quote:

Originally posted by Powers77:
Was really underwhelmed with the KLR.

Yeah, that's a good description! For me, I only have 1 bike so I wanted it to be able to do everything. The KLR can...and on a budget to boot. But, it isn't very good at anything, it can just get it done.

For a multi-bike garage (say more than 2), KLR loses luster and bikes better suited to a specific role make sense.

I'd love to add an FJ-09 for sporty road duty...but that isn't in the cards for awhile.

quote:

Originally posted by Strambo:

I'd love to add an FJ-09 for sporty road duty...but that isn't in the cards for awhile.

All I can say about that is when circumstances permit, JUMP ON IT! That dang thing is the most fun I've ever had with my pants on.

RE: the KLR - now that it's been brought up, I recall. One of my daughter's boyfriends had one, and I took the opportunity to ride it several times. I was well into my 50's at the time but I clearly remember thinking "Jeeze, I'd have expected a 650 to have more balls".

I had two different Honda 500XL's at widely different times; one in the early 80's and another mid-90's and both of them would loft the front wheel with a little spirited application of the right wrist. I don't think I ever got the front of the KLR airborne.

(Parenthetically, the FJ will cheerfully loft the front wheel any time you have the urge...)

I didn't vote because I have no experience with that type of motorcycle, but in the early 1980s I rode a Yamaha 650 twin and liked it a lot--it both looked and sounded good.

flashguy

Since I'm spending your $: Husqvarna 701 Enduro

$10-11k. 100% chance this will be my next ride

Would a Suzuki DR-Z400SM be out of the question? I've wanted one of those for quite a while and just can't seem to scratch that itch.

Bigdeal, no, a DRZ400 isn’t out of the question. It would be a bit more expensive and they tend to sell quick in my area. I’m wondering if I might be better off spending closer to $4k to get a slightly more exciting bike like a DRZ400SM, plated KTM or something that’s been made
into supermoto already.

I'm gonna say the ktm but I am biased. Been riding their enduro bikes for 25 years. My current street ride is my 2003 450EXC converted to supermoto with full street tires and taller gearing. Also blew it out to a 540 It is a complete hoot on the road and will run 100mph if you want. Very strange to have total traction with sticky street tires on I bike I spent many years spinning wheels on dirt. I put a rack on the back so I can actually carry something if I run to the store. I ride it often for short trips around.

Good luck whatever you choose.