Kawasaki Concours Forum
Mish mash => Open Forum => Topic started by: Miss Silvera on May 29, 2013, 07:36:40 AM
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Hey yaw'll! I've got the bug again and it's bad this time...wanting to put together a Dual Sport bike. OK I'm not looking for just ideas, but if you are a dual-sporter and have firsthand experience....
here are a few decisions to make....I have to think about overall seat height unloaded since I have about a 28" rise. I also have a big concern to be able to do field repairs if I am off road/on road and by myself.
Suz DR650 or (leaning towards this)
KLR 650 or
Wee (could be cost prohibitive)
And your thoughts on:
soft or hard panniers
engine guards
rear case Givi or other (I want to be able to remove easy)
fork brace
windscreen
Hand guards
tools
extra parts (levers, plugs, chains, sprockets, tubes, etc)
foot pegs
tires
aux lights
center stand or a flamingo leg
anything else you may think of...
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I am right there with you - I have been looking at getting back on dirt for the past year or so, but yet to pull trigger.
It seems the real challenge I have had is deciding if I want to lean more dirt, or more pavement. My issue is I want something light that I can throw around on single-track, fire roads, etc, but it needs to be heavy enough for slab riding as well.
The KLR and DR650 (both have lots of aftermarket support) are great bikes, but I am also considering a DR400. I think that may be good middle ground. I have a friend that has one and I have ridden with him on the interstate at 70 mph and he seems to do fine - but I bet he wouldn't want to do slab all day. On that same note, another riding buddy of mine picked up a nice XR650 so he could ride dirt with his sons (8 and 14). He is a pretty big guy, so he thought the 650 would work, but I think he regrets it now because of the weight and he is looking for an lighter alternative.
Honda has the new for '13 CR250F which looks like a great bike, but again, maybe too light for my riding needs.
Just my style, and people that have them, love them, but the Wee just looks a bit refined for lots of dirt riding. And with all of the DS variants, think about having to lift it out of the sand or mud a few times in a day. Ugh!
Again, I am in the same boat. There are great purpose-built machines on the market, just deciding which one is best for you style is the hard part. I've almost made deals on several bikes, and just can't pull the trigger. In my case, what will probably happen, is I will find a good deal on one of the above, and just jump on it.
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WR250R.......end of search. The WR has plenty of power, it is much lighter, totally bullet proof over-built engine, better suspension, more powerful wattage output from rare earth magnet stator, lots of aftermarket goodies, and you pretty much cannot hurt the darn things. I love mine, and it will run 65/70 all day no problem. Another good choice would be the DRZ400, I owned a DR650 for several years and I will admit that they are great bikes. Just saying not to rule out a WR, they really are the all around best dual sport out there...............until Yamaha pulls their heads out of their butts and finally comes out with a 450. ::)
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I should have added...It will be more primary and secondary road and back road than dirt. My idea of dirt will be Forest Service roads, dirt roads across the high desert, that kind of thing...not really into the mud thing....
I wil be looking to ride 4-500+ miles a day on a long day and 2-300 on an excursion
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I've got a 2001 DR650 and my son has a 2009 KLR. One question is how much paved versus dirt do you plan? The DR is ready for basic dirt roads and easy trails out of the box. But if you plan to put some miles on pavement and some travel you need a better seat (I love the Corbin seat on mine) and you need luggage. The stock seat feels like a 2x4 after about 2 hours. I got racks from happy-trail.com and adapted some large ammo cases as panniers. I had some soft strap over luggage but then had to pile quite a bit on top. The ammo cases add some weight but I was able put my total luggage mass much lower with those. Plus they double as a seat and table at camp. The ammo cases also are a bear resistant food storage. Before turning in for the night I put all food in one of them and put leave it 100 yards or so from the camp. Keeps all other animals out including insects and if a bear does try to get in it is away from my tent. If I had money to spare I would be looking for aluminum side cases. Plus the DR has zero wind protection. No problem on dirt but for highway it gets fatiguing so I adapted an old Memphis Shades wind shield to mine that I can lower for dirt. Also the DR doesn't have enough range for serious adv riding in the west. So I also added a 5 gal IMS tank. The OEM tank is only 3 gal.
The KLR comes much more travel ready out of the box. The stock seat is quite comfy or at least comfy enough and it has just enough wind protection to make it tolerable. It has a 6.1 gal tank for plenty of range.
I like my DR slightly better for off road and the KLR slightly better on road. Both bikes need racks and luggage options for ADV riding. The DR with some aftermarket changes is my preference but side by side as the sit in the showroom the KLR is much more suited for ADV riding out of the box.
My DR with soft luggage and stuff piled on top:
(http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac177/sreinschmidt/259199098_photobucket_518_.jpg) (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/sreinschmidt/media/259199098_photobucket_518_.jpg.html)
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I should have added...It will be more primary and secondary road and back road than dirt. My idea of dirt will be Forest Service roads, dirt roads across the high desert, that kind of thing...not really into the mud thing....
I wil be looking to ride 4-500+ miles a day on a long day and 2-300 on an excursion
Then a Vstrom 650 is hands down the best choice IMHO. I owned a Vstrom for years, and they are the swiss army knife of motorcycles.
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GOOD INFO! Just what I am looking for...
BIGGER tank...yes! I have put together a "wish" list of acc...and its about $1750 that includes HT Aluminum panniers and a GIVI top case
I will be probably 85% road and 15% off road
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I have found a 2006 one owner KLR for $3500 needs a rear tire, has less than 4000 miles other than that, its mint
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Pokey almost hit it out of the park :o (They do have the WR450F). Unless you are looking at touring with a load lighter is much much much better. The KLRs 2 biggest weaknesses are weight and suspension, everything else is a snap. And the Gen 1 KLR is a much better looking bike!!
Dalroo has it fairly well figured out, we have several CRF230Fs, best way I can describe the bike is a mini KLR650, great for forrest roads, but beyond that? One of my riding buddies has WRs, YZs, a 'Strom, and DR400. He has a habit of breaking things and somehow he always ends up with the DR as his backup bike while fixing the others (not the 'Strom, that's his "street bike").
As to DS farkles? Where to start is indeed the question. Weight, function, and durability are key. Giantloop has a horeshoe shaped bag in differant sizes that will keep the weight lower and tighter to the bike. Twisted Throttle has the SW Moto racksand Pelican cases which are about as bullet proof as there is, but they do add a substantial amount of weight. I weighed my kit last night for my upcoming Colorado BDR trip, with water, tent, bag, clothes, camp kitchen, and dry stores things weighed in at 119 pounds. This doesn't include the tool kit, tire tools, or Rotopax with a gallon of gas. So, weight is a huge issue as every pound adds up.
The pic below is the GS all loaded up. I went with the F800GS because it is the best compromise (IMO), does good on the road, great on gravel roads, and good on the trails. It packs what I want and has more power than I will ever be able to use.
If you will be doing more road than dirt a 650 is your calling, if you are planning weekend getaways and want to explore some trails a 250 should be in your future. Another good option would be a used Sertao, it's a 650 thumper, lighter than the other 650s, better suspension and not overly priced, more than the DRs and KLRs, but less to do to make it proper. My next DS will be the KTM350EXC, ultra light and setup for day trips where I need to tie dirt roads with pavement.
GOOD INFO! Just what I am looking for...
BIGGER tank...yes! I have put together a "wish" list of acc...and its about $1750 that includes HT Aluminum panniers and a GIVI top case
I will be probably 85% road and 15% off road
Well, after reading the replies I just don't want to delete what I typed ;) A Gen 1 KLR will be your answer, they coined the word Frugal and that bike has been 'round the world many times and it has been said that the KLR created the ADV craze. You should be able to find one already kitted up for $3000ish and probably fairly low mileage, think below 10,000 miles. Did I mention Gen 1?? ;D
Spend some time on ADV Rider, lots of info on all bike brands and where to ride them 8)
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I have found a 2006 one owner KLR for $3500 needs a rear tire, has less than 4000 miles other than that, its mint
Nice!!!!! We expect pics once she's (he's ;))in the driveway.
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Again good info..
I'm on the end of the board....just can't jump yet...the water still looks cold and cloudy.....
Nice looking Beemer Chet...
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Welllll....I've had my '93 DR for 4 years now. Its been off road sometimes in sand and mud. Its not too heavy and when you get used to it you can chuck it about. I do a lot of road riding on it - everything from short trips to work to a bit of scratching.
It sits at 65-75 for ages and gives me more when I need it. It returns 50mpg and with the 4 gallon (UK) tank I get about 150 miles before reserve. More on long trips. It burns no oil, the plugs are clean and the bikes quite a doddle to work on. The seat is a bastard after 40 miles and I bought another with more padding - 150 miles now. I do have a strap on (careful now!) gel seat that helps too.
Luggage wise, I have the Give 40 litre topbox, Oxford 40+ cordura panniers (that have had some dreadful treatment in all weathers including catching fire!) and a small tankbag that holds my phone and some bits. I have a handlebar mounted gps bag and 12v marine grade socket.
I love this bike - more than Tubby but its early days. I wpuld still trust the bike to get me there and back 500 miles in a day. Isn't the KLR watercooled?
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Oh, nearly forgot - its got a taller screen too. It works and I'm 6'3"...and fat. Tyres have been Avon Distanzias for the last 2 sets (about 10,000 miles a pair)
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KLR, watercooled, yes. DR great bike? Yes.
And thankee kindly Silvera. Go ahead and jump, them gators are just hovering on the bottom ;D
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I have found a 2006 one owner KLR for $3500 needs a rear tire, has less than 4000 miles other than that, its mint
Sounds good. Add something like these and your good to go: http://www.happy-trail.com/KLR650/Aluminum-Panniers-Owyhee-KLR650E.aspx (http://www.happy-trail.com/KLR650/Aluminum-Panniers-Owyhee-KLR650E.aspx)
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My ammo case solution:
(http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac177/sreinschmidt/2011-09-11_09-28-07_46_zps0a51566b.jpg) (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/sreinschmidt/media/2011-09-11_09-28-07_46_zps0a51566b.jpg.html)
(http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac177/sreinschmidt/2011-09-11_09-27-15_820_zpsdf9cb24b.jpg) (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/sreinschmidt/media/2011-09-11_09-27-15_820_zpsdf9cb24b.jpg.html)
(http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac177/sreinschmidt/2011-09-11_09-27-01_648_zps68c6ac57.jpg) (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/sreinschmidt/media/2011-09-11_09-27-01_648_zps68c6ac57.jpg.html)
(http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac177/sreinschmidt/2011-09-11_09-26-54_580_zpsc18b200e.jpg) (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/sreinschmidt/media/2011-09-11_09-26-54_580_zpsc18b200e.jpg.html)
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Sounds good. Add something like these and your good to go: http://www.happy-trail.com/KLR650/Aluminum-Panniers-Owyhee-KLR650E.aspx (http://www.happy-trail.com/KLR650/Aluminum-Panniers-Owyhee-KLR650E.aspx)
That link has 'bout everything Silvera inquired about :)
So, what tires ya gonna run? My all time favs for the KLR are the Pirelli MT21s, if they had them in the right size for the GS I'd be running them. I ended up with the Pirelli Scorpions, which as it turns out the rear has better street manners.
Pictures yet ;)
Rhino, how much do them things weigh :o :o I'd run em on the KLR in a heartbeat ;D
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That link has 'bout everything Silvera inquired about :)
So, what tires ya gonna run? My all time favs for the KLR are the Pirelli MT21s, if they had them in the right size for the GS I'd be running them. I ended up with the Pirelli Scorpions, which as it turns out the rear has better street manners.
Pictures yet ;)
Rhino, how much do them things weigh :o :o I'd run em on the KLR in a heartbeat ;D
I haven't weighed them but would guess about 20 lbs each. Probably twice what the 9" HT panniers weigh but $20 for both of them versus $850 for the HT cases. They are currently in storage but will be breaking them out in the next couple of days. I will weigh them when I do.
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OK no laughing...I am going in a few minutes to look at a DR650 at a dealer down the road...
advantage is...I have a Zuki dealer about a mile from me....
decisions decisions............................. :P
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Nothing wrong with the DR...
DSing is even more addictive than a street bike, so many roads less traveled.
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It's a 09 DR 650 with 1450 miles Like new, small scratch on the R rear plastic and bar end, easily repainted and plastic scratch is no more than would happen on a first foot scrub. (was originally bought at same dealer) the dealer will shorten the kick stand and lower it all he can for $4600....tags and tax on me
again....
decisions decisions....
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Hmmmmm, like new? That alone would scare me as I don't want to be the one giving her new character ;D I'll add character but new character?
Sounds like a fair deal, but I bet you could do better.
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Hmmmmm, like new? That alone would scare me as I don't want to be the one giving her new character ;D I'll add character but new character?
Sounds like a fair deal, but I bet you could do better.
I'm finding better prices on 09's but with issues...this one is from the same dealer that sold her to begin with, I know the folks at the dealer, but.......If it was $4200 I would have bought it...they won't budge off the 4600
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Sounds like they like that number, tell em if that is OTD it's sold ;D But I still think you can do better. So many folks buy these with the idea it's a dirt bike only to realize it's about 150 pounds overweight 8)
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Well? Which is it, the KLR or DR?? ;D
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I am so freaking fustrated with all the decisions I decided this:
I decided not to decide.
I'm gonna keep looking and try and find a good deal. I would buy that dealer bike but, they want $400.00 too much and I ain't budging and they aren't either.
So the quest continues...but.....I do like the DR a bit better for the size and all...I like the KLR for the better set up, but it will have to be lowered A LOT! and there are more functionable farkles for the KLR...
I would really like to have a Wee...and so...I am looking there too....
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Yep the KLR had tons and tons of available farkles but there are plenty for the DR as well. Here's one of the best websites for the DR:
http://procycle.us/bikepages/dr650.html (http://procycle.us/bikepages/dr650.html)
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A non call is so much better than a bad call!! There are deals out there and I am looking forward to hearing which one ya get :)
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I bought a DR650 to chase after my son on his DR250. Both bikes are rock solid, but the lighter 250 works better in the soft stuff....650 better on the hard pack.
The DR is THE lowest seat height you can get in a DS. Drop the shock mount, raise the forks, and the short kick stand is the only part to buy. The bike is lighter and quicker than the KLR, but you need a bigger tank and wider seat to go any distance.
The Gen 1 KLR is TALL. I can tip toe, and the soft suspension will sag, the seat will give alot, but it's still TALL. The engine is solid, but benefits come w/ rejeting and you'll still get 50 mpg. I like the soft ride for any long distance, but it's TALL and HEAVY for any serious trails. Pros do it, but I don't.
The V strom is faster, smoother, and better handling ON THE ROAD. But a 19" front tire just doesn't do it on in the trails where a 21" wheel floats over obstacles. Twin engine is a rock also, but it all weighs more, and there's another reason to stay on hard surfaces.
The used market is very soft, so shop hard. Deals come after July 4th. Try to spend $3k on either DS, or $5k on a Vstrom. Get lots of FARKLES for free (used), and ride the summer away. Enjoy the shopping process, and you will be happy w/ whatever you buy. ;)
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I have a 2006 DR650 with 43,000+ miles, great bike - no issues. Comments inserted in Bold below
here are a few decisions to make....I have to think about overall seat height unloaded since I have about a 28" rise. DR650 Seat height can be lowered easy
I also have a big concern to be able to do field repairs if I am off road/on road and by myself. DR650 is a very simple machine, easy to do any field repairs and is air cooled
And your thoughts on:
soft or hard panniers Soft
engine guards Yes must add, Mandatory
rear case Givi or other (I want to be able to remove easy) Cheap JC Whitney
fork brace No
windscreen Yes small Tombstone
Hand guards Aftermarket - required
tools Simple
extra parts (levers, plugs, chains, sprockets, tubes, etc)
foot pegs
tires Lots of choices
aux lights Helpful stock headlight sucks also stock horn is useless
center stand or a flamingo leg
anything else you may think of... Larger gas tank and after market seat
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MORE GREAT!!! info...THANKS GUYS!
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I think the 650 Strom would suit you very well, and it is a cross country bike "big time". I have seen riders go places on them that would really surprise you, especially when you have a set of TKC 80's mounted. ;)
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I am so freaking fustrated with all the decisions I decided this:
I decided not to decide.
I'm gonna keep looking and try and find a good deal. I would buy that dealer bike but, they want $400.00 too much and I ain't budging and they aren't either.
So the quest continues...but.....I do like the DR a bit better for the size and all...I like the KLR for the better set up, but it will have to be lowered A LOT! and there are more functionable farkles for the KLR...
I would really like to have a Wee...and so...I am looking there too....
purchase one of each
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_p4M6omm-Q (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_p4M6omm-Q#)
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Thanks Chetdammit...I was about over the urge...(not) and now I gotta look somemore....
(I have found a NICE Wee.......)
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And that was the 1000 Strom, the 650 is much more easy to explore on and control. 8)
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I weighed them and the ammo cases in my pics are 20 lbs each.
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Silvera,
I am partial to the KLR and think it is one the best all around bikes made, with a few exceptions. I went with the Happy Trails aluminum panniers and top box. Did the doohickey. Replaced all of the cheesy bolts with Grade 8.
Beware, you can spend a lot of $$$$ farkling these things.
Oh, and even though I am the same height as Tom Cruise, I had to but lowering links on the bike.
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Nice looking bike! I likey!
OK hereis the update onmy search:
I have found a 2011 Wee Strom...has about everything done to it but a skid plate. Has
6300 miles. Madstad adjustable winsheild bracket, Givi tall windsheild, SW motech center stand, Givi crash bars, grip puppies, Givi trunk, Suzuki saddle bags, handguards, and cover $7000.00
Adult owned and serviced every 2000 with synthetic oil.
Seems to be a good deal..
If it doesnt sell today or tomorrow before I can contact the guy back, I may just buy it......
Then order some bones, skid plate, aux lights, and mod the seat....
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Nice looking bike! I likey!
OK hereis the update onmy search:
I have found a 2011 Wee Strom...has about everything done to it but a skid plate. Has
6300 miles. Madstad adjustable winsheild bracket, Givi tall windsheild, SW motech center stand, Givi crash bars, grip puppies, Givi trunk, Suzuki saddle bags, handguards, and cover $7000.00
Adult owned and serviced every 2000 with synthetic oil.
Seems to be a good deal..
If it doesnt sell today or tomorrow before I can contact the guy back, I may just buy it......
Then order some bones, skid plate, aux lights, and mod the seat....
:thumbs:
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I am so freaking fustrated with all the decisions I decided this:
I decided not to decide.
I'm gonna keep looking and try and find a good deal. I would buy that dealer bike but, they want $400.00 too much and I ain't budging and they aren't either.
So the quest continues...but.....I do like the DR a bit better for the size and all...I like the KLR for the better set up, but it will have to be lowered A LOT! and there are more functionable farkles for the KLR...
EXACTLY!
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Everything on HOLD.............for now............
trouble brewing... may have to make an escape... 8)
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TROUBLE ADVERTED IT SEEMS AND...
looks like I'm gonna be a Wee Strom'er....soon...maybe tomorrow....
wish me luck....
more info if it all goes good tomorrow...
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Weeeee Hawwwwwww ;D
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Well its done...time to gear up and ride!
Thanks for all the info guys, it helped...I decided to go the road route more than the "off" road route.
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Congrats......."you will" love that bike I am sure, the Weestrom is awesome!!!!
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Nicely done lady. Time to plan an ADV ride xcountry :)
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Wee? Oui!
Miss Silvera, you're really going to like the Wee. Another ex-Connie rider makes the connection to the 'Stroms. I am continually amazed at how many own both or have had one and then the other. "Great minds think alike", I guess.
If you haven't been there yet, check out www.stromtrooper.com (http://www.stromtrooper.com). Great forum, and they even have a section for women riders, "Strom Sisters".
The answers to the questions you will have are:
Yes, it's supposed to do that.
No, that won't make it faster.
Here's my Wee on vacation:
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COOL!
Yeah I am signed up there already, for the "free" membership..
I have a Skid Plate coming...I hope it fits right. I have GIVI crash and a Motech centerstand and I have been told the one I ordered will fit...we shall see. I found it at Amazon and what I like about them is they are usually a little cheeper and returns are E-A-S-Y!
I also ordered some set back risers - back 7/8s and up an inch
and a light kit for my GIVI top case...
Whew!
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And sign up at advrider. Lots of great stuff...
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And sign up at advrider. Lots of great stuff...
That is for sure an opinion, I hate that site.