KLR 650 as first bike?

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Jiffylube851 · Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:50 am

I just passed my MSF class. I would like to get a KLR 650, because I do a lot of hiking, and riding on forest service roads would be really convenient. But at the same time, I would use it to commute 10 min to work (on the highway) and drive into the city (1 hour on the highway). This would be my first ever bike.

I guess I'm looking for something tough, reliable, cheap, and forgiving. What are your thoughts?

Also, should I test ride it when I buy it or just have the seller demo it and then deliver it to my home and then play with it there in the safety of my neighborhood?

roscowgo · #2 Unread post by **roscowgo** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 10:37 am

I'd think it would be a fine thing to start on, provided you are comfy and can touch the ground.

It being me if it was brand new, i would take it home, if used, i would prefer a quick test ride.

Gadjet · #3 Unread post by **Gadjet** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 12:04 pm

Great first bike, very durable, very reliable. For what you are looking for, you get the best bang for your buck.

#4 Unread post by **Sev** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 1:03 pm

If you feel comfy on it, I'd go for it!

Ian522 · #5 Unread post by **Ian522** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 1:54 am

The question is, how tall are you? I like to describe the KLR as the S.U.V. of motorcycles. Its pretty tall and massive. But as long as you are around 5'8-5'10 or taller, you should be ok. But definatley sit on one first to see how it fits you.

The bike will eat up highway miles no problem. Ive heard of guys riding KLR's from Alaska to South America.

Jiffylube851 · Wed Sep 19, 2007 4:02 am

Yeah I'm 6'5". Thanks for the help guys.

jstark47 · #7 Unread post by **jstark47** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 4:44 am

Ian522 wrote:The question is, how tall are you? I like to describe the KLR as the S.U.V. of motorcycles. Its pretty tall and massive. But as long as you are around 5'8-5'10 or taller, you should be ok.

heh, heh...... I'm 6'1" and I can't flat-foot a KLR. Not that you need to be able to flat-foot to be safe, but I'd think it would be preferable for a beginner. Since Jiffylube is 6'5", he should be fine. Funny, I don't usually think of KLR's as a beginner bike, but it's probably a good choice for him.

dankatz · #8 Unread post by **dankatz** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 2:51 pm

Good very good reviews from the dual purpose crowd. Also, the finally redesigned 2008 model is much nicer. Since it is a dual purpose 650 it should be fine for a beginner bike. As previously mentioned, you need to be on the tall side to be comfortable on it (not 5'8" - I am that height and it is massive when I stand next to it).
I would have it delivered if you don't feel like you could ride it. Or, go pick it up with a friend that can ride too and ride together.
Good luck!
Dani