Buying an Adventure Bike - Consider this FIRST
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- Buying an adventure bike can be a challenge with so many options. If it is your first adventure bike, buying it for the right reason no matter what kind to me is the key. Some folks are selling their Kawasaki KLR650 right after buying them and in this video we talk about what to think of when buying an adventure bike.
#adventureriding #adventurebike #klr #klr650 #kawasaki
SOCIAL MEDIA
• Facebook Page - / mrandmrsbodean52
• Instagram - / bodean52
• Instagram - / bodeansadventures
MOTORCYCLES
• 2023 Kawasaki KLR 650
• 2021 Harley Davidson Road Glide Limited
• 2000 Harley Davidson Road King
Video & Audio Gear
• Sena 10c Pro - amzn.to/2Ehrhw8
• Sena 50c Communication - amzn.to/3K9W7FC
• Go Pro 7 - amzn.to/33KfSxq
• Go Pro 10 - amzn.to/43Bu5tr
• Osmo Action Camera - amzn.to/2WPA69Q
MOTORCYCLE MODS
• Tusk Billet Foot Pegs
amzn.to/3DrGoOj
• Tank Pads
amzn.to/3rMLYIQ
• Tusk Crash and Engine Guards
amzn.to/3Y4tT4Y
• Dracarys Motorcycle Tank Bag
amzn.to/3QtJR75
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links.
Mail Accepted at:
BoDean 52
PO Box 884
1325 E, M-36
Pinckney, MI 48169
Editing Software - Davinci Resolve 16
www.blackmagic...
Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicso...
Thumbnails are from Canva www.canva.com/
I’m 56 and have had many cruiser type bikes over the years. I bought a 2023 650 S and I love it. In Philly traffic nothing stops me, it can go anywhere.
and a tone of fun too right!
I’ve had 3 KLR’s over the years. Just bought the new 23’ 650s. I think I have the steering issue. But I’ll deal with it, no big deal. Great fun, beater bikes.
Congrats on the new bike, they are fun
I got a 2009 KLR 650 awhile ago and I love it. However, I knew what it was and was not. I wanted something I could do most of the maintenance at home, was reliable, and would take me all kinds of places, woods, fields, to work on the road, over curbs...way more places then a street bike would. I think some people just don't know what it is and is not. It does vibrate a lot and doesn't set you back hard when you twist the throttle. I don't need that. I need it to get me places. It DOES do that.
Exactly and if you know what you’re getting into with the bike, and it fits your type a Riding, it’s perfect to me
great chasing !!! wish i was out chasing with you .
Was a good day
Good video! These are first world problems! We have so many amazing choices for motorcycle riding, that some people think they should be able to get a bike that can cruise the highway with a passenger and all the luggage for a round the world trip at 100 mph, but still do single track and race motocross on the weekends! Every "dual sport" or "adventure" bike is a compromise, you just have to decide what side of the compromise you want more or less of. The KLR650 is a middle of the road compromise bike, so it does more things at the mid level.
Thanks Tom very well said and I agree this is the middle of the road and nothing is perfect. I really like the bike.
People buy them not understanding what the bike is, other than priced cheap. Doesn’t have all the tech and power people want. It’s made for a specific market of people that are looking for something cheap, reliable and not over powered for their ability. I’m not the best off road so this would be great for me to still have a ton of fun on.
Totally agree and that is one of the reasons that I bought it
My friends who have sold their KLRs regret it. They miss it when they are waiting for parts or money to fix their “ REAL” adventure bikes. They all tell me they should have kept it for a just in case bike. KLR is heavy and slow but it will get you anywhere.
You pretty much summed it up, people buy the wrong bike without researching what they do. Off road riding is a different skill set and takes far more effort to get better than street. Some people think they will like off-road buy a KLR because it has a great pedigree for mid size entry level. Then it’s like oh I made a mistake I can’t or dont want to do this. Plus there are no bars in the woods. Big turn off for the cruiser crowd.
I thought they were bars in the woods in West Virginia, no?
I used to have a 1991 HD Fatboy and a 2006 Suzuki Boulevard C-50. I have found out that I got really bored just reading on the streets. I've been debating on a KLX 300 or the KLR for the past 3 years lol.
Living in the Pacific Northwest I'm dead set on a KLR.
I think you will love the KLR and a good affordable purchase. Let me know how it ends up
Interesting, Im on my 6th HD...2020 Street Glide. But, Ive been thinking about getting into adventure riding and sell my street glide. Its also such an expensive bike ( and I do love it and its been my favorite) but I ride to work and now dont find myself doing long rides so it seems like overkill. The KLR seems like it could still go down the highway, city riding to work,and then off road. The other im looking at is the Honda 300 and the new Himalayan from Royal Enfield. The KLR seems to do a lot and its not terribly expensive.
I have had many motorcycles in my 57 years. Everything from big cruisers to motocross, and recently a few adventure bikes (klr included).
I think people are just looking for that "one" bike that will do it all. As any long time enthusiast knows it doesn't exist. Not everyone has the luxury of owning multiple bikes. The pandemic afforded people a few extra dollars (vacation money) to try motorcycling.
I just believe that one bike they could afford didn't do it all. They weren't passionate, just testing the waters.
What is a very good point and there is nothing perfect
I think it is the economy. People are hurting for cash, so selling their play bike that they can only ride part of the year is an option.
I want to get a new KLR 650. Kawasaki has a $1000 rebate on all models now. I stop at a dealership and satuday and sat on one and the salesman told me that Kawasaki had extended the rebate.
I own a 2020 Harley Road Glide special and I am trying to justify 2 bikes in my mind. I have owned multiple bikes it in the past, but now I am 64 and the garage is full.
I seen a Bunch of '22 and '23 KLRs for sale in my area as well. I know its not perfect, but its an amazing bike! I have put 1100 miles on mine so far. I cant see me ever getting rid of it. Ive heard the complaint about the soft shocks, clearly they have never ridden an old rigged frame Harley. Same goes with the vibration.
I honestly think people buy a KLR and expect it to be more like a big KTM or the likes, but its not made to be like one of them.
Hope you continue to enjoy yours as well as your Harleys.
Keep it rubber side down my guy!
You made me laugh out loud when you were talking about the shocks as I have a 2000 road king classic as well. I really am like in the bike for sure.
I say buy used, if you like it, great, if not you can turn around and sell it for right around what you paid for it.
Good advice
At first i felt slightly uncomfortable standing, now i stand a lot, not only off road but riding down the highway 😂. I think people sell all kinds of motorcycles, msybe ot was an impulse buy or maybe they did buy the wrong bike. I think the back country dirt and paved roads are very enjoyable on the klr.i road mine nearly half the day today, albeit mostly city riding, but i just kept riding.
those country back roads are really why I bought this
@@bodeanaventures it's so nice
Yo what helmet do you have. That thing sounds like a Library.
It is a Shoei and I have my audio set to block our a lot
There are many dirt roads in my area and I have been exploring and discovering new places to ride almost every weekend. (Many improved dirt roads such as you have shown...and lately, a few "unimproved" that take alot of focus to get through.
The KLR is big and heavy and may not be ideal for some areas that I've been recently exploring, but it gets the job done. It takes quite a bit of confidence to bring the KLR through sketchy terrain. (especially mud and soft sand) I believe more off-road tires would be a big improvement and I will probably go that route when mine wear out.
**I believe that some people may not truly evaluate what they want in a bike. (or through riding the KLR, they discover shortcomings of the bike or discover more difficult off-road riding areas that they want to focus on) Some may want more power and more thrill that twin cylinder ADV bikes provide and some may want something lighter and easier to take in more difficult terrain.
*a family member took a gen2 KLR on a 2 month 12k miles coast to coast adventure. He said that the KLR did great, but he had some frustrations when his riding partner on a V-strom 650 was pushing the speed at times. I think this type of scenario could come into play for some while riding with other ADV bikes.
For me, right now, my KLR does 90% of what I do great. I ride mostly quiet blacktop country roads and quite a bit on nicely maintained dirt. I haven't taken any longer trips, but have interest in trying some of these "adventure off road routes" online. If I discover more extensive, local, public, difficult areas and more trails through the swamps and sand, that really gain my attention, I would consider buying something like a Yamaha TW200, or even KLX 300L however, I wouldn't sell my KLR for it. It's possible that some day, I could see myself owning a larger twin ADV bike and a smaller, lighter, street legal trail bike.
Eric in NC
***edit...sorry one more thing...my KLR has made me realize that I would prefer a larger, more powerful ADV bike over a cruiser.
Great comment Eric and I feel mostly the same. This bike fits me for exactly what I want it for!
I learned not too long ago, I will only stand when I need to, apparently I’m older than I think, got too tired too quick when standing for no reason….
Definitely rough patches for sure and it helps me stretch out my back
I bought my KLR because i knew exactly what it was. I watched hours of videos of guys riding dual sports all over the Rocky Mountains and the deserts of Utah and Arizona. Then I bought a one and realized that I don’t live in a place with mountains or deserts. Where I live the roads are paved. We have small mountains but no fire season, thus no fire roads. So I kept it for commuting and rides on scenic back roads. After 6 years I bought something better suited for the riding I do. However, I’m planning a trip to Alaska next year and I’m considering buying a new KLR for the trip. I haven’t decided if I want to rough it on a thumper or buy something designed with highway miles in mind. I’ve heard the vibrations are much softer on the new ones versus my gen1. I think the KLR is probably a great second bike. People buy them thinking it’s a do it all machine, but it really isn’t.
I agree with you and at least for the ride and I do this could not be my only bike. Good luck on the Alaska trip.
i rode a KLR for many years and many miles , i think almost every dual sport and or adventure rider has its a right of passage bike , but a starter bike really so riders move on and up from there ?? if i was going to buy another 1-cyl bike today it would be the KTM 390Adv instead , looking at the specs its head and shoulders better
Good point, and I really bought this thinking that it would do just what I wanted to and don’t have a need to upgrade this bike because I do have two cruisers. But I must say, I do think about it sometimes.
I think there's probably a decent portion of the sellers who buy a bike like this planning on doing a lot of off road or adventure riding, and then plans change or they don't really get into off road or adventure riding like they thought they would and end up with 99% of their seat time being on pavement. At that point it would make sense for a lot of them to rethink the purchase and just get something more road oriented.
Exactly, traded my 22 KLR for a 24 ZX6R. I was basically all street on it, and being my only bike didn't really cut it. Awesome bike though
That’s a great point and since I have street bikes for me, at least this solves the purpose. If I ended up taking this thing, mostly on the road, I would rethink it as well.
Get why you would do that
Just curious what the issue with the steering was.
I had a 2005 KLR and loved it. Used on pavement, fire trails and really liked the tall seat height that everybody always complained about.
some had steering stem nuts torqued too tight, causing tight steering.
Thanks!
@@dirtbeard108
like dirtbeard said, the steering stem nut over torqued and now for me, they are having to replace the bearings. Will be great after, I still like the bike
Thank you for the response!
@@bodeanaventures
Great vid. I looked at a new KLR it was about $8k out the door and decided to buy a used 2016 KTM 1190 that was subsequently stolen, guess I should have bought the KLR
That stinks and heck you didn’t know. KTM is great bike to.
I think if you are going to get into adventure bikes and never been on one or riden dirt at some point....it is a different beast....especially if your going to buy it to ride off highway in the back woods!...for some it may just be to much!!...great video...stay safevout there!!😎👍🤙👍🤙🇨🇦
Very true!
I still enjoy the stock klr suspension on bumpy back roads. Soaks the bumps way better then my cruisers. Another thing i am wondering with some of us that ride cruisers and a KLR. Is it acceptable to ride the KLR with cruiser gear???
I honestly have not felt any concern about the suspension at all. I do have full ADV gear, but I am normally wearing an ADV jacket, jeans, and my normal motorcycle boots. I do wear a full face helmet though. I guess I’ll know more after the first time I fall on it
@@bodeanaventures I have an older black and hiviz scorpion jacket I like. Jeans when it's warm and HWK pants as it gets cooler. I have a mesh jacket when it gets warm. Someday I will spend some money on better adv gear. Always a full face helmet with music/communication for me.
Go down the road a few more miles... and then more problems... then youll understand.
Hoping not but eyes wide open
Here in Australia many people get the KLR as they are in the learner classed approved and when they gain there full license they tend to upgrade
I’m hearing more of that myself
@@bodeanaventures but when it's someone's 2nd bike or a older rider then it's a keeper
They sell because it's MUCH harder than it looks!!!!...they spend more time on their ass, then riding! Sadly new riders are Sold on false Hype, that they will instantly be jumping 20 feet in the air, flying off-road with impunity, only to get a reality check. So they sell.....and probably Don't buy another bike, but "tell" everyone on forums that "oh the KLR sucks, im upgrading".....reality is, "They" suck, and don't even bother getting another bike, because it won't help anyways! LOL
My guess, most people that bought KLRs and DRs, realized that those bikes are best on trails, when what they’re doing is more dirt/gravel roads, and that the whole adventure travel, requires some sections of highway riding. The bigger ADV bikes work better for that type of riding. IE: I’m going to the MABDR soon, and it may involve hundreds of miles of pavement to get to the route, and, taking my camping gear etc works better on the slightly larger bike….. just my opinion
As usual, more great points coming from you
Same thing happened to the Honda Crf 300l rally resale value way up and bottom line people I think don’t research enough before purchasing a bike I watched lots of RUclips vids and reviews on the rally before I purchased I still watch vids on it that’s part of why people sell their bikes IMO
I agree and it’s so easy to get sucked in based on people saying it’s a great bike on RUclips. For me it’s as much making sure you’re buying the right bike for your type of riding you want. I think sometimes people just don’t know what they want which is understandable.
I feel people just become better riders and want a bigger bike. I hear a lot of people say the KLR was a fun little starter bike until they became better dirt riders. Ride Safe
I fully disagree with them. It is one of the most popular, and most sold of two motorcycles in its class in the United States.
I don't care what motorcycle you purchase, it takes time to build muscle memory and become familiar with it. You cannot do that in a few miles. It is like the difference between a one night stand and a wife. The KLR is a good motorcycle and does a lot of things well, but riding on the interstate at 80+MPH is not one of them, so if you need to run the interstate run at 65-70MPH. You are allowed to do that and not breaking any laws. For someone needing a multi-function motorcycle, the KLR is great and will get you to your destination and back home, even with parts hanging off of it. As a rule it is capable and dependable. I ride a 900lb Victory Bagger, the KLR is a lightweight motorcycle to me. For a lot of my riding it would be great, especially as a second motorcycle and daily rider. I think people just have unreal expectations.
That’s actually a great point and I love it really for that reason you talked about. I have two other baggers and I bought this bike for a specific reason and it’s definitely not to ride 80 miles an hour on the interstate.
I told you I had a DR 650, at the time, it was the only bike I had. I traded it in because I was able to get my VStrom, which will do the kind of dirt road riding I want to do, and it was capable enough to take my wife on rides!! Now that I have the Goldwing, she doesn’t ride the Vstrom, but it still died what I want to do off pavement!!
Yeah, a lot of people I know I do have the DR. How does the V Strom do and how much does it weigh?
@@bodeanaventures it does amazingly well! I can ride it anywhere, on and off pavement. Dry weight is about 475 pounds I think….
I'll tell you what intrigues me, is the thought of a trip / travel on side roads, at a pace that one can enjoy every part of it. Am I out of line? ... Bob
Sounds amazing Bob
👍🏻🤠😎👋👋🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸