davesax36
Well-Known Member
So I'm thinking about a klr for commuting and playing around town. Anybody have one or one of the other big thumper dual sports?
That's what I needed to hear. My wife is on board with whatever I want as long as we end up with a k1600 gtl as well...
I almost bought a DR650 but, it got sold out from under me and then I got a great deal on my KLR! Being air/oil cooled, the DR is definitely lighter and simpler! The KLR will do pretty much anything you want it to do with only minor adjustments for each aspect. If I plan on riding some gnarly off-road stuff I stick a 12 tooth front sprocket on it and it will climb a tree or creep a trail with ease especially with D606's! I have ridden Hurricane Creek with stock front sprocket and Gripsters though. A little tougher but, doable. I sold my gen 1 Vmax and I'm thinking of getting a gen 2 for my cross-country trip next year but, haven't decided yet.View attachment 50647
I have a 2012 Suzuki DR650. I bought it new 12/31/12 and now have nearly 17k miles on it. It is my usual daily transportation (even in the winter). I love the bike. It is what I'd call a 50/50 bike (50% dirt and 50% street). It is lighter than the KLR by a fair bit and it doesn't have the plastic fairing stuff on it to get thrashed on trails.
I have added quite a bit to my DR though. First I put a new Sargent Saddle on it (better than any other IMO) and then a Acerbis 5.3 gallon tank. Once I had both of those, I was very happy.
The bike can now go 160 miles between fill ups and I can do 300 miles in a day and not be destroyed. The air/oil cooled engine hasn't changed hardly at all since its original release in 1996. It is one of the most dependable bikes anyone could ever own.
The Kawasaki KLR is an amazing bike and I'd consider it a 60/40 or even a 70/30 bike. The Suzuki DRZ400 is lighter than my DR, but is not good for commuting. Plus the maintenance is a huge pain compared to the DR.
When you say "beast" do you mean motor wise or that it's just big/tall? That looks good!I have a KTM 950 Super Enduro. Super rare bike, so I set google alert and waited for one for years. I got an alert one day that one hit craigslist and it was 20 miles from my house! Closed the deal that day.
It’s a beast of a bike, I’m 6’4” and have to tip toe it.
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