Triumph all but ballasted up the Rocket III to 320kg, as their target market (cruiser-lovin' yanks) considered anything less to be a 'lightweight'.
Triumph all but ballasted up the Rocket III to 320kg, as their target market (cruiser-lovin' yanks) considered anything less to be a 'lightweight'.
Cheers,
Colin
Originally Posted by Steve McQueen
Advertised dry weights on bikes are always a little optimistic. My 525 in adv trim with half a tank of fuel (6 odd Litres) was 124kg, Cary's XR650 was around 130 odd with a similar fuel load.
load up the DT230 with luggage and the tail wagged the dog, load up the KLR with luggage and it says 'luggage? - wot frickin luggage?"
suspension isnt the only major factor. How much the bike moves around in response to wind and airflow from passing vehicles is significantly influenced by weight. The more open a corner the more fun a bigger bike is. I tended to wobble a bit around faster open corners on the DT whereas the KLR is like its on rails.
Personally I think the 640A is the perfect size/weight/suspension/power compromise for an adventure bike (defined as "I look forward to riding it 500km of back roads and then riding big river or porika etc etc") - pity the engine such a paint mixer and doesn't lug well.
to each their own
Yep. Which one is more fun over the Whangamoas or Takaka Hill?The more open a corner the more fun a bigger bike is.
The worst bike I've had for reacting badly to the wind/airflow was also the heaviest. It was also the hardest to correct in a knock or lull.
It would be interesting to look at the geometry of the DT vs KLR - I bet the DT is set up sharper which would explain the difference in stability. You're right, it's not just weight, tyres also have an influence there. Years ago I had a set of Bridgestone Battlax BT54s on the Triumph Trophy, they were quick in tight slow corners but a nightmare in fast sweepers. Next set were Michelin Macadam 90Xs, and they were slightly slower in the slow stuff, but superbly stable in the fast sweepers - still sweet at 50% faster than I was game with the BT54s!!
The 640 ain't for everyone, that's for sure. It's a heckuva lot more luggable uncorked which makes it much nicer in the steep technical snot, but I really don't worry about what happens < 2500rpm when there's another 6000rpm above that to play with.
A DT230 is on my shortlist of bikes I want.
Cheers,
Colin
Originally Posted by Steve McQueen
Its weird cos my klr is sooo much nicer on the road with luggage on the back and a full tank. Off road its a pig.
I mentioned vegetables once, but I think I got away with it...........
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