bike guys.... Kawasaki KLR650??
- Thread starter SAMI
- Start date
Tacoma
Et incurventur ante non
- Location
- far enough away
The Good:
I'm looking at them.
They have an available 7.1gal military tank, ie, HUGE RANGE
They're relatively cheap, used.
The Bad
They're a BIG 650. The Honda's are smaller. The KLR is a tall bike... but the Corbin seat might change that enough.
The forks aren't all that sophisticated. How much that matters, I couldn't say but in general, compression/rebound adjustability is a big plus in my book.... but then, my background with that is mountain biking.
That big tank puts a lot of weight up pretty high.
I'm sort of leaning towards a Honda or a Suzuki 400.... but that huge tank is a really attractive thing for me (Pony Express!) and I'd imagine it might matter in AK as well.
I'm looking at them.
They have an available 7.1gal military tank, ie, HUGE RANGE
They're relatively cheap, used.
The Bad
They're a BIG 650. The Honda's are smaller. The KLR is a tall bike... but the Corbin seat might change that enough.
The forks aren't all that sophisticated. How much that matters, I couldn't say but in general, compression/rebound adjustability is a big plus in my book.... but then, my background with that is mountain biking.
That big tank puts a lot of weight up pretty high.
I'm sort of leaning towards a Honda or a Suzuki 400.... but that huge tank is a really attractive thing for me (Pony Express!) and I'd imagine it might matter in AK as well.
wow, thanks for that...
yeah, there's one for sale in town here... i haven't checked on the price yet, but i think it'd be great to buy it and ride it home over the space of a few weeks... it looked like it's in great condition too... and the mileage was low as well.
anyways, i'm gonna check it out...
Tacoma
Et incurventur ante non
- Location
- far enough away
Sweet, grab it up! And if you want to sell it..... 
Smaller guys (those under 5'10") will have some trouble sitting on the KLR650. It is a tall bike. It is a heavy bike too. But, that big 650 thumper is a sweet ride. I've wanted one for many years. They have the power to get you down the freeway (don't expect crotch rocket performance) two up, and still play a little in the dirt. Sorry, you won't be Jeremy McGrath flying high, but the bike will make easy work of forest service roads and most of the desert areas. That big tank will get you a long ways too. I've got a service manual for that bike, not sure what year though, but I have it in pdf format...
- Location
- Grand Junction, CO
I'd say the Kawasaki KLR is a 90% road bike, 10% dirt. They're an excellent touring bike, but not meant for much technical off-road riding. Riding one is like sitting on a Lazyboy with 2 wheels, they're made for long trips & comfort. As mentioned, they are heavy, huge and aren't super powerful due to the sheer size of the bike. What year is the one you're looking at? I have my DRZ400 and I don't have anyone to ride with, so I hardly get out. I've been thinking about trading my DRZ for a KLR.
Tacoma
Et incurventur ante non
- Location
- far enough away
To everyone looking around, I am interested in used enduro/dual sports. That DRZ is pretty sweet, and has a nice fork.
- Location
- Grand Junction, CO
To everyone looking around, I am interested in used enduro/dual sports. That DRZ is pretty sweet, and has a nice fork.
I'd think about selling mine, probably around $2400. It has some decent upgrades including a TrailGear electronic speedo/trip computer.
Tacoma
Et incurventur ante non
- Location
- far enough away
Eeeeeexcellent.... MOOAHAHAHAHA
TK1
Full Mall Crawler Status
- Location
- Taylorsville, UT
Hey, don't you Von and I have a Moab riding trip to do. You have people to ride with, they just live in Salt Lake.
Speaking of riding, I was out at 5 mile last Friday evening and we rode down Rattlesnake... Where did all the rocks go? It sure is a freeway now. :-\
- Location
- Grand Junction, CO
Hey, don't you Von and I have a Moab riding trip to do. You have people to ride with, they just live in Salt Lake.
Speaking of riding, I was out at 5 mile last Friday evening and we rode down Rattlesnake... Where did all the rocks go? It sure is a freeway now. :-\
Yeah, if we can ever get together. Sadly I haven't had my bike out riding at all this year, just a cruise around the neighborhood once the weather got warm. Between finding the people to ride with & getting in the time to ride, it's just sat in the garage. :-\
Vonski
nothing to see here...
- Location
- Payson, Utah
Hey, don't you Von and I have a Moab riding trip to do. You have people to ride with, they just live in Salt Lake.
Anytime you ladies want to set something up, I'm down...
For awhile there I had an 8 weekend dirtbiking streak going, so ya can't say I don't get out riding... just not around the Colorado area.
So, Todd and I are just waiting on you Greg. Also, now that I'm running the service dept. of a motorcycle dealership, some of us go riding after work.
Anywho, back to Sami...
That KLR is a big boy and it would be fun to ride that sucka home (you're in Alaska or something, right?). However, I don't think it would be of any interest once you got home. If you think can make money or break even by selling the KLR once home, why not?
Now, I don't want Greg to sell his DRZ, but if he insists, buy it! A DRZ 400 like Greg's is one of the bikes I'm riding right now and they're great all around bikes for desert and mountain riding. It's 50 lbs. heavier than an average mx bike, but easier for most people to ride. Also, Greg has new HID dual headlamps. :greg:
TK1
Full Mall Crawler Status
- Location
- Taylorsville, UT
What dealership? I go riding at least once a week where have you been going?
Vonski
nothing to see here...
- Location
- Payson, Utah
Yup, I won't be seeing ya @ Doug Smith anymore man... Different opportunities kept cropping up and I finally took one of 'em.
... Different opportunities kept cropping up and I finally took one of 'em.
Cool, working at a toy dealership is probably better than working at a truck dealership
Vonski
nothing to see here...
- Location
- Payson, Utah
I'm in the process of "service dept. overhaul" @ Monarch Honda in Orem. All in all a good dealership, but with serious growing pains.
Anywho, last weeks ride was up Hobble Creek. We didn't have a ton of time, so we rode in until sunset, then turned around and rode it back the way we came (most of it in the dark). Good times, but I want to go back soon and ride the whole thing.
Vonski
nothing to see here...
- Location
- Payson, Utah
Cool, working at a toy dealership is probably better than working at a truck dealership
My concern was the winter months and it getting slow, but they've always stayed busy, so why not? Besides, I've had my eye on a generator for the trailer and (possibly) a new bike.
You're right though, it is far more interesting than the automotive industry...
- Location
- Grand Junction, CO
Anytime you ladies want to set something up, I'm down...
For awhile there I had an 8 weekend dirtbiking streak going, so ya can't say I don't get out riding... just not around the Colorado area.
Let's plan some AFC riding in July... my wife will be in SoCal & I'll be home alone, nobody to play with. I'll be off from July 9th-14th, of which only the 14th will be a weekend day. Either of you guys able to ride during the week?
Vonski
nothing to see here...
- Location
- Payson, Utah
I technically have a day off during the middle of the week since I work more Saturdays now, so let Me know when and I'll work it out. I'm not sure about Todd's schedule, but hopefully he can take off during the week too. Besides, getting out on a weekday will decrease Todd's chances of being seen with us "non-KTM" guys. It's a cult ya know...