New Bike Advice

Message

VisaliaADV · Mon Sep 26, 2005 12:06 pm

Hello all-
I'm going to be getting a new dual purpose bike for trail riding and road trips. Im caught between 2 bikes and need advice. Im torn between the Kawasaki KLR650 and BMW 650GS or 650GS Dakar.

I know the price difference is pretty good but the BMW seems to be better suited for shorter poeple like myself (5'-7"). I have a friend who has a KLR and loves it. I don;t know anyone with a BMW although one person I talked to said they are not that good off-road.

ANy advice is greatly appreciated...

Thanks

Lion_Lady · Mon Sep 26, 2005 12:16 pm

That would also depend on how long you figure on keeping the bike. The BMW will go 40K miles without any issues - check the www.f650.com forums - and there are folks who've put over 100K on theirs.

The bike costs more to buy because the stuff its made of it made to last.

P

Wizzard · #3 Unread post by **Wizzard** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 12:17 pm

Welcome to the forums VisaliaADV . Do ya happen to be in the San Joaquin Valley ? Just wondering if it is that Visalia .........

Regards, Wizzard an old short guy.............

Rotten · #4 Unread post by **Rotten** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 12:31 pm

I am from Visalia

Wizzard · #5 Unread post by **Wizzard** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 12:35 pm

Well a hearty welcome to you too Rotten . If you get up to Fresberg email me sometime before you come .
Regards, Wizzard

Rotten · #6 Unread post by **Rotten** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 12:42 pm

This has nothing to do with the topic, but what insurance do you go through, i am just purchasing a new GS500F and am looking for the best insurance rate i can get. Being 21 doesn't help, but i'm still hunting for a deal. Any suggestions?

sapaul · #7 Unread post by **sapaul** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 8:25 pm

The kawa represents very good value for money in the short term, works very well as a commutor and has the edge over the GS in off road performance. The BMW is very reliable and is more suited for the 70/30 tar/offroad riding. It will get you there trouble free and no changes are really needed when you get off the tar, except tyre pressures. The GS is more tar orientated and tends to carry pillions better. The Dakar is better suited as a single person bike but can carry loads of luggage. The Daker is not to be underestimated in the right hands and the grade 4 riders often kick the 1200's butts in the really ruff stuff.

Wizzard · #8 Unread post by **Wizzard** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:58 am

Rotten wrote:This has nothing to do with the topic, but what insurance do you go through, i am just purchasing a new GS500F and am looking for the best insurance rate i can get. Being 21 doesn't help, but i'm still hunting for a deal. Any suggestions?

Check out Foremost Ins. Thru an insurance broker .
Regards, Wizzard

jmillheiser · Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:50 pm

The KLR should be very reliable as well. From what I've heard they are tough bikes to kill.