"Have you ever hit redline on the KLX? I don't think so, even with a 351."

That is so interesting.. Since I rev to redline and near redline as a routine ( cause 6.5k -10.5k is where my KLX's power makes me giggle like a little girl..) , I've wondered about everyone else.. even with just a DGR slipon, my bike pulls like crazzy up to 9.2k with a good overrev above.. Now I know exhausts, lean jetting, airbox lids, and snorkels, all can cause the KLX to run outta steam up high, so I have to conclude that what I experience may not be the "norm" for a large number of "modded" KLX owners..?

 

I thought Scott Summers "laid to rest" any notion that a "woods weapon" has to be light and nimble to win.. Winning everything on a practically stock XR650L/XR650R ends that kind of thinking.. It's the rider, not the bike.. Give yourself another 40 years of offroad riding experience and you learn that you can do CRASY SCHTUF on a heavier bike, while racing, that a lighter bike can't do..

 

For a given level of a ability things are easier on a lighter bike. For me, it's just less tiring, so I am fresher later in the day. Lighter also makes trying things less intimating.

I took the Shane Watts endro school. I was exhausted, completely knackered from picking the bike up at the end of the day. Nobody, every can convince me lighter is not the principal component of performance from which all other characteristics are subservient.

No doubt I can be a better rider. There's a guy I ride with who will do stuff on a DR650 that I wouldn't think of trying on my KLX.

I bought my first dirty bike with paper route money, my dad drove me to get it. I turn 50 this December. If I give myself another 40 years of off roading experince I will be worse, not better. I'll be 90 years old.

 

Out of context, we were discussing top speed (riding @ 70mph is very close). On flat level ground, no wind, I will go with my statement.

 

Then, I will go with your statement.. lol

"riding @ 70mph is very close" - Perhaps there is something wrong with your bike as mine (with stock schpraukits) pretty easily goes over 90mph - I let off at about 93 cause the front tire started bouncin or sumpin and suked the manhood outta me..

 

Your bike is faster than mine. I'll have to pull the beamer out to keep up with you.
Note: Get some good tires or at least balance them!

 

Beamer.. I don't have one of those yet.. Just brot home a spankin new Indian Scout (w 2up touring package).. That makes 11 bikes in the stable.. Neighbor has a 2004 K1200LTC in brite silver he wants to sell me...It is saweet..

I need my bouncy tires - to remind me to not go that fast, ever again..