98 klr in redding

[greeneyed_rider]

Hey guys. I've been curious about the KLR 650 for a while, its been the only bike on my shopping list that i havent ridden yet, till today.( this is also the only dual sport on my list) Basically i liked it for looks and what it can do, offroad, o road and touring. Never really went offroad on a bike before but i like mountainbiking so i figure it would be my thing if i had the motorcycle for it. Anyway. The KLR i rode was a 2001, with about 8 thousand km on it. Rode it on street/parkin lot for about 10 min or so, speeds up to 60 kmh. Seems to have good torque and acceleration, but VERY rubbery/spongy feel to it when doing even light cornering, even compared to my 24yr old CB400. Seems like a cool machine but honestly doesnt seem like a good street bike due to sponginess and feels like it would be a handfull offroad because of size/height/weight. From what i read up on them, a fork brace would help reduce the fork flex...but even with most of availible reasonably priced things done to it, will it handle close to your typical 80's standard?

[mrgadgetklr]

Sold.