I am 5'10", 210 lbs.
I take it occasionally on the interstate (to get to places and save the
gas), even so I don't feel "home" on the interstate with cars left and
right. But I am more than capable of swimming with the traffic, passing the
slower (low 70mph) guys. My speedo is in km/h, and I am sure is lying a lot.
But based on the speedo, I can easily run 145 km/h, which is 90 mph; my
feeling is you have to deduct 8 mph, because at that speed there are still
quite a few cars "with" me, and normal traffic on this section of I96 runs
80 mph for the fast lane.
Note: I am not sure if my bike is a hotter version (it seems to be a Canada
spec model), and I know there a different versions (Europe is detuned to 17
and 27 hp, but I think there are versions US or Canada that have mid 30 hp).
Group: Why is it that here in the states no one talks about power (cars or
cycles). Wouldn't that be much more descriptive than cc or in the case of
cars the number of cylinders? There are so many cars out there with a 6
cylinder that have more power that the V8, and smaller discplacement engines
beating the heck out of some big bore ones (look at comparison
Japanese/European engines to US big three)?
I have never been a street bike, so the acceleration of the 250 to me is a
lot of fun, that thing revs happily into the 11000 (kind of scary), and has
a huge usable rpm range (good power without a dip from 5000-11000, but even
more important for me, I can climb some hills with good torque at walking
speed).
I am still scared of high leaning angles in turns, so my speed around
corners on streets is laughable for most any driver.
I have a little 1980 Suzuki TS125 (bought it cheap and fixed it up to street
legal status). That thing has half the power, but boy is it a difference to
back it out of the garage, run around the house. Its so nimble (but clearly
a whole level below the KLR250 in sophistication). I could not imagine
having to handle the weight and bulk of a 650.
My ideal bike:
180-200 lbs, power and sophistication of the KLR250, same seating hight,
less weight in the front. Still looking for that one. Had a Honda XL185 when
I started 20 years ago, not enough power, but good handling. Maybe a Honda
XL250 or so with some go-fast mods would be an alternative?
Volker
-----Original Message-----
From: kj_link@... [mailto:kj_link@...]
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2003 12:08 AM
To: Volker Traudt
Subject: RE: [DSN_klr650] which bike to choose....
Thanks for the info. How tall are you and how much do
you weigh? Do you find the 250 to be underpowered on
the road?
--- Volker Traudt wrote:
> It all depends on what you plan on doing with the
> bike.
>
> I have a KLR250, ride mostly in first gear, narrow
> local trials, really slow
> speed (more what they do in trial sport).
> I like to drive to the trial, but also just tour the neighborhood and
> unpaved roads. I have not gone on a longer trip than
> 50 miles. For what I am
> doing, the 250 is already heavy (yet I certainly
> like the power/speed when
> on the highway). For my purpose, a 650 is
> unthinkable. A low seat is a must
> for my off road drivig (I "climbed" on a Suzuki
> DR400, impossible thought
> for me).
>
> If you want a 50/50 bike, plan on touring, consider
> gravel and forest roads
> "dirt bike terretory", then the 650 is for you.
> Being such a durable bike,
> saving a few bucks on a good used one seems to be a
> vise choice, they
> haven't changed much at all since the war.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Volker
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From:
>
sentto-488385-83300-1064950217-vtraudt=compuserve.com@....c
> om
>
[mailto:sentto-488385-83300-1064950217-vtraudt=compuserve.com@...
> .yahoo.com] On Behalf Of kj_link
> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 3:20 PM
> To:
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [DSN_klr650] which bike to choose....
>
>
>
> I am a newbie, and am beating my head against the
> wall trying to
> decide which bike to buy. I have looked at the
> klr250, and the seat
> height appeals to me a lot. I have also considered
> the klr650, but
> am concerned that it may be too much bike for me.
> What kind advice
> can I get that will steer me in the right direction.
> I was dead set
> on getting a 2004 klr250, but one of the local
> dealers told me today
> that they have a 2003 klr650 for around 4k, with 626
> miles on it.
> Please help a greenhorn!
>
>
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