engineers - you gotta love 'em.

[ocpianoman]

I lusted after an airhead for a long time, but when the chance came to pick up a nice 1970 Moto Guzzi Ambassador for a great price, I grabbed it. Easy to work on and maintain, and reliability should be pretty good. Mostly steel, no plastic body parts. No fluids other than gear, fork and engine oils. All the bearings are oversized specifically for durability by design, and the crankshaft is huge, big enough to have been able increase the capacity from the original 700cc to 1100ccc without major revisions or reliability problems. The bikes were used as police bikes in LA in the early seventies. I don't think it wins the Most Reliable Bike award however! Most reliable modern bikes? I think Honda and Kawasaki win. Gold Wing, ST1100, Concours, Nighthawk, Shadow, Vulcan, Ninja 500 and 250. Oh yeah, let's not forget the good old KLR650. The bikes with hydraulic lifters definitely had an advantage surviving the lack of maintenance they failed to receive from some owners used to appliance-like durability from their Civics and Corollas. A recent comparo in Cycle World or Motorcyclist featured the newest gen KLR650 against a couple of others, from BMW and Husky if I'm not mistaken. The bike most of the riders picked as the one they would take across Africa or other remote locations? The KLR, for its simplicity, parts availability and "anvil-like" reliability. - ian My 2000 KLR650 (A14) recently turned over 55k miles. Still going strong. Down to the thinnest shim available on the right exhaust valve. Currently running a Heidenau K76 front tire and a Shinko 705 rear. The Heidenau is as good or better on the street than a Pirelli Scorpion A/T I tried, and much better off the pavement. The previous front tire was a TKC80 that gave about 6k mostly pavement miles, but required reversal at 3500 miles to counteract the sawtooth effect. Despite my best intentions, hitting the dirt roads on the KLR is a rare occurrence, so knobbies just don't make sense for my riding habits. This Heidenau has a deep tread pattern. $0.02 - ian

[SniperOne]

Ron,I'm particularly interested in this 350 pound adventure tourer you speak of.  How about some more details?Randy Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message --------From: "Ron Criswell roncriswell2@... [DSN_KLR650]" Date:04/09/2015 7:59 PM (GMT-07:00) To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com,E Hines Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle   I am a Jap guy....and maybe leaning toward the Hog set. Motorcycles have gotten way too complicated and sophisticated.....European brands especially. Beemer, KTM, Ducati....and Triumph even. They want you to bring them to the dealer and charge big bucks. Harley guys paying big bucks for maintenance on fairly simple machines.....are fools. I read a test the other day on the "new"  Ducati Scrambler verses the Triumph scrambler....and realized....I already have that bike. My 09 Versys I bought out the door for $5600 in 2010. Great bike, fun....but not a dirt bike. I want an adventure tourer....that weighs 350 pounds at most....instead of 550 pounds and doesn't need a computer hook up for service. That is just me. Some guys like bells and whistles....I like simple and light. RC  Sent from my iPad

On Apr 9, 2015, at 6:08 PM, "E Hines ridingmyklr@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

  Maybe the BMW's get such a bad rap because they actually take there bike to the dealer to be worked on.  My KLR only goes to the shop for state inspection.  I replaced my own dohickey (known problem) (I wonder if BMW would have recalled that by now).  Two very different bikes. My F800GS is a great bike, but it is not as much fun to work on as the KLR, but I have to admit, much more fun to ride on or off road.  It (the BMW) is in the shop for a recall and warranty work.  I  give up.  :) On Thursday, April 9, 2015 3:34 PM, "Bogdan Swider bSwider@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:   You could run those snowflake wheels tubeless even though BMW advised against it. Many did and I'm one example.  Bogdan On Apr 9, 2015, at 11:00 AM, 'Eddie' edgyver40@... [DSN_KLR650] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:   I was loaned an R75/5 years ago and wouldn't mind having a slightly modernized version today, if they'd just make it. Throw in Fuel Injection and tubeless tires and leave the rest alone! -eddie   Original Message: From: Bogdan Swider bSwider@... [DSN_KLR650] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Reply-To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>, Bogdan Swider To: Ronald Criswell , DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: 4/9/2015 12:58:13 PM Subject: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle     At least BMWs are less expensive than their Japanese competition ..wait .I got that wrong .that's not the case and never has been.  FWIW in my, not so humble, opinion BMW should have followed the Harley model by focusing on improving the air-heads. Obviously, since I ride a KLR styling is not that important to me. However, I hate the way current Beemers look. The old air-heads looked like the engineers had the most influence; they had a functional appearance that grew on you. Bogdan On Apr 9, 2015, at 10:07 AM, Ronald Criswell wrote: Why I ride Jap. Begin forwarded message: [b]Subject: [/b][b][DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle[/b] Hmm, BMW about where I thought.   https://www.yahoo.com/autos/s/makes-most-reliable-motorcycle-100025261.html   --- New Outlook Express and Windows Live Mail replacement - get it here: http://www.oeclassic.com/  

[rharaseth]

While I really loved my KLR, my dream machine weighed in around 300 lbs and 50 horsepower.  My new (to me) 2010 KTM 690 beat those figures - 310 lbs, 65 HP.  Actually easier to maintain the the KLR.  Sure it has its own little pecularities, like subframe bolt upgrade (much easier), better skid plate, fuel capacity, seat upgrade, but so does everything else out there. But oh the smiles!  No regrets (yet), but I do miss the KLR, we got pretty well attached to each other over the years, the rides, and the mods.

[ron criswell]

Dr 650 maybe, that is about all that is available..... Unless you wanna spring for some of the KTM's or Husky's and put a decent seat on them and pay a Hell of a lot more. I know I could design a better bike than all these 550 to 600 pound beasts that look like a dirt bike for wanna be's and cost 15 to 20 grand. Trust me on the road from Fairbanks to Prudoe....a fat bike is your enemy. KLR works pretty well too.. Just my opinion. I hate heavy....don't care how high tech they are. Low tech works for me in challenging conditions, bring back 2strokes (heh). People say KLR's are outta date being carbureted.....well at least you can work on them out in the boonies. You know how many times I have had the carburator off on my KLR? Once to rejet. This huge big bike thing with all sorts of gizmos.....would be a minus in Siberia, Bolivia or Prudoe....jest an opinion. Criswell Sent from my iPad

On Apr 10, 2015, at 6:20 PM, "SniperOne sniperone308@... [DSN_KLR650]"DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

  Ron,I'm particularly interested in this 350 pound adventure tourer you speak of.  How about some more details?Randy Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message --------From: "Ron Criswell roncriswell2@... [DSN_KLR650]" Date:04/09/2015 7:59 PM (GMT-07:00) To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com,E Hines Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle   I am a Jap guy....and maybe leaning toward the Hog set. Motorcycles have gotten way too complicated and sophisticated.....European brands especially. Beemer, KTM, Ducati....and Triumph even. They want you to bring them to the dealer and charge big bucks. Harley guys paying big bucks for maintenance on fairly simple machines.....are fools. I read a test the other day on the "new"  Ducati Scrambler verses the Triumph scrambler....and realized....I already have that bike. My 09 Versys I bought out the door for $5600 in 2010. Great bike, fun....but not a dirt bike. I want an adventure tourer....that weighs 350 pounds at most....instead of 550 pounds and doesn't need a computer hook up for service. That is just me. Some guys like bells and whistles....I like simple and light. RC  Sent from my iPad On Apr 9, 2015, at 6:08 PM, "E Hines ridingmyklr@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:   Maybe the BMW's get such a bad rap because they actually take there bike to the dealer to be worked on.  My KLR only goes to the shop for state inspection.  I replaced my own dohickey (known problem) (I wonder if BMW would have recalled that by now).  Two very different bikes. My F800GS is a great bike, but it is not as much fun to work on as the KLR, but I have to admit, much more fun to ride on or off road.  It (the BMW) is in the shop for a recall and warranty work.  I  give up.  :) On Thursday, April 9, 2015 3:34 PM, "Bogdan Swider bSwider@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:   You could run those snowflake wheels tubeless even though BMW advised against it. Many did and I'm one example.  Bogdan On Apr 9, 2015, at 11:00 AM, 'Eddie' edgyver40@... [DSN_KLR650] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:   I was loaned an R75/5 years ago and wouldn't mind having a slightly modernized version today, if they'd just make it. Throw in Fuel Injection and tubeless tires and leave the rest alone! -eddie   Original Message: From: Bogdan Swider bSwider@... [DSN_KLR650] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Reply-To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>, Bogdan Swider To: Ronald Criswell , DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: 4/9/2015 12:58:13 PM Subject: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle     At least BMWs are less expensive than their Japanese competition ..wait .I got that wrong .that's not the case and never has been.  FWIW in my, not so humble, opinion BMW should have followed the Harley model by focusing on improving the air-heads. Obviously, since I ride a KLR styling is not that important to me. However, I hate the way current Beemers look. The old air-heads looked like the engineers had the most influence; they had a functional appearance that grew on you. Bogdan On Apr 9, 2015, at 10:07 AM, Ronald Criswell wrote: Why I ride Jap. Begin forwarded message: [b]Subject: [/b][b][DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle[/b] Hmm, BMW about where I thought.   https://www.yahoo.com/autos/s/makes-most-reliable-motorcycle-100025261.html   --- New Outlook Express and Windows Live Mail replacement - get it here: http://www.oeclassic.com/  

[SniperOne]

Thanks Ron.

I had been gravitating toward similar specs to what you mentioned, and that s why I asked for more info. The DR650 seemed a potential alternative to me too.

My gen2 is less than nimble for the deep sandy singletrack I frequently find in the south west, and the DRZ is rather buzzy for the interstate at any significant distance.

 

Something I am considering that may interest you as well:

I have a friend who has spent 45 years racing desert, motocross, trials, enduro, and flat track on most of the range of bikes from the late 60 s to now. He has carried plate 1 in all those disciplines and is also the best designer/fabricator/mechanic I know.

Recently he acquired an XR650L and did some tinkering (he had years ago rejected the model due to the 37 seat and suspension that didn t work very well for his capabilities). He made some design changes to the rear suspension link that not only lowered it but created far better function of the rear suspension (this was not just the typical lowering links). He thin moved the forks to level the machine, relocated the battery inside the frame, added some protaper CR bars with ROX risers, a 5 gal tank, a simple headlight off switch so he could run a heated jacket liner in the winter, and some Wolfman panniers. I personally think he needs to add a small tombstone style windshield.

 

The XR is a simple bike that has been around for a long time, easy to work on, reliable, and the original seat feels like being on a couch. I only managed about 5 mins with it on a singletrack but was very impressed with how the bike ran and handled with the easy suspension changes (one can also flat foot it with a 30 inseam). The wide ratio 5 speed seemed strange at first but the big thumper just kept pulling no matter what gear I was in and the 340 pounds was easy to maneuver. He has now built 3 more of them for other friends and I may well be begging for his 5th bike all part of my strategy to keep buying bikes until I have to clean the garage to get the next one in LOL

Randy

 

SniperOne

 

[b]From:[/b] Ron Criswell [mailto:roncriswell2@...] [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, April 10, 2015 7:07 PM [b]To:[/b] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com; SniperOne [b]Subject:[/b] Re: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle

 

Dr 650 maybe, that is about all that is available..... Unless you wanna spring for some of the KTM's or Husky's and put a decent seat on them and pay a Hell of a lot more. I know I could design a better bike than all these 550 to 600 pound beasts that look like a dirt bike for wanna be's and cost 15 to 20 grand. Trust me on the road from Fairbanks to Prudoe....a fat bike is your enemy. KLR works pretty well too.. Just my opinion. I hate heavy....don't care how high tech they are. Low tech works for me in challenging conditions, bring back 2strokes (heh). People say KLR's are outta date being carbureted.....well at least you can work on them out in the boonies. You know how many times I have had the carburator off on my KLR? Once to rejet. This huge big bike thing with all sorts of gizmos.....would be a minus in Siberia, Bolivia or Prudoe....jest an opinion.

 

Criswell Sent from my iPad

On Apr 10, 2015, at 6:20 PM, "SniperOne sniperone308@... [DSN_KLR650]"DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Ron,

I'm particularly interested in this 350 pound adventure tourer you speak of.  How about some more details?

Randy

 

 

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone

 

-------- Original message --------

From: "Ron Criswell roncriswell2@... [DSN_KLR650]"

Date:04/09/2015 7:59 PM (GMT-07:00)

To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com,E Hines

Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle

 

 

I am a Jap guy....and maybe leaning toward the Hog set. Motorcycles have gotten way too complicated and sophisticated.....European brands especially. Beemer, KTM, Ducati....and Triumph even. They want you to bring them to the dealer and charge big bucks. Harley guys paying big bucks for maintenance on fairly simple machines.....are fools. I read a test the other day on the "new"  Ducati Scrambler verses the Triumph scrambler....and realized....I already have that bike. My 09 Versys I bought out the door for $5600 in 2010. Great bike, fun....but not a dirt bike. I want an adventure tourer....that weighs 350 pounds at most....instead of 550 pounds and doesn't need a computer hook up for service. That is just me. Some guys like bells and whistles....I like simple and light.

 

RC  Sent from my iPad

On Apr 9, 2015, at 6:08 PM, "E Hines ridingmyklr@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Maybe the BMW's get such a bad rap because they actually take there bike to the dealer to be worked on.  My KLR only goes to the shop for state inspection.  I replaced my own dohickey (known problem) (I wonder if BMW would have recalled that by now).  Two very different bikes. My F800GS is a great bike, but it is not as much fun to work on as the KLR, but I have to admit, much more fun to ride on or off road.  It (the BMW) is in the shop for a recall and warranty work.  I  give up.  :)

 

 

On Thursday, April 9, 2015 3:34 PM, "Bogdan Swider bSwider@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

 

You could run those snowflake wheels tubeless even though BMW advised against it. Many did and I'm one example. 

 

Bogdan

 

On Apr 9, 2015, at 11:00 AM, 'Eddie' edgyver40@... [DSN_KLR650] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

 

I was loaned an R75/5 years ago and wouldn't mind having a slightly modernized version today, if they'd just make it. Throw in Fuel Injection and tubeless tires and leave the rest alone! -eddie

 

[b]Original Message:[/b]

From: Bogdan Swider bSwider@... [DSN_KLR650] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>

Reply-To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>, Bogdan Swider

To: Ronald Criswell , DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>

Sent: 4/9/2015 12:58:13 PM

Subject: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle

 

 

At least BMWs are less expensive than their Japanese competition ..wait .I got that wrong .that's not the case and never has been. 

 

FWIW in my, not so humble, opinion BMW should have followed the Harley model by focusing on improving the air-heads. Obviously, since I ride a KLR styling is not that important to me. However, I hate the way current Beemers look. The old air-heads looked like the engineers had the most influence; they had a functional appearance that grew on you.

 

Bogdan

 

On Apr 9, 2015, at 10:07 AM, Ronald Criswell wrote:

Why I ride Jap.

 

Begin forwarded message:

 

[b]Subject: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle[/b]

 

 

 

Hmm, BMW about where I thought.

 

https://www.yahoo.com/autos/s/makes-most-reliable-motorcycle-100025261.html

 

 

---

New Outlook Express and Windows Live Mail replacement - get it here:

http://www.oeclassic.com/

 

 

 

 

[Martin Earl]

snipDown to the thinnest shim available on the right exhaust valveunsnip. place a square of ~300 wet/dry paper on a piece of glass (make the grit side of the sandpaper wet)take that thin shim and hold it with your fingers on the wet/dry paper.make figure 8 movements with the shim against the paper/glass , = hand grinding the shim. Check every 10-20 rev for progress with a good caliper. It will get thinner, and you will be pleased.

On Fri, Apr 10, 2015 at 3:55 PM, ocpianoman@... [DSN_KLR650] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote: I lusted after an airhead for a long time, but when the chance came to pick up a nice 1970 Moto Guzzi Ambassador for a great price, I grabbed it. Easy to work on and maintain, and reliability should be pretty good. Mostly steel, no plastic body parts. No fluids other than gear, fork and engine oils. All the bearings are oversized specifically for durability by design, and the crankshaft is huge, big enough to have been able increase the capacity from the original 700cc to 1100ccc without major revisions or reliability problems. The bikes were used as police bikes in LA in the early seventies. I don't think it wins the Most Reliable Bike award however! Most reliable modern bikes? I think Honda and Kawasaki win. Gold Wing, ST1100, Concours, Nighthawk, Shadow, Vulcan, Ninja 500 and 250. Oh yeah, let's not forget the good old KLR650. The bikes with hydraulic lifters definitely had an advantage surviving the lack of maintenance they failed to receive from some owners used to appliance-like durability from their Civics and Corollas. A recent comparo in Cycle World or Motorcyclist featured the newest gen KLR650 against a couple of others, from BMW and Husky if I'm not mistaken. The bike most of the riders picked as the one they would take across Africa or other remote locations? The KLR, for its simplicity, parts availability and "anvil-like" reliability. - ian My 2000 KLR650 (A14) recently turned over 55k miles. Still going strong. Down to the thinnest shim available on the right exhaust valve. Currently running a Heidenau K76 front tire and a Shinko 705 rear. The Heidenau is as good or better on the street than a Pirelli Scorpion A/T I tried, and much better off the pavement. The previous front tire was a TKC80 that gave about 6k mostly pavement miles, but required reversal at 3500 miles to counteract the sawtooth effect. Despite my best intentions, hitting the dirt roads on the KLR is a rare occurrence, so knobbies just don't make sense for my riding habits. This Heidenau has a deep tread pattern. $0.02 - ian

[Martin Earl]

snipThis huge big bike thing with all sorts of gizmos.....would be a minus in Siberia, Bolivia or Prudoe....jest an opinion.unsnip and Sturgis. just saying.Mine gained 30-40 lbs over the winter; much harder to push around the garage than last fall.

On Fri, Apr 10, 2015 at 7:06 PM, Ron Criswell roncriswell2@... [DSN_KLR650] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote: Dr 650 maybe, that is about all that is available..... Unless you wanna spring for some of the KTM's or Husky's and put a decent seat on them and pay a Hell of a lot more. I know I could design a better bike than all these 550 to 600 pound beasts that look like a dirt bike for wanna be's and cost 15 to 20 grand. Trust me on the road from Fairbanks to Prudoe....a fat bike is your enemy. KLR works pretty well too.. Just my opinion. I hate heavy....don't care how high tech they are. Low tech works for me in challenging conditions, bring back 2strokes (heh). People say KLR's are outta date being carbureted.....well at least you can work on them out in the boonies. You know how many times I have had the carburator off on my KLR? Once to rejet. This huge big bike thing with all sorts of gizmos.....would be a minus in Siberia, Bolivia or Prudoe....jest an opinion. Criswell Sent from my iPad On Apr 10, 2015, at 6:20 PM, "SniperOne sniperone308@... [DSN_KLR650]"DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote: Ron,I'm particularly interested in this 350 pound adventure tourer you speak of. How about some more details?Randy Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message --------From: "Ron Criswell roncriswell2@... [DSN_KLR650]" [u][/u] [u][/u]Date:04/09/2015 7:59 PM (GMT-07:00) To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com,E Hines [u][/u] [u][/u]Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle I am a Jap guy....and maybe leaning toward the Hog set. Motorcycles have gotten way too complicated and sophisticated.....European brands especially. Beemer, KTM, Ducati....and Triumph even. They want you to bring them to the dealer and charge big bucks. Harley guys paying big bucks for maintenance on fairly simple machines.....are fools. I read a test the other day on the "new" Ducati Scrambler verses the Triumph scrambler....and realized....I already have that bike. My 09 Versys I bought out the door for $5600 in 2010. Great bike, fun....but not a dirt bike. I want an adventure tourer....that weighs 350 pounds at most....instead of 550 pounds and doesn't need a computer hook up for service. That is just me. Some guys like bells and whistles....I like simple and light. RC Sent from my iPad On Apr 9, 2015, at 6:08 PM, "E Hines ridingmyklr@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote: Maybe the BMW's get such a bad rap because they actually take there bike to the dealer to be worked on. My KLR only goes to the shop for state inspection. I replaced my own dohickey (known problem) (I wonder if BMW would have recalled that by now). Two very different bikes. My F800GS is a great bike, but it is not as much fun to work on as the KLR, but I have to admit, much more fun to ride on or off road. It (the BMW) is in the shop for a recall and warranty work. I give up. On Thursday, April 9, 2015 3:34 PM, "Bogdan Swider bSwider@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote: You could run those snowflake wheels tubeless even though BMW advised against it. Many did and I'm one example. Bogdan On Apr 9, 2015, at 11:00 AM, 'Eddie' edgyver40@... [DSN_KLR650] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote: I was loaned an R75/5 years ago and wouldn't mind having a slightly modernized version today, if they'd just make it. Throw in Fuel Injection and tubeless tires and leave the rest alone! -eddie Original Message: From: Bogdan Swider bSwider@... [DSN_KLR650] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Reply-To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>, Bogdan Swider To: Ronald Criswell , DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: 4/9/2015 12:58:13 PM Subject: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle At least BMWs are less expensive than their Japanese competition ..wait .I got that wrong .that's not the case and never has been. FWIW in my, not so humble, opinion BMW should have followed the Harley model by focusing on improving the air-heads. Obviously, since I ride a KLR styling is not that important to me. However, I hate the way current Beemers look. The old air-heads looked like the engineers had the most influence; they had a functional appearance that grew on you. Bogdan On Apr 9, 2015, at 10:07 AM, Ronald Criswell wrote: Why I ride Jap. Begin forwarded message: [b]Subject: [/b][b][DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle[/b] Hmm, BMW about where I thought. https://www.yahoo.com/autos/s/makes-most-reliable-motorcycle-100025261.html --- New Outlook Express and Windows Live Mail replacement - get it here: http://www.oeclassic.com/

[SniperOne]

Nice one!

 

SniperOne

 

[b]From:[/b] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [mailto:DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com] [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, April 10, 2015 10:53 PM [b]To:[/b] DSN KLR650; Ron Criswell [b]Subject:[/b] Re: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle

 

 

snip

This huge big bike thing with all sorts of gizmos.....would be a minus in Siberia, Bolivia or Prudoe....jest an opinion.

unsnip

 

and Sturgis.  just saying.

Mine gained 30-40 lbs over the winter; much harder to push around the garage than last fall.

 

On Fri, Apr 10, 2015 at 7:06 PM, Ron Criswell roncriswell2@... [DSN_KLR650] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Dr 650 maybe, that is about all that is available..... Unless you wanna spring for some of the KTM's or Husky's and put a decent seat on them and pay a Hell of a lot more. I know I could design a better bike than all these 550 to 600 pound beasts that look like a dirt bike for wanna be's and cost 15 to 20 grand. Trust me on the road from Fairbanks to Prudoe....a fat bike is your enemy. KLR works pretty well too.. Just my opinion. I hate heavy....don't care how high tech they are. Low tech works for me in challenging conditions, bring back 2strokes (heh). People say KLR's are outta date being carbureted.....well at least you can work on them out in the boonies. You know how many times I have had the carburator off on my KLR? Once to rejet. This huge big bike thing with all sorts of gizmos.....would be a minus in Siberia, Bolivia or Prudoe....jest an opinion.

 

Criswell Sent from my iPad

On Apr 10, 2015, at 6:20 PM, "SniperOne sniperone308@... [DSN_KLR650]"DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Ron,

I'm particularly interested in this 350 pound adventure tourer you speak of.  How about some more details?

Randy

 

 

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone

 

-------- Original message --------

From: "Ron Criswell roncriswell2@... [DSN_KLR650]"

Date:04/09/2015 7:59 PM (GMT-07:00)

To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com,E Hines

Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle

 

 

I am a Jap guy....and maybe leaning toward the Hog set. Motorcycles have gotten way too complicated and sophisticated.....European brands especially. Beemer, KTM, Ducati....and Triumph even. They want you to bring them to the dealer and charge big bucks. Harley guys paying big bucks for maintenance on fairly simple machines.....are fools. I read a test the other day on the "new"  Ducati Scrambler verses the Triumph scrambler....and realized....I already have that bike. My 09 Versys I bought out the door for $5600 in 2010. Great bike, fun....but not a dirt bike. I want an adventure tourer....that weighs 350 pounds at most....instead of 550 pounds and doesn't need a computer hook up for service. That is just me. Some guys like bells and whistles....I like simple and light.

 

RC  Sent from my iPad

On Apr 9, 2015, at 6:08 PM, "E Hines ridingmyklr@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Maybe the BMW's get such a bad rap because they actually take there bike to the dealer to be worked on.  My KLR only goes to the shop for state inspection.  I replaced my own dohickey (known problem) (I wonder if BMW would have recalled that by now).  Two very different bikes. My F800GS is a great bike, but it is not as much fun to work on as the KLR, but I have to admit, much more fun to ride on or off road.  It (the BMW) is in the shop for a recall and warranty work.  I  give up.  :)

 

 

On Thursday, April 9, 2015 3:34 PM, "Bogdan Swider bSwider@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

 

You could run those snowflake wheels tubeless even though BMW advised against it. Many did and I'm one example. 

 

Bogdan

 

On Apr 9, 2015, at 11:00 AM, 'Eddie' edgyver40@... [DSN_KLR650] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

 

I was loaned an R75/5 years ago and wouldn't mind having a slightly modernized version today, if they'd just make it. Throw in Fuel Injection and tubeless tires and leave the rest alone! -eddie

 

[b]Original Message:[/b]

From: Bogdan Swider bSwider@... [DSN_KLR650] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>

Reply-To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>, Bogdan Swider

To: Ronald Criswell , DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>

Sent: 4/9/2015 12:58:13 PM

Subject: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle

 

 

At least BMWs are less expensive than their Japanese competition ..wait .I got that wrong .that's not the case and never has been. 

 

FWIW in my, not so humble, opinion BMW should have followed the Harley model by focusing on improving the air-heads. Obviously, since I ride a KLR styling is not that important to me. However, I hate the way current Beemers look. The old air-heads looked like the engineers had the most influence; they had a functional appearance that grew on you.

 

Bogdan

 

On Apr 9, 2015, at 10:07 AM, Ronald Criswell wrote:

Why I ride Jap.

 

Begin forwarded message:

 

[b]Subject: [DSN_KLR650] NKLR: Most reliable motorcycle[/b]

 

 

 

Hmm, BMW about where I thought.

 

https://www.yahoo.com/autos/s/makes-most-reliable-motorcycle-100025261.html

 

 

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[Robert Waters]

The Suzuki DR 350 deserves honourable mention as one of the most reliable bikes.  Last year, while riding near Crested Butte, I happened upon a couple who happened to be seeking out the most difficult trials in Colorado, the same ones I was seeking, and they were riding Honda 400 dirt bikes made street legal.  My bike has electric start and the "pumper carb" which ran like a sowing machine and performed superbly. Theirs was hard to start at high elevation and required a lot of energy. While not a great road bike the DR 350 will get you from "here to yonder" even when "yonder" is treacherous ground.

Robert

------------------------------------------------------

Once the government becomes the supplier of the people's needs, there is no limit to the needs that will be claimed as a basic right.  

Lawrence Auster

 

The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits. Albert Einstein

[achesley43@ymail.com]

Wow! What a subject to ponder on. LOL! When I started riding, there was nothing reliable, you rode it, it broke, you fixed it. Not a shop or you were not riding long. Think all riders in the 50's and 60's had to have good mechanical skills. Into the 70's also, but, the Japanese turned that around. 

As per bikes I've been on for the last 30-35  years, hmmmmmmm. Call it luck, maintenance, ????. Besides a flat tire. my last Euro breakdown was my ' 69 Norton Commando 750 Fast back that spit a piece of 2nd gear though the transmission case on a very easy like take off from the side of the road waiting for a buddy to get up to me on his Yama RD350. Same Norton broke the frame in half with only part of  the down tubes keeping the front end on the bike.  

Only Jap breakdown was my drunk fault for adjusting the chain and forgetting to tighten the axle nut on my '72 Honda 750 K2. Chain broke and wiped out the case in front of the sprocket. Patched it and rode it another 20 or so thousand miles. Since then, on road bikes. Zero breakdowns including DR350, DRZ400 , DR 650, Yamaha 250 DT2, XT 500, 650 Twin, XV 920 RH, 2 KLRs , 92 and 00. 3 BMWs R11GS, R1150GS R11R,. DL1000 and Bandit 1250s. We're probably in the 400 thousand mile neighborhood on miles traveled on those bikes. Bout 125 k miles on the BMWs. But , presently at around 120K miles between the two bikes I have now with no problems. Yet. LOL.