Kawasaki KL250 Sherpa, Looking at buying one for the wife?

[clint640]

yam xt250 worth a look too, and i think theres the odd 225 around, same dynamic, just abit cheaper than the tricker

We had a go on a XT225 before Rosie bought the Sherp, it was OK but not as nice as the Kawasaki, & they were $1K more to buy new. The last of the old model were sold as an XT'250' but are just the old 225. In 08 the all new XT250 came out which as Rosie says, is very similar in spec to the Sherp & would be well worth a try.

Cheers
Clint

[Monstaman]

Cheers Clint, this one on TM at present, down in Invers so only a coupla hours away.

Will look at Yammies to, need a smaller bike as you know Ellen is no monster.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=275434185 what's your take on the price given its a 2007?

[clint640]

I'd jump on that one, it's basically a new bike. They didn't really change through the years so age is irrelevant - km's & condition are what matters. If there's an XT250, or an SL230 for sale in your neck of the woods have a look at one of those too & compare, otherwise I'd say grab that Sherpa.

Cheers
Clint

[Monstaman]

Checked out the tech specs, the Sherpa is 40 mm higher in the seat than the Tricker, not much you may say but for a 5"2" adv rider than is a lot, we have ruled out a 990 Adv R

Will prolly have a look and see anyway, hey Clint how much could the forks be reasonably/safely lowered through the clamps on Rosies bike?

Dude from Kwaka said we can get longer dog bones for the rear (will make these) so we could lower that with ease, maybe a combo or forks through , rear lowered and slight seat chop we can set her up.

I just wonna see her learn to ride when she can put both feet down with relative ease as this will build confidence much easier in the longer run.

[Rosie]

Checked out the tech specs, the Sherpa is 40 mm higher in the seat than the Tricker, not much you may say but for a 5"2" adv rider than is a lot, we have ruled out a 990 Adv R

Will prolly have a look and see anyway, hey Clint how much could the forks be reasonably/safely lowered through the clamps on Rosies bike?

Dude from Kwaka said we can get longer dog bones for the rear (will make these) so we could lower that with ease, maybe a combo or forks through , rear lowered and slight seat chop we can set her up.

I just wonna see her learn to ride when she can put both feet down with relative ease as this will build confidence much easier in the longer run.

I'd at least have a sit on the sherpa, seat height vs. ability to touch the ground can vary for different bikes. Also, it is possible to take some of the foam out of the front of the sherpas seat, and replace it with something thinner and a bit firmer, to make it a bit lower and skinnier.
I don't know anything about lowering, but there is a super sherpa group on yahoo that has most of the useful technical information on sherpas, they should have something http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/...-Super-Sherpa/

I agree that being able to touch the ground comfortably is very important for building confidence while learning.

[Monstaman]

I agree that being able to touch the ground comfortably is very important for building confidence while learning.

Thanks Rosie, great info, will read through the stuff on the link and yes Ellen being able to at least touch the ground instead of biffing has to be good for her confidence.

What size tank and what breed etc did you fit to yours?

[Rosie]

Thanks Rosie, great info, will read through the stuff on the link and yes Ellen being able to at least touch the ground instead of biffing has to be good for her confidence.

What size tank and what breed etc did you fit to yours?

It's a 15 litre IMS tank for an XR650L. Installation report is here: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...t=sherpatanker

[Monstaman]

It's a 15 litre IMS tank for an XR650L. Installation report is here: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...t=sherpatanker

Mint thank than you.

[mazz1972]

Checked out the tech specs, the Sherpa is 40 mm higher in the seat than the Tricker, not much you may say but for a 5"2" adv rider

I just wonna see her learn to ride when she can put both feet down with relative ease as this will build confidence much easier in the longer run.

I had a Sherpa for two years and 11,000 kms. The height shouldn't be a problem - I'm 5"4 and my feet were pretty much flat on the ground. A friend of mine had one too and she loved hers also....and she is a little shorter than me.

The bike is nice and light, and very easy to handle. I guess you could say t's underpowered but as Rosie says, 95-105kmph is good cruising speed. Fantastic in the twisties too....I really really miss that about it!!!

Tyres are cheap - I stuck with the Bridgestone Trailwings that came with it and had only just put the second set on just before I sold it.

I have lots of photos of it, taken when I was selling, if they would be any help to you, please PM me your email addy.

I would highly recommend a Sherpa.....a great little bike.

From what I know, as long as you keep the basic maintenance up, they go and go and go and go.....

Dunno how much you want to spend but there is a nice one with only 3000 kms on the clock in Dunedin on TM http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-278067259.htm

[Monstaman]

Heya mazz1972, good info, there is one in Wellington which I have just put a post up for, better priced etc that the one down here.

Thanks for your picks and info.

[mazz1972]

I got mine new from Motorad. That is a good price for that one. I sold mine for $3850 (from memory). Wellington Motorcycles have one for $1500 more.

The Sherpa motor does take quite a bit of warming up.....so if someone looks at it for you that hasn't seen one before, they should bear that in mind!

You've got me reminiscing now and I could rave about the Sherp all day! If I lived in the city I would definately go and look at it for you. If you get really stuck let me know....as I will be passing right by Motorad next Thursday arvo.

It is a seriously good bike for a shorter person, especially if they don't want to ride like a demon.

Good luck