Quote:
Originally Posted by evermore
Thanks! Well the DR650SE had 2 shortcomings for me, underpowered at altitude (altiplano from Cusco to Arequipa) and the darn carb stranding me a couple times.
|
Funny! I rode that route in
1974 on a borrowed Vespa 150 (2 stroke!). I had flats!
All motors lose power up high, the DR is badly affected. I'm amazed at those on 125's and 250's riding 14K ft. If the DR is properly leaned out and breathing properly (fully open air box) this helps a little. But power is still affected but at least starts and runs OK if leaned out and breathing well. I tested my set up here:
Imogene pass, Colorado. My Blue DR on left. 13K ft. We rode 6 passes in 2 days. Some went even higher.
CARB
Parts in the DR Mikuni carb simply wear out. I've re-done mine 3 times in 55,000 miles. HUGE difference with new parts. I buy used carbs on line and cannibalize parts needed. Cheap, easy & parts easy to carry on the road.
Quote:
Originally Posted by evermore
A KTM 1190 R would obviously fix those issues but be heavier and more complex. Having owned a 990, I am fine with the extra weight except that I don't know if I can lift one by myself in the likely spots where I might drop it (dirt/gravel).
|
The KTM is quite light weight for a big bike, best out there!
But still ... well over 500 lbs. ... now add 50 to 100 lbs. of gear and extras!
YIKES! I guess if you can bench press over 300 lbs. you might do it. I'm weaker now, don't have the strength I once did. I can still lift my DR.
Quote:
Originally Posted by evermore
I am frankly not too worried about breaking down and parts availability.This is an issue if you're traveling under time pressure and a 2-3 weeks waiting for a part to arrive would kill your trip. The DR would then be the better choice. I am thinking of a multi-year trip with no deadline. The KTMs are more complex but I don't think there is any issue I can't ultimately fix save a catastrophic crash.
|
I agree. Also, seems KTM dealers are popping up all over the world, Latin America have several. You have to wait for parts no matter the brand. No dealers stock anything these days. Most ALL OEM parts must be ordered.
Quote:
Originally Posted by evermore
The lifting issue remains. A system that gets the bike off the ground and maybe to a 30-50 degree angle is all that would be required. A lightweight mechanical jack would do it but I don't see any product like that out there. All the jacks I see are designed to lift cars or industrial loads so multiple ton loads. To help lift a bike, all you'd need is 1t jack but it would have to be lightweight. Some sort of tripod system using ratchet tie down to lift could be another possibility. Who knows, maybe I can figure out a reasonable solution and start selling it  |
Maybe a couple of adjustable, lightweight prop stands? If you could hoist the bike up just a bit, then somehow get a stand in, under the bike, then take it up in stages? Dunno? Tough problem.
36Likes
Threaded Mode
