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jmdirt

Dec 6, 2013
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Unchained and I used to PM about moto, but because one us of might be a child predator, and one of us might be a child, we can't do that here anymore.

I'm always shopping motos because even though I haven't purchased since 2018, reading and test riding is entertaining.

This year I've tested some really fun bikes, and if the weather would have stayed warmer, I would have done two more end of the season tests.

Royal Enfield Guerilla 450: On paper its a cool little roadster, but on the scale its over 400 lbs! 100 lbs heavier than my current play bike. We'll see how it feels when I throw my meg over one...

Others on the radar for early spring tests:
Kawasaki KLE 500. I've ridden the Z 500 (same 451 motor).
Suzuki DR Z4SM (WAY over priced for some reason).
 
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Unchained

Sep 5, 2016
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jmdirt said:
Unchained and I used to PM about moto, but because one us of might be a child predator, and one of us might be a child, we can't do that here anymore.

I'm always shopping motos because even though I haven't purchased since 2018, reading and test riding is entertaining.

This year I've tested some really fun bikes, and if the weather would have stayed warmer, I would have done two more end of the season tests.

Royal Enfield Guerilla 450: On paper its a cool little roadster, but on the scale its over 400 lbs! 100 lbs heavier than my current play bike. We'll see how it feels when I throw my meg over one...

Others on the radar for early spring tests:
Kawasaki KLE 500. I've ridden the Z 500 (same 451 motor).
Suzuki DR Z4SM (WAY over priced for some reason).
Click to expand...
I am bummed about my decisions. I rode a Honda NC700 for 8+ months. Got it from US Navy guy who had it sitting outside for @18-24 months. Bike is bulletproof, I ended up making a few hundred dollars after, parts, labor and riding it.
DRZ is said to be better than non EFI version.. Why no 6 speed? Still it must be good because.. Motorcycle adventure companies in Baja use Hondas(300s) or DRZs..you will see groups or trailers with @6-10 bikes. Those companies don't have time or money to screw around.. If you have half dozen, dozen German tourists you can't have tech issues with the bikes.. I saw some reviews that say new DRZ is way better. Still not freeway worthy.
Kawasaki fell down on the job..everywhere..I have ridden the Versys 300..it doesn't, can't do anything right for me..so why did they make the KLE? Kawi already had the 600 twin in a few bikes..nope put different folks on Versys 300, same cheese for frame and swingarm..and put in a 450 with no ground clearance and no tubeless tires..plastic looks good.. Kawasaki for me just made a big soup.. Have the two 300s, 1 twin one single. KLR and KLE way too close.. And I am going to look at Honda 650 which looks good, we will see..
View: https://m.youtube.com/shorts/5054qIiglw4
 
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Unchained

Sep 5, 2016
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The Versys 650 motor has to fit in some chassis..
And the bike that really should be, could be the best is the Honda 450..but you need to change the oil every @1500 miles and do a valve clearance check. Why can't Honda put the 500 twin in that chassis and I will buy 2..
 
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jmdirt

Dec 6, 2013
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I rarely understand marketing (product development). Yes, there are a lot of 20 somethings that want liter bikes to rev and go 125 mph in a straight line, but those aren't the bikes that I see people actually out riding.

RE: DR gearbox: I know at least five people who have or have had one version or another of the DR 400 and none of them complain about not having a sixth gear. Granted, none of them ride on the interstate.

RE: KLE500: It could be good. I really had fun riding the Z500 with that 451 motor. I don't really like the Z650/Versys 650 motor though so I'm glad that they developed around the 451. The KLE650 single stays in the lineup because they run forever, but they aren't what I would call fun bikes (I/we could talk forever about what defines fun though).

The Honda AT 650 could be good. Let's see if it makes it to the USA before we get too excited though. The 'new' Suzuki SV-7GX could also be good if it gets to the USA. That's another fun motor (I rode it in the SV650).

www.cycleworld.com

2026 Suzuki SV-7GX First Look

Suzuki drops the 2026 SV-7GX at EICMA 2025, an unexpected sport-tourer using SV650 underpinnings with new ride-by-wire, ride modes, and traction control.
www.cycleworld.com www.cycleworld.com

I always have this idea that I would like to adventure around, but end up riding hard for a few hours instead (its the young dirt rider in me...do 2, 20 lap motos and call it a day).

Insurance: I'm an old man, with 50 years of moto experience, no crashes (not counting motocross), but my insurance is more expensive than it should be, partly to pay for the 20 somethings crashing too much. Its the "healthy people pay for sick peoples' care" math.
 
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Unchained

Sep 5, 2016
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jmdirt said:
The new BMW GS 450 (420 cc) that has been teased for a year is in production form at the EICMA show this year, but won't hit the USA until 'late 2026' (that means early 2027).

Click to expand...
Lots of talk about China and India.. US doesn't really build or use many motorcycles. From what I have ridden and seen, when Mexico stole designs from China and Korean brands.. If you are going to steal, copy something.. Duh..Honda!
The BMW is made in India and it looks like many bikes from BMW below 900cc will likely partially or entirely come from India.
I also have a funny opinion about DRZ forks, which always works fine, but from what I have seen from Baja, SW United States and some world travelers who used Suzuki.. The rubber boot covered fork legs kept out substantial debris and dirt and either saved the seals or preserved them much longer than upside down forks that are part of the modern esthetic. If it ain't broke don't fix it.. My criticism of of six gear is sort of silly, fat guy, some luggage, long road only commuter..400cc is a wrong place to start from.. And with Baja being my primary play area and San Diego county.. I would rather eat food, drink coffee ,breakfast that someone else prepared instead of pack all that on the bike anyway. It's nice to sit and relax and eat food someone else makes better than I can. No fuss.
 
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