Swappies - looking for a 650

[CRM]

I've decided to leave behind my passion for going impossible places on a motorcycle and settle down to the tamer and cleaner world of adventure riding. So looking to sell/ swap my Pampera see: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=81186

I've decided I need a 650 Dual Purpose (DR, KLR, XT, Transalp, Dakar). Pampera is worth about $4000 (2006 road regoed) - looking to get something around $6000ish?? In reality I'll probably be doing mostly road miles with a bit of gravel/ tracks so probably aiming towards the more distance bikes.

Any bites?

[Gizzit]

Well I'm looking to sell my DR .... get in touch if you think it would suit. I'm not looking for a Gas Gas though, sorry.
Pictures of my bike on my profile. Scoot is for sale as well.
Cheers,
Grant.

[mazz1972]

Well I'm looking to sell my DR .... get in touch if you think it would suit. I'm not looking for a Gas Gas though, sorry.
Pictures of my bike on my profile. Scoot is for sale as well.
Cheers,
Grant.

Gizzit - you didn't like the DR? If I hadn't already got a KLE I'd have been very keen coz it's black!

[Gizzit]

Gizzit - you didn't like the DR? If I hadn't already got a KLE I'd have been very keen coz it's black!

The DR is a very good bike. It's one of the classics, and they are known for being reliable and virtually indestructable. I just find that it isn't exactly what I want. But in saying that, I'm pretty terrible at keeping bikes. I like to try different bikes. It does tend to get a bit expensive though ...... but hey ....

[pete376403]

Gizzit - you didn't like the DR? If I hadn't already got a KLE I'd have been very keen coz it's black!

The new '09KLRs are all black with a smallish green flash on the side covers.
Motorad in Wellington have a couple on the floor looking for new homes

[pete376403]

In reality I'll probably be doing mostly road miles with a bit of gravel/ tracks so probably aiming towards the more distance bikes.

Any bites?

This is the natural territory of the new KLRs - more road (including gravel roads), less dirt (ie snotty trail) oriented than the DRs.

[Crisis management]

The new '09KLRs are all black with a smallish green flash on the side covers.
Motorad in Wellington have a couple on the floor looking for new homes

Are these the ones with the increased oil capacity to cope with the "elevated" consumption levels?

Apart from that bit, you're right, they are a good adventure bike.

[CRM]

Well I'm looking to sell my DR .... get in touch if you think it would suit. I'm not looking for a Gas Gas though, sorry.
Pictures of my bike on my profile. Scoot is for sale as well.
Cheers,
Grant.

Your DR looks really nice... probably out of my price range though at least untill I sell the Gas Gas and pay off the overdraft and the credits cards and the son's 21st... maybe I'll give you a call and have a little ride sometime though ...it does look great.

[marks]

Are these the ones with the increased oil capacity to cope with the "elevated" consumption levels?

Bastard....:

actually - according to Kawasaki NZ - they consider up to 1 liter per 1000km acceptable use. So just because you have to add oil every day and the people behind you cant see you for smoke it doesn't mean that theres anything wrong with the bike

[CRM]

Bastard....:

actually - according to Kawasaki NZ - they consider up to 1 liter per 1000km acceptable use. So just because you have to add oil every day and the people behind you cant see you for smoke it doesn't mean that theres anything wrong with the bike

Moral of story - avoid KLR650??? Maybe stick to 2 stroke Gas Gas as uses less oil?

[mazz1972]

The new '09KLRs are all black with a smallish green flash on the side covers.
Motorad in Wellington have a couple on the floor looking for new homes

Pete, was in there a couple of weeks ago & didn't see them, they aren't even on the Kawasaki websites yet, (seems a bit daft). Being a shortass they are a bit tall for me and I find the bulky front "slightly intimidating"! I was looking around for a slightly used DR650 and it had to be black. In the meantime found a KLE500

[mazz1972]

The DR is a very good bike. It's one of the classics, and they are known for being reliable and virtually indestructable. I just find that it isn't exactly what I want. But in saying that, I'm pretty terrible at keeping bikes. I like to try different bikes. It does tend to get a bit expensive though ...... but hey ....

I was looking around for a "slightly used" DR650, since I know they can be lowered just enough for me, and I wanted it in black. But that seat....and the cost of getting a more comfy one sent over from the states caused a sharp intake of breath! Our last experience of upholsterer vs bike seat here in nz was a disaster. Anyway I found a KLE500 which is "just" short enough for me and the seat is very plush.

[pete376403]

Are these the ones with the increased oil capacity to cope with the "elevated" consumption levels?

Apart from that bit, you're right, they are a good adventure bike.

Nope, they're the ones with the new ring set to better control the oil consumption

[pete376403]

Bastard....:

actually - according to Kawasaki NZ - they consider up to 1 liter per 1000km acceptable use. So just because you have to add oil every day and the people behind you cant see you for smoke it doesn't mean that theres anything wrong with the bike

Can I send you the copies of the emails between NZ and Japan re the new piston ring part numbers, dimensions, etc?
Motor Vehicle disputes tribunal have ordered the refund of purchase to a Queenstown owner - precedents have been set

[marks]

Can I send you the copies of the emails between NZ and Japan re the new piston ring part numbers, dimensions, etc?
Motor Vehicle disputes tribunal have ordered the refund of purchase to a Queenstown owner - precedents have been set

Thanks Pete

Apart from the oil consumption I am very happy with the bike - Its a really close fit for what I intend to use it for. I am worried that if I go into 'battle' mode over the oil consumption issue it will sour my attitude towards the bike and I will end up getting pissed off and selling it. I think I will live with things as they are for a bit and do a few longer trips etc and then sometime in the new year have a 685 kit put in.