testing the 'c' model

[texasklr650pilot]

I think that we might be comparing apples and oranges. Thinking of the start of an organized list versus the good old mayhem we used to go through, and enjoy. I remember that I lived on Highway 33 when I first started talking to Gino. I got flooded out twice in a row when the Ventura River overflowed its banks. Some motorhomes were washed out to sea, I had just bought a Teal, white, and pink KLR 650 (1994). My recollection is that we basically had each others e-mail addresses and it was very loose knit. The sample Newsletter Gino sent me was no more that a 17x10 folded in half, with a couple articles inside it. I remember an article from Bob Haycock, and I remember the test done on the Russell Day-Long saddle which received high comments. Now I'm going to have to tear my shop apart and find that Newsletter. I know it exits. That is why I got so bummed that I had bought the dipped Corbin. I had never heard of Russell. Just Travelcade, Corbin, and a couple others. My wife remembers it too. She said I would haul butt home, do chores real quick, and then check my KLR e-mail. I'll let you guys know when I find it. Jim Cedar Creek, Texas

[Conall O'Brien]

>From: "Steve Pye" >To: MADS_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>, "DSN" DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com> >Subject: [DSN_klr650] Testing the 'C' model >Date: Sun, 28 Jul 2002 22:24:57 -0300 > >I had my first opportunity to try out a 'C' model KLR 650 today. I went for >a short ride on the street. My impressions: > >The bike feels much smaller and lower than my A11. Almost no mass forward >of the triple clamp and very little mass forward of my knees. The small >tank and lack of fairing makes it feel like I'm sitting further forward >than I would on my bike. The bike has a more " flickable" or "nimble' feel >to it, no doubt because it is not as top heavy. > >No temp guage, just an idiot light. No tach. Cheap looking speedo, odo and >trip meter. Very small rear rack. > >Front brake did feel stronger than mine. I could make the front tire howl >at will, but the KLR nosedive is ever present. > >Oddly, the engine felt much smoother than my bike. I'm not sure what to >attribute this to, other than the fact that this 'C' bike only has 1350 kms >on the clock, while my 'A' has had the be-jesus pounded out of it for >29,000 kms. > >I'm not sure what to make of the 'C' bike. I didn't get the chance to try >it in the dirt but It doesn't come across as a replacement for the KLX. >Very street oriented tires, heavier steel rims ( sorry, I didn't note the >tire brand ), poor bash plate ( just a 'loop' style guard) and apparently >less ground clearance sort of rule out improved dirt riding as compared to >the 'A'. On the other hand, poor instrumentation, small tank and no fairing >means to me that the 'C' comes up short in the touring catagory. Perhaps >the nimble feel would make it a better city bike or "Urban Fighter" (I >think that's the term). >My recommendation to those of us that have a choice between the two >models.... stick with the 'A'. > >Also, the guy who let me try his bike had a copy of an Italian Motorcycle >Buyers Guide. One thing that caught my eye, This years Honda Africa Twin >750. DAMN IT HONDA, when are you going to wake-up and import this bike to >North America?? I'd order one now!!! > >Steve > >

Steve, I'm starting to window shop for a cycle here in Europe. Most notable thing I've noticed is that used Aprilla Pegasos 650s are dirt cheap maybe 3,000 - 4,000 dollars for a low mileage 2000 model. Here is a site that has thousands of bikes, include germany in your searches for best selection. Africa Twin looks very heavy to me!! Tumu did you get my paypal? http://www.mobile.de "cycle search" Conall _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com