RossKean
Well-Known Member
I have well over 200,000 km on my '07 Yamaha FJR. The bike still runs perfectly and I do not intend to get rid of it (wouldn't get anything for it anyway). Long distance touring is very much a part of what I love to do but I feel that this bike is a limiting factor for a LOT of possible excursions. I love to do MC camping as well.
I want to get something that is dirt road capable (i.e. Trans Lab, Alaska Hwy, some of NL Trailway). I'm not currently considering a real dirt bike - too old to start with single track through the woods! While I need (want) something that can easily handle less-than-pristine surfaces, I need (want) a bike that won't kill me getting to the riding destination. Something that is at least remotely capable of reasonably comfortable touring/camping. (Budget is a significant consideration, too!)
My initial thoughts were for a KLR 650 but I am a little concerned about how comfortable I might be on a long slab ride to get to where I want to go. (Don't know whether a 1000 km day would even be possible for me on a KLR.) I am also thinking about a V-Strom (DL650EXP Adventure) that I saw at the motorcycle show in Moncton NB. They had a 2014 for a pretty good price and it came with aluminum side bags, aluminum topbox, (plastic) skid plate, and engine guards. Adjustable windshield and a seat that doesn't look like it would bring tears to the eyes. I'm not small (6'3", 220 lb) so I need something that will fit my frame, within reason. Should I be concerned with alloy (tubeless) wheels on the V-Strom? Is the KLR more capable for lesser road/off-road surfaces? What upgrades are recommended/required for either bike? I expect to add luggage if the bike doesn't come with it and additional lighting as well. Concerned about the cost and requirement for stuff like upgraded shock/springs or seat if the OEM is a nut buster.
The KLR initial price is better but might come close to the V-Strom by the time you added some of the auxiliary stuff. I don't know either bike from personal experience so I thought I would solicit some opinions. Ease of maintenance and reliability are very important to me (my bike never sees the inside of a dealer's shop). I also expect a bike to last me a good long time - hopefully 200,000+ km in terms of major mechanical (engine, transmission) problems. Not concerned about "wear" items such as chain, sprocket, brakes, clutch, forks etc.).
I am not fixated on these two bikes but they seemed to fit the mission at a cost I could live with. What else I should consider?
I love riding in Newfoundland and would like to have the equipment to visit some areas I have not been able to see on the Rock.
I want to get something that is dirt road capable (i.e. Trans Lab, Alaska Hwy, some of NL Trailway). I'm not currently considering a real dirt bike - too old to start with single track through the woods! While I need (want) something that can easily handle less-than-pristine surfaces, I need (want) a bike that won't kill me getting to the riding destination. Something that is at least remotely capable of reasonably comfortable touring/camping. (Budget is a significant consideration, too!)
My initial thoughts were for a KLR 650 but I am a little concerned about how comfortable I might be on a long slab ride to get to where I want to go. (Don't know whether a 1000 km day would even be possible for me on a KLR.) I am also thinking about a V-Strom (DL650EXP Adventure) that I saw at the motorcycle show in Moncton NB. They had a 2014 for a pretty good price and it came with aluminum side bags, aluminum topbox, (plastic) skid plate, and engine guards. Adjustable windshield and a seat that doesn't look like it would bring tears to the eyes. I'm not small (6'3", 220 lb) so I need something that will fit my frame, within reason. Should I be concerned with alloy (tubeless) wheels on the V-Strom? Is the KLR more capable for lesser road/off-road surfaces? What upgrades are recommended/required for either bike? I expect to add luggage if the bike doesn't come with it and additional lighting as well. Concerned about the cost and requirement for stuff like upgraded shock/springs or seat if the OEM is a nut buster.
The KLR initial price is better but might come close to the V-Strom by the time you added some of the auxiliary stuff. I don't know either bike from personal experience so I thought I would solicit some opinions. Ease of maintenance and reliability are very important to me (my bike never sees the inside of a dealer's shop). I also expect a bike to last me a good long time - hopefully 200,000+ km in terms of major mechanical (engine, transmission) problems. Not concerned about "wear" items such as chain, sprocket, brakes, clutch, forks etc.).
I am not fixated on these two bikes but they seemed to fit the mission at a cost I could live with. What else I should consider?
I love riding in Newfoundland and would like to have the equipment to visit some areas I have not been able to see on the Rock.
