# The Great Ongoing Motorcycle Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 8, 2023, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279 "2023-10-08T17:12:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 26
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2025, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/501 "2025-10-20T05:31:31Z")
I drove the GB500 to the Post Office earlier this week. 24 mile round trip. Didn’t get killed. ---
**Author:** ![Tride](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tride/32/13907_2.png) [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2025, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/502 "2025-10-20T06:02:34Z")
Gut feeling that is high. Look around. I know they have updated the klr but it’s still old school. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2025, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/503 "2025-10-20T06:10:20Z")
Feels high but $9k out the door for essentially a new machine is okay. I’m used to buying older KLRs around the $4k range. Really depends on use. It’s too heavy for off pavement and too buzzy for touring. I had one for many years in Australia and with the correct tires can tractor through anything. I’d take a look at the KLR forum or the ADV rider forum - lots of expertise out there. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2025, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/504 "2025-10-20T15:59:03Z")
Also odd it doesn’t come with the luggage since it came with it when new (at least I think it did). ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2025, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/505 "2025-10-20T18:24:15Z")
Yeah ask the dealer …oem gear was with 21L Panniers which are pretty small. Unless the dealer throws them in I’d not pay much extra for them. > **[2024 KLR650 ADVENTURE Motorcycle | Kawasaki Motors Pty Ltd.](https://www.kawasaki.com.au/en-au/motorcycle/klr/dual-sport/klr650/2024-klr650-adventure)** > > The Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure dual-sport motorcycle complements its reliable 652 cc fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine with standard panniers, fog lamps, frame sliders, tank pad and DC and USB outlets for unparalleled capability to take your... Consider a Tiger 800 XCx for a much smoother ride with more horsepower. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2025, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/506 "2025-10-20T19:25:20Z")
If you like BMW mind set then and 800GS is a valid choice. Get the correct bike rather than chase a deal. Honestly don’t think the KLR650 cant you take it out for a day? ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2025, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/507 "2025-10-20T19:49:29Z")
> [@MacDoc](#): > > Consider a Tiger 800 XCx for a much smoother ride with more horsepower. I have a low-powered thumper for my real off road riding (DR650) and a larger twin for my 2-up touring with occasional gravel (Buell XB12XT). The DR is rock solid and when I put street tires on it, I can rip through the paved twisties as well even with limited HPs (not sure I’ll do that again though since I’ve lowered the gearing). I’ve ridden with several on KLRs and they love them. I’m happy with my “underpowered” motorcycles, even though when I replace the Buell, I bet it is a BMW. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2025, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/508 "2025-10-20T23:21:20Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > I drove the GB500 to the Post Office earlier this week. 24 mile round trip. Didn’t get killed. A good thing. Keep it that way. 🙂 > [@Tride](#): > > Gut feeling that is high. Look around. I know they have updated the klr but it’s still old school. Yes I’ve since determined that it is high. I have some comps, so I’ll see if the sales guy is willing to match them. I’ll likely take it for a test ride, maybe this week but I’ve got a busy week, if it is still available. > [@MacDoc](#): > > It’s too heavy for off pavement and too buzzy for touring. Thanks for this. I’ll use it for mostly daily use (but I still have the Zero DSRX for in town shorter rides). The KLR would be for slightly longer rides for longer-distance errands, like 100-150 miles one way, 200-300 miles round trip. > [@wguy123](#): > > Also odd it doesn’t come with the luggage since it came with it when new (at least I think it did). Yes I will ask about this if I want to enter into negotiations for it. And @MacDoc I’ve seen the panniers, at least pictures of them, and they are quite small. > [@MacDoc](#): > > If you like BMW mind set then and 800GS is a valid choice. Get the correct bike rather than chase a deal. Honestly don’t think the KLR650 cant you take it out for a day? Yes I definitely have a BMW mindset. There’s a dealer nearby and I will check out the F800GS. I’d also consider a G 310GS too, though it’s a much smaller bike. > [@wguy123](#): > > I’ve ridden with several on KLRs and they love them. I’ve been a fan of the KLR 650 for many years. It has earned its reputation as a robust, ride it around the world bike. > [@wguy123](#): > > I’m happy with my “underpowered” motorcycles, While I haven’t yet ridden one, the KRL 650 is definitely underpowered, from videos and reading. If I Feel the Need for Speed, there’s always the electric DSRX. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2025, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/509 "2025-10-21T00:09:27Z")
I had a GS310 and did not get along with it but might be a better fit for you. I don’t see the point of the KLR650 for OP. So vibby above 80 kph and you would need a replacement seat to do 300 mile rides. Sergeant has a terrric seat. Think a small twin would serve better. KLR is nudging 500 lb - make sure the one you are looking at is NOT the factory lowered version or you’ra pretzel. Hondas new Transalp 750 or a Tenere 700 should be in your price range. Tenere is serious bike. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDxBGc9TD4c&1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDxBGc9TD4c&1) This guy is your size [Top 5 Lightweight Adventure Motorcycles in 2024/2025 - Mark Lincoln](https://www.marklincoln.co.nz/motorcycles/top-5-lightweight-adventure-motorcycles-in-2024/) In Australia given the speed fines under powered is a good thing. - **1–10 km/h over the limit:** $322 fine and 1 demerit point - **11–20 km/h over the limit:** $431 fine - **20–30 km/h over the limit:** $646 fine - **30–40 km/h over the limit:** $1078 fine - **More than 40 km/h over the limit:** $1653 fine, 8 demerit points, and a potential 6-month license suspensio ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2025, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/510 "2025-10-21T05:54:40Z")
I’d try test riding a 310GS to see how that goes. And I might see how the KLR is cruising at 70 MPH. I’ve heard great things about Sergeant seats but never tried them. I had 2 Corbin seats, I live nearby them. 1 seat was on my R1100GS and it was great. Long long days in the saddle and it was fine. Some Iron Butt SS1000s and it was a good seat. Same for my R1200RT, also some Iron Butt SS1000s on that and it was comfy. A couple of Iron Butt SS1000s 2-up with my wife on the back. And my longest ride, San Francisco to St. Louis, round trip, and no issues at all. They are good seats, but they are heavy. I’ll take a look at the Transalp, and the Yamaha T7. Thanks for those tips. MAN OH MAN those Australian penalties are painful! I like riding a little fast. I did not like that on my R1200RT, the cruise control would not set at over 100 MPH out here in the wide open western states! Australia would cost me a pretty penny, I’d have to be super careful if I ever were to visit. Which I’d love to do. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2025, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/511 "2025-10-21T10:56:14Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > MAN OH MAN those Australian penalties are painful! My thought exactly. People drive 40km/h ~= 25mph over the limit on ordinary surface streets around here. Going that much over on a highway will just get you run down from behind, not cited by a cop. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2025, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/512 "2025-10-22T05:04:07Z")
> [@MacDoc](#): > > In Australia given the speed fines under powered is a good thing. Wow. I’m not out to go fast on a cruiser but if I pass a dodgy driver it’s WOT which is going to be pushing the next digit on the speedometer. And for $9000 for a used bike I’d add $2000 and get something like a new Honda CB1000 SP Hornet. Not a racing bike but it will get out of it’s own way with 125 hp. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2025, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/513 "2025-10-22T08:42:05Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > And I might see how the KLR is cruising at 70 MPH …very marginal, are your fillings in good condition?. 80-90kph is the sweet spot for the KLRs. Especially if you have good offroad tires like 606s which will also add to the vibration and wear out super quick on pavement at speed. Heidenaus will wear better and do okay offroad but slippy in the wet. Tiger 800XCx is a terrific aall arounder. Buddy just bought a 2016 for around the world. [Triumph Tiger 800 XCX Review - Mad or Nomad](https://www.madornomad.com/triumph-tiger-800-xcx-review/) ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2025, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/514 "2025-10-22T09:08:02Z")
[![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/aTvYAcJOx3s/maxresdefault.jpg "The Raiden Files - Portland to Dakar - A Riding Movie") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTvYAcJOx3s) ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2025, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/515 "2025-10-22T09:30:09Z")
I think buddy will like his Tiger 800 XCx. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2025, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/516 "2025-10-24T16:06:25Z")
Because I can’t make any buying decision easy, let me know your opinions. I rode 2 miles this morning, dropped my ballots in the ballot box, and the battery was too weak to restart the bike. The battery is 8 years old, so not surprising. A push and bump just as I hit the start button was enough to get it going, so I rode the rest of the way to work. I’ll find out this evening if that was enough charging to get one more start. So these are the options. OEM Yuosa AGM $100, 10 pounds Amazon/Walmart special AGM $30-50 10 pounds Amazon special Lithium $50-100, 3 pounds Premium Lithium battery $180+, 3 pounds In some ways, I feel this is the opposite of the [Vime’s boot theory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terry-pratchett-boots-theory-of-poverty/1024094/1), if I spend $35 on an AGM battery, and it only lasts two years, does it really matter? I’ll be upset if I spend $250 on a lithium battery and it only lasts two years. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2025, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/517 "2025-10-24T16:50:17Z")
I’d start with the cheapest and see how long that lasts. Good luck @echoreply. Let us know what you choose and how it works out. Over here near San Francisco, I’m still having fun with the electric DSRX. The other day I ran a lot of afternoon errands. Battling commute traffic with lane splitting, I covered a _lot!_ of ground and accomplished many tasks that afternoon. I love being back on a bike! Tonight I need to go to Vacaville, about 100 miles from where I live. I’ll take the DSRX and see how that goes. I was considering buying a KLR 650 but now I’ve got my eye on a 2017 BMW R1200GS Adventure, and the price is right. I’ll see how my electric ride goes tonight, but I’d love to have that GS for my longer rides. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2025, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/518 "2025-10-24T18:19:08Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > I’d start with the cheapest and see how long that lasts. This. Unless the “bike” in question is an e-bicycle, and I know it’s not, the 7# doesn’t matter beans. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2025, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/519 "2025-10-24T19:42:29Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > the 7# doesn’t matter beans. It depends… On my old BMW R1150R the battery was high up between the two lobes of the gas tank. Relative to the rider, the battery probably sat higher than the gas tank on my current Triumph Street Twin. Going from lead acid to lithium was the difference between riding with a full tank, and an empty one as far as a change in handling. Removing 10 pounds was noticeable. On the Triumph the battery is under the seat. and I’m skeptical that I’ll be able to tell the difference. At the moment, my “premium” choice is a NOCO battery I can pickup from AutoZone for $130. A known brand, with a 5 year warranty, and similar price to a name brand AGM battery. I see no reason to get a name brand AGM over the NOCO. Then there are Amazon choices, which are a $35 AGM battery or a $50 LiFePO4 battery. Those claim a 1 year warranty, but why would I spend $40 on shipping to replace a $35 battery? If weight isn’t going to matter, I think the main advantage of the LiFePO4 batteries is there is no need for a tender if it’s going to sit for 3 months. If the money really mattered, I’d get the $35 one. I’d happily pay the extra $100 if I don’t have to think about the battery again for another 5-10 years. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2025, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279/520 "2025-10-27T12:50:30Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > It depends… Agree, it depends on where those 7# sit. It could make a significant difference in handling. > [@echoreply](#): > > but why would I spend $40 on shipping to replace a $35 battery? I can’t argue with that. > [@echoreply](#): > > I’d happily pay the extra $100 if I don’t have to think about the battery again for another 5-10 years. I can’t argue with that either. It sounds like you’ve made up your mind? > [@echoreply](#): > > On my old BMW R1150R the battery was high up Nice. @echoreply , curious, do you have any of those 100,000 miles medallions? I’m a BMW R boxer guy (until now — my last bike before I bought the electric Zero DSRX 2 months ago was a 2005 BMW R1200RT that I sold off back in June 2021). I’d been without any motorcycle since then. I’m 64 now and I thought I was through with motorcycling, but no… Before I bought that RT I had a GS, a 1995 BMW R1100GS, and before that was my first BMW, a 1983 BMW R80RT that I bought used in Oklahoma back in 1990 when I was stationed at Fort Sill, the heart of artillery training for the Army and Marine Corps. I have a recent development here at my end. By the end of today I hope to be the owner of a 2017 BMW GSA, a R1200 R1200GS! I’ll post that update shortly. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279.md?page=25) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-motorcycle-thread/991279.md?page=27)