51 miles and still smiling

[LF]

> I'm in the market for a motorcycle, with an eye on longer trips (I'm > fond of Mexico), mostly on pavement (with the rubber side down). I > haven't ridden for a while. Last bike was a BMW R500. I like to do > most maintenance and repairs myself. Simple and reliable is good.

I found a new still in the box '07 (red for the time being; can turn a lighter shade of pale). The dealer can also get an '08. He says the '07 will be about $400 cheaper than the '08. AFAIK, the '08 has slightly higher compression and is a little heavier, better seat, possibly better for road trips fairing, no need to replace the dohickey. Seems to me, lighter weight and lower compression is an advantage of the '07. Probably the better seat, better dohickey, and larger fairing are advantages. Of course, if I wait, a decent used one will appear on Craigslist. I'm in no rush. Then, there is always the Suzuki DR650. It's lighter than the KLR, and air-cooled. Probably simpler to work on. But it seems the KLR is more popular. Please tell me why. So, 1. what do you think? 2. how do I estimated the market value of a motorcycle -- including a used ones? 3. how long will I have to wait for a diesel? Thanks, Larry [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Jud Jones]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, LF wrote:

> Then, there is always the Suzuki DR650. It's lighter than the KLR, > and air-cooled. Probably simpler to work on. But it seems the KLR is > more popular. Please tell me why. >

Bats the hell out of me. The DR is better in most respects, the exceptions being ergos for tall riders, and possibly longevity of the powerplant. OTOH the KLR developed a cult following early on, which has had a snowball effect, with a more developed aftermarket, and a broader community of enthusiast support.

[Jud Jones]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "bodevilio" wrote:

>I need some luggage.1 wk will be the longest i'm gone for > awhile.I'm more concerned with security first,weather resistant 2nd and > looks3rd.My off road forays will be into a field or sandy roads,in the > southeast coastal area's.Thanks in advance >

Givi e21's are the cheapest lockable hard bags I am aware of, and possibly the smallest. Their beauty is that they discourage you from packing way more crap than you need. Still, you can easily take way more than you could use in a week.