Well a lot has happened since the last post. We purchased a lot of parts for the KLR such as, pannier mounts and ammo boxes, new engine skid plate and raising links for the rear end and had the rear shock re-gassed.
Then weekend before last we went for a long ride together, round trip of about 350km. The trip started well with a lot of short skips between little nice country towns. We were going well and the bike seemed well balanced (heavy but happy) and we were enjoying ourselves. This was the test run to see if we could do a long distance ride with this bike. We turned for home with a 100 odd kilometre ride down the highway. Oh no, this is when we truly discovered that our bike is an absolute PIG on the highway, wandering in the lane and being seriously buffeted by the dirty air produced by the other road traffic. I actually had quiet sore shoulders the next day from having to really 'ride' the bike home. On top of this we both got seriously sore bottoms from the movement of the bike and the narrow seat.
With 2000+km of dirt road and 4-5000km of bitumen planned for the big trip, well this bike just wont do.
The KLR is currently for sale!!!!!!
Just today we have purchased another bike. We have a lot of confidence the new bike will be up to the tasks required for the big trip. The bike has been paid for and has been taken into storage by our partner in crime, Jeff, who is in Sydney where the bike is. Jeff will be getting his bike license this week--finally and getting his planned BMW sometime in November (maybe?).
I decided the best bike for us would be a 'big bore' tourer designed to take a bit of offroad/dirt and still be very capable and happy on the highway and also be happy loaded up with gear. The only smart option with this brief is the BMW GS. In our case an oldie but a goodie, the 1100 GS 1997model.
I fly to Sydney this Friday night to catch up with Jeff and then start heading back for Brisbane with the bike on Saturday morning. If I can't get back to Brisbane by Sunday lunch happy and problem free then we have serious issues for the big trip-- I don't think for a second there will be any issues other than being a little tired we I get back.
We have also been busy buying our camping gear and are now pretty happy we have everything. We have mattresses, pillows, towels etc etc
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| Panniers added |
With 2000+km of dirt road and 4-5000km of bitumen planned for the big trip, well this bike just wont do.
The KLR is currently for sale!!!!!!
Just today we have purchased another bike. We have a lot of confidence the new bike will be up to the tasks required for the big trip. The bike has been paid for and has been taken into storage by our partner in crime, Jeff, who is in Sydney where the bike is. Jeff will be getting his bike license this week--finally and getting his planned BMW sometime in November (maybe?).
I decided the best bike for us would be a 'big bore' tourer designed to take a bit of offroad/dirt and still be very capable and happy on the highway and also be happy loaded up with gear. The only smart option with this brief is the BMW GS. In our case an oldie but a goodie, the 1100 GS 1997model.
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| New bike at Jeff's place in Sydney |
We have also been busy buying our camping gear and are now pretty happy we have everything. We have mattresses, pillows, towels etc etc
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| New tent being checked out in the backyard |
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