Author Topic: Our Adventure! (Read 1044 times)

Flyin6 · « **on:** May 04, 2022, 03:06:39 PM »

So, today I did something really cool
I purchased two Kawasaki KLR-650's
Yea

stlaser · « **Reply #1 on:** May 04, 2022, 03:19:23 PM »

That’s cool, who’s your wingman?

Flyin6 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 04, 2022, 03:19:46 PM »

A couple of days ago, the youngest Pre-Ranger approached me, proclaiming he was going to purchase a motorcycle.

He wasn't really asking, but telling me he was buying one.

Dad, I'm a senior next year and I want to ride a motorcycle...And you said that if I bought a bike, you'd get one and ride with me...

Now, I really didn't want him to take a chance getting injured on a motorcycle and he was talking some Ninja or something like that. so I took a moment, held my tongue and just thought.

I then suggested that if he get a bike, then shouldn't it be a dual purpose machine? I remembered how I rode from the time I was like 13 or 14 on dual sport bikes only buying my first street bike when I was 19.

Those days were magical to me and cherished memories. I rode Hondas and a Bultaco.

So I thought about it and while I did, my son researched dual sport machines. I further suggested a DR-650 Suzuki, or a Suzuki DRZ-400, or a Kawa KLR. After doing some searching I noticed the Kawai's were dominant and I already knew the KLR as a mule reliable, tractor slow, all around great beginner and even more dual sport.

We began looking at them on line and he saw the green Army color and just fell in love with it. While looking, more for him than me, I kept liking a version of the bike called an adventure. It adds ABS, Pannier bags, crash bars, fog lights, ABS, and a USB plug for an upcharge. It came in that cool gray camouflage and black wheels.

I clicked on the local dealership and they had two KLR's...A green base model and a gray cammo adventure. I found them last night just before church and drove over and purchased them this morning!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 04, 2022, 03:21:52 PM »

Thinking about it, I think the last year my son is home will just be a blast with him and I riding together and doing some adventure rides and trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
I just want to go out and have some fun with my son during his last year being home. I look forward to a great year riding with him!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 04, 2022, 03:23:58 PM »

So his bike was assembled and sitting in the showroom. I purchased it one minute after swinging a leg over it.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 04, 2022, 03:28:31 PM »

It is almost unchanged since it was first offered in the mid 1980's! It is a cult bike just like the DR-650 i once owned.

This one is liquid cooled and as of this year, finally fuel injected. Kawasaki upsized front and rear brakes for this year along with a couple other small improvements. The "Do-hicky" repair has been done for 2022 as well. It has decent tires, a luggage rack that will get well used, some decent electronics, a nice crossbar to mount your phone to, and an adjustable windshield

Flyin6 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 04, 2022, 03:30:24 PM »

The Adventure model I purchased saw the light of day for the first time when Shawn tore open the crate to show it to me.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 04, 2022, 03:34:01 PM »

It has the Panniers, big ole fog lamps, crash bars and that cool black lusterless black and gray cammo paint scheme.

I purchased it from a cool family business, Collins Powersports, in Florence KY. Shawn who helped me is the husband to the boss, Crystal. Her parents actually own the business, but she runs it. It is the place I purchased my Talon from a couple years ago.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 04, 2022, 03:38:00 PM »

I have long liked this motorcycle. It is just so simple and easy to work on. They seldom if ever break down and although they are not fast, they will at some point end up at the same destination a Dual Sport costing twice as much can get to.

More than anything this thing is here to build memories. Memories for me who will soon send my last son off into the big wide world, and more importantly, for him to build memories of time spent with his dad to hold long after I pass on to glory.

Mrwoody · « **Reply #9 on:** May 04, 2022, 05:18:17 PM »

Looks Great Don!!!
I'm sure Chris will enjoy it too.

JR · « **Reply #10 on:** May 04, 2022, 06:38:36 PM »

Sweet, love the dark camo but who is the ol fart on his knee's?

Pricing is below what I thought too. Deall with you at all or it is what it is?

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 04, 2022, 09:10:54 PM »

What happened to the talon set you had?
Trailer for them ?

We gonna have a wheelie contest me you Shawn. Let’s see

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stlaser · « **Reply #12 on:** May 04, 2022, 09:44:31 PM »

Quote from: Bigdave_185 on May 04, 2022, 09:10:54 PM

What happened to the talon set you had?
Trailer for them ?

We gonna have a wheelie contest me you Shawn. Let’s see

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Nah, I decided a few years back my reaction time isn’t as good as it once was. Not going to be pulling a big D…..

Nate · « **Reply #13 on:** May 05, 2022, 10:10:57 AM »

please remind us again why the other 2 bikes disappeared?

oklawall · « **Reply #14 on:** May 05, 2022, 07:59:54 PM »

Good looking bikes. Did you buy or do they do "Oil Changes" for free?

Flyin6 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 05, 2022, 11:02:27 PM »

Quote from: Nate on May 05, 2022, 10:10:57 AM

please remind us again why the other 2 bikes disappeared?

Close call on the highway...and the bikes were really just all for me. Not a family oriented thing

Flyin6 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 05, 2022, 11:03:13 PM »

Quote from: JR on May 04, 2022, 06:38:36 PM

Sweet, love the dark camo but who is the ol fart on his knee's?

Pricing is below what I thought too. Deall with you at all or it is what it is?

Had to pay list, but they did discount each machine $250 because of my military affiliation

Flyin6 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 05, 2022, 11:03:56 PM »

Quote from: oklawall on May 05, 2022, 07:59:54 PM

Good looking bikes. Did you buy or do they do "Oil Changes" for free?

Not those kind of oil changes. Services are not free...too bad!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 05, 2022, 11:05:26 PM »

Quote from: Bigdave_185 on May 04, 2022, 09:10:54 PM

What happened to the talon set you had?
Trailer for them ?

We gonna have a wheelie contest me you Shawn. Let’s see

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I sold my talon, the 1000R, but we kept the 1000X live wire. Dealer told me I could sell it for $3000 more than I paid for it!

JR · « **Reply #19 on:** May 05, 2022, 11:16:06 PM »

There fun, but drivers are worse than ever!

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #20 on:** May 06, 2022, 09:20:47 PM »

Debris on the road and potholes make dodging idiots driving cars while on cell phones even more challenging.

Ive been looking at dual purpose bikes and think 650 is the minimum engine size for a decent highway ride.

Please report back on its ability to cruise at speed, e.g. 75

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wilsonphil · « **Reply #21 on:** May 07, 2022, 11:03:59 AM »

Im pretty sure most of you have never split lanes in LA traffic, real men do that going 90mph. You become really good at reading/predicting stupid drivers.

Oh the joys of thinking you are invincible!

I stopped commuting on bikes in LA after I was almost killed 5ea times in one week. I took it as a sign.

I have had a couple KLR's in the past very dependable but heavy and gear bound not sure about the newer bikes. I know the new ones are not made in Japan anymore some SE Asia location if I'm not mistaken.

I have even gotten to sample the (US)Marine Diesel version and was not impressed but for the function it was designed to do I guess it was OK.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #22 on:** May 07, 2022, 04:27:32 PM »

Done it in Houston and that’s close enough for me. My problem is I have the right hand of a 19 year old and the body of a 50 something. I don’t think I’ll ride a 175hp sport bike again but a bagger or dual purpose is likely.

There are two kinds of motorcycle riders. Those that have gone down and those that will. I’ve been off twice at speed. It gets harder to recover each time. Next time maybe no recovery necessary.

Phil, my trip next week got cancelled so I’ll regroup and give you a heads up.

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 07, 2022, 10:14:07 PM »

I went over and picked both of them up today. First the kiddo's and then mine. Had to cruise some of I75, then I71. They do fine at 75mph. I was surprised. Their sweet spot is 74 on level ground. Not much buffet and on the first trip I ran right over a huge chunk of truck tire. I call those "Road Gators." I saw it then a quarter of a second I was on top of it. No time to react. The bike went right over it like it wasn't there. Frankly, I'm impressed it handled that and didn't toss me.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 07, 2022, 10:18:08 PM »

Kiddo's first time ever seeing it. What a special day it was. After I got both of them home we went on our first training flight. Over to the school for 20 min of low and slow. Full lock left and right turns while feathering the clutch. Dead stops up hill then hold and take off again. Tight circles, running over curbs, and standing while maneuvering. He stalled 4-5 times, me none. He immediately felt more confidence in the machine. I gave him some chores then released him to ride again. Back to the school and he practiced the maneuvers some more.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #25 on:** May 07, 2022, 10:24:18 PM »

My impression of the bike so far:
Well, it's slow, but it will cruise at 75 and can sprint to 85-90.
It's brakes are not as good as the Triumph, but they are OK.
It is sort of heavy, like 450ish, but it feels light.
The seat is comfortable but the handlebar grips do buzz at 75.
The windscreen is better than adequate and it has plastic hand guards but they will not protect in a crash because there is no metal frame.
It starts easily, runs fine, is all torque and no horsepower, kinda like a diesel. Feels like a light and nimble tractor.
I don't think it is great at anything but it seems to be good at everything.
But here's the kicker: I bought two of these things less than the cost of one Triumph Tiger 900!

It has a two position windshield. Delivered in the low position, I moved mine up to the high position

Flyin6 · « **Reply #26 on:** May 07, 2022, 10:25:49 PM »

You get two low beams, two more high beams and two really bright "fog" lights that seem more like driving lights

Flyin6 · « **Reply #27 on:** May 07, 2022, 10:27:31 PM »

That headlight setup is stolen directly from the Triumph Tiger!

The Panniers are small, like 21 or 25L and made fairly cheaply, but they fit the bike well and look good, I think

Flyin6 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 07, 2022, 10:28:38 PM »

The license plate was too busy so I freed it up some by removing two gaudy side reflectors

Flyin6 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 07, 2022, 10:29:35 PM »

It has the world's biggest, single USB port!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #30 on:** May 07, 2022, 10:31:05 PM »

The "Vapor" styled instrument cluster does not have a tach! But does have a fuel gage.

Three screens for ODO, Trip A, and Trip B

Flyin6 · « **Reply #31 on:** May 07, 2022, 10:34:54 PM »

They gave us a one time 30% discount. HE picked up a bonafide riding jacket and some gloves. I bought new gloves and an intercom system good to 500M.
Pre-Ranger is stoked. People are telling me they have never seen him so happy. He does not normally show much emotion, but that all went right out the window today. So far this is shaping up to be one terrific decision.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #32 on:** May 08, 2022, 08:33:35 AM »

Good times Don.

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stlaser · « **Reply #33 on:** May 08, 2022, 09:55:00 AM »

Very cool, glad you’ll have him close so he keeps you out of trouble.

JR · « **Reply #34 on:** May 08, 2022, 02:13:37 PM »

Nice bikes and I think you got the reaction you wanted from it. Training and experience is the only way to survive on bikes.

I have never split traffic except at a stoplight to get in front. Most people don't realize either there are laws and speeds governing spliting, most bikers don't follow em anyway.

stlaser · « **Reply #35 on:** May 08, 2022, 02:54:45 PM »

JR, I think that’s a Cali only thing legally speaking….

JR · « **Reply #36 on:** May 08, 2022, 03:12:37 PM »

Goes state by state, cali actually legalized it.

Hard to enforce anyway, how do you catch em?

"darwin"

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #37 on:** May 09, 2022, 06:03:53 AM »

Transplant surgeon…”all the best organs come from motorcycle riders…”

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #38 on:** May 25, 2022, 02:36:42 PM »

The kiddo and I had our first ride of any consequence together today.

Started off with a run down to Warsaw, KY to get a burger at "Jewells on main" a local hangout and great restaurant. We both had a delicious 1/2 lb burger. He ended up eating part of mine in addition to his, the napkin, some silverware and the ketchup bottle!

http://www.jewellsonmain.com/

From there we weaved all over that side of the Ohio river enroute to "rabbit Hash," KY, another popular hangout, especially for bikers.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/rabbit-hash-ky/

JR · « **Reply #39 on:** May 25, 2022, 05:08:29 PM »

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #40 on:** May 25, 2022, 10:49:20 PM »

Don have you ever been to Jack Ruby’s steakhouse in Cincinnati?

My favorite steakhouse in the country

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #41 on:** May 26, 2022, 09:57:22 AM »

Quote from: TexasRedNeck on May 25, 2022, 10:49:20 PM

Don have you ever been to Jack Ruby’s steakhouse in Cincinnati?

My favorite steakhouse in the country

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Several times, love it. We go there for big family events, as in important family events...
I'd suggest "The precinct" as well. Jack Ruby owns it too
and, check this out
He buys some of his beef from the farm that butts up to mine! Rick has a 100+ herd on 500 ish acres. Some of his cows stray onto my place from time to time, and neither of us can figure out how they're getting through the fence!

Oh and that barbecue place in the picture at Rabbit Hash is said to be pretty good.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #42 on:** May 26, 2022, 10:01:38 AM »

Well I meant the Precinct not his other place. Cool old building that was a police station back in the day!

First went to the Precinct in 1998

Last time was on my way up to OH to pick up my fifth wheel in 2013.

Next time will be when I come meet you for dinner!

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #43 on:** May 26, 2022, 10:03:14 AM »

Quote from: TexasRedNeck on May 26, 2022, 10:01:38 AM

Well I meant the Precinct not his other place. Cool old building that was a police station back in the day!

First went to the Precinct in 1998

Last time was on my way up to OH to pick up my fifth wheel in 2013.

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Neat...

Ever take any time to look at the photos of everyone who ate there?

Like a who's who of great people

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #44 on:** May 26, 2022, 10:05:54 PM »

Yes I have. Really cool

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