no where to ride

[kevbennett@sbcglobal.net]

My path to KLR ownership started a year ago when I watched my 6'8", 22-year-old son ride away on his Honda Spirit 650, with his knees up by his ears. I thought, "There has to be something better." I Googled "motorcycles for tall people," discovered the KLR, and was hooked. I ended up buying one myself, but it doesn't seem to be my son's cup of tea. He still has his Honda, and would like something taller. My attempts to steer him toward the KLR have been unsuccessful. He likes the size, but says he wants something that will carry all 350 pounds of him at highway speeds. He thinks he will need something with 1,000 cc's. Is he right? Any recommendations? Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom. I look forward to the KLR digest every day. You guys have helped solve a lot of problems, given me some great ideas, and provided me with some laughs. I also enjoy what you have to say about KLR's as well. Kevin

[Jud]

I know some bigger guysthan him who ride their KLRs all over the US and Mexico . They don't even modify the suspension, which I would recommend for your son.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "kevbennett@..." wrote: > > My path to KLR ownership started a year ago when I watched my 6'8", 22-year-old son ride away on his Honda Spirit 650, with his knees up by his ears. I thought, "There has to be something better." I Googled "motorcycles for tall people," discovered the KLR, and was hooked. I ended up buying one myself, but it doesn't seem to be my son's cup of tea. He still has his Honda, and would like something taller. My attempts to steer him toward the KLR have been unsuccessful. He likes the size, but says he wants something that will carry all 350 pounds of him at highway speeds. He thinks he will need something with 1,000 cc's. Is he right? Any recommendations? > > Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom. I look forward to the KLR digest every day. You guys have helped solve a lot of problems, given me some great ideas, and provided me with some laughs. I also enjoy what you have to say about KLR's as well. > > Kevin >

[Craig Kahler]

KTM makes a 999cc adventure bike which is taller than the KLR. the BMW 1200 is also tall. Moneys no object. Right? Craig Kahler

--- On [b]Thu, 4/8/10, kevbennett@... [i][/i][/b] wrote:

From: kevbennett@... Subject: [DSN_KLR650] What's a good bike for my son? To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, April 8, 2010, 5:03 PM   My path to KLR ownership started a year ago when I watched my 6'8", 22-year-old son ride away on his Honda Spirit 650, with his knees up by his ears. I thought, "There has to be something better." I Googled "motorcycles for tall people," discovered the KLR, and was hooked. I ended up buying one myself, but it doesn't seem to be my son's cup of tea. He still has his Honda, and would like something taller. My attempts to steer him toward the KLR have been unsuccessful. He likes the size, but says he wants something that will carry all 350 pounds of him at highway speeds. He thinks he will need something with 1,000 cc's. Is he right? Any recommendations? Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom. I look forward to the KLR digest every day. You guys have helped solve a lot of problems, given me some great ideas, and provided me with some laughs. I also enjoy what you have to say about KLR's as well. Kevin

[Jim Fortner]

DL1000

On Thu, Apr 8, 2010 at 4:03 PM, kevbennett@... wrote: My path to KLR ownership started a year ago when I watched my 6'8", 22-year-old son ride away on his Honda Spirit 650, with his knees up by his ears. I thought, "There has to be something better." I Googled "motorcycles for tall people," discovered the KLR, and was hooked. I ended up buying one myself, but it doesn't seem to be my son's cup of tea. He still has his Honda, and would like something taller. My attempts to steer him toward the KLR have been unsuccessful. He likes the size, but says he wants something that will carry all 350 pounds of him at highway speeds. He thinks he will need something with 1,000 cc's. Is he right? Any recommendations? Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom. I look forward to the KLR digest every day. You guys have helped solve a lot of problems, given me some great ideas, and provided me with some laughs. I also enjoy what you have to say about KLR's as well. Kevin

[sh8knj8kster]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Craig Kahler wrote:

> > KTM makes a 999cc adventure bike which is taller than the KLR. the BMW 1200 is also tall. Moneys no object. Right? > Craig Kahler

~~~Craig, I haven't been on the 1200 GS BMW so I don't know how it feels saddle wise but I rode a 2010 KTM 990 ADV recently and found the saddle height lower then my 08' KLR. I'm told the 2010 KTM ADV 'R' model is comprable to the KLR's stock seat height would have to agree though, if Kevin or his son have $15 K + burning a hole in their pockets, the new 990 R KTM ADV would satisfy his craving for power. I did a write up in my blog earlier last month about my KTM ADV test ride- http://shakinjake.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-have-orange-crush.html My gums still sweat thinking about that bike, but I would need the taller version... IMO, the current standard 990 spec is not tall enough for me to be comfortable for any amount of time. Kevin- If you look for used 950 (carb model) ADV KTM's, I think the tall version is AKA the 'S' model, and some earlier fuel injected 990's used the S designation to denote tall saddled bikes. Ride before you buy. advrider.com usually has some used KTM ADV's for sale...mebbe you can find a used one near to you for a test ride http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=52 Judd mentioned in this thread, heavier riders doing well with the KLR. I met a few heavy KLR riders riding with the KLRistas up in the Fla. panhandle. The lighter guy was 330 lbs (jetmech), Big Dog is at least 350 lbs and only 6 foot one or two. he loves his KLR, but if your son craves more power, the KLR probably wont 'get it' for him Jake Reddick Fla. Paddle faster... I hear banjo music.... http://www.shakinjake.blogspot.com/

> --- On Thu, 4/8/10, kevbennett@... wrote: > > > From: kevbennett@... > Subject: [DSN_KLR650] What's a good bike for my son? > To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com > Date: Thursday, April 8, 2010, 5:03 PM > > > > > > > My path to KLR ownership started a year ago when I watched my 6'8", 22-year-old son ride away on his Honda Spirit 650, with his knees up by his ears. I thought, "There has to be something better." I Googled "motorcycles for tall people," discovered the KLR, and was hooked. I ended up buying one myself, but it doesn't seem to be my son's cup of tea. He still has his Honda, and would like something taller. My attempts to steer him toward the KLR have been unsuccessful. He likes the size, but says he wants something that will carry all 350 pounds of him at highway speeds. He thinks he will need something with 1,000 cc's. Is he right? Any recommendations? > > Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom. I look forward to the KLR digest every day. You guys have helped solve a lot of problems, given me some great ideas, and provided me with some laughs. I also enjoy what you have to say about KLR's as well. > > Kevin >

[Jim Douglas]

Show him some pictures of the big BMW GS's, it certainly will carry his ass faster than a KLR, but.... it's gonna cost probably 3x the KLR's price.

> > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com > , "kevbennett@..." > wrote: > > > > My path to KLR ownership started a year ago when I watched my 6'8", > 22-year-old son ride away on his Honda Spirit 650, with his knees up > by his ears. I thought, "There has to be something better." I Googled > "motorcycles for tall people," discovered the KLR, and was hooked. I > ended up buying one myself, but it doesn't seem to be my son's cup of > tea. He still has his Honda, and would like something taller. My > attempts to steer him toward the KLR have been unsuccessful. He likes > the size, but says he wants something that will carry all 350 pounds > of him at highway speeds. He thinks he will need something with 1,000 > cc's. Is he right? Any recommendations? > > > > Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom. I look forward to the > KLR digest every day. You guys have helped solve a lot of problems, > given me some great ideas, and provided me with some laughs. I also > enjoy what you have to say about KLR's as well. > > > > Kevin > > > >

-- *CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:* This email, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information of Genesis Software and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this email is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this email immediately.

[skypilot110]

My 05 1200 gs had a height adjustable seat and was tall to begin with. The KTM adventure is also an option but I dont know what dependability is like on them so I cant recomend it. You could look that up and find out easily enough though. I would also look at the Triumph Tiger and the Buell DS bike. Both are around used and both were definately for tall people. I had a Triumph Sprint which had the same engine as many of the Tigers. It was a brilliant engine as was the 1200. Neither of those would fail to do 1000 mile 100mph days. Since the demise of Buell the prices on used may have dropped too. I havent been watching them so I have no idea what they cost but the Buell is definately a street bike with long legs and loads of power.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "kevbennett@..." wrote: > > My path to KLR ownership started a year ago when I watched my 6'8", 22-year-old son ride away on his Honda Spirit 650, with his knees up by his ears. I thought, "There has to be something better." I Googled "motorcycles for tall people," discovered the KLR, and was hooked. I ended up buying one myself, but it doesn't seem to be my son's cup of tea. He still has his Honda, and would like something taller. My attempts to steer him toward the KLR have been unsuccessful. He likes the size, but says he wants something that will carry all 350 pounds of him at highway speeds. He thinks he will need something with 1,000 cc's. Is he right? Any recommendations?

[markharf]

The stock spring has hauled 200 lbs of me plus a hundred fifty pounds of gear all over the place for upwards of 70,000 miles. I finally had a spacer installed to increase the spring height the other day (no chance of finding a new spring here in rural Brazil), and indeed it now handles better....but I was fine for three years without, notwithstanding all the doom and gloom from those more fussy than I. I waited 50,000 miles before changing the front springs for progressive-wound aftermarket; this, too, made a difference but wasn't essential. So that's your answer: a stronger spring is better, but anything works if you're not too picky about it. Hope that helps. Mark PS: I put a 6-6, 350 pounder I met onto the bike for a photo-op a few weeks ago. He made it look like a wee little mini-toy.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "kevbennett@..." wrote: > > My path to KLR ownership started a year ago when I watched my 6'8", 22-year-old son ride away on his Honda Spirit 650, with his knees up by his ears. I thought, "There has to be something better." I Googled "motorcycles for tall people," discovered the KLR, and was hooked. I ended up buying one myself, but it doesn't seem to be my son's cup of tea. He still has his Honda, and would like something taller. My attempts to steer him toward the KLR have been unsuccessful. He likes the size, but says he wants something that will carry all 350 pounds of him at highway speeds. He thinks he will need something with 1,000 cc's. Is he right? Any recommendations? > > Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom. I look forward to the KLR digest every day. You guys have helped solve a lot of problems, given me some great ideas, and provided me with some laughs. I also enjoy what you have to say about KLR's as well. > > Kevin >

[roncriswell@sbcglobal.net]

And waaaay too heavy. Criswell

On Apr 9, 2010, at 6:29 AM, Jim Douglas wrote: > Show him some pictures of the big BMW GS's, it certainly will carry his > ass faster than a KLR, but.... > it's gonna cost probably 3x the KLR's price. > > >> >> >> --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com >> , "kevbennett@..." >> wrote: >>> >>> My path to KLR ownership started a year ago when I watched my 6'8", >> 22-year-old son ride away on his Honda Spirit 650, with his knees up >> by his ears. I thought, "There has to be something better." I Googled >> "motorcycles for tall people," discovered the KLR, and was hooked. I >> ended up buying one myself, but it doesn't seem to be my son's cup of >> tea. He still has his Honda, and would like something taller. My >> attempts to steer him toward the KLR have been unsuccessful. He likes >> the size, but says he wants something that will carry all 350 pounds >> of him at highway speeds. He thinks he will need something with 1,000 >> cc's. Is he right? Any recommendations? >>> >>> Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom. I look forward to the >> KLR digest every day. You guys have helped solve a lot of problems, >> given me some great ideas, and provided me with some laughs. I also >> enjoy what you have to say about KLR's as well. >>> >>> Kevin >>> >> >> > > > -- > > *CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:* This email, including attachments, may include > confidential and/or proprietary information of Genesis Software and may > be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the > reader of this email is not the intended recipient or his or her > authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, > distribution or copying of this email is prohibited. If you have > received this email in error, please notify the sender by replying to > this message and delete this email immediately. > > > > ------------------------------------ > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Member Map at: http://www.frappr.com/dsnklr650Yahoo! Groups Links > > >

[roncriswell@sbcglobal.net]

I would like to have a Buell Uly but a little scared of buying one thinking the Harley dealers might not want to stock parts and stuff. A good alternative and sorta similar is the Versey with a fairly good price and I think Kawasaki will be around for a while. Criswell

On Apr 9, 2010, at 7:02 AM, skypilot110 wrote:   My 05 1200 gs had a height adjustable seat and was tall to begin with. The KTM adventure is also an option but I dont know what dependability is like on them so I cant recomend it. You could look that up and find out easily enough though. I would also look at the Triumph Tiger and the Buell DS bike. Both are around used and both were definately for tall people. I had a Triumph Sprint which had the same engine as many of the Tigers. It was a brilliant engine as was the 1200. Neither of those would fail to do 1000 mile 100mph days. Since the demise of Buell the prices on used may have dropped too. I havent been watching them so I have no idea what they cost but the Buell is definately a street bike with long legs and loads of power. --- In DSN_KLR650%40yahoogroups.com, "kevbennett@ ..." wrote: > > My path to KLR ownership started a year ago when I watched my 6'8", 22-year-old son ride away on his Honda Spirit 650, with his knees up by his ears. I thought, "There has to be something better." I Googled "motorcycles for tall people," discovered the KLR, and was hooked. I ended up buying one myself, but it doesn't seem to be my son's cup of tea. He still has his Honda, and would like something taller. My attempts to steer him toward the KLR have been unsuccessful. He likes the size, but says he wants something that will carry all 350 pounds of him at highway speeds. He thinks he will need something with 1,000 cc's. Is he right? Any recommendations?