So I was riding the wonderful KLX today at our friendly neighborhood motor track and traded my bike a few times with some friends. Thought I'd share my thoughts;

If you're complaining about our seat your crazy. I guess it's all about perspective. If you're used to a street bike or something cushy I guess it does fall short. But compared with the MX bikes I rode it's like a Temperpededic (sp?). I rode a YZ250 (my old bike I sold to a friend) and a KX250F.

The YZ (2000) is a two smoke and is actually the bike I sold to get this bike. I was never comfortable with the power of that bike and today reminded me of that. I was in third gear, hit the power band and the front end came up like it was on strings. That thing is scary fast. The seat felt like a 2x4 but it was damn light.

The KX (2006?) was a four stroke, the bike ours is "styled after" if you read the brochure. It was a similar looking engine and similar stance (weight, height) to ours. But once you got it going it was way different. Again the seat was beyond stiff and the engine, while not as much kick as YZ, was quite a bit above ours. It didn't seem as smooth threw the power band, which makes since for a race bike.

Not rocket science, I'm sure most of you already knew most of this, but I had been wondering lately if I shouldn't have bought a new 450 instead. After remembering how out of control those supped up bikes can be I'm happy that I ended up with my KLX! For sure the smoothest and most comfortable out the bunch.

 

Yes, it is all about perspective. I think most of us in the forumare aware that our dual sport bike has a more comfortable seat than an MX racer. Heck, its seat is more cushy than some of the other dual sport brands, but let's stretch perspective from another angle.

If you lean more toward the street side of the 'dual sport' designation, I can guarantee you will want more comfort. 'Munk butt' is 'monkey butt' and if you start feelingit less than 30 miles into a200 mile ride on pavement, it's no fun.You're not moving around in the seat all the time ala off-road either, so it happens quicker and stays with you. .

That's why companies like Renazco take advantage of whatthey call a 'blind spot' in theaftermarket seatmaking businessby dealing with dual sport seats almost excluslively.I'm on a waiting list that puts my build date in mid-December, so I'm guessing there are quite a few others who would like a better seat on their dual sport. Now,if Idid most of my riding off road, I probably wouldn'tbe worried aboutit.

 

I rode a 2-smoke KTM 360 a while back and to be honest, that was not fun. Sure it was a blast for a short burst or two but it was so tiring and so violent that it really wasn't something I would live with. That kind of power really requires a more agressive riding style and more skill thenI had at the time.

 

I've had a few MX bikes and I am way happier with this bike than those as a trail bike. This bike does not wear me out near as fast and and starts without my foot when in comprimising situations. I usually buy a bike, ride it, and then start looking for another bike that will be better. That is not the case with this bike. I plan on having it for a very long time.

It's ironic that this bike is the one that impressed me the most when I always wanted the biggest baddest bike I could get my hands on. I am usually always wanting to ride other bikes and see how they feel and now I don't want to ride anyone else's but mine.

 

I rode 400 miles one way a few weeks back and really had no real issues with the seat. I had a 06 XR-650L that would kill you after about 30 miles. I think a Clark tank is a more important thing to have!!

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scott ! your on the wrong side of the road!!! its gonna get hit... it looks like there is a ton of traffic on that street!!!! lol nice pic man... are those the dirt bagz?

 

Thats a cool pic Scott[8D]

 

Yes, it Dirt Bagz's.


That is Plush OR. and right at Hart Moutain Antelope Reservation. I believe Jackalopes are a far more serious problem then cars??[sm=yikesomg.gif]

Here is one more pic. of my goofy part time girlfriend's house. She is not stupid though because she got me to stain the whole thing. Two coats!!![sm=dontgetit.gif]




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