A few thoughts on the KLR650 and some footage from a good ride.
After 10 years as a motorcycle writer, I'm often asked 'What bike would you buy?'
The answer is that if money were no object there would be about 6 bikes I'd have in my 'Jay Leno' Garage.
Of course the reality is 'slightly' different.
My first ride on a KLR 650 was in New Zealand back in 2009. It was a Kiwi Rider Magazine test bike and much to my hard-core Adventure riding buddie's chagrin, I really liked the bike.
It just suited the way I ride, particular on the dirt -- and I really enjoyed wringing its neck on the tarmac too..
I said at the time that I'm not one of those skilful 'back it in/ roost it out of the corners' dirt riders. I prefer to potter around and explore when 'Adventuring' -- to take it all in and look for photo opportunities - rather than just rark it up - and the venerable KLR I found quite ideal for doing just that.
I also found it quite comfortable touring too and from 'the adventure' - and similarly good and economical for around town and commuting duties.
So when circumstances moved me back to my native Australia last year, I was faced with a decision about what bike to buy.
I still work as a correspondent for Kiwi Rider and have added a couple of Aussie Magazines to my repertoire so still have reasonably regular test bikes, but I needed something to fill in the in-between times.
A KLR wasn't actually on my radar as I was doing the rounds of the bike shops, looking at some second hand units - and a few new ones, when out at Team Moto at Mooroka in Brisbane, a shiny blue KLR stood just near the rear doorway -- right at the back of the shop.
KERRRR-CHING! Of course!
Music: Fuzzy Beats
Composer, all tracks: Pierre Gerwig Langer (SESAC)
Publisher, all tracks: Lynne Publishing (PRS) 100%