Just noticing not much going on with the 250s right now. Unusual for sure.

 

The weather in lower Alabama has been too damn hot to go outside. We finally got a break this last week with low humidity and high 80's vs. humid 95 degree days, unfortunately my lower back is acting up so I'm sidelined for a couple weeks or so Maintenance is pretty much up to date on the KLX so she's just sitting a waiting for the real riding season to begin!

 

I got a new street bike and have been riding to work for the last several days having clear weather. Actually found a road that has some curves in it here in the flat lands. Runs along the Scioto River. Entertaining, but few and far between roads like that here. Take the dual sport to the east to ride on some good stuff there.

 

There definitely has been a decline in posts over the years. Probably because I'm not asking so many questions anymore.

 

No worries Mark, there has also been a large "posting slow down" on the IndianMotorcyles.net forum.. Must just be that time of the year...

 

What street bike did you get Mark? KLXster, added any to your stable of Indians?

 

Haven't posted in a while, since getting the BB331 dialed in... I suppose our new-to-us Versys 1000 hasn't helped my KLX posting either, haha! The V1000 does the 2-up thing sooo much better! In Nov of 2018 I picked up a 2016 V1000 with 216 miles on it! KLX remains reliable as day!

TC

***Wow, I just made a completely pointless post...

 

I picked up a 2018 Yamaha XSR700. Absolutely the best choice for me. First street bike that tripped my trigger for about two decades. I like the look of it, rounded, not angular, with a bare bones sort of bare knuckle approach. Few covers, not much that doesn't serve a function. Seems I like what other guys complain about - exposed mechanical and electrical stuff. I have half a notion to replace the overflow tank with a beer can - it's mounted at the lower left front corner of the engine. I'm not real jazzed about the lollipop tail light and the longish headlight shell, but I'll easily live with it.

My brother said I should consider the 900, but I don't ride two up and a number of reviews came out for the 700 over the 900 in general use. One test video had the guy doing wheelies, commented that it wasn't much of a test, but it was easy and fun, his written report was more thorough. The one that kind of sold me was the Commute video that Zack Courts did for Motorcyclist. He was riding along, took off and started giggling, you could see the front wheel was about 8 inches off the pavement in the shadow they cast. From there he did about another six short and long wheelies, laughing as he did them. Seems all reviews found the bike fun to ride. Plus part of what I like about the bike is that the engine is what is used in Yamaha flat trackers. That is kinda cool. I like the idea that the Harley Street Rod has the same engine as that in the HD Production Twins flat track series. Same with the Kawasaki 650s. I would have considered a Kawasaki, but they didn't trip my trigger. Even the Indian FTR didn't quite do so.with more of a Monster look in the back instead of a flat track type seat/tail. Plus it's not the engine on the track, close, but not quite and I don't want a 1200, plus it's like $13,000 to $17,000. More than I really want to spend.

The best part is the way they did the XSR to customize. The rear loop detaches with a couple bolts allowing customization without a hack saw.. Seems most riders take off everything at the back up to the seat, doesn't make sense to me though. I don't like mung and drool all over my back, but to each their own. Yamaha makes a solo set that I picked up, pop off the full saddle with the seat lock, pop on the solo saddle, that's it! There is a Greek company making a flat track seat/tail that does the same for about $300, with little number plates another $100 - maybe in a year or so. Actual handle bars - fatties - that can be rotated back or swapped out.

Enough stuff to loft the front end in the first three gears... when I get totally used to the bike. I'm giving it time, need to be fully in synch before playing too much.

One thing I noticed is that I no longer feel like I'm wearing good dual sport tires out running around the roads here. I actually did find a fun back way home. A road with actual curves that are honest to goodness downshift to third/fourth gear turns. It is almost like riding over in the east. A rare find around here. That was why I hated riding the KLX here, just flattening the back tire tread and cupping the heck out of the front. Now I can keep it for going east and dual sporting. Also have time to put on the 299cc cylinder, flat slide and header while still having a bike to ride.

Can't tell I like it, can you? I'd post some pictures, but it's still essentially stock. I'll have to take some shortly.

I'm hoping my son-in-law gets my daughter to relent a bit on the time table. There is a 2019 FTR1200 with the trick S&S exhaust he wants with a decent break on the price at the local Indian dealership - list with the $2000 exhaust included. He wants one of those Indians badly. I look forward to riding with him. It'll be some fun.

 

I haven't bought any more new bikes.. But I haven't sold any more either.. I think I'm down to 7.

Oh the other hand, I am planning my next purchases...

So I test rode a Indian FTR. Truly incredible ride - and quite dual sport ready with the appropriate tires.. I got in trouble on the ride - probably not so much for riding wheelies in the parking lot, at the front door - but apparently for doing the same at the Harley dealership next door..
The Indian GM came out an said "Brad, the Harley peeps are blowing up my phone - so cut that sh$t out !" My salesman witnessed it all and was laughing his a$$ off..
I hope I haven't damaged my relationship with the Indian GM - she and I have had a good relationship for over 3 years..
I would love to option out a FTR S (with the number plates option, etc etc...) but I just can't figure out why I would ever ride it - on or off road - over my other bikes. I think it would just sit in my garage and never be ridden..

The 2020 Rocket 3 GT - Of course, until I see and ride one, I won't know if one must come home with me - but, at this point, I can't image NOT buying one next year.. Which will likely have me selling my "2 up touring and Stage 1" optioned Scout - to make room..

As far as buying a new KLX250S, I am still disappointed in the tuner options since DJ quit selling the KLX250S PCFC in the USA, The only options I know of are the EJK and this https://www.magnumtuning.com/en/deta...aki/klx250s-fi... The EJK was not designed to be compatible with the O2 sensor and the EVO-Tech, I believe, is a simple IAT spoofer (Inlet Air Temperature) - which means it will "across the board" enrichen open loop operations, with no ability to actually tune based on RPM and throttle position..

 

Me thinks we're seeing a big reason to go back to carbs for performance.

The EPA/DOT may be putting a strangle hold on the electronics. It may become impossible to buy the controllers for street legal motorcycles due to the emissions thing, unless you order from another country. Kind of like how they have cracked down on exhaust makers for selling "track use only" straight pipes knowing they are going on street bikes. Heavy fines for those who did so, like Vance & Hines. Now they sell DOT/EPA legal.

Might just be if you want to hop up the KLX EFI it may require going to a TM36-68 to get the fuel needed.

Just some arm chair speculation though. Who knows for sure.