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Duffy
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« Reply #1 on: September 06, 2009, 11:53:33 AM » |
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Now that looks like fun.  |
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Black Pearl's Captain
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« Reply #2 on: September 06, 2009, 12:17:58 PM » |
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It loooks like very few miles on that one. Congrats and have fun. Avoid heavy gooey mud.
Call again if you still need something.
Raymond
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« Reply #3 on: September 06, 2009, 01:33:44 PM » |
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It loooks like very few miles on that one. Congrats and have fun. Avoid heavy gooey mud.
Call again if you still need something.
Raymond
Just over 12,000 miles. AND I got a 3 bike trailer as well thrown into the deal. Not a fancy trailer but good enough for getting around the SE |
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« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2009, 02:28:31 PM » |
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Took the KLR oput for it's maiden voyage today. Destination N GA and forest roads. Left with a full gas tank. 150 miles alter I filled up again with only 2.69 gallons of gas - regular. That a tad over 55mpg. Top speed 80 mph. About 60 miles of forest road mainly in 2nd or 3rd gear, 20 to 40 mph. The rest of the miles was chuggign along at speeds up to 60 mph. No need to go faster than that in teh N GA twisties. Lotsa ground clearance on a KLR. The previous owner had left lots of tread on the edges of the tires. So I tried to wear it off.  The centre of the tires are getting a bit thin  |
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« Last Edit: September 12, 2009, 02:30:17 PM by Britman »
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Strider
Member
Posts: 1409
Why would anyone shave a cow like that?
Broussard, Louisiana
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« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2009, 02:40:06 PM » |
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VERY SWEET!!!!
Looks great. Is the top speed on the bike 80 or was that as fast as you went?
There are a couple of us that are looking at the KLR or the v-Strom for a ride next year.
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« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2009, 02:46:59 PM » |
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Touched 90 on the way home. I don't think the KLR would like that for very long. The rest of the 36 mile ride home was on 4 lane and at pretty much about 70 to 75 mph.
Once you get the bike up to about 60 mph the twisties are such fun.
The bike I bought has after market handlebars and grips - very little vibration. I'm going to put Grip Puppies on to fatten up the grip for my big hands.
It has a fork brace and it felt very well planted on the road. It also has highway pegs. I also have highway pegs on the ST. Childishly I like using them as I go past Harleys.
In the photo in my first post you can see the ATV pad on top of the stock seat. This also came with the bike and they cost $15 at Wal Mart. A great addition for butt comfort. It's got pockets of gel and really helps.
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« Reply #9 on: September 12, 2009, 03:01:31 PM » |
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VERY SWEET!!!!
Looks great. Is the top speed on the bike 80 or was that as fast as you went?
There are a couple of us that are looking at the KLR or the v-Strom for a ride next year.
A while back I met a group of dual sporters and their consensus was that the 650 V Strom was plenty big enough. The 1000cc weighed too much for off road use. Oh yeah, my bike also has stainless steel brake lines fore and aft. They help slowing the bike and my bulk down. |
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« Reply #10 on: September 12, 2009, 03:21:56 PM » |
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« Last Edit: September 13, 2009, 12:34:49 AM by Britman »
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Strider
Member
Posts: 1409
Why would anyone shave a cow like that?
Broussard, Louisiana
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« Reply #11 on: September 12, 2009, 03:22:55 PM » |
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Paul, another quick question - does the KLR have tubes or solid tires?
Cheers!
Again, that is a sweet KLR bro!
Oh, does it have any problems running 70-75 all day? We gotta ride a lot of Interstate to get to where we are going.
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« Reply #12 on: September 12, 2009, 03:30:13 PM » |
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Paul, another quick question - does the KLR have tubes or solid tires?
Cheers!
Again, that is a sweet KLR bro!
Oh, does it have any problems running 70-75 all day? We gotta ride a lot of Interstate to get to where we are going.
Tubes. I think 70 to 75 is doable but do check the oil level. They use oil unlike Valks and ST's. Oil change is 3,000 miles and both air and oil filter (reusable) are easily accessible. Only maintenance hassle is the valve check. Bucket and shim. |
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« Reply #13 on: September 12, 2009, 03:32:42 PM » |
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« Reply #14 on: September 12, 2009, 03:34:27 PM » |
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Nelson Rigg magnetic tank bag has scuffed the tank paint. Strange. I have used it on the ST for 60,000 miles. I guess the paint isn't as good as Hondas.
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solo1
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« Reply #15 on: September 12, 2009, 04:23:27 PM » |
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I had a KLR, Paul. Very nice bike. A little weak on the front brake . Mine had a big problem with the rear shock. Completely lost its oil just after warrantee ran out by one month. Went to aftermarket shock, much better. Battery was hard to check.
The good part, fuel mileage was fantastic, very reliable. Suspension was terrific, lots of travel. Tires were lousy, replaced with Michelin 80/20's (80% street, 20% off road).
I've considered a KLR to finish out my riding because of the light weight but it's hard to hoist my leg that high to get on the bike. The later KLR's had less suspension and a better front brake starting with the 2007 I think.
Overall, a good choice for you.
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Normandog
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« Reply #16 on: September 13, 2009, 04:53:36 AM » |
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Paul, how does the KLR and the rougher roads do on your back?
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« Reply #17 on: September 13, 2009, 05:38:06 AM » |
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Paul, how does the KLR and the rougher roads do on your back?
So far so good. That could be in part because I have a strong back thanks to my weight training. Only body part I'm worried about are my knees thanks to my weight lifting.  There's a lot of standing up on the pegs. I was a tad tired last night but it was comparable with doing a 300 mile day on the ST. I'm just about to head out for more off road fun Only a few hours today I need to change the oil and start stripping it down so I can blue loctite everything. I'm trailering ( no comments please) it up to the FCR so you can have a chug about on it then if you so desire. The main problem is the bloody thing is so tall. Feels like I'm going to fall off to the right every time I get on. Once seated I can flat foot it. |
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Normandog
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« Reply #18 on: September 13, 2009, 08:27:22 AM » |
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]
So far so good. That could be in part because I have a strong back thanks to my weight training.
I guess I had you confused with someone else. I thought you had lower back troubles. I do and I know you spend some time standing on pegs when riding off road. That plus the hammering on knees ankles lower back etc. makes me wonder if I could hang with the off road riding. I trailered my Valk to Colorado Springs on our recent trip so no comments from me on the trailering.  |
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CajunRider
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« Reply #19 on: September 13, 2009, 08:45:09 AM » |
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VERY SWEET!!!!
Looks great. Is the top speed on the bike 80 or was that as fast as you went?
There are a couple of us that are looking at the KLR or the v-Strom for a ride next year.
Strider, I'll answer your questions and then some...  KLR650 top speed = 95-100 depending on wind and tires. Can handle 75-80 all day, no problem. Check oil level when you fill up on gas... some burn a little... mine will blow oil into the breather box if filled past half the sight glass. Tubed tires (I think someone asked that...). Mine's for sale if you want it!! 2006, Silver/Red (Same plastics as one shown, but silver tank), 56## miles on it. Anyone want it, make me an offer in the $3500 range!! (Mythical "doo" has been done...) Now for the strom... I also have a DL1000 strom. Gov'ner kicks in at 130ish... capable of much more, but the frame get's un-stable above that (tank-slapper and horrible crash has been known to happen). The DL650 tops out at about 110 if I remember right. Differences between KLR & Strom: - KLR is more dirt oriented and cost less to repair broken parts. (Mine has taken a dirt nap once or twice... nothing broken.) - Strom is smoother on the road if you're going to be at HWY speeds for more than 30 minutes. - Strom has much more power, but also 40 lbs heavier (more for the 1000). - KLR is a "Go ANYWHERE, do ANYTHING bike"... it just doesn't do everything perfectly. Basically, Good at everything, Best at nothing... - KLR has much more ground clearance than a Strom... plus a nice cradle under the engine... strom only has a header under there, so beware of rocks/logs/etc... - Heavy traffic while on a KLR???? Take the ditch and go!!! (Have to be much more careful when trying this on a strom.) - KLR bolt falls out of the plastic??? Two words... TIE WRAP!!! (Easier than bolts anyway!!!) Quite often, I've taken the KLR through a ditch just to get out of traffic... that's MUCH more fun than sitting and waiting for cars to start moving. All in all... the KLR is a great bike... If you want something cheap to play around on, commute, or just beat up, the KLR is the bike to get... but I was looking for something more capable on the HWY and Interstates (This IS Louisiana...). I went with a Strom and am selling the KLR. |
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CajunRider
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« Reply #20 on: September 13, 2009, 09:08:24 AM » |
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On last thing... For those that would like, I do still have the KLR650 AND the V-Strom 1000 at my house. VRCC members are welcome to try both of them out to make up their mind as to which one they would rather. |
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Black Pearl's Captain
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« Reply #21 on: September 13, 2009, 03:52:27 PM » |
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Britman remember after you drop it on the left side (you will eventually!!) the acid will drain out of the stock battery while it's laid down. Get a gel mat battery in the future. Those KLR's will take you everyhwere! Raymond  |
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« Reply #22 on: September 13, 2009, 04:07:23 PM » |
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Britman remember after you drop it on the left side (you will eventually!!) the acid will drain out of the stock battery while it's laid down. Get a gel mat battery in the future. Those KLR's will take you everyhwere! Raymond Thanks. It already has a gel battery. The PO put after market exhaust - FMF, handlebars, grips and knuckle protectors, fork brace, stainless brake lines, relocated the choke lever, doo-hickey, changed the front fender, upgraded the suspension, magnetic oil drain plug, 12v outlet tall windshield and some other suff. All I really need to get is a better bash plate and a centre stand. I've got a cool LED brake light insert coming. It flashes for a couple of seconds and is bloody bright in the shape of an X. http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product_info.php?products_id=5878 |
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Strider
Member
Posts: 1409
Why would anyone shave a cow like that?
Broussard, Louisiana
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« Reply #23 on: September 13, 2009, 04:55:32 PM » |
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Cajunrider - I will see about linking up with you this week if I can (LOOOOOONG Honeydo list before I head back to Bawanaland).
Is the VSTROM 1000 ok for off road or is it too heavy or top heavy. Not all off road - just a couple of hundred miles of dirt and gravel roads? (and crappy highways the rest of the time).
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Scott in Ok
Chief Worker Ant
Administrator
Member
Posts: 1157
Oklahoma City, Ok
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« Reply #24 on: September 13, 2009, 07:03:06 PM » |
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Cajunrider - I will see about linking up with you this week if I can (LOOOOOONG Honeydo list before I head back to Bawanaland).
Is the VSTROM 1000 ok for off road or is it too heavy or top heavy. Not all off road - just a couple of hundred miles of dirt and gravel roads? (and crappy highways the rest of the time).
With the proper tires, I'll take my DL1000 anywhere you want to take a KLR. BUT, and this is a BIG but, it is a handful if you get it very far offroad. Dirt roads? No problem at all. Soft sandy dirt roads? Watch out. You get it on trails and rough rocky country, you have to be a very competent off-road rider to handle it. Even tho I have a V-Strom, and love it, if I were truly going to buy a bike to ride trails and mountains, I'd pick a KLR any day. Trails? Who needs trails?   By the way, congrats on the KLR Paul! -Scott |
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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers!
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CajunRider
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« Reply #25 on: September 17, 2009, 02:39:11 PM » |
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Strider, I had to make an off-shore trip. I should be back sometime September Twenty-Something-or-other... I'll give you a call when I get back to shore to see if you're still in Broussard. The Strom is fine for dirt roads, but I wouldn't try much worse. In rough trails, the KLR is much easier to handle. It's a mix of the KLR being less top heavy and the Strom having a very twitchy throttle response (FI engines seem to do that for some reason). But, it your off-roading consists of areas that any old Jeep can handle, the Strom engine is MUCH smoother at speed and handles long miles better (without vibrating you hands numb). Cajunrider - I will see about linking up with you this week if I can (LOOOOOONG Honeydo list before I head back to Bawanaland).
Is the VSTROM 1000 ok for off road or is it too heavy or top heavy. Not all off road - just a couple of hundred miles of dirt and gravel roads? (and crappy highways the rest of the time).
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mattfidaho
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« Reply #26 on: September 17, 2009, 02:44:24 PM » |
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yup I need one.  one of these days |
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