basic questions for an old newbie

[coconutair]

Took my 98 KLR650 from atlanta to roanoke and during the trip the motor puked. lost power in the high rpms (5K), then slowly started surging and finally let loose with a few loud knocks, etc. I was trying to nurse it to roanoke from the blue ridge parkway but didnt make it. i've heard of the do-hickey problems (which i suspect was the culprit since i did not do the replacement). the way the motor died sounds like some major valve /top end issues. Does anyone know of a good mechanic/dealer in Atlanta that they can reccommend? Am I better off just buying a used motor and if so can anyone give me a source? Thanks, John

[Ronald Criswell]

Seems like a good plan but I'd shy away from a KLR 650 for first time dirters. I can be ridden reasonably well in a dirt enviorment ....... if your have dirt experience and understand its limitations. Light weight and great suspension is everything to me in dirt (plus a gutsy powerband if your are lucky). Any bike approaching 400 pounds gassed up is going to be a chore in harder situations. Even 300 pounds is heavy to me. But the DR 650 is maybe a better choice if you find one as it is a little lighter with better suspension and you can lower it easier. A DRZ400 S might be better or an XR 400 or XR 650 R (but they are kick start) ... they can be made street legal if that is wanted. But the new KDX250F with lights is a great choice at about 230 pounds or maybe the WR250 or 450 Yamaha. They are both electric start, lights and with modren engine/ suspension tech. Hope this helps. The KLR 650 is a great all around bike but gets heavy when it it really gets heavy (especially if you have short legs). But it will cruise the HWY all day at 80 for a lot of miles and you can pile all sorts of gear on it. Criswell

On May 8, 2006, at 6:56 PM, Tim Gadler wrote: > I've decided I want several motorcycles. Need no, but want, yes. > First, I'm going to frame any buys around my son and our skills. My > goal is to keep a smile on our faces. That means used, light, 200- > 300cc and a 32" seat. That might put us into an off-road XR200R, > DR200, XT225 or some variant (Super Sherpa or KLR 250 with lowering > links?). We needs to work on basic dirt, fire road and single trail > skills because, well, we don't have any. We've a trusty old > Suburban hauler, so light trailering wouldn't be too bad, plus give > us room for gear. With that in mind, I'm starting to look locally > in our paper, Craigslist, then onto Psycho-Trader and E-Bay. > > On the other hand, if a really good value 650 popped up, well..., > maybe I could ease into it.... > > Best regards, Tim > > > > > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "revmaaatin" wrote: >> >> --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Tim Gadler" > wrote: >>> >>> Greeting KLR riders, >>> >>> My sincere thanks to all who took the time to read and respond > to >>> my "basic questions for and old newbie." Your willingness to > help >> was >>> greater than anticipated. What a great group! I learned > several >>> important and useful things from each of you more experienced >> riders. >>> I will take your advice to heart, its much appreciated. >>> >>> Thanks again for your guidance. >>> >>> Best regards, Tim >>> >> >> So, what did you decide and how well has that decision held up to > the >> level of advice? >> >> revmaaatin. >> > > > > > > > > Archive Quicksearch at: http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/ > klr650_data_search.html > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Member Map at: http://www.frappr.com/dsnklr650 > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > >