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

[Guest]

Migg, I had never ridden a motorcycle before I took the MSF Basic Course. I took the course, picked up my motorcycle license endorsement, picked up my new-to-me KLR650 at the dealer's, and have been riding happily and safely ever since. Other than the 250cc beginner bike at the MSF course, my KLR650 is the only motorcycle I have ever ridden. The KLR650 is a GREAT first bike. Relatively inexpensive (particularly if purchased used), robust, highly versatile (freeways, highways, city streets full of potholes, twisty mountain roads, paved roads, unpaved roads, fire roads, dirt, sand), and easy to work on yourself (no pickup truck for hauling it to the dealer's for emergency service required). If you are pretty new to motorcycling (as I was), I encourage you to pick up a copy of the orange-cover paper-back book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycles, 2nd Edition" from Alpha Books. The book suggests that dual-sport motorcycles make great first motorcycles and they really like the Kawasaki KLR650. -- Marc Illsley Clarke, KLR650 A12, Loveland, Colorado USA Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 20:31:53 -0000 From: "migg2500" Subject: New Rider 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? Migg

[Thor Lancelot Simon]

On Tue, May 13, 2003 at 03:26:49PM -0500, Bill Smith wrote:

> 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

On the other hand, when I took my BRC, I discovered that there was not a single bike available that was not so small that the bars would bump my knees doing the weave and the figure-8 exercises -- well before reaching full lock. Knowing what I know now, I would have *killed* for a 250cc dirt bike instead of the crummy baby cruisers they had; but NY rules don't allow bringing your own bike to the course, and I guess most participants have less than a 35" inseam. :-/ Thor

[jsharmer222]

Hi Everyone! Just wanted to introduce myself and say Hi. Im a new rider, I finished my MSF class a few weeks ago and got my stamp on my license. I have never ridden on a motorcycle before a few weeks ago (Im 41) and just decided that now was the time. Im 6'4" 240lbs(34" inseam,) so looking for a first bike was somewhat of a challenge. The little 250cc bikes they had at the MSF class were tiny on me and I had to spread my legs wide out in order to make some of those figure 8 turns. A few people suggested I look at a dual sport bike as a good starter bike because I really dont think Id feel comfortable riding some crazy overpowered street bike or a smaller cc beginner bike that was too small for me. So after scouring the internet, I came to the conclusion that the KLR650 was the bike for me. I found a used green 08 with 2400 miles on it for $3600 on Craigslist that I bought the next day. So after getting over my intimidation of sitting so high up on a motorcycle (the trainer bikes are very low to the ground) I took it for a spin around the block. I was scared to death, but wow it was quite an experience. Since then, Ive driven around town a few times, but never more than 20 minutes or so to get from point a to b. Im really looking forward to finding some time and just going for a few hour ride up to the mountains, though the twisties still have me pretty intimidated. All and all Ive been really happy with the KLR, but I had a few questions for all you experienced riders. Gear: I bought a First Gear torrent mesh jacket: http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/torrent_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html and wanted to know if I made a good purchase? My girlfriends top priority for me was to make sure I bought good gear to protect myself when I go down. This seemed like a good choice to me but wanted to get your guys opinion. I also bought a pair of Joe Rocket Atomic riding pants to go along with that. I bought an HJC IS-Max helmet that I really like and have a pair of leather gloves and boots I wear. Being a new rider I just want to do everything I can to protect myself in case of an accident. Do you guys have any recommendations to what I bought that might help? Bike: Oil - Ive read just about every possible variable for which oil is the best for the KLR. Normally I do all my oil changes for my cars and expect I'll do the same for my KLR. Normally I would assume a synthetic would be a better choice and offer more protection to the internal moving parts but I dont have any experience with wet clutches and the affects oil has on them. Right now my clutches stick really bad in the mornings and Id hate to make that situation worse by choosing the wrong oil. Seat - Ive seem lots of talk about the comfort level of the stock KLR seat. To me, it seems fine but like Ive mentioned before, I havent been on it for more than 30 minutes or so. My only question is that when Im accelerating from a stop in a, um, exuberant manner (fast), I seem to start sliding back on the seat. This is a very un-nerving feeling for me and I was wondering thats just something I need to get used to and not worry about, or is a seat upgrade really worth the money? Thanks for the time everyone! Im really excited about my KLR and hope to put a lot of miles on it over the years. Joe