Adiós, mi amigo...hiciste requete bien

[pdedse]

I've had in mind the last few years to look for an eventual replacement for my 2007 KLR650, which has just been a fabulous bike that I bought second hand back in '08 when it had 2500 miles. This bike as taken me all over Oregon, a couple of trips to Mexico, made it as far as Guatemala and Belice, I've done my longest day and trip rides on this bike and it's been my daily commuter through rain and shine over the years.

It's even been "borrowed" (stolen) once for a joy ride by I believe one of my students, raced through the parking lot of the college where I work, and returned to the original parking position. There was video even! They kinda thought it was actually me till I showed them I was in class while it happened.

Two ladies in Mexico trying out the KLRs at Chichén Itzá.


They sat there a long time talking to me and my friend...they didn't want to get off!

There comes that time, though, when you ask yourself, "do I ride it till it dies or do I sell and use funds to move on?" I was at that point... 51,000 miles, 14 years of ownership...but of late I kept wondering if it would break down on one of my "middle of nowhere, eastern OR trips". Plus, in 3-4 years, our plan is to retire at which point I want to take a bike to Costa Rica where my wife and I will split time--she's from there and wants to go back to be with family for extended periods.

So...adios KLR650, you done well...


And, hello 2023 Suzuki DR650, basically the KLR's cousin...




It doesn't get much more simple than this...


I paid $4500 for the KLR 14 years ago and they gave me $2200 trade-in, which I thought was pretty good ($11 per month to own). Now I'll likely sell my W800 café and doing so will make up the balance, or close enough to it. Having 3 bikes is fun, but I'd like to simplify things moving forward, have money to add a few things to the DR so it's ready to explore the high deserts of OR...and eventually anywhere I can in CR. The good thing is that the soft saddle bags, rear rack and box that I use for the KLR will transfer easily enough to the DR.

So strange to think that I no longer own the KLR, but fun to look in the garage and see the new guy.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Looks good pdedse. Nothing wrong moving forward. Tis' a common scenario with motorcycle ownership.

The DR650 looks ready for make pleasure!

[Cormanus]

A bittersweet moment, pdedse.

Enjoy the DR650.

[LongRanger_imp]

Comprar motocicletas es fácil; venderlos es dificil!

[the Ferret]

Nice! Congrats pdedse. Hopefully the big Zook treats you as well as the Kwacker did

[Ollie]

Congratulations on your DR650! I owned two KLR's (1998 and 2008) as well as a couple DR650's and preferred Suzuki's build quality and it's air/oil cooled engine. On one I changed to slightly stronger springs F&R for my 190#, 5 gal IMS tank, Sargent seat, and a few other things. I left it at a friends house near Phoenix to fly out and ride in early Spring and Fall. My longest ride started in Phoenix, zig zagged up Cali, Oregon, and Washington, then down Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah. It was almost exactly 5,000 miles and the oil level never dropped one bit, which wouldn't have been the case on either of my KLR's.