting. The
> reasons
> > are many...nasty economy, uncertain job market, etc etc. The one
> > that has really got me perplexed is the safety issue. I've done
> alot
> > of motocross riding (about 15 years ago), but never any street
> > riding. My parents have warned me over and over NOT to buy a
> street
> > bike. Well, I'm 33, so I dont have to listen to my parents right?
> > He he. Safety does concern me, so what are your thoughts?
> >
> > My main reason for wanting the bike is to do some adventure touring
> > next summer. After getting Mariola's Alaska photo CD, I've been
> > toying with the idea of heading up to Alaska eventually.
> >
> > Lately I've been thinking of instead getting an SUV (Nissan XTerra
> or
> > something) and do my off-road touring in that, but for some reason
> I
> > really want the bike! There is just something about the idea of
> > heading off on an adventure... on a motorcycle. I've been scouring
> > this site, and many of the other KRL sites, and all the adventures
> > really fascinate me. I want to be a part of it. Sure I could do
> it
> > in a truck, but would it be the same?
> >
> > Wishy washy aint I?
> >
> > Brett
> > Future KLR owner?
>
> Checkout Dual Sport News at
>
http://www.dualsportnews.com
> Be part of the Adventure!
>
> Visit the KLR650 archives at
>
http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650
>
> Post message:
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com
> Subscribe:
DSN_klr650-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Unsubscribe:
DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> List owner:
DSN_klr650-owner@yahoogroups.com
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
ok guys and gals, convince me to buy the klr!
Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2001 10:22 am
by Duvall Ed
--- In DSN_klr650@y..., "Brett" wrote:
> Damnit, I've been screwing around for weeks now, and have yet to go
> and slap down the cash for the KLR650 I've been wanting.
Buy the damn thing. It will be the best decision you ever made. Do
you want to end up old and feeble and regretting that you never took
a chance to fulfill this easily satisfied dream?
What is the worst that could happen?
You get in an accident and end up a parapalegic or dead? Tragic,
painful, sad, etc, etc? Yes, yes, yes. But remember, you could walk
across the street and get mowed down by some idiot in an SUV (or some
idiot biker that refuses to swerve) and wind up the same way. There
are no guarentees in life. And you only get one life (I think).
Or, you find out you don't enjoy it for whatever reason. Maybe you're
too worried about getting into an accident (this is unlikely, you'll
be loving it).
So, you sell the bike. You either break even of lose a couple hundred
bucks. Factor that money over your lifetime, and its nothing. You
sell it and move on with no regrets.
A while ago, my sister called me when she was 40 years old. She
wanted to buy a Harley 883, but had never learned to ride, was
worried about all the same things you mentioned.
I told her to buy it, try it, if she didn't like it, sell it. End of
story.
She bought it, and LOVES it! Changed her life.
Ed
TakeAChanceOnFun, WA