Wilsons Sandbox

Folks, do I have some questions. I have been on tour bikes for years but I am thinking about going to a KLR 650. I am concerned about a couple of things. First, how long will these bikes last if they are properly maintained? I know the answer depends on how I ride but I would like to know an average. Second, I camp when I tour. Are these bikes easily packed? Third, how do they handle at highway speeds when packed? And last, I may be going from a H.D Electra Glide that is allergic to dirt to a KLE. AM I NUTS? I have a bunch more questions but they can wait. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., "Rob Fowler" wrote:

> how long will these bikes last if they are properly > maintained? I know the answer depends on how I ride but I would

like to know

> an average. Second, I camp when I tour. Are these bikes easily

packed?

> Third, how do they handle at highway speeds when packed

Mine lasts good, packs a ton of shit for my camping trips, and is way more fun to ride in twisties or dirt roads even when fully packed with two week's gear than most bikes, not to mention all the harleys it's passed on long grades loaded. You won't be disappointed; you'll likely love the bike, it's a very happy and obedient little mule. You might be nuts, though. You'll fit right in on the KLR list that way.

If you do not rev the piss out of it, longevity should not be a problem with proper maintenance. Most cycle magazines say the engine is pretty much "bulletproof". One of the few weak links is the balance mechanism. The bike is easy to pack and can carry a ton of gear. Keeping the heavy stuff low and the light stuff high is half the battle. I have not noticed any ill handling characteristics when loaded at highway speeds. You can find the answers to many of your questions in the archives: http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 John

Rob Fowler wrote:

> Folks, do I have some questions. I have been on tour bikes for years but I > am thinking about going to a KLR 650. I am concerned about a couple of > things. First, how long will these bikes last if they are properly > maintained? I know the answer depends on how I ride but.....

As long as you can get parts for them...probably forever.......50-100,000+ miles for barrel work.......more for transmissions.

> an average. Second, I camp when I tour. Are these bikes easily packed?

Yes.

> Third, how do they handle at highway speeds when packed?........

Fine.

> going from a H.D Electra Glide that is allergic to dirt to a KLE. AM I > NUTS? I have a bunch more questions but they can wait.

No. You may go through an initial stage of shock over the potential differences in terms of torque...... But if you're into maneuvering or checking out places you could never drive a hog.....you'll be a happy camper. Slide out

I think Conall O'Brien has over 80,000 miles on his KLR. If you take it in the dirt get some lever protectors instead of the stock brush guards. Plan on replacing the shift lever and getting a brighter head light bulb. I may be a little weak but if you lay down the KLR a few times in a row while dirt riding be shure and bring a extra large bag of 4 letter words, you'll need them to help you picck it back up.

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., "Rob Fowler" wrote: > Folks, do I have some questions. I have been on tour bikes for years but I > am thinking about going to a KLR 650. I am concerned about a couple of > things. First, how long will these bikes last if they are properly > maintained? I know the answer depends on how I ride but I would like to know > an average. Second, I camp when I tour. Are these bikes easily packed? > Third, how do they handle at highway speeds when packed? And last, I may be > going from a H.D Electra Glide that is allergic to dirt to a KLE. AM I > NUTS? I have a bunch more questions but they can wait. > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

Hello fellow listers- We are pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Spring Roundup at Songdog Ranch. This event will be held as a 'benefit' for Mariola Cichon. Attendance will directly support her Ride of The Heart--- Around the World. So, unlike last years event, which was virtually free.....we have changed things to be more convenient and thus, unfortunately, cost more. There will be alot going on, including rides, test rides, bike parts swap(informal), a 'live' talk with Mariola over the internet, and once again a chance to meet more So Cal listers. Please checkout http://www.calposse.com/Rides/SongDog2001/SongDog2001.htm and register with the Coordinator(Scott). Some have registered already....we need YOU to make it a success. Hope to see ya there! Scott Bower Ride of the Heart T-Shirts will be available. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]