500 mile "report"
Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2006 6:16 pm
Just had my 500 mile service done by the dealer. They did a good
(though not inexpensive) job. Bike feels so much "tighter" and more
solid and runs noticeably stronger. Not sure why, but am happy with
the results.
This is my first KLR and first DS bike after about 300k road miles on
mid-sized UJMs, V4s and the like. First thumper experience since the
60s BSA Victim Special back in the day. In short, I'm no expert, but
I have enough experience to make generalizations.
I love this bike! I've never had a ride I got so "emotional" about so
quickly. It is a joy to ride and makes me comfortable and confident
in even bad conditions. Relaxed riding position. The balance thing
really tickles me. I have always tried to come to a full stop without
putting my feet down to see how long i can balance a bike at rest.
I've never had a bike that stands upright at rest as easily as the
KLR. I know you real dirt guys think of the KLR as heavy, and I'm
sure i will too when i start that phase, but for a road bike it is so
nimble. Best commuter/ccity bike I've had. Now that I can get the
revs up to 6k, it is a blast to ride in traffic and on backroads.
Despite years of riding multis, I do not find the KLR all that rough.
I kinda like the vibration that does get thru. It's enough to let you
know there is stuff going on in the engine, but in no way obnoxious.
Nothing like the old thumpers, that's for sure. Harley guys talk the
same way, I guess. One Harley guy and I were taking good-natured
shots at each other. My line was "Hey, mine vibrates like yours,
performs about like yours on the street, weighs half as much... I can
go anywhere you can go but you can't go everywhere I can go!" Not
meant to diss any rides. But this really is a swiss army ride. Does
so many things well-enough.
It's gonna be a great summer. We have a ride planned down the
Blueridge, thru The Gap, over the Cherehola Skyway and on to the
Natchez Trace. Can't wait. This bike already seems like a great pack
mule, as well.
Doug - 2006 Rescue Vehicle Green KLR650 "Louise"