high mileage & maintenance

[ephilride@aol.com]

exactsound@... writes:

> I've only been on the list 25 days and I've gained much insight on the KLR

to

> the point being 100% sold on it- even before a friend let me take his A-12 > for a spin a week ago. That just set the hook for good! > > Glen Meyer Post Falls, ID

~~~~~~~~ Glen, You may be about to make a $$$$ mistake. Don't get me wrong, the KLR is a wonderful bike and I'm sure you will enjoy it, but your enthusiasm and time pressures may have you paying too much and/or buying the "wrong" bike. 1. Time Pressures (TP): This gets us in trouble all the time. Late for an appointment and what'a ya do? Press the go petal and end up getting a speeding ticket - dumb. The weather is warm and everybody wants to go ride. Prices are up - highest point of the season. Time to buy was Nov-Feb, late summer, or after Moab when some have found that their KLR ain't what they want. Would it kill you to look more and wait longer? The KLR ain't no R80GSPD - meaning that you are not buying "rare", just the opposite. 2001 be out soon, proly get good deal on left over gbg. Keep look'n. 2. Just Gotta Have It Pressure (JGHIP): The KLR is good choice, but why not look at DR or XR-L. When you limit yourself to one rig, you don't always make the best choice. Don't get brain washed by the KLR list. The KLR is a nice bike and many would argue that it is the "best DS of all time", but a KLR may not be the best for you - Ride'm All, then choose. Knot - never paid too little but refuse to pay too much ps: Its easy for me to say "slow down" cause I got a bike to ride. But, if it makes you happy, go for it - its only money. And as life goes on you will find that money and happiness seldom, if ever, go together.

[k650dsn@aol.com]

In a message dated Wed, 24 May 2000 11:04:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time, ephilride@... writes: >>

[Glen Meyer]

Knot,       You've made some very valid points about rushing to buy.  I may just wait to get a better value.  I even checked out a 85 XL600r for $1500.  Test rode it and obviously it's more dirt oriented, but looked very haggard for only 1800 miles.  I've ruled out a DR because of the lower seat, I'm 6' 3" so the more room the better.   I may even go for a discontinued XT600E.  However, I'm still sold on the 6.1 gal. tank, liquid cooling, and better street performance of the KLR.  I don't plan on riding as aggressively "going for broke" charges through the woods & nasty hairy hill climbs like I used to years ago.  Parts bills get high and I don't heal as quick anymore.  It's amazing how one's sense of self preservation goes up even at just 35.  I'd love to have a bullet bike/sport touring bike, but I can afford only one for now.  I'm still sold on the KLR!   Really the bottom line issue is I terribly miss being able to ride motorcycles, I also miss flying airplanes, and last year I sold my watercraft to help finance my home business.  Now I'm fairly convinced that I [i]can't [/i]afford not to start riding again.  Ridding I've found is a great way to fight "[i]burnout[/i]" and there are too many logging roads and great outdoor rides just minutes from where I live to leave all the riding to others.  Staring at a computer screen 8+ hours a day 5 days a week in a office with no sunlight is making me go batty.  So a KLR from the garage to work, an occasional escape at lunch and taking the long way home will hopefully help me fight the "burnout".  Getting a great deal will help out to.    We'll see what happens, and yes I'll do my best to be patient.   Glen Meyer, Post Falls ID  

----- Original Message ----- [b]From:[/b] ephilride@... [b]To:[/b] DSN_klr650@egroups.com ; exactsound@... [b]Sent:[/b] Wednesday, May 24, 2000 8:02 AM [b]Subject:[/b] Re: [DSN_klr650] KLR 650 $3995 in Salt Lake? exactsound@... writes: > I've only been on the list 25 days and I've gained much insight on the KLR to > the point being 100% sold on it-  even before a friend let me take his A-12 > for a spin a week ago.  That just set the hook for good!  >  >  Glen Meyer     Post Falls, ID ~~~~~~~~ Glen, You may be about to make a $$$$ mistake.  Don't get me wrong, the KLR is a wonderful bike and I'm sure you will enjoy it, but your enthusiasm and time pressures may have you paying too much and/or buying the "wrong" bike. 1.  Time Pressures (TP):  This gets us in trouble all the time.  Late for an appointment and what'a ya do?  Press the go petal and end up getting a speeding ticket - dumb.  The weather is warm and everybody wants to go ride.  Prices are up - highest point of the season.  Time to buy was Nov-Feb, late summer, or after Moab when some have found that their KLR ain't what they want.  Would it kill you to look more and wait longer?  The KLR ain't no R80GSPD - meaning that you are not buying "rare", just the opposite.  2001 be out soon, proly get good deal on left over gbg.  Keep look'n.  2.  Just Gotta Have It Pressure (JGHIP):  The KLR is good choice, but why not look at DR or XR-L.  When you limit yourself to one rig, you don't always make the best choice.  Don't get brain washed by the KLR list.  The KLR is a nice bike and many would argue that it is the "best DS of all time", but a KLR may not be the best for you - Ride'm All, then choose. Knot - never paid too little but refuse to pay too much ps:  Its easy for me to say "slow down" cause I got a bike to ride.  But, if it makes you happy, go for it - its only money.  And as life goes on you will find that money and happiness seldom, if ever, go together. Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Support Dual Sport News... dsneditor@... Let's keep this list SPAM free! Visit our site at http://www.egroups.com/group/DSN_klr650 To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@egroups.com

[ephilride@aol.com]

In a message dated 05/24/2000 2:37:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time, exactsound@... writes:

> ................I may just wait > to get a better value. I even checked out a 85 XL600r for $1500. Test

rode

> it and obviously it's more dirt oriented, but looked very haggard for only > 1800 miles. I've ruled out a DR because of the lower seat, I'm 6' 3" so

the

> more room the better. I may even go for a discontinued XT600E. However,

I'

> m still sold on the 6.1 gal. tank, liquid cooling, and better street > performance of the KLR. I don't plan on riding as aggressively "going for > broke" charges through the woods & nasty hairy hill climbs like I used to > years ago........

Glen, Sounds like you know what you are lookin' for and a KLR may be just the ticket. I've been watchin' out for a used KLR for over a year now. Just not much to choose from in my area (Chattanooga, TN) But, one thing I have noticed about DS bikes is that some people buy them and don't like'm and then dump'm. I'm lookin' to pick up a cherry for dump price. So I wait and wait and wait........ For price comparison, I bought a 87XL600R (kick start) for $1100 and a 93XR650L for $1800 with pipe and jet kit already installed, both "like new". But two Honda's still do not equal one KLR - sigh. Not saying the Hondas are inferior, just different. Oh yea, as Gino warned, you have to watch out for ol' Knot because he is insidious; "treacherous, seductive.....developing so gradually as to be well established before apparent." But, he is not alone in planting those ideas and concepts! Knot got the impression from this list that the brakes and suspension of the KLR are seriously lacking ---- that is 'til Knot discovered that many of the complainer's were 300+ pounders. Seems the KLR attracts its share of the "big boys". The KLR should support my puny 180 lb. frame no problem. And Gino, After you find a screaming deal for Glenn, how 'bout findin' me a cherry '96 or newer for $2500. Am I dreaming or is a there "deal" out there for me. The Legendary and Insidious Knot - who may have a future in politics

[k650dsn@aol.com]

In a message dated Wed, 24 May 2000 3:35:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time, ephilride@... writes: >>

[TNBMWRIDER@aol.com]

You ain't dreaming, it can happen. I am in Jackson, Tn. and have been riding beemers for years (I am a 55yo) and have admired the KLR 650. So, I would watch the local newspaper for one. And, sure enough just two weeks ago, I found one locally in the newpaper from a person similar to what you describe who never put tags on it - only rode in his cotton fields. It is a 1997 KLR 650 with less than 800 miles on it, looks showroom new, and for $2,500. I have already put 650 miles on it myself. I am afraid my BMW is going to get neglected some now. I like the bike!!! And it has tags on it now. I just joined the email group here to find out more about these bikes and have already learned some good stuff. David W. Moulder "Bumblebee" RAMS Treasurer TNBMWRIDER@... 901-660-1039 1994 R100GS 1997 KLR 650

[ephilride@aol.com]

k650dsn@... writes:

> Anyway, my good friend Steve Mounce picked up a very clean 97 for $2200. > John Gillis of Santa Fe, NM got a 98 with centerstand, tall winshield, Kawi > luggage, radiator guards, MSR skid plate, highway pegs and side racks from

a

> fellow in Phoenix for $3200

So, my target price of $2500 is reasonable. If anyone out there wants to unload an unwanted KLR --- Let's make a deal, will travel great distances to save $$$ Thanks Gino. Knot

[ephilride@aol.com]

In a message dated 05/24/2000 4:15:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time, TNBMWRIDER writes:

> You ain't dreaming, it can happen. I am in Jackson, Tn. and have been

riding

> beemers for years (I am a 55yo) and have admired the KLR 650. So, I would > watch the local newspaper for one. And, sure enough just two weeks ago,

..... Hey David, Good for you. If you see another one let me know. -Knot, Chattanooga, TN

[InWoods13@aol.com]

Really the bottom line issue is I terribly miss being able to ride motorcycles, I also miss flying airplanes, and last year I sold my watercraft to help finance my home business. Now I'm fairly convinced that I can't afford not to start riding again. Ridding I've found is a great way to fight "burnout" and there are too many logging roads and great outdoor rides just minutes from where I live to leave all the riding to others. Staring at a computer screen 8+ hours a day 5 days a week in a office with no sunlight is making me go batty. So a KLR from the garage to work, an occasional escape at lunch and taking the long way home will hopefully help me fight the "burnout". Can relate to the burnout & long hours staring at screens. Have had the KLR for a few months now, after a 13yr layoff from motocross & dual sports. The bike has definitely awakened the sleeper in me & now look forward to getting up in the morning for the ride into work then home. Bought an XL600 in '83, was the perfect dual sport for me at that time (big fun dirt bike that never needed a trailer). At this time, the KLR is the perfect bike for me as... It's more than competent on the street, won't throw me off on the trails (so far) as it usually barks out its limitations off road before I can get into too much trouble. & this list is something else. All best Scott A14 Sorrento

[Jeff Walker]

 

      You've made some very valid points about rushing to buy.  I may just wait to get a better value.  I even checked out a 85 XL600r for $1500.  Test rode it and obviously it's more dirt oriented, but looked very haggard for only 1800 miles.  I've ruled out a DR because of the lower seat, I'm 6' 3" so the more room the better.   I may even go for a discontinued XT600E.  However, I'm still sold on the 6.1 gal. tank, liquid cooling, and better street performance of the KLR.  I don't plan on riding as aggressively "going for broke" charges through the woods & nasty hairy hill climbs like I used to years ago.  Parts bills get high and I don't heal as quick anymore.  It's amazing how one's sense of self preservation goes up even at just 35.  I'd love to have a bullet bike/sport touring bike, but I can afford only one for now.  I'm still sold on the KLR!   Really the bottom line issue is I terribly miss being able to ride motorcycles, I also miss flying airplanes, and last year I sold my watercraft to help finance my home business.  Now I'm fairly convinced that I [i]can't [/i]afford not to start riding again.  Ridding I've found is a great way to fight "[i]burnout[/i]" and there are too many logging roads and great outdoor rides just minutes from where I live to leave all the riding to others.  Staring at a computer screen 8+ hours a day 5 days a week in a office with no sunlight is making me go batty.  So a KLR from the garage to work, an occasional escape at lunch and taking the long way home will hopefully help me fight the "burnout".  Getting a great deal will help out to.    We'll see what happens, and yes I'll do my best to be patient.   I personally like the XL600R, except you have to be careful for its turn signals and mirrors offroad.  1800 miles isn't many for the motor, unless its really been abused.  Sounds to me like its really been ridden offroad a lot, and so the body would definitely show that.  The Honda is great offroad, much better than the KLR (thunder crash, lightning strikes at my feet, sorry God!), but the KLR is much better on the road and on the highway.  My buddy has the XT600E, and I have heard many bad things about the electrical system on those, plus I just don't like his bike, just a personal feeling, but I don't.  It is very capable offroad as well though.  You have to ask yourself what it is you really need.  Seems to me that you live in prime off road country, and a more dirt worthy bike might be in order for you.  But the KLR....well, for daily commuting it can't be beat, even if its only for a few miles a day.  There are many, many accessories that can be purchased for it.  You could load it down and take off to anywhere, and with good tires it can almost keep up in the twisties with the rest of the squids...so long as there aren't any straights.  The electric start is killer too.  (But, if that XL doesn't start from dead cold on the second kick, either you aren't doing it right, or something is wrong with it.)  If you plan on doing any distance, the XL will run out of gas, and the KLR is more comfortable.    It all comes down to the basic questions:  How do you intend to ride the bike, how does it fit you and your riding style, and the most important question, how much it it worth to you?    One thing that I know for sure, whether you are only a fair weather weekend warrior, or a die hard dam the monsoon daily commuter, nobody keeps the same bike forever.  You could buy the XL, keep it for a while, ride it, and if its not to your liking, sell it and buy a different bike, or you could just collect bikes and change them every day like a pair of socks.  You just have to get a scooter and ride, that is what really matters.....even if it really is a Vespa scooter.    Jeff