Wilsons Sandbox

On 3/27/07, Will Gilmore wrote:

> or switching over to either the big or small Vstrom. As far as that's > concerned I'm haven't ruled out on a late model used Dakar either. If > anyone has strong leanings either way, I'd sure appreciate hearing > about them. Thanks ahead - Will

What kind of riding do you do??? I don't see anything on the 08 KLR that would make me consider it before I looked at a used one (and there are plenty of those)... If I did more street riding I would seriously look at a Wee-Strom. When I last went shopping that was my first choice but my budget just wasn't there and I was already familiar with the KLR so when one popped up at a great price - I couldn't pass it up. Jim

I know several folks that ride big VStroms. Every one of them loves the bike. Comfortable, powerful, agile and versatile -- on the street. The big one at least, is not an off-road bike. I think that if you're going to ride off-road on anything more challenging than a flat, graded, fire road, you are better off with the suspension, tires etc.. of the KLR or other d/s bikes. My 2 cents...

On Mar 27, 2007, at 11:06 AM, Will Gilmore wrote: > The ol' A-12 is beginning to look, feel and sound like it's almost 10 > years old and has seen its best miles. I'm mulling over the 2008 Kawa > or switching over to either the big or small Vstrom. As far as that's > concerned I'm haven't ruled out on a late model used Dakar either. If > anyone has strong leanings either way, I'd sure appreciate hearing > about them. Thanks ahead - Will > >

Will, I've got an '06 650 Vstrom and just finished putting together my '01 KLR * 685* with the Schnitz Racing fat head. I like both of them for different purposes. I don't think it's really a fair comparison. They are such different bikes. The VStrom looks classier and is better for long distance one or two up highway riding. My wife and I rode it up Hwy 1 from San Diego to Pt Reyes last fall, then to Sacramento, then to Yosemite and back home. The bike was great, performed flawlessly. So far it's been an extremely dependable, low maintenance machine. I have no reason to believe that will change. It is over 100lbs heavier than the KLR so handling is not as agile. It will outrun the KLR hands down. However, the KLR is better for everything else and is an absolute blast to ride - especially if you pump the horsepower up a bit. If you want to do any off road or fire trail riding at all, the VStrom is not for you. Similarities - Both have an upright sitting position. VStrom saddle is lower. VStrom is quieter at highway speeds - the fairing and tall windshield really work. MPG is reasonably comparable for the bikes. Chuck C San Diego, CA

On 3/27/07, Will Gilmore wrote: > > The ol' A-12 is beginning to look, feel and sound like it's almost 10 > years old and has seen its best miles. I'm mulling over the 2008 Kawa > or switching over to either the big or small Vstrom. As far as that's > concerned I'm haven't ruled out on a late model used Dakar either. If > anyone has strong leanings either way, I'd sure appreciate hearing > about them. Thanks ahead - Will > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On 3/27/07, Will Gilmore wrote:

> > The ol' A-12 is beginning to look, feel and sound like it's almost 10 > years old and has seen its best miles. I'm mulling over the 2008 Kawa > or switching over to either the big or small Vstrom. As far as that's > concerned I'm haven't ruled out on a late model used Dakar either. If > anyone has strong leanings either way, I'd sure appreciate hearing > about them. Thanks ahead - Will >

I love my 06 DL1000 and 93 KLR both very different bikes, but both very endearing to me. jf [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On 3/27/07, Will Gilmore wrote:

> > The ol' A-12 is beginning to look, feel and sound like it's almost 10 > years old and has seen its best miles. I'm mulling over the 2008 Kawa > or switching over to either the big or small Vstrom. As far as that's > concerned I'm haven't ruled out on a late model used Dakar either. If > anyone has strong leanings either way, I'd sure appreciate hearing > about them. Thanks ahead - Will >

I love my 06 DL1000 and 93 KLR both very different bikes, but both very endearing to me. jf [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I just read the Motorcycle Daily review of the Aprilia SXV and RXV 450/550's. I can see why you're still waiting for a call... From the write-up all four are pretty impressive bikes. 60 hour service intervals. Hmmmm, 60 hours at 60 mph would be ~3600 miles. That's not too bad. Chuck C

On 3/27/07, Norm Keller wrote: > > An acquaintance and his buddy will be picking up a pair of Aprilia 550 > dual sports which he reports as weighing less than 300 pounds with 70 hp. I > offered to break it in for him and he said he'd let me > know..................I'm still waiting for his phone call. > > Norm > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]