2000 klr 650 - test ride, first impressions

[Brad Davis]

All this recent list talk about buying a motorcycle bike makes me think about my experience with this list when I was considering a KLR some 18 months ago. I posed a question to the list and got a lot of considerate feedback for which I am still grateful. Some of these people may not be list members anymore, I am not sure. I noticed the archives do not contain the responses anymore so I thought I would compile the responses and post them for other potential buyers to read. Hopefully, others will get as much out of them as I did and still do. So, with thanks to: Mark Rob Dr. Knot Steve Dave CAStu Toby DAngus Russell Ed Neil Tim Jim Sherlock Don and presented in no particular order, I repost the responses I received to my posting titled "A Serious Question" Thanks again guys. Brad Davis North Carolina *************************** -----Original Message----- From: Brad Davis [mailto:bradcdavis@...] Sent: Friday, June 30, 2000 10:02 AM To: DSN_klr650@egroups.com Subject: [DSN_klr650] A Serious Question I am finding myself in a strange emotional state. Please pardon my rambling while I explain my feelings. I hope some of you will tell me if my feelings are normal or not. I have found a great A9 to buy and I have been eagerly waiting for this "moment" for some time. I have wanted a motorcycle since I was 16 and almost bought one twice, but other priorities like college, marriage, kids and home came first. Now, finally, many years later (I am 43) I have some cash saved up (from some "big boy" toys I sold) so that this purchase won't make a severe impact to my families' budget. You would expect that I would be excited that this time has come. Well, the fact is, my feelings on this purchase cycle from excitement to fear. Every accident or close call I read about in this newsgroup makes my chest tighten up with apprehension! And those poor people who have been killed, they could have just as easily been me. Why do I want a KLR? I have asked myself this endlessly. Is it to fulfill a childhood dream? Well, that might be partly it. But I tell myself I am a good back yard mechanic, I drive automobiles very conservatively, and I feel that bike riding and ownership would be enjoyable, fun and challenging. I am approaching this purchase seriously in that safety is the number one issue I don't want to leave my children fatherless and my wife with only my memory. I plan to acquire all the safety gear: helmet, gloves, riding jacket and pants and boots. I am scheduled to take the MSF class in September. Some of you may have even noticed my postings of late emphasize safety wheel alignment, tires, gloves, helmets etc. Preparing for this purchase has been very sobering. Well, I didn't want this to be a therapy session but I was hoping that some of you could share your thought or feelings on this with me. My wife is not real excited about this purchase but knows I'll be careful and is glad about my safety concerns. Thanks Everyone. Brad +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 13:22:27 +0100 To: "Brad Davis" , "DSN_klr650@egroups.com" DSN_klr650@egroups.com> From: "Mark" | Block Address | Add to Address Book Subject: Re: [DSN_klr650] A Serious Question There's no shame in being apprehensive. The big thing to consider is "know thyself". I'm 33 and have always been adventurous. As a kid, I was always exploring and experimenting. Now I ride a motorcycle in all types of conditions, have a pilot's license, work occasionally in tiny research submarines at depths of two miles, etc. I'm not in a hurry to die. I too have a wife, children, etc.... so I'm careful not to make stupid decisions "on the fly". But my father was taken from me when I was five. How? He was on his way home from a week-long business trip (normally a safe activity) and a drunk driver caused a 6 car pile up with no survivors. I'll never forget the night we heard a car in the driveway thinking dad was home and discovering it was a two State Troopers coming to the door. Remember, you can be yanked off this earth at any moment, so don't let that stop you from learning something new or trying something defined by many as "dangerous". It's a big wonderful world out there with many fun things to see and do. Don't let fear immobilize you. I'd rather die doing something I enjoy than die crossing the street on my way to the office. Mark (who's next big task it to jump out of a perfectly good airplane) B2 A2 ****************** Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 09:37:44 -0700 From: "Rob MacLeod" | Block Address | Add to Address Book To: DSN_klr650@egroups.com, bradcdavis@... Subject: Re: [DSN_klr650] A Serious Question Brad, "A hero dies once, a coward dies a thousand deaths." Don't be afraid to embrace life. Close calls will come, you may even get hurt, but at 90 do want sit in soft chair while someone spoon feeds you soft food wondering 'what if'? If you are truly apprehensive, DON'T DO IT! An overly cautious rider, IMHO, is as likely to get into trouble as a careless one. I don't know where you live, and I don't know if you have ever ridden before, but if you can, start slowly in a dirt lot. Get comfortable with the feel and balance of the machine, be one with it (it's a Zen thing). Dealing with traffic while trying to meld with your mount could be too much for a novice to deal with safely. All the safety instruction in the world will not help you if you cannot react with a generous helping of instinct--case in point: I was riding too fast for the forest road I was on (yes, I know that's stupid), came into an unexpected sharp left turn, instinct from years of dirt riding took over and I 'flat-tracked' the bike with more throttle through the turn and stopped, cleaned out my underpants and rode on--without the instinct to know the limits of the bike in a slide I would have been in the trees. I don't know if this helps, I hope it does. Just don't feel pressured into which ever decision you make. Rob ++++++++++++++++++++ From: EPhilride@... | Block Address | Add to Address Book Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 12:52:51 EDT Subject: Re: [DSN_klr650] A Serious Question To: bradcdavis@..., DSN_klr650@egroups.com Hey Brad, I think you will really enjoy the sport of motorcycling and you bring to the table the most important aspect - safety, and the inherent dangers of the sport that I love so much. Recognizing that you can get killed is very important and *managing the risk* is what it is all about. Here is my take on the subject. I do not use my bike as a *daily commuter* - that reduces my risk greatly. I ride mostly for pure enjoyment and try to avoid *time pressures* - I don't rush to get here or there, this also reduces my risk. I seldom subject myself to rush hour or other high traffic conditions - you got it ....low risk. I spend most of my time *in-the-woods* but do have to ride on pavement getting to and from the woods. I do my aggressive riding in the dirt where I can slip-n-slide and a *wipe-out* is usually at low speed with low fees (broken parts & bodily injury). On pavement - I'm a conservative rider, never riding at 10/10. So Brad, count the cost, decide how you are going to manage the risk, and most importantly.........if you want to experience a great sport......buy that motorcycle and discover a wonderful thing! Stay in the woods till you get some experience. Master the art of going slow before you go fast. Find some riding buddies that you trust and that can teach you how to ride, they can shorten the learning curve by showing you what and how to do things. Then venture out a little further........but, try to avoid the cagers as much as possible. Dr. Knot; PhD (Pretty honda Dude) educated in cyc-all-o-g-y at the Hi-Side U.. *********************** Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 17:31:39 -0000 From: "Steve Anderson" | Block Address | Add to Address Book To: "Brad Davis" Subject: Re: A Serious Question In my years of participating in sports and other activities I have chalked up considerable experience in: Motorcycles Single engine airplanes Mountain bikes Snow skiing Helicopters Surfing Climbing (technical and nontechnical) Snowboarding Sailing Cross country hang gliding Free diving Skateboarding Ice hockey Skurfing Long distance backpacking Ultralight piloting Sea kayaking Water skiing Trekking (North, central, and South America, Asia, and Europe) Sailplanes (gliders) Personal watercraft Gyrocopters In no particular order. The point? Of all of these activities, motorcycles offer the greatest chance of serious injury or death, by far, in my opinion. Does that stop me from riding? Do I have a *death wish*? NO! I am a believer in learning everything I can about the sports, taking the prudent precautions, and then to go enjoy the activity. Risk management. If I was overly concerned about the risks of these sports while enjoying them, I doubt that I would/could/should continue them. Peoples approaches to risk management are very different, and you will have to draw your own conclusions. Some people are better at it than others. Frankly I think the Kennedy's are good examples of poor risk managers, but that's another topic altogether. Yes, motorcycles are very dangerous with respect to most peoples daily activities with the possible exception of driving a car, which although *safer* than motorcycles, are still very dangerous, especially considering how much time we spend in them. Steve +++++++++ Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 18:14:36 -0000 From: "Dave Leslie" | Block Address | Add to Address Book To: "Brad Davis" Subject: Re: A Serious Question Hi Brad, As another who got around to riding late (47), I don't know if we're normal, but I know exactly how you feel. I took the MSF course last summer and that was the first time in my life that I operated a motorcycle. The first day on the range, I was really keyed up - like my body was buzzing. By course completion, I was relatively calm and thinking, all right, I'm ready to ride. In Virginia, passing the MSF course gets you a bye on the riding portion of the licensing process. A 30 minute visit to the local DMV office, a short written, and I was a licensed motorcycle operator. Bought my KLR 2 months later. "Can you deliver it?" The apprehension was back. It took me a couple of days to get out of my back yard. Gradually added routes, Subdivison, and then short trips to a parking lot, where I did the exercises from the MSF class. Longer rides away from the city at low traffic times. More traffic. Interstate highways. Put about 1000 miles on the bike over the winter In May, I rode 350 miles up to PA to the MotoLand 2000 ride. 200+ miles of gravel/rock roads and trail in 2 days. Then 350 miles home. That weekend did more for my confidence level than the previous 6 months of riding. Great people. Great time. I wear good gear all the time. It's hard when it's over 90 degrees and everyone else is in shorts and tank top - that seems to be the norm around here. But I do it anyway. And I still have those moments (not too often now) when I think - this is nuts. Why take the risk? All I can say is that I keep climbing on. I never have the anxiety or doubt while I'm actually riding. Ride Safe. Dave Leslie A14 Richmond, VA ++++++++++++++++++ Reply-to: From: "Stuart Mumford" | Block Address | Add to Address Book To: DSN_klr650@egroups.com, bradcdavis@... Subject: re: A serious question NKLR Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 11:27:37 -0700 Brad, there are 2 kinds of riders. Those that have gone down, and those that are on the way. HOWEVER after you graduate from the MSF course, you will know that the vast majority of motorcycling accidents and fatalities in particular involve either unlicensed riders, teenagers, or intoxicated riders. I know from personal experience that people do not see bikes, I get cut off once a day minimum. However when you learn to SIPDE (scan, interpret, predict, decide,execute) and become familiar with your bike's controls and handling, you'll be well equipped to deal with the perils of the road. After you read all these scary crash reports, temper your apprehension with reading some ride reports and looking at some photos of the spectacular destinations. It's yin and yang man, there is a heck of a lot of good associated with motorcycling. But hey, it's your life... You can buy the A9 and have some fun, or you can sit on the couch and wonder what you're missing... CA Stu | Block Address | Add to Address Book To: "Brad Davis" Subject: Re: [DSN_klr650] A Serious Question Brad, Some dogmatic feedback......first, your feelings are normal. Have you ever ridden(or owned) a bike before? Are you comfortable riding in the dirt? Considering your age, and how you say you drive your car, and that you may have not ridden much, if in the dirt at all.......I'll say the following as a breakdown, within the subject of 'motorcycling' itself. Dirt experience is priceless, and its fun, and there(usually) is a minimum of 'other guys' to deal with. Also, though it's more demanding, it 'makes you' learn proper handling technique......... If you ever have to do 'emergency' technique on the street, it's far better to have learned it in the dirt. The dirt teaches all the things you need to become 'the best' you can on the road.....including watching ahead, keeping cool in 'sudden' situations, and mostly... developing 'automatic' responses to the terrain. I differ from perhaps many others, in that I'd say, unless you've ridden dirt....don't get on the street. In dirt you can fall, and it doesn't hurt many times. When you go down on street.....it always does.....and a good rider has to have fallen. A few times anyway......I believe this is the greatest learning of all. It is for this reason, that if you haven't ridden dirt, I'd steer you away from the big A9 as a first bike. I don't know you, are you a weightlifter, are you above 6ft., and are you strong? In that case I'd say go ahead........but, don't be afraid to wrestle with and muscle the bike around. Otherwise, I'd still encourage getting a say XR250, XR/DR 350 ...........or maybe even a DR650.......but the KLR is a beast. Go out and put 2 for 1 miles on, in the dirt! When you feel like your good and comfortable on trails, and on dirt roads, then you'll be able to save your own hide on the street..... I say this too because, many people go out and get a KLR, find its to bulky and heavy, or fall on it a number of times, get intimidated and then give up altogether and sell it. Starting on a machine that's physically easy to muscle around and lift is everything. The old rule of thumb used to be, if you can pick it up you can have it. I say this because honestly, one should first (in the dirt) 'expect and get ready for falling'......its okay, its actually fun sometimes..... You won't fall that much.....for the exponential amount of learning you'll be doing......but- 'You'll be the best.' It ain't the amount, but the kind of miles you've ridden that will determine how good on street you are.......... Motorcycling is one of the greatest joys I think anyone could have. But, I feel that riding 'street only' lulls ones sense of ability to sleep...... that is because of the tremendous amount of security one can feel on asphalt. You can get away with things that you never could on dirt. Also, when you need to have 'emergency no- crash responses', the street does not teach them to you. The dirt teaches you kind of an acute 'very vigilant, and responsive' mindset. It also requires almost an 'aggressive' attitude so that you make the bike do the work(or it will work you)........but at the same time you develop this kind of Zen-like approach to gliding down the trail........where you're fluidly picking the levelest, straightest lines. Learn to lock em up, power slide,.......not break traction on steep uphills or downhills. Skid to a stop without putting your feet down, balance, and start again (w/o feet down)......use more rear brake than front (or the front slips out from under you).....then when you get on asphalt you'll be savvy to the real inconspicuous dangers that are part of hardtop riding. In the dirt, falling is part of the territory. The best learning comes from it. It exponential.....for only a few falls one gains great skills, but I'd say its necessary to learn good dirt skills.....evading the issue is not realistic and wishful thinking. I've seen some pretty good dirt riders come the Mtn Bike ranks! Many riders will never have the pleasure or benefit of what's contained in the above.........and when they go down on the hardtop, they'll quit riding or 'really' get hurt. Some will play down what is said above......but the wisest will concur. I was raised in the old dirt school, and I can't say enough for it. It's saved my neck a million times, and still I often feel the need to re-awaken myself to the realities of hardtop riding......cause that kind: on one hand, affords you the most/easiest pleasure, but on the other hand entails the hardest(most dangerous) falls. I've been riding 35 years......I've experienced a usual number of falls while I was mastering control of my bike and those were of little injury consequence. I would say generally, on size friendly bikes, that is the usual scenario. What I learned in couple of 'greater' falls(years apart) was to keep my eye on the road 'constantly', or be able to discern- from the situation ahead- when its okay to remove my eye from the road for a few seconds........which isn't very often. Getting good means you have automatic skills and, you know when you can take your eyes from the road momentarily...... The liberation that occurs when you're riding is unequalled. Its therapy. I highly encourage everyone to ride motorcycles. Its a must do! So hit the dirt! With friends and neighbors. Learn. Fall. Enjoy, and get good in dirt..................... Its been along time since I've fallen now. Except for just tipping over when stopped.....or not having my feet planted. Some guys call me 'the guy who never falls down'. But I did almost all my riding, a falling, in the dirt, and it has saved me. At one point I recall stating I 'wouldn't ride street' cause 'all the bushes are moving and metal'. But since I've discovered it more fun to ride to the riding area than to haul. Also, with this big tanked KLR I can go farther to farther riding areas and then ride. So I'm on the street again..........but I see how dangerous the street is..... Good Luck, hope you take up riding, it really is awesome.......... Toby. ++++++++++++ From: "Dennis Angus" | Block Address | Add to Address Book To: "Brad Davis" Subject: RE: [DSN_klr650] A Serious Question Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 15:37:21 -0600 Buy it and ride. If this was a list about any other physical sport you would see negative threads as well. Don't be discouraged enough to miss out on one of life's great escapes. Ride like everyone is after you. Plan your trips so they don't coincide with rush hour. Take a route that is more casual. Don't ride until your exhausted. Etc. Most of all remember the glorious freedom of a motorcycle is worth any calculated risks taken. Enjoy. DAngus A-11 ++++++++++ From: "Russell Scott" | Block Address | Add to Address Book Reply-to: "russell@..." To: "'Brad Davis'" CC: "'KLR List'" DSN_klr650@egroups.com> Subject: RE: [DSN_klr650] A Serious Question Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 14:43:37 -0700 Organization: EON Corporation Buy the bike, keep your ego in check, drive defensively but not fearfully, ask the good Lord to watch over you, and have a blast! Russel'r DSN_klr650@egroups.com Brad, all I can say is do it right, and choose your riding friends correctly, I have decided who to ride with over the years based on who rides safe and understands safety, and I have taken two rider safety courses because we all know riding is risky. I try to remember this- a good rider on a good bike can potentially handle any situation as good as or better than that situation in a car. Barring weather and huge flying objects, take some training courses and ride safe! -neil ++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 01 Jul 2000 01:08:08 -0000 From: gienappt@... | Block Address | Add to Address Book To: "Brad Davis" Subject: Re: A Serious Question At 45 I just purchased my first Motorcycle. The Motorcycle riding course is a great first step, it provides a great base of knowledge to build on as you ride. The next step is to find some experienced riders to ride with, I have learned so much from riding with others and there is (to some degree) safety in numbers. If you pick your roads and riding times with care the pucker factor isn't too high. Enjoy Tim ++++++++++++++ From: JSherlockHolmes@... | Block Address | Add to Address Book Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 21:15:53 EDT Subject: Emotion of Thought To: bradcdavis@... Brad, I am glad to hear that you are asking yourself those questions. If you weren't, then I'd say stay off the bike. For what it is worth, here are my two cents. Now keep in mind that I have ridden for 26 years. But my first couple was behind my parents backs because they would not let me ride. (Sorry mom). Anyway, my first recommendation is that you take a MSF course that supplies the motorcycle. If you have done this, great. If you haven't, do it. Not only will you learn some valuable skills, but you will also be able to slightly test your desire to ride. Once this is complete, buy the bike. Find quiet country roads in your area and ride alone. Trailer the bike, at first. I would take a cell phone in case you do fall. Ride in the back country for at least one full season. Don't mess with the freeway, or heavy city streets, they are scary, very scary, and you MUST be experienced or you stand a high level chance of being hurt. Take your KLR off road. Strip the fairing and stuff if you don't want to chance breaking anything. Learn to ride your bike confidently in the back country and in the dirt (no motocross stuff, just lite to decent trails). Then you will have decided how serious you are about the sport without putting yourself in excessive danger. I say this, because you are no spring chicken, neither am I. If you had started as a kid, or in your early twenties, you would have developed many skills and reflexes, over the years. These skills and reflexes would enable you to instinctively avoid many dangers. You, my friend, must develop those skills and reflexes at a much later age. That is why I strongly encourage you to take the MSF Beginner course, then ride for a full season in the back country and trails, then go back and take the experienced rider MSF course. If you follow this approach you will have many enjoyable days of relatively safe riding. This will give you the time to determine if you wish to continue or not. If you do continue, then you can move up, at your own pace, to complex street and highway systems. I'd hate to see you not try because you may be a natural and you may end of loving it more than anything else, besides family that is....they are always #1. I can't tell you that motorcycling is safe. It is not. Yet, what really is safe. You can die in your garage, your tub, your car, at work, etc. What I can tell you, is that although people die, there are actually less people killed per capita of accidents on motorcycles than in other DOT approved motorized vehicles. I have been riding 26 years. In that time I have been hit once, laid it down (due to my dumbness) twice on the street. I have had a few close encounters, but I ride like Darth Vader on the prowl. Many have never been in an accident of any kind. Some have been in several. There is no set pattern. It just plain depends...............The point is, I always ride scared. Full of fear, but a controlled fear. Fear used to my advantage to help keep my senses sharp. Once away from civilization the fear is almost nonexistent. But around humans, I fear. You are destined to get hurt, if not die, if you don't ride with controlled fear. No one can tell you if you should ride or not. The only one that knows if it is truly in his heart and soul to do it, is you. I am also married. I also have a three year old son. I always think of them whenever I get on my bike. That will probably never change. But, I have so much love for motorcycling in my blood, is that there is no way I could give it up for any reason other than my inability to ride safe. Thankfully, my wife road three wheelers when she was a teen, and rode for a while by my side on her own bike. She decided to give it up for a few years because she felt that she could not provide the necessary discipline and attention in order to be a safe rider. She just wasn't into it enough to be serious, so she quit. That was three years ago. Now, she is starting to look at bikes again. I think she wants a DP like my KLR. The fact is, all I can do is ramble on, and perhaps provide a little encouragement for you. Ride if you feel it in your bones. If you are not sure, try my plan of attack. If you really have the Willie's thinking about "what if," then don't ride. You will never be willing to take the necessary risks if you have the "Willie's." I hope my rambling's have helped you out. Do what is right for you. Jim Sherlock +++++++++++++ From: TOPWORTH@... | Block Address | Add to Address Book Date: Sat, 1 Jul 2000 00:18:24 EDT Subject: Re: [DSN_klr650] A Serious Question To: bradcdavis@... Howdy Brad, that your thinking about it suggests your ready for the ride. The biggest thing is to decide if it is something you really want to do, that done maybe take the MSF course on a bike provided with the course to see if you still like and enjoy riding. One thing I might offer, if you played ball in HS or College you know that sometimes being tentative is what gets you hurt. On a bike you don't want to ride aggressive or over your head, but at the same time you can't be tentative. You have to learn to ride within your own limits but be aggressive and not afraid to get on the throttle when needed. Think smooth and you'll be fine. Good luck Don 95 KLR 650 97 Wing

[bkowal@cgocable.net]

So I took a 2000 with 11,000km on it out for a test ride from the local dealer. I was my first time on a KLR (you always remember your first time). Machine was clean, fitted with Michlean tires, gel grips but was otherwise stock. - The stock machine is very quiet which was a nice suprise. - Felt very comfortable, riding position etc. is great for my size and build (6' 200lbs). - Vibration was lower than I had imagined. Ya the mirrors were a little shaky but still useable. Rides alot smoother than any Harley I've ever rode. - Stable on the highway. Had her up to 140kph no problem in and out of big trucks and felt fine. I thought I would get blown around but this was not a problem. Wind buffeting and shakeyness not a problem at these speeds. Overall felt very comfortable on the blacktop. - Took it through a vacant lot and some gravel roads. Felt good offroad (nothing extreme, had to be careful not to get the bike dirty), but it didn't take long to bottom out the front end. - Front brake works. Not strong but it is there. - Handles great on the street. - My biggest bitch was lack of power. Nailing the throttle produced no real suprises (and no real adrenaline rush). I can see riding this thing wide-open all the time, which I feel the bike could handle just fine. Summary: - Bike fits me great. - Needs Progressive springs on front (no suprise). Maybe a fork brace for higher highway speeds. - Great on highway under 140kph. - Off road is OK as best I could tell. - Needs more power! Bike would be much more fun if the front end felt a little lighter when you give her the gas. I think the engine has good potential for power gains with modest mods since it is so anemic in stock form. If I decide to buy this one next week, I will quickly start Project KLR to gets some extra ponies out of her with the money I saved buying a used model.