Wilsons Sandbox

Okay,,,thanks for the replies. I think I need to clarify a few things. I have two KLR 650's. My girlfriend (who is a beginner) has been riding KLR #2 which I have lowered for her. She's doin' pretty good with it, hasn't dropped it (yet), and has even been on some gravel roads with curves and hills. But, I'm thinkin' it may still be a little too much for her. She only weights about 115 lb. soaking wet. Also, her hands are a little small for the levers on the 650. Something that is "easy and friendly to ride" will be the best choice. From everyone's replies, it sounds like the KLR 250 is a kick-start only (I'm showing my ignorance). If so, that pretty much rules it out. I don't think there's any way in hell she's gonna ever want to go thru that routine. So, I could potentially trade the KLR 650 for a SuperSherpa. Are the levers and controls better suited for someone smaller? What are the downsides to the Sherpa? Anything else out there that would fit the bill? steve in eugene

All of us who have a Dual-Star center stand should remember to check the four bolts that attach the thing. Don't ask me how I know this. No damage done but the bolts show some substantial wear where the center stand mounting bracket rubs against the threads. They are 8mm, grade 8.8 fasteners, about the middle of the strength range. When I get a chance, I'm gonna replace them with the high strength bolts I got for the sub-frame upgrade as they're the same length as the Dual-Star supplied bolts. I seem to remember a warning in the installation instructions to be sure and NOT overtighten the bolts because the nuts (completely inaccessible) welded inside the mounting bracket on the frame are fairly soft and easily stripped. If you do strip them then you are royally screwed and in for a very messy repair. Thanks. Bob Kaub