I had a good motorcycle day last Friday. I rode my KLR
into downtown SF to help my buddy out with his coffee
business. Parking is tough down there, although there
are nice "motorcycle only" sections for .25 cents an
hour/.10 cents an hour further-out. No worrys though,
I just rolled my bike into the closet where a large
coffee cart is stored in the garage of a large
skyscraper.
I've been meaning to replace my front brake light
switch. It's been acting up again. I already "rebuilt"
it once after prying the case open with the edge of a
utility knife. It snapped back together nicely.
However, now it is pretty much shot. I been constantly
checking to see if my brake light comes on and have
had to frequently wiggle the blade connection to make
it work. Part of the problem, I think, is that when
assembled, one of the blade connectors was bent
outward. This loosened up the connection right-off the
bat. It is not neccessary to bend the connector
outwards. I wasn't feeling safe and decided to buy a
new one.
After dodging the crazy cagers, taxis, buses and
jaywalkers in the Market Street area, I made my way to
Golden Gate Cyclery. I beelined towards the 2008 red
KLR650 in the back. First look in person. Don't have
much to say, didn't ride it, but it looked cool.
Didn't feel heavier, of course, mine has
centerstand/racks/other stuff on it. Strange to see
the bigger fairing. Looks like much better wind
protection at speed. Fit and finish looked better.
Sales guy offered to roll it outside and fire it up, I
declined, not really wanting to run someone elses
future new bike since I'm not in the market at the
moment.
As I dismounted, I saw what looked like something I
didn't think was available yet. Could it be? Yes, it's
a 2008 Concours 14. And what do you know, a 2008
FJR1300abs next to it.
Kicking the now offending KLR out of my way (just
kidding about that part), I crossed the room to take a
look. What a machine. Despite it's weight, the 14,
with it's low and forward engine design, actually felt
light picking it up off the sidestand. I lusted after
it with it's saddlebags and Ninja-14 engine. The FJR
is sweet looking too, feels smaller than the 14. This
model had "clutchless" shifting, both with a foot
shifter and "Tiptronic" like shifter on the left grip.
Very strange to reach and not find a clutch lever. I
used to lust after the FJR until the 14 came out.
I know, they're giant bikes that won't see dirt. I've
had the temptation many times to try out a bigger
"dualsport," Adventure 950, maybe GS. Mainly just to
have more power on the street. But I can't get over
the weight factor. And it's possible that I may
someday try one. But for now, I am intrigued by the
thought of having a ridiculously powerful sport
touring machine for highway trips and just sticking
with the KLR for dualsport trips. In other words,
going to the separate extremes instead of meeting
halfway.
Anyways, good thing I do have a KLR that's all paid
for. Because, right now there is a little problem of
$14,000 dollars and a new living situation with a
garage standing between me and that dream.
Oh, I bought a new front brake light switch. $21.95.
It looks like it has been improved a little, seems
less rinky-dink like. Works perfect.
Charles
A-14
http://dualsportmotorcycling.com/
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