Need motorcycle suggestions

by **Figs and Bacon** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 12:38 pm

I'm looking for suggestions for an inexpensive (ie: around $2000) used motorcycle that can go offroad, but is comfortable being on for a few hours on the streets and roads. A BMW F650GS would be perfect but I don't want to pay $6000 for a bike I'll ride only a few times a month. Can ZS point me in a better direction?

by **Readphnx** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 1:38 pm

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-KLR ... 1c27c524f3

Pistol Pete and Sandcrawler both have KLR's. They're sharp looking bikes.

by **grennels** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 2:25 pm

There it is.

by **jamoni** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 2:30 pm

XT-550 would make a hell of an adventure bike. They can be had for less than $1000 around here.

by **Blacksmith** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 7:50 pm

I was avoiding saying KLR because I wanted to see how many posts it would take to go there. The answer is one.

There are better bikes if you had more money, but you don't. Finding a KLR in great shape for $2K might be hard to do though, unless you get lucky with an older bike. The Honda XR 650L is the Honda version of the KLR for about the same money.

by **KJ4VOV** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 8:24 pm

Might be able to find a Ural Solo used for that kind of money though.

by **ghost792** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 10:13 pm

I found one KLR650 on CycleTrader for sale in California that was close to the OP's price range ($2995). It looks like they are usually around $4k used.

by **Blacksmith** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 10:20 pm

ghost792 wrote:I found one KLR650 on CycleTrader for sale in California that was close to the OP's price range ($2995). It looks like they are usually around $4k used.

The hell of it is you can buy a new one in last years model (off color) for around $5500. People don't like letting them go. They are kind of like the Jeep of the bike world.

by **Dabster** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 10:58 pm

I had many happy miles on an '05 KLR but thought I'd mention the Suzuki DR650. I have never ridden one but I've heard they're lighter and better off-road.

by **greenear123** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 1:23 am

Check out this thread, if you haven't already: viewtopic.php?f=45&t=26710. Lots of good info on bikes. KlR is a great all around bike but not a good street or off road bike. That being said, it will take you as far as your ability on or off road. For me that's not to far yet,

, but getting better. You should be able to find one in your range if your not to picky on the cosmetics. I got my '08 with 8000 miles on it for $2500. The PO had dropped it, twice, before he put the crash bars on. Every piece of plastic was busted or scratched. Krylon Fusion O.D. Green to the rescue. Good luck and happy trails.

by **jamoni** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 8:27 am

BYW, for any bike that will see mostly road use with occasional off road, I can't recommend Avon Distanzia tires enough. They are like super thick street tires with deep and wide siping. They do a decent job in everything but sticky mud, and they are a million times better on road than any knobby ever. My XT550 went from being a slow scary cornerer to a bike I could throw into just about any curve. Also smooths out the shakes on the highway.