Off-road/dual sport/adventure bike riders report in - help choose

Red Marley said:
Yes, sir. It weighed about 300 lbs. Here is the final iteration of that bike, with 5-speed gearbox and Dunlop K70s (the knobbies were just too squirrelly on pavement).
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The only bikes you can buy now (new/or newish) that weigh that little all look like angry mosquitos.
 
Red Marley said:
I could build you one, but you couldn't afford it ;)
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Not meaning to imply anything about your finances, but rather it would take a LOT to get me to do it again and do it right; it took me about 10 years to develop that bike. Neither of us would likely live to see another one completed; Warren Buffett couldn't afford it.
 
Red Marley said:
Not meaning to imply anything about your finances, but rather it would take a LOT to get me to do it again and do it right; it took me about 10 years to develop that bike. Neither of us would likely live to see another one completed; Warren Buffett couldn't afford it.
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What year model was that bike?

I thought about riding up to Select Cycle in Greensboro to just look at the current generation of Royal Enfields, but I think they are sized exactly like modern motorcycles, only smaller.
 
I think it was 2000; might have been earlier. I don't think you would like the new Enfield singles; they are mechanically improved, but I don't know if I would trust them to go off the beaten path, and they are kind of small for a sasquatch-sized guy. I know, many have ridden them throughout the Himalayas, but there is an Enfield mechanic behind every tree in India. Mine was extensively rebuilt (by me) to eliminate (most of) the weaknesses and make it more suitable for the riding I wanted it for. Here's what it looked like when I got it – not a bad little roadster (with a comfy seat!)
Ricks BulletR.jpg

A properly built Matchless G80CS would be a good bike for you. Monster stonking torque, and sized adequately for a big boy. But the problem is finding one that YOU KNOW was built properly and will be reliable. Brit bikes are even more of a lifestyle choice than Harleys, you have to live to maintain the bike, develop the knowledge and parts sources. Not everyone's cup of tea, understandably. I enjoyed it for decades but eventually I just wanted to ride.

I often think about building a scrambler version of my sidecar tug, the Kawasaki W650. It is very similar in size and configuration to a late 60s Triumph T120, moreso even than the new Triumph Bonnies. And it is incredibly dependable – my W650 is also a 2000 model, and the only parts it has required beyond normal consumables are a battery and a chain, in 20+ years. It is not a peaky motor, it is gentle and friendly, perfect for loose surfaces. Here's a mild scrambler I've seen pictures of:
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This would do for dirt roads if you kept your speed down. About 400 lbs. Maybe more than I could pick up these days, if I dropped it. Hmm.
 
Red Marley said:
I think it was 2000; might have been earlier. I don't think you would like the new Enfield singles; they are mechanically improved, but I don't know if I would trust them to go off the beaten path, and they are kind of small for a sasquatch-sized guy. I know, many have ridden them throughout the Himalayas, but there is an Enfield mechanic behind every tree in India. Mine was extensively rebuilt (by me) to eliminate (most of) the weaknesses and make it more suitable for the riding I wanted it for. Here's what it looked like when I got it – not a bad little roadster (with a comfy seat!)
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I would never have guessed this was a 2000. It has such a great vintage look to it.
 
Looked at Royal Enfield Classic 350’s today. Even the sales guy said ,”Yea, that ain’t gonna work for you.”
Which I fully anticipated.

The Triumph 1200 Scrambler XC and XE are still on the radar. But barely. Heavy and over powered for my purposes. But very nicely executed bikes.
 
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Sold for $3,000
 
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fieldgrade said:
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Bid for the chance to own a 1969 Triumph T100C Trophy 500 at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #101,567.
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Sold for $3,000
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Wooo! A nice little rider. For small to medium size guys. Like my Enfield, speed on dirt is limited by suspension — or bravery 😬
 
Just go buy a used DR650. If you decide you don't like it a year or so later you can sell it for the same amount you put into it minus consumables/tags/taxes. I put off buying one for years until last spring. I wish I would have gotten one a lot sooner.

<>< Fish

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FishHunt said:
Just go buy a used DR650. If you decide you don't like it a year or so later you can sell it for the same amount you put into it minus consumables/tags/taxes. I put off buying one for years until last spring. I wish I would have gotten one a lot sooner.

<>< Fish

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I have that Saddleman bag you are running. But let’s talk about that seat.

Whose is it, and will it fit a great big mother lover
 
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fieldgrade said:
I have that Saddleman bag you are running. But let’s talk about that seat.

Whose is it, and will it fit a great big mother lover
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It's a Seat Concepts seat. I'm 5'-10" and 235# in riding gear. It keeps me comfy enough to ride to The NC/TN line (west of Boone) only stopping long enough to fill up or to the Meadows of Dan/Blue Ridge Parkway area doing the same. It's not as wide as the commuter seat so standing up off road while shifting forward/aft on the bike as needed isn't an issue. Don't know the model of the seat. The center stand, bash plate and seat were on the bike when I got it.

<>< Fish
 
Y’all are killing me with these dual sport bikes. Next year going to be looking for a place at the coast. So maybe a couple years after that I can join y’all.
 
Average Joe said:
Y’all are killing me with these dual sport bikes. Next year going to be looking for a place at the coast. So maybe a couple years after that I can join y’all.
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A motorcycle is a lot cheaper than a house at the beach.
 
I missed a freak'n deal right in my back yard!

Saw a 2015 DRZ400S with 4100 miles on it for $3000 on marketplace.
Ad was 22 weeks old but stated that if the ad was up it was still available.
Checked the seller's FB account and he was friends with 2 of my neighbors.
One of those neighbors gave me his phone number and told me that he lives at the end of our street!

Called him.....and yes....it had sold.

....but I did point out the "if the ad is still up it's still available" thing.
 
Snal~ said:
I missed a freak'n deal right in my back yard!

Saw a 2015 DRZ400S with 4100 miles on it for $3000 on marketplace.
Ad was 22 weeks old but stated that if the ad was up it was still available.
Checked the seller's FB account and he was friends with 2 of my neighbors.
One of those neighbors gave me his phone number and told me that he lives at the end of our street!

Called him.....and yes....it had sold.

....but I did point out the "if the ad is still up it's still available" thing.
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People suck about 99% of the time.
 
MCQUADE said:
I ain’t even gonna recommend the little shit I ride. I have drunk toothless gals pulling out of the trailer park, throwing beer cans and Marlboro light cigarette butts at me, yelling at ME to get a job🤣
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Snal~ said:
I missed a freak'n deal right in my back yard!

Saw a 2015 DRZ400S with 4100 miles on it for $3000 on marketplace.
Ad was 22 weeks old but stated that if the ad was up it was still available.
Checked the seller's FB account and he was friends with 2 of my neighbors.
One of those neighbors gave me his phone number and told me that he lives at the end of our street!

Called him.....and yes....it had sold.

....but I did point out the "if the ad is still up it's still available" thing.
Click to expand...

Really really strange!
My post above, from back in April, was about a deal that I missed.
Tonight, I get a strange FB message from the guy that had it for sale back then. I recognized the name.
The message was like he was responding to someone inquiring about something similar, so I simply replied with
"What is this message about?"
He replied by mentioning that I had inquired about the DRZ and that he doesn't check FB often (strange).
I reminded him that I had called him and that he had told me that it was sold.
He said he got fed up with people calling, asking a zillion questions, and never showing up with cash.
He still has the bike!
I asked if he was home, and if he could show it, and reminded him that I'm less than a mile from his place.
Never got a reply.
Half an hour later I jump on the Mule and ride over there. Knocked on the door, wife answers. He's not there, he's
at the drag races about 7 miles down the road.
I told her who I was, and that I wanted to confirm that he still has the bike, and this isn't something that a hacker
came up with after hacking his FB account.
She says...yes, he still has it.
I say ok, I'll call him tomorrow.
I get back home and he had replied that his wife had just called to say that I had come by.

Gonna go have a look tomorrow!
 
Snal~ said:
Gonna go have a look tomorrow!
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Well, it wasn't a 2015....it's a 2006. Battery was dead so couldn't confirm miles, but he said about 3900.
I pretty good shape to be 17 years old, plastics pretty good but not perfect, never could get pressure on the front brake.
It was in a shed, that was framed packed with other stuff, and no light, so I couldn't get the best look at it.
He said I could take it to my barn for a closer look and try to get it started, but there was a Buch of crap in the way outside of the shed.
I wouldn't give $3k for as-is...maybe $2k if it runs like it should.
Only mods were an FMF slip-on and a proper re-jet (according to him).
Told him I'd call this next week and see about getting it out of there.

At the very least I met another neighbor that I'm certain that I'll get along with.
 
Snal~ said:
Well, it wasn't a 2015....it's a 2006. Battery was dead so couldn't confirm miles, but he said about 3900.
I pretty good shape to be 17 years old, plastics pretty good but not perfect, never could get pressure on the front brake.
It was in a shed, that was framed packed with other stuff, and no light, so I couldn't get the best look at it.
He said I could take it to my barn for a closer look and try to get it started, but there was a Buch of crap in the way outside of the shed.
I wouldn't give $3k for as-is...maybe $2k if it runs like it should.
Only mods were an FMF slip-on and a proper re-jet (according to him).
Told him I'd call this next week and see about getting it out of there.

At the very least I met another neighbor that I'm certain that I'll get along with.
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99% confident that the re-jet is not actually correct. They never are.
Also the FMF are too loud for me, but I am a grumpy old man…
I am pretty sure I still have a stock CV carb for a DRZ somewhere in the garage.
 

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2022 Kawasaki klr 650 adventure​

$7,500
Listed 4 days ago in Statesville, NC

Message







About This Vehicle



Driven 300 miles

Manual transmission

Exterior color: Black · Interior color:

1 owner

Seller's Description​

Like new Kawasaki KLR 650 Adventure. This is the ABS with USB model, so it’s top of the line. This bike has been professionally lowered 2 inches and the kit that was installed, is adjustable. The luggage rack was custom cerakoted. Don’t miss your chance to own this basically new bike at a used price!

They have 2 husband and wife I know are selling.
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