2004 Kawasaki KLR 650

These bikes were produced cheap, so they're very basic. However, there enlies their greatness. Very easy to operate and work on, and very reliable. Off road, the KLR is quite capable... not motocross ready, but excellent for an adventure bike. Plenty of suspension travel, doesn't complain if ... laid down, and eats dust and dirt for breakfast. The usual complaints about the bike are easily addressed with an abundance of farkles available. I've tortured my '04 over 50k miles and it's ready for the next adventure and day. Like most bikes in this category, maintenence is key, but the KLR can go a lot way with fairly minimal service, making it great for extended trips.

I've actually owned two KLR's. Took one up to the Arctic Circle in Alaska for 32 day trip. Sold it, regreted it, so I bought another one. Took it on the Great Divide from Mexico to Canada. Later went to San Felipe, Mexico for a week. It's a great bike, tough as nails, does everything, and runs, ... and runs, and runs. I've accidently put a gallon of diesel in the thing, it just kept going. If I only had one motorcycly, this would be the one. Actually, I had three but am down to two, a BMW and the KLR. Great bike.

I love my KLR, it was my first bike and it's my only bike so far, I've not wanted any other. When all the other cruiser riders are polishing their chrome after going through a puddle, I'm looking for a puddle to run through to clean my bike.