NCGhostrider
Member
Posts: 592
A bad map and a long ride in Northern New Mexico!
Jacksboro, TX
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« on: October 08, 2015, 06:49:34 PM » |
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Well after many years of consideration (I am slow), I am adding a new bike to the stable. I have been wanting to step off the highway and explore some rougher roads on bikes for quite some time. I have had a goal to do some non-pavement roads in Colorado for quite some time.
At present, I am working on planning an Alaska trip with my cousin, and perhaps a few others that want to go along. Haven't worked out the details, but probably going to haul close to the Canadian border and go from there.
Anyway, we chose the worst/best of both worlds! KLR 650's. Going to pick mine up Saturday. And BTW, there are as many opinions on the dual sport bikes as we have opinions on oil and tires for our Valkyries. The KLR has had a long virtually non changed production run, and are jokingly called the "jeep" of motorcycles. It isn't great at pavement, and not great at off road. It meets in the middle though very well. I won't be riding single track, just mixed pavement and tougher secondary roads than the I/S needs. And if I drop it, well, it will be just fine!
Before anyone blasts me, I know what it is, it is not a Valk. I know the Valk would make it to Alaska next summer with no problem. Seen and talked to many people who have done it. But, I don't want to tear my old Gal up, and I want the versatility of riding to Prudhoe to be less of a challenge if we set our eyes on it.
I will post a picture of the thing when I get it home. I figure the I/S will whiz on it or something!!
I am excited about having a new 2 wheeled toy to play with.
Craig
99 I/S
2011 KLR 650 << these things are cheap!!!
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#6674 99 I/S Why aren't we riding? Anyone? Anyone? |
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icandoitfaster
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« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2015, 08:26:01 PM » |
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Congrats on your new bike!!  It should serve you well on the rougher Northern roads, especially if you want to get off pavment and onto some gravel. I've read that it's only real weekness is it's suspension. Maybe think about beefing it up before you load the bike up for a long hard trip. paul |
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Valker
Member
Posts: 3035
Wahoo!!!!
Texas Panhandle
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« Reply #2 on: October 09, 2015, 03:56:15 AM » |
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Congrats. I had a KLR for 7 years and 45,000 miles. That's the longest I've kept any bike other than the Valk.
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I ride a motorcycle because nothing transports me as quickly from where I am to who I am.
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Davemn
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« Reply #3 on: October 09, 2015, 04:23:36 AM » |
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I bought a new 650 V Strom last year. I seldom ride the Valkyrie anymore. Mostly eye candy now. Have fun.
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solo1
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« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2015, 05:34:22 AM » |
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Don't apologize. I had a KLR at the same time that I had a' 91 Aspencade. Although they were entirely different in their application, they were both a joy to ride.
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kybigmac
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« Reply #5 on: October 09, 2015, 07:08:53 AM » |
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Always liked the KLR's ,thinking I should get one before I get to old. They are supposed to be tough as nails. Good luck with yours.
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Momz
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« Reply #6 on: October 09, 2015, 07:38:58 AM » |
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As far as DP bikes go,....they are by far the best for the majority of riders.
The BMW single has nothing on the KLR and only the Suzuki singles come close.
Congrats on your purchase.
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 ALWAYS QUESTION AUTHORITY! 97 Valk bobber, 98 Valk Rat Rod, 2K SuperValk, plus several other classic bikes |
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BigChris99
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« Reply #7 on: October 09, 2015, 08:05:59 AM » |
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Congrats. I have a '98 KLR. I've had it for years. Picked it up for next to nothing. Love my KLR. If I had to have only one bike,the KLR would stay. 50mpg and a huge gas tank make it a great commuter bike.
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In 5th gear.... looking for 6th
VRCC # 35023 IBA # 7849
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Edvalk
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« Reply #8 on: October 09, 2015, 08:13:15 AM » |
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The dual sport bike are great . After my 20 year lay off raising the family the first bike I bought was a suzuki DR650 . It was a fun bike and very dependable. Only negative was it was very tall and swinging your leg over it was difficult some days. Just made sure I stretched a little before I rode it. There were lowering kits available for it. Bought a suzuki DRZ400sm after the 650 and talk about fun , wish I still had it. Good luck on your trip.
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1998 valkyrie standard , 2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250
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bigdanIA
Member
Posts: 50
'98 tourer
brooklyn, iowa
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« Reply #9 on: October 09, 2015, 10:12:00 AM » |
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i've got an '11 klr and love it! it's great for commuting and just general farting around, it's not great at anything but it's good for everything. are you buying a new one or used? the new bikes are said to have a bit better suspension but i have no experience with them, not so sure that it isn't simply higher rate springs, i don't know if they did anything with the shock internals or not... check out klr650.net as it's an awesome community of helpful riders and a great place to get info and advice there are only a few things that the klr truly needs to make it bulletproof, 1) thermostat bypass, ie, thermobob 2) doohickey and spring upgrade... the gen 1 klr doo is failure prone and has a junk spring that often breaks (you will find several pictures of broken springs, just google broken klr doo) the gen 2 bikes have a better doo but still use the junk spring... the upgrade is cheap insurance against a catastrophic engine failure. for you valk riders that aren't familiar with the klr and associated lingo the doohickey is the adjuster for the balance system in the engine, being a big single the klr has two chain driven balancer counterweights and the doo spring pulls the tension when you adjust it and the doo holds the setting... another very worthwhile upgrade is a klx needle & jet kit from Eagle Mike, the bike will start much easier and run smoother at hghway speeds, the new bikes tend to have a slight surge at highway speeds due to being lean for the sake of emmisions. it's an easy fix and will help you get more familiar with your bike... you've made an excellent choice in the klr and i hope to see you over at klr650.net! |
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NCGhostrider
Member
Posts: 592
A bad map and a long ride in Northern New Mexico!
Jacksboro, TX
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« Reply #10 on: October 13, 2015, 09:33:33 AM » |
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Well, this has been fun so far  . The bike I was going to pickup Saturday, I did not get. He was almost 4 hours from me, so I couldn't just jump up and go get it when I spoke with him Wednesday. So, .... someone showed up with the cash and picked it up Friday afternoon. What a bummer.... I don't blame the seller, he doesn't know me, nor I him. Like I told him, first come, first serve... I have been burned on waiting for a supposed buy before.. What is that saying? no hatch... no chicken ... Shortened version!!! So, I went to my second choice and offered a low offer via text, didn't hear anything. Had a few drinks Friday nite  . Called to ask if I had insulted him ... voicemail. Wrote that one off. But he called back about an hour later. Pretty much took my offer, but.... wait for it!!! He said the title wasn't where it was supposed to be. So, I obviously say "no deal" without the title. He didn't object at all or try to defend himself. The banks were closed yesterday, and he wasn't able to check to see if it had not been mailed to him when he paid it off (I have had that happen). He has assured me that everything is on the up and up. We will see how this ends! I have spoke with another seller, but it is an older model, and 08 with few accessories. Probably not going to pursue it. If the one I want falls thru, I may just go buy a new one. Looking forward to having the new toy... been researching and I did join the KLR650.net group. I have been part of the ADVriders group for several years.. I just never post anything. Craig 99 I/S KLR <<< not yet |
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#6674 99 I/S Why aren't we riding? Anyone? Anyone? |
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jshram
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« Reply #11 on: October 13, 2015, 09:45:35 AM » |
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No blasting from me. I think that is cooler than heck! Great stable addition. Go! |
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2001 Valkyrie 2006 BMW K1200R 2012 Concours 14 A bunch of SAABs...  |
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BigChris99
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« Reply #12 on: October 15, 2015, 12:37:26 PM » |
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NCGhostrider,I sent you a PM.
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In 5th gear.... looking for 6th
VRCC # 35023 IBA # 7849
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #13 on: October 15, 2015, 04:03:34 PM » |
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Take your time and get a good bike that you want.
There's plenty out there.
You won't turn into a pumpkin.
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« Reply #14 on: October 15, 2015, 06:19:41 PM » |
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Don't wait to do a shim check.
I ran my 2005 KLR for about 15,000 miles and had to change shims twice.
Pain to do but DO IT.
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Willow
Administrator
Member
Posts: 16770
Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP
Olathe, KS
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« Reply #15 on: October 16, 2015, 07:13:13 AM » |
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...
You won't turn into a pumpkin.
Let us not make commitments over which we have no control.  |
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NCGhostrider
Member
Posts: 592
A bad map and a long ride in Northern New Mexico!
Jacksboro, TX
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« Reply #16 on: October 18, 2015, 05:36:49 PM » |
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"Thing" is home now. I completed the deal on an 11 model with low miles. Ended up with a bunch of extras, including large Wolfman rollup saddle bags.. a KLR trunk, a large Wolfman duffel bag, small saddle bags... a set of tank bags that straddle the tank, custom seat, stock seat etc etc... I almost bought a new one after dealing with some of the sellers on Craig's list... The world is full of them!! Been out playing with it today, ran several miles of two track... The "Thing" is fun. Running the pavement is what I expected, will do it, but its not a speed demon. It is the equivalent of strapping a Briggs and Stratton to your backside and revving it up. I am pretty sure my Valk took a whiz on it though in disgust!!!  I like it though I am picking it apart. If I could get it to pop like the old Popping Johnny tractors it would be even more fun!! Craig NcGhostrider 99 Valk I/S <Road Pig 11 KLR 650 <Thing |
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#6674 99 I/S Why aren't we riding? Anyone? Anyone? |
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« Reply #17 on: October 18, 2015, 07:07:49 PM » |
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"Thing" is home now. I completed the deal on an 11 model with low miles. Ended up with a bunch of extras, including large Wolfman rollup saddle bags.. a KLR trunk, a large Wolfman duffel bag, small saddle bags... a set of tank bags that straddle the tank, custom seat, stock seat etc etc... I almost bought a new one after dealing with some of the sellers on Craig's list... The world is full of them!! Been out playing with it today, ran several miles of two track... The "Thing" is fun. Running the pavement is what I expected, will do it, but its not a speed demon. It is the equivalent of strapping a Briggs and Stratton to your backside and revving it up. I am pretty sure my Valk took a whiz on it though in disgust!!! I like it though I am picking it apart. If I could get it to pop like the old Popping Johnny tractors it would be even more fun!! Craig NcGhostrider 99 Valk I/S <Road Pig 11 KLR 650 <Thing Change oil and filter every 1,500 miles and the bike will be happy. |
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