Took a very short ride this evening on the KLR to get a feel for the headlights and how it feels on the road at night. Very nice ride. Made this photograph at 10pm.
For irondad: 25 seconds at F4, ISO 1250.
Stopped at the Pennsylvania Military Museum to make a photo of the bike. I was prepared — had a little tripod and a flashlight with me. Even though this looks like some sort of weird daylight it was extremely dark and I needed the flashlight to see what I was doing. Learned a few things about night shots. A clear, cloudless sky will appear darker in the picture and the stars will show up.
And don’t shoot when the moon is almost full. That is what causes those backlit shadows.
I’m working a a longer post about this bike. The executive summary– I want a KLR. I knew I would like it but I didn’t know how much. And probably for none of the reasons most KLR riders choose them. I’ll put that post up on Monday evening.
I like the looks of the KLR and wish I was riding one while visiting the Jack Daniels Distillery in Tennessee a couple of days ago. There were so many places to just ride off the paved road and ride into a festive dirt bliss. Well I really would most likely just get myself hurt, maybe I am better off without one.
I still want a KLR even though I went back and forth between the Kawasaki KLR and the Suzuki V-Strom 650. In the end, I think I bought the right one … the V-Strom, and now have 18,000+ miles on it.
But … I still want a KLR. 🙂
Sadly what we want and what we need are too often countered by what we can afford and in my case what I can
be comfortable upon.
As to the variety of mounts offered by Kissel just enjoy the opportunity to be able to do what many us can only dream.
Well, this is interesting. When you sit on a bike and it grabs you, that’s telling you something. But what if many of these test rides grab you? Decisions, decisions.
Better start saving! 🙂
Does it have gears? If so, how did you the difference between that and the Vespa?
25 sec exposure, eh? I’m going to have to try that once we get some darkness. Did you use the flashlight to highlight anything during the exposure?
Wow. I’ll say that again… Wow!
Steve, you have done with SITS one of the things I always wanted to do with RHR. Congratulations.
Because of the way I had to end it, we never got Rush Hour Roadtests off the ground. But you appear to be Doing It Right here.
I haven’t much time to look tonight, but I wanted to respond to your last comment on my site, and I thought I should pay yours a visit.
Really excellent work, here. I’m very impressed.
Ride well,
=gc=
Dear Steve:
I’m amazed. I can’t believe this one is edging out the Triumph. Oh well, tell me which diner. Breakfast is on me.
Fondest regards,
Jack “reep” Toad
Twisted Roads
Steve:
I also like the KLR, but like D Brent Miller, I went for the V-Strom. I felt the KLR was too tall for me
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
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.
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…
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.
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!
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.
bob: The KLR is tall. Perhaps some under six foot tall KLR riders can weigh in on how they manage the beast.
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
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!
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.
irondad: Long exposures and a tripod open up new worlds. And you can introduce yourself to blur too!