Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Aug 2008
chunkylover's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 25
Smile Go on, get a KLE. Problem solved:)

G'day to all,

Newly converted KLE enthusiast here, just taking the oportunity to spread it's virtues. Few weeks ago I sold my VFR800 in an effort to get a dual sports bike and have some $$ left over. After much research thru the HUBB, extensive readings of reviews, etc., I decided the KLE was the best bet.
Reasons: - Great value for money
- Good extras as standard (handguards, sump guard)
- Great value for money
- Twin, so smoother running (was considering XT600, but too 'rattley' considering i use it for daily communiting/freeways)
- Nice smple mechanics/design (for the eager 'I reckon I could have a go at fixing that...' type of person)
- Nice looking bike (hey, looks do count
- Great value for money (sorry to harp on, but how else do you get a one year old bike, with 3k km on the clock for under $6000 aus!)

So, how has the bike faired. Well, i've had it for a few weeks and use it for daily duties (its my only transport). It's cheap to run (avg. 20km/ltr), great for commuting (filtering/parking), best of all it's fun!
I thought i'd miss the power and handling of the VFR, but i've been too busy enjoying myself to notice. I rode it 600km the first day i bought it (from near Melbourne), 120km/hr roads, blistering cold, but i smiled the whole time and coulda kept going! I did a few hundred km's the other weekend. Twisty, 60km/hr roads part of the way, dirt track/fire trails for 100 odd km, then freeway on the way home. What a blast! Having not owned a dual sport before, I loved the adaptability of it. I can honestly say there wasn't a time on that ride where I would have preferred the old VFR or R6 (previously owned). The KLE is just bringing too many smiles

Anyway, this is turning into a rant. I'll add imore f there is anything else useful. Currently, fitted top box (30ltr Givi) and waiting on my sw motech centrestand and crash bars. Plan to put Andy Strapz tap bag and panniers (keep the weight down) and then do some touring ound Oz. I'll post pics when there's anything good.

A big THANKS to everyone that puts such useful bike info on the HUBB. It definately helped me when I was trying to decide on a bike. Hopefully, this might give some more info to those still looking.

In summary: buy a KLE

Cheers
jake
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: northern ireland
Posts: 15
rusty kle

sounds like ur liking the kle! im thinking of purchasing one! but i hear rust is a major problem??? anyone expand???
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Problem KLR Stretcher Monkey Kawasaki Tech 38 16 Dec 2008 23:11
Transalp - problem electric - anyone had similar problem? ta-all-the-way Honda Tech 7 15 Jan 2008 09:54
3 Es problem Walkabout Staying Healthy on the Road 3 8 Oct 2007 15:38
Extra passport pages - no problem or big problem? jj Trip Paperwork 8 15 Dec 2006 08:27
DRZ-400 problem ekaphoto Suzuki Tech 7 14 Jul 2003 02:36

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:36.