a strange sound when i accelerate.....mostly in lower gears...and a

[Ed Fasula]

Greetings - I love this group! It's one big reason I think I'm going KLR. I like to modify and customize my bikes but I don't have time to experiment. It looks like I'm going to finally sell my house in 3 weeks, get the mortgage off my back, and have some extra proceeds I can put towards a bike... After 12 years with a now ex-wife none too interested in biking, I have a new sweetie who is pushing my limits - she wants to hit the road big time. She saw this guy and thinks we should head for South America! http://www.klrog.com/JournalofTierraDelFuegoTrip.html#Corrupt%20Police%20Argentina I think I'll start a little smaller but, cool! (What happened to that guy anyway? He never finished his journal.) First off, can the KLR handle 2 up fine? I weigh 170# and she's 105# dripping wet. My '79 CB750 has 67 BHP (I think) and the KLR only has 44. We don't need to go 90 tho. Mainly I want something we can take on fire roads and easy trails to camp and such on long journeys. Plus, I started dirt riding 25 years ago, and always feel kind of like I'm in a tuxedo on a street bike. I've had an XT350 I rode around Minneapolis for years, now it's setup for trails and we cruise on the CB I'm trying to find a used one near Minneapolis. (Paying $5k for new is to temptingly close to a used 650 GS for one thing.) Is there a year I should avoid or shoot for? I want to be able to get parts on the road if need be, used if necessary... And I want to set it up with aftermarket stuff, and I want to maximize the benefit of other people's advice...so I want I want the most common, interchangeable KLR. Can I beg some advice from you kind folks? Uh Oh - they guy with the BMW 2003 F650 GS Dakar on Craig's list just called ($6,300). I may need a little support here! Later, Ed

[James Morrow Sr]

Just My Opinion. However, none of the dual sport 650's have good enough ergos and suspension for two up. It certainly can be done, and many do it, just not very fun. The closest 650 I know for reasonable two up, is the Wee-Strom. The KLR is only about 34 rwhp and on an Interstate is busting its guts out, even one up. If your dirt roads are fairly flat the Wee-Strom will handle well. If you really want to try the KLR, you will need upgraded front and rear suspension, immediately. Nothing you can do about the power. I only ride my KLR on backroads, and then offroad. Great bike for leisurely crusing 60-70, and for easy offroad, one up. The F650 has even less suspension than the KLR, only a smidgen more power. Your one positive, is that your two weights are minimal (for two), and could make it marginally acceptable. A good deal on the F650 would be your best chance IMO.

On 5/10/07, Ed Fasula wrote: > > Greetings - > > I love this group! It's one big reason I think I'm going KLR. I like > to modify and customize my bikes but I don't have time to experiment. > > It looks like I'm going to finally sell my house in 3 weeks, get the > mortgage off my back, and have some extra proceeds I can put towards a > bike... After 12 years with a now ex-wife none too interested in > biking, I have a new sweetie who is pushing my limits - she wants to > hit the road big time. She saw this guy and thinks we should head for > South America! > > > http://www.klrog.com/JournalofTierraDelFuegoTrip.html#Corrupt%20Police%20Argentina > > I think I'll start a little smaller but, cool! (What happened to that > guy anyway? He never finished his journal.) > > First off, can the KLR handle 2 up fine? I weigh 170# and she's 105# > dripping wet. My '79 CB750 has 67 BHP (I think) and the KLR only has > 44. We don't need to go 90 tho. Mainly I want something we can take > on fire roads and easy trails to camp and such on long journeys. > Plus, I started dirt riding 25 years ago, and always feel kind of like > I'm in a tuxedo on a street bike. I've had an XT350 I rode around > Minneapolis for years, now it's setup for trails and we cruise on the CB > > I'm trying to find a used one near Minneapolis. (Paying $5k for new > is to temptingly close to a used 650 GS for one thing.) Is there a > year I should avoid or shoot for? I want to be able to get parts on > the road if need be, used if necessary... And I want to set it up > with aftermarket stuff, and I want to maximize the benefit of other > people's advice...so I want I want the most common, interchangeable > KLR. Can I beg some advice from you kind folks? > > Uh Oh - they guy with the BMW 2003 F650 GS Dakar on Craig's list just > called ($6,300). I may need a little support here! > > Later, > > Ed > > > -- James Morrow Sr Union, MO '00' RT + dual plug + Bunkhouse '00' BUSA + 15hp '05' KLR650 + big fun factor [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Jon Neet]

I consider the KLR650 to be a very comfortable ride, even for very long distances, one up.My wife is larger than your wife (I can't seem to say that delicateley?), and she does not like riding on the back on that bike.Of course, since she started riding a Honda Metro scooter, she doesn't want to ride on the back of my 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic either. I have about 5000 miles on my KLR and haven't taken it off road yet, but its such a good street bike, that I find myself riding it all the time. Oh yeah, I get 55-58 mpg too. Jon --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[C L Cooper]

James, I have a an '06 Wee Strom and an '01 KLR 685. I agree with your post. My wife and I took a 2 week trip on the Strom last fall up the left coast. Great trip. The Strom was absolutely great. We've ridden 2 up on the KLR, but it's just not as comfortable as the Strom. Seat, suspension, ergonomics. It would take a lot of work (and money) to get to the same starting place as the Strom. The 2008 KLR starts at a much better place than the '07 and earlier. Chuck C San Diego, CA

On 5/10/07, James Morrow Sr wrote: > > Just My Opinion. However, none of the dual sport 650's have good enough > ergos and suspension for two up. It certainly can be done, and many do it, > just not very fun. The closest 650 I know for reasonable two up, is the > Wee-Strom. The KLR is only about 34 rwhp and on an Interstate is busting > its guts out, even one up. > > If your dirt roads are fairly flat the Wee-Strom will handle well. If you > really want to try the KLR, you will need upgraded front and rear > suspension, immediately. Nothing you can do about the power. > > I only ride my KLR on backroads, and then offroad. Great bike for > leisurely > crusing 60-70, and for easy offroad, one up. > > The F650 has even less suspension than the KLR, only a smidgen more power. > Your one positive, is that your two weights are minimal (for two), and > could > make it marginally acceptable. A good deal on the F650 would be your best > chance IMO. > > On 5/10/07, Ed Fasula > wrote: > > > > Greetings - > > > > I love this group! It's one big reason I think I'm going KLR. I like > > to modify and customize my bikes but I don't have time to experiment. > > > > It looks like I'm going to finally sell my house in 3 weeks, get the > > mortgage off my back, and have some extra proceeds I can put towards a > > bike... After 12 years with a now ex-wife none too interested in > > biking, I have a new sweetie who is pushing my limits - she wants to > > hit the road big time. She saw this guy and thinks we should head for > > South America! > > > > > > > http://www.klrog.com/JournalofTierraDelFuegoTrip.html#Corrupt%20Police%20Argentina > > > > I think I'll start a little smaller but, cool! (What happened to that > > guy anyway? He never finished his journal.) > > > > First off, can the KLR handle 2 up fine? I weigh 170# and she's 105# > > dripping wet. My '79 CB750 has 67 BHP (I think) and the KLR only has > > 44. We don't need to go 90 tho. Mainly I want something we can take > > on fire roads and easy trails to camp and such on long journeys. > > Plus, I started dirt riding 25 years ago, and always feel kind of like > > I'm in a tuxedo on a street bike. I've had an XT350 I rode around > > Minneapolis for years, now it's setup for trails and we cruise on the CB > > > > I'm trying to find a used one near Minneapolis. (Paying $5k for new > > is to temptingly close to a used 650 GS for one thing.) Is there a > > year I should avoid or shoot for? I want to be able to get parts on > > the road if need be, used if necessary... And I want to set it up > > with aftermarket stuff, and I want to maximize the benefit of other > > people's advice...so I want I want the most common, interchangeable > > KLR. Can I beg some advice from you kind folks? > > > > Uh Oh - they guy with the BMW 2003 F650 GS Dakar on Craig's list just > > called ($6,300). I may need a little support here! > > > > Later, > > > > Ed > > > > > > > > -- > James Morrow Sr > Union, MO > '00' RT + dual plug + Bunkhouse > '00' BUSA + 15hp > '05' KLR650 + big fun factor > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[John Hooper]

I tow a KLR behind our RV and use the KLR for roaming around once we have found a campground. We typically don't cover more than 300 miles at a time when two-up riding, but we find it quite comfortable for such distances. I have a Strom as well, and while the Strom is MUCH more comfortable on the road, in our usage we are often on marginal roads, gravel, dirt, etc. and find the KLR much easier to handle in those situations. It's all a trade-off - try to anticipate your usage and plan accordingly... John __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

[tlh]

Think of the farkle....Think of the farkle....Think of how much the farkle costs for a BMW.....

----- Original Message ----- From: Ed Fasula To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2007 8:13 PM Subject: [DSN_KLR650] I think I'm Ready to Buy Greetings - I love this group! It's one big reason I think I'm going KLR. I like to modify and customize my bikes but I don't have time to experiment. It looks like I'm going to finally sell my house in 3 weeks, get the mortgage off my back, and have some extra proceeds I can put towards a bike... After 12 years with a now ex-wife none too interested in biking, I have a new sweetie who is pushing my limits - she wants to hit the road big time. She saw this guy and thinks we should head for South America! http://www.klrog.com/JournalofTierraDelFuegoTrip.html#Corrupt%20Police%20Argentina I think I'll start a little smaller but, cool! (What happened to that guy anyway? He never finished his journal.) First off, can the KLR handle 2 up fine? I weigh 170# and she's 105# dripping wet. My '79 CB750 has 67 BHP (I think) and the KLR only has 44. We don't need to go 90 tho. Mainly I want something we can take on fire roads and easy trails to camp and such on long journeys. Plus, I started dirt riding 25 years ago, and always feel kind of like I'm in a tuxedo on a street bike. I've had an XT350 I rode around Minneapolis for years, now it's setup for trails and we cruise on the CB I'm trying to find a used one near Minneapolis. (Paying $5k for new is to temptingly close to a used 650 GS for one thing.) Is there a year I should avoid or shoot for? I want to be able to get parts on the road if need be, used if necessary... And I want to set it up with aftermarket stuff, and I want to maximize the benefit of other people's advice...so I want I want the most common, interchangeable KLR. Can I beg some advice from you kind folks? Uh Oh - they guy with the BMW 2003 F650 GS Dakar on Craig's list just called ($6,300). I may need a little support here! Later, Ed [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[rickyrifraf]

Going insane, my KLR has been making this sound since I bought it used a few years ago, nobody has been able to fix it...when I accelerate...after it has been warmed up ( i am quite sure of this ) it sounds like someone is shaking a ball bearing inside an empty can...it drives me insane, and gets worse and worse as my driving time extends...and starts happening in higher gears as i drive more. I have to really let the clutch out slow and accelerate super slow in order to reduce it. Any suggestions would be highly apreciated!!!

[Mike Peplinski]

For the most part I agree with the comments. The KLR is OK for 65-70 cruising but its buzzing. Now we have to keep in mind that many people travel extensively, heavily burdened on machines far smaller. 250's are frequently ridden at the suspensions limits and hold up pretty well. The trend is "bigger is better" in almost all phases of motorcycledom. The older Gold Wings were 1100's, 1300'd and 1500's and nobody complained. Now we're at what? 1800? The same holds for BMW's. Those R bikes at 1100 were just fine but constantly grow. They are currently at 1200 but I'm sure 1250 is just around the corner. Overall bigger is better for cruising just for the comfort level. Having that torque on tap and the weight to keep you stable makes for a better ride. But you pay a price. Cost to purchase, fuel and heaviness have their own problems. From what I"ve read on this list the BMW F650 is worthwhile, even though it costs a lot more. The V-strom 650 is a better road bike but it is more like a Jeep Grand Cherokee than a CJ. For international travel you definitely want to go with reliability and parts availability. BMW is hard to beat here. They have a terrific international following. But then so does the KLR. I don't know much about the V-strom for support in the bush. Both the BMW and KLR have seen some pretty rough stuff though. With a simple carburetor vs fuel injection, I might go with the KLR. Good luck with that new lady-I"ll give you my phone number. Maybe she could talk to my wife.

>From: "James Morrow Sr" >To: "Ed Fasula" >CC: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com >Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] I think I'm Ready to Buy >Date: Thu, 10 May 2007 21:19:11 -0400 > >Just My Opinion. However, none of the dual sport 650's have good enough >ergos and suspension for two up. It certainly can be done, and many do it, >just not very fun. The closest 650 I know for reasonable two up, is the >Wee-Strom. The KLR is only about 34 rwhp and on an Interstate is busting >its guts out, even one up. > >If your dirt roads are fairly flat the Wee-Strom will handle well. If you >really want to try the KLR, you will need upgraded front and rear >suspension, immediately. Nothing you can do about the power. > >I only ride my KLR on backroads, and then offroad. Great bike for >leisurely >crusing 60-70, and for easy offroad, one up. > >The F650 has even less suspension than the KLR, only a smidgen more power. >Your one positive, is that your two weights are minimal (for two), and >could >make it marginally acceptable. A good deal on the F650 would be your best >chance IMO. > > > >On 5/10/07, Ed Fasula wrote: > > > > Greetings - > > > > I love this group! It's one big reason I think I'm going KLR. I like > > to modify and customize my bikes but I don't have time to experiment. > > > > It looks like I'm going to finally sell my house in 3 weeks, get the > > mortgage off my back, and have some extra proceeds I can put towards a > > bike... After 12 years with a now ex-wife none too interested in > > biking, I have a new sweetie who is pushing my limits - she wants to > > hit the road big time. She saw this guy and thinks we should head for > > South America! > > > > > > >http://www.klrog.com/JournalofTierraDelFuegoTrip.html#Corrupt%20Police%20Argentina > > > > I think I'll start a little smaller but, cool! (What happened to that > > guy anyway? He never finished his journal.) > > > > First off, can the KLR handle 2 up fine? I weigh 170# and she's 105# > > dripping wet. My '79 CB750 has 67 BHP (I think) and the KLR only has > > 44. We don't need to go 90 tho. Mainly I want something we can take > > on fire roads and easy trails to camp and such on long journeys. > > Plus, I started dirt riding 25 years ago, and always feel kind of like > > I'm in a tuxedo on a street bike. I've had an XT350 I rode around > > Minneapolis for years, now it's setup for trails and we cruise on the CB > > > > I'm trying to find a used one near Minneapolis. (Paying $5k for new > > is to temptingly close to a used 650 GS for one thing.) Is there a > > year I should avoid or shoot for? I want to be able to get parts on > > the road if need be, used if necessary... And I want to set it up > > with aftermarket stuff, and I want to maximize the benefit of other > > people's advice...so I want I want the most common, interchangeable > > KLR. Can I beg some advice from you kind folks? > > > > Uh Oh - they guy with the BMW 2003 F650 GS Dakar on Craig's list just > > called ($6,300). I may need a little support here! > > > > Later, > > > > Ed > > > > > > > > > >-- >James Morrow Sr >Union, MO >'00' RT + dual plug + Bunkhouse >'00' BUSA + 15hp >'05' KLR650 + big fun factor > > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > >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 > > >

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