Uh-oh, getting the KLR itch again

[DaisyCutter]

I loved my KLR.

My 2007 had all the brake and suspension farkles, even a front fender from my KX250.



I'd a kept it if it had just 10 more MPH.

I still find myself missing the fun I had on it.

I used to hit the twisties and ride it like I hated it.  It never crashed me.  I'm always afraid of crashing my expensive bikes.

 

I would drag the pegs on it.

[studiobill]

I have a R1200RT and a KLR and for me it is the perfect combo.  I take the KLR places I would never take an expensive dual sport. I've dropped it on  ice and in mud and it never bats an eye, and with the crash bars I installed there was no damage either time.  

Bill
07 RT
09 KLR

[kurtw]

I have thought about the DRZ, but would want to sit on one to see how it would handle my 6'1" 210 pound self.  Plus it seems like it would need a larger aftermarket tank for life out here in the toolies.  

In case you're interested, here's his ad. It was at my house for the last week...too bad the topic didn't come up then  

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/2383449301.html (bike is in Redmond)

Fully farkled DRZ that has absolutely no issues. It does not smoke and does not burn oil. One owner and properly maintained. Full synthetic oil and filter change every 750 miles or after long off-road rides. The only thing I was going to do to it was put in aggressive cams and a 440 kit once it started showing signs it needed a top end...... still waiting, so I will leave that decision to its future owner. Everything is included to go between wheel sets in less than an hour. I will also be available in any way I can if the buyer needs help or has any questions on this bike down the road. I have done all the work on it myself and know every square inch of it. The price is firm, and I will not remove X to reduce the price etc. All or nothing.... It is best to reply to this listing as I work nights but feel free to call me, I am usually up by mid afternoon and calling late is fine with me. Thanks for looking.

Aaron

Full res pictures and a quick start and walk around vid here: http://www.aaronjohnston.com/drz
-06 DRZ-400S
-16K MILES (no smoke and does not burn oil)
-SUPER MOTO 17 INCH WHEEL SET (http://www.warp9racing.com/sm_wheels_suzuki.html)
-320MM ROTOR AND RELOCATOR
-EXTRA 47 TOOTH REAR SPROCKET FOR THE SUPER MOTO RIMS (currently has 42 tooth for street use. The 47 would be used for a track setup)
-STOCK 18 AND 21 WHEEL SET
-FCR-MX 39MM CARB (http://shop.thumpertalk.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=INT_KEIHIN_DRZFCRMX)
-YOSHIMURA RS3 HEADER
-YOSHIMURA RS3 EXHAUST
-IMS 4.0 GAL TANK
-IMS PEGS
-IMS SHIFTER
-MOOSE BASH PLATE
-MOOSE HAND GUARDS
-RADIATOR GUARDS
-MOOSE BAR RAISERS
-PRO TAPER BARS
-FRONT AND REAR RIMLOCKS INSTALLED ON OFFROAD WHEEL SET
-BAJA DESIGNS REAR LED ASSEMBLY
-TT CASE GUARDS
-TT MCCT
-ZETTA CHAIN GUARD
-VAPOR PROGRAMMABLE SPEEDOMETER
-VAPOR PROTECTIVE DASH
-.48 FORK SPRINGS WITH 7WT JUICE.
-UFO SUPER MOTO FENDER
-RICKY STATOR
-VALVES JUST CHECKED
-CS SEAL JUST REPLACED
-STOCK GAS TANK INCLUDED
-STOCK HEADER AND EXHAUST INCLUDED

[swingset]

I've owned a DRZ400, and while it's a good bike I would never own another. I think the WR250R eclipses it in about every way possible, except for power (and it's actually pretty close). It's got a much better suspension, 6-speed, FI, cruises better, has a better seat, longer maintenance intervals, less pesky things to address, better engine protection, and it feels WAAAAY lighter offroad. The DRZ is kind of piggy for being a 400, for a bike that feels heavy offroad, might as well just buy a DR or XRL.

My .02

[scottzilla]

The op wants to ride with passenger. I think the klr is his best option.

[kurtw]

The op wants to ride with passenger. I think the klr is his best option.

Does he? Sagerat?

For me, the GSA is my two-upper ...

If the dual-sport is to be a two-upper also, then I agree with scottzilla. But I didn't get that impression and isn't the GSA the perfect two-up bike for anything offroad that can be reasonably ridden two-up (or the Gear Up   )?

Gotta say that you did seem to get along quite well with the KLR.

[Kraz]

KLR's are so cheap it's not a horrible idea, though the performance isn't great, or even good, even with a 685cc kit, especially if you load her down with bags, bars, skid plate, etc.  When you're out on a fire road though - the power doesn't matter so much - the low end grunt of a single is all you need.

Great value though - I'd say go for it.

[sagerat]

Typing after an evening of McMenamin's microbrews so pardon mistakes.  KLR would be just for me and dinking in woods. GSA would be two-upper and two-up only on pavement.

[DangerMoney]

Sold my '05 as it too many memories related to the ex.  Bought a GSA and I've been loving the Big Lug, but I won't take it places where I used to crash, er, ride the KLR.  For me, the GSA is my two-upper and my touring bike with some well-maintained gravel roads or USFS roads thrown in for good measure.  The KLR went up several goat trails to nowhere, to fire lookouts, to microwave relay station sites, to places we had no business attempting.  

I recognize the symptoms of impending bike purchase:  the scanning of classified ads, the craigslist sleuthings, the nosing around model-specific websites.  Buddy who had a KLR and now has a KTM 990R Adventure keeps trying to talk me out of another Kawi and instead go for a used KTM 950 or 990.  Much more coin, but much better off-road.  Big Orange is impressive, admittedly.

Hmm, thoughts from the collective?    

I went through a similar experience: This one's too big, this one's too small.

I found my perfect in-between bike with power, brakes, off-road capability and much less weight than my 12GS: KTM 950 Super Enduro.