Jim,
If anyone wants to learn the right way to ride a motorcycle, the best way, in my opinion, is to refer to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. I know in my state, if you get your learners permit, take the course and complete it successfully, you get a waiver and do not have to take the state road test to receive your motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. Also, depending on your insurance company, you get up to 10% off your insurance premiums. – Sid, Near Niagara Falls
Hi Jim,
When it comes to Survivalists writing about motorcycles, either online or in hard copy, a lot of writers simply get it wrong.
In addition to being an early retiree, semi off-the-grid prepper, I’m proud to say that I’m the owner of a modified KLR650 (civilian version of the standard military issue dual-purpose motorcycle), with combination military-style tubular engine guard and highway touring footpegs, and the lowest-profile Corbin saddle (similar to what the BMW GS650 uses).
I originally got the motorcycle in black, but over time, was able to paint the motorcycle in a flat, dark sand color, while subduing the chrome wheels in Rustoleum’s textured flat black (mainly because the tires were still on the wheels while painting them, in addition to the fact that any other color would have made the bike stand-out, in the current world).
The KLR650 is the ultimate do-everything motorcycle. You can go into the dirt with it, jump with it, and tour with it. I’ve driven mine from Washington state to Arizona and back, with no problems, except for some preventative pull-overs in Phoenix, due to the temp. gauge reading and traffic. And it is one of the ultimate get-out-of-traffic vehicles, as I have been able to take the bike routinely over curbs, between parking lots, vacant fields, etc. Also,the KLR650’s cargo rack’s outer width still fits inside the inner width of a standard military ALICE pack frame, perfectly!!
You can even go Road Warrior with this motorcycle, and buy some octane boost. It seems to like it, along with with the higher octane blends. I’m well aware of the diesel conversions that have been done for the Marine Corps, by Hayes Diversified Technologies, in southern CA. But while these diesel conversions (the Mother Of All “torquee” Engines) do outperform the standard KLR650 in the dirt, they only get the street performance of a 250cc bike. Plus, the diesel engine makes them
I was lucky to get the 2007 model, the last year before it got redesigned, with snazzy colors, dual disk breaks, and 50 lbs. heavier. No one I’ve ever met liked the newer model, so do yourself a favor, and look for the 2007 and older models, preferably in the more tactical green color.
I also own a Yamaha TW200 dual purpose, which is even more versatile, because not only can it carry two people with stuff on a cargo rack, but with my modifications (lightweight rear sprocket), it’s light enough for two people to actually pick up the motorcycle and put it in the back of a truck. And, get a top speed of 80 mph without excess vibration!