Well set up KLE500 on tard me

**JATZ** · 12th February 2009, 19:31

Originally Posted by Paladin

Can't believe one of you guys down there haven't put Nordie on one yet!!!!!

I can't believe he hasn't riden werewolf's yet.

I had a wee pedal of topo's and I don't think I'd rush out and buy one(no offence topo). Mind you the DR 750 suits me at this stage, kind a like an off road Harley, slow, poor handling, lots of noise, but comfortable and it gets me there.

**Paladin** · 12th February 2009, 19:35

Originally Posted by JATZ

I can't believe he hasn't riden werewolf's yet.

I had a wee pedal of topo's and I don't think I'd rush out and buy one(no offence topo). Mind you the DR 750 suits me at this stage, kind a like an off road Harley, slow, poor handling, lots of noise, but comfortable and it gets me there.

Sounds like Werewolf should sort him out then!

Come on Colin!

**pete376403** · 12th February 2009, 19:57

Originally Posted by mazz1972

My 06 KLE500 is up for sale (just haven't advertised it yet). Done just over 17,000kms. I haven't put all the details together yet but if anyone is interested please PM me.

It's a really nice bike, so smooth to ride (being a twin) and I enjoy riding it. BUT I'm too short - have to pick and choose where I stop, and often have trouble getting on and off, especially when loaded - really embarassing when you need help with that!!

I'm on the lookout for something lighter and lower. Will be looking to replace it with a DR650 (black) - up to 3 years old with mileage under 10,000kms if anyone knows of anything for sale.

Any other suggestions for bikes? Probably an XT600 would be ok too.

Cheers, M

Que? A DR650 is lower than a KLE? Why not just put lowering links on the KLE (assuming they use similar suspension to the KLR) and lift the fork tubes through the yokes a bit?

**NordieBoy** · 12th February 2009, 20:01

Originally Posted by marks

Going from my my stock 08 to my modded 09 there is a dramatic difference - still sedate but with a bit of snap to it.

Like going from a Cortina to a Cortina with go-faster stripes and fuzzy dice

**cooneyr** · 12th February 2009, 20:25

Originally Posted by Paladin

I think my head may explode before I ever get to decide!

...

I recon it is pretty simple. If I was never going to go two up again I would be looking very hard at a 640e with a 18l tank. Cost is bugger all more than a DR and if you are the right weight (70ish kgs I believe) then the suspension is miles better and needs no farkling. For a "big boned" person like me I'd need to modify the suspension on anything I brought so some of the benefit of the KTM is lost. Vibs are "interesting", DR is probably nicer on road but no where near as nice off road.

In saying all this I very much like having a twin. I find it much easier to control the power than a single in the rough stuff. Also the XTZ puts the power down so well i.e. less wheel spin, I find it much easier to climb rough hills and play on slippery stuff.

Cheers R

**NordieBoy** · 12th February 2009, 21:13

Originally Posted by pete376403

Que? A DR650 is lower than a KLE? Why not just put lowering links on the KLE (assuming they use similar suspension to the KLR) and lift the fork tubes through the yokes a bit?

The DR is easily factory lowerable.
No having to purchase anything.

**warewolf** · 12th February 2009, 21:32

Originally Posted by Paladin

You and Oscar are determined to get me to buy a 640Adv aren't you!

No, rather pointing out other options to the F.

Originally Posted by marks

Its funny how people continually compare the DR & KLR simply because of similar pricing where, as you point out, the KLR is really a poor mans Dakar/Pegasaro where as the DR is a (very)poor mans 690E/640E

Well put, I hadn't quite made that realisation myself. It is a succinct way to describe the different focus.

Originally Posted by Paladin

I think my head may explode before I ever get to decide!

You can over-analyze it. They'll all get the job done, just with different compromises. Buy the one you lay awake at night dreaming about!

**pete376403** · 12th February 2009, 21:33

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

The DR is easily factory lowerable.
No having to purchase anything.

Yeah I've heard the springs sack out fairly easily...

**Oscar** · 12th February 2009, 21:38

Originally Posted by marks

If I paid retail for the KLR and all the bits that Shards and I put on it I could probably just about buy a 690E

What sort of lunatic buys a new KLR?
I thought they were made second hand...

**warewolf** · 12th February 2009, 21:39

Originally Posted by JATZ

I can't believe he hasn't riden werewolf's yet.

Originally Posted by Paladin

Sounds like Werewolf should sort him out then!

Come on Colin!

One of these days. Every time I think of it, I get distracted before it happens.

And he'll have to learn to kick it first!!

**Paladin** · 12th February 2009, 21:50

Originally Posted by warewolf

...... Buy the one you lay awake at night dreaming about!

Now that sounds like bloody great advice! Do a load of test rides and then see which one my brain REALLY wants as it dreams of Adv bike nirvana!

Cheers Colin!

**mazz1972** · 12th February 2009, 23:15

Originally Posted by pete376403

Que? A DR650 is lower than a KLE? Why not just put lowering links on the KLE (assuming they use similar suspension to the KLR) and lift the fork tubes through the yokes a bit?

The DR is not lower, but the centre of gravity is, and it's 34 kg lighter than the KLE which weighs in at 181kg dry.

We've already lifted the fork tubes as much as possible - speed humps would be a problem if it was lowered any more! The KLE needs someone taller than me.

Hubby has an XT660X and I enjoy riding it at open road speeds but the surging at low speeds drives me nuts. Ideally I'd like a XT660R with mods to cure the surging - but more $$ than I've got!

**MXNUT** · 13th February 2009, 07:35

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

Like going from a Cortina to a Cortina with go-faster stripes and fuzzy dice

**Frodo** · 13th February 2009, 19:02

Originally Posted by mazz1972

Hubby has an XT660X and I enjoy riding it at open road speeds but the surging at low speeds drives me nuts. Ideally I'd like a XT660R with mods to cure the surging - but more $$ than I've got!

Fit a Powercommander to cure the surging. www.xt660.com has some cheaper fixes.