Thread: Not Hardcore, But Fun Memorial Adventure Riding

thanks.

those crash bars are probably made from SW-Motech. Also on my list off farkles (too many farkles not enough approval from the wife)

Twisted throttle's got an imitation GS made from mostly KLR parts

KLR650GS


That aux light bracket is listed in their catalog but I cant find it on their website to buy it. (which is probably a good thing)

Originally Posted by JH41

I've been meaning to ask why you are so proud of your (former) klr ownership.

Can I assume that the only reason you wont take the GS into more rugged stuff is that you dont want to risk ruining such an expensive, nice bike? Aside from suspension and power, what do you like better about the beemer over the kawi?

It's a tale really longer than this forum has room for . I'm not so much proud as I am sort of sad. I quit riding for awhile and gave up on the street altogether and rode dirt. The KLR gave me a different perspective on riding and loads of good times with it. Eventually I even got another sportbike, later replaced with an engagement ring, and eventually the GS.

I've owned KLR's for about 6 years or so (97 and an 03) they are just great rides. Not enough power to get you into trouble and not enough brakes or suspenders to get you out of it . They are a true go-anywhere machine and with a very sweet pricetag to match.

Why do I refuse insanity...
The primary reason I don't go crazy is not just the payment book, but yeah it's definitely a reminder. It is a bigger bike, a heavier bike, and there is a limit to sensible riding now I guess

What do I like better...
The KLR's lack of the aforementioned prevented it from being a 2-up ride for doing what I wanted to do with it. The GS gives me the ability to pretty much go anywhere 2-up on a map without worrying what I may encounter. The luggage solutions are better (because the suspension and power are there too). The GS is a little more road oriented than the KLR which makes burning highway enjoyable too. Usually for me I have to ride 50-80 miles highway before I can do the kind of riding I enjoy. Doing that on a KLR made the day longer on both ends, and I found myself doing it less and less. Sure a big screen and stuff were nice for the highway, but then I'd just die on trails. Again the GS complements with the oe adjustable screen and really comfy ergos. I can stand up on the GS alot easier, the tank on the KLR was annoying for getting up on the pegs and trying to grip, that is the one thing I hated about it.

Last but certainly not least, it's not just power but how you make it. The GS powerplant is only 110hp or so, but its got torque anywhere you want. The KLR was gutsy in off road situations but I felt its high center and needing to downshift if you got in trouble to be a bad combo on really slick stuff. With the GS the more you roll the more it goes, you can short shift or ride it like a sportbike - it doesen't care much.

So a short answer is the GS is a better streetbike, 2-up, and highway ride, which are 3 things I was missing with the KLR.