Wilsons Sandbox

Hi everyone! Please pardon the noob syndrome here...I know you are all very experienced riders and I am really excited about getting into this sport! I hope that more than just a little of your knowledge and experience will rub off on me... I live in the Pacific NW, and am a scuba instructor (for cold water!) and love underwater photography. If you want to, there's more info here: http://www.pnwscuba.com/janna.htm Underwater photos here: http://www.pnwscuba.com/photogallery.htm Anyway, I'm a VERY new rider - signed up for the Basic Rider Course and interested in getting a used KLR250 or a Super Sherpa. I went into the dealership recently in our area and asked to see the KLR250 (since they apparently no longer import the SS to the states?) TheMotorcycleGuy was explaining the diffs to me between the 650 and the 250, and commented that the 250 was 'more forgiving on the throttle' than the 650. OK, so dumb question...what the heck does that mean??? I'm guessing for minute movements of my wrist, the 250 won't get-up-and-go quite as fast as the 650....and would be easier for a noob to control... And do you guys have any opinions about the 250 vs the SS for a beginner? Basically the same bike? Or not? Thanks in advance for any help or comments! - Janna -------------------- Janna Nichols PADI MSDT #175418 EFR CPR and First Aid DAN O2 Instructor REEF Instructor Pacific NW Scuba www.pnwscuba.com

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-------------------- [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Sun, 16 Jan 2005, Janna Nichols wrote:

> Underwater photos here: http://www.pnwscuba.com/photogallery.htm

Incredible. Wow.

> TheMotorcycleGuy was explaining the diffs to me between the 650 and the 250, > and commented that the 250 was 'more forgiving on the throttle' than the > 650.

Sort of sounds like he is talking about a two stroke versus a four stroke there, yet both the 250 & 650 KLR are four stroke. The 650 is just fine on the throttle. I don't know about the 250 but I would actually assume that it has a bit more jump on the throttle then the 650 due to the smaller size. Others may chime in and clear up what this guy was talking about but if this was a salesman at a dealership then don't be surprised if he does not know squat about what he is selling. But as a first time learning bike I would think the 250 would be better, especially if your legs are short enough that you fit the 250 better.

> And do you guys have any opinions about the 250 vs the SS for a beginner? > Basically the same bike? Or not?

I really don't know much about them but I sort of think I remember a kick start being a difference in them. The only worry with the 250 is if you would tend to out grow it later want something larger. If you can afford to not worry about that then the smaller is clearly a better beginner bike. -- Doug Herr doug@...

On Sun, 16 Jan 2005, Doug Herr wrote:

> I really don't know much about them but I sort of think I remember > a kick start being a difference in them.

Hmm... It looks like the klr250 is the one with a kick start and the sherpa is the one with electric. That makes it more complicated if you can't find a sherpa since I would tend not to encourage a new rider to get a kick start unless you are sure your leg is up to the task. Kicking a 250 is not all that hard, but it is just so much easier to hit the start button. Let others fill in with better 250 info... -- Doug Herr doug@...

Hi Janna, It all depends on your legs imo--are they long enough? If so, the KLR650 might be the way to go--easy to handle at lower revs and more power later when youre ready for it. You'd just want to be gentle on the throttle early on. The Super Sherpas a great bike and I would have bought one, but they stopped importing them in 03 I think it was. Kawa still makes them and you can still buy a brand new one in Canada, maybe Vancouver, and haul it back duty free. I understand you need to get a mph speedometer installed first though. Heres a link the SuperSherpa board where some of the posters can tell you more. http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/1999-2003_SUPERSHERPA/ ------------------ --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Janna Nichols" wrote:

> Hi everyone! > > Please pardon the noob syndrome here...I know you are all very

experienced

> riders and I am really excited about getting into this sport! I

hope that

> more than just a little of your knowledge and experience will rub

off on

> me... > > I live in the Pacific NW, and am a scuba instructor (for cold

water!) and

> love underwater photography. If you want to, there's more info

here:

> http://www.pnwscuba.com/janna.htm > > Underwater photos here: http://www.pnwscuba.com/photogallery.htm > > Anyway, I'm a VERY new rider - signed up for the Basic Rider

Course and

> interested in getting a used KLR250 or a Super Sherpa. I went into

the

> dealership recently in our area and asked to see the KLR250 (since

they

> apparently no longer import the SS to the states?) > > TheMotorcycleGuy was explaining the diffs to me between the 650

and the 250,

> and commented that the 250 was 'more forgiving on the throttle'

than the

> 650. > > OK, so dumb question...what the heck does that mean??? I'm

guessing for

> minute movements of my wrist, the 250 won't get-up-and-go quite as

fast as

> the 650....and would be easier for a noob to control... > > And do you guys have any opinions about the 250 vs the SS for a

beginner?

> Basically the same bike? Or not? > > Thanks in advance for any help or comments! > > - Janna > -------------------- > Janna Nichols > PADI MSDT #175418 > EFR CPR and First Aid > DAN O2 Instructor > REEF Instructor > Pacific NW Scuba > www.pnwscuba.com > > > -------------------- > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Do your best to hold off till you can find the lil Sherpa. I've done enough research to be confident that'll be the bike for my Chickey. I don't want to have to start it when shtuff happens as it does when ridin in the mountain we ride in. Also, I rode last year with a girl who had never ridin and just bought the Sherpa the day before. She rode all day with us amidst the DRZ, KLR and XR misshapps. I couldn't believe it, she kept shiney side up all weekend! She let me ride it last fall at Clayton and I was surprised at the hard pull of the motor. I'm sure the KLR 250 is a very nice scooter. The 6fitty is way heavy, though I know some Chickeys ridin them. Good luck with your choice, my vote goes with the Sherpa! Still lookin for one, Rod --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Janna Nichols" wrote:

> Hi everyone! > > Please pardon the noob syndrome here...I know you are all very

experienced

> riders and I am really excited about getting into this sport! I

hope that

> more than just a little of your knowledge and experience will rub

off on

> me... > > I live in the Pacific NW, and am a scuba instructor (for cold

water!) and

> love underwater photography. If you want to, there's more info here: > http://www.pnwscuba.com/janna.htm > > Underwater photos here: http://www.pnwscuba.com/photogallery.htm > > Anyway, I'm a VERY new rider - signed up for the Basic Rider Course

and

> interested in getting a used KLR250 or a Super Sherpa. I went into

the

> dealership recently in our area and asked to see the KLR250 (since

they

> apparently no longer import the SS to the states?) > > TheMotorcycleGuy was explaining the diffs to me between the 650 and

the 250,

> and commented that the 250 was 'more forgiving on the throttle'

than the

> 650. > > OK, so dumb question...what the heck does that mean??? I'm guessing

for

> minute movements of my wrist, the 250 won't get-up-and-go quite as

fast as

> the 650....and would be easier for a noob to control... > > And do you guys have any opinions about the 250 vs the SS for a

beginner?

> Basically the same bike? Or not? > > Thanks in advance for any help or comments! > > - Janna > -------------------- > Janna Nichols > PADI MSDT #175418 > EFR CPR and First Aid > DAN O2 Instructor > REEF Instructor > Pacific NW Scuba > www.pnwscuba.com > > > -------------------- > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Janna, I have a KLR and my wife has a 250 SS. She can't ride my bike because of the seat height, she's 5'4". She tried the seating positions on most of the available dual sports and the Sherpa was the only thing that came close. 2003 was the last year they sold them in the states but they do appear on eBay every now and then (2 are for sale on eBay now). When I ride her Sherpa, it feels as if I'm on a mountain bike - it's very light (compared to the KLR) and very nimble. It has a 6 speed transmission and the lower 3 gears are so low that you can walk beside the bike in low gear. It is air cooled and a very simple bike to maintain and ride. I weigh 230 with gear on and it has no problem pulling me at 75MPH - I wouldn't want to keep that speed for long though. I think it's the best beginners bike out there - and still fun after you learn how to ride. My wife and I can easily pop off 100+ mile days in the mountains near our home. Good luck! Tom -----Original Message----- From: Janna Nichols [mailto:nwscubamom@...] Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2005 1:27 PM To: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Newbie introduction and questions! Hi everyone! Anyway, I'm a VERY new rider - signed up for the Basic Rider Course and interested in getting a used KLR250 or a Super Sherpa. I went into the dealership recently in our area and asked to see the KLR250 (since they apparently no longer import the SS to the states?) TheMotorcycleGuy was explaining the diffs to me between the 650 and the 250, and commented that the 250 was 'more forgiving on the throttle' than the 650. OK, so dumb question...what the heck does that mean??? I'm guessing for minute movements of my wrist, the 250 won't get-up-and-go quite as fast as the 650....and would be easier for a noob to control... And do you guys have any opinions about the 250 vs the SS for a beginner? Basically the same bike? Or not? Thanks in advance for any help or comments! - Janna

Wow, this is all GREAT info and advice you are all sharing! Wonderful wonderful! For what it's worth, I am no small chickadee I'm about 5'7" and am used to lugging around TONS of cold water dive gear on my back - so the smallness of the bike, other than to help with the learning curve of how to ride, need not be a factor, I don't think. I was able to sit on the KLR250 at the dealership (without even knocking it over!) and both feet comfortably touched the floor. When I look at the specs on the KLR250 vs the Sherpa, there appears to only be an 8 pound difference in weight. Although the gas tank on the 250 holds about a gallon more... - Janna -----Original Message----- From: Tom Hayslett [mailto:thayslett@...] Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2005 3:24 PM To: 'Janna Nichols'; DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [DSN_KLR650] Newbie introduction and questions! Hi Janna, I have a KLR and my wife has a 250 SS. She can't ride my bike because of the seat height, she's 5'4". She tried the seating positions on most of the available dual sports and the Sherpa was the only thing that came close. 2003 was the last year they sold them in the states but they do appear on eBay every now and then (2 are for sale on eBay now). When I ride her Sherpa, it feels as if I'm on a mountain bike - it's very light (compared to the KLR) and very nimble. It has a 6 speed transmission and the lower 3 gears are so low that you can walk beside the bike in low gear. It is air cooled and a very simple bike to maintain and ride. I weigh 230 with gear on and it has no problem pulling me at 75MPH - I wouldn't want to keep that speed for long though. I think it's the best beginners bike out there - and still fun after you learn how to ride. My wife and I can easily pop off 100+ mile days in the mountains near our home. Good luck! Tom

Welcome aboard! (I am in Poulsbo myself, there are a few KLR's here as well as a Puget sound version of this list) If you are tiny (under 5'8" ) then go 250cc, but otherwise go with the 650. The 250 will barely hit 65 on the freeway. Or maybe learn on the 250 and graduate to the 650... And the 250 has a more forgiving throttle in that it is dog slow, but the 650 is not even close to as fast as a fast motorcycle (sport bikes) Again, welcome! --- Janna Nichols wrote:

> > Hi everyone! > > Please pardon the noob syndrome here...I know you > are all very experienced > riders and I am really excited about getting into > this sport! I hope that > more than just a little of your knowledge and > experience will rub off on > me... > > I live in the Pacific NW, and am a scuba instructor > (for cold water!) and > love underwater photography. If you want to, there's > more info here: > http://www.pnwscuba.com/janna.htm > > Underwater photos here: > http://www.pnwscuba.com/photogallery.htm > > Anyway, I'm a VERY new rider - signed up for the > Basic Rider Course and > interested in getting a used KLR250 or a Super > Sherpa. I went into the > dealership recently in our area and asked to see the > KLR250 (since they > apparently no longer import the SS to the states?) > > TheMotorcycleGuy was explaining the diffs to me > between the 650 and the 250, > and commented that the 250 was 'more forgiving on > the throttle' than the > 650. > > OK, so dumb question...what the heck does that > mean??? I'm guessing for > minute movements of my wrist, the 250 won't > get-up-and-go quite as fast as > the 650....and would be easier for a noob to > control... > > And do you guys have any opinions about the 250 vs > the SS for a beginner? > Basically the same bike? Or not? > > Thanks in advance for any help or comments! > > - Janna > -------------------- > Janna Nichols > PADI MSDT #175418 > EFR CPR and First Aid > DAN O2 Instructor > REEF Instructor > Pacific NW Scuba > www.pnwscuba.com > > > -------------------- > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: > www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: > www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > DSN_KLR650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > > > >

__________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250

The main reason I would go for the 250 would be if I were doing mainly trail riding. I don't know what it weighs but I am sure it is lighter and lighter is always easier in dirt riding. The 650 is tall, top heavy and front end heavy which can be a handful for a novice or really even an experienced dirt rider that has only ridden good powerful machines 100 pounds lighter in the dirt. And a full gas tank with 6 gallons only ads to the fun. Especially when you drop it and you will. That said, you can ride the 650 8, 10, 12 hours to get to your trails or logging roads or whatever at 70 to 80 mph comfortably. You would blow the 250 up trying to do that and it wouldn't be comfortable. The perfect dual sport adventure bike has not been made ........ yet. I am still hoping. Criswell Janna Nichols wrote:

> Hi everyone! > > Please pardon the noob syndrome here...I know you are all very experienced > riders and I am really excited about getting into this sport! I hope that > more than just a little of your knowledge and experience will rub off on > me... > > I live in the Pacific NW, and am a scuba instructor (for cold water!) and > love underwater photography. If you want to, there's more info here: > http://www.pnwscuba.com/janna.htm > > Underwater photos here: http://www.pnwscuba.com/photogallery.htm > > Anyway, I'm a VERY new rider - signed up for the Basic Rider Course and > interested in getting a used KLR250 or a Super Sherpa. I went into the > dealership recently in our area and asked to see the KLR250 (since they > apparently no longer import the SS to the states?) > > TheMotorcycleGuy was explaining the diffs to me between the 650 and the 250, > and commented that the 250 was 'more forgiving on the throttle' than the > 650. > > OK, so dumb question...what the heck does that mean??? I'm guessing for > minute movements of my wrist, the 250 won't get-up-and-go quite as fast as > the 650....and would be easier for a noob to control... > > And do you guys have any opinions about the 250 vs the SS for a beginner? > Basically the same bike? Or not? > > Thanks in advance for any help or comments! > > - Janna > -------------------- > Janna Nichols > PADI MSDT #175418 > EFR CPR and First Aid > DAN O2 Instructor > REEF Instructor > Pacific NW Scuba > www.pnwscuba.com > > > -------------------- > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > >

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Janna Nichols" wrote:

> Hi everyone! >

snip

> > Anyway, I'm a VERY new rider - signed up for the Basic Rider Course and > interested in getting a used KLR250 or a Super Sherpa.

Welcome aboard! I "own" both. Or rather, I own a KLR250 and my wife owns a Super Sherpa. I used to have a KLR650. I had to have the SS lowered by a suspension tuner as my wife is 4'11.5". She can now put both feet down and is very confident managing the bike riding on the street. She hasn't been offroad on it (or ever, on any bike) but is looking forward to it. SS advantages. Electric start, very nice fit and finish, reliable, comfortable for street riding, nice digital speedometer. Stock, I believe it has a slightly lower seat height than the KLR250. Will do 70mph indicated without any fuss. Does not have much passing power at highway speeds, but no 250 does. Nice appointments like sealed battery and beautiful stainless exhaust system. Ideal city or short-range commuter bike, looks useful offroad but I don't know firsthand. Nice looking bike. KLR250 advantages- Cheaper, you can still buy a new one, comes with a tachometer (mostly useless "advantage"), more ground clearance, more suspension travel in rear, a little bit more power. Liquid cooling (useful for traffic jams and lots of idling). Really nice dirtbike, more fun on busy city streets than the 650. Kind of "fugly" like the 650, which I personally find appealing. Electric start is no small advantage for someone who is new to bikes. The KLR250 is the EASIEST bike I have ever kickstarted, but if you drop it and flood it, you'll have do do a bit of kicking. Kickstarting is awkward when you stall the bike in traffic. But you can just pull in the clutch and kick, the motor will easily start once warm. Both bikes are ideal learner bikes, the SS more so for the electric starting. WARNING- the SS will crank the motor when you hit the starter even when the kill switch is set to "OFF". Just a little something to remember when you think there's something wrong because it won't start. The KLR250 warms up faster (liquid cooling), the SS seems to handle slightly better on the street. Good luck! Devon