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Advice please! Last minute change which bike Advice please! Last minute change which bike
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Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 24 Sep 2011
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Advice please! Last minute change which bike
I leave in 1.5 months For a 2 year RTW. Long story short have to get new bike. Pros and cons. 2009 f800gs or a 08+ klr 650. I could save 4k+ if i go with klr and put that money toward trip. Thanks for advice. My first leg is from Colorado to Chile staying on the pacific coast. Thanks fletch
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  #2  
Old 24 Sep 2011
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Go with the older KLR. Easier to maintain whilst on the road, parts a lot cheaper even if you have to ship them in, as you mention RTW, you may be using a carnet at some point and a cheaper bike will save you loads of $ on your carnet. The less fancy your bike is, the less unwanted attention you will attract. Both bikes are going to be worthless upon returning home, so rather keep the $ for your travels.
Daryll
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  #3  
Old 24 Sep 2011
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Klr
I vote same
get doohickey done, it's good for 40K+ easy
if it's an 08 beware that some had rings that were defective- one of 3 manufacturers for klr gave them bum rings...they start smoking bad at 15K mies...not all, just some


Zig
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  #4  
Old 24 Sep 2011
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Klr!
Absolutely go with the KLR for all the same reasons and more! Also lose most of your baggage. Stay and eat where you find it. All that "self-reliance" crap just robs you of the experiences that will be the most rewarding!

Toby
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  #5  
Old 19 Oct 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zigeuner53 View Post
I vote same
get doohickey done, it's good for 40K+ easy
if it's an 08 beware that some had rings that were defective- one of 3 manufacturers for klr gave them bum rings...they start smoking bad at 15K mies...not all, just some


Zig
The oil burning issue is a fairly easy fix. The way to go is the 685 kit from Shnitz Racing. The 685 piston is a big improvement in durability over the stock piston, you also get a slight performance and smoothness improvement.

Also a good reason to go with with the KLR is the ability to use the custom made Moab shock from Cogent Dynamics. This is also a dramatic improvement for the bike.

I've got 53k miles on my modified 06' and it's good for another 50k at least!
Got 30k on the 685 piston and it's perfect. Just had the shock rebuilt after 30k and a 500lbs spring added.

Overall the KLR is a very sturdy bike, the transmission is especially strong.

The only other bikes to consider would be the dr650 or a drz400. Forget about that fragile BMW junk made in China.
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  #6  
Old 19 Oct 2011
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Here's a very nice DR650 I saw in the advrider flea market

For Sale 2009 Suzuki DR650SE Loaded - ADVrider

For carrying really heavy loads, like I do, the KLR is a better choice.

Engine wise the DR650 might be the best of them all. Also the DR uses a 525 chain which will last longer than the 520 chain the KLR uses.
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  #7  
Old 19 Oct 2011
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Thanks everyone, I went with a 09 klr650. It was fully loaded I changed up the coil spring on rear and went with progressive springs for the front shocks. Will do doo hickey before I leave and seat.
Thanks Fletch
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  #8  
Old 20 Oct 2011
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I don't ride a KLR but I remember hearing someone say it's a good idea to beef up the bolts that bolt the subframe on. You might want to look into that.

Good travels............shu
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  #9  
Old 20 Oct 2011
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Good Decision!
You made the right choice! I prefer the Honda XRL, but then I go super light and light to try all side roads and switch-back short cuts I find.

Cheers! Toby
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  #10  
Old 20 Oct 2011
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Hey, when are you launching South? We are leaving West Coast of Canada in 2 days...
Maybe meet up?
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  #11  
Old 27 Oct 2011
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I AM IN A BIND!!!

I had Outerwear lined up for this trip and it just fell through.
Do to counting pennies I cannot afford new riding gear.
So if by any chance anyone knows a rep or is a rep that could help me out with at least a waterproof jacket would be amazing.
I would do product reviews, logo on webpage, decals on bike, whatever it takes.

Or else it looks like I will be starting this trip with dirtbike boots, Alpinestar Leather Race jacket, and dirtbike pants.

I know it is a HAILMARY and short notice (I head south in 9 days), but thanks for looking/ helping

Fletch

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  #12  
Old 27 Oct 2011
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Plain jane outerwear is cheap if you look around. I wouldn't leave without both jacket and pants.

It's end of riding season so you have a decent chance of getting some good gear for pretty cheap online or even in store.

If that doesn't work out, as a fall back plan some general purpose waterproof gear will suffice. I picked up a decent jacket and pants at a general outdoor store for around $50. Not the most breathable and a bit warm when riding in hot countries, but waterproof and keeps the cold water on the outside.
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  #13  
Old 27 Oct 2011
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Go on Craigslist and buy some used gear. You'll find stuff in good shape that fits, more or less, for a couple of hundred dollars.

If you can't afford this, you're not adequately funded for a two year trip. Seriously. Make it a one-year-and-11-month trip.

If you need matching, branded, sparkling-new gear I've got nothing to offer.

Hope that helps.

Mark
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  #14  
Old 27 Oct 2011
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Thanks for the advice!!
Everything helps
Fletch
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  #15  
Old 29 Oct 2011
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I agree, get some good gear. It will make the journey much more enjoyable. I feel like my gear already paid for itself. Your welcome to check out my full gear list on my website, but the short list is Olympia jacket and pants, Garne G Adventure boots, Arai helmet. The boots are so comfortable I can wear them to walk around all day, even go for hikes.
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