00 klr 650

[jayhumm@zdnetonebox.com]

After much thought (and poking around on the web), I think I'd like to buy a new KLR. I am 40, rode dual-purpose and street bikes up until my mid-twenties, and haven't ridden since. (Except for a few, nerve-wracking outings on my Honda CT90. I'm 6'6" and 220 lbs -- picture that!) I now live in central Pennsylvania, surrounded by state game lands and fire roads. Time for another bike. But first, I have a few questions for the group. 1) Except for severe weather, I'd be riding it about 10 months out of the year. (Fortunately, I only work 2 miles from home). How is the KLR in the winter? Starts okay? Will my seat crack when frozen? Any cold-weather or moisture-related concerns I should be aware of? I'd be keeping it in a carport, covered with a tarp or cover. 2) The front brake is much maligned. I had a few close calls on my street bike involving stopping in a hurry. My front brake saved me from smashing into a stopped car (on the other side of a blind curve). I have to have a decent front brake. I saw somewhere that the KLR has a 153' stopping distance from 60 mph. My family station wagon stops faster than that! Can the KLR's front brake be fixed with a braided steel brake line and new pads? Or, must one buy the $365 MAP Engineering disk to get "normal" front braking performance. It doesn't have to stop like a superbike -- average for a motorcycle would be just fine. $365 Is a little much for me. 3) Finally, does anyone know what the dealer invoice is on an '01 KLR? I've never bought a new bike, nor do I know how willing dealers are to discount. Any bargaining tips would be most appreciated. Looking forward to riding again (on my new KLR?), Jay

[e. rhoads]

Demo a bike for size, fit,

> feel. Read a review for high rpm performance. Can't tell that from demo of

a

> not yet broken in bike anyway.

==== I think that's right....with 10k miles on mine it's only now feels like engine is broken in.