Gents:

I have a KLR and it is a wonderful motorcycle.  Feel free to PM me if you have any questions, I can offer a good amount of insight.  Here is a recent pic.



Best regards,

old_rider wrote on 02/10/15 at 04:01:05:


I have done a lot of damage to Thumper from riding "where the sidewalk ends".  Gas tank mount, on my 3rd headlight shell, 3rd rear fender, broken 2 spokes, snapped muffler mount, blown rear shock.. and probably other things I can't remember.   None of it from falling over, just the bouncing and jolts.

I just have a hard time wondering where that "road" goes unless I go and look.   And it IS a LOT OF FUN!

That fellow on the Ural w/side car.  He use to ride a Bergman 650 scooter!  We have done a lot of dirt together.

Thanks for working out the routes YGZ, not something I enjoy.
Hopefully, the oversized tank will be ready, but I expect 100 miles between fill ups, and I have no special requirements.

My Bike is stock, mostly, so I get 100+ from a tank
I stay pretty low carb to keep my blood sugar in a good range, so I'm not into a lot of bread or pasta, but in most restaurants i can navigate the menu to meet my needs

i'd love to have a KLR 650 or something similar

I make my chilli with ground beef, lots of ground beef  

We are given little bits of ground beef up here and some crackers to thicken it up - you guys have pieces of steak in your chili!

Dave,
I assume you are referencing Cincinnati style chili. For those not familiar with this poor excuse for food, it is a thin gruel served three way, four way, or five way. And before you testosterone dripping young studs get all worked up, a three way is spaghetti noodles, chili, and shredded cheddar cheese. A four way adds either onions or red beans. A five way adds both onions and red beans. All are served with a package of oyster crackers.

As a native Texan, I was truly offended that they served it on spaghetti and actually called it "chili." I did not, and do not care for it in the least. I had the opportunity to meet and speak awhile with the owners of the Gold Star Chili chain about 20 years ago. Their last name is Doad and they are from Jordan. Maybe Cincinnati chili is a Jordanian delicacy? Give me good old Tex-Mex chili any day of the week.

Rant over, sorry to hijack the thread.

So this is like a Savage rider get together in South TX?  Like Houston, or more San Antonio.  Since I just got one last week, I know nothing, so was wondering.  Sounds like fun.  Is there a secret handshake?

I am realizing I must have spent ALOT of time setting up my last bike, even though I don't remember it.  But this is my first cruiser. Maybe it's so different getting adjusted is strange.   I still keep stepping straight down for the pegs instead of forward.

This is a pleasant forum even with my abundant newbie questions.  Very helpful.  Nice.

MMRanch wrote on 02/20/15 at 13:00:33:


MM:

I'll answer your questions and offer a bit of insight as well.  The stock gearing on the KLR rides almost identical to savage.  I added one tooth to the front CS and it helped tremendously.  It lowered the rpms by about 350 or so.  It cruise  at 70 - 75 with no problem and can easily accelerate to 80 at any time.  The top end is in the low mid 90s.  The seat is not bad at all.  As you can see I have a sheep skin cover which helps.  I have done several 400 - 500 mile days with the most I have done in a go was 565.  If I was going to do something like that I would recommend an airhawk though.  Regarding the higher gear, a bit more would be nice; although, it is more comfortable in 5th with the bigger CS compared to the savage.

Dave's assessment of the dual-sports was very accurate.  The KLR is a single cylinder adventurer tourer.  It has fairings that give you a lot of wind protections and comes with a 6 gallon tank.  If you aren't interested in a KLR I would look at the DR.  If wights 50 lbs less and has the same displacement.  The drawbacks to the DR is the seat is notoriously awful and the tank holds the same amount as the savage.  The DR is lighter and will go to more places compared to a KLR.  The disadvantage to the KLR are the radiator shrouds will need to be protected with crash bars so expect to pay another $250 after you buy one.  It WILL need a bit of engine work.  The counter balance tension lever will need to be upgraded from the stock.  I hate to say it; although, Kawa sells it with a time bomb it them.  

The added suspension is absolutely wonderful and I would describe it as almost necessary given the condition of our roads today.  Also, it is a bit of a chore getting on it.  They do sit up high and one usually has to use the foot control to hoist your other leg over.  This will help a bit and if you have any questions feel free to post or PM.  

Best regards,