Camus
Well-known member
Hey there,
$40 to test ride your BMW F650GS/Dakar or newer KTM Adventure 640? :ride
Background: The KLR650 I've owned for the last 8 years is getting pretty beat and it's time for a new bike. In fact, I have money burning a hole in my pocket to get some new iron.
I've narrowed my choices to three bikes:
1. 2008 or 2009 KLR650 - I know these bikes like the back of my hand. Riding it is akin to a barcalounger with wheels. The bike practically drives itself. On the other hand, I am weary of the KLR I have and not sure getting another, albeit an updated version, would satisfy my crave for something new.
2. Newer BMW F650GS or Dakar model - I've always thought these were sharp-looking bikes (I had a R1100GS at one point but it was too much a tank for city riding and sold it) and most of my riding is on the street with the occasional recreational road ride thrown in - seems like this would be a great bike for that. But I am worried that the F650GS may be too short for me and I like a bigger wheel on front so perhaps the Dakar model is better. I'd love to ride either though to check out the powerplant and brakes.
3. Newer KTM 640 Adventure - Having owned two KTM Dukes I am plenty familiar with the LC4 motor. KTMs are top-notch machines. The thing I didn't like so much about the Dukes was the short/stiff motard suspension and the twitchy handling (not good for every day city riding). A longer ride (anything over 100 miles) wasn't fun. They both vibrated like crazy - the FCR carbs may have had something to do with this - not sure if the jetting was perfect. I'd like to check out a 640 Adventure - the suspension definitely would be cushier and I'm wondering if the vibration problem would be a bit less.
At any rate, if any BMW or KTM owners want trade bikes to go for quick 1-hour ride, I'll give you $40. Keep in mind, you'll have to ride my ol' '96 KLR650. :teeth
My reasoning is, I don't want to buy something and regret it - just too busy these days running my business to be buying and selling bikes like I used to just to try them out.
I've ridden motos since I was 11 and I've had over 30 motos in my life - no worries about crashing - your bike would be in good hands. Not too mention, I'm sorta getting old man syndrome - no longer pulling the crazy stuff of my younger days. :nerd
So, how about it? $40? :teeth
$40 to test ride your BMW F650GS/Dakar or newer KTM Adventure 640? :ride
Background: The KLR650 I've owned for the last 8 years is getting pretty beat and it's time for a new bike. In fact, I have money burning a hole in my pocket to get some new iron.
I've narrowed my choices to three bikes:
1. 2008 or 2009 KLR650 - I know these bikes like the back of my hand. Riding it is akin to a barcalounger with wheels. The bike practically drives itself. On the other hand, I am weary of the KLR I have and not sure getting another, albeit an updated version, would satisfy my crave for something new.
2. Newer BMW F650GS or Dakar model - I've always thought these were sharp-looking bikes (I had a R1100GS at one point but it was too much a tank for city riding and sold it) and most of my riding is on the street with the occasional recreational road ride thrown in - seems like this would be a great bike for that. But I am worried that the F650GS may be too short for me and I like a bigger wheel on front so perhaps the Dakar model is better. I'd love to ride either though to check out the powerplant and brakes.
3. Newer KTM 640 Adventure - Having owned two KTM Dukes I am plenty familiar with the LC4 motor. KTMs are top-notch machines. The thing I didn't like so much about the Dukes was the short/stiff motard suspension and the twitchy handling (not good for every day city riding). A longer ride (anything over 100 miles) wasn't fun. They both vibrated like crazy - the FCR carbs may have had something to do with this - not sure if the jetting was perfect. I'd like to check out a 640 Adventure - the suspension definitely would be cushier and I'm wondering if the vibration problem would be a bit less.
At any rate, if any BMW or KTM owners want trade bikes to go for quick 1-hour ride, I'll give you $40. Keep in mind, you'll have to ride my ol' '96 KLR650. :teeth
My reasoning is, I don't want to buy something and regret it - just too busy these days running my business to be buying and selling bikes like I used to just to try them out.
I've ridden motos since I was 11 and I've had over 30 motos in my life - no worries about crashing - your bike would be in good hands. Not too mention, I'm sorta getting old man syndrome - no longer pulling the crazy stuff of my younger days. :nerd
So, how about it? $40? :teeth
