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klr650 or nighthawk for a first bike?
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2003 9:42 pm
by joelcannon@mac.com
I just passed the CC Rider course and am trying to make a decision on
what bike to purchase.
I have narrowed it down to 2 models - the KLR650 and the Honda
Nighthawk 750.
Both are very popular and have been on the market for 10+ years with
only minor changes. I expect I could be happy with either one - but
after doing lots of research it is now getting down to personal
preferences - which I am afraid will change as I get more riding
experience.
I prefer the look of the Nighthawk - classic and clean. But I hear it
is not as comfortable on long rides (even with essential add ons like a
windshield).
I am 6" tall - so I think I will fit on the KLR, but getting on and off
does seem like more of a stretch (especially if it is loaded with
gear). And although I hate to admit it - I have not fallen in love
with the looks of the KLR - it seems kinda "gawky" (like a Jeep, while
I drive a Chevy Blazer). I was much more objective when I first
started shopping, but the more I learn about motorcycles, the more I am
seduced by the image.
I really like the idea of being able to drive the KLR off-road, but
from personal experience with my SUV, those kinds of roads are the
exception in the Bay Area (I live in San Jose). My guess is that I
will put most my miles on while commuting to work and the occasional
weekend adventure - if I have a few weeks to explore, I would prefer to
do it oversees. (In fact the guy I might by the Nighthawk from bought
it in Argentina and toured S. America with it.)
My main goal is to get practical riding experience on my own bike so
that I can buy/rent/borrow/swap bikes for touring in Europe, Asia and
S. America. I have done a lot of touring by bicycle - and want to try
motorcycles.
I guess my next step is to test ride both bikes and see which feels
best (I am a little uncomfortable about riding a bike I don't own).
And since I am planning to spend $2-3K for a used bike, I have not any
new models (only the Nighthawk 250 from the class). Plus, it seems
like I really need to go on a long ride to appreciate any significant
differences....
hummm.....
Any advice on how to make a decision I will not regret a month from now?
Thanks,
Joel
klr650 or nighthawk for a first bike?
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2003 10:09 pm
by Guy B. Young II - COG Tech. Ed.
Joel,
A tough decision, for sure, and any advice you get here is no guarantee you
won't regret it later. It all boils down to personal preference. What may
'work' fine for one may not suit you at all. That's why there are so many
choices when it comes to such things as politics, religion, tires, oil,
etc., AND bikes.
I, too, am a little over 6' (on a good day) and have to stretch to get on
the bike, but in a conventional way, especially when it is loaded down with
camping gear. My normal routine is to mount it like you would a horse.
Left side of bike, left foot on peg, stand on left foot and swing right leg
over the seat.
Good luck, but you'll eventually settle on the bike that's right for you -
even if there is a hiccup along the way.
Guy
http://www.mindspring.com/~gbyoung2/misc/family2/familyfront2.jpg
At 07:41 PM 7/1/03 -0700, joelcannon@... wrote:
>I am 6" tall - so I think I will fit on the KLR, but getting on and off
>does seem like more of a stretch (especially if it is loaded with
>gear). And although I hate to admit it - I have not fallen in love
>with the looks of the KLR - it seems kinda "gawky" (like a Jeep, while
>I drive a Chevy Blazer). I was much more objective when I first
>started shopping, but the more I learn about motorcycles, the more I am
>seduced by the image.
>Any advice on how to make a decision I will not regret a month from now?
klr650 or nighthawk for a first bike?
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2003 10:27 pm
by Arden Kysely
Joel,
If you even have an inkling of a thought of going down a dirt road
now and then, the KLR is the better bike. It's a good commuter,
especially on city streets, where it's height is an advantage. If
you're mostly a highway rider and will be doing lots of pavement
touring, the Nighthawk is a better choice. But while you're looking
at the Nighthawk, take a gander at the Suzuki 600 and 750 Katanas.
They are basically the same bike except for displacement and haven't
changed much over the years. I've ridden the 750 and found it
comfortable and a good handler, especially for a beginner. A tall
friend of mine was quite comfy on his for several years and many
miles. The 600 has less power, but still plenty for the highway.
Well, as long as we're talking 600's, the older Honda CBR's, like my
former '92 F2 are also good bikes, though at 6' tall you might be a
little cramped.
With the little I have to go on, I'd say the street bike is for you,
but I'd urge you to widen your scan before settling on one. And if
you're serious about riding, you'll have more than one bike in your
life, so take the plunge and see what works. One more thing, if the
bike has toured South America, I'd want to know a lot about it's
maintenance during that time.
I do a lot of bicycling, but not touring except to go camping on my
mountain bike. I think you'll find motorcycle touring is
exceptionally fun. All the freedom of a bicycle, but people more or
less treat you like you belong on the road. And if they don't, you've
always got a throttle!
Good luck and happy riding,
__Arden
--- In
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, joelcannon@m... wrote:
> I just passed the CC Rider course and am trying to make a decision
on
> what bike to purchase.
>
> I have narrowed it down to 2 models - the KLR650 and the Honda
> Nighthawk 750.
>
> Both are very popular and have been on the market for 10+ years
with
> only minor changes. I expect I could be happy with either one -
but
> after doing lots of research it is now getting down to personal
> preferences - which I am afraid will change as I get more riding
> experience.
>
> I prefer the look of the Nighthawk - classic and clean. But I hear
it
> is not as comfortable on long rides (even with essential add ons
like a
> windshield).
>
> I am 6" tall - so I think I will fit on the KLR, but getting on and
off
> does seem like more of a stretch (especially if it is loaded with
> gear). And although I hate to admit it - I have not fallen in love
> with the looks of the KLR - it seems kinda "gawky" (like a Jeep,
while
> I drive a Chevy Blazer). I was much more objective when I first
> started shopping, but the more I learn about motorcycles, the more
I am
> seduced by the image.
>
> I really like the idea of being able to drive the KLR off-road, but
> from personal experience with my SUV, those kinds of roads are the
> exception in the Bay Area (I live in San Jose). My guess is that
I
> will put most my miles on while commuting to work and the
occasional
> weekend adventure - if I have a few weeks to explore, I would
prefer to
> do it oversees. (In fact the guy I might by the Nighthawk from
bought
> it in Argentina and toured S. America with it.)
>
> My main goal is to get practical riding experience on my own bike
so
> that I can buy/rent/borrow/swap bikes for touring in Europe, Asia
and
> S. America. I have done a lot of touring by bicycle - and want to
try
> motorcycles.
>
> I guess my next step is to test ride both bikes and see which feels
> best (I am a little uncomfortable about riding a bike I don't
own).
> And since I am planning to spend $2-3K for a used bike, I have not
any
> new models (only the Nighthawk 250 from the class). Plus, it seems
> like I really need to go on a long ride to appreciate any
significant
> differences....
>
> hummm.....
>
> Any advice on how to make a decision I will not regret a month from
now?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Joel
klr650 or nighthawk for a first bike?
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2003 10:49 pm
by mwl_95623
Joel,
Not to long ago I responded to a similar question on the CB-750
list. Below is my response.
One more thing - take a look at the Kawasaki 7RS.
Matt
From: "mwl_95623 "
Date: Thu Dec 12, 2002 12:53 pm
Subject: Re: Comfort for touring: KLR650 vs CB750???
--- In
cb-750@yahoogroups.com, "todfiste" wrote:
Tod,
I was faced with the exact same choice last June when I returned to
riding after a 20 year lay off. I choose the KLR650 over the CB750
only because I wanted the option to go off road with one of my
buddies. I live in Placerville CA and the opportunities are endless.
In retrospect though, everyone, including myself, is too busy and
I've done very little offroading; maybe 10% So instead I use the KLR
for my 60 mile round trip commute. Funny thing is that the 60 mile
commute often turns into 120 miles when the weather permits. I live
in a motorcycle wonderland! Just take a look at the Eastern and
Sierra Nevada Foothill rides documented on
http://www.pashnit.com/.
My wife still can't figure out why I get home later on my motorcycle
than I used to on my bicycle. Since 6/02 I've put about 8,000 miles
on the KLR just going back and forth to work. (But not necesssarily
point A to Point B). The KLR has been problem free and the
maintenance is easy; especially with all the help available on the
KLR ListServ. I like this bike! There's lots of aftermarket stuff.
The only problem is that it benefits from most, if not all, of the
upgrades. I've added a fork brace, skid plate and will install SS
brake lines this winter. But for now the brakes are fine. I guess
what you don't know doesn't hurt you. I hope so anyway!
As far as your choice goes I think it depends on the type of riding
you like to do. 20 years ago the CB750 was best suited for freeway
cruising. Thing is, we never road on the freeways. I had a CB550 and
nine times out of ten my friends on the CB750's would say I had the
better bike for the conditions. We've always liked to "see America"
on the back roads. The KLR is perfectly suited for this and 400 mile
days are not unreasonable. But I wouldn't want to ride it on the
freeway for any length of time on a regular basis. And yes the wind
does blow it around a bit. But other than that it handles pretty
darn good. I can't speak for the current CB750. I'm sure it's
handling has improved over the last 20 some odd years.
I like the height of the KLR. I'm only 6' but it fits me perfect. My
feet are flat on the ground. In San Francisco this height would
really be a benefit for seeing over cars in traffic. But the bars
are wide and if you like to lane split it could be a problem. I
don't know this for sure because I don't lane split; not yet anyway.
Also, as I recall, the Honda 4's require medium to high RPM's. In
San Fran you could take advantage of the KLR's lower more relaxed
RPM requirements (being a single) as well as the low end torque on
the hills. But I'll warn you...it makes some awfull ugly sounds if
it's lugged much below 2k rpms.
Just the other day I sat on a new red 03' Nighthawk. I still like
the bike and think it makes a lot of sense, but after riding the KLR
for the last 6 months it just didn't feel right. Too low and the
handlebars seemed too narrow. But I'm sure I'd get over this in a
hurry if I just rode it for a while.
I think they are both good choices and it simply comes down to how
you plan to use it. Good Luck.
Go BEARS!
Matt
--- In
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, joelcannon@m... wrote:
> I just passed the CC Rider course and am trying to make a decision
on
> what bike to purchase.
>
> I have narrowed it down to 2 models - the KLR650 and the Honda
> Nighthawk 750.
snip>
> Thanks,
>
> Joel
klr650 or nighthawk for a first bike?
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2003 4:58 am
by Privett, Toby
Joel
You found the right list for KLRs - responded to your other posts on horizons.
Go on - get that KLR!
You know you want to
> I just passed the CC Rider course and am trying to make a decision on
> what bike to purchase.
>
> I have narrowed it down to 2 models - the KLR650 and the Honda
> Nighthawk 750.
>
> Both are very popular and have been on the market for 10+ years with
> only minor changes. I expect I could be happy with either one - but
> after doing lots of research it is now getting down to personal
> preferences - which I am afraid will change as I get more riding
> experience.
>
> I prefer the look of the Nighthawk - classic and clean. But I hear it
> is not as comfortable on long rides (even with essential add
> ons like a
> windshield).
>
> I am 6" tall - so I think I will fit on the KLR, but getting
> on and off
> does seem like more of a stretch (especially if it is loaded with
> gear). And although I hate to admit it - I have not fallen in love
> with the looks of the KLR - it seems kinda "gawky" (like a
> Jeep, while
> I drive a Chevy Blazer). I was much more objective when I first
> started shopping, but the more I learn about motorcycles, the
> more I am
> seduced by the image.
>
> I really like the idea of being able to drive the KLR off-road, but
> from personal experience with my SUV, those kinds of roads are the
> exception in the Bay Area (I live in San Jose). My guess is that I
> will put most my miles on while commuting to work and the occasional
> weekend adventure - if I have a few weeks to explore, I would
> prefer to
> do it oversees. (In fact the guy I might by the Nighthawk
> from bought
> it in Argentina and toured S. America with it.)
>
> My main goal is to get practical riding experience on my own bike so
> that I can buy/rent/borrow/swap bikes for touring in Europe, Asia and
> S. America. I have done a lot of touring by bicycle - and
> want to try
> motorcycles.
>
> I guess my next step is to test ride both bikes and see which feels
> best (I am a little uncomfortable about riding a bike I don't own).
> And since I am planning to spend $2-3K for a used bike, I
> have not any
> new models (only the Nighthawk 250 from the class). Plus, it seems
> like I really need to go on a long ride to appreciate any significant
> differences....
>
> hummm.....
>
> Any advice on how to make a decision I will not regret a
> month from now?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Joel
>
>
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klr650 or nighthawk for a first bike?
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2003 9:25 am
by ron criswell
The KLR is the cheap go almost anywhere ride. The only big negative is it is kind of tall and top-heavy so if you are a guy with a low inseam (30 inch for me), it can be a challenge on trails sometimes with a full tank. But you can't take the nighthawk on a trail. and at 6 ft. the height shouldn't bother you. Great commuter bike, nimble and light in traffic. As far as looks that's another plus, you don't have to wash and shine them much. They look better dirty. They like to drift around in high winds and until you get used to it going where it wants to go, people have a tendency to grip the bars too tight and with the wide bars, it actually makes this tendency worse. The key is relax and stay away from trucks as best you can.
Criswell
"Privett, Toby" wrote:
> Joel
>
> You found the right list for KLRs - responded to your other posts on horizons.
>
> Go on - get that KLR!
>
> You know you want to
>
> > I just passed the CC Rider course and am trying to make a decision on
> > what bike to purchase.
> >
> > I have narrowed it down to 2 models - the KLR650 and the Honda
> > Nighthawk 750.
> >
> > Both are very popular and have been on the market for 10+ years with
> > only minor changes. I expect I could be happy with either one - but
> > after doing lots of research it is now getting down to personal
> > preferences - which I am afraid will change as I get more riding
> > experience.
> >
> > I prefer the look of the Nighthawk - classic and clean. But I hear it
> > is not as comfortable on long rides (even with essential add
> > ons like a
> > windshield).
> >
> > I am 6" tall - so I think I will fit on the KLR, but getting
> > on and off
> > does seem like more of a stretch (especially if it is loaded with
> > gear). And although I hate to admit it - I have not fallen in love
> > with the looks of the KLR - it seems kinda "gawky" (like a
> > Jeep, while
> > I drive a Chevy Blazer). I was much more objective when I first
> > started shopping, but the more I learn about motorcycles, the
> > more I am
> > seduced by the image.
> >
> > I really like the idea of being able to drive the KLR off-road, but
> > from personal experience with my SUV, those kinds of roads are the
> > exception in the Bay Area (I live in San Jose). My guess is that I
> > will put most my miles on while commuting to work and the occasional
> > weekend adventure - if I have a few weeks to explore, I would
> > prefer to
> > do it oversees. (In fact the guy I might by the Nighthawk
> > from bought
> > it in Argentina and toured S. America with it.)
> >
> > My main goal is to get practical riding experience on my own bike so
> > that I can buy/rent/borrow/swap bikes for touring in Europe, Asia and
> > S. America. I have done a lot of touring by bicycle - and
> > want to try
> > motorcycles.
> >
> > I guess my next step is to test ride both bikes and see which feels
> > best (I am a little uncomfortable about riding a bike I don't own).
> > And since I am planning to spend $2-3K for a used bike, I
> > have not any
> > new models (only the Nighthawk 250 from the class). Plus, it seems
> > like I really need to go on a long ride to appreciate any significant
> > differences....
> >
> > hummm.....
> >
klr650 or nighthawk for a first bike?
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2003 3:18 pm
by pmdean650@aol.com
Same choice I was looking at back in '93 when I was returning to motorcycling after an 8 year hiatus. The KLR had a longer range, didn't need to be washed, and I liked the simplicity of one cylinder. The fact that a KLR finished the Iron Butt Rally in '93 also tipped the scales for me in reliability. You don't express any concerns over range but you do about looks, so I would say buy the Honda. Also, check your local dealers. My local Kawasaki dealer is my last choice for service. I only go there for parts these days. The Honda dealer on the other hand is one of the best. Some day I'm going to have to buy one of those things.
Pete Dean
'94 KLR
'00 KLT
oregon party invite to motorcycle adventure tourers and interested
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2003 3:22 pm
by Lew Waterman
Hi everyone: Eric & Gail Haws have asked me to extend another invitation to
anyone wanting to attend a party in honor of South American motorcycle
adventure tourer, Ricardo Rocco, at their home in Oregon Aug. 2. Eric & Gail
(RTW for 13 years and running), Grant & Susan Johnson (RTW riders of
horizonsunlimited.com), Aussies Peter & Kay Forwood (RTW and more than 200k?
miles and more than 160? countries), among others are supposed to be there.
Lack of funds makes it impossible for us to go. The priority here is to
start a new life. However, Ricardo (the best man at our wedding in Lima,
Peru) is going to be here at our home in Florida any day now. Later this
month he will ride to Oregon, Alaska and back to Quito, Ecuador. Everyone is
welcome to join in the festivities and enjoy presentations. Please contact
Eric Haws at tynda@... to make reservations. Eric & Gail just
returned from Europe. We are well in Lake Worth, FL. Achi is working and
saving her money for a car. Punky has a short summer hair cut and is a happy
dog still drawing attention as much as ever. The local Palm Beach Post had a
great picture of us and a full page story June 4. Later, amigos.
Punky, Lew & Achi 2
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