"Although my opinions are neither logical nor sane, since I sold my KLR and
bought a Tenere".... =)
(Thanks, Randy for the congrats! )
XT1200 1st
impressions.
The good:
* The ins. for good coverage from State Farm was only about $10 more a
month than the 09' KLR650. Are ABS and traction control to tank? Dunno.
* Although it's only got about 260 miles on it as of this email, the 1st
tank of gas yielded an average of 48.1 mpg as indicated by the
NASA inspired multi-function display. It also gives on-the-fly mpg #s, too.
Steady cruising around 60mph in 6th gear will net 50-55mpg.
The figure drops on uphills, naturally. But, it's fun to watch the
downhills at the same speed display 70-80mpg!!
With a fuel tank a hair bigger than the KLR's , it's a relief that the
XT1200 doesn't get the advertised 39mpg.
Maybe once the break in period is over and I can play a little harder will
the actual numbers reveal themselves.
* Shaft drive. No more chain lube! Enough said.
* Handlebars as big as Texas. Leverage!
* Tubeless spoked wheels in common sizes. Nifty!
* The bike's comfortable for my 5'8", 30" inseam self to get feet down a
little better at stops. Thank the adjustable seat.
It's a good thing, too. The bike weighs almost 200# more than the KLR. But,
you really don't notice it. Just stay out of the woods.
On the highway, this thing loafs along at 3k rpm @60mph all day. It's a
comfortable cruiser in disguise.
* Valve inspections are every 26,600 miles.
* The oil filter and drain bolts (yes, 2/plural) are right there to be
accessed. Why two drains? One's for the crankcase
and the other for the built-in dry sump reservoir. I read the instructions.
Oil changes are a non-event. Unlike some KTMs.
The bad:
* Mine's black. Try keeping that much black clean. Geez.
* It's heavy. So, don't drop it. If you do, hope you bought a set of crash
bars. I priced a side panel and they aren't bad (under $150 per).
Still, it's gonna hit hard no matter what.
* It takes premium fuel. Good thing it sips it sparingly.
* A replacement battery costs as much as a good set of KLR tires (or more!).
The ugly:
If you disn't like Star Wars, the "Darth Vader's hot rod" comments it draws
will get old.
Me? I'm currently trying to figure out how to mount a D.V. Pez head on the
bike as a mascot! LOL
I just bought it Tuesday. So, I'll get back with ya'll about the long term
stuff another time.
eddie
> [Original Message]
> From: SniperOne
> To: ; KLR List DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>
> Date: 9/8/2012 6:51:51 PM
> Subject: RE: [DSN_KLR650] Dark side of the force.
>
> Biggie CONGRATS Eddie! And since we've already talked about my being
interested in an ST, I expect to hear about all the good/bad/ugly from you
before I jump off the deep end myself.
> Randy
> -----Original Message-----
> From: eddie
> Sent: Saturday, September 08, 2012 3:04 PM
>
> Hi,
>
> My name is eddie.
>
> I've been a list member for three years and I've been seduced by the dark
side of the force.
>> I sold my KLR650 this week and bought a black 2012 Yamaha XT1200 Super
T n r .
>> So much for "simple motorcycle" ownership.
>> Mind if I hang around the list? You folks are terrific!
>> - eddie in Columbus Ga.