Easy Rider

[Anocer]

As per my recent thread about self-reflection and discovery of true passions I will be selling all my worldly possessions over the next two months and hitting the open road.

I am considering how to best go about this and the idea of getting a motorcycle has crossed my mind too many times not to fully explore.

So, I am taking open suggestions on motorcycles... If you were going to hit the open rode what kind of a bike would you take?

My primary focus is on mechanical reliability, ease of maintenance/repair and accessibility of spare parts.
Secondary will be on the versatility - decently smooth for long stretches of highway yet able to handle some spotty terrain at an appropriate pace when so required.

What say ye?

ps. doh!

 

[highball]

BMW R1200GS Enduro

 

[Fnord5]

Kawasaki KLR650.
Comfortable, reliable, and most bike shops are going to have parts.
Definitely a foul weather bike, and one for rough terrain.

 

[Fnord5]

BMW R1200GS Enduro

The BMW is nice too, but parts are hard to come by, and expensive.

 

[thunderball]

1. How much gear do you want to be able to carry?

2. How much could you spend on the bike itself?

3. Are you a big guy?

 

[Anocer]

1. Not very much. Minimalism is one of the focuses of this effort

2. I can reasonably manage to spend $2-4k on the bike

3. I'm 6' & 170lbs, modest build

 

[Fnord5]

your budget rules out the BMW, but is perfect for the Kawasaki.
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/mcy/1236685579.html

 

[Corey]

If money is no object and you're staying on paved roads and will be carrying a decent amount of stuff? Goldwing.

If money is no object and you'll be doing some paved and dirt roads? BMW R1200GS

If money is a slight concern and you'll be doing all paved roads? Honda VFR800

If money is a slight concern and you'll be doing some paved and dirt roads? Suzuki VStrom

On a budget with paved roads? Used Suzuki SV650 or used Yamaha YZF600R

On a budget with paved and dirt roads? KLR650

**** poor? an old Honda CB and a basic tool kit.

 

[highball]

Maybe a Golden Eagle bike motor like mine 30+MPH and 160 MPG

 

[Anocer]

Yeah, definitely won't be going the BMW route (sans winning lottery ticket).

And I've heard a lot of good things about the KLR650 from some survivalist forums I visit as an excellent BOV (Bug Out Vehicle)

Does anyone have personal experience with the KLR650? One concern naturally being the ease of self-repair/maintenance with carried tools

 

[The Knize]

You will, of course, if you have not already, want to read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance. It is so on point for you, that if you have not read it, it is scary.

 

[Anocer]

Maybe a Golden Eagle bike motor like mine 30+MPH and 160 MPG

Haha I was going to put an electric motor on my bicycle but decided I'd sell it instead. I have considered electric/solar conversions for an actual motorbike

 

[Fnord5]

I have had two of them. a 1984 and 85.
Torquy bastards, and will do in excess of 70 mph. Off road they are very capable, with plenty of suspension travel to soak up big bumps.
Plenty of accessories for them too, tank and saddle bags, windshields too.

 

[Anocer]

Hmm, that CL posting is mighhhhhty tempting

I am naturally a skeptic about any motorized transport made in the last 15 years in terms of craftsmanship quality, reliability and durability.

Have you had any experience with the more recent models?

 

[thunderball]

Considering your budget and requirements the KLR does look like a damn good choice. I have never owned one personally but several friends have had them and seemed to have a pretty darn good time on them. As somebody mentioned there are tons of accessories available for these things, they're reliable, comfortable, and fairly cheap to buy. I see them everywhere here in Japan too.

For more than you'd ever need to know:

http://www.klr650.net/forums/

 

[Fnord5]

Hmm, that CL posting is mighhhhhty tempting

I am naturally a skeptic about any motorized transport made in the last 15 years in terms of craftsmanship quality, reliability and durability.

Have you had any experience with the more recent models?

At 140 miles, that thing is a STEAL.
It's a Japanese bike, and they haven't made crap since the 70's.

What city are you currently living in? There may be a closer one to you.

 

[Anocer]

I was leaning towards the KLR650 before I posted this based on my prior knowledge and you fellas seem to reaffirm that.

I am currently in Los Angeles.

I am really considering that bike. I going to prowl the KLR650.net forums to gather opinions on the better years and see how the 2003 stands up

 

[Corey]

The great thing about the KLR is that, until last year, they are virtually unchanged since their introduction in the mid 80's (1986 I think). Aside from new paint every few years, there has been virtually no mechanical changes in that time except for tweaks here and there to improve the bike. Anything from the mid 90's to the very recent redesign is identical mechanically, and practically bulletproof in reliability. I have a few friends with them and they all talk very highly of them.

 

[Anocer]

I completely failed to ask about two very important subjects:

-Safety Gear: Helmet, Jacket, Pants, Boots, Eyewear etc...
-Security: Locks (on the bike and for the bike), Killswitch etc...

Also, I'm always skeptical of amazing deals like the 140 mile KLR650 at such an amazing price... I imagine there is some nasty reason for it... but may be worth giving a look see

 

[Corey]

I completely failed to ask about two very important subjects:

-Safety Gear: Helmet, Jacket, Pants, Boots, Eyewear etc...
-Security: Locks (on the bike and for the bike), Killswitch etc...

Since (I'm assuming) you're going to be doing a majority of your traveling on the bike, your gear is going to be vital. Besides the obvious protection and safety issues, a good multifunctional setup that can handle multiple climates is a must. For a helmet, I highly recommend a full face model. There are plenty of excellent manufacturers putting out high quality helmets across the price ranges. Arai, Shoei, Suomy, Shark, and Scorpion (a lot of "S" companies) all put out excellent helmets, as do a variety of other companies. Whatever you choose to go with TRY IT ON FIRST! Fit is vital for safety and comfort. Not all helmets are built to fit the same. Find out what kind of head shape you have and that will narrow your search down tremendously. That will also take care of your eyewear.

Also, I highly recommend an Aerostich 1 piece suit. It's a textile suit with good protection that can handle a variety of weather. While the company doesn't advertise it as waterproof, it's very highly water resistant. Here's a video of my buddy wearing his through a carwash. It comes with a good liner for colder weather and allows you to layer accordingly. It's incredibly versatile and will last for a long time.

Gloves and boots are also "try on" affairs. Find a place with a good selection that you can try on. The fit across boots seems to vary greatly. I'd recommend against Icon gear. It's more style than substance. My experience with some of their gloves and their boots has been poor. It's poor quality crap that falls apart quickly.

Hope that helps a bit.