Newb Checking in! (with questions)

[DonG]

Thanks for the feedback. I kind of figured with the amount of info for the KLR600 out there, verse the lack of info for the 250 (compared to any of the recommendations here), that the 250 is a weaker choice. I will keep looking for a KLX/DRZ or a WR250.

Thanks again!

[Savage]

http://wichita.craigslist.org/mcy/3115079982.html

[Stu]

Don,

There are changes coming in MY2013. Honda is selling a new 250 c.c. dual sport bike. It will be $4,500, fit most of us with inseams like ours, have FI but weigh a portly 330 lbs. KTM has a new 350 DS, the Freeride, with less suspension than the 350 race bike (EXC) and less weight. It may not make it to the US market for MY2012/13 but come later next spring. There has been a persistent rumor (possibly just wishful thinking) of a new Suzuki 450 6 speed DS bike. If that came out and the price was close to the current 400 5 speed Suzuki would not be able to make enough of them. If there will be a new 400/450 from Suzuki to match what the competition is doing I would think it would be announced in the next two months. That would be worth waiting for.

Stu

[Savage]

Don't hold your breath for Suzuki.

[DonG]

Thanks for the info guys.

[DonG]

I found this KLR.
http://fayar.craigslist.org/mcy/3109479872.html

He said he would take 2600 for it. Seems like a good deal, based on some of the other prices I have seen.

But after reading THIS I am not so sure. Sometimes i hate the interwebz. I have a feeling I should just buy something, ride it and see if it what I want (Isn't that what Troy said ).

Thanks again for all the input.

[Stu]

I read that 650 rider's report as well. I think, summarizing, what most of the posters realized was that the 650 KLR was out of its element in single track off-road conditions. Experience helps here (practice) but a lighter bike works better to learn on. Last year someone from Wichita entered the Big Springs hare scramble (off road race) on what looked like an '08 or '09 650 KLR. I zapped by him as he was struggling to extract it from a mud hole. He was proof that you CAN do it, but it is a better experience on a smaller, lighter bike. (I was on a KTM 300.) The latter handle off road stuff waaaaaay better and they are a lot easier to pick up when you drop them.

Soooooo...what do you want to do? Roads and gravel? The KLR 650 is fine here. Want to add fireroads in Arkansas? Still OK. Want to ride at Perry or other off road sites? You could do it but you would have a heck of a lot more fun on something like a 400 DR or even a smaller 250. You could ride there on the smaller bike, spend some pleasurable time in the woods and then ride home and have a good time with these smaller, lighter bikes. They just would not be great on the highway and would be impossible on the interstate. If you want to do it all and only have one bike you are going to have to get something like the KTM 500. And that is nearly twice your stated budget.

Choices....

Stu

[troy]

Stu's advice is spot on.

I'm telling you -- STOP WORRYING ABOUT THIS. TWO REASONS:

#1 NO FINANCIAL RISK
Go out and buy ANY USED "dualsport" motorcycle that is at least 3 years old. You will have a blast on it and make some great memories. The reason you don't need to worry is that you can almost certainly sell the bike in 3 months, 6 months, 1 year later if you decide you want something else. You'll be able to sell it up to 1 year later for almost the same price you paid. (Again assuming you did not pay too much up front.) Oh, and you almost certainly will want to sell it....

#2 WHATEVER YOU GET, YOU'LL WANT SOMETHING ELSE SOON ENOUGH
We've seen the pattern a hundred times. Whatever bike you start with, you'll eventually want to "upgrade" or move into a different niche of riding. Or--even better--you'll get to add to your stable.

I don't know you, but based on what you've posted so far, I say go get a used KLR and ride. Riding a KLR for 6 months is the best way to know if the KLR is right for you! I started my "dualsport" era with a KLR650. I rode it for about 2 years but figured out I wanted to focus on woods riding, so moved to lighter, street-legal dirtbikes. From the KLR, I got an old Suzuki DR350 because that's what I could afford. As my riding skill and budget have allowed, I've "upgraded" to a KTM 450. Fact is, though, my grins were just as big on that old DR as they are on my KTM.

Oh, and I got the fever to get back on the gravel roads, too, so I got a Suzuki Vstrom...then sold it and now ride a BMW F800GS. It would have been foolish for me to run out and buy a new F800GS to start my dualsport riding....at that point, I did not know enough and my skills were low. Now, after years of this kind of riding, I know it's a passion, so the investment is worth it. I could not have known that 6 years ago. 6 years ago, the KLR was a great choice for me. The KLR continues to be a great long-term choice for many folks, and I wouldn't mind having mine back.

[DonG]

Thanks guys. I just need a shove sometimes.

If I can manage to get down there, I think I am going to buy that one (time to poo or get off the pot). I talked to the owner yesterday and it sounds like the only thing it needs are the front fork seals replaced, he has the parts, the work just needs to be done. And he is going to keep the rear trunk as well. That is assuming I can get down there before it is sold.

[Bob Morgan]

Thanks guys. I just need a shove sometimes.

If I can manage to get down there, I think I am going to buy that one (time to poo or get off the pot). I talked to the owner yesterday and it sounds like the only thing it needs are the front fork seals replaced, he has the parts, the work just needs to be done. And he is going to keep the rear trunk as well. That is assuming I can get down there before it is sold.

I'm bored so I'm going to stir the pot.

That's too much money for a high mileage bike with blown fork seals. Probably ridden hard and put away wet. Much better deals out there if you look.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/m ... 43917.html

[DonG]

I JUST booked a flight back from MSP. Knew I should have checked craigslist first. Never mind, I would have to get my work truck back from STL somehow. . .

Thanks for the opinion on the price / condition. It has been kind of bothering me. I am still looking, I would guess there is a good chance it will get sold before I have enough free time to get down there, assuming I don't find something closer / better before then.

[Bob Morgan]

http://jonesboro.craigslist.org/mcy/3124903610.html

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/3129372502.html

[troy]

http://jonesboro.craigslist.org/mcy/3124903610.html

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/3129372502.html

Both look like great deals and only a day trip away. The Alton, IL one was obviously garaged while the AR one was not. The AR guy also indicates it "may need the carb cleaned". You don't say that if the bike is running perfect. So an extra $300 for the IL bike seems like a safer option.

If you want a ride to Alton, IL (just N of St. Louis), you can roll the dice on craigslist. (Note that I have 2 rideshare experiences. I won't do it again!)
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/rid/

[DonG]

How hard are DR650's to find? I went and looked at one today, and I like it / fit comfortabley on it, but I think it is a bit over priced. I only see 1 for sale within 250 miles using search tempest (is the lack of bikes an anomaly, or a constant). It is a 2002 for $2500 with 22,7k miles and it needs a little bit of work. He said he is fairly firm with his price. That seams a bit high for the shape it is in, but if they are hard to find, then perhaps I should just fix the few things wrong with it and go on down the road?

[troy]

DR650s don't come up as often as KLR650s, that's for sure. The DR650 is a great machine, and feels SO MUCH lighter than a KLR650. I've ridden a DR650 for a few miles, but not near as much as the KLR650 I owned. I'm not sure where a KLR650 would excel over a DR650. My point is, I would not hesitate to get a DR650 instead of a KLR650 if you find the right deal.

https://www.google.com/search?sugexp=ch ... gslist.org

[Savage]

I liked my DR and like my KLR. My DR was lighter than my KLR, but I wouldn't of went anywhere on it that I won't go on the KLR. I feel the KLR rides more balanced whereas the DR felt heavy on the front end and wanted to plow more.

Any bike will work.

[DonG]

Trigger PULLED!

Thanks everyone for their input!

[Savage]

Nice! What's the 411?

[DonG]

Its a stock 02 DR650SE, with street 80 / off road 20 tires on it (Hinko Trail Masters??? Those will probably be the first thing to go). I will replace the blinkers (cheap ebay crap), and replace the brake pads, they are pretty much shot. other then that, it seams good. I will change all the fluids and nut and bolt the whole thing, plus put the hand guards back on. Once I get that all done, I will probably look for a skid plate, proper hand guards, and maybe some sort of storage. and spend as much on fuel as I can.

I have to say, it felt great to be back in the saddle after being out of it for so long But almost nothing comes close to what an ass rocket that kart was, you know your sense of speed is warped when your waiting for a 500+ WHP Mustang to start accelerating . And I almost forgot how big those cages are next to me.

I probably over paid for it, but I fit on it well, and that was the first one that did. I figure I need to be comfortable on it, to get my dirt legs under me. Once I square away the few issues it has, it should be good to go.

[Savage]

Tires look like shinko 705's which are great tires on everything except mud. If you want a little more dirt worthy, shinko 244's are good too.
I'd invest in a Large tank. It's a comfy enough bike to ride for miles and miles.
Airbox mod and Dynojet will give her some pep. Change out the Buick pipe and you'll drop 10 lbs or more.
Or just leave stock and enjoy the ride!