de tour 2006 overview and intro

[stevedyer]

B.J., I think you're going to love the KLR. Not sure it is the ideal mount for a 400lb+ payload, but it'll sure get you two from here to there. For me, your post brings into sharp relief a question I've been pondering for some time: At what point in our efforts to attach panniers, taller windscreens, heated grips, crash bars, armored clothing, extra passengers, upgraded electrics, and so on to the KLR or any other adventure/touring bike have we crossed the line and are really using a less-than-optmimum vehicle? (Steve, you're in diving head first into deeeeeeep doo-doo here. Ask your question as you head for the door 'cause these fellas ain't gonna give you three steps...) Don't misunderstand me here guys....the idea of hopping on a motorcycle and heading for the horizon thrills me to no end, but from time to time I have to wonder if an old CJ-5, 60's Bronco or even a resuscitated Suzuki Samuri would be a better platform for some of the heavier loads, worst weather and gnarliest terrain we ask the KLR to deal with. (Before we go further, I want to say I've never been on a multi-day ride - I've always made it home to my warm bed after a day in the saddle so I AM NOT qualified to, or wish to, make any judgements of those intrepid souls who do real motorcycle touring without bliking an eye. My hat's off to you guys.) That being said, am I the only one who has considered a drop-top 4-wheeled vehicle for some of the longer-distance open air adventure touring, to side-step a few of the inherent limitations of motorcycles? A day out on two wheels, going across a variety of surfaces is my idea of big fun, but I just don't know if I would enjoy an extended trip as much with a heavily loaded KLR, especially in bad weather or if I got caught on a nasty section of bad road. The other side of by brain says: 'Duuude. You're like, completely missing the point. The weather, bad roads and self-sufficiency gained by having everything you need on the bike is what MAKES it an adventure. You think an 8-hour ride no further than 200 miles from your warm, dry home is an adventure? What a pansy." When you guys are out in the car with the fam and you see a massive 800lb Gold Wing trundling down the highway, or a trussed-up muddy pack-mule KLR with a sodden rider, do you ever wonder if a Miata or an old International Scout might be a more versatile choice in some instances? Of course, if I did round up an old Willys or similar conveyance to save my sorry ass from falling over on the trail or fighting a drizzly headwind all day, I'd spend all my time thinking how much fun this or that place would have been on the KLR... Steve Norman, OK ------------------ We'd be riding the bike, double-up, were not lite folks, I'm 240 and the Mrs. is 140, if YOU were going to do the same, what additions, upgrades, ect. would you make to the KLR to make it more capable to do double up riding. Wouldn't be doing any "heavy off road", maybe a basic fire road, now and then as we LOVE to do day hiking. LOL, no I can't afford a BMW GS and that bike would be too heavy when I'm riding "single up"! I'm interested in any ideas, comments, suggestions, stories, ect. all

> will be greatly appreciated! > > Take care, Ride Safe but have FUN! > > B.J. & Jo Ondo > Colorado Springs, CO. > http://bj-joondo.tripod.com/index.htm > > > > 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 > > >

[Don S]

Hi Steve. I don't think your suggestion is without merit. Although, having the convenience and shelter of a four wheeled vehicle does not eliminate the opportunity to the delights offered by a DS motorcycle. Just get a light trailer to haul the bike. To me, riding should not be an endurance test if you don't want it to be. Using a four wheeled vehicle to get to where the riding is fun sometimes is just good sense. Particularly if health, fitness and age are issues. Riding should be enjoyable. If four wheeled conveyance is required or preferred to continue ones interest in riding. So be it. stevedyer wrote: B.J., I think you're going to love the KLR. Not sure it is the ideal mount for a 400lb+ payload, but it'll sure get you two from here to there. For me, your post brings into sharp relief a question I've been pondering for some time: At what point in our efforts to attach panniers, taller windscreens, heated grips, crash bars, armored clothing, extra passengers, upgraded electrics, and so on to the KLR or any other adventure/touring bike have we crossed the line and are really using a less-than-optmimum vehicle? (Steve, you're in diving head first into deeeeeeep doo-doo here. Ask your question as you head for the door 'cause these fellas ain't gonna give you three steps...) Don't misunderstand me here guys....the idea of hopping on a motorcycle and heading for the horizon thrills me to no end, but from time to time I have to wonder if an old CJ-5, 60's Bronco or even a resuscitated Suzuki Samuri would be a better platform for some of the heavier loads, worst weather and gnarliest terrain we ask the KLR to deal with. (Before we go further, I want to say I've never been on a multi-day ride - I've always made it home to my warm bed after a day in the saddle so I AM NOT qualified to, or wish to, make any judgements of those intrepid souls who do real motorcycle touring without bliking an eye. My hat's off to you guys.) That being said, am I the only one who has considered a drop-top 4-wheeled vehicle for some of the longer-distance open air adventure touring, to side-step a few of the inherent limitations of motorcycles? A day out on two wheels, going across a variety of surfaces is my idea of big fun, but I just don't know if I would enjoy an extended trip as much with a heavily loaded KLR, especially in bad weather or if I got caught on a nasty section of bad road. The other side of by brain says: 'Duuude. You're like, completely missing the point. The weather, bad roads and self-sufficiency gained by having everything you need on the bike is what MAKES it an adventure. You think an 8-hour ride no further than 200 miles from your warm, dry home is an adventure? What a pansy." When you guys are out in the car with the fam and you see a massive 800lb Gold Wing trundling down the highway, or a trussed-up muddy pack-mule KLR with a sodden rider, do you ever wonder if a Miata or an old International Scout might be a more versatile choice in some instances? Of course, if I did round up an old Willys or similar conveyance to save my sorry ass from falling over on the trail or fighting a drizzly headwind all day, I'd spend all my time thinking how much fun this or that place would have been on the KLR... Steve Norman, OK ------------------ We'd be riding the bike, double-up, were not lite folks, I'm 240 and the Mrs. is 140, if YOU were going to do the same, what additions, upgrades, ect. would you make to the KLR to make it more capable to do double up riding. Wouldn't be doing any "heavy off road", maybe a basic fire road, now and then as we LOVE to do day hiking. LOL, no I can't afford a BMW GS and that bike would be too heavy when I'm riding "single up"! I'm interested in any ideas, comments, suggestions, stories, ect. all

> will be greatly appreciated! > > Take care, Ride Safe but have FUN! > > B.J. & Jo Ondo > Colorado Springs, CO. > http://bj-joondo.tripod.com/index.htm > > > > 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 > > >

--------------------------------- Never Miss an Email Stay connected with Yahoo! Mail on your mobile. Get started! [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Jim Priest]

On 1/20/07, stevedyer wrote:

> When you guys are out in the car with the fam and you see a massive 800lb > Gold Wing trundling down the highway, or a trussed-up muddy pack-mule KLR > with a sodden rider, do you ever wonder if a Miata or an old International > Scout might be a more versatile choice in some instances?

I'm usually wishing I could trade places with them jim

[Jeff Saline]

On Sat, 20 Jan 2007 11:10:01 -0600 "stevedyer" writes: SNIP PRETTY DARN BIG ONE TOO!!

> When you guys are out in the car with the fam and you see a massive > 800lb > Gold Wing trundling down the highway, or a trussed-up muddy > pack-mule KLR > with a sodden rider, do you ever wonder if a Miata or an old > International > Scout might be a more versatile choice in some instances?

SNIP

> Steve > Norman, OK

<><><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><><> Steve, I remember on the Great Divide Ride (GDR) in 2004 thinking similar thoughts about how much fun it would be to have a 4x4 on the same route so I could take someone along that might not enjoy the trip on the bike but would really enjoy the country and it would still be an adventure. And that would also allow for more provisions, better camping equipment, fishing rods, boat, etc... On Steve and Kent's and my trip in AZ and NM in 2005 there were a few times I thought the same thing. But that was mostly pave roads so two up on a bike wouldn't be quite so tough. One area I remember distinctly thinking about doing it again in a vehicle with a friend was around Sedona (sp?), early in the morning after camping in a state campground next to a nice little trout stream with pretty cold water. On De Tour I thought it quite a few times and a guy could take a 4x4 and in many cases a stock 4x4 on almost all the roads and trails we were on. But don't try it on the Apache Indian Reservation as you'll see next week. I particularly remember riding down Hell's Canyon in UT after a nice night of camping. I guess this is today's or tomorrow's report. Anyway, I sent Steve ahead so I could take a picture or two and really enjoy the moment. I was thinking how this is what I envisioned doing during my retirement only I thought I'd be married to the person I was exploring with. Don't get me wrong, Steve is a great riding partner but... : ) So I don't think it's weird or bad to think about other avenues of transportation for adventures and pleasure. I'm also looking into a couple of weeks of backpacking maybe later this year. High country really is fun for me and taking the time to enjoy it close up really gives me pleasure. I've tried quite a few "fun" things in my life and the ones I enjoy and can still do I try to do. Those that weren't/aren't so fun don't get done. Yup, alternate forms of transportation get thought about. Even on sunny warm days. 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

[Kerry Stottlemyer]

Steve Every vehicle I own(ed) has and/or had a practical purpose Currently I have a 92 GMC 4X4 and the KLR so to answer you question. Yes for some people it is a better choice to take four wheels instead of two and pack a heavier load. I do it all the time. I use a back pack on my KLR if it don't fit in the pack it stays home it's that simple. I'm not putting sadle bags on my bike, nor panniers or anything else other then a tank bag and a small one at that. I don't want to look like an over loaded pack mule going down the highway. So when I need to pack a bunch of stuff or go on a hunting trip I use the truck. You need to remember to use the right tool for the job. Will the KLR get you there? Sure it will. But are there times when a 4X4 would be a better choice? You bet. The thing is traveling long distance on a bike is a challenge and I think that's why these people do it. Nobody rides Dakar on a bike for comfort. Nobody rides from LA to New York for the convienance. It's the journy. Kerry

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "stevedyer" wrote: > > > B.J., > > I think you're going to love the KLR. Not sure it is the ideal mount for a > 400lb+ payload, but it'll sure get you two from here to there. > > For me, your post brings into sharp relief a question I've been pondering > for some time: At what point in our efforts to attach panniers, taller > windscreens, heated grips, crash bars, armored clothing, extra passengers, > upgraded electrics, and so on to the KLR or any other adventure/touring bike > have we crossed the line and are really using a less-than-optmimum vehicle? > > (Steve, you're in diving head first into deeeeeeep doo-doo here. Ask your > question as you head for the door 'cause these fellas ain't gonna give you > three steps...) > > Don't misunderstand me here guys....the idea of hopping on a motorcycle and > heading for the horizon thrills me to no end, but from time to time I have > to wonder if an old CJ-5, 60's Bronco or even a resuscitated Suzuki Samuri > would be a better platform for some of the heavier loads, worst weather and > gnarliest terrain we ask the KLR to deal with. (Before we go further, I > want to say I've never been on a multi-day ride - I've always made it home > to my warm bed after a day in the saddle so I AM NOT qualified to, or wish > to, make any judgements of those intrepid souls who do real motorcycle > touring without bliking an eye. My hat's off to you guys.) > > That being said, am I the only one who has considered a drop-top 4- wheeled > vehicle for some of the longer-distance open air adventure touring, to > side-step a few of the inherent limitations of motorcycles? A day out on > two wheels, going across a variety of surfaces is my idea of big fun, but I > just don't know if I would enjoy an extended trip as much with a heavily > loaded KLR, especially in bad weather or if I got caught on a nasty section > of bad road. > > The other side of by brain says: 'Duuude. You're like, completely missing > the point. The weather, bad roads and self-sufficiency gained by having > everything you need on the bike is what MAKES it an adventure. You think > an 8-hour ride no further than 200 miles from your warm, dry home is an > adventure? What a pansy." > > When you guys are out in the car with the fam and you see a massive 800lb > Gold Wing trundling down the highway, or a trussed-up muddy pack- mule KLR > with a sodden rider, do you ever wonder if a Miata or an old International > Scout might be a more versatile choice in some instances? > > Of course, if I did round up an old Willys or similar conveyance to save my > sorry ass from falling over on the trail or fighting a drizzly headwind all > day, I'd spend all my time thinking how much fun this or that place would > have been on the KLR... > > Steve > Norman, OK > > > ------------------ > > We'd be riding the bike, double-up, were not lite folks, I'm 240 and > the Mrs. is 140, if YOU were going to do the same, what additions, > upgrades, ect. would you make to the KLR to make it more capable to > do double up riding. Wouldn't be doing any "heavy off road", maybe a > basic fire road, now and then as we LOVE to do day hiking. LOL, no I > can't afford a BMW GS and that bike would be too heavy when I'm > riding "single up"! > > I'm interested in any ideas, comments, suggestions, stories, ect. all > > will be greatly appreciated! > > > > Take care, Ride Safe but have FUN! > > > > B.J. & Jo Ondo > > Colorado Springs, CO. > > http://bj-joondo.tripod.com/index.htm > > > > > > > > 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 > > > > > > >

[Billy J. Ondo Jr.]

Steve, hey no problemo, LOL, we've done "motorcycle tent camping" double up on a 83 XS650SK and lastly on a 94 Virago 750 and when you ride "double up" and camp, it's HELL!! We have to have the "bare minimum" of gear and find our meals at country stores or diners, ect. We've decided if we want to "base camp and cook our own" so we can go hiking, we will use the "CAGE"!! The KLR will be used mainly for "on road" usage, riding with friends, ect., when using it for finding trails, it's gona be for "day hikes", where we can just bungie our day packs to the rear rack. We will have to find Mom & Pop motels/cabins to "overnight" if were on the motorcycle! I'll be totally honest, the idea of a older, used KLR came up due to to factors: 1. Price to purchase the motorcycle 2. The KLR has minimum off road capability Our "CAGE" is a 2002 KIA Spectra GS, hatchback 5-door. It's great to load up for "tent base camping" in area's can can be reached by "hard pack" or paved roads. We have a lot of roads to hiking trails out here in our area that need at least a "stock 4WD" to get to the trailhead. The KLR has that capability, is very inexpensive next to a 4WD Jeep or Truck and I'm gona blow a gasket if I don't get back on a motorcycle SOON! Ya, I know that in reality I need a R1200GS but that's NEVER gona happen on our lowly income. That and I hope to someday get a used 2008 KLR650, man I LOVE the look of that motorcycle! So I'll take all the advise I can get on how to make a poor, old KLR, think it's a BMW GS, LOL! Thanks! Take care, Ride Safe but have FUN! B.J. Ondo Colordo Springs, CO. http://bj-joondo.triopd.com/index.htm ===================================================================

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "stevedyer" wrote: > > > B.J., > > I think you're going to love the KLR. Not sure it is the ideal mount for a > 400lb+ payload, but it'll sure get you two from here to there. > > For me, your post brings into sharp relief a question I've been pondering > for some time: At what point in our efforts to attach panniers, taller > windscreens, heated grips, crash bars, armored clothing, extra passengers, > upgraded electrics, and so on to the KLR or any other adventure/touring bike > have we crossed the line and are really using a less-than-optmimum vehicle? > > (Steve, you're in diving head first into deeeeeeep doo-doo here. Ask your > question as you head for the door 'cause these fellas ain't gonna give you > three steps...) > > Don't misunderstand me here guys....the idea of hopping on a motorcycle and > heading for the horizon thrills me to no end, but from time to time I have > to wonder if an old CJ-5, 60's Bronco or even a resuscitated Suzuki Samuri > would be a better platform for some of the heavier loads, worst weather and > gnarliest terrain we ask the KLR to deal with. (Before we go further, I > want to say I've never been on a multi-day ride - I've always made it home > to my warm bed after a day in the saddle so I AM NOT qualified to, or wish > to, make any judgements of those intrepid souls who do real motorcycle > touring without bliking an eye. My hat's off to you guys.) > > That being said, am I the only one who has considered a drop-top 4- wheeled > vehicle for some of the longer-distance open air adventure touring, to > side-step a few of the inherent limitations of motorcycles? A day out on > two wheels, going across a variety of surfaces is my idea of big fun, but I > just don't know if I would enjoy an extended trip as much with a heavily > loaded KLR, especially in bad weather or if I got caught on a nasty section > of bad road. > > The other side of by brain says: 'Duuude. You're like, completely missing > the point. The weather, bad roads and self-sufficiency gained by having > everything you need on the bike is what MAKES it an adventure. You think > an 8-hour ride no further than 200 miles from your warm, dry home is an > adventure? What a pansy." > > When you guys are out in the car with the fam and you see a massive 800lb > Gold Wing trundling down the highway, or a trussed-up muddy pack- mule KLR > with a sodden rider, do you ever wonder if a Miata or an old International > Scout might be a more versatile choice in some instances? > > Of course, if I did round up an old Willys or similar conveyance to save my > sorry ass from falling over on the trail or fighting a drizzly headwind all > day, I'd spend all my time thinking how much fun this or that place would > have been on the KLR... > > Steve > Norman, OK

[Kerry Stottlemyer]

> Ya, I know that in reality I need a R1200GS but that's NEVER gona > happen on our lowly income. That and I hope to someday get a used > 2008 KLR650, man I LOVE the look of that motorcycle! So I'll take > all the advise I can get on how to make a poor, old KLR, think it's a > BMW GS, LOL! Thanks! >

knowning Kawi You could probably buy the new plastics and "update" the bike. I like the looks of the 08 too but I wasn't going to wait a year. Kerry

[revmaaatin]

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

> > > B.J., > > I think you're going to love the KLR. Not sure it is the ideal

mount for a

> 400lb+ payload, but it'll sure get you two from here to there. > > For me, your post brings into sharp relief a question I've been

pondering

> for some time: At what point in our efforts to attach panniers,

taller

> windscreens, heated grips, crash bars, armored clothing, extra

passengers,

> upgraded electrics, and so on to the KLR or any other

adventure/touring bike

> have we crossed the line and are really using a less-than-optmimum

vehicle?

> > (Steve, you're in diving head first into deeeeeeep doo-doo here.

Ask your

> question as you head for the door 'cause these fellas ain't gonna

give you

> three steps...) > > Don't misunderstand me here guys....the idea of hopping on a

motorcycle and

> heading for the horizon thrills me to no end, but from time to time

I have

> to wonder if an old CJ-5, 60's Bronco or even a resuscitated Suzuki

Samuri

> would be a better platform for some of the heavier loads, worst

weather and

> gnarliest terrain we ask the KLR to deal with. (Before we go

further, I

> want to say I've never been on a multi-day ride - I've always made

it home

> to my warm bed after a day in the saddle so I AM NOT qualified to,

or wish

> to, make any judgements of those intrepid souls who do real

motorcycle

> touring without bliking an eye. My hat's off to you guys.) > > That being said, am I the only one who has considered a drop-top 4-

wheeled

> vehicle for some of the longer-distance open air adventure touring,

to

> side-step a few of the inherent limitations of motorcycles? A

day out on

> two wheels, going across a variety of surfaces is my idea of big

fun, but I

> just don't know if I would enjoy an extended trip as much with a

heavily

> loaded KLR, especially in bad weather or if I got caught on a nasty

section

> of bad road. > > The other side of by brain says: 'Duuude. You're like, completely

missing

> the point. The weather, bad roads and self-sufficiency gained by

having

> everything you need on the bike is what MAKES it an adventure.

You think

> an 8-hour ride no further than 200 miles from your warm, dry home

is an

> adventure? What a pansy." > > When you guys are out in the car with the fam and you see a massive

800lb

> Gold Wing trundling down the highway, or a trussed-up muddy pack-

mule KLR

> with a sodden rider, do you ever wonder if a Miata or an old

International

> Scout might be a more versatile choice in some instances? > > Of course, if I did round up an old Willys or similar conveyance to

save my

> sorry ass from falling over on the trail or fighting a drizzly

headwind all

> day, I'd spend all my time thinking how much fun this or that place

would

> have been on the KLR... > > Steve > Norman, OK

Steve, If there was going to be a election-poll, for the newest sage at the KLR site- you would be in the running to win (at least my vote). revmaaatin.

[revmaaatin]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Kerry Stottlemyer" wrote:

> > Steve > Every vehicle I own(ed) has and/or had a practical purpose > Currently I have a 92 GMC 4X4 and the KLR so to answer you

question.

> Yes for some people it is a better choice to take four wheels > instead of two and pack a heavier load. I do it all the time. I use > a back pack on my KLR if it don't fit in the pack it stays home

it's

> that simple. I'm not putting sadle bags on my bike, nor panniers or > anything else other then a tank bag and a small one at that. I

don't

> want to look like an over loaded pack mule going down the highway. > So when I need to pack a bunch of stuff or go on a hunting trip I > use the truck. > > You need to remember to use the right tool for the job. Will the

KLR

> get you there? Sure it will. But are there times when a 4X4 would

be

> a better choice? You bet. The thing is traveling long distance on a > bike is a challenge and I think that's why these people do it. > Nobody rides Dakar on a bike for comfort. Nobody rides from LA to > New York for the convienance. It's the journy. > Kerry >

Hi Kerry, I hear you! Your formula for success is similar to mine: 98 Suburban, 01 KLR and when you add the expanded-wire 5x8 utility trailer, the bike tags along with me quite often. It has ~48 welded tiedown places and sees as many as 4 motorcycles at a time loaded (three forward, one in backwards) and has added significantly to my family time experiences. If you have a place to park it, a wire-bed trailer is hard to beat. Very much, the poormans pickup. revmaaatin.

[RM]

On Sat, 20 Jan 2007 11:10:01 -0600, "stevedyer" said:

> For me, your post brings into sharp relief a question I've been > pondering for some time: At what point in our efforts to attach > panniers, taller windscreens, heated grips, crash bars, armored > clothing, extra passengers, upgraded electrics, and so on to the KLR > or any other adventure/touring bike have we crossed the line and are > really using a less-than-optmimum vehicle? > That being said, am I the only one who has considered a drop-top 4- > wheeled vehicle for some of the longer-distance open air adventure > touring, to side-step a few of the inherent limitations of > motorcycles? A day out on two wheels, going across a variety of > surfaces is my idea of big fun, but I just don't know if I would enjoy > an extended trip as much with a heavily loaded KLR, especially in bad > weather or if I got caught on a nasty section of bad road.

Been there, done that. Inclement weather, 2-up on the KLR in deep sand in Anza-Borrego. Did Fish Creek to Canyon Sin Nombre. After that ride, decided that it was time for something four-wheeled. That was nearly three years ago. Now the KLR shares garage space with a TJ on 33's. It's all good except for the operating cost. Jeep trips are expensive as hell. RM