Hey Phil--
If you didn't want to do the touring, I'd say you
might be happier with a smaller bike. Two-up around
an island on a little bike isn't a big deal--tons of
people are going twoup on scooters there--and there's
just no reason for the larger 650. A 400 would be
where I'd be looking, either a DRZ because it's a
great bike, or plated XR (they probably COME plated
there) because it's solid as a rock and parts
availability is great. A 400 in the islands--or
really, most of the rest of the world--is still a "big
bike". If you're not looking to really RIDE the
thing--ie, you're looking for solid robust go-anywhere
transporation, but not planning on pushing any limits
onroad or off-- a 250 would even make sense. You
won't get anywhere fast, but you'll get there, and
you'll be doing it at 70mpg on a cheap, bullerproof
engine. I'd still be looking at XR/XLs.
One other thing I'd think about, if you're really not
interested in becoming "mechanically inclined", is the
dealer support. Parts are a bit of a hassle outside
the states I think, but doable. On an island, who
knows. But finding a Kawi dealer on the island of
ookaphonononoplus may be a stretch. A bike like a
honda XR400 which has been the same old thumper
forever AND is a honda (read: EVERYONE knows/sells
them) may make a lot of sense. I'm not the jaded
world traveller some are, but hondas have been the
most prevalent in all the weird corners I have been
to.
People say you can tour on a DRZ but it's definitely
the exception rather than the rule, and you're a bit
substantial for that.
Having said all that, if touring is in the picture and
you're used to the comfort of a real street bike, the
KLR is the only way to go. An XR650L will have better
parts and dealer support, and will go the distance,
but feels like riding a dirtbike.
Keep us in the loop... and what island are you going
to? I kicked around down there for a little bit,
years ago, fell in love with Anafi. The folks I knew
there all said it's changed so much in the previous
five years, I can only imagine what it might be like
now. Loved it.
-Luke
--- rpcampbell1958 wrote:
>
> I have ridden large sport-tourers for over thirty
> years (though I also
> did some dirt-biking as a teenager). I am moving
> from Toronto,
> surrounded by howling expressways, to a Greek island
> where many of the
> roads are pitted dirt trails (including the route to
> my new house). I
> have tentatively identified the KLR 650 as the bike
> for me and would
> welcome thoughts on its suitability.
>
> I am 6" 3' tall, 250 pounds. There are only about
> three miles on the
> entire island where you can go 60 mph (100kph). I
> will need to do some
> two-up riding--not a lot. I'd like to do a bit of
> south Europe
> touring--say 250 mile days. I value reliability (I
> can do little more
> than regular maintenance myself).
>
> And I am new to the board. There's obvously
> something about this bike
> you guys like. I am all ears.
>
> Phil
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
>
>
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