helmets?

[Mike Peplinski]

The KLR is a great do-it-all bike but there are quite a few others that may suit you. The good thing about the KLR is that it will perform the tasks you mentioned, and more, plus it has a good resale if you don't like it. I too came back after 20 years, actually 23, and bought the KLR thinking it was a cool enduro. Little did I know! This is a lot of motorcycle! I"ve since ridden the BMW GS and Buell Ulysses and jupmed back on my KLR as quick as I could. If you just want to get up on two wheels, look at the Honda Rebel 250, the Buell Blast or the Suzuki savage 250 These are all good little bikes that are excellent beginner ones. They can be had for well under 3 grand on the used market with very few miles (less than 2000 in some cases). Around here the Hondas are going for less than 2 grand (Wisconsin). My riding partner wanted to get back on after 35 years. He started on the Nighthawk 250, same as the Rebel, and says it is just fine. No freeway flyer, but cheap, maintenance free and very economical. Cruises ab about 55 but can hit 65 for awhile. In the "good old days" a 250 was just fine. Many transcontinental trips were made on 250's and 305's by college students in the 60's. Since then we have been overcome by the "more is better" syndrome. You'll be surprised what a 250 can do. Good luck, and ride safe. Hope to see you on the list. PS, the KLR 250 is an excellent choice, but they are pretty rare. Ninva 250's will reallys urprise you, but are not good for trails.

>From: "Kimosabe" >To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com >Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Buying a bike after a 20 year break >Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:23:55 -0000 > >Having had many bikes, my recommendation is to buy a used KLR250 to >use for a year before deciding if and what larger bike to purchase. >It has easy handling, light weight, adequate power, a good seating >position and should be inexpensive to purchase. I suggest you test >drive one. > >Steve in Niceville > > > > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Doug Herr wrote: > > > > On Tue, 14 Aug 2007, mbetcher wrote: > > > > > Since this website is inhabited by KLR enthusiasts you can >predictably > > > expect to get a lot of favorable reviews of the bike. I like >mine as > > > much as the next guy, but in good conscience I wouldn't recommend >it > > > as the best choice for your intended use. > > > > > > If you are going to do mostly -- or almost exclusively -- on-road > > > riding something like a V-Strom would be a better choice, IMHO. > > [snip] > > > Just MHO. Hope nobody is offended. > > > > Yup, great point. The 2008 KLR might also be worth looking at > > since it leans more toward street use and has better brakes. > > > > If price is an important consideration then a used KLR might be a > > fine choice, but otherwise the V-Strom should be high on the > > list. > > > > -- > > Doug Herr > > doug@... > > A16 in Oakland, California > > > > > > >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 > > >

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[Arden Kysely]

The 2008 much better on the street, where you expect to spend most of your time and is still capable of taking you into the forest when the need arises. If 'moderate' speeds means 80mph or less, the KLR will have no problem keeping up. The only place your cruiser buddies will leave you behind is passing cars on a two-lane. With your bulk aboard the KLR isn't going to be a ball of fire. You can make up the time in the corners, taking the inside line while they scrap their floorboards If your idea of forest roads is wide and well-graded or gravel, think about the 650 V-Strom or even the new 650 Versys from Kawasaki. If you're thinking about fireroads or rougher stuff, the KLR is the bike. __Arden

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "cowan462" wrote: > > I am looking to buy a motorcycle after not riding for 20 years. I > wanted to ask if the KLR 650 might be a good bike for a person that > wants to do most of his riding on pavement, but might venture off to > explore some forest service roads. I am a large guy 6 ft 1 275 lbs. > My friends all ride the large cruiser-type bikes but I like the idea of > a dual purpose motorcycle. Can this motorcycle be used for long- range > cruising at moderate highway speeds? Thanks for any help or advise. > > William > cowan462@... >

[LD]

Robert Waters said: "Since you are wanting it mainly for highway I would suggest, unless you just want an 08, that you put a one inch lowering kit on it." I agree with much of what Robert said, except for the above. If you weigh 275 lbs, putting lowering links on the KLR might be a mistake as it changes the shock geometry enough that you will then need to consider getting a stronger rear spring or you'll be bottoming out on minor off roading. (You say you won't be going off road much now, but once you get your street skills back, if you own a KLR you WILL eventually take it off road, and then as often as you can) Don't mean to scare you off the KLR. It really works just fine in it's stock form. But if you get one, expect to spend another $300-$1000 over the following year making it your own. I'm 6'2", 230 lbs and took 15 years off riding untill buying an '03 2 years ago. I really like it a lot and if you're only gonna own one bike, it's a good choice. My friends almost all own cruisers, and have no problem keeping up, though I find that kind of riding awfully boring now. They won't even look twice at a gravel road! --------------------------------- Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Jim]

Call it what it is Blake, Tupperware. --Jim

> The earlier bikes used a different kind > of plastic that's flexible and much more durable, so a fall might > make for a some light scratches that most won't notice, but it > wouldn't shatter. > Enjoy--and welcome back! > -- > Blake Sobiloff > http://www.sobiloff.com/> > San Jose, CA (USA) >

[Mike Peplinski]

Nope, its not Tupperware. Tupperware is polyethylene or poolypropylene; a soft, flexible plastic. The KLR parts are ABS, a much more durable, but less flexible cousin. All plastics are not the same. Some are actually quite nice and cost much more than metal. That is not the stuff KLRs are made of. ABS is tough, strong and cheap; gives an acceptble finish,easy to mold and so on. Pretty much like the AKR.

>From: "Jim" >To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com >Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Buying a bike after a 20 year break >Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 16:36:37 -0000 > >Call it what it is Blake, Tupperware. >--Jim > > > The earlier bikes used a different kind > > of plastic that's flexible and much more durable, so a fall might > > make for a some light scratches that most won't notice, but it > > wouldn't shatter. > > > Enjoy--and welcome back! > > -- > > Blake Sobiloff > > http://www.sobiloff.com/> > > San Jose, CA (USA) > > > > > > >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 > > >

_________________________________________________________________ A new home for Mom, no cleanup required. All starts here. http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us

[4_stroke]

Mike Peplinski wrote:

> The KLR is a great do-it-all bike but there are quite a few others that may > suit you. The good thing about the KLR is that it will perform the tasks you > mentioned, and more, plus it has a good resale if you don't like it. I too > came back after 20 years, actually 23, and bought the KLR thinking it was a > cool enduro. Little did I know! This is a lot of motorcycle! I"ve since > ridden the BMW GS and Buell Ulysses and jupmed back on my KLR as quick as I > could. > If you just want to get up on two wheels, look at the Honda Rebel 250, the > Buell Blast or the Suzuki savage 250 These are all good little bikes that > are excellent beginner ones. They can be had for well under 3 grand on the > used market with very few miles (less than 2000 in some cases). Around here > the Hondas are going for less than 2 grand (Wisconsin). My riding partner > wanted to get back on after 35 years. He started on the Nighthawk 250, same > as the Rebel, and says it is just fine. No freeway flyer, but cheap, > maintenance free and very economical. Cruises ab about 55 but can hit 65 for > awhile. In the "good old days" a 250 was just fine. Many transcontinental > trips were made on 250's and 305's by college students in the 60's. Since > then we have been overcome by the "more is better" syndrome. You'll be > surprised what a 250 can do. > Good luck, and ride safe. Hope to see you on the list. > PS, the KLR 250 is an excellent choice, but they are pretty rare. Ninva > 250's will reallys urprise you, but are not good for trails. > > > >> From: "Kimosabe" >> To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com >> Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Buying a bike after a 20 year break >> Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:23:55 -0000 >> >> Having had many bikes, my recommendation is to buy a used KLR250 to >> use for a year before deciding if and what larger bike to purchase. >> It has easy handling, light weight, adequate power, a good seating >> position and should be inexpensive to purchase. I suggest you test >> drive one. >> >> Steve in Niceville >> >> >> >> >> --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Doug Herr wrote: >> >>> On Tue, 14 Aug 2007, mbetcher wrote: >>> >>> >>>> Since this website is inhabited by KLR enthusiasts you can >>>> >> predictably >> >>>> expect to get a lot of favorable reviews of the bike. I like >>>> >> mine as >> >>>> much as the next guy, but in good conscience I wouldn't recommend >>>> >> it >> >>>> as the best choice for your intended use. >>>> >>>> If you are going to do mostly -- or almost exclusively -- on-road >>>> riding something like a V-Strom would be a better choice, IMHO. >>>> >>> [snip] >>> >>>> Just MHO. Hope nobody is offended. >>>> >>> Yup, great point. The 2008 KLR might also be worth looking at >>> since it leans more toward street use and has better brakes. >>> >>> If price is an important consideration then a used KLR might be a >>> fine choice, but otherwise the V-Strom should be high on the >>> list. >>> >>> -- >>> Doug Herr >>> doug@... >>> A16 in Oakland, California >>> >>> >> >> >> 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 >> >> >> >> > > _________________________________________________________________ > Find a local pizza place, movie theater, and more .then map the best route! > http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&ss=yp.bars~yp.pizza~yp.movie%20theater&cp=42.358996~-71.056691&style=r&lvl=13&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=950607&encType=1&FORM=MGAC01 > > > > 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 > > > > >

I second the Nighthawks - but suggest a 750. The 750 which I owned before the KLR, is a great on-road bike whether highway cruising or commuting. The KLR definitely feels underpowered for highway work at the 75mph which I need to keep up with the traffic on the 150-mile stretch I often do.

[notanymoore]

6'1" and 275? KLR 650 is too small for you. The bike is underpowered and undergeared. I'm 6'0" 220 and mine (2006) ain't quick off the line. With my wife on back (125 Lbs) you have to overrev and slip the clutch to get moving. And 1-up at 75 MPH, it runs out of breath. For the type of riding you describe, a VSTrom 650 would be better. But any 650 I've ridden isn't a highway cruiser, so a VStrom 1000 would be better yet if you're going over 200 miles. The 2008 KLR 650 is going in the right direction with lower clearance, stiffer frontend and supposedly more horsepower. But the reviews I've read don't bear out the last claim. Kawasaki really needs to add electronic fuel injection, 6 gear tranny with lower first and taller last gear; if not 10 more HP. I needed a single do-all bike. I thought I'd do more off-road, but there ain't much of that around Chicago. If I had to do it again, I'd get the VStrom. There aren't too many "standard" bikes out there and VStrom is one of the best. KLR is good, but the technology is dated.

> > > -- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "cowan462" wrote: > > > > I am looking to buy a motorcycle after not riding for 20 years. I > > wanted to ask if the KLR 650 might be a good bike for a person that > > wants to do most of his riding on pavement, but might venture off to > > explore some forest service roads. I am a large guy 6 ft 1 275 lbs. > > My friends all ride the large cruiser-type bikes but I like the

idea of

> > a dual purpose motorcycle. Can this motorcycle be used for long-range > > cruising at moderate highway speeds? Thanks for any help or advise. > > > > William > > cowan462@ > > >

[Zachariah Mully]

On Wed, 2007-08-15 at 18:19 +0000, notanymoore wrote:

> 6'1" and 275? KLR 650 is too small for you. The bike is underpowered > and undergeared. I'm 6'0" 220 and mine (2006) ain't quick off the > line. With my wife on back (125 Lbs) you have to overrev and slip > the clutch to get moving. And 1-up at 75 MPH, it runs out of breath.

I disagree. The bike is underpowered for just about everyone, but that's part of its secret sauce. I'm 6'4", 245lbs, and the KLR is one of the only bikes I can ride. Most bikes are too tight and don't offer enough leg room.

> I needed a single do-all bike. I thought I'd do more off-road, but > there ain't much of that around Chicago. If I had to do it again, I'd > get the VStrom. There aren't too many "standard" bikes out there and > VStrom is one of the best. KLR is good, but the technology is dated.

I'd own both if I had the buxx, but probably ride the KLR most. It's lack of power is appealing to me, more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow, so the saying goes... Besides, I can do 80mph on my KLR, and that's about all I need. Yes, I understand that people want a bike that will do 100+mph all day long in perfect comfort, weigh

[Terry Hamrick]

By now the person who made the original post went away and bought a Ural. Bikes are definitely personal preference. My '07 KLR is fast enough and quick enough off the line for me. It will not touch a Fireblade, but then again few machines will and the Blade sucked off road.... something 2" clearance... Oh well. We can all philosophize about the perfect bike for you. I like my thumper and at 6'3" 220 it works for me. It is what i want now.. One piece of advice that was brought out in this string was "buy used and cheap". I can second (or third that motion). Since the the person has been away from riding ; buy cheap, ride for a while, really consider the riding style and frequecy, then spend what it takes to get the bike you want. Also, before you buy the bike, buy good boots and riding clothes including a very comfortable helmet. 2 pence from albatross

On 8/15/07, notanymoore wrote: > > 6'1" and 275? KLR 650 is too small for you. The bike is underpowered > and undergeared. I'm 6'0" 220 and mine (2006) ain't quick off the > line. With my wife on back (125 Lbs) you have to overrev and slip > the clutch to get moving. And 1-up at 75 MPH, it runs out of breath. > > For the type of riding you describe, a VSTrom 650 would be better. > But any 650 I've ridden isn't a highway cruiser, so a VStrom 1000 > would be better yet if you're going over 200 miles. > > The 2008 KLR 650 is going in the right direction with lower clearance, > stiffer frontend and supposedly more horsepower. But the reviews I've > read don't bear out the last claim. Kawasaki really needs to add > electronic fuel injection, 6 gear tranny with lower first and taller > last gear; if not 10 more HP. > > I needed a single do-all bike. I thought I'd do more off-road, but > there ain't much of that around Chicago. If I had to do it again, I'd > get the VStrom. There aren't too many "standard" bikes out there and > VStrom is one of the best. KLR is good, but the technology is dated. > > > > > > > -- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com , > "cowan462" wrote: > > > > > > I am looking to buy a motorcycle after not riding for 20 years. I > > > wanted to ask if the KLR 650 might be a good bike for a person that > > > wants to do most of his riding on pavement, but might venture off to > > > explore some forest service roads. I am a large guy 6 ft 1 275 lbs. > > > My friends all ride the large cruiser-type bikes but I like the > idea of > > > a dual purpose motorcycle. Can this motorcycle be used for long-range > > > cruising at moderate highway speeds? Thanks for any help or advise. > > > > > > William > > > cowan462@ > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Mike Frey]

Good summary, Z. I'm on the other side of the size spectrum. 5'10" 175 pounds. Since I also own a 250 Super Sherpa (my wife usually rides that) I can compare me on that bike to you bigger guys on a KLR. I also have a bike with horsepower well north of 100, it can go 150+ mph, it's comfortable. So, what bike am I usually on? ... The KLR! Just this past weekend, I went on a 200 mile ride on the ZRX. At least 3 times I wished I had taken the KLR instead: 1) Came upon an interesting looking gravel road 2) Came upon another interesting looking gravel road 3) Came upon a legal trail that led to a mountain top view Yep, should have taken the KLR. Mike Zachariah Mully wrote:

> On Wed, 2007-08-15 at 18:19 +0000, notanymoore wrote: > >> 6'1" and 275? KLR 650 is too small for you. The bike is underpowered >> and undergeared. I'm 6'0" 220 and mine (2006) ain't quick off the >> line. With my wife on back (125 Lbs) you have to overrev and slip >> the clutch to get moving. And 1-up at 75 MPH, it runs out of breath. >> > > I disagree. The bike is underpowered for just about everyone, but that's > part of its secret sauce. > > I'm 6'4", 245lbs, and the KLR is one of the only bikes I can ride. Most > bikes are too tight and don't offer enough leg room. > > > >> I needed a single do-all bike. I thought I'd do more off-road, but >> there ain't much of that around Chicago. If I had to do it again, I'd >> get the VStrom. There aren't too many "standard" bikes out there and >> VStrom is one of the best. KLR is good, but the technology is dated. >> > > I'd own both if I had the buxx, but probably ride the KLR most. It's > lack of power is appealing to me, more fun to ride a slow bike fast, > than a fast bike slow, so the saying goes... > > Besides, I can do 80mph on my KLR, and that's about all I need. Yes, I > understand that people want a bike that will do 100+mph all day long in > perfect comfort, weigh suspension, 80BHP, and doesn't shred your ass or your tires. Good luck > finding it. In the meantime, the KLR does nothing well, but everything > good. > > Z > > > > 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 > > > > >