one more thing....why we ride a klr

[halbiz]

One more thing.... You actually feel like you are riding a motorcycle when you ride a KLR650. It's not as smooth as a twin like a SV650 or R1200GS, or a 4 banger like the K100RS, bikes I also enjoy, and not as powerful. It shakes a little, throbs a little, and generally reminds you that you are not driving in a cage or should be turning on the radio or inserting the latest CD. I use it for commuting year round in the diamond lane in Silicon Valley, riding up exciting 2-laners like Page Mill Road or Highway 35, roughing it over Mt. Madonna Road and Sierra fire roads. Tweaking the suspension does wonders with full Givi Bags or not. It makes my day whether working or playing. Love it. Both my sons ride older KLRs too. Mods: 14T front sprocket,center stand,heated grips,accessory plug,vest plug,Givi Bags,larger rack,Progressive Suspension,larger screen,Corbin seat,bash plate, radiator bars,handle bar risers. Halbiz (KLR 650 2002 -@17,000 miles on this one) @250k miles ridden

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" wrote: > > Jeff, > I'm with you on this one..... > > I've owned many bikes. Three have been KLRs, the latest the 2009 I posted about the other day. > > The nicest street bike I've ever owned, a 2007 Vstar 1100, I just traded in on that newest KLR - and I'm thrilled with the trade. > > I know that it is not "perfect" for everything. But, it is "perfect" for MY needs/wants. > > Other than the seat height, that is. LOL. Damn stubby legs.... > > Chuck F. > NE PA > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Jeff Khoury > > > > Well, it looks like this conversation has come full circle. At the risk of being flamed for re-posting something I posted months ago, here goes: > > A lot of people bash the KLR for being outdated, slow and the like. I actually dig the KLR in spite of (and somewhat because of) those qualities. > > It's easy to work on if the need should arise . > It's so simple that nearly anyone can learn to tech it . > There is a wealth of knowledge out there on this platform, since it's been around so long. > There is a HUGE aftermarket for them . > They're not at all expensive to own or operate . > > ---Old stuff below--- > > I love my KLR, and I love it even more since I've come to accept it for what it is, and what it isn't. > > It IS: > > A rugged, reliable bike capable of decent highway performance and decent off-road performance. With a couple of minor mods, you can get a LITTLE more snappiness out of it. > An easy handling, safe bike with good suspension. > An almost perfect fire trail bike, able to run them all day without complaint. > An OK touring bike as long as you stick to the 2-laners. Extended stretches of interstate give you numb hands and iron butt. > > It IS NOT: > > A high-performance road bike > A motocross bike > A Gold Wing > > I've ridden tons of bikes in my life and each one has it's own purpose... BUT: If I could only have one bike, it would be a KLR. It doesn't do anything better than some other purpose-built bike. It does, however, do damn near anything pretty damn well. > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Rick McCauley" > To: "dsn klr650" dsn_klr650@yahoogroups.com> > Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 1:07:07 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific > Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Re: NKLR I'm back ........... with questions. > > > > > > > Sounds a lot like our adored KLR > > Rick > A17 > > --- On Fri, 9/11/09, stevedyer@... < stevedyer@... > wrote: > > From: stevedyer@... < stevedyer@... > > Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Re: NKLR I'm back ........... with questions. > To: dsn_klr650@yahoogroups.com > Date: Friday, September 11, 2009, 3:02 PM > > > > Rick, > > Be careful what you wish for. I had one of the last XS650s and really enjoyed it - I can't think of a more pleasant round-towner than that rumbly 650 Yamaha twin. Mag wheels, chrome fenders, clean swoop of the exhaust and a beautifully proportioned tank. The original buckhorns were quickly removed and replaced with a set of flat GS1100 bars and I rode the bike everywhere. Electric and kick start, she fired up easily, ran like a top and got 57 mpg in everyday riding. > > However... > > Although it had ample power to get around, in my experience it desperately needed a 6th gear for any significant highway running and a suspension upgrade to be stable under less than ideal conditions. Another disc up front would have been nice, and it seemed I was always having to snug up the chain (but back then I wasn't as able or interested in proper preventive maintenance so the chain was probably well worn). > > I still keep watch for a nice one to come up for sale on the local Craigslist, but have no illusions as to its original capabilities. For the most part these old bikes are frozen in their time and either need love and understanding for what they are, or some meaningful updating to be as safe and irritation-free as more modern bikes of similar design and cost. > > Steve > Miss my '82 CB750F and a few others, too. > > ------------ - > > ---- Rick McCauley wrote: > I definetly understand. I have always liked the looks of the older Yamaha 650 Special. Just happens to be one available locally, and it is so tempting, but we just paid our taxes, and filled our LP tank. I'm kinda broke. > > Rick > A17 > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > [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/dsnklr650Yahoo! 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