Help Scotty decide on an Expedition Moto...

[BajaTaco]

I'm new to this board, but I've been riding offroad and dual-sport for 20 years.

:bowdown:

May I inquire as to what your damage report/injury record is? With 20 yrs behind you, I am just curious.

 

[MountainBiker]

:bowdown:

May I inquire as to what your damage report/injury record is? With 20 yrs behind you, I am just curious.

The "body" damage while on a dirt bike or dual sport bike has been minimal, but damage while roadracing or street riding sportbikes is another matter! Worst thing there was a car taking me out (turned in front of me while I was luckily not speeding) causing me to break a collarbone and get a major concussion when I hit the ground. Had another concussion and broken collarbone on the roadrace track a few years later.

Significant offroad injuries:
-5 weeks in a cast to immobilize a torn calf muscle, several months before it was back to 100%
-4 weeks on crutches while healing from a smashed foot (my boots prevented broken bones), several months before it was back to normal
-a few incidences of twisted knees that made me walk funny (and in pain) for a month or two or three

That is about all I can recall. Certainly there have been the occasional deep bruises and sprains (two sprained fingers healing at the moment), but not a bad record I'd say. The key is riding within your limits. I'd call myself a safe, cautious rider, who goes fast when it is prudent! For those that know what it means, I'm an A rider in the offroad disciplines (Enduros in particular), but a complete novice on the motocross track (I'm not into jumps).

 

[BajaTaco]

Thanks for the reply. Gives meaning to the saying "you gotta pay to play"

 

[Clutch]

Here is a diesel KLR for you diesel freaks out there...not my cup of tea. But interesting.

http://www.m1030.com/

I think of my riding buddys has a conventional KLR for sale...cheap! Low miles. I can check if you want.

I believe he lives up your way, in Chino Valley..(I think)

EDIT: Sorry it is a KLX400R, still a good DS bike though. $3500.

 

[goodtimes]

HDT still has not started civilian production of the diesel bikes. Military orders are keeping them busy.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Excellent Review Mountain Biker!

Your points are spot on!

Only one i disagree with is the Buzziness, i have ridden all 3 on the street and the DRZ is BY FAR the buzziest/most vibrating of the bunch! Then the XR, then the smooth as silk KLR650!

For what its worth, i wish i had looked more closely at the KLR before buying my 650L. We are spending more time on the pavement getting to trails then i thought!

However, if i was buying this bike to Prerun the 500 (which i believe scott is looking for), it would be a no brainer to the XR650L!

!

If he is now talking about his "other, non prerunning" bike, i would go for the KLR650

(sorry i lost track in this thread!)

 

[Scott Brady]

Kevin,

Things now stand that I want a dual sport with solid dirt skills, then I will either buy or borrow a bike for the pre-running.

There are just no good compromises in this case that will allow 30+ mph average speeds on the Baja course and then cruise comfortably on the road with 50lbs of gear on it.

 

[Clutch]

There are just no good compromises in this case that will allow 30+ mph average speeds on the Baja course and then cruise comfortably on the road with 50lbs of gear on it.

Yep, you need two bikes...or three...or four...

 

[upcruiser]

I just swung by the Kawasaki dealer yesterday and was checking out the brochure for the new 2008 KLR 650. It is going on sale sometime around March. Not sure exactly what all the mechanical changes are but definately alot of new comsmetics on it. It looks pretty nice with the updates in my oppinion. Unfortunately though I don't know much on the mechanical details though.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Kevin,

Things now stand that I want a dual sport with solid dirt skills, then I will either buy or borrow a bike for the pre-running.

There are just no good compromises in this case that will allow 30+ mph average speeds on the Baja course and then cruise comfortably on the road with 50lbs of gear on it.

Well, with that be clarified, you have 2 options!

If your as lazy as me and want something easy to find, then the KLR is your bike!!! If you do decide to go this route, Personally, i would wait for the 08 to come out and then get a smoking deal on the 07 model! They are chaning it dramatically and i would stick to the older proven design, but thats me!

OR, if you have a bunch of spare time and energy, try to hunt down my dream bike!

The Honda XRV750 Africa Twin!!!!

http://cars.iol.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carid=539873

http://www.wemoto.com/library/bikes/japanese/honda/xvr750-africa-twin-1994/index.php3

http://www.survivalskills.clara.net/xrv750.htm

 

[calamaridog]

2008 Klr650

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/23september06_klr650.htm

Improved touring performance and less wheel travel...

 

[Scott Brady]

Looks nice, but at the expense of dirty performance. Too bad

 

[melotaco]

I have done a lot of riding on both the XR650R and the KLR, and the KLR is comfortable, plush, and don't want to hurt anybodys feelings but I find it boring. The XR, well aything but boring especially off road. A lot of my friends ride xr650l and drz400 and you cant go wrong. My vote however is for the xr650r.

 

[Clutch]

Performance and streetablity

Didn't a guy race one of these in the 1000?

EDIT: Sorry it was the Adventure model...http://www.dirtbikemagazine.com/detail.asp?id=422

 

[Scott Brady]

Thanks for the additional feedback guys.

I really like the KTM, though I do keep stealing glances back at the BMW Dakar.

Research starts in earnest this April. (after the Arctic trip)