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quick new guy question

963 views 9 replies 7 participants last post by  northlander 
#1 ·
Hi all,

I am new to this site, so bear with me. I am looking at buying a used 650 or 1000. My primary bike is a 2010 Goldwing, primarily since my wife rides 80% of the time with me. I recently sold my KLR 650, which I normally kept at my cabin in northern MN. I only ride that bike a couple thousand miles a year, so I'm not sure I want to spend a ton on a new bike. Anyway, I am looking at a bike to replace that KLR. My primary question is as I am looking at used Stroms, how many miles is too many? I have already read most of the threads on all the normal issues with both bikes and I am quite mechanically inclined, so I do not mind some wrenching.

Thoughts?
 
#2 ·
If the bike has had regular routine maintainance, I wouldn't go much over 200,000 miles. We have a 1000 run by a member here doing very well at 276,000 miles, but that might be pushing it for most folks. And, there are no problem years. The 650 is the more nimble bike with the smoother engine, and ample power for most of us. The 1000 has the power to carry two-up at highway speeds uphill (Rocky Mountain hills, not Minnesota hills), but due to giving that engine clean breath it isn't the smoothest at lower rpms. And, it has an annoying clutch judder...not fatal, just annoying. Both can be fixed.

Seriously, mileage is not a concern. If the bike looks good, sounds good, runs good, and rides good, you'll be OK.
 
#4 ·
But of course

Realize that, functionally, neither will replace a KLR. Great road bikes, OK on dirt roads, kinda white-knuckle on gravel (too tall, too heavy), and only an off-road bike if you are determined and willing to add knobbies, skid plates, engine guards, and can pick the beast up off the ground by yourself.
 
#6 ·
i replaced my KLR with a WEE 650 and am very happy. It is no way as capable off the beaten path like my KLR was, but I was aware of that when I bought it. Have been all over the place since i bought it, and am glad I bought the 650. My friend traded his vstrom1000 for a 650 because we dont take super long trips, and said it was just as capable as the v. :thumbup:
 
#7 ·
New myself to the v-strom but im telling you will love it. Word of caution though: I rode a buddies and fell in love with his. Then I told myself I got to get me one of these.

Then I bought mine and it was not the same expirence. It was still nice but not like his was.

Then come to realize he had sargeant seat, rox risers, stiffer front springs etc. All this combined made for a comfy ride.

Not trying to persuade you away just saying the right farkles for a persons particular body size and shape really helps alot.

I, i mean weeee have a blast on ours. Get it haha
 
#8 ·
The Goldwing will always probably be there as long as my wife continues to ride with me. She has grown very fond of the "queen seat"
As for replacing the KLR, I rode that in 90% roads and 10% dirt roads, so the strom will be more than adequate. I think I have decided on the 650 as my choice. Partially due to fit for what I need and partially on price. Now I need to find the right deal!

Thanks guys.
 
#9 ·
Another KLR-to-DL650 convert here. I loved my KLR, but made the switch because I was racking up more miles on the highway than the dirt. What struck me was the very different ergos between the two - as a tall, lanky guy, the key thing I miss about the KLR is the great upright position (bar risers and peg lowering kit on both bikes). The tucked back pegs on the DL feel a bit sport-bikish.
 
#10 ·
Fryslan, I am in a similar situation. 6'2". Seating position is a bit off on the stroms for me, but as I have found on other bikes, a small bit of tuning on the seat pegs and bars and that can be remedied. The KLR fit me well.

I honestly would really like to have a new Triumph Tiger 800XC as I have ridden that bike and love everything about it, well.... except for the price. The BMW GS bikes are the same way. Just too much money for the bike.
 
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