Sport enduro tourer something or other

[sinaptik]

I'm looking for my first bike, I'll be using it mostly in town but want to also do some road trips around NZ and adventure riding.

As a taller guy, I'd like a bigger bike. Here are the models I've been looking at (I'm not sure what these are classed as, dual sports mostly?):

kle500
*kle650 versys
*dl650 v-strom
f650gs
xt660

*not LAMS approved...

Am I missing any similar bikes?

The average prices of these bikes on trademe are around $5k, is there any reason for this? I know next to nothing about bikes, but surely there should be some cheaper ones out there?

Any and all advice will be appreciated.

[Gremlin]

The average prices of these bikes on trademe are around $5k, is there any reason for this? I know next to nothing about bikes, but surely there should be some cheaper ones out there?
They are usually classed as dual purpose. I would say $5k is quite reasonable, but it would also depend on age and condition. You could also look at stuff like a DR250/400/650

[nadroj]

KLE500 would make an excellent learners bike. Very good handling & confortable at highway speeds.
I did a 550km loop on Waitangi day including a little metal & finished without a sore bum.
It lacks power off the line (doesnt wheelie) and out of corners but I am uused to 1300cc grunters.

[sinaptik]

KLE500 would make an excellent learners bike. Very good handling & confortable at highway speeds.
I did a 550km loop on Waitangi day including a little metal & finished without a sore bum.
It lacks power off the line (doesnt wheelie) and out of corners but I am uused to 1300cc grunters.

The KLE500 is definitely on the top of my list. There's only two on trademe, but this one looks very nice: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=563620946

Though I'm not sure how much to pay, how to get it mechanically checked remotely and how to get it to Hamilton...

[mulletman]

The KLE500 runs rings around the KLR/DRs let alone that one in Nelson with carb and airbox mods :niceone:, cant go wrong with the twin i reckon. (did own a KLE500)

[sinaptik]

The KLE500 runs rings around the KLR/DRs let alone that one in Nelson with carb and airbox mods :niceone:, cant go wrong with the twin i reckon. (did own a KLE500)

It does look very nice, now just to win the auction at a reasonable price! (taking into account that motorcycle movers ballparked getting it to me for ~$400)

[GrayWolf]

It does look very nice, now just to win the auction at a reasonable price! (taking into account that motorcycle movers ballparked getting it to me for ~$400)

I owned a Yammy XTZ660 (tenere) 'old type'
I rode with a group where a female had a KLE500.... comparison? XTZ was a bit taller in the saddle (DL/KLR will also be) but the KLE had a far more cumfy saddle.
off the line the big single(s) were a tad quicker and had slightly better 'lower speed' roll on performance. on the open road the KLE had a definite 'edge' on overtaking and acceleration..... only 'downside'? it does rev a fair bit higher than the singles. That engine (KLE) is found in various states of tuning in a lot of 500 bikes kwaka produce(d)... I would have to say it's a well proven bike!

Good luck with the Auction.

[nadroj]

Congrats - you won't regret it.

[sinaptik]

Congrats - you won't regret it.

Woo, yeah I can't wait till it gets here.

I was a little apprehensive as another KLE500 popped up for $5k and only 6,000km on the clock. But that one is somewhere near Christchurch.

[mulletman]

Good on ya mate perfect for what you want.