Posted on 07/13/2022 4:46:01 AM PDT by RoosterRedux
Would be most appreciative for any advice. Need to add accessories like crash bars, skid plates, tank and top bag, windshield extender, etc. If youse guys have experience, your thoughts would be most welcome.
I considered a KLR 650 (too heavy and still needed doo-hickey and thermobob) and several other small "adventure" bikes but finally settled on this. Love it so far.
Have about 300 miles so far, mostly practicing riding in sand and standing.
Several years ago, I owned a cruiser but have never done any off-road motorcycling so still need a lot of practice.
That said, I do ride a mountain bike several times a week and that translates a wee bit.
It just may be that you aren't exceedingly talented on motorcycles too...
I am 76 and I have ridden motorcycles for almost six decades. I have gotten a couple of good road rashes and took a Honda gear shift lever into my calf once but the only serious injury I ever had was thanks to a 7.62mm round in Vietnam.
Have ridden from California to Miami Beach and back and used my bikes for commuting to work in LA. My last bike was a 900cc Ducati.
Like I said, it's possible that you're not genetically predisposed for bikes.
what is exactly the purpose of this bike.
Looks hideous IMO.
You made a good choice in a 300L Rally.
I'm weighing a conversion of my DR650 to supermoto using the Warp 9 tubeless wheels. That's going to be a $2,000 upgrade to a machine I purchased used for $4,200. The bike is currently bone stock with a seat height that leaves me on tippy toes when I stop. The SM conversion would put my feet closer to the ground (30 inch inseam). Had I done the SM conversion to my 2009 bike, I might never have needed/wanted the Kawasaki Versys. In retrospect, I'm happy with the Versys. 5 gallon tank, 53 MPG. Top speed of 128 with plenty of reserve on the freeway. It was the right decision.
Check out the YouTube vlogger “Itchy Boots”- adventures of Dutch woman, Noraly Schoenmaker, currently riding from Tierra Del Fuego to Alaska on a Honda 300, on the dirt using back roads. She recently managed to make it through Mexican cartel country without incident. Brave lady. Worth a look.
I just can’t get use to the looks of the small wheels on a Supermoto
i have my father’s always garaged all original mint condition 1970 cl350...
Been riding cautiously for 58 years, no accidents. Have 6 bikes.
Only accident was when I stopped my ‘72 Bonneville for a traffic light (old poor drum brakes) with my brother behind me on my ‘09 CVO HD Road Glide (all disc brakes, dual front discs), daughter riding behind him....he wasn’t paying attention. Slammed into rear of my old Triumph, hitting left muffler, bending mounting brackets - easily repaired.
Ask for God’s protection every time I ride.
My ‘71 Triumph Trophy 500, all original, runs like new, starts on 1 kick hot or cold, always........
You’re welcome and good luck.
I'll bet the Travel channel or something like it will bid a fortune for the rights to her podcasts. She does a great job.
Mighty small displacements for my history on two wheels
I rode 750 1100 and 1300 plus bored out
Only 300 or so i ever rode had an RD before the 350
Pocket rocket
Wear helmet
Wrecks happen
Especially if you rode like we did
Fast and crazy
Everyone was King Kenny or Mamola or Mann
It's affordable, gets great mpg, and has a tried and true engine. It's comfortable enough at 60-65 mph on the highway and handles well on country roads and trails, with great ground clearance and plenty of low-end power. Plus, it has good aftermarket support for accessories.
The only complaints I have heard is that its suspension is a little soft (which is OK by me) and, of course, it lacks the power of the Africa Twin.
From the 300+ miles I have ridden on it so far, I think it needs a windshield extender to get the wind above your helmet. I just got back (a few minutes ago) from an hour-long ride and am a little tired from fighting the wind. It's not a heavy bike, so it's never going to be extremely comfy on the highway.
That said, I am extremely pleased so far.
And as regards its appearance, it is certainly a case where form follows function. But I get a lot of positive comments from bikers and others I meet on the road.
That's a beautiful bike you've got there.
About the 11:30 mark she talks about some of the mods she has made .
Looks like a good channel to watch.
“Looks like a good channel to watch.”
My wife & I have been watching her since she first started this journey in India several years ago.
I am absolutely amazed and actually disappointed that the Dutch Government has not made her a “Special Goodwill Ambassador”. What an asset she would be.
The Kawasaki Versys has 17 inch front/rear. Not a "supermoto" with that 650cc parallel twin, but it handles competently. My Harley Fat Bob has the big, fat tires. Definitely a "win" on freeways and poorly maintained city streets. The worst stretch of road between San Diego and Pocatello is the Arizona Virgin River Gorge. It compares favorably with San Diego City streets. That's not a compliment.
I really enjoyed my BSA Victor 500 MX. It was tricky to start and offroad only, but otherwise a no compromise bike. Lots of power and great handling.
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