PopBeavers
San Jose, CA
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cruzgal wrote:I don't ride, but DH absolutely LOVES his KLR650--in fact, traded his '99 for a new '08 model. He's a big guy, likes the versatility of a "big" dual sport bike that's equally comfortable on the highways, forest service roads and off-road trails. But it all boils down to how and where you like to ride--just as there's no "one size fits all" RV, there are lots of choices in bikes.
Clearly, unlike me, he has been riding more than 3 months. I would kill myself on a 650.
If I was RVing, I would want a road bike. Since we camp in the forrest the dual sport works really well. I just can't see riding a Harly on single track. 
Wayne in San Jose
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trkrhelp
On The Road
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PopBeavers wrote: If I was RVing, I would want a road bike. Since we camp in the forrest the dual sport works really well. I just can't see riding a Harly on single track.
When we decided to fulltime we got rid of the Harley UltraClassic, a full dresser, and opted for a Sportster. It's just as comfortable on the back roads as it is on the highway and handles either well. If you're a new rider I'd avoid the big heavy bikes and stick with something 500# or less - it's a lot easier to keep them up especially if you're going to get off the beaten path.
John Ewing
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trarnold
Chicago
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Interesting comments. Thanks.
I've been riding for twenty five years. I'm not a novice. I just wanted to hear from you all that have more experience combining riding with RV's. It will make a difference in the next RV I buy. The scooter can hang out in the bed of a pick up but a bigger bike might require a toyhauler MH or TT.
Had 2 Harleys. Never again.
Love the little scooter but not good for trips over 50 miles. Love my new VTX but heavy and not real versatile. That's why the two comments about the dual sport types intrigue me. Its true nothing does everything well but it seems the dual sports like the Kawasaki KLR get goods reviews from those who have owned them. BMW has a nice 650 Dual but pricey. I don't think Honda a a real dual sport. I'll have to check.
Anyway, sounds like lots of folks like to RV and ride. That's encouraging. Malcom Forbes road his Harley up till his death at age 73. I hope to ride as long.
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PopBeavers
San Jose, CA
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trkrhelp wrote:PopBeavers wrote: If I was RVing, I would want a road bike. Since we camp in the forrest the dual sport works really well. I just can't see riding a Harly on single track.
When we decided to fulltime we got rid of the Harley UltraClassic, a full dresser, and opted for a Sportster. It's just as comfortable on the back roads as it is on the highway and handles either well. If you're a new rider I'd avoid the big heavy bikes and stick with something 500# or less - it's a lot easier to keep them up especially if you're going to get off the beaten path.
I doubt you will take your Sportster where I ride my DS. One of the roads I ride is best described as one lane wide, 40 degree climb, off camber, covered completely with granite baseballs. This is where I learned that if you go too slow you fall down. You have to go fast enough so that when the granite baseballs roll out from under you, and the bike slides sideways 6 inches, you can counter steer and keep it upright.
I have always admired the Sportster. I am a big fan of the old TV show "Then Came Bronson". If I had bought a road machine, that is what I would be drooling for. But, it would probably kill me.
I wish I could ride my moto the way my son does. He clears 20 foot gaps. I clear 2 inch gaps. I keep both wheels on the ground at all times. He likes riding wheelies and flying through the air. I have no doubt the Sportster is capable of wheelies on paved roads, but in the dirt? And I just can not see it routinely ridden over the jumps.
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PopBeavers
San Jose, CA
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There are a lot of riders hoping that Yamaha announces a WR450R this year. If the 250 is too small for you, and it sounds like it is, wait awhile and keep an eye on Yamaha announcements.
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PopBeavers
San Jose, CA
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trarnold wrote:
I've been riding for twenty five years. I'm not a novice. I just wanted to hear from you all that have more experience combining riding with RV's. It will make a difference in the next RV I buy. The scooter can hang out in the bed of a pick up but a bigger bike might require a toyhauler MH or TT.
We had to upgrade this year. Up until March, we just had the 1500HD truck and Trailmanor folding TT.
In March we added a dirt bike for DS, a DS for me, Polaris 2 passenger ATV and a Polaris Scrambler 500 for DD. This required adding an ATV trailer to be towed by the 97 Dakota.
I have just started looking to replace the Dakota with a used 2500HD long bed. On our last trip both trucks were sagging more than I like. We take a lot of stuff.
I don't want a toy hauler because I have no place to park it. The Trailmanor is in the garage and the ATV trailer is in the side yard.
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trkrhelp
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PopBeavers wrote:I doubt you will take your Sportster where I ride my DS. One of the roads I ride is best described as one lane wide, 40 degree climb, off camber, covered completely with granite baseballs. This is where I learned that if you go too slow you fall down. You have to go fast enough so that when the granite baseballs roll out from under you, and the bike slides sideways 6 inches, you can counter steer and keep it upright.
You're right, I don't ride those kind of trails any more - but that's more me than the Sportster. I leave the trail riding to those who are still young enough to heal fast Was a time when I rode trails like that on an old army surplus 45, but now I stick mostly with the pavement and the occassional sand and gravel path and the Sporty handles them well.
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cruzgal
Arklahoma or somewhere warm/cool
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Actually, the KLR650 is just over 400#. Ours travels on a rack on the back of the toad, either an Explorer or S-10 Blazer, depending on how serious our 4-wheel driving is going to be at our destination. Had to add air shocks to the back of the toad for extra support, but we've taken it thousands of miles without a problem.
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trkrhelp
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cruzgal wrote:Actually, the KLR650 is just over 400#. Ours travels on a rack on the back of the toad, either an Explorer or S-10 Blazer, depending on how serious our 4-wheel driving is going to be at our destination. Had to add air shocks to the back of the toad for extra support, but we've taken it thousands of miles without a problem.
You ought to look in a HydraLift or a RV Lifts of America lift. Goes on the back of the coach and you can still tow the toad. Either is real easy to load - just drop the lift and ride the bike on 
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beemerphile1
NE Ohio
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Way to many variables to make much of a recommendation. For instance how far do you ride, how will you carry the bike, how much weight can you handle, new or used, and etc.
The Ruckus would be great for errands and short trips. Not so good for riding all day. Even the 650 dual sports require a fairly hard rear in order to sit on it all day.
My BMW GS is more than you would need but I have it because we ride two-up and we used to travel pulling a trailer with it. I like to ride fire roads in the mountains plus twisties like Deal's Gap and such. For me the bike I have is perfect but I have a Toy Hauler. It would be too heavy for the methods smaller ones are carried.
If I was you, and had the ability to carry it, I would consider the BMW, Suzuki, or Kawasaki 650 dual sports in that order. I would probably add a custom seat and some other items to make it comfortable.
Tim
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