Comments on: 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650: Night Stop

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:17:41 +0000

irondad: Long exposures and a tripod open up new worlds. And you can introduce yourself to blur too!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 23:43:03 +0000

Brent: Kissell Motorsports has both V Stroms there right now in their pre-owned shop. If they are still around when I get to them I will take them for a spin.

By: irondad

irondad — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:32:15 +0000

Thanks for thinking of me! I’m just exploring the bulb mode of the Nikon. It’s weird to leave the shutter open that long. I’m finding you can do interesting things with lighting during long exposure times!

By: D. Brent Miller

D. Brent Miller — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:02:05 +0000

Steve, if you have the chance to test the V-Strom 650, go for it. You will find that it is nearly the perfect blend for backroads and freeways. It's perfect for photographers who stop a lot to take pictures.

The 1,000 is a great bike, too. But, it is more like a sport bike with tall gearing made for long distance and occasional back roads.

Brent

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 05:54:26 +0000

bob: The KLR is tall. Perhaps some under six foot tall KLR riders can weigh in on how they manage the beast.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 05:53:40 +0000

Mr. Riepe: Do not despair. The Triumph is a great motorcycle. In a perfect world I would have one along with the KLR and a host of other machines. But with a gun to my head and asked to choose one beast I would be hard pressed not to choose the KLR over the Triumph and perhaps even the Vespa.

The jury is still out. I have a lot to think about. Hold off on the free breakfast for a bit.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 05:51:41 +0000

Rambler: Good to hear from you and I hope all goes well for you. Much of the inspiration for what I have done here comes from your lead.

I'm having fun mixing my enjoyment of riding, photography and journaling. Being able to test out new motorcycles and scooters is great.

Thanks for your kind words of support. I've always valued them!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 05:49:12 +0000

Stacy: Saving? What's that?? I thought money was to spend???

John McClane: The KLR has a 5 speed manual transmission. The clutch is positive and easy to shift.

The KLR is tall. Riding it sort of extended my body in all directions in a manner that the Vespa doesn't. It was completely comfortable though.

Richard: I only used the flashlight to see the camera controls and to shine a light on the bike so I could compose the picture.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 05:45:28 +0000

Bryce: I've learned that I don't need much but my wants can get out of hand. This project is a wonderful opportunity for personal growth.

I am grateful to have the chance to try out these machines. I am always amazed at how opportunities arise.

Sojourner rides: I've really come to regard the KLR as an almost perfect motorcycle for what I do. I'm certainly can't bring a critical technical eye to them but I know what feels right.

I am postponing any ultimate decisions on ownership until my lottery tickets pan out...

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 05:41:59 +0000

Rob: I know exactly what you mean about places to depart from the pavement. The KLR seems made for that.

Brent: I think I want everything. I’m wondering if I can find something I don’t want. There are two V-Stroms at Kissell Motorsports–a 1000 and a 650. Wouldn’t mind taking the 650 out.