Hmmmm, where to start? I like mine because it can't be beat as a
backroader. The wheelbase and suspension are just right, torquey motor
means you seldom have to shift, they don't break-down, my rod & reel fit
nicely on the factory luggage rack, it cruises easily at 65, goes on reserve
230 miles, vibration control is admirable for a 1-lunger, they're smooth
over bad pavement and stable on rock roads...and they're CHEAP! I gave
around $1450 for my '89 a few years ago, and it's been so reliable I'd be
less confident of a new one.
I know I already mentioned reliablity, but something else...all the
components - like the indicator switches, ignition switches, speedo gears &
so on are nicely built. I've had some bikes where those components were of
such low quality that they were offensive to me as a consumer (and quality
systems manager).
I guess I should qualify "overweight and underpowered". My other bike is a
220lb, 300cc two stroke. From a Goldwing perspective, you might say the
bike is a featherweight. From an XR650L or DR650S perspective you might say
the bike is a little pudgy around the middle. It's relative.
All dual sports are a compromise, but if you buy a really good off road
oriented bike, it'll be limited by the tires. My opinion is that if you buy
tires that will shed mud off road, they'll shed knobs on road. So what's
the point in having a $7500 Hussaberg with bald tires?
I'm thinking about a DR...and already anticipating hauling it as close in to
my riding area as possible so I can keep tires on it.
>From: "Ye Wilde Ryder"
>To:
dsn_klr650@egroups.com (KLR-650 List)
>Subject: Re: [DSN_klr650] Got Some Funny Looks [NKLR]
>Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2000 16:49:26 -0700 (MST)
>
>...
> >Sometimes people just don't understand how we can be so crazy about a
>bike
> >that's overweight and underpowered.
>
>try me.
>
>i've yet to purchase a DP bike, but i'm mightily interested in the
>venerable KLR. why should i be looking @ an "overweight and
>underpowered" motorcycle?
>
>gears,
>ye wilde ryder
>--
>wallace@... 99 zx-9r "blue bayou" 98 vtr-1000f "stormy"
>zwallace@... 86 cr-250 "dirt devil" 00 sv-650 "zipper"
>"& you were using your friends as a berm." -- RP 83 v65 magna "nasty"
>FoJ#002...AMA#456832...JHLO#002...COP#000...CCS#SW969...Support the RKBA
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unfortunately for my son, he takes after me. poor kid recently
purchased a wadded 600 gixer racebike & restored it to street
condition. that bike is faster than *stink* on a track.
gears,
ye wilde ryder
--
wallace@... 99 zx-9r "blue bayou" 98 vtr-1000f "stormy"
zwallace@... 86 cr-250 "dirt devil" 00 sv-650 "zipper"
"& you were using your friends as a berm." -- RP 83 v65 magna "nasty"
FoJ#002...AMA#456832...JHLO#002...COP#000...CCS#SW969...Support the RKBA
The KLR definitely inspires the adventurous spirit.
Scott
A14 "thunderdog"