Petrolburner
Explorer
I second that great idea, plus the new models just look...weird?
You're all a bunch of bad influences!
- Thread starter adventureduo
- Start date
I second that great idea, plus the new models just look...weird?
Yep same old story, here we again....................when the Boss says "go ahead and buy what ever the f@#& you want", it doesn't really mean go buy a bike. So just be sure you get the story straight, hate to have to take another bike off some guys hands who thot she meant he could buy a bike.
ChuckB
Expedition Leader
umm, yeah that's pretty much my story...
adventureduo
Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
Went and test rode a KLR last night. A 2006 with 6,100 miles on it. Great bike, perfect condition, never crashed.
I felt like it was too big and bulky for me. I was simply not used to it. Im thinking about getting a smaller dual sport for now and staying off the road for the vast majority until i get my grip and take a class or two.
I've ridden dirt bikes my whole life, but riding on the street didn't feel right to me. I have to be honest, i felt as if i was going to be hurt in the first few weeks. I know it comes in time, but i didn't care for it just yet. Maybe down the road.
Yosh and my family were happy i chose to walk away for now
I felt like it was too big and bulky for me. I was simply not used to it. Im thinking about getting a smaller dual sport for now and staying off the road for the vast majority until i get my grip and take a class or two.
I've ridden dirt bikes my whole life, but riding on the street didn't feel right to me. I have to be honest, i felt as if i was going to be hurt in the first few weeks. I know it comes in time, but i didn't care for it just yet. Maybe down the road.
Yosh and my family were happy i chose to walk away for now
S
Scenic WonderRunner
Guest
Always Learn to go with your First Inner Deep Feelings....in all things!
In Hawaii we would say.....
No Shame Bradda!
Good Choice!
.
In Hawaii we would say.....
No Shame Bradda!
Good Choice!
.
CoastalDefender
Explorer
Went and test rode a KLR last night. A 2006 with 6,100 miles on it. Great bike, perfect condition, never crashed.
I felt like it was too big and bulky for me. I was simply not used to it. Im thinking about getting a smaller dual sport for now and staying off the road for the vast majority until i get my grip and take a class or two.
I've ridden dirt bikes my whole life, but riding on the street didn't feel right to me. I have to be honest, i felt as if i was going to be hurt in the first few weeks. I know it comes in time, but i didn't care for it just yet. Maybe down the road.
Yosh and my family were happy i chose to walk away for now
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
Evil. Shame on you! Tempting the weak!
CoastalDefender
Explorer
Helping him see the light... :elkgrin:
When are you trading in your KLR for a DL? :bike_rider:
CoastalDefender
Explorer
http://www.stromtrooper.com/showthread.php?t=49922
Okay, I'll quit pooping in your thread.
However, if you're looking for a bike that can take you 80% of where a KLR can, is 100% better on long tarmac, and makes you say "holy ****, this is great!" take a serious look a Wee.
Okay, I'll quit pooping in your thread.
However, if you're looking for a bike that can take you 80% of where a KLR can, is 100% better on long tarmac, and makes you say "holy ****, this is great!" take a serious look a Wee.
RedDog
Explorer
I walked away 3 years ago after 28 years of riding, mostly road bikes all over the continent. It looked like the Jeep and off road trail exploring were taking over. The Kawasaki 1100 was just sitting there insured and registered and not being ridden. I finally sold it.
It didn't take. My new toy just before Christmas. The snow is gone and insurance kicks in Friday... Good Friday. :bike_rider: I'm baaaaaaaaack.
It didn't take. My new toy just before Christmas. The snow is gone and insurance kicks in Friday... Good Friday. :bike_rider: I'm baaaaaaaaack.
Cabrito
I come in Peace
Went and test rode a KLR last night. A 2006 with 6,100 miles on it. Great bike, perfect condition, never crashed.
I felt like it was too big and bulky for me. I was simply not used to it. Im thinking about getting a smaller dual sport for now and staying off the road for the vast majority until i get my grip and take a class or two.
I've ridden dirt bikes my whole life, but riding on the street didn't feel right to me. I have to be honest, i felt as if i was going to be hurt in the first few weeks. I know it comes in time, but i didn't care for it just yet. Maybe down the road.
Yosh and my family were happy i chose to walk away for now
I think you did the right thing. Like SWR said - "No shame Bradda"
I never recommend riding to anyone. I've been riding street bikes since I was 16 and I'm 45 now. The dangers are very real and inherent to the sport. Going down is not pretty and can have some pretty serious negative results. I laid my bike down four times before I was even 18. Not once was I wearing a helmet and I was extremely lucky to survive those younger and dumber years. Luckily those were all at 45mph or slower, and just on city streets.
I crashed once at 75 mph on the freeway, and thank goodness I was wearing my helmet. It saved my life. This was in my mid 20's, and I was actually a passenger on that one.
To get on a street bike and start learning as a 30 something is just not something I'd want to do, but I do understand the desire.
I've been without a bike for the past few years and can't wait to get back on one, but my girl and family really don't want me to.
I was a little surprised that you didn't like the KLR though. I guess being a short guy at 5'6 I've always been on bikes that were a little big for me. When I got my first KLR it was so stable and comfortable I thought I could ride anywhere. It felt nimble in the city streets, splitting lanes, and off the pavement even though I could only tippy toe the ground.
I'm impressed with your approach to the whole thing and like your idea of getting a smaller dual sport. I especially like the fact that you're thinking of taking a class. It will teach you a lot, and I think all new riders should take one.
In my perfect world I'd like a nice big KLR or WeeStrom and a little 250 dirt bike.
Keep us posted on what you decide to do.
:sombrero:
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Oni
Adventurer
Dave
Check into taking an MSF course, or try the Honda Rider Education facility in Colton. The Honda place has bikes, gear, everything you need. Just sign up and show up. They have mini bikes so Yosh can take the class too. :victory:
I've been riding since I was 14. Did the dirt bike thing, did the street bike knee dragging thing, now back on dual sports. Dual sports are really fun.
KTM's and Husky's are much lighter than a KLR, but probably not best for a new rider, plus they are more maintenance heavy.
Maybe try and find a used DR650 Suzuki. A plated XR400 would be a good choice too. :bike_rider:
Check into taking an MSF course, or try the Honda Rider Education facility in Colton. The Honda place has bikes, gear, everything you need. Just sign up and show up. They have mini bikes so Yosh can take the class too. :victory:
I've been riding since I was 14. Did the dirt bike thing, did the street bike knee dragging thing, now back on dual sports. Dual sports are really fun.
KTM's and Husky's are much lighter than a KLR, but probably not best for a new rider, plus they are more maintenance heavy.
Maybe try and find a used DR650 Suzuki. A plated XR400 would be a good choice too. :bike_rider:
S
Scenic WonderRunner
Guest
You know you want one!
Just get a smaller one for now. Pay attn. to seat height and overall weight.
2010 KLX 250s....
Why not try this or anything up to a 450.
Get a rack for the back of your Cruiser and/or the back of the trailer. And Only use it on the dirt trails and get used to it. What a wonderful base camp escape vehicle!
I would rather only ride one in the dirt anyway!
I continue to consider one for the rear bumper on the SWR.
I am a true dirt bike Pioneer. My first dirt bike was a 1972 Kawasaki 250 bored out with a stinger pipe. Knobby tires and suspension added. It was a reg. bike turned into a dirt bike. Hard to find dirt bikes in the old days.
You have no idea how lucky you are!
.
Just get a smaller one for now. Pay attn. to seat height and overall weight.
2010 KLX 250s....
Why not try this or anything up to a 450.
Get a rack for the back of your Cruiser and/or the back of the trailer. And Only use it on the dirt trails and get used to it. What a wonderful base camp escape vehicle!
I would rather only ride one in the dirt anyway!
I continue to consider one for the rear bumper on the SWR.
I am a true dirt bike Pioneer. My first dirt bike was a 1972 Kawasaki 250 bored out with a stinger pipe. Knobby tires and suspension added. It was a reg. bike turned into a dirt bike. Hard to find dirt bikes in the old days.
You have no idea how lucky you are!
.
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