Looking for a "Winter Beater"

[rc51ny]

So I'm thinking I'd like to get a decent Dual Sport for the colder/winter riding months. Not that I'd ride in a snow storm, but for those days when the roads are rideable. I don't want to take any of my "good" bikes out on the salty wet roads. I'm thinking about something like a Kawasaki KLR 650 (see stock pic). Anyone have any experience with one of these? I'm trying to hook up a good used bike--not looking for new--I just can't stand not riding for 4-6 months! Tell me what you think! Thanks

 

[Bob Denman]

Why not a Zook? They've been making them for about a jillion years, so they're plentiful and cheap! :thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

KLRs are good machines (if you can tolerate sitting on a 2 x 4). Similar alternatives would be the Suzuki DR or the more expensive BMW G650GS (formerly F650GS). If you are going new, the BMW F800GS or the Triumph Tiger 800 are sweet rides.

 

[arntufun]

Giving up the stabilty of three wheels for two in the NY winter does not sound like a smart move. :yikes:


Salt won't rust plastic panels. If your worried about the frame, than wash it when your done riding !!!!!! :thumbup:

 

[Spyder777]

Right. If you can ride a motorcycle, why the hell can't you ride your Spyder? Don't want to get the precious spyder's tires dirty...

I wish everybody to have these problems.

 

[Daisyjoe]

Right. If you can ride a motorcycle, why the hell can't you ride your Spyder? Don't want to get the precious spyder's tires dirty...

I wish everybody to have these problems.

I detect a faint hint of SPYDER ENVY:dontknow: (or maybe not so faint)

 

[ARtraveler]

I am not a fan of winter riiding due to safety issues. That said, you cannot go to wrong with buying a rice burner anything.

I do think that three wheels are better than two though, in the winter.

 

[Bob Denman]

I detect a faint hint of SPYDER ENVY:dontknow: (or maybe not so faint)

I was thinking the same thing...

 

[EnjoyingTheRyde]

:yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes:

You got snow tires for that thing? We run a couple of old Suzuki dual sports but NOT in the winter. They've treated us well...

 

[rc51ny]

Well, I just can't bring myself to take any one of my "good bikes" (Spyder included) out on the salt covered roads in the winter. There are alot of days when it's sunny and in the 20's & 30's when I could ride, so consequently my thinking about the winter beater. I'm not really for a new one--something mechanically sound. We'll see what I can come up with.

 

[rc51ny]

KLRs are good machines (if you can tolerate sitting on a 2 x 4). Similar alternatives would be the Suzuki DLR or the more expensive BMW G650GS (formerly F650GS). If you are going new, the BMW F800GS or the Triumph Tiger 800 are sweet rides.

Yea, I'm thinking about the KLR 650 or DR 650 or even the Honda XR 650. I haven't really thought about a BMW--I was just thinking it might be too nice for this type of riding. I'll have to check them out--thanks for the advise!

 

[Bob Denman]

Maybe you can find a Honda NX650 or a TransAlp...
They're old enough now that they'd be cheap enough now for the dirty work...
TransAlp...
NX 650...

 

[Spyder777]

Spyder envy???

You guys are idiots. I'm riding. Why would I be envious???

Bob,
You need to spend less time on the computer and more time riding. You spend too much time on the computer and your comments usually are irrelevant and not helpful. You have responded to every single thread on this forum in the last 3 years, even when you have no information to add at all. Or maybe I'm envious of you too?

Get outside and ride.

 

[Bob Denman]

That's possible!
It's up to you to decide...
:lecturef_smilie:But I have ridden more than a couple of Dual-purpose bikes... owned the TranAlp when my B.I.L had the NX, so some fair comparisons can be made; along with the Dual-purpose Zooks; a real good buddy of mine has owned them for years and I've slid my jeans across those saddles too! :2thumbs:

 

[ARtraveler]

Spyder777: Well, that was kind of harsh. Hope you have a better day tomorrow. :thumbup: