you've heard it before, I am sure
Planning a trip in South America, and I own both an 05 R12GS, and an 00 KLR650. Which bike? It is time for me to start outfitting them, and I need to know which to take.
The both offer great things here in my little corner of the Western US.
The GS: great on road, already has a lot of add-ons that make it close to ready (Wilbers, alu panniers, new seat, etc.) I like the low centre of gravity. On the con side, I have had 3 (!) clutch slave cylinder failure, and one final drive. When the GS fails, it fails BIG!
The KLR: seems real rugged, like nothing could phase it. Nice fuel economy, and with an IMS tank, I can go real far now. The lighter weight allows the thing to bounce against all kinds of rough terrain. On tarmac, it does OK, but it is not as comfortable. When the KLR fails, I can usually get around...but it does not fail very often.
Tough to pick up that sucker once on its side - if I am alone, this can be important. Also, at 1m92, my friends tell me I am the only men they know that can make a klr look small. When I stand on the pegs of the GS, I don't feel like I am riding a kid's bike.
When the GS is in the mud, I can't handle it very well...have not tried on the KLR yet.
Opinions anyone?
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