Thinking of getting a new bike

[dano]

Going to my Kaw dealer this morning and looking at a KLR650. Won't be getting rid of my Nomad, just adding another smaller bike to the garage, one I can use for both trail and hwy. Anyone have any experience with the KLR?
Ride safe,
Dano

[rewindgy]

Had the first year they were made 1984 - awesome little bike - now got a 1991 - again awesome bike. You can get lots of different doo dads for them to make them a nice ride!
I would go for the newest version 07 - 08's as they are slightly better than the older ones! Once you got one, you'll never get rid of it as just when you say " I don't ride it enough - you take it out for a little ride and your in love with it all over again!" IMHO

[dano]

Well, the dealership is closed today so it'll be next week before I get a chance to check one out.
Ride safe,
Dano

[ells]

I have a second smaller bike for various similar reasons. A person really "needs" at least two. A peddler is good too. Can't comment on the KLRs though.

Aren't most all bike shops closed on all Mondays? Certainly are around the Denver area, or at least the one's I've dealt with.

[dantama]

I don't really know what I'm talking about here, but I've read in magazines about some design defect to do with something in the engine of the KLR's that has given a lot of owners grief. Google "Doohicky" that's the nickname that for the defect.

Might want to check into that.

If I could have a second bike, it would be a dual sport type bike too. There are too many dirt roads that I want to go down.

[rewindgy]

There is a part called the DooHickey that adjusts the Cam Chain - if you don't pay attention to it's care and maintenace it can break! There is a simple fix and like any motorcycle there is some weak points! Over all, considering the damn thing has been on the market in some form since 1984 - the thing can't be all bad! I know lot's of people who have gone to Alaska and back numerous times with no problems - and they say the most common bike met on these trips have been KLR's. Try these sites:
KLR650.marknet.us
KLR.net
Eric'skawasaki.klr650anddualsportpage

[dano]

Rewind, Didn't get to the dealer. Called to make sure he still had the 08 KLR I want and he's closed Sunday's and Monday's. Right now they are calling for wintery mix of sleet and snow next Saturday so I may not get to go then either. :'(
I want and 08. It has all the grit of the old KLR and a bunch of the amenities us older guys need ;)
Thanks for the reply and ride safe,
Dano

[dano]

Ells, must be closed around here on Mondays here too. Dealer moved into one heck of a new shop about 6 months ago and for some reason, I thought he was open 6 days a week now. Next Saturday is calling for wintery mix so if it holds, it may be a couple weeks before I get to check one out close enough to make the final decision. So far, I haven't got any negative feed back and everything I've found on the net has been positive too.
Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUFo4ISYKgI&NR=1
Ride safe,
Dano

For the price, Dano, nothing will come close. My friend bought a KTM 950 SM for twice the price..... but it is awesome!

[dano]

Thanks Dan and Rewindgy. I read about the Doohickey but supposedly, that's been taken care of and if you do get one, it is a simple fix. I'll be getting the 36 mo warranty so it effect it'd be for 48 months. Surely, if it's gonna break, it'll do it by then. Only a very small persentage had the problem. Kinda like some of the problems our Nomads have. Only a very small percentage of us have had any of the problems you hear of.
Thanks for the sites.
Ride safe,
Dano

[dano]

I think you're right Nico. Best bang for the buck in the Dual Purpose world.
Wife was worried I'd get to liking it so much I'd sell the Nomad. Wrong! Told her I still plan on adding a hack or triking it and keeping it. I've worked to hard getting it just how I want it to sell it to someone else for them to enjoy. Besides, I wouldn't be welcome here anymore and I don't want that either http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
Ride safe,
Dano

You'd always be welcome here Dano.... but you can't sell the Nad... it is so YOU!

[dano]

(All KLR owners know what a Doohickey is, but for those who aren't in the loop, it's a two-piece part called the Idler Shaft Lever that adjusts cam-chain tension, which has been known to fail on old KLRs. Deano tells us that it is the first thing to replace on earlier KLRs because its breakage can cause major engine damage. Kawasaki has upgraded the part to a solid piece for '08. -- Ed)

Dan, that's a quote from this article:
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/riding-with-the-wind-of-change-42793.htm

Looks like the 2008, which is what I want, has this problem addressed.
Thanks for letting me know though,
Ride safe,
Dano

[rewindgy]

Couple ofhttp://s235.photobucket.com/albums/ee158/rewindgy/?action=view&current=MVC-008S-1.jpg pic's. White / Dark Blue is the 84 KLR600 White / Blue & other is 91 KLR650
http://s235.photobucket.com/albums/ee158/rewindgy/?action=view&current=MoreScooter002.jpg

[dano]

One thing I've noticed Rewind, most people seem to keep a KLR for a long time when they get one. Also there's a whole lot of real old KLR's out there.
I'm 99% sure I'll get one as soon as the weather breaks on the weekend. Nearest Dealer is about 5 miles away. I still want to look at a 650 VStrom but the more I see and read about the KLR's the more I like it.
Thanks and ride safe,
Dano

[rewindgy]

Vstrom is one h--l of a bike - not so good on off road however. Got a friend who has a 1000cc and another guy with a 650 and both say it's a bit of a handfull on gravel. Other than that slight problem they get awesome mileage and are a hoot to ride! And your right - once you got a KLR there doesn't seem much reason to trade - up until the 2008's they didn't change since 88!

[donoller]

that must be the wiggle pin that fits on the wobble shaft huh

[bobzinger]

I think I need a 2nd bike too. Maybe a Triumph Rocket III Touring.

[rflnomad]

Hey Dano, the KLR is Kawasaki's best known cult secret.
IMO, better than V-Strom. You can truly take them off road and the V-Strom really can't.
The major redesign is for 2008; therefore all earlier models are a little cheaper. Don't see too many for sale; most keep them forever. Driven smartly ( ;) ), they are good on the road and off. I too might look at a used one this year.
In fact, our local dealer had a 250 for sale that was traded in for a 650. $1250 and was gone quick.
There is a place in Tennessee that rents KLR650s and even puts them in a package with trails, and road, and I think motel. I will have to do some research but I will this weekend. I want to do it for many reasons. I'll get back to you.
Just a great bike.

[dano]

Going to call the dealer today and if he has one, I'm going to look at it at least. I'll look at a 650 VStrom too, but I've got 28 acres, my brother 21 and my dad about 50 and all our properties join. Lots of old log road, fields and woods trails to play on and sharpen my skills. Plus, there are still miles and miles of gravel roads in this county that I avoid like the plague on my Nomad :-)
I'm leaning toward the KLR but I want to explore all my options before I write a check. Being vertically challenged, a Corbin dual low seat will be the first thing on my list of mods http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif If I get it.
Ride safe,
Dano

[dano]

Bob, You'd look good on a Rocket Tourer. Well, as good as you could possibly look anyway http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
Ride safe,
Dano

[dano]

Rfl, The KLR is Kawasaki's 4th best seller and they don't even advertise the bike so you're exactly right. It is their best cult bike secret. I've wanted one for years now and with the redsign of the 2008, I really want one now.
Ride safe,
Dano