Enduro Pangs

[Rentaroo]

I don't have any experience with the Kawasaki luggage.....but if you go to

KLR Forum you'll get more info about the KLR.

 

[markjenn]

For adventure touring, I'd definitely go with the KLR, although the DR is certainly serviceable. The KLR comes with the big gas tank stock and has a richer accessory market. The DR's main appeal is that it it air-cooled, so it's simpler and perhaps a bit more rugged.

Neither is nearly as good a trail bike as a DRZ400S. And you can equip a DRZ to be a better adventure touring bike, but it is just too strung out for consistently high road speeds - it's a nice 65 mph bike, but above this, it starts getting pretty strung out. THe 650's are much better for road touring.

None of these bikes are up to the caliber of bikes like the YZF's for CRF''s, but these bikes are just punishing for road use. They can sometimes be plated and then you can use roads to connect the trails, but you'd never want to road tour on one if you could avoid it.

Another, more esoteric option is KTM's 640 Adventure. But new, they run nearly $9K. This is the ulitimate adventure single, but it's expensive and very high maintenance.

Then there is the twin option: Suzuki's Stroms, KTM 950, BMW GS. All great bikes, but a LOT more money and a LOT more weight. The 650 Strom is a hell of a bike for the money though - a perfect go-to-Alaska bike where you want something comfortable for the big miles, but need a little bit of dirt capability for big gravel and the occasional forest service road.

For the money, the KLR can't be beat. It's the Jeep Wrangler of dual-sports. Just have reasonable expectations of it's performance in the dirt - it's not a trail bike.

- Mark

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Madmike2: Well, it sounds like "Orangevale" has already made up his mind? If you're still interested in persuing the Dual-Sport thing; I've ridden several KLR 650s and currently own a DR-650 that I use primarily for d-s touring and try to stay off-highway as much as possible. After all, I've got an FJR for the highway.

I think "ghost" summed up the comparison really well (on page 1 of this topic). My DR has accessories added that make it better for d-s touring: 5 gal tank, Corbin seat, skidplate, + others -- but, just stock I consider them more off-road worthy than the KLR 650. Now that statement could get me in alot of trouble in certain circles and I'm sure there are riders out there with skill levels that can ride just-about-anything -- anywhere. But, imo, the KLR is pretty big and clumsy off-road. If you could tell yourself you were never going to get into a bind (off-road); or, you were just a really big, strong rider; or, just well skilled -- well, good.

As for your friends' reccos about smaller d-s bikes -- I think that's good advice. I did the Continental Divide d-s ride last summer (2800 miles, off-road mostly, in 10 days) with two friends -- one on a BMW F650 Dakar and the other on an older Suz DR-250. We all made the trip just fine and there were no problems with the 250. If anything, its advantages in the tricky sections out-weighed (or , at least countered) any shortcomings it might have had during the few high-speed hiway sections.

I've got about 12k miles on my DR w/no problems. I rode it up to the Canadian border on highways and rode dirt back down to the Mexican border. As for the KLR comparison: I'm sure one of them would've been more comfortable on the trip up (hiway part) -- but I was really glad to have the DR on the trip down (dirt part).

Compromises....even among the d-s community

p.s. I rode a friends DRZ-400 for a week-end in a Natl. For. last fall and really liked it. I thought it was sportier ( a little more m-x'y?) with a great, punchy, motor. If one just wanted a fun, knock-around, street-legal, off-road bike -- it'd be a good choice (I think).

 

[madmike2]

IIRC, one of the magazines did a comparo a couple years ago. Dirt: street, they came up with Honda--Suzuki--KLR. The tank wuldn't be a huge thing to replace and a seat can be built (heh-heh-heh, I was just thinking Russell on a DRZ 650 :haha: ). To have a more dirt-worthy thumper that was streetable would be the key, I think. Just something I'm still tossing around. At my size (6'2"/ 240#), the 400 felt like a bicycle, a really scary bike to me at freeway speeds. Unfortunately, around here, one must ride freeways to get to the mountain roads. OTH, pure dirt would mean "toss it in the pickup", but that removes the adventure touring mode. Decisions, decisions!

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

IIRC, one of the magazines did a comparo a couple years ago.  Dirt: street, they came up with Honda--Suzuki--KLR.  The tank wuldn't be a huge thing to replace and a seat can be built (heh-heh-heh, I was just thinking Russell on a DRZ 650 :haha: ).  To have a more dirt-worthy thumper that was streetable would be the key, I think.  Just something I'm still tossing around.  At my size (6'2"/ 240#), the 400 felt like a bicycle, a really scary bike to me at freeway speeds.  Unfortunately, around here, one must ride freeways to get to the mountain roads.  OTH, pure dirt would mean "toss it in the pickup", but that removes the adventure touring mode.  Decisions, decisions!

Get the 650. After the FJR, a 650 enduro is gonna feel like a ten speed bike and you'll be able to take some pretty hairy dirt roads/trails with it. That's my opinion. You need something that will do halfway decently on the freeway and the 400 just won't cut it from other input I've had from 400 owners.

The Suzuki 650 is nice, Aftermarket tanks are available, and though you laugh, Russell does make seats for the KLR and Suzuki. So does Corbin.

It really seems to me that the Suzuki is better in suspension and that's all. I don't want an aircooled bike in this area. I'd feel safer with liquid cooled due to the extreme temps we can get. This might be a totally bogus concern, so I brought it up just in case someone can shoot it down with good reason. However, I would be willing to bet that the KLR got picked my the military because it handled different climates better than others.

I don't care too much about this bike being the ultimate anything. I just want a bike where I'll feel comfortable getting into back woods places without having to do a bunch of PITA enhancements. The KLR seems to have everything I want as is and with some simple purchases.

And talk about having a ready to ride upgrade bike at a great price:

Very tempting

 

[Scab]

Just so you know, a FULL report is required after ample miles are accumulated on your bike of choice.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Just so you know, a FULL report is required after ample miles are accumulated on your bike of choice.

Ride reports? What are they?

1

2

3

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5

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9

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16

I think I missed one... :lol:

 

[joyfulgirl]

IIRC, one of the magazines did a comparo a couple years ago.  Dirt: street, they came up with Honda--Suzuki--KLR.  The tank wuldn't be a huge thing to replace and a seat can be built (heh-heh-heh, I was just thinking Russell on a DRZ 650 :haha: ).  To have a more dirt-worthy thumper that was streetable would be the key, I think.  Just something I'm still tossing around.  At my size (6'2"/ 240#), the 400 felt like a bicycle, a really scary bike to me at freeway speeds.  Unfortunately, around here, one must ride freeways to get to the mountain roads.  OTH, pure dirt would mean "toss it in the pickup", but that removes the adventure touring mode.  Decisions, decisions!

Get the 650. After the FJR, a 650 enduro is gonna feel like a ten speed bike and you'll be able to take some pretty hairy dirt roads/trails with it. That's my opinion. You need something that will do halfway decently on the freeway and the 400 just won't cut it from other input I've had from 400 owners.

The Suzuki 650 is nice, Aftermarket tanks are available, and though you laugh, Russell does make seats for the KLR and Suzuki. So does Corbin.

It really seems to me that the Suzuki is better in suspension and that's all. I don't want an aircooled bike in this area. I'd feel safer with liquid cooled due to the extreme temps we can get. This might be a totally bogus concern, so I brought it up just in case someone can shoot it down with good reason. However, I would be willing to bet that the KLR got picked my the military because it handled different climates better than others.

I don't care too much about this bike being the ultimate anything. I just want a bike where I'll feel comfortable getting into back woods places without having to do a bunch of PITA enhancements. The KLR seems to have everything I want as is and with some simple purchases.

And talk about having a ready to ride upgrade bike at a great price:

Very tempting

Gee Andrew, I'm curious... from the R6 to the FJR to the KLR-whatever-it-is... and so on... you are showing and telling me about a different bike every day! Sometimes, multiple bikes an hour! I think your case of MAS has reached the dangerous point! I better hide the kids and bolt down the furniture! :lol:

All I know is that it will be a surprise when you finally decide which will be the next bike to grace our garage!

Will I get to ride the next one? If so, you know it has to meet some certain requirements... it has to be as sexy as the FJR and I have to be able to touch both feet to the ground when I'm on it. hehe

:wub:

 

[Scab]

Quick, OrangeVale! Buy her something!

 

[twowheelnut]

Awwww (or Uh - Oh!), a De Beers moment for sure!

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Scab: Quick, OrangeVale! Buy her something!


TWN: Awwww (or Uh - Oh!), a De Beers moment for sure!

Da Beers? She likes rum To be precise, she likes Fleur de Cana 12 year!

But instead of booze, maybe I should buy her jewelry!

hmm...dang...first bike...FZ6? Or should I get her the KTM 950 Adventure. Oh yeah...the feet on the ground thing.

uh...

Speaking of which, I went an looked at the KTM 950 Adventure SM and 950 Adventure. grrr. Oh and while I was looking at the KLR, I also looked at the DR and Honda XR 650...but that KTM...grrr

 

[Scab]

We married types must keep the lady of the house happy. Especially when the lady of the house supports our motorcycle habits. As we say down here: "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

I don't know what your lady would prefer, but write the check. Always a good investment.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Did I say KLR yesterday? Well today I saw this KTM:

Is that you WeekendRider? :cownoy:

 

[Scab]

OrangeVale, what kind of local support network do you have for the KTM? (dealers, etc)

And what about the cost? You could get the KLR and a diamond for you know who.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

OrangeVale, what kind of local support network do you have for the KTM? (dealers, etc)
And what about the cost? You could get the KLR and a diamond for you know who.

The KTM dealer is 6 miles from my house and have been there for many years. They have a racing team and are really a great shop.

Price issue: By that argument, I should have bought a Concours instead of the FJR

I'm not buying the bike yet...still deciding. Deciding is a big part of the fun for me. I am good at deciding. I even got to test ride the FJR before I bought it!

 

[Scab]

I take it you have turned bike shopping into an Olympic-quality sport - yes?

My kind of guy. My FJR purchase was nearly 3 years in the making.

 

[mech 1 twa]

What about a Honda XR650L I had one a 94. Put 21k on it in 4 years. No problems at all. Not a great off-road bike, heavy. Suspension OK.

Added a jet kit and muffler insert, not loud.

It was my 1st street bike I loved it.

Similar to KLR, smaller tank.

Just my 2$

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I saw the Xr650L today and somebody that owns one currently talked to me about it. He is really happy with it and it is his primary transportation. He said, "I got an aftermarket exhaust and rejetted it and now I can bring the front wheel up in first no problem." :blink:

Uh...a 650 single cylinder enduro better be able to wheelie before it even has gas put in it...or am I jaded?

 

[madmike2]

........ I think your case of MAS has reached the dangerous point! I better hide the kids and bolt down the furniture! :lol:
All I know is that it will be a surprise when you finally decide which will be the next bike to grace our garage! 

Will I get to ride the next one?

If so, you know it has to meet some certain requirements... it has to be as sexy as the FJR and I have to be able to touch both feet to the ground when I'm on it. hehe

:wub:

Hmmmm, where's my "psychic hat" when I need it? I'm thinking we're going to be seeing pictures of an FZ-6 or a Ninja 650 R in front of a garage in Orangevale.

So, Joyfulgirl, have you signed up for the MSF course yet?

 

[dcarver]

O'vale.. here's the scenario. Your nicely equipped, heavy, and undersprung KLR/KTM/BMW and you are travelling down the nicely maintained secondary county/forest road. All is good, the sun is shining, butterflies flying, and creeks running with crystal clear water..

Then you see the trailhead. It doesn't look so bad.. a little two-track trail that just kind of wraps around the corner... and you go for it.

Within 1 mile the sun is aggressively HOT, the butterflies have all WILTED, and all you can see are huge rocks, tree roots, and a creek crossing that suddenly looks bigger than the Ol' Missisip... and you can't really turn that big old bike of your's around, and it sure as heck is going to be 'fun' getting across the river..

That's when you find out you really want/need/should have a Honda XR650 that's converted to street. Yes, you will have to purchase one already converted, but now is the time.. the bikes on the used market are still new enough and not used up.

The XR can run all day long at freeway speeds, yet is JUST managable for true off road stuff... and that's pushing the envelope. Anything bigger is too big..

Written by a guy who has had a BMW R100/T with full knobby tires in more places than most on true dirt bikes have gone.. after he found that bitchin' little trail that just went around the corner..