Which model??

[ElkSlayer]

Would love to get some input from you more experienced folks on here... I am 6'1", 210lbs. and with a 33" inseam. Looking for a bike to help me explore the thousands of miles of logging roads up here while scouting for elk. There will be times that I will be running highways for three hours plus before turning off onto the forest service roads. On the forest service roads, I plan on puttering around...can't risk dumping the bike with my $$$ bow or rifle attached to it. Definitely looking for something easy to maintain and is extremely reliable.
Having a hard time getting my choices down to one or two since so many bikes could probably work for me. The ones I have been looking at are the BMW F650 and F650GS, TDM 850, Triumph Tiger 955i, Aprilia Pegaso, KLR 650, Versys, DL650 WeeStrom, KTM 640 Adventure, NX650, Honda TransAlp and DR650(with aftermarked fairing). I am in northern Idaho so I need the power since there isn't 1/4 mile of flat road around here.
Can you narrow the list down for me? A bike or two I should add? Definitely don't want something that is going to cost me BIG $$$ in yearly maintenance.

Thanks for your time,

Jim

[Wrider]

I'd go with the DR650. A lot of people like the KLR but it's more street oriented with offroad capability than the DR, and the DR is more than capable of maintaining interstate for 3 hours.
FWIW I know what you're talking about, I'm super lucky because I was born and raised here in Colorado and get to go elk hunting for pretty darn cheap!

[HYPERR]

KLR650 or the DR650. I may lean towards the KLR as you are mostly on the pavement and very light duty off-roading. The KLR is liquid cooled, while the DR is air cooled; you may have a preference there...

[Sniper308]

Sorry to jump in on your post but I am currently looking at the KLR 650. I am new to riding and was wondering if this bike is too much for me. I need it for the same reason as you do. Again, I apologize for jumping in on your post.

[HYPERR]

Sorry to jump in on your post but I am currently looking at the KLR 650. I am new to riding and was wondering if this bike is too much for me. I need it for the same reason as you do. Again, I apologize for jumping in on your post.

How tall are you?

[Sniper308]

6-1 190lbs but what I meant by whether its too big for me was after reading the post that recommended that beginners do not buy 600cc+ sport bikes

[HYPERR]

6-1 190lbs but what I meant by whether its too big for me was after reading the post that recommended that beginners do not buy 600cc street bikes

There is lots of rubbish in that thread. Everything is case by case basis. Every bike different, every rider different, and every case different. Also the power of the KLR650 is far less than a 600cc sportbike.

Now back to you and the KLR. The reason I asked you your height is because the KLR650 is a tall bike at about 35" seat height. At 6'1", you should be pretty much able to flat foot the bike so that should not be a problem. How much experience do you have riding? What did you learn on?

[Sniper308]

I've actually seen and sat on the KLR650. I'm able to stand flat footed. I am very new to motorcycle riding. I am taking a beginners couse in a couple of weeks and getting my license at the completion of the course. I may have 5 hours of driving time under my belt as of now. I live on Long Island NY and I want to get this bike in case something happens and I need to get out of Long Island. As you know, traffic is herendous in NY and if there was any catastrophic event and you need to leave, it would be impossible get off Long Island, NY in a car. I'm also going to use it upstate where we have quad and dirt roads.

[HYPERR]

I've actually seen and sat on the KLR650. I'm able to stand flat footed. I am very new to motorcycle riding. I am taking a beginners couse in a couple of weeks and getting my license at the completion of the course.

You are certainly taking the right approach. If you do well in the course, and you feel confident about your skills, I would say the KLR650 could be cautiously recommended as your first bike.

if there was any catastrophic event and you need to leave, it would be impossible get off Long Island, NY in a car.

Indian Point?

[Sniper308]

Thanks so much for the words of wisdom. Now that I feel more comfortable with my choice of ride, I need to look for a good helmet that wont break the bank. Any suggestions?