1420 top loader

[mike@idaho-info.com]

Greetings! I'm new on this list and am considering buying a new 2001 KLR650 as a second "fun" bike (well, I guess they're ALL fun, huh?) and for my 15 year old son to learn on and ride. My current bike is a 2001 BMW K1200LT tourer. 8^) My questions to the list: Bike fits me fine and looks a little bit big for my son, but not too much. Kid is growing fast, but has never ridden. Is this bike easy to learn on? The 250 fits better, but would become too small too fast IMO. Comments? Can the 650 really handle prolonged highway speeds? Could my son handle riding for hours on this bike and keep pace with me on my K1200LT ( I don't *have* to cruise at 90+!)? Dealer price is $4,959, but indicated $4,750 plus tax/reg would work (no set up/frt, etc.). Price includes first service too! How is this price?? Please post what your recent prices have been (excluding sales tax). 3 year extended warranty (48 mo total) costs $352. Does this sound reasonable? Is this warranty suggested by most? What do you like about the KLR650? Dislike? My very first bike was a 1975 Yamaha DT400B Dual Sport (the teenage years) and I loved it and all its many imperfections - too much fun! I think I would love to have another dual sport for just cuttin' loose on. I've also owned a 1981 KZ650 and a 1989 ZX-10 Ninja. Oh yea.. is the new Cycle World article correct... 70 MPG??? Misprint? Thanks for any replys! Mike Stuhlmiller Coeur D'Alene, ID

[guymanbro@excite.com]

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., mike@i... wrote:

> Greetings!

Salutations!!

> > Bike fits me fine and looks a little bit big for my son, but not

too much. Is this bike easy to learn on? The 250 fits better, but would become too small too fast IMO. Comments?

>

How big is he? I learned on the KLR650 but I'm 6' and 225lbs. I never even thought about a 250. More importantly, how mature is he? A 650 can get an immature rider in trouble if not ridden responsibly.

> Can the 650 really handle prolonged highway speeds? Could my son > handle riding for hours on this bike and keep pace with me on my > K1200LT ( I don't *have* to cruise at 90+!)? >

I've ridden for periods of up to 3 hours at 85-90 with no problems that I know of. It's probably not reccommended by most on this list but it IS possible. Of course if you cruise at 75 instead, you'll have no problems and no complaints from the list.

> Dealer price is $4,959, but indicated $4,750 plus tax/reg would

work (no set up/frt, etc.). Price includes first service too! How is this price?? Please post what your recent prices have been (excluding sales tax).

>

Price varies with region. Where are you? The deals seem to be in the south and midwest. The coasts are both higher. Some people have gotten new KLRs as low as $4200 out the door. You're dealer is offering you below list, so it is already a fair deal. 1st service included is good if they actually DO the first service and not just give you lip service. Most dealers neglect the valve adjustment at the 500 mile service.

> 3 year extended warranty (48 mo total) costs $352. Does this sound > reasonable? Is this warranty suggested by most? >

Most on this list are tinkerers and would rather do the work themselves anyway so you aren't going to find much support for buying the extended warranty here. to each his own though. If the warranty is also a service plan that includes oil changes and valve adjustments as necessary adn you plan on racking up some miles it might be worth it.

> What do you like about the KLR650? Dislike? >

I love it because it ius exactly what I wanted...A perfect compromise bike. Able to handle the highways and the tight trails (if the rider is willing to muscle around 350+lbs). No real dislikes, just a few things that need tendin' to : Front brakes are by most accounts pretty weak. A stainless steel brake line helps out tremendously in this area. The front suspension is pretty soft. A set of LR progressive fork springs will solve this (about $90 if I remember correctly).. Otherwise, go the cheaper route and put longer spacers and heavier oil in the forks. Then add mods as you see fit. Oh yeah, and welcome to one of the liveliest, quirkiest, funniest lists around, dat brooklyn bum

[Brad Davis]

I like this top loading Pelican 1420. Has anyone tried it yet on their KLR? http://www.pelican.com/main.htm Brad