nklr:aprilia ds

[InWoods13@aol.com]

Hail list, Much to my distress initially, my local dealer couldn't locate certain parts needed for the Mity "thunderdog" (that's another story). We agreed that it would be safer for me to take on a loaner for a few days, than ride my KLR as is. So.....here's me in a candy store (large lot, lots of slightly ridden bikes) resisting the urge to hold out for an RC51 or ZRX1100, sanity prevailed. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the lot was 2000 Aprilia Pegaso Cube 650 with 300 miles on it....my new ride for a few days. No plans to sell the KLR over it, but my initial impression is that this is a really fun bike to ride, looks cool too (this one's metallic black). Very smooth on the road at speed. Better brakes (front & rear) in stock trim than the KLR, front end's not exactly confidence inspiring going from 60 to zero in a hurry though. Can't pinpoint it, but something feels not solid up there. It's a liquid cooled 5 speed (651cc) with a tall top gear. 5.5 gal tank & listed at 354lbs dry. It's wider than the KLR & you can feel it. At this point (a 30 mile ride home, all on road), it feels more like a BMW than a KLR. Am done riding for today as I'm beat & it's still 90 degrees here, at near 6pm. Am going to try to put it thru the KLR paces in the next few days though. Minus the technical sections off road, as this things a loaner & fitted with street tires..deep tread but still street tires (Bridgestone 130/80x17 rear - 100/90x19 up front). I promised the dealer that I wouldn't hit any mx tracks, jump it/dump it, put any stickers on it or perform any mods to it. Other than that, if anyone's got any questions about it's performance, yell. KLRless Scott 2000ApriliaPegasoCube650 Sorrento