Looking to get back on a Kawasaki...
 

Hi my name is Bill from the Boston area I'm hoping to get back on a Kawi and possibly a dual sport like a KLR 650 which I'm hoping to learn about here.

I had a couple Ninjas a while back and then went over to Ducati and HD which I still have both of. So I'm on the hunt for a KLR 650 and would even be willing to trade up an 05 S2R 800 straight across if I can find a willing participant. From looking around for a couple weeks so far I like the 09 and the 11 as well as an o7 I've been seeing in a silver gray.

I looked at an 02 ZRX which I liked and an 01 ZX9 with just over 1900 miles on it that made me drool but this time around on a Kawai I think I'll have a different kinda fun with one, I hope.

So that's it that's my story...been a few years away from the brand and I'm just trying to ease back in, or on :)

Welcome, dk1. What kind of riding are you wanting to do with your new acquisition? A ZX9 to a KLR650 is a fairly broad spectrum. However, both of those bikes (assuming general maintenance has been performed) are pretty darned bullet-proof. The KLR is a "slogger," but will get you through just about any environmental condition. Likewise, the ZX9 is a "street slogger." A bit heavy by today's standards, but tons of reliable fun. I ride my '95 year round. I'm not directly experienced with the ZRX or the 800. It sounds like you have "biker eyes" and know what you're looking at. A proper maintenance record is huge, when buying used, IMHO.
Welcome again. Let us know if we can help.

Good question I've always had street bikes but as time's gone on I think my riding interests have changed. I like the older Ninjas and the ZRX has always interested me as a commuter bike and something I'd ride out on in any weather. I have to limit how many bikes I collect and that's what I tend to do and get caught up in.

Yesterday I traded in the S2R for a yellow 2013 KLR and couldn't be happier. I pick it up tomorrow and can't wait and look forward to riding it learning about it and wrenching on it etc.

Congrats on the new KLR. And welcome aboard. I am a KLR fan boy. They got soul. If you can get to a Wally World or Salvation Army, you can accessorize it and find most parts you'll ever need. Great bikes and I hope you'll share your travels here.

Congrats on the new ride. Get some pics and rider impressions up for us when you can.

Welcome to KF

Thanks everyone for your thoughts I'm so excited I can't contain myself. Two years ago I had the S4RT at the Ducati dealer for some post ECU upgrade tuning and saw a 2011 KLR in person and thought I was in love. I had known about them prior to that but never saw one up close. Ever since then I had that bug simmering away and as I rode the street bikes over time I came to realize that my riding interests were changing and I couldn't get the KLR out of my head.
I was supposed to be picking it up today and it's ready but my own schedule is preventing me from getting over there so needless to say I'm really chompin on the bit right now. As soon as I get it and wear off a little rubber I'll post some pics and thoughts.

You are killing me....congrats though

I like the KLR, in fact I look to get one someday. Oh and welcome to the forums. :)