You're all a bunch of bad influences!

[trailsurfer]

Here is my story, I think it might help you with your decision

I have only been riding for two years now. I rode my friends dirt bikes growing up, but had never ridden on the road.

I started with the MSF course and it helped tremendously, and I wanted a dual sport bad! I immediately bought a BMW 650 GS, and was completely intimidated. I stalled it twice upon leaving the garage of the person I bought it from. I was SCARED, and didn't get above 40 on the 5 mile ride home. Like you, I thought I was going to die, and hated riding around cars and trucks. Honestly, that lasted about 7 days and 4-5 rides. Then the light went off, the training took over, and it became fun.

And within two weeks I had sold my 650 and bought my BMW 1200 GSA. I have ridden about 20,000 miles in the last 24 months. 80% on the road.

Take the MSF course, then find a friends bike to ride for a week or two on quiet roads. You will get hooked and also you will get an idea of what bike works best for you.

 

[goodtimes]

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.

. . . and then RUN!!! to the nearest BMW dealer and take a G650GS out for a ride. Once you do it, you'll know why.

sorry, it had to be said!

But as long as you're there, take a 800GS out for a ride too. But leave your credit cards and all bank information at home. Those things are like crack . . .

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

A brand that seems to get overlooked a lot.

I got to visit the Husqvarna Plant in Jönköping in 1973. I watched the motorcycles being made. It was state of the art quality at the time, and I'm sure it's even better today. They were All about Quality! I wanted one so bad. But I couldn't afford it at $1.95 per hour working in a furniture warehouse after school!

They bussed our group out to the best test track in all of Europe to let us ride. Turns out it was raining so bad that day, we would have been covered in mud! And we had a company dinner later that night so I couldn't ride the track. Shoot!

http://www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/_vti_g5_ver.aspx?IdVer=119&rpstry=198_


.

 

[goodtimes]

Husky makes some good bikes.

BMW owns them, you know. :snorkel:

All kidding aside (but not kidding about BMW owning Husky), it's all about finding the bike that fits you (ergonomics), and your riding style.

 

[RHINO]

KTM own husaberg and i prefer husaberg to KTM. that doesnt have anything to do with anything, but what the heck.

 

[MarcFJ60]

You should definitely get a bike you feel passionate about. The KLR is a great bike for many people, but you aren't one of them (and neither am I). I've only sat on a KLR and it felt huge (although I am only 5'8").

The seat height on my XChallenge is 2 inches higher than a KLR but it feels a lot smaller (possibly due to it weighing 100 pounds less). The Husky TE610/630 is also similar to the XChallenge - relatively light weight, fuel injected, fairly powerful. But there are some sweet 250cc bikes as well. Good luck in your search.

 

[goodtimes]

KTM own husaberg and i prefer husaberg to KTM. that doesnt have anything to do with anything, but what the heck.

Speaking of things that have nothing to do with nothing . . .

Graffiti seen at Campo Archelon last week:

Kant
Take
Mexico


:coffeedrink:

 

[CoastalDefender]

You should definitely get a bike you feel passionate about. The KLR is a great bike for many people, but you aren't one of them (and neither am I). I've only sat on a KLR and it felt huge (although I am only 5'8").

I had the same experience, and I am 6'3". The new KLR just felt too massive and unwieldy for me. I was afraid I was going to drop it just getting on it in the show room. The ride wasn't much better. I chocked it up to either I was having a bad balance day, or it was just the wrong bike for me.


In all seriousness, I suggest taking an MSF. Then go out and get the cheapest road-worthy bike you can. Get some quality gear (I run Tourmaster and Scorpion) for protection, and get out there and practice. My short game was the toughest, but it's all doable once you get the feel for the bike.

And I'm not 100% certain if this means anything, but when I was on the KLR I was convinced it was not only too poor a fit, I knew in the back of my head I was going to end up hurt from riding it. When I got on my Wee, the fit was so perfect, I knew this was the bike I was going to be negotiating price on...

Take a day and go sit on a LOT of bikes. Hit 3-4 dealerships and talk to the salesman. Tell them what you're intentions are, and let them show you what they have. Leave your pocketbook at home and bring an open mind. In the end it's best to find yourself on a bike that works best for you, not one that works best for others.

 

[TJDIV]

Nothing wrong if it doesn't feel right!

I remember my first test ride before buying my TL1000R. If I hadn't driven all the way to MI to buy it (up from FL) I probably would've held off. But I really enjoyed it..glad I followed through.

Most guys who have something to lose tend to be OK on bikes. I, for a couple years, lived like I had nothing to lose. I didn't need a 1000cc V-Twin


Looking at a KTM525 EXC now for the U.P. style of Dual Sporting. We'll see...