cylinder out of round...

[Jud Jones]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Rick McCauley wrote:

> > Speaking of the KLR250, how does it work as a dirt bike compared to the 650. I am sure it is much lighter, but how are the engine characteristics in the slow stuff? >

The 250 is a perfectly serviceable play bike, a little heavy for its size but with a nice tractable power delivery. A couple of years ago, a guy brought one on our Copper Canyon trip. It was better than the 650s in the rough stuff, and cruised right along at 55 or 60 on the highway, with luggage.

[aphampton628]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Jud Jones" wrote:

> > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Rick McCauley wrote: > > > > Speaking of the KLR250, how does it work as a dirt bike compared to the 650. I am sure it is much lighter, but how are the engine characteristics in the slow stuff? > > > > The 250 is a perfectly serviceable play bike, a little heavy for its size but with a nice tractable power delivery. > > A couple of years ago, a guy brought one on our Copper Canyon trip. It was better than the 650s in the rough stuff, and cruised right along at 55 or 60 on the highway, with luggage. >

Was he as "big" as the "average" KLR650 rider? Seriously, can a "big" guy ride a 250; I often wondered for myself. Alan

[revmaaatin]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Rick McCauley wrote:

> > Speaking of the KLR250, how does it work as a dirt bike compared to the 650. I am sure it is much lighter, but how are the engine characteristics in the slow stuff? > > Rick > A17

If you expect it to perform like a 650 or more, then not so nice. If you only expect it to carry you at 55-60, and then not that fast very often, then it will work. Understand the machines characteristics; the VW bug did not power-slide the gravel roads of Missouri like my 63 GMC pick up, but that does not mean I couldn't power slide it and get a big grin. same, same. If the timing works out, I will explore that very question this summer--in conditions where most folks wouldn't dare ride anything less than a 650--and many people will be surprised at the results. Stay tuned. revmaaatin.

[roncriswell@sbcglobal.net]

I have been considering buying the new KLX 250. Not gonna use it to go cross country with but want something less piggy in rough stuff. It is maybe 75 lbs lighter than a KLR. Anybody on the list have one? The DRZ is in consideration also with more power. I wonder which has the best suspension. The KLX has 6 speeds instead of 5 like the DRZ. Criswell

On Apr 14, 2009, at 11:30 AM, aphampton628 wrote: > > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Jud Jones" wrote: > > > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Rick McCauley wrote: > > > > > > Speaking of the KLR250, how does it work as a dirt bike > compared to the 650. I am sure it is much lighter, but how are the > engine characteristics in the slow stuff? > > > > > > > The 250 is a perfectly serviceable play bike, a little heavy for > its size but with a nice tractable power delivery. > > > > A couple of years ago, a guy brought one on our Copper Canyon > trip. It was better than the 650s in the rough stuff, and cruised > right along at 55 or 60 on the highway, with luggage. > > > > Was he as "big" as the "average" KLR650 rider? Seriously, can a > "big" guy ride a 250; I often wondered for myself. > > Alan > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Rick McCauley]

I Just wanted to know what 250 owners thought of it. Never road one. I sure wouldn't expect it to act like the 650. I thought it might be worth while to buy a used 250, strip it down, and gear it down for putting around in the timber or playing motocrosss wannabe in the pasture. The 650 can be quite a handfull in some situations. At least it is for me. My right knee has been operated on twice. I will eventually have a knee replacement but doc wants to put it off as long as possible. Rick A17

--- On Tue, 4/14/09, revmaaatin wrote: From: revmaaatin Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: KLR 250 service manual To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 12:08 PM --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com, Rick McCauley wrote: > > Speaking of the KLR250, how does it work as a dirt bike compared to the 650. I am sure it is much lighter, but how are the engine characteristics in the slow stuff? > > Rick > A17 If you expect it to perform like a 650 or more, then not so nice. If you only expect it to carry you at 55-60, and then not that fast very often, then it will work. Understand the machines characteristics; the VW bug did not power-slide the gravel roads of Missouri like my 63 GMC pick up, but that does not mean I couldn't power slide it and get a big grin. same, same. If the timing works out, I will explore that very question this summer--in conditions where most folks wouldn't dare ride anything less than a 650--and many people will be surprised at the results. Stay tuned. revmaaatin. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[yovern@juno.com]

It is what it is. A 20 something year old design that takes a licking and keeps on ticking. It's a bit heavy for it's size, the suspension isn't cutting edge, and your not going to set any records with it's power. That being said, I love it! It's just the ticket for the kind of riding I do off road, which is getting off the beaten path and go exploring. It's light enough to pick up after a fall, or drag out of a mud hole. Being 58, thats a big plus. Plus it's a great commuter bike. Got an extra set of wheels that I swap out when I use it for such. Take a look at this, http://tinyurl.com/dmp5kk and make up your own mind. Have fun & Ride safe, Anthony D16 '83 R100RS '03 GL1800A Re: KLR 250 service manual Posted by: "Rick McCauley" ramachm12@... ramachm12 Tue Apr 14, 2009 11:34 am (PDT) I Just wanted to know what 250 owners thought of it. ____________________________________________________________ Click here for free info on Graduate Degrees. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTKKsrifafLkg09S7ZNfa5GnofMUZhtNN2p8SJ378TpO8VGiqq6GHm/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Rick McCauley]

Looking at those pictures makes me anxious for some nice weather. Up to a whole 47 here in central Illinois today. Arrrgghh. Rick A17

--- On Tue, 4/14/09, yovern@... wrote: From: yovern@... Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: KLR 250 service manual To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 2:10 PM It is what it is. A 20 something year old design that takes a licking and keeps on ticking. It's a bit heavy for it's size, the suspension isn't cutting edge, and your not going to set any records with it's power. That being said, I love it! It's just the ticket for the kind of riding I do off road, which is getting off the beaten path and go exploring. It's light enough to pick up after a fall, or drag out of a mud hole. Being 58, thats a big plus. Plus it's a great commuter bike. Got an extra set of wheels that I swap out when I use it for such. Take a look at this, http://tinyurl. com/dmp5kk and make up your own mind. Have fun & Ride safe, Anthony D16 '83 R100RS '03 GL1800A Re: KLR 250 service manual Posted by: "Rick McCauley" ramachm12@yahoo. com ramachm12 Tue Apr 14, 2009 11:34 am (PDT) I Just wanted to know what 250 owners thought of it. ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ Click here for free info on Graduate Degrees. http://thirdpartyof fers.juno. com/TGL2141/ fc/BLSrjpTKKsrif afLkg09S7ZNfa5Gn ofMUZhtNN2p8SJ37 8TpO8VGiqq6GHm/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[revmaaatin]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Rick McCauley wrote:

> > I Just wanted to know what 250 owners thought of it. Never road one. I sure wouldn't expect it to act like the 650.

SNIP

> Rick > A17

Rick, Knowing that (what you said), how can you be disappointed? It is a nearly bullet proof design--and was the intial military scout bikes before upgrading to the 650, then 650diesel. Some forums, some riders/writers complain about a 250 being underpowered, blah, blah, blah. Its a 250!!!! not a GS etal. Which brings you to the U-Tube video describing Hitler's anger at his staff buying him a GS--same sort of expectations. I have ridden a KLR250 about 100 miles, and will ride one this summer several hundred miles (if it all falls into place). Should work just fine. I may have a different opinion by the time I get home again. There are stories of people riding Honda Trail 90's for long distance; some guy rode a 125 Hodaka around the perimeter of Australia, and there is the guy who rode across the stretches of China on some 3XX cc bike loaded like a rented mule. Each individual understood their machines limitation, and rode the bike within those limitations. I suspect, you will also!!! The biggest difference of note: in 2006 the KLR250 became the KLX250 and it got a nice suspension upgrade and electric start. There have been seveal recently for sale: a 2006KLX250 (Ebay) east of Omaha, NE area sold last month for $3050 with ~1000smiles. In early march, a (ebay) 2006 KLX250 ~700 miles brought $2700 90 miles East of Richmond, VA. revmaaatin.

[Rick McCauley]

All that you said, is about what I expected / hoped. Thanks I seldom complain about any bike I have owned, or even just ridden. I only expect a new experience, and except them for what they are. I can even have fun on a mini-bike. I just don't care to be seen on one :- ) The only bike I ever criticized was the Kawasaki KH500 2 stroke Triple I had. It was a hoot to ride when it wasn't broken, but it broke a lot. Along with my KLR, I have a 1975 CB360T. I love riding that thing, but Cycle World had a different view. Several years ago they did a 10 worst motorcycles article.The 360 made the list. In my heart, it is a gem. I can't remember his name, but he was one of the earliest racers to ride a Norton with a featherbed frame. He said "No one brand of motorcycle is so good, that it justifies ignoring the rest" Rick A17

--- On Tue, 4/14/09, revmaaatin wrote: From: revmaaatin Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: KLR 250 service manual To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 2:35 PM --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com, Rick McCauley wrote: > > I Just wanted to know what 250 owners thought of it. Never road one. I sure wouldn't expect it to act like the 650. SNIP > Rick > A17 Rick, Knowing that (what you said), how can you be disappointed? It is a nearly bullet proof design--and was the intial military scout bikes before upgrading to the 650, then 650diesel. Some forums, some riders/writers complain about a 250 being underpowered, blah, blah, blah. Its a 250!!!! not a GS etal. Which brings you to the U-Tube video describing Hitler's anger at his staff buying him a GS--same sort of expectations. I have ridden a KLR250 about 100 miles, and will ride one this summer several hundred miles (if it all falls into place). Should work just fine. I may have a different opinion by the time I get home again. There are stories of people riding Honda Trail 90's for long distance; some guy rode a 125 Hodaka around the perimeter of Australia, and there is the guy who rode across the stretches of China on some 3XX cc bike loaded like a rented mule. Each individual understood their machines limitation, and rode the bike within those limitations. I suspect, you will also!!! The biggest difference of note: in 2006 the KLR250 became the KLX250 and it got a nice suspension upgrade and electric start. There have been seveal recently for sale: a 2006KLX250 (Ebay) east of Omaha, NE area sold last month for $3050 with ~1000smiles. In early march, a (ebay) 2006 KLX250 ~700 miles brought $2700 90 miles East of Richmond, VA. revmaaatin. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Jim Wright]

"Was he as "big" as the "average" KLR650 rider? Seriously, can a "big" guy ride a 250; I often wondered for myself." I am 240 lbs, so bigger than average, and mine scoots admirably. What is kinda fun is that you can ride it like you stole it and not go to jail. I have taken it to an OHV park, all vertical (straight up or straight down) trails, with no experience, and it not only hauled me up and down with reasonable aplomb, but I lived to tell the tale - a fact completely attributable to the little 250's manageability. Definitely fun - but not a bike for freeways... aphampton628 wrote:

> --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Jud Jones" wrote: > >> --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Rick McCauley wrote: >> >>> Speaking of the KLR250, how does it work as a dirt bike compared to the 650. I am sure it is much lighter, but how are the engine characteristics in the slow stuff? >>> >>> >> The 250 is a perfectly serviceable play bike, a little heavy for its size but with a nice tractable power delivery. >> >> A couple of years ago, a guy brought one on our Copper Canyon trip. It was better than the 650s in the rough stuff, and cruised right along at 55 or 60 on the highway, with luggage. >> >> > > Was he as "big" as the "average" KLR650 rider? Seriously, can a "big" guy ride a 250; I often wondered for myself. > > Alan > > > > ------------------------------------ > > 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/dsnklr650Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > >