LOVE my FJR but thinking of adding some "Adventure"

[beemerdons]

Papa Chuy, Barb will need a bodyguard from all the banditos and impertinent touristas. I don't do windows but I could watch over the place. I promise never to leave Barb's side. Even in her sleep I would be like a guardian angel.
If you say no I will be forced to whine while away my days in the cold drizzle of the Cascade Mountains.

I can see why she needs the protection by looking at her avatar.

Hey No One do you have any experience on dirt?

Think it's a case of a fox watching the hen house. Especially since I've been giving SPU *** education lessons over the phone!

 

[beemerdons]

I would go with the KLR. I asked Austin Vincent ( Mondo Enduro) about bikes. He said for real adventure riding he has some basic rules. Less electronics is a good thing. Smaller is better, trading off 50 lbs for 50 less HP he would do anytime, weight is the critical factor on having fun. Watch The Long Way Around and note all the issues with falling due too just plain too big of bikes. The camera guy on a little about 350cc or so had no issues with falling etc.

https://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/20...KLR650-95755564 I'm with happyPuppy recommending a KLR for you as your 1st off road moto, if it's indeed your 1st dual sport. They are asking $2K for this 2006, see if they'll take $1.5K!

ShinyPartsUp, Tucson Joe and I can make a laundry list of items you need to add that would make it ready for Prudhoe Bay!

You can ride this KLR for 2 years offroad, after adding about $1K of good gear, and still sell it for what you've invested in it!

 

[user 6393]

Papa Chuy, Barb will need a bodyguard from all the banditos and impertinent touristas. I don't do windows but I could watch over the place. I promise never to leave Barb's side. Even in her sleep I would be like a guardian angel.
If you say no I will be forced to whine while away my days in the cold drizzle of the Cascade Mountains.

anyone know where I can find a 1 piece latex full body suit pajama with a zipper that locks in the "not a f#cking chance" position? :blink:

now, off to find those old ski goggles.............................................................

 

[racer]

Stick with a KLR. In my opinion BMW's are over engineered, engineering for engineering's sake. The last thing you want when you're out riding is a problem with your bike. Today's BMW's usually are not fixable on the side of the road or trail. Most all problems, although rare, can be overcome with a KLR. The allure of the BMW GS is strong, but the reality is different. I bought a well farkled 2004 GS Adventure last year. I kept it only a few months after I found out about all the unrealized liabilities awaiting in the shadows. For instance, BMW put what I will call power brakes on that bike. They provided lots of stopping power, but do you really think a motorcycle needs power brakes? When that power unit goes out, and they do, it is a 2000 dollar replacement. There are so many final drive failures on BMW's that there is a website dedicated to owners that have had a failure and want to document the problem. The drive seals have a problem with leaking on the clutch, which renders the clutch useless. Major surgery is required to replace the clutch plate and seal.

Yes they look cool and certainly have a large following, but do a little research before you spend lots and lots of money. BTW, in over 45 years of riding, the only time I was totally on the side of the road and had to be trailered was with a BMW. Same goes for my friend this summer. We were on a trip in the Smokies and his final drive went out, calling for a 150 mile truck ride to a BMW dealer.

 

[doctorJ]

a 1 piece latex full body suit pajama with a zipper that locks in the "not a f#cking chance" position? :blink:

Naw, those things would be too hot (bad term) uh uncomfortable, but I can hook you up with a great chastity belt :yahoo: with a lock, that SPU would have nothing that could penetrate--unless diamond tipped (ain't likely)

doctorj

 

[user 6393]

a 1 piece latex full body suit pajama with a zipper that locks in the "not a f#cking chance" position? :blink:
Naw, those things would be too hot (bad term) uh uncomfortable, but I can hook you up with a great chastity belt :yahoo: with a lock, that SPU would have nothing that could penetrate--unless diamond tipped (ain't likely)

doctorj

SOLD!

Again, the helpfulness of my forum bretheren never ceases to bring a wee tear to me eyes.......

 

[dcarver]

Old skool ADV bike...

 

[No One]

You asked for pics of the KLR. Here are some threads I started from getting advice about the KLR/off-road riding to ride reports. Have fun with some light reading:https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...=118950&hl=

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...=119596&hl=

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...=119860&hl=

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...=119853&hl=

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...=119961&hl=

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...=124145&hl=

And here is a Copper Canyon trip initaited by Beemerdons with some off-road wisdoms and pictures. It includes discussions on what dualsports would be advantageous in different situations, their limitations and virtues, etc.

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=122097

FredW dreams of a light dual sport:

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...=124199&hl=

I am a newbie to this, but I encourage you to think first of what kind of riding you want to focus on. If you clarify that in your mind, in time, with patience, the bike will find you. By all means spend a lot of time on the adventure and dual sport websites and forums. Soak it in. The wise listen to people who have been there, made the mistakes, and are trying to pass on their knowledge so you may avoid their follies.

YMMV

SWEET Thanks...

 

[beemerdons]

Old skool ADV bike...

Mi hermano Donaldo, that's the ticket to the dualsport ball game, mi Amigo. Sure wish you were riding Copper Canyon with us!

 

[No One]

Stick with a KLR. In my opinion BMW's are over engineered, engineering for engineering's sake. The last thing you want when you're out riding is a problem with your bike. Today's BMW's usually are not fixable on the side of the road or trail. Most all problems, although rare, can be overcome with a KLR. The allure of the BMW GS is strong, but the reality is different. I bought a well farkled 2004 GS Adventure last year. I kept it only a few months after I found out about all the unrealized liabilities awaiting in the shadows. For instance, BMW put what I will call power brakes on that bike. They provided lots of stopping power, but do you really think a motorcycle needs power brakes? When that power unit goes out, and they do, it is a 2000 dollar replacement. There are so many final drive failures on BMW's that there is a website dedicated to owners that have had a failure and want to document the problem. The drive seals have a problem with leaking on the clutch, which renders the clutch useless. Major surgery is required to replace the clutch plate and seal.
Yes they look cool and certainly have a large following, but do a little research before you spend lots and lots of money. BTW, in over 45 years of riding, the only time I was totally on the side of the road and had to be trailered was with a BMW. Same goes for my friend this summer. We were on a trip in the Smokies and his final drive went out, calling for a 150 mile truck ride to a BMW dealer.

Racer:

Thanks for all your info..... I agree with you... I've wanted the GS for more than ten years... I really did allot of home work about two years ago before I got the FJR. I was looking at buying the GS but then read many post like what you just spoke about.. With that being said I was not 100% sure I wanted to tour the country. After owning the FJR, going across the US is in my blood and look forward to it anytime I get a chance... So im starting to 'look/dream' about the GS again.... LOL

I've read many things about the power brakes.. I think you can get it with out that.. its like a car, you can get just about any combo of equipment you might want or don't want... They have all kinda of crap now.... not sure if that's good... LOL

 

[No One]

Papa Chuy, Barb will need a bodyguard from all the banditos and impertinent touristas. I don't do windows but I could watch over the place. I promise never to leave Barb's side. Even in her sleep I would be like a guardian angel.
If you say no I will be forced to whine while away my days in the cold drizzle of the Cascade Mountains.

I can see why she needs the protection by looking at her avatar.

Hey No One do you have any experience on dirt?

I raced motocross for about 10-12 years... Not really looking to do jumps anymore.. more like go anywhere touring.. want to go to Arctic Circle and do the oil pipe line road... (like four million other riders...LOL) I have allot of friends in CO. They have street/ dirt bikes we go camping up in the Mountains....

 

[doctorJ]

I've not had a R1200GS or ADV. ,but here is my take on what you asked. Even a used one of those I mentioned is still gonna be a bit expensive. If'n I want to play on trails or dirt, I personally want a bike I can have fun with and not be too concerned with the cost of repairs when you get some dings, dents and trashed tupperware. If I wasn't gonna take the bike to the off road site in a pickup or trailer, I'd get a decent road bike that can do off road pretty well and not very expensive to buy or fix. That would be 1. KLR 650 2. DRZ400 3. DL650 and whatever floats your boat . I'm no expert, but just saying.

doctorj

 

[No One]

Damn Jaxon!
I am jealous! I wish i could affford a dual sport!

Good luck with it!

Wuz up bud? Hope you have a great Christmas ! Just dreaming man... Was going to get a GS before the FJR, now just thinking of it again. More of my friends are talking about going to Arctic Circle, so someday I want one of these rigs !!!

No Kids... my motorcycles are my kids.................... LOL A man can dream right... LOL

I don't need allot of hate mail about the looks of this bike... LOL many people I know HATE the look of this bike.. but that's OK, I like it......

 

[No One]

I've not had a R1200GS or ADV. ,but here is my take on what you asked. Even a used one of those I mentioned is still gonna be a bit expensive. If'n I want to play on trails or dirt, I personally want a bike I can have fun with and not be too concerned with the cost of repairs when you get some dings, dents and trashed tupperware. If I wasn't gonna take the bike to the off road site in a pickup or trailer, I'd get a decent road bike that can do off road pretty well and not very expensive to buy or fix. That would be 1. KLR 650 2. DRZ400 3. DL650 and whatever floats your boat . I'm no expert, but just saying.
doctorj

I with ya.... This is what im thinking... im not jumping or "racing around".. and if I load the crap out of it, not sure a 650/400 is going to do what I want... I would rather have a bit more power... Any of these 'type' bikes im not looking to keep it show room condition.. One trip is to Alaska Artic Circle.. its about 12K miles... Dont really want to do that on a "dirt bike",,,,, I want "dirt" FJR..... LOL

Or I can put dirt tires on the feeger ! and take off the front fender..... LOL That might be my ticket! LOL

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Papa Chuy, Barb will need a bodyguard from all the banditos and impertinent touristas. I don't do windows but I could watch over the place. I promise never to leave Barb's side. Even in her sleep I would be like a guardian angel.
If you say no I will be forced to whine while away my days in the cold drizzle of the Cascade Mountains.

I can see why she needs the protection by looking at her avatar.

Hey No One do you have any experience on dirt?

Think it's a case of a fox watching the hen house. Especially since I've been giving SPU *** education lessons over the phone!

That high pitched sexy voice of yours is amazing! Stirs the................

soul

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

I would go with the KLR. I asked Austin Vincent ( Mondo Enduro) about bikes. He said for real adventure riding he has some basic rules. Less electronics is a good thing. Smaller is better, trading off 50 lbs for 50 less HP he would do anytime, weight is the critical factor on having fun. Watch The Long Way Around and note all the issues with falling due too just plain too big of bikes. The camera guy on a little about 350cc or so had no issues with falling etc.

https://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/20...KLR650-95755564 I'm with happyPuppy recommending a KLR for you as your 1st off road moto, if it's indeed your 1st dual sport. They are asking $2K for this 2006, see if they'll take $1.5K!

ShinyPartsUp, Tucson Joe and I can make a laundry list of items you need to add that would make it ready for Prudhoe Bay!

You can ride this KLR for 2 years offroad, after adding about $1K of good gear, and still sell it for what you've invested in it!

Sure, send the list. Won't hurt to look. No rim locks, I hope.

Papa Chuy, Barb will need a bodyguard from all the banditos and impertinent touristas. I don't do windows but I could watch over the place. I promise never to leave Barb's side. Even in her sleep I would be like a guardian angel.
If you say no I will be forced to whine while away my days in the cold drizzle of the Cascade Mountains.

anyone know where I can find a 1 piece latex full body suit pajama with a zipper that locks in the "not a f#cking chance" position? :blink:

now, off to find those old ski goggles.............................................................

I refuse to wear it.

 

[CHRIS_D]

No One,

I really can't give you much advice since you do have experience riding in the dirt. When I purchased my big orange Gurl I had no dirt experience. Now knowing a little more, IMO the key to a good DS is that it's light weight, especially if you plan on doing a lot of off road adventures.

Good luck in your purchase, it was about this time last year I purchase my ADV bike. You will have a blast!

 

[user 6393]

I refuse to wear it.

Whiny, as with so many things that are posted on this forum.........................It's just NOT about YOU

 

[doctorJ]

I've not had a R1200GS or ADV. ,but here is my take on what you asked. Even a used one of those I mentioned is still gonna be a bit expensive. If'n I want to play on trails or dirt, I personally want a bike I can have fun with and not be too concerned with the cost of repairs when you get some dings, dents and trashed tupperware. If I wasn't gonna take the bike to the off road site in a pickup or trailer, I'd get a decent road bike that can do off road pretty well and not very expensive to buy or fix. That would be 1. KLR 650 2. DRZ400 3. DL650 and whatever floats your boat . I'm no expert, but just saying.
doctorj

I with ya.... This is what im thinking... im not jumping or "racing around".. and if I load the crap out of it, not sure a 650/400 is going to do what I want... I would rather have a bit more power... Any of these 'type' bikes im not looking to keep it show room condition.. One trip is to Alaska Artic Circle.. its about 12K miles... Dont really want to do that on a "dirt bike",,,,, I want "dirt" FJR..... LOL

Or I can put dirt tires on the feeger ! and take off the front fender..... LOL That might be my ticket! LOL

I've been up the haul road doing an ultimate coast to coast (Key West to Prudhoe Bay) on a V-Strom 1000 loaded up with camping stuff etc. I put on TKC 80s in Wasilla. It did fine as have many other V-Stroms. I know a guy on the MTF who has gone all over Mexico and South America on a DL1000. I think a DL650 (non abs for off road) would be just fine and a bit lighter. Neither are dirt bikes due to weight, but neither are the 1200GS or ADV. for the same reason (weight). The GS and ADV. have better suspensions for it though, but at more than double the cost. The Strom (either iteration) would be an overall better road bike than a KLR, but wouldn't have the suspension for off road that the KLR would have. So just decide how much road and how much off road you want. BTW, the best of both (I have no experience but just saying) would be a KTM 950 or 950 ADV. I've read there is more maintenance but don't know.

doctorj

 

[lonerider]

Really love the FJR and not dumping it, just thinking (dreaming) of adding a new bike to the stable... What the wife calls all the bikes.. Anyone have a GS 1200? I'm thinking about maybe a used GS Adv 1200... I know there are a few guys that own both the FJR and the GS 1200.... Can you give us some info on your thoughts on the pro / cons of the GS.... I know its a WHOLE different animal but just some insight would be great. Wanting to do allot more touring as I do with the FJR, but wanting to go back up some fire roads in AR / TENN / CO / Etc and do some good O'l camping and exploring... Not sure I want to take the FJR down some damp/muddy fire roads and cross some water with the bike loaded with camp gear.... good luck picking that up................... LOL
Any info would be awesome ! ! !! HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFA7lQx0Aq4