Street bike or klr650?

[Rover De Land]

I don't know where else to ask this and I already belong to this forum so I figured I'd ask here.

I'm selling my first bike 2010 250 ninja soon and am contemplating my next bike. At first I really wanted a dual sport. But then I get a 250 ninja and really can't see myself going offroad with it very much. Im enjoying the fast sporty ride of my ninja.

What benefits would I have out of the klr?

I use my bike to commute 100m everyday to work and might go on a couple day trip to a forster once or twice a year. Possibility of going long distances. Can anyone talk me out of the sport bike?

 

[dox]

I don't know where else to ask this and I already belong to this forum so I figured I'd ask here.

I'm selling my first bike 2010 250 ninja soon and am contemplating my next bike. At first I really wanted a dual sport. But then I get a 250 ninja and really can't see myself going offroad with it very much. Im enjoying the fast sporty ride of my ninja.

What benefits would I have out of the klr?

I use my bike to commute 100m everyday to work and might go on a couple day trip to a forster once or twice a year. Possibility of going long distances. Can anyone talk me out of the sport bike?

Go where your heart (and wallet) lead you, however having a KLR has a few advantages. No, it's probably not even remotely as fun as a flickable sport bike... however it can take you places with much nicer views. Gravel roads, mountains, etc.

The KLR also has a more natural seating position, however the factory seat leaves much to be desired, so that might be something to consider. A lot of folks buy an aftermarket seat and really enjoy riding the KLR after that... nice seat, upright and comfortable riding position.

Having mostly owned / ridden Adventure bikes, I'm obviously going to be biased, however with a street bike you can only ride the street. A KLR or similar bike will go many more places and has the ability to carry camping gear for trips if you so choose.

If you really want to get a street bike, get one... no complaints here, they are a blast. However if you want to ride on the street and twisties (at bit slower of pace) and expand your riding potential to two-track, gravel, dirt and even deep woods if you are determined... a KLR is a nice option.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

If I was you, my pick would be a SV 650. Comfortable seating position, plenty of power, handles good (and is very easy to up grade), and great fuel economy. The KLR is a great bike, but it the performance is not impressive at all and the handling leaves much to be desired. My biggest knock with them is the narrow seat.

Street bikes can go plenty of places as long as you use common sense when you ride. Mine is a 2004 Honda CB 900.
Creede Colorado:

Could croft Nm

Clearwater Fl

Crystal River FL:

 

[phxtoad]

x2 on the SV650. This is my new (old, battered, tattered, and recently made naked) bike...

Wanted a dual-sport but this just sorta landed in my lap. Having fun on it!

Todd

 

[RR1]

If you are commuting a lot go with multicylinder bike...they vibrate a lot less.

Both the SV and the 919 pictured are great bikes, do a small fairing so the wind doesn't beat you up on the ride into work. I have done touring on a naked bike it sure wear one out, great for being a hooligan around town though.

I am a fan of liter bikes, but a 600-650cc bike is a great stepping stone.

The Yamaha FZ6 is a good one as well. The FZ1 is even better.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

If you are commuting a lot go with multicylinder bike...they vibrate a lot less.

Both the SV and the 919 pictured are great bikes, do a small fairing so the wind doesn't beat you up on the ride into work. I have done touring on a naked bike it sure wear one out, great for being a hooligan around town though.

The Yamaha FZ6 is a good one as well. The FZ1 is even better.

Don't forget the Z750 by Kawasaki. my dads is a 2005 and pushing 60,000mi. He has literally ridden it everywhere.



As for the 919, my small windscreen is worth 2 x its weight in gold. I have more than enough power to stand it up almost vertical and have no problem grossly exceeding the speed limit and laying waist to 600Cc sport bikes at stop lights due to the difference in power bands (mine kicks in really low), and its very comfortable. The only down side it its a bit heave,420 pounds.

For what its worth: going from a 250 to a 919 is a huge jump and should be done with caution.

 

[CoastalDefender]

Whatever you do, believe me whatever you do, don't split the difference between a KLR650 and an SV650 and get a DL650... You'll never thank yourself more...

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Ya know, you don't really see those around all that much, but the guys that have them absolutely love them.

 

[CoastalDefender]

Ya know, you don't really see those around all that much, but the guys that have them absolutely love them.

I've found one thing with my bike- No matter what I ride other than it, I always realize that other bikes are far superior to mine in whatever niche they were designed. However they distinctly lack in any area they are not designed for, and my bike's lacking is just not as measured.

My bike is really quite well suited for the daily rider, weekend adventurer. I'd put my bike up against any "dual sport" out there. Mine is more suited for the road for certain, but all that really means is I get more enjoyment out of it than your average "dual sport" bike who lacks proper on-road manners. Mine will take me places no street bike has nightmares of, but will outshine any dirt bike on the road.. And at a fraction of the cost of any other in it's "Adventure Class" brethren...

 

[Deleted member 9101]

And at a fraction of the cost of any other in it's "Adventure Class" brethren...

And thats what counts.. I see what some people spend on a bike just to get a "brand name"... it just makes me laugh.

 

[CoastalDefender]

And thats what counts.. I see what some people spend on a bike just to get a "brand name"... it just makes me laugh.

What counts is if you use it. I see far too many buy expensive brand names with all the farkles that live in their garages and only come out when a "poker run" rears it's ugly head.

Have a "biker" at work who doesn't have 3k mi on his first and only bike... Cleared 3k mi my second month with my newest bike...


In fact, I have to slow my personal riding down. I am burning through tires too fast, and my work pays for my company-vehicle gas so I had better take advantage of the free fuel...

 

[Deleted member 9101]

What counts is if you use it. I see far too many buy expensive brand names with all the farkles that live in their garages and only come out when a "poker run" rears it's ugly head.

Have a "biker" at work who doesn't have 3k mi on his first and only bike... Cleared 3k mi my second month with my newest bike...


In fact, I have to slow my personal riding down. I am burning through tires too fast, and my work pays for my company-vehicle gas so I had better take advantage of the free fuel...

I feel ya, I just got a set of touring tires for my bike rather than the normal "stickies" so I can hopefully not have to buy tires two or three times a year....lol.

 

[RR1]

V-Stroms are great bikes, you can make them a little more dirt friendly, with simple mods.

 

[RR1]

Not too good for commuting (or for the novice) unless it is mostly dirt, one of the the best ADV bikes on the planet, and can be had for cheap, parts available all over the world, anvil reliable as well.

And with the full "Power Up" kit pretty much unstoppable.

This guy is giving this bike away at $3600, man that is a smokin' deal!

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/61730-XR650R-ADV-bike-in-Arizona

 

[scarysharkface]

V-Strom 650 is no dirt bike, but eats gravel roads like nothing..

My wife on hers..

John