robbkerry
Northern Utah
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Joined: 01/05/2008
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I've just about convinced myself to ride from Seattle to Alaska this summer, with some area touring once I'm in Alaska. My question is which bike to take. I currently ride a Bandit 1200S on the street and have logged several 1,000-mile days in relative comfort, but this bike is very squirly once/if the pavement turns to gravel or becomes sandy or muddy.
I'm wondering if any of you have long-distance experience on a KLR 650? I've heard they're great bikes and am considering adding one to "the stable."
I suspect there will be some posts from people recommending the BMW Adventure or KTM 950. I'm sure they're great bikes, but probably out of my price range since I'll be adding this bike to my garage rather than replacing one. KLRs can be found at bargain prices, and I've heard they're both rock-solid reliable and very good for the rider who stays mostly on road but doesn't want to stop when things turn to gravel and washboards.
Based on this, I would be willing to buy one and not feel like I have to get rid of anything else in my garage. My concern is long-distance capabilities. Is it reasonable and comfortable to ride a KLR 800 miles in a day? I have a Yamaha TTR-250 that has a street-legal kit added to it, but obviously it's not cut out for more than a few miles on the highway, mostly jumping from one trail or canyon to the next. I'm looking for a bike to bridge the gap between my Bandit and the TTR, I guess.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can send my way!
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4-Bike Dave
Michigan
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Joined: 07/03/2007
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I can't help on the KLR, but I'd suggest looking at a V-Strom. I picked my 2006 650 off the dealers floor in June of '07 for $5800, which I thought was pretty reasonable. You can should be able to find a low-mileage used one around $3500. I've been impressed on how it handles on gravel roads, and I actually seek out gravel roads when I want a liesurely ride with no particular endpoint in mind. The wide bars and high seat make it feel like a dirt bike. Maybe that's why I feel so confident when the pavement ends.
Good luck!
Ride safe.
Ride often.
Dave
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Rte66Charlie
Springfield, MO
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Joined: 12/14/2007
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Go to www.advrider.com and use the search tab and enter "KLR650" - 20 pages, 500 hits from guys and gals that use this bike to travel tens of thousands, HUNDREDS of thousands of miles for just the kind of trip you are talking about! You will find a wealth of info on mods, luggage, seats, bars, everything and anything to turn your KLR into just the long distance mount you are looking for!
The short answer? The KLR650 is perfectly capable of taking on the AlCan Highway and bringing you back in one piece. Preparation is everything, so do your homework and then jump on your KLR and enjoy your trip to Alaska!!
Rte66Charlie
It is not WHAT you ride.....It is THAT you ride.
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