Sunday, December 30, 2012

New (to me) Kawasaki KLR 650. Bought it today!

Well, I just got home with a new (to me) 2011 Kawasaki KLR 650 with only 680 miles on the odometer.

I've been looking to get another dual sport bike since my BMW R1150GS deserted me.

After researching several bikes in the DS class, I ended up wanting a KLR.

Now, where to get one? I scoured all of the usual sites: Craigslist, eBay, CycleTrader, etc.

I found a couple that looked interesting and settled on a newer one, a 2011 KLR650 in Silver/Orange with only 680 miles on the odometer...barely broken in! 

The previous owner had added Happy Trails nerf bars, MX pegs, an aluminum bash plate, Acerbis handguards and a Kawasaki rear carrier.  Not too shabby.

I paid for it, went by AAA to register it and enjoyed a nice ride home on the I-15. The bike sounds like a VW but rolls down the asphalt well.  Now to get her out in the sand...

On a related note, it appears I'll be liquidating some guitars as mama says if another toy comes in, something is going out.  Good-bye Les Paul and Telecaster!

More to follow...

3 comments:

  1. Good luck on the bike purchase. Getting a new to you bike is always fun.

    Happy New Year!

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  2. I've often thought about the KLR but I find it a tad too big for what I want to do and not want to do (picking it up). I'm seriously considering a 250 instead.
    Congrats on the new steed, I love the color and I'm looking forward to reading about your new adventures.

    Happy New Year to you!

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  3. What?! The KLR has gotta be smaller than a Triumph Tiger, right?

    It's definitely smaller and more manageable (in the dirt/sand) than my BMW R1150GS.

    The downside, if any, is the KLR's performance on the road. You know, 1,000+ miles of asphalt!

    Like other KLR owners have stated (maybe many other dual sport owners, too): This isn't my "dream bike" but it'll do for now...

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