clutch question

[symme7ry]

I'm trying to decide whether to get an FZ6 or KLR650 as my first bike (I just finished the MSF training). (I'm also looking at the Suzuki sv650, but it seems a tad small for me at 6'3, 200lbs). I probably will be on the street 99.9% of the time (or 100% if I get the FZ6). I plan to test ride both of these bikes this weekend, but since I am unskilled I won't be riding them very hard or fast, and thus won't be able to give them a proper evaluation. The two things that concern me about the KLR650 are: (1) that I would prefer to have a good "sense of speed" when I ride. Basically, I would like to pretend that I am "ghostrider" from those popular motorcycle videos when I ride (or if you haven't seen those, just immagine a professional MotoGP racer) (don't worry, I will be going slow until I get the hang of it, and still not terribly fast after that), and don't want to be riding down the highway feeling slow and underpowered (I know the KLR should be able to do at least 80mph with someone of my weight, but I've heard that the high center of gravity makes it sort of strain and weave at such speeds). Conversely I envision that the ride at 70 mpg on an FZ6 will be pretty smooth and effortless. (2) Related to the sense of speed, is that I would like responsive handling that makes me feel like I am some sort of MotoGP event rather than feel like I am riding a bicycle with really saggy shock aborbers w/ lots of range shock and an engine (this is how I envision the KLR650 feeling, without having ridden it... one newsgroup poster described it as being similar to riding along on a pogo-stick). Basically I don't necessarily want to go fast, but I do want that fast, free, "one with the road" feeling that motorcycle riders are always talking about. Can people comment on the difference in how it feels to ride something like a klr650 vs. a yamaha fz6? Thanks much, Elliot

[Jeff Saline]

Elliot, Since you are a beginning rider I suggest you strongly consider the KLR650. I didn't know anything about the FZ6 other than it sounds like a sport bike so I just looked it up on the Yamaha site. It is a sport type bike. So my short answer is you should strongly consider the KLR650 as I think you will have a better chance of living through your first year of motorcycle riding on the KLR versus a sport bike. These two bikes are two different critters. Seating and performance is very different and if one really appeals to you that must be worth something. The KLR650 has plenty of power unless you really want to break the speed limits. I think the power limitations of the KLR will be an advantage for you as a new rider. If you make a mistake with a lot of power available to you it can easily end up as a serious accident. An example would be riding briskly in a turn and applying too much throttle or too much throttle too quickly. That could easily cause you to loose traction with the rear wheel. I didn't see any horsepower ratings on the FZ6 but I think it would have plenty of power to cause you problems. Although I suppose you could also do that with the KLR I'm comfortable in suggesting it won't happen under reasonable circumstances. The KLR will give you maybe 75% more riding territory as you can take dirt, gravel roads and trails when you want. For me that is a huge advantage. I know you said you figure on riding 99.9% on the street but if you have the capability to ride off of paved surfaces that will probably change. And maybe even more important for a new rider as that will get you away from traffic and the folks that will kill you when they make a mistake. The KLR has a wonderful support group and you can ask all kinds of questions here and get some great answers. If you want help working on your bike this group can really give great advice. I don't know about FZ6 support or how easy it is to work on. The KLR is less expensive and seems to really hold it's own on resale value. Take a look at blue book prices and then try to find a decent example at even close to those prices. A 1999 KLR650 with only a few thousand miles recently sold here for $3,000 as an example. I've ridden my KLR fully loaded with gear for a few weeks of touring and camping using 50/50 tires on the Devil's Highway in eastern Arizona. They boast it has over 1,800 turns in 100 miles. The KLR was great and I don't think sport bikes can ride it much faster and I know they sure can't have as much fun as I did. We liked that section so much we road it north to south in the morning and then south to north in the afternoon. I can go faster than I want or should on the KLR which is no different than a sport bike other than what the upper limit might be. Well, I've had my say and really think the KLR is a great bike for someone who's learning and isn't sure what they want. I have 5 bikes right now and if all but one had to go the KLR is the one I'd keep. To me that says worlds about the KLR. Last, I'd rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. I bet you will too. Best, Jeff Saline ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal Airheads Beemer Club www.airheads.org The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT plus two others On Fri, 24 Feb 2006 02:21:22 -0000 "symme7ry" writes:

> > I'm trying to decide whether to get an FZ6 or KLR650 as my first > bike > (I just finished the MSF training). (I'm also looking at the Suzuki > > sv650, but it seems a tad small for me at 6'3, 200lbs). > > I probably will be on the street 99.9% of the time (or 100% if I get > > the FZ6). > > I plan to test ride both of these bikes this weekend, but since I am > > unskilled I won't be riding them very hard or fast, and thus won't > be > able to give them a proper evaluation. > > The two things that concern me about the KLR650 are: > > (1) that I would prefer to have a good "sense of speed" when I ride. > > Basically, I would like to pretend that I am "ghostrider" from those > > popular motorcycle videos when I ride (or if you haven't seen those, > > just immagine a professional MotoGP racer) (don't worry, I will be > going slow until I get the hang of it, and still not terribly fast > after that), and don't want to be riding down the highway feeling > slow and underpowered (I know the KLR should be able to do at least > > 80mph with someone of my weight, but I've heard that the high center > > of gravity makes it sort of strain and weave at such speeds). > Conversely I envision that the ride at 70 mpg on an FZ6 will be > pretty smooth and effortless. > > (2) Related to the sense of speed, is that I would like responsive > handling that makes me feel like I am some sort of MotoGP event > rather than feel like I am riding a bicycle with really saggy shock > > aborbers w/ lots of range shock and an engine (this is how I > envision > the KLR650 feeling, without having ridden it... one newsgroup poster > > described it as being similar to riding along on a pogo-stick). > > Basically I don't necessarily want to go fast, but I do want that > fast, free, "one with the road" feeling that motorcycle riders are > always talking about. Can people comment on the difference in how it > > feels to ride something like a klr650 vs. a yamaha fz6? > > Thanks much, > Elliot > > > > > > Archive Quicksearch at: > http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Member Map at: http://www.frappr.com/dsnklr650 > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > >

[Tony JONES]

Totally different bikes. FZ6 is going to have significantly more power and a lower seat height than the KLR. Not a sensible choice for a first bike. As a beginning rider you don't really need any more power than the KLR has and depending on how tall you are the height of the KLR can be reassuring in city traffic. On the flip side if you have less than say a 30" inseam as a beginner, the KLR may not be for you and IMHO the KLRs brakes are crap (but fixable for $100-200). The R6 (of which the FZ6 is a detuned version) is like riding a sewing machine. Diff kind of vibration over a big single. Obviously, the KLR will take you onto dirt roads. Nothing helps you learn to ride like riding on dirt. I say this as you made the 99% street comment. SV650 is a killer bike. I've ridden several. Simply awesome in the twisties. Random advice: My first bike (right out of MSF) was a mechanically sound but cosmetically challenged Honda CB1. Whatever you get, be aware that it's very likely that you are going to drop it, so new w/lots of expensive body/engine parts to replace isn't a great idea -- unless they are already cosmetically damaged. If I were looking at a street bike for a beginner I'd look at maybe a EX500 or a GS500. Dirt cheap, bulletproof. I don't really get the whole "ghostrider"/"sense of speed" and "MotoGP event" comments. As a beginner you just need to worry about learning , staying alive and not damaging the bike too much (IMHO). Remember your first bike is not one you tend to own for too long. Go with cheap, practical, resistant to dumb mistakes and cheap to maintain. None of these calls out FZ6 to me. An older KLR does sound like it fits these if it's the kind of bike you like. best Tony

[Tony JONES]

> FZ6 is going to have significantly more power and a lower seat > height than the KLR. Not a sensible choice for a first bike.

The "significantly more power" being why it's not a sensible choice. Obviously low seat height is always a good thing (for a beginner).

[RM]

On Fri, 24 Feb 2006 02:21:22 -0000, "symme7ry" said:

>Can people comment on the difference in how it >feels to ride something like a klr650 vs. a yamaha fz6?

I own a KLR650. In the past, I also owned a ZR-7S. The KLR650 is a fine bike after replacing springs, replacing doohickey, bypassing safety switches, replacing shift lever, upgrading rear subframe bolts, adding a fork brace, replacing steel handlebars with aluminum, dealing with stripped footpeg bolts, upgrading the glass fuses, upgrading the front brake, etc etc. The ZR-7 was fine out of the box, except for the front springs. A new rider who wants to ride his bike and not screw around with it will probably have a better experience with the FZ6. A rider who is comfortable with wrenching/upgrading would do well to consider either one. RM

[Kip Anderson]

I'm 6'2", about 260 lbs, and I started riding 4 years ago on a VFR 800. While some would say that it was probably not a good choice for a first bike, I temper my riding with a huge dose of reality and did quite well on it for the two years that I rode it. I felt very comfortable with it but never got complacent. I did however decide that ultimately it was more than I needed to enjoy the sport and sold it. After all, did I really need something capable of going 140 mph? The truth is that I enjoy riding roads with tight twisties far more, and the high speed stuff was just a diversion toward getting to where I really wanted to ride. And then there were the great roads that turned to gravel, ending exploration and forcing me to turn back when I rode the VFR. Now with the KLR I don't turn back. I still enjoy the twisties allot, and sometimes even more so for lack of fear of destroying a $10k bike. And dammit if I can't even get ticket for going over 90 now. "Who me? This is a dirt bike officer. It won't got that fast." (Ok, I rarely break 80 most of the time now.) It's no precision riding machine, but it's still plenty of fun unless all you want to do is go fast. - Kip A8 Eugene, OR

----- Original Message ----- From: "symme7ry" To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 6:21 PM Subject: [DSN_KLR650] KLR650 vs. Yamaha FZ6 for a first bike, in terms of 'feel' > > I'm trying to decide whether to get an FZ6 or KLR650 as my first bike > (I just finished the MSF training). (I'm also looking at the Suzuki > sv650, but it seems a tad small for me at 6'3, 200lbs). > > I probably will be on the street 99.9% of the time (or 100% if I get > the FZ6). > > I plan to test ride both of these bikes this weekend, but since I am > unskilled I won't be riding them very hard or fast, and thus won't be > able to give them a proper evaluation. > > The two things that concern me about the KLR650 are: > > (1) that I would prefer to have a good "sense of speed" when I ride. > Basically, I would like to pretend that I am "ghostrider" from those > popular motorcycle videos when I ride (or if you haven't seen those, > just immagine a professional MotoGP racer) (don't worry, I will be > going slow until I get the hang of it, and still not terribly fast > after that), and don't want to be riding down the highway feeling > slow and underpowered (I know the KLR should be able to do at least > 80mph with someone of my weight, but I've heard that the high center > of gravity makes it sort of strain and weave at such speeds). > Conversely I envision that the ride at 70 mpg on an FZ6 will be > pretty smooth and effortless. > > (2) Related to the sense of speed, is that I would like responsive > handling that makes me feel like I am some sort of MotoGP event > rather than feel like I am riding a bicycle with really saggy shock > aborbers w/ lots of range shock and an engine (this is how I envision > the KLR650 feeling, without having ridden it... one newsgroup poster > described it as being similar to riding along on a pogo-stick). > > Basically I don't necessarily want to go fast, but I do want that > fast, free, "one with the road" feeling that motorcycle riders are > always talking about. Can people comment on the difference in how it > feels to ride something like a klr650 vs. a yamaha fz6? > > Thanks much, > Elliot > > > > > > Archive Quicksearch at: > http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Member Map at: http://www.frappr.com/dsnklr650 > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.15.12/267 - Release Date: 2/22/2006 >

[Arden Kysely]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "symme7ry" wrote:

> > > I'm trying to decide whether to get an FZ6 or KLR650 as my first

bike

> (I just finished the MSF training). (I'm also looking at the Suzuki > sv650, but it seems a tad small for me at 6'3, 200lbs). > > I probably will be on the street 99.9% of the time (or 100% if I

get

> the FZ6). > > I plan to test ride both of these bikes this weekend, but since I

am

> unskilled I won't be riding them very hard or fast, and thus won't

be

> able to give them a proper evaluation. > > The two things that concern me about the KLR650 are: > > (1) that I would prefer to have a good "sense of speed" when I

ride.

> Basically, I would like to pretend that I am "ghostrider" from

those

> popular motorcycle videos when I ride (or if you haven't seen

those,

> just immagine a professional MotoGP racer) (don't worry, I will be > going slow until I get the hang of it, and still not terribly fast > after that), and don't want to be riding down the highway feeling > slow and underpowered (I know the KLR should be able to do at least > 80mph with someone of my weight, but I've heard that the high

center

> of gravity makes it sort of strain and weave at such speeds). > Conversely I envision that the ride at 70 mpg on an FZ6 will be > pretty smooth and effortless. > > (2) Related to the sense of speed, is that I would like responsive > handling that makes me feel like I am some sort of MotoGP event > rather than feel like I am riding a bicycle with really saggy shock > aborbers w/ lots of range shock and an engine (this is how I

envision

> the KLR650 feeling, without having ridden it... one newsgroup

poster

> described it as being similar to riding along on a pogo-stick). > > Basically I don't necessarily want to go fast, but I do want that > fast, free, "one with the road" feeling that motorcycle riders are > always talking about. Can people comment on the difference in how

it

> feels to ride something like a klr650 vs. a yamaha fz6? > > Thanks much, > Elliot >

[Arden Kysely]

First, sorry for the blank reply. I'm on the wrong coast and the brains isn't entirely in gear at this time of day. My first bike advice is to start slow and move up when you're a better rider. And buy a bike that will take a drop or two without crushing a lot of expensive plastic. Not to say that you will go out and crash it, but just a brain fart like forgetting to put the stand down or parking on a hill and having it roll off can be expensive for a plastic clad machine. Personally, I'd start with the KLR, but if you want something sportier, buy something used with a couple of scratches on it so you won't feel so bad when you add your own. __Arden

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "symme7ry" wrote: > > > I'm trying to decide whether to get an FZ6 or KLR650 as my first bike > (I just finished the MSF training). (I'm also looking at the Suzuki > sv650, but it seems a tad small for me at 6'3, 200lbs). > > I probably will be on the street 99.9% of the time (or 100% if I get > the FZ6). > > I plan to test ride both of these bikes this weekend, but since I am > unskilled I won't be riding them very hard or fast, and thus won't be > able to give them a proper evaluation. > > The two things that concern me about the KLR650 are: > > (1) that I would prefer to have a good "sense of speed" when I ride. > Basically, I would like to pretend that I am "ghostrider" from those > popular motorcycle videos when I ride (or if you haven't seen those, > just immagine a professional MotoGP racer) (don't worry, I will be > going slow until I get the hang of it, and still not terribly fast > after that), and don't want to be riding down the highway feeling > slow and underpowered (I know the KLR should be able to do at least > 80mph with someone of my weight, but I've heard that the high center > of gravity makes it sort of strain and weave at such speeds). > Conversely I envision that the ride at 70 mpg on an FZ6 will be > pretty smooth and effortless. > > (2) Related to the sense of speed, is that I would like responsive > handling that makes me feel like I am some sort of MotoGP event > rather than feel like I am riding a bicycle with really saggy shock > aborbers w/ lots of range shock and an engine (this is how I envision > the KLR650 feeling, without having ridden it... one newsgroup poster > described it as being similar to riding along on a pogo-stick). > > Basically I don't necessarily want to go fast, but I do want that > fast, free, "one with the road" feeling that motorcycle riders are > always talking about. Can people comment on the difference in how it > feels to ride something like a klr650 vs. a yamaha fz6? > > Thanks much, > Elliot >

[JRC]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "symme7ry" wrote:

> > > I'm trying to decide whether to get an FZ6 or KLR650 as my first bike > (I just finished the MSF training). (I'm also looking at the Suzuki > sv650, but it seems a tad small for me at 6'3, 200lbs).

The KLR is a fine bike, and needs little modification. Most people change the doohickey. I did, although mine was not broken. At your size, the yam is likely to be uncomfortable after awhile (I'm 6'5"). Plus, the FZ6 is way too much bike for a new rider. Yamaha's webpage lists it as an "urban streetfighter" (their words, not mine). Think of the KLR as a being like a Jeep. If having a Jeep fits your style, then it is a good bike for you. If not, then check out a different middle weight bike. A cruiser might work for you, e.g., Vulcan 800, Volusia. Bear in mind that even slow bikes are fast relative to cars. Also, for your first bike, get a used one. No need to spent money on a new one. The fact is you may not like bikes enough to stay with it. When I buy a bike , I buy used ones, and have done very well buying bikes from people that buy new, own it a few years, and then sell it. Been buying my bikes that way for years. Good luck in your decision. Keep us posted on what you decide.

[Jim Link]

I have heard some guys on this list, say that the KLR has no power, can't hold 60 mph on a steep grade.... I disagree totally, I am a 6ft tall, 305 lbs man. I have owned, a Honda V65 Magna, one of the badest fastest bikes ever, Sportster 1200, Vmax, Harley Deuce 1550 screaming eagle, I have NO problems with the KLR, I have done 110 MPH on it chasing my buddy's on their Harleys. Granted it doesn't have the aceleration a sport bike has but I am not that far away from them as they accelerate. My ride is much nicer, more comfortable, handles very well. My KLR is not saggy.. Go ride one.. test it out. Also when I ride mine I feel like I an on a sport bike. Thats just me... others might disagree. --- symme7ry wrote:

> > I'm trying to decide whether to get an FZ6 or KLR650 > as my first bike > (I just finished the MSF training). (I'm also > looking at the Suzuki > sv650, but it seems a tad small for me at 6'3, > 200lbs). > > I probably will be on the street 99.9% of the time > (or 100% if I get > the FZ6). > > I plan to test ride both of these bikes this > weekend, but since I am > unskilled I won't be riding them very hard or fast, > and thus won't be > able to give them a proper evaluation. > > The two things that concern me about the KLR650 are: > > (1) that I would prefer to have a good "sense of > speed" when I ride. > Basically, I would like to pretend that I am > "ghostrider" from those > popular motorcycle videos when I ride (or if you > haven't seen those, > just immagine a professional MotoGP racer) (don't > worry, I will be > going slow until I get the hang of it, and still not > terribly fast > after that), and don't want to be riding down the > highway feeling > slow and underpowered (I know the KLR should be able > to do at least > 80mph with someone of my weight, but I've heard that > the high center > of gravity makes it sort of strain and weave at such > speeds). > Conversely I envision that the ride at 70 mpg on an > FZ6 will be > pretty smooth and effortless. > > (2) Related to the sense of speed, is that I would > like responsive > handling that makes me feel like I am some sort of > MotoGP event > rather than feel like I am riding a bicycle with > really saggy shock > aborbers w/ lots of range shock and an engine (this > is how I envision > the KLR650 feeling, without having ridden it... one > newsgroup poster > described it as being similar to riding along on a > pogo-stick). > > Basically I don't necessarily want to go fast, but I > do want that > fast, free, "one with the road" feeling that > motorcycle riders are > always talking about. Can people comment on the > difference in how it > feels to ride something like a klr650 vs. a yamaha > fz6? > > Thanks much, > Elliot > > > > > > Archive Quicksearch at: >

http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html

> List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: > www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: > www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Member Map at: http://www.frappr.com/dsnklr650 > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > DSN_KLR650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > > >

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