Trade in '01 ZX9R for '06 KLX250S.. am I nuts?

cherrypicker · 02-06-2006, 09:26 PM

Well it's been 2 years with my ZX9R and maybe I'm getting bored with it, or with the roads I have to choose from around here and nobody elese like mionded to ride with. Long story short, it doesn't excite me anymore, and I'm not sure another sportbike will. So, I'm searching through the websites of all the manufacturers. My own little cyber bikes show.

The first bike I every rode was a dual sport... so I did some research and I like the KLX250S. Updated for '06, liquid cooled, electric start, 6 speed, disc brakes, lots of suspension travel, awesome fuel ecomony (60+mpg), and the message boards have great things to say about it. Let's face it, I'm in Iowa, there's more dirt roads than paved anyway.. some very scenic ones too. I actually end up riding my 9R on some of them occasionally anyway (poor radiator). Best of all this is cheap ($4,600 MSRP), street legal, cheap insurance, and probably not a bad bike for a short commute to work. In the future I'll probably add a sportbike back into the mix, long haul touring machine or maybe a crusier.

To top it off, my 9R is probably ready for some major maintenance this season... including sorting out a pesky igniton fuse that keep blowing time to time. Trading it in will make it someone elses problem.

So has anyone here had some experience with owning a dual sport? Any opinions. Good decision? Bad decision?

here's a link ot the website

http://www.kawasaki.com/product_deta...tag=motorcycle

cherrypicker · 02-06-2006, 09:29 PM

picture

dreesemonkey · 02-07-2006, 10:33 AM

Looks like a sweet bike but the gas tank seems awfully small (under 2 gallons). So long as you don't mind putting gas in it every 100 miles and having a top speed of probably ~70, should be a sweet runabout

VIVID1 · 02-07-2006, 01:39 PM

Mike,

The link you posted takes you to the KLR650 page, which in my opinion is a better bike choice if you are thinking of actually touring on that thing, commuting to work, or taking it on paved roadways in addition to dirt roads. KLR650 make wonderful tourers and I know many people that ride and love them. There are a lot of accessories available for the KLR. This one chick I know rode her KLR650 from Seattle to the Arctic sea in Alaska and then to the southern most tip of Mexico. Check her ride reports here http://www.dantesdame.com

cherrypicker · 02-07-2006, 09:24 PM

There are aftermarket tanks in the works and you might also be able ot fit a aftermarket 3.5gallon tank for a KLX300 which is almost the same frame.

The KLR650 is just too dated, is not a great trail bike, but yes, it's considered good for longer trips and freeway use. I plan to tow to my destination but be able to ride aggressive trails when I get there. Long term, I still might end up with a BMW or KTM if I really get into the off roading. I figure this is a good place to start. Also, my commute is only 2 miles across town, so is better for that.

It's good to know that you guys don't think I'm totally crazy. I haven't bought it yet, hell I might coming home with a V-storm or a KTM 640, but I'm definitely giving up the ZX9R.

cherrypicker · 02-07-2006, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VIVID1

Mike,

The link you posted takes you to the KLR650 page,[/url]

THat's the way Kawasaki's website is set up. IT took you to the "dual sport' page, the KLR650 is the defalt biek that pops up first. You have to select the KLX.

fishchoke · 02-07-2006, 09:36 PM

Ducati Multistrada
Expensive but you ain't going to be bored with it that's for sure.

cherrypicker · 02-08-2006, 12:19 AM

I've been surfing the MFG websites some more... and I'm definitely going ot do some comparison shopping. Part of me wants ot be able ot ride some local trails and ATV parks. I also wants to hit some dirt roads and off the beaten path. I'd liek to trailer out West or out east and hit some trails. I guess i still wouldn't mind being able to ride longer distances.

I have to decide 1) how much I'm willing to spend 2) how much off road worthiness am I willing to give up for longer distance comfort.

The KTM 640 Adventure is looking good now too. And... just maybe the KLR650 is back in the mix. I guess I need to sit on some bikes.

Ahh the fun of picking a new ride.

VIVID1 · 02-08-2006, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishchoke

Ducati Multistrada
Expensive but you ain't going to be bored with it that's for sure.

Now you’re talking. I love that bike. One day I will have one

busarider54 · 02-08-2006, 05:32 PM

I'm very happy with my Strom but if you are going to be more dirt-oriented what about one of the DRZ's?

cherrypicker · 02-08-2006, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by busarider54

I'm very happy with my Strom but if you are going to be more dirt-oriented what about one of the DRZ's?

I'll probably look at the DRZ400 as well. The dealer I'm going to on Friday carries Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda and KTM. I called today and they did have a KLX250S.... so I suspect they have a pretty good selection up there.

By Saturday, I'll be leaving with some new 2 wheel vehcile on my trailer.

cherrypicker · 02-14-2006, 08:35 PM

ZX9R is sold! I test rode the KLX and the DR-Z and I liked the feel of the smaller KLX, better suspension, smoother motor and I liked the way it looked. 120 miles so far and it's a fun little machine. It scoots along pretty good up to 60mph... but you definitely can't campare it to the world of sportbikes. This is probably the ultimate city commuter bike. Sudden lane changes are a breeze, you have a high up view of traffic, you "feel" more vulnerable without all the bodywork in front of you or gobs of HP, so you pay more attention to traffic. The clutch is super light and gearbox is easier to shift too. It can also ride over anything and the worst potholes are no big deal with 11" of suspension travel. It's able to cruise at 70-75mph, so freeway use is possible, but no preferred. It likes backroads. I wish I had this for a second machine when I commuted in the Chicago suburbs from Frankfort down to Bourbonnais.

I think I still see a BMW, SV1000 or even a metric crusier in my future.

VIVID1 · 02-15-2006, 10:47 AM

Congrats! ...but it doesn’t exist without pictures

dreesemonkey · 02-15-2006, 12:58 PM

Awesome, glad to see you like it! I will definitely own a bike like this someday, maybe once I get a SS bike I'll get one to commute on? Maybe I'm dreaming? ;)

cherrypicker · 02-16-2006, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VIVID1

Congrats! ...but it doesn’t exist without pictures

Working on it. I'll get some this weekend, before I pull the carbs out for some modifications, rjetting... and of course removing the smog equipment. Until Diesel trucks and SUV's are required to have similar smog controls as cars along with reasonable mileage standards... I think it's rediculous to place them motorcyles...especially those with less than 25HP to start with.