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klr as a first bike?
Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 7:40 am
by alex_d_duncan
Hello everyone. Easter weekend, I'll be taking the MSF course. I've
never ridden before. Would the KLR be a good first bike?
Also, if I buy one, should I have the dealership install the
doohickey? (I'm definitelly lacking when it comes to mechanical aptitude.)
Thanks for your help,
Alex
klr as a first bike?
Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 7:48 am
by Analog Aardvark
Any new bike is a bad first bike. The KLR is tall and
top heavy... so it may be hard to balance, and once it
does start to tip, it's likely going down unless
you've got some muscle.
If you're a decent sized guy, get something a little
smaller and less intimidating that's USED. If you
don't abuse it you can sell it next spring and, if you
want, buy a new something else. If you don't want to
long distances or too much two-up, a smaller dual
sport is a great first bike. Not to put you off the
KLR, I love it, but it's a bit of a pig for a very
first bike.
and really--buy used.
-Luke
--- alex_d_duncan wrote:
> Hello everyone. Easter weekend, I'll be taking the
> MSF course. I've
> never ridden before. Would the KLR be a good first
> bike?
>
> Also, if I buy one, should I have the dealership
> install the
> doohickey? (I'm definitelly lacking when it comes to
> mechanical aptitude.)
>
> Thanks for your help,
> Alex
>
>
>
>
>
> Archive Quicksearch at:
>
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html
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klr as a first bike?
Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 8:35 am
by Rick Hutton
Alex,
I hadn't ridden for almost 10 years when I got my KLR
a few months ago. Before that I only road
consistantly for a year. So I think the KLR is doable
as a first bike. My only reservation would be your
height. If you are short like me,5'9" the bike can be
intimidating at first. If you are on the taller side
you would be just fine. I'm not sure if the dealer
would do the doohickey?
Rick
--- alex_d_duncan wrote:
> Hello everyone. Easter weekend, I'll be taking the
> MSF course. I've
> never ridden before. Would the KLR be a good first
> bike?
>
> Also, if I buy one, should I have the dealership
> install the
> doohickey? (I'm definitelly lacking when it comes to
> mechanical aptitude.)
>
> Thanks for your help,
> Alex
>
>
>
>
>
> Archive Quicksearch at:
>
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html
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klr as a first bike?
Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 8:36 am
by Jeff Saline
On Tue, 04 Apr 2006 12:39:30 -0000 "alex_d_duncan"
writes:
> Hello everyone. Easter weekend, I'll be taking the MSF course.
> I've
> never ridden before. Would the KLR be a good first bike?
>
> Also, if I buy one, should I have the dealership install the
> doohickey? (I'm definitelly lacking when it comes to mechanical
> aptitude.)
>
> Thanks for your help,
> Alex
<><><><><><><>
<><><><><><><>
Alex,
Good for you taking the MSF course. Remember your first year will be the
most dangerous one on a bike. Then the first rides on any new to your
bike after that. Please be careful.
I think a KLR could be a fine first bike. And last bike. And everybike
in between. : ) It'll allow you to cover maybe 75% more riding
territory than a street only bike. It'll have some limitations and
points you'll have to learn to adjust to but I bet if you want to you'll
get used to them. I don't think height is such a great issue as many
folks on the list do. It probably is a bit more of an issue for a new
rider but if you realize you have to balance the bike when you stop you
can probably figure out how to make that happen. Once you get moving
your feet should be on the pegs and stay there. Then it won't matter if
the bike is tall or short as you'll just care that the tires are touching
the ground. : )
You can get a lot of support from this group for both mechanical issues
and riding advice. If you let folks know where you're located there may
be someone near you that can help get you going on bike maintenance and
riding skills too. I wouldn't let the dealer touch my bike unless the
circumstances were very special. I think you'll be better off doing the
doohickey yourself with someone who knows how to do it. That could
present the opportunity for a fine ride somewhere. But if you really
don't have the mechanical aptitude or desire to gain mechanical aptitude
getting a local shop to change it could be worth the cost. Strange as it
seems to me I know some folks just don't like to wrench on bikes. : )
Best of luck with your course and choosing a bike,
Jeff Saline
ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal
Airheads Beemer Club
www.airheads.org
The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota
75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT
klr as a first bike?
Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 9:18 am
by JRC
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "alex_d_duncan"
wrote:
>
> Hello everyone. Easter weekend, I'll be taking the MSF course. I've
> never ridden before. Would the KLR be a good first bike?
I guess the answer is "maybe". The KLR is certainly a better choice
than a high powered sportbike. If you're going to do dualsport
riding, it is also a good choice.
I think a first-time rider should buy a bike that's not too big
(physically) or overpowered. You didn't mention how large you are, but
a KLR could be a hassle for someone trying to learn to ride as well as
manage a bike size they are not used to.
Maybe some more details on your size and what you plan to do with the
bike would help us advise you.
I do believe, however, that any new bike is a bad choice for a new
rider. A person can have a lot of fun on cheap, used bikes.
JRC
A13
'01 LC1500
klr as a first bike?
Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 11:27 am
by Mike Peplinski
The postings I've seen so far are right on. The only thing I would add is
something I use in my business; "before you decide, target your needs". Its
a form of strategy. List what your demands are then see how the KLR fills
the need. Your needs may be specific and the KLR does not match them. Its a
great all round bike. In fact it may be the best all round bike, period. The
Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles. You wouldn' fillet a trout with a SAK but
you could. The KLR is like that. It can do almost anything, but there are
always better single purpose bikes. Are your needs Swiss Army Knife or
fillet knife? Me? I carry a Swiss Army Knife wherever I go.
>From: Jeff Saline
>To: alex_d_duncan@...
>CC:
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] KLR as a first bike?
>Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2006 07:34:35 -0600
>
>On Tue, 04 Apr 2006 12:39:30 -0000 "alex_d_duncan"
> writes:
> > Hello everyone. Easter weekend, I'll be taking the MSF course.
> > I've
> > never ridden before. Would the KLR be a good first bike?
> >
> > Also, if I buy one, should I have the dealership install the
> > doohickey? (I'm definitelly lacking when it comes to mechanical
> > aptitude.)
> >
> > Thanks for your help,
> > Alex
><><><><><><><>
><><><><><><><>
>
>Alex,
>
>Good for you taking the MSF course. Remember your first year will be the
>most dangerous one on a bike. Then the first rides on any new to your
>bike after that. Please be careful.
>
>I think a KLR could be a fine first bike. And last bike. And everybike
>in between. : ) It'll allow you to cover maybe 75% more riding
>territory than a street only bike. It'll have some limitations and
>points you'll have to learn to adjust to but I bet if you want to you'll
>get used to them. I don't think height is such a great issue as many
>folks on the list do. It probably is a bit more of an issue for a new
>rider but if you realize you have to balance the bike when you stop you
>can probably figure out how to make that happen. Once you get moving
>your feet should be on the pegs and stay there. Then it won't matter if
>the bike is tall or short as you'll just care that the tires are touching
>the ground. : )
>
>You can get a lot of support from this group for both mechanical issues
>and riding advice. If you let folks know where you're located there may
>be someone near you that can help get you going on bike maintenance and
>riding skills too. I wouldn't let the dealer touch my bike unless the
>circumstances were very special. I think you'll be better off doing the
>doohickey yourself with someone who knows how to do it. That could
>present the opportunity for a fine ride somewhere. But if you really
>don't have the mechanical aptitude or desire to gain mechanical aptitude
>getting a local shop to change it could be worth the cost. Strange as it
>seems to me I know some folks just don't like to wrench on bikes. : )
>
>Best of luck with your course and choosing a bike,
>
>Jeff Saline
>ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal
>Airheads Beemer Club
www.airheads.org
>The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota
>75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT
>
>
>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
>Member Map at:
http://www.frappr.com/dsnklr650
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
klr as a first bike?
Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 12:55 pm
by Rick Hutton
No worries Alex. If you are close to flat footed then
I think it would be fine. The bike is really comfy on
the road and easy to handle once going. Now that I've
been riding for a few months I feel good on pavement.
I've not done a ton of off-road stuff and can see
where my short legs could cause a problem, but I think
over all I would be fine. As mentioned by someone
else consider used. I got my 05 with about 700 miles
on it for 4500. There are many great deals around.
You may want to consider doing your own maintenance as
well. I was nervouse at first since I'm no mechanic
either, but I've done the swingarm, changed 2 flats
and did my valves! If I can do it so can you.
Rick
--- Alex Duncan wrote:
> Thanks Rick.
>
> I'm 5'11, and when I sat on the bike, I was almost
> able to flat foot both feet. It seems like a very
> comfortable bike.
>
> Alex
>
> --- Rick Hutton wrote:
>
> > Alex,
> >
> > I hadn't ridden for almost 10 years when I got my
> > KLR
> > a few months ago. Before that I only road
> > consistantly for a year. So I think the KLR is
> > doable
> > as a first bike. My only reservation would be
> your
> > height. If you are short like me,5'9" the bike
> can
> > be
> > intimidating at first. If you are on the taller
> > side
> > you would be just fine. I'm not sure if the
> dealer
> > would do the doohickey?
> > Rick
> >
> > --- alex_d_duncan wrote:
> >
> > > Hello everyone. Easter weekend, I'll be taking
> > the
> > > MSF course. I've
> > > never ridden before. Would the KLR be a good
> > first
> > > bike?
> > >
> > > Also, if I buy one, should I have the dealership
> > > install the
> > > doohickey? (I'm definitelly lacking when it
> comes
> > to
> > > mechanical aptitude.)
> > >
> > > Thanks for your help,
> > > Alex
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Archive Quicksearch at:
> > >
> >
>
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html
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klr as a first bike?
Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 4:46 pm
by Tony JONES
> From: "Mike Peplinski"
> Subject: Re: KLR as a first bike?
>
> The postings I've seen so far are right on. The only thing I would add is
> something I use in my business; "before you decide, target your needs".
> It's a form of strategy. List what your demands are then see how the KLR
> fills the need. Your needs may be specific and the KLR does not match them.
The problem with this is it's a strategy born of experience. Being a newcomer,
you tend to not have much. In a years time you'll probably have an infinitely
better idea of what your needs are. Exposure to other riders, seeing what
they have etc etc all these things expand your decision space.
Like others have said, go cheap and used. This way once you have a better idea
of what it is that you want, even if you've dropped it a few times, you'll be
able to sell it, move on and recoup most of what you paid.
Tony
nklr: updated doohickey, checked valve clearence, and cleaned o
Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 8:15 pm
by revmaaatin
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "el_derrick2001"
wrote:
>
> I feel like an offical DSN_KLR member after updating my doohickey,
> getting my valves in check and cleaning my oil screen.
SNIPige.
I set
> them all to the max clearence and now i got some slap happy
valves:).
> When i bought the bike i had 4,000 miles on it and the owner told
me
> that all the maintenance was up to date by the shop (including
valve
> check). I now have 13,000 miles. I never got around to checking
them
> until now, good thing i did because i was looking at catastrophic
> engine failure!!!!!
Cowboy wisdom:
Any horse that you go to buy is never more than 6 years old, ever,
Always has: Good teeth, good feet, doesn't buck or bite.
Me thinks that any used KLR (purchased) should minimally have the
doohickey checked, valves checked, oil changed, unless you know the
guy personally and were there when it happened.
revmaaatin. In God we trust, all others, require supervison.