introduction - new rider and new klr 650 owner in northern colorado

[migg2500]

Hello All- I have 2 solo rides ever in my life on 2 very diffent bikes. My question for everyone is this: Is the KLR650 a good bike upon which a new rider can learn and gain experence with out feeling overwelmed? Or should I look for something less in a first bike? Thanks, Migg

[Ben Wiseley]

I had absolutely no experience other than the rider education course (two days of riding around in circles in a parking lot - I'd highly recommend this course) before I bought my KLR650. I've found it very, very easy to ride - I thought it'd be much more difficult but, after 3 weeks it already feels natural. -ben kirkland, wa '98 KLR650 --- migg2500 wrote:

> Hello All- > > I have 2 solo rides ever in my life on 2 very > diffent bikes. My > question for everyone is this: Is the KLR650 a > good bike upon which a > new rider can learn and gain experence with out > feeling overwelmed? > Or should I look for something less in a first > bike? > > Thanks, > > Migg > > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at > www.dualsportnews.com. List FAQ courtesy of > Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to: > DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com . > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > >

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[Mark Yocom]

My prior experience to riding motorcycles was on the back of one 10 years before the KLR. I went to the dealer, bought the bike, rode in the parking lot for about 5 minutes and hit the road. I can't offer any opinion about other bikes since I have only ridden one since buying mine, but I'll tell you that I had no problem handling it or anything. Of course I'm 6'4 210 lbs so flat footing has never been a problem. I did take the safety course about a month later and highly recommend it as well. But don't show up to the course on your bike. The instructors don't like that too much. My .02 -NM Mark -----Original Message----- From: Ben Wiseley [mailto:wiseleyb@...] Sent: Monday, May 12, 2003 7:23 PM To: migg2500; DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [DSN_klr650] New Rider I had absolutely no experience other than the rider education course (two days of riding around in circles in a parking lot - I'd highly recommend this course) before I bought my KLR650. I've found it very, very easy to ride - I thought it'd be much more difficult but, after 3 weeks it already feels natural. -ben kirkland, wa '98 KLR650 --- migg2500 wrote:

> Hello All- > > I have 2 solo rides ever in my life on 2 very > diffent bikes. My > question for everyone is this: Is the KLR650 a > good bike upon which a > new rider can learn and gain experence with out > feeling overwelmed? > Or should I look for something less in a first > bike? > > Thanks, > > Migg > > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at > www.dualsportnews.com. List FAQ courtesy of > Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to: > DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com . > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > >

__________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo. http://search.yahoo.com List sponsored by Dual Sport News at www.dualsportnews.com. List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to: DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com . Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[TM1669@cs.com]

The KLR is my first bike and its been real easy to learn on. I was intimidated by the height and size of the bike at first but after a few hours of just putting down the street and getting used to the controls I felt comfortable. Its very maneuverable and mildly powered which makes for a very forgiving bike IMO. Practicing in the dirt will make you a better street rider and doing it all on one bike makes it all the better. Great bike.

[Judson D. Jones]

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, Mark Yocom wrote: But don't show up to the course on your bike. The instructors

> don't like that too much.

??? This is contrary to my experience. The MSF instructors are glad you are there. They are also typically enthusiasts, who like motorcycles. I took the beginner course once with my wife, although I had many years experience, and rode my Triumph. I was not the only one to ride my own bike to class. The instructors were not only interested in my bike, they encouraged me to use it in some of the exercises. That was more than 20 years ago, so things may have changed.

[Tumu Rock]

I'm certainly NOT recommending you do this but I rode off-road twice in my life before buying the KLR and I just got my permit and rode the bastid home from the dealer in NYC traffic and all. dat brooklyn bum (cheatin' death every chance I get...and I got a lot of chances)

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "migg2500" wrote: > Hello All- > > I have 2 solo rides ever in my life on 2 very diffent bikes. My > question for everyone is this: Is the KLR650 a good bike upon which a > new rider can learn and gain experence with out feeling overwelmed? > Or should I look for something less in a first bike? > > Thanks, > > Migg

[Mark Yocom]

I think it had more to do with the fact that the course was meant to provide the safety training and graduate the students with a certificate that we could bring to the DMV to get our licenses. I wasn't licensed when I showed up. -NM Mark

----- Original Message ----- From: "Judson D. Jones" Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2003 2:26 am Subject: [DSN_klr650] Re: New Rider > --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, Mark Yocom > wrote: > > But don't show up to the course on your bike. The instructors > > don't like that too much. > > ??? > This is contrary to my experience. The MSF instructors are glad > you are there. They are also typically enthusiasts, who like > motorcycles. I took the beginner course once with my wife, > although I had many years experience, and rode my Triumph. I > was not the only one to ride my own bike to class. The > instructors were not only interested in my bike, they encouraged > me to use it in some of the exercises. That was more than 20 > years ago, so things may have changed. > > > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at www.dualsportnews.com. List > FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to: > DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com . > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > >

[Dennis R. Eastman]

The KLR was my first bike. I had never ridden another bike other than a dirt bike 1 time when I was a kid. WhenI purchesed my bike, the dealer drove me and the bike to a nearby parking log and gave me about 30 minutes of instructions. I practiced for about an hour and drove it 26 miles through Charlotte city streets and then country roads to get home. I think it's a great first bike if you are looking for a little dual sport adventure. If you are going to only ride on the blacktop then buy a road bike. ~Dennis~ A15 Concord, NC

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "migg2500" wrote: > Hello All- > > I have 2 solo rides ever in my life on 2 very diffent bikes. My > question for everyone is this: Is the KLR650 a good bike upon which a > new rider can learn and gain experence with out feeling overwelmed? > Or should I look for something less in a first bike? > > Thanks, > > Migg

[bigburlybaldbeardedbiker]

Here in Minnesota, you are allowed to ride your own bike in the basic rider course, but if you only have a permit, not an endorsement, you're not legally allowed to ride your bike after dark or on interstate highways. If you're taking an evening class, it makes it pretty tough to get your bike home after class. Paul Streeter ex-MSF instructor

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, Mark Yocom wrote: > I think it had more to do with the fact that the course was meant to > provide the safety training and graduate the students with a > certificate that we could bring to the DMV to get our licenses. I > wasn't licensed when I showed up. > -NM Mark > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Judson D. Jones" > Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2003 2:26 am > Subject: [DSN_klr650] Re: New Rider > > > --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, Mark Yocom > > wrote: > > > > But don't show up to the course on your bike. The instructors > > > don't like that too much. > > > > ??? > > This is contrary to my experience. The MSF instructors are glad > > you are there. They are also typically enthusiasts, who like > > motorcycles. I took the beginner course once with my wife, > > although I had many years experience, and rode my Triumph. I > > was not the only one to ride my own bike to class. The > > instructors were not only interested in my bike, they encouraged > > me to use it in some of the exercises. That was more than 20 > > years ago, so things may have changed. > > > > > > > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at www.dualsportnews.com. List > > FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to: > > DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com . > > > > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > > > > >

[Bill Smith]

Here in Texas, they have recently put in a statement that allows you to use your own motorcycle in the Basic Riders Course. It is not advertised, and quite frankly the state boys say they don't like the idea. Personally I like all of the students being on very similar bikes that we maintain so we are aware of the quirks and issues with the bikes. It seems that in a Experienced Rider Course there is always someone that has some trivial problem they want you to help fix. We have enough problems maintaining our own bikes on a weekly basis. The amount of abuse they take is absolutely amazing. It also says a lot about their durability that they last as long as they do. What is really frustrating is when you have a squid in the BRC. I have had them follow the class, do well, wear all the appropriate gear, etc. and then as soon as the class is over, strap their jacket and helmets to the bike and blast off. It really makes you fell like you have wasted your time and energy on them. I practice the demos for the BRC on my GoldWIng and the KLR and I can tell you that the KLR is a load of fun and a whole lot less work. When I ride my KLR to class it gets a lot of attention. If you haven't taken the class, take it. It is well worth the time and is a whole lot of fun. Bill Smith MSF Instructor in Cypress, Texas -----Original Message----- From: bigburlybaldbeardedbiker [mailto:bigburlybaldbeardedbiker@...] Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2003 2:55 PM To: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com Subject: [DSN_klr650] Re: New Rider Here in Minnesota, you are allowed to ride your own bike in the basic rider course, but if you only have a permit, not an endorsement, you're not legally allowed to ride your bike after dark or on interstate highways. If you're taking an evening class, it makes it pretty tough to get your bike home after class. Paul Streeter ex-MSF instructor

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, Mark Yocom wrote: > I think it had more to do with the fact that the course was meant to > provide the safety training and graduate the students with a > certificate that we could bring to the DMV to get our licenses. I > wasn't licensed when I showed up. > -NM Mark > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Judson D. Jones" > Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2003 2:26 am > Subject: [DSN_klr650] Re: New Rider > > > --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, Mark Yocom > > wrote: > > > > But don't show up to the course on your bike. The instructors > > > don't like that too much. > > > > ??? > > This is contrary to my experience. The MSF instructors are glad > > you are there. They are also typically enthusiasts, who like > > motorcycles. I took the beginner course once with my wife, > > although I had many years experience, and rode my Triumph. I > > was not the only one to ride my own bike to class. The > > instructors were not only interested in my bike, they encouraged > > me to use it in some of the exercises. That was more than 20 > > years ago, so things may have changed. > > > > > > > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at www.dualsportnews.com. List > > FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to: > > DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com . > > > > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > > > > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at www.dualsportnews.com. List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to: DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com . Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/