Finally, the first long ride on a Kawasaki KLR 650. Long an occupant of an imaginary world that finds me breaking out across empty deserts or untracked tundra in a never ending life of adventure. The fantasy roots in the same place that gave rise to my dreams of the Triumph Bonneville. After a near perfect experience on the Triumph I remembered the old adage that lighting never strikes twice in the same place. My expectations of the KLR were guarded.
Morning fog delighted the photographer but triggered concern for the rider. With limited experience on the tall KLR I spent some time weighing risk before finally heading down the road at 6:30am. The fog wasn’t thick but quickly managed to cover my visor with dew while the inside began to fog. Cracking the visor open to allow air inside only succeeded in rendering my eyeglasses unusable. I’ve ridden on many foggy mornings but this was the first time I had serious visibility concerns. While making the photograph of the Kawasaki parked in the farm lane I was hatching a plan to get the shiny new motorcycle to the closest diner or coffee shop in one piece and wait for the sun to clear the road. I made plans to ride back to town and abandon any adventuring, at least for the next couple hours.
Another stop to clear my vision and make a photograph. With all the start and stop riding the KLR starts flawlessly with a touch of the starter button when warm and starts just as easily first thing in the morning with a flick of the handlebar mounted choke. If nothing else I was getting plenty of practice in creating muscle memory for the starting procedures.
Being more interested in riding than sitting a thinning of the fog was all I needed to continue on my journey out of town. My mind was plotting courses but I wasn’t finding much excitement. The more I try and force a ride the less inspired they usually are. So I just gave myself over to the KLR and let it lead the way. At least until I realized I didn’t know how much fuel I had on board.
There are few old mom and pop gas stations anymore and the ones I do see I’m not sure I want to pump their gas into my tank. So I pull into one of the modern Sheetz centers and put two gallons of premium in the tank. I forgot to ask when I picked up the motorcycle about the octane requirement. Premium would cover all bases. There was a bit of sunshine peeking through the fog and I made the decision to jump on the expressway west to get onto the Allegheny Plateau and some winding rural roads fast. And have a chance to see how the Kawasaki would perform at freeway speeds.
Up and out of the fog I found myself in a brief island of sunshine at the top of Bald Eagle Ridge. The KLR has plenty of power to move along at highway speeds though I did find myself wishing for a sixth gear though with the tachometer indicating just over 4000 rpm at 65 mph. A twist of the throttle would move the speedometer up quickly if necessary. The fairing and small windshield did a nice job keeping the ride comfortable. For me at least. I kind of like a blast of wind in the chest. Intermittent fog keep my speed in a safe place and my eyes constantly searching ahead and behind for vehicles oblivious to the decline in visibility.
Riding up onto the Allegheny Plateau west of Port Matilda I was was pleased to have clear skies and excellent visibility. I stopped hoping to find the perfect picture of the motorcycle along the road with a fog bank in the valley below. No such luck — the fog burned bright from sunlight. I was a couple hours too late for that shot. Moving west on US 322 the fog returned along with an increase in traffic. A respite appeared in the form of a gravel road.
The Kawasaki KLR thrives on roads like these — hard packed gravel and dirt that crisscross the forested heart of Pennsylvania. And that’s why this machine fits my riding desires so well. I like to explore. I want to see what’s down all those little roads and paths that veer off the pavement. And I want to explore the paved ones too. I know the KLR can support big rides, cross country rides that make epic, once in a lifetime journeys for some, or even once a year tours for others. Time and circumstance aren’t stacked up for me right now to make those kinds of trips. Besides, I like to ride too much to live for infrequent vacations on two-wheels. I want to go now, right here, in my landscape. The more I see the more I realize remains to see. And with the KLR I’ll be limited only by my own skill and drive.
The aggressive tread on the Dunlop tires are remarkably sticky even on the wet pavement. A little further experimentation with the brakes to see where wheel lock occurs gives me a lot more confidence on the tall bike. Stopping here to make a picture also revealed the need for me to exercise and stretch. By this point I had already been on and off the bike as many times as some riders might do in a week. Definitely need to revisit my physical conditioning. Why is it every time I think of physical condition I end up with bacon?
Breakfast at The Little Restaurant in Philipsburg will do nothing to enhance my ability to get on the KLR. I’m remembering the process of getting on a horse as a kid. It involved a little work. At 55 I’m working a bit to get on the KLR. It’s worth it. It’s a modern horse and I can go where I want.
After breakfast I’m uncertain of where to go next. Looking around I think I need to return to Philipsburg again for another meal with Paul. And then explore some of the other towns for additional food sources. The Kawasaki sounds pretty good starting up. I tend to like things quiet and routinely ride with earplugs, even with the Vespa, but do admire the big single cylinder engine. Pulling away the sound of the chain, transmission and engine all come together in a mechanical symphony that is pleasing to my ears. At the next stop I remove the earplugs to listen a little closer.
More dirt and gravel roads as I move through Black Moshannon State Park and Moshannon State Forest. With each passing mile my confidence grows in the motorcycle and my skills with it. The big tires deliver a solid, steady ride on the gravel roads. There is a lot to see if you have time to look.
At each successive stop the KLR feels more maneuverable. The time it takes to stop and park the bike is quicker. More mental energy is going into where to park rather than how to park. And I am loving the giant foot on the kickstand. Other than really soft ground I don’t have concerns that the kickstand will sink down and drop the bike. Nice touch. No need to carry around a flattened beer can.
Wild trout live in this stream. Back at the main highway I saw a fisherman wading with fly rod in hand, focused on his passion in much the same way I was. The red flowers of the wild bee balm caught my eye. I’m glad I took a moment to climb down the back to the stream and make a picture. I don’t do it enough when I’m riding. I look but seem to reserve the camera for the road and whatever I’m riding.
The morning is slipping away towards afternoon and I head towards home. I wasn’t exactly sure where I was on the gravel roads but had a general idea of which direction I needed to go. Back on the pavement I put the KLR through it’s last paces of the day by abandoning any further photography and just concentrated on riding. The Kawasaki was surprisingly agile in curves and responded with a kind of throaty rumble when I would twist on some throttle. The motorcycle had plenty left when I got to my riding limits. Just keep in mind that I’m not good but I am slow. I had a few chuckles earlier in the week reading an account of my Triumph riding that thought I did a little too much slow riding.
Slow riding, slow travel. I suppose that’s what I am about. It fits my needs with camera and my desire to generally slow down my life. The Kawasaki, while perfectly able to lead a frenetic pace on or off the road, is equally comfortable carrying me along at my pace. It’s a fine horse. A horse that I’d be content to ride for a long time.
If I had any concerns it was the fact that in a day or so I would be returning the KLR to Kissell Motorsports.
Beautiful pictures!
So, can you flatfoot this bike? kind of reminds me of a 650GS but lighter.
I saw beautiful Triumph Thruxton, this Sunday and was reminded of your days with one, they’re eye-catching indeed.
dom
Could you enable full content on your RSS feed?
I like the roads you travel. The great dual purpose bike. I will have to reconsider the 2008/09 F650gs for the same capability.
Phil
Nice piece and pics, Steve.
I know exactly what you mean about the little bit of extra “freedom” that comes with riding a bike like the KLR. I get it with my Yamaha XT250 dual sport too. You can pretty much “just go” and not worry too much about what kind of interesting road you might find out there because you will likely be able to go down it without any problem. Only thing to worry about is if you have enough gas for the day. That’s a very “liberating” feeling.
The KLR is a little too tall a bike for me. The 250CC XT actually has a pretty low seat for a dual sport and since I got it really for local riding/exploring, not long touring, the 250cc is fine. Works fine for the slower paced riding like you mentioned. Being a picture taker, like you, I guess we are conditioned to look around a lot as we go and to stay safe that means a little slower pace while we ride. Fine with me!
Since the XT is a very lightweight bike, much lighter than the KLR (and even my Vespa GT) I feel like I can throw it around if needed and can hop on and off with ease. The XT would definitely be a little small for your 6’3″ frame though, I think.
Very happy to see/hear that you are enjoying the KLR. Like you found, in its target environment it’s just as absorbing a ride as the Bonnie was in its environment. Just different environments is all. As there are different cameras for different uses so are there different bikes (or scoots) for different rides.
Looking forward to see what you will try hopping on next!
I like how often you teach me things here at “the Sticks.” I never knew the Allegheny Plateau existed. In looking it up after your reference to it I discovered that I skirt along its edge often enough in my travels.
How the heck do you eat so many delicious (i.e., not bunny vittles) foods for your breakfasts and still manage to keep your girlish figure? 😉
– Joe at Scootin’ da Valley
Charlie6: Thanks for your kind words about the pictures. Hard to go wrong with a big blue bike in the fog!
Yes, I can flatfoot the KLR. My friend Paul has a BMW G650 Xmoto that seems much taller than the KLR. The first time I rode it and came to a stop sign I freaked when my feet didn’t touch the ground. I was stopped across a slight depression.
The Triumph Thruxton is a fine looking bike. Saw one at Kissell Motorsports. Don’t plan to ride one though. I wanted to take a Scrambler out but they sold the last one in stock. I still want to try a Tiger though.
Chris: Not sure how to do that. Didn’t see any controls in Blogger. You have any suggestions?
Pvino: I’ve seen the BMW F650GS. Nice bike and much lower seat. I bet it would be a great parallel to the KLR.
tochaman: I hadn’t thought about the bike being a liberation but it probably is at a subconscious level.
Being on the lookout for pictures definitely slows things down. I used to prowl the countryside in my truck doddling along at 15mph when shooting pictures. For anyone not seriously involved in picture making they might find this mode of travel boring. And for a lot of riders just downright wrong.
Your descriptions of different bikes for different environments was helpful.
Thanks!
Joe: My figure is rapidly losing it’s girlish lines. And a lifetime of bad eating habits is hard to break. It would be far easier for me to start riding a Segway than stop eating cookies….
The photos really touched me. The KLR seems like your Vespa all grown up. I sensed a continuation of the Vespa’s travels and the bike does indeed seem to suit your style. It seems like an ideal, efficient, no-frills way to travel, like a Sherman tank…Again, I liked the photos so very much!
Steve:
Settings -> Site Feed -> Allow Blog Feeds -> Full
Thanks!
Sojourner rides: Photography of rides and sights continues to be rewarding for me. I’m glad you find some value in them.
The KLR does seem like a big Vespa to me. Not offense meant!
Chris: I turned on the full feeds.
Dar Styeve:
As I said before, I am amazed. It would appear that the hardware store lines (with its accommodating personality) have awakened the gravel savage in you. But I understand this… I am an authority on loving bikes with hardware store lines that do things really well.
Fondest regards,
Jack
Twisted Roads
Steve:
I think the KLR650 is a workhorse. Reliable and gets the job done at a reasonable price too. Too bad I’m too short for it. enjoy before you have to take it back, or perhaps you could borrow it again
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
Great pictures…very sellable…I like your report on the KLR and how agile it is..that’s been generally my experience with the Kawasakis but wanted to hear from somebody else.
Dear Mr. Riepe: I’m sorry to disappoint you with my interest in the KLR. And even sorrier to put you on the hook for breakfast. I know how it feels to be in someone’s debt. Take solace in the knowledge that I generally avoid fancy places and stick to the moderately priced fare found in diners across the Commonwealth.
I’m not sure I understand the term “hardware lines”. If you mean a utilitarian function much like a rake or shovel then yes indeed, the KLR has hardware lines. It has intentional functionality and does it well.
bobskoot: I would love to take the KLR out again. A long term loan from Kawasaki would be nice. On the other hand I would like the same thing with the Bonneville and I suspect there are other machines I will feel this way about too.
I hope this doesn’t become a problem.
Baron’s Life: If this were Siskel and Ebert—the KLR would get a big thumbs up!
Fantastic photos, as usual. I like the second photo, particularly. The one with the rows of plants. It’s amazing how starting down a new road makes you look at things in a new light. I’ve discovered the magic in patterns like rows of crops, fences, and so on.
Like you, I struggle with height on the KLR.
Flattened BEER can for the sidestand? Should be cola on the bike. 🙂
An interesting thing about new bikes is that they’re like first dates with a new partner. At first infatuation makes everything seem perfect. Living with them on a daily basis can be a different thing. It took me over a year to come to grips with living with Elvira instead of Sophie.
Hi Steve:
Some interesting historical thoughts.
The first time I went to Pennsylvania was 1965. I was there for trains, Altoona, Horseshoe curve and similar, with an older friend. His VW beetle with the right front seat removed so I could get in and out! Anyhow well remember the morning mists and fog in the valleys. From the flatlands of Southern Ontario this was so different. Then the fog would burn off by mid-morning and then the ghastly heat (which I have never been able to tolerate, to this day)
would arrive. And then when evening arrived the fog would return.
Would make for interesting photographs on film. Used both an early Pentax for colour slides and a TLR Rollei for black and white. Still have the photos.
As to the KLR, have friends who’ve
bought them. Tey invited me to try one of theirs when they bought one. I hopped on, and two well, three things were evident. The shocks flattened, even though they were on the higest settings, my feet were flat on the ground, and the bike looked like a tiny kiddie car between my legs.
Scratch another bike off the list as way too small. They do look to be a fun machine. Often wonder how reliable they are, in the long run, that is over two t five or six years. I keep most of my motor vehicles between ten to twenty years or more, before they are sold or traded. BTW your truck pass the Pennsy State safety?
I often wonder how motorcyclists with huge protruding stomachs and obviously grossly overweight ever fit on Harley-Davidson motorcycles which to me are really physically ofthemselves, small?
Maybe Jack Reipe might have a comment. And I dwarf anything BMW manufactures as I have tried them too.
Nope, my riding days are over, and when it’s warm and humid, and air conditioned cage is very comfortable.
Steve,
I had not visited here for a bit so I thought you’d broken down and BOUGHT yourself a new Triumph. Turns out you’re only getting to ride whatever you want for free.
I hate you.
Ok, not hate, just envy, but not to the Seven Deadly Sins extent. But a little.
Nice write ups and photos too, as always.
Doug
irondad: Taking pictures has remained fun for me. I’ve been doing it seriously my whole life and wonder if I am going to wake up one day and say, “Enough”.
So far though I still find a lot of magical places that interest my eye…
You’re right about a new bike being perfect. Everything I get on I am enthralled with. I won’t have the chance to see the nuances — just the big stuff. I’m still working out little things with my Vespa after several years on it.
Bryce: My wife grew up in Altoona and her family is still there. I’ve been introduced to all things Altoona including the Horseshoe Curve and much local railroad lore.
Your description of the fog is spot on. It still amazes me how it comes and goes so fast. As far as the heat goes this summer has been extremely cool so far. Our window air conditioners are still in the basement. Tomorrow may be the first day this summer that the temperature reaches 90. The past few nights the temperature has been in the 50s. Nice sleeping weather!
As far as bikes go it seems as if you don’t have a lot of choices. A big Goldwing or a custom bike built from the ground up just for you!
When you ride, or have ridden, I think you appreciate the cool quiet interior of a car on a hot day.
Mr Riepe is full of ideas. Surely he has a suggestion for you.
Doug K: Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful, I mean I have bikes to ride. It was just dumb luck I guess. Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and again.
I am thrilled to have the chance to try out these new machines. I just hope I can keep a bit of focus and some something interesting about the experience.
Thanks for your kind words of support. I’ll try and keep the pictures coming!
I had a KLR600 and always wanted a 650. The new KLR650 is just what I need, maybe add some ammo can panniers! Thanks, you got me lusting.
MarkF: I understand the lust. The KLR is a worthy machine.
Let us all know if you acquire one.