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a good bike for a newby?
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 2:20 pm
by Rob Long
It's been years since I last rode a bike, but lately I've been
thinking it would be a blast to get another one. I plan on looking
at a used KLR650 (2002 model) at a local dealer this weekend. Could
anyone tell me if this is a good or bad choice for a novice rider?
Also, I've noticed that the quoted seat heights for most DS bikes
are quite high...too high in fact for my short little legs (31"
inseam short!). I'm a little concerned that my feet won't touch
solid ground when I'm on it!! Will the suspension settle enough
under my weight (230 lbs) so that I can put both feet on the ground?
Thanks in advance,
Rob Long
Saint John, NB
a good bike for a newby?
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 2:38 pm
by Guy B. Young II
Rob,
Quite frankly, the bike will probably be tall for you in its present state. Shoot, it's tall for me at times and I'm 6' 1-1/2" on a good day. Forget about getting on it like a regular bike, i.e., just swinging your leg over the seat. I prefer to get on mine like you would a horse. Left foot on the left peg, stand, then swing your leg over the seat. The suspension will compress, then you can place your left foot on the ground and position the bike up-right.
This isn't to say that you can't ride it. Try it, and if it makes you feel a little uncomfortable, you might consider installing a set of lowering links (and shortened sidestand). Once you get familiar with the bike and its weight, pull the links off and have another go at it.
Guy
A16
Richmond, VA
-----Original Message-----
From: Rob Long
Sent: Mar 16, 2005 3:20 PM
To:
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [DSN_KLR650] A good bike for a newby?
It's been years since I last rode a bike, but lately I've been
thinking it would be a blast to get another one. I plan on looking
at a used KLR650 (2002 model) at a local dealer this weekend. Could
anyone tell me if this is a good or bad choice for a novice rider?
Also, I've noticed that the quoted seat heights for most DS bikes
are quite high...too high in fact for my short little legs (31"
inseam short!). I'm a little concerned that my feet won't touch
solid ground when I'm on it!! Will the suspension settle enough
under my weight (230 lbs) so that I can put both feet on the ground?
Thanks in advance,
Rob Long
Saint John, NB
a good bike for a newby?
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 2:51 pm
by Mike Peplinski
I'm 6' but not the most limber guy around. I do not like the "foot in the
stirups" mount. I prefer the solid footing of mounting from terra firma. I
installed the lowering link and absolutely love the difference. It is much
more confidence inspiring off road. I can touch the ground with both feet
and get a little leverage. Is it the right bike? I warn you, it may be your
last. I've got an old Airhead and thought the KLR would be great for the
trails and fields. After one summer, the only reason I ride the BMW is to
keep the oil flowinig and in the cold (it has a full fairing). This KLR is a
great all round bike. As a "first" bike its good too because if you drop it
moving it around (voice of experience here) or let your son try it and have
him clip a tree with the bars all you'll do is bend a mirror or something.
Unlike a sport bike where a mild drop can cost several thousand for new
plastic, the KLR is pretty forgiving.
>From: "Guy B. Young II"
>Reply-To: "Guy B. Young II"
>To: Rob Long ,
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] A good bike for a newby?
>Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 15:38:15 -0500 (EST)
>
>
>Rob,
>
>Quite frankly, the bike will probably be tall for you in its present state.
> Shoot, it's tall for me at times and I'm 6' 1-1/2" on a good day. Forget
>about getting on it like a regular bike, i.e., just swinging your leg over
>the seat. I prefer to get on mine like you would a horse. Left foot on the
>left peg, stand, then swing your leg over the seat. The suspension will
>compress, then you can place your left foot on the ground and position the
>bike up-right.
>
>This isn't to say that you can't ride it. Try it, and if it makes you feel
>a little uncomfortable, you might consider installing a set of lowering
>links (and shortened sidestand). Once you get familiar with the bike and
>its weight, pull the links off and have another go at it.
>
>Guy
>A16
>Richmond, VA
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Rob Long
>Sent: Mar 16, 2005 3:20 PM
>To:
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [DSN_KLR650] A good bike for a newby?
>
>
>It's been years since I last rode a bike, but lately I've been
>thinking it would be a blast to get another one. I plan on looking
>at a used KLR650 (2002 model) at a local dealer this weekend. Could
>anyone tell me if this is a good or bad choice for a novice rider?
>Also, I've noticed that the quoted seat heights for most DS bikes
>are quite high...too high in fact for my short little legs (31"
>inseam short!). I'm a little concerned that my feet won't touch
>solid ground when I'm on it!! Will the suspension settle enough
>under my weight (230 lbs) so that I can put both feet on the ground?
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Rob Long
>Saint John, NB
>
>
>
>
>Archive Quicksearch at:
>
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html
>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
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
a good bike for a newby?
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 2:59 pm
by John Thompson
I have a friend (non-rider) who is 5' 8" & 30" inseam. He handled my KLR
for 30 trail miles just fine (again, non-rider too)
>From: "Rob Long"
>To:
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [DSN_KLR650] A good bike for a newby?
>Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 20:20:05 -0000
>
>
>
>It's been years since I last rode a bike, but lately I've been
>thinking it would be a blast to get another one. I plan on looking
>at a used KLR650 (2002 model) at a local dealer this weekend. Could
>anyone tell me if this is a good or bad choice for a novice rider?
>Also, I've noticed that the quoted seat heights for most DS bikes
>are quite high...too high in fact for my short little legs (31"
>inseam short!). I'm a little concerned that my feet won't touch
>solid ground when I'm on it!! Will the suspension settle enough
>under my weight (230 lbs) so that I can put both feet on the ground?
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Rob Long
>Saint John, NB
>
>
>
>
>
>Archive Quicksearch at:
>
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html
>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
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
a good bike for a newby?
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 3:34 pm
by Jud Jones
Beg to differ. With my 28" inseam and a 500-560 spring, I can put two toes down, or flat
foot one by sliding a cheek. At 230lb with the stock spring, you will probably be able to
firmly plant at least the balls of your feet.
The KLR is so user-friendly and easy to ride, you will adapt quickly. If not, lowering links
are about $50, and install in 15 minutes.
Young II" wrote:
> Rob,
>
> Quite frankly, the bike will probably be tall for you in its present state. Shoot, it's tall for
me at times and I'm 6' 1-1/2" on a good day. Forget about getting on it like a regular
bike, i.e., just swinging your leg over the seat. I prefer to get on mine like you would a
horse. Left foot on the left peg, stand, then swing your leg over the seat. The suspension
will compress, then you can place your left foot on the ground and position the bike up-
right.
>
> This isn't to say that you can't ride it. Try it, and if it makes you feel a little
uncomfortable, you might consider installing a set of lowering links (and shortened
sidestand). Once you get familiar with the bike and its weight, pull the links off and have
another go at it.
>
> Guy
> A16
> Richmond, VA
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Rob Long
> Sent: Mar 16, 2005 3:20 PM
> To:
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [DSN_KLR650] A good bike for a newby?
>
>
> It's been years since I last rode a bike, but lately I've been
> thinking it would be a blast to get another one. I plan on looking
> at a used KLR650 (2002 model) at a local dealer this weekend. Could
> anyone tell me if this is a good or bad choice for a novice rider?
> Also, I've noticed that the quoted seat heights for most DS bikes
> are quite high...too high in fact for my short little legs (31"
> inseam short!). I'm a little concerned that my feet won't touch
> solid ground when I'm on it!! Will the suspension settle enough
> under my weight (230 lbs) so that I can put both feet on the ground?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Rob Long
> Saint John, NB
a good bike for a newby?
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 3:41 pm
by Randy Shultz
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "John Thompson"
wrote:
> I have a friend (non-rider) who is 5' 8" & 30" inseam. He handled
my KLR for 30 trail miles just fine (again, non-rider too)
>
----
Likewise, I'm in my forties with a 31" inseam and I can swing my leg
over. I can get both balls of my feet down once mounted and with a
full tank of gas I can ALMOST flat foot on both sides. I'm 140 lbs,
so I'll bet at 230 pounds, you'll do better once seated. Let's face
it, you carrying a full tank of gas full time compared to me
In the dirt is where I don't feel over confident about my short legs
relative to the KLR. Instead of lowering links, I'm going to try to
take an inch out of the foam on the stock seat.
As to whether the KLR is a good bike for getting reaquainted with
riding, I believe that it is, with the single exception of seat hight
relative to riders like us: the inseam challenged.
Just remember: in much of Asia, you and I would be considered
giants. It ain't our fault that most people in this country are
freakishly tall...
a good bike for a newby?
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 4:29 pm
by Rick McCauley
It is a tall bike that's for sure. I am a tad over 6' 3" and my riding buddy is about 5' 11"
He does the foot in the stirrup mount. I can usually just swing my leg over without to
much of a problem, But it is quite a stretch. (maybe I'm not as limber as I used to be).
It is kinda comical to watch my buddy ride down the rode with his legs dangling and feet not touching the ground.
Rob Long wrote:
It's been years since I last rode a bike, but lately I've been
thinking it would be a blast to get another one. I plan on looking
at a used KLR650 (2002 model) at a local dealer this weekend. Could
anyone tell me if this is a good or bad choice for a novice rider?
Also, I've noticed that the quoted seat heights for most DS bikes
are quite high...too high in fact for my short little legs (31"
inseam short!). I'm a little concerned that my feet won't touch
solid ground when I'm on it!! Will the suspension settle enough
under my weight (230 lbs) so that I can put both feet on the ground?
Thanks in advance,
Rob Long
Saint John, NB
Archive Quicksearch at:
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html
List sponsored by Dual Sport News at:
www.dualsportnews.com
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a good bike for a newby?
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 5:05 pm
by Rob Long
The sad fact is that I'm not exactly short...I stand just under 6
feet, but I'm cursed with these bizarre little legs!!
Anyway, back to the bikes...how are the KLR's at highway speeds (60-
65 mph)? Does truck traffic toss you around? I know they're far
from being a cruiser, but I'll probably be on the highway from time
to time.
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Randy Shultz"
wrote:
handled
> my KLR for 30 trail miles just fine (again, non-rider too)
> >
> ----
>
> Likewise, I'm in my forties with a 31" inseam and I can swing my
leg
> over. I can get both balls of my feet down once mounted and with a
> full tank of gas I can ALMOST flat foot on both sides. I'm 140
lbs,
> so I'll bet at 230 pounds, you'll do better once seated. Let's
face
> it, you carrying a full tank of gas full time compared to me
>
> In the dirt is where I don't feel over confident about my short
legs
> relative to the KLR. Instead of lowering links, I'm going to try
to
> take an inch out of the foam on the stock seat.
>
> As to whether the KLR is a good bike for getting reaquainted with
> riding, I believe that it is, with the single exception of seat
hight
> relative to riders like us: the inseam challenged.
>
> Just remember: in much of Asia, you and I would be considered
> giants. It ain't our fault that most people in this country are
> freakishly tall...
a good bike for a newby?
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 5:11 pm
by John Thompson
I'm on the highway alot & find that other traffic does not throw me around
like those certain roads that are prone to wind (can't help that).
If you ask about a taller windshield, you will get a 50/50 response (my
opinion) so borrow one before you buy one...
JT
>From: "Rob Long"
>To:
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: A good bike for a newby?
>Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 23:05:30 -0000
>
>
>
>The sad fact is that I'm not exactly short...I stand just under 6
>feet, but I'm cursed with these bizarre little legs!!
>
>Anyway, back to the bikes...how are the KLR's at highway speeds (60-
>65 mph)? Does truck traffic toss you around? I know they're far
>from being a cruiser, but I'll probably be on the highway from time
>to time.
>
>
>
>
>
>--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Randy Shultz"
>wrote:
> >
> > --- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "John Thompson"
> > wrote:
> > > I have a friend (non-rider) who is 5' 8" & 30" inseam. He
>handled
> > my KLR for 30 trail miles just fine (again, non-rider too)
> > >
> > ----
> >
> > Likewise, I'm in my forties with a 31" inseam and I can swing my
>leg
> > over. I can get both balls of my feet down once mounted and with a
> > full tank of gas I can ALMOST flat foot on both sides. I'm 140
>lbs,
> > so I'll bet at 230 pounds, you'll do better once seated. Let's
>face
> > it, you carrying a full tank of gas full time compared to me
> >
> > In the dirt is where I don't feel over confident about my short
>legs
> > relative to the KLR. Instead of lowering links, I'm going to try
>to
> > take an inch out of the foam on the stock seat.
> >
> > As to whether the KLR is a good bike for getting reaquainted with
> > riding, I believe that it is, with the single exception of seat
>hight
> > relative to riders like us: the inseam challenged.
> >
> > Just remember: in much of Asia, you and I would be considered
> > giants. It ain't our fault that most people in this country are
> > freakishly tall...
>
>
>
>
>
>Archive Quicksearch at:
>
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html
>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
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
a good bike for a newby?
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 5:57 pm
by Arden Kysely
I have a 31" inseam, and I weigh 145 pounds, so the suspension
doesn't compress much when I hop on. I've owned KLRs since 1989 and
not had a problem with the seat height. I can see being nervous at
first, but you get used to using just part of your foot, or leaning
the bike a bit, or sliding off the seat some. Being on a tall bike on
the road is cool, you get a much better view, and people can probably
see you better, too.
__Arden
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Rob Long" wrote:
>
> It's been years since I last rode a bike, but lately I've been
> thinking it would be a blast to get another one. I plan on looking
> at a used KLR650 (2002 model) at a local dealer this weekend.
Could
> anyone tell me if this is a good or bad choice for a novice rider?
> Also, I've noticed that the quoted seat heights for most DS bikes
> are quite high...too high in fact for my short little legs (31"
> inseam short!). I'm a little concerned that my feet won't touch
> solid ground when I'm on it!! Will the suspension settle enough
> under my weight (230 lbs) so that I can put both feet on the ground?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Rob Long
> Saint John, NB