So the rumor is that the "Cub" will be a downsized (modern day) Tiger adventure touring model?
Yes, modern less CC adventure bike...completing the trio of the Daytona and Speed Triple 675 (from memory that's the other already existing models, I think). Supposedly the adventure beast has been seen testing.
Does anyone know when the new KTM 690 Adventure is going to arrive in North America? None of the Phoenix KTM dealers have any word from the KTM factory in Austria when the 690 Adventure is going to ship. They all have the new 690 Enduro, which is a really nice machine, but with only three gallons of fuel it doesn't do me much good here in the middle of the Sonoran desert, or where I usually ride down in Mexico. It would get me just far enough out to run out of fuel and die!
Mark, there's probably not a better alternative at this time. I gave my open-face helmet to the guy who bought the KLR. Will just stay with my FJR. Yamaha has a new street legal bike that's lighter and quicker in the dirt. (Sorry, don't remember the model right now.) But it won't have the cruising range.
The 640 Adventure, which is being replaced by the new 690, has a 7.4 tank; I just hope they continue to offer the 7.4 galllons.
there's lots of info about the KLR and rides on this page... you do have to sign up, but it's free.... and tons of reading...First off, I have never owned or really even ridden a dirt bike. I have had many street bikes over the past 25 years with most of them being bigger faster sportbiles. I have really enjoyed having the FJR and what it brings to riding and I am thinking it would be nice to have a bike to do similar things with but on dirt mountain roads.
Living in Harrisburg NC, I am 1-3 hours away from some incredible mountain roads, hike, camping and whatnot. I am an avid hiker and hike someplace several times a week and just love the mountains. Normally when I ride my FJR or other bikes, I am heading to the mountains to hit the curves and country towns.
I would really like to ride the dirt mountain roads in the Smokies, Pisgah and elsewhere. I would also like to be able to carry enough gear to camp and/or do some overnight trips. It would also be nice to occasionally take my girlfriend (she is small 5'2" and about 110-115lbs).
I seem to be drawn to the KLR650. There is a good range of luggage and stuff for them. It is very affordable (about $5300 for an 08) and if you get it dirty or tear it up some, no big deal (unlike a $15,000+ KTM or BMW) Many of the guys seem to ride them all over the country and puts lots of miles on them like we do FJR's. I sat on one with my girl and at first sit there seemed to be room for a pillion.
I am used to big bikes so it didnt seem heavy to me, however, many folks still say they are too heavy. Not only are the big KTM's amd BWM's even heavier but they cost 3x as much.
A smaller lighter bike would be nice but will it be comfortable enough to ride 150mi from where I live up the mountains and back - or carry light panniers or a pillon?
I know that many of you have had KLR's and other dual sport bikes and I am hoping that my FJR brothers can offer up some feedback before I run out and buy something.
Mark
Harrisburg NC
And here's a link to a good discussion of the merits of the KLR -vs- VersysFirst off, I have never owned or really even ridden a dirt bike. I have had many street bikes over the past 25 years with most of them being bigger faster sportbiles. I have really enjoyed having the FJR and what it brings to riding and I am thinking it would be nice to have a bike to do similar things with but on dirt mountain roads.
Living in Harrisburg NC, I am 1-3 hours away from some incredible mountain roads, hike, camping and whatnot. I am an avid hiker and hike someplace several times a week and just love the mountains. Normally when I ride my FJR or other bikes, I am heading to the mountains to hit the curves and country towns.
I would really like to ride the dirt mountain roads in the Smokies, Pisgah and elsewhere. I would also like to be able to carry enough gear to camp and/or do some overnight trips. It would also be nice to occasionally take my girlfriend (she is small 5'2" and about 110-115lbs).
I seem to be drawn to the KLR650. There is a good range of luggage and stuff for them. It is very affordable (about $5300 for an 08) and if you get it dirty or tear it up some, no big deal (unlike a $15,000+ KTM or BMW) Many of the guys seem to ride them all over the country and puts lots of miles on them like we do FJR's. I sat on one with my girl and at first sit there seemed to be room for a pillion.
I am used to big bikes so it didnt seem heavy to me, however, many folks still say they are too heavy. Not only are the big KTM's amd BWM's even heavier but they cost 3x as much.
A smaller lighter bike would be nice but will it be comfortable enough to ride 150mi from where I live up the mountains and back - or carry light panniers or a pillon?
I know that many of you have had KLR's and other dual sport bikes and I am hoping that my FJR brothers can offer up some feedback before I run out and buy something.
Mark
Harrisburg NC
Sweet machine. Surely would be nice! Time for a mass e-mail campaign. That's how the Versys arrived across the border.
One major difference is the XT is a single vs. the other two, which are both twin cylinders. Having a big thumper single is fine off road but gets rather tiresome on-road for any length of time.
