Doing My Part - Fighting The Recession!

For a couple of years I have been looking at some alternative wheels. After a year of research I pulled the trigger yesterday. I have to say this whole gig started in 2007, when I was pulling out of Silverton, CO
I was kinda of daydreaming looking at the lousy views in Colorado while climbing yet another 10,000ft pass.
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Then I was forced to slow down for the mud and then Came Bronson Dual sports off to the side. I saw these critters about to leave their tracks on the wet tarmac and ......
Now these guys were hardcore at least from a Wing perspective but ...............got me to thinking.
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We shared the road for a few miles and then they cut off to dirt just before the Red Mountain Pass.
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Then this Summer after crossing the Sherman Pass in the Sierras, I saw the same thing again!! Half Dirt half Street WTF..........seems like fun. The whole area is laced with dirt roads/trails which connect with the main road".
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Yesterday I jumped in the Adventure bike pool and purchased a KLR650 which has a modicum of dirt capability. Alaska here we come!

The Blue one....at the bottom of Mt Laguna in San Diego.
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What about the VFR?? ...................it is keeper along with the Wing!!!!!!!!!!!!

Very cool, Bonus, you are a true motorcycle generalist appreciating the sport in all of its facets, and not transfixed on one genre. Nice touch! Once your new KLR bogs down on some lonesome fire road you may want to trailer in a new CRF250X to get you the rest of the way. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Have fun. Be careful what roads and trails you go down.
I remember going downhill on a dirt road, and it ended at a really steep downhill.
Had a hard time and took several runs before I got back up to the top. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

OK adventure type people - how do you handle the 35 inch (or more) seat height when coming to a stop. I road a my neighbors dual sport Honda XR650L and was more than just a little put off at the first stop sign. I have a 32 inch inseam and.... well I ended up with my thigh on the seat and one foot on the ground.

Is that the way it is for everyone?

37 inch seat height?

Do you eventually get used to it?

dendron, Dec 22 2008, 03:48 AMVery cool, Bonus, you are a true motorcycle generalist appreciating the sport in all of its facets, and not transfixed on one genre. Nice touch! Once your new KLR bogs down on some lonesome fire road you may want to trailer in a new CRF250X to get you the rest of the way. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I don't think the KLR does anything super.......................adequate like me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) It is truley amazing the choices we have for bikes. I have read the reviews on the 250...impressive. And I already have a trailer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

solohvs, Dec 21 2008, 10:04 PMOK adventure type people - how do you handle the 35 inch (or more) seat height when coming to a stop. I road a my neighbors dual sport Honda XR650L and was more than just a little put off at the first stop sign. I have a 32 inch inseam and.... well I ended up with my thigh on the seat and one foot on the ground.

Is that the way it is for everyone?

37 inch seat height?

Do you eventually get used to it?

I lowered the seat on my xr650r (aka the big piggy) and dropped the forks in the clamps, then moved the preload rings on the shock to lower the back another 3 inches till I got the thing in balance.

Must be something in the water. My brother just bought a WR250 and now I'm ready to buy a dirt bike as well. Adventure tourer can't be too far off although I might prefer a good 4X4 instead. Happy trails HS.

The seat height on the KLR is 35 inchs. This is ok for me but I could step in a hole..............actually very likely! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) For sure you are up a bit from the VFR.

The usual suspects make seats for the KLR ...Corbin and Sargent. Corbin seems to be the favorite. They also make minus 2 versions but I will have to get a few miles in before I consider a seat mod. On the other hand I am a bit spoiled with my sargent VFR and OEM Wing seat. No tolerance for discomfort at this stage.

I like the adventure touring concept overall. It sounds really fun, though I don't have much off-road experience. Er, I took a Honda 160 Scrambler into the dunes once. It didn't do too well. Aerostich does some really spiffy "extreme" adventure tours to Patagonia and Northern Alaska and places like that. If I had the bucks I'd definitely pony up. Alas, guess I'll have to wait until the recession is over. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

solohvs, Dec 21 2008, 11:04 PMOK adventure type people - how do you handle the 35 inch (or more) seat height when coming to a stop. I road a my neighbors dual sport Honda XR650L and was more than just a little put off at the first stop sign. I have a 32 inch inseam and.... well I ended up with my thigh on the seat and one foot on the ground.

Is that the way it is for everyone?

37 inch seat height?

Do you eventually get used to it?

Seat height is really a non issue off road. Slide your butt off to one side and flat foot one foot, just like ya did. One flat foot is better than two sets of tippy toes.

When you feel what a full off road suspension is like and what it does for you, you won't care about how you have to be when stopped. I lowered my KTM 640 with lowering links and moving the forks in the triple clamps; I undid the mods after a couple of rides and have never gone back to them.

BTW, most off road riders on the big bikes do the one foot thing.

I've been looking at a KTM 650 Enduro, thinking more dirt than touring long distance (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

I bought a dr650 because I could lower it to 33" with factory stuff. I'm no different with a hole though. That's an invitation for an oh shit if you aren't prepared.

I am very interested in the Suzuki DRZ 400. Not too big / not too little. And at one point I almost drove to the BMW dealer for a look at the GS800... like ya said - SO MANY CHOICES.

I had a Honda TLR200 Trials Bike a few years back and it was a blast in the dirt. Not what you would consider a long distance machine, but it never let me down even after 12 hours of fire roads in West Virginia. If I could just get a little more engine. Oh yea, the TLR was 1986... just over 230 pounds filled with gas.

The seat height on the new bikes might get some getting used to at a stop sign.

dr.toto, Dec 22 2008, 10:33 PMI bought a dr650 because I could lower it to 33" with factory stuff. I'm no different with a hole though. That's an invitation for an oh shit if you aren't prepared.

Yea the DR65O is a great choice especially with the factory lowering kit. In most reviews, the DR gets the nod for dirt and the KLR for street. The features that drove the buy decision for me were reliability and $$$ and versatility and........... etc etc.. The new 08/09 KLR went even more steet bias, which was what I wanted. Since I face planted in the early eighties on a MX bike, my off road enthusiasm has waned. BTW this was a real problem when I showed up for work the next day...really hurt my cred.....................

All I want now is dirt road capability. What I really like about the the KLR is range and comfort suspension travel on crap roads. I really enjoy the range factor when touring out west on my VFR. My best on the VFR is 243 miles. Range is important out here. The KLR is even better with a 6 gallon stock tank. I also like the fact that I can take all my Cortech soft bags and port them over to the KLR. I will never be an off road guy just an exploring fool and the KLR fits the bill just fine for that.

Surprisingly, I really enjoy the carbs. Takes me back to the day when I could grab a handful of throttle and not worry about snatch especially at low RPM. I guess no power helps too on dirt! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

With a Wing, VFR and a KLR I pretty much run the entire gamut especially for somebody who could draw SS this year!?

04asphalt, Dec 22 2008, 05:24 AMI've been looking at a KTM 650 Enduro, thinking more dirt than touring long distance (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

Early this year I had a chance to ride a KTM 690 SM for a couple of hours. Holy Crap!!!!!!!!!!

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Who knows after I play around on the KLR for a while I may convert to a 690 Adventure bike (not released/built yet)or a 800GS ......................stop this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First tour!! After several local rides, I joined two other KLRs for a check out mini tour. The only farkle, I added, were some Motech crash bars.

Kickoff in San Diego before New Years. Note the high performance cans we rolled in for the moment. Kinda like a KLR and in the same colors too.
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During the course of our three day ride, we hit most of the terrain the KLR is designed to explore. Ah yes, back road twisties, interstate, broken and crap secondary paved tarmac, dirt/gravel roads, and sand, rocks, washes i.e. desert conditions�..not quite single track but almost in places. The only thing we really missed was MUD. Good thing I think, as the stock 09 tires are not suited for that plus our technique would surely be ranked in the dilettante class. The youngest among us is more skilled plus he had more off road capable tires.

On the way to the CA/AZ border and the Colorado River. Observing the depression in the California Dunes. Nobody has money these days. Did not see any KLRs out there with paddles.
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The view from our cabin on the CO river. CA and AZ really suck in December.
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Sand and Rocks
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Ride summary.........Nobody got hurt.

KLR parking lot..........Colorado River
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Just like advertized the KLR did not excel in any area�but did the job in all. I was really impressed at how smooth the motor was �even with the 650 single in the break in stage. My perspective on engine smoothness is obviously biased by my other stable mates, V4 and flat six Hondas, nevertheless the 09 KLR gets a nod. The throttle is very smooth with no snatch at low RPM, which fits the bill in the dirt. Right now in stock trim the only limit for me to log serious miles is the OEM seat.

The KLR is akin to a Sherman tank: Inexpensive, rugged, runs on gasoline, adequate power and firepower, excellent range and reliable. Also the KLR is available in large numbers just like M4.

One of tour stops:
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Here are a couple of the planned routes (CA side) and the tracks to the HILL on Red Cloud Mine Rd. As we rode North out of Fishers Landing the dirt road got progressively worse and then there was no road on the Zumo so we pushed on..........
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When I got to a huge rocky rutted Hill, just past the Red Cloud Mine, I asked myself .....Do you have the Falls to get up that Hill. The answer was ......................NO. :o::o: Mans got to know his limitations.

Mans got to know his limitations.

The next day we worked our way back to San Diego over some crappy secondary roads. Breakfast in lovely downtown Ocotillo.
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After we gained altitude, we hit the some dirt roads on the eastern side of Mount Laguna.
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Green in late December�.welcome to San Diego.
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All in all everything I hoped for.

Great post! Thanks for taking the time. Now you've put the serious bug in my ear to get one of these things.

By the way, is that duct tape I see on the side of the blue KLR?

Those are some really amazing pictures!! Well done!

Knife, Jan 6 2009, 08:06 PMGreat post! Thanks for taking the time. Now you've put the serious bug in my ear to get one of these things.

By the way, is that duct tape I see on the side of the blue KLR?

Yea it is about the whole virginity thing.

Both my other bikes have tank protectors. Still figuring out what I am going to do.....screw it or get some tank protection. My aerostich gear/trou sometime scratchs the tank. I guess I just need to get screwed once and and it will be all over. At least I have not cleaned it (the KLR) yet.

Edited to add ---- this bike is a serious hoot. Just fun and inexpensive. Very plush ride over crap roads....you almost aim for holes.

Great pics! Have fun

Congrats! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif) I've always wanted a KLR. Maybe someday... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I love my KLR!! Good purchase. I have a ton of info for ya and also will be in San Diego mid july on my KLR. PM me so we can get in a ride or 2 while I am there. George

Here is mine

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I love my KLR too. Here in Washington State we have plenty of mountains and logging roads to explore. For $3500 a low mileage KLR can be had and you are in the adventure business. Perfect bike for rough gravel roads and capable of all day highway duty in reasonable comfort. Sliding around on the gravel is as much fun as the VFR at half the speed and no traffic or enforcement to deal with. Much more connected with nature and the scenery.

Silver#788, Jan 7 2009, 06:36 AMI love my KLR!! Good purchase. I have a ton of info for ya and also will be in San Diego mid july on my KLR. PM me so we can get in a ride or 2 while I am there. George

Here is mine

Cool pics. What is the rear topcase....Caribou??? THis could get expensive. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

The KLR makes a great complement to the VFR. For sure let's stay in touch and meet up when you are down in San Diego.

Bad Boy, Jan 7 2009, 06:02 PMI love my KLR too. Here in Washington State we have plenty of mountains and logging roads to explore. For $3500 a low mileage KLR can be had and you are in the adventure business. Perfect bike for rough gravel roads and capable of all day highway duty in reasonable comfort. Sliding around on the gravel is as much fun as the VFR at half the speed and no traffic or enforcement to deal with. Much more connected with nature and the scenery.

Right on! Very inexpensive FUN. At this point not sure which bike I prefer ................I guess which one I am on as they are all great. Been riding the KLR/Wing mostly but recently been thinking about the GROWL. I am quite sure it will be a rush (especially after the KLR) once I mount up.

That is the great thing about having bikes so radically different

Bailing out the Japanese.

afennell, Jan 7 2009, 10:11 PMBailing out the Japanese.

All the guys at the dealer are Mericans...they seemed happy especially as cheap gas has cut their sales toooooooooooo. California probably made more $$$ than anybody. I think the bike is actually made in Taiwan to keep it cheap, I mean inexpensive. The Japanese made a bit too.

I did ride a Buell Ulysses but too big and expensive for what I wanted, but I did really like it. At idle single KLR 650 shakes less than the twin.

This last weekend, I was eager to hit some more dirt and managed to get out of the house before the Sunday football games. Actually I did not need to watch since San Diego won again on Saturday We have been crap all season till.................now!

My goal was to get a better feel of the KLR in the dirt. I tried a few dirt/truck trails, that I have not been in years (and then on my MTB). I am finding that I have no sense of distance/time traveled on the dirt.

The OEM tires seem to be doing the job but I think I will be lucky to get 3K out of the rear. Before I buy some new shoes, I need to figure out what riding suits me best and where I need to put the emphasis.

About 13 miles from my house and 25 from the Pacific looking West. Few realize that San Diego is quite hilly and has mountains up to about 6K ft. There are hundreds of miles of dirt/trails laced throughout the peaks and backcountry.
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Otay Mountain next to the Mexican Border
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This is one stretch of dirt out of Descanso (Boulder Creek Rd) going north to the Julian area. You can see my SLOW tracks in yellow next to route 79. Just fantastic!
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Pretty cloudy today and nippy...40ish at altitude.
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I actually plugged in my heated vest for the first time on the KLR. Seemed ok but no voltmeter farkle yet so...????. I will certainly fit an auxiliary fuse box like the VFR. Surprisingly there is less room under the seat than a 5th generation.

Most likely, I will eventually hook up:
� Heated grips
� Voltmeter
� Zumo
� And aux power sockets

I am generating a list of other farkles. Looks like I will be taking the Zumo out almost every ride as I am not quite lost but............... Not sure if I will add a dirt addendum to the Tales of Zumo thread��.Oh God !!!!!!!!!!!!

For two years, I have used the 550 extensively for touring, but now will spend more time optimizing its off road potential. Lots of the serious dirt guys seem to prefer the 276 chartplotter series but I will be fine...and I ain't hardcore. Plus I plan on dirt/fire roads not single track. For the moment, I have the Zumo hardwired direct to the battery.

Had to get this tag for another website on the way back.
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Not long after this, while transitioning from broken pavement to dirt I hit a pothole/ditch at about 50. Wow!! Bike was stable but I think I hit the stops. I have not even looked at my suspension adjustment since I rolled out of the dealer. Another thing on the list! I found my KLR was really smooth to about 75 indicated (72 GPS). I am amazed at how quiet and almost silky (ok a little stretch) this machine really is. But there will be no 100 mph transits for me. Plan accordingly is the corollary This becomes a factor in making passes on mountain roads as well. Keep it steady boy and just relax. This is no VFR!

Range is also important to me and was one of the reasons I picked a KLR. So far with lots of up and down throttle but not 80+ mph stuff, I have been averaging between 44-48 mpg on California gas. This is the first time my Zumo gas gauge will be really valuable/essential....oh yea gas!!!!!!!!

A great bike for an adventure.

Good work Bonus, with terrain like that in your backyard you can't go wrong.

Are you on advrider.com? I stay away from it as it's a bandwidth eater, the pics those guys post are amazing... check out anything by MetalJockey (South Africa) for serious touring with great pics and commentary, and he's just one of many.

I started off on dirt as a teenager and will definitely go back sometime in the future. Something like 90% of Australia's roads are unsealed! Don't get me wrong, there's a vast sealed network available to us, but it's a big country...