I'm in with the DR650 suggestions. It's a much lighter bike than the KLR and all of the problems that come from the factory i.e. small gas tank, undersprung suspension, and lousey factory seat can easily be overcome with aftermarket items. You can probably pick up a used one with some or all of these already done. There are parts available everywhere and other than mostly cosmetic changes, the bikes are the same from 1996-2026. Good luck with your search!

quote:

Originally posted by ridewv:
KLR with a lot of nice mods, if you can swing it I'd pay the extra for the shock.

https://www.facebook.com/marke...b5-9df0-4fc34bcd5f83

That is nice, and not too far away. I've still got a few months before I'll be ready to buy, though...still in the research phase. Plenty of time to explore the DR650 rabbit hole, too, and hopefully stop by some showrooms and see stuff in person. I feel a little bad doing that since there's no way I'm buying new, but I'll probably use them for parts and some service on whatever I end up with.

If you do decide get a DR650, talk to me about these seats that have been on a garage shelf for years. One's a Corbin, the other a Sargent.

https://www.sargentcycle.com/s.../suzuki/dr650?page=1


https://www.corbin.com/suzuki/dr650.shtml

Thanks again Richard! I got your email and responded...I'll definitely keep that in mind!

Just an update for everybody else: The class is this weekend, so assuming I don't totally suck and fail, I should have my endorsement next week.

I've been saving my pennies and watching the local market. There's some interesting stuff out there, but so far I've just been watching.

I know I said I was steering away from BMWs due to the complexity, but just yesterday somebody listed a 2010 F650GS Twin that's within my price range. Looks to be lighter than a KLR but produces quite a bit more power with a detuned version of the same 800cc motor out of the F800 that will run on 87 octane. The bike is nicely set up with a lot of extras, and I feel like I need to at least give it a look. Anybody have any experience with that series of BMW? I've watched a few maintenance videos, and while it looks to be quite a bit more complex than a DR650 or KLR, it's nothing I couldn't handle. I'm sure parts would be more expensive and maybe harder to find than those for a Japanese bike, though.

I had an 09 F650GS Twin and liked it. After riding it here for a year or 2 I ended up leaving in Phoenix to be able to fly out and ride in spring and fall. It had plenty of power and was a smooth running engine. Stock final gearing is fairly tall so it's very relaxed on the highway. The frames are not made for serious off road but I rode mine on both paved and dirt roads all over Arizona, California, and Utah.

I can't recall what I did to mine but not much. I know I added hard panniers and probably changed the seat. The OEM chain didn't last long maybe 10K. It had good range because of it getting great mpg.

quote:

Originally posted by ridewv:
I had an 09 F650GS Twin and liked it. After riding it here for a year or 2 I ended up leaving in Phoenix to be able to fly out and ride in spring and fall. It had plenty of power and was a smooth running engine. Stock final gearing is fairly tall so it's very relaxed on the highway. The frames are not made for serious off road but I rode mine on both paved and dirt roads all over Arizona, California, and Utah.

I can't recall what I did to mine but not much. I know I added hard panniers and probably changed the seat. The OEM chain didn't last long maybe 10K. It had good range because of it getting great mpg.

Thanks. If that one is still available next week I'll probably go give it a look. I'm 6'5" and wear pants with a 34" or 36" inseam...do you think it will be big enough?

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:

Thanks. If that one is still available next week I'll probably go give it a look. I'm 6'5" and wear pants with a 34" or 36" inseam...do you think it will be big enough?

I believe so, these are not small motorcycles in fact it has a considerably longer wheelbase than BMW's R1250/1300GS. What *might* be a bit tight on long rides could be the seat to peg distance but if that's so on this bike you're going to find that on almost all motorcycles (excluding the KLR650). I imagine someone like Knight Design offers lower pegs or probably someone can make a taller custom seat to get you another inch or so.