Sometimes I can't help myself!

[madmikeb]

I retired in April and one of the things on my to do list was to get my motorcycle license and learn to ride. In August I bought a 2024 Kawasaki KLX300 dual sport with the intention of playing on the dirt roads and trails when I get to Arizona. I got my license the end of September and managed to put 600 miles on the bike before I put it up for the winter.

The first thing I learned was that the 300 was just a gateway drug and I needed a dedicated road bike too. I had no intention of upgrading until I had many more miles of experience but all that changed when I took my 300 to the dealer for it's 600 mile check.

There in the showroom was a new Kawasaki 2022 Vulcan 900 Custom leftover. I was hooked. It was $2000 cheaper than the 2024 version so me with no self control I bought it. Even with what it will cost me to ship it to Arizona when the time comes I'm ahead of the game.

It will probably sit in the garage for awhile while I build up some more experience but I figure it's like money in the bank.

I always had an issue with not being able to say no to guns, now evidently motorcycles will be a problem too!

 

[lihpster]

Sweet lookin' scoot! That'll move you down the road in style. And your spending has just begun. Like with guns, there are acessories to be had. I bought a Suzuki 800 V-Twin brand new in 2003 for $4500. By 2006 I had more than that in mods and accessories. And you never get your money back on those. I didn't care. Most were performance or comfort oriented, but some were just for looks. And she looked good. I wish I had some pics. Took me back and forth to Sturgis twice and didn't blink once. Unfortunately, I let her sit and she died. R.I.P. to Lucille, The Pack Mule. She was a great broad.

 

[Onomea]

Hey, that's a beauty! Congrats on your lack of self-control! (Hey, have fun. Grab all the gusto! We only live once!)

 

[Rustyt1953]

Stunning color scheme.

 

[soFlaNative]

I even like the color!
Ride it in good health and watch out for wet leaves.

 

[madmikeb]

[

Stunning color scheme.

This was another selling point for me, 23 and 24 models have matte finish paint. I like shiny!

 

[Eric300]

That's a good lookin' scooter. Enjoy it. Watch out for all the idiots in cars because they WILL NOT watch out for you! Expect them to do something stupid and they will never disappoint you.

 

[Maddog 521]

Ride it like you stole it and enjoy every minute

 

[gmarshall99]

I get it. Started out with a 650 cruiser. Upgraded to an 1100. Not big enough. Got a 1300 4 cyl touring bike. Needed a second smaller one (650)for in town. Finally decided I didn’t need two. Compromised on a 1300 cc v twin .

 

[A10]

Nice looking bike. It'll take a bit of time to get used to, compared to the 300.

I've been bikeless for a few years, back surgery made riding miserable for me. I surely do miss it....

 

[wuluf]

Been riding 45 years, the last 30 on Harleys. If you haven't already, take a riders safety class and learn how much more your bike is capable of! Have fun and shiny side up..

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

 

[CalifEd]

Watch out for all the idiots in cars because they WILL NOT watch out for you!
Expect them to do something stupid and they will never disappoint you.

You should get a plaque with these wise words and put it between the handlebars.

 

[Bald1]

I’m a Harley guy but I have to admit , that’s a sharp bike. First thing you’ll notice is different seating position on a big street bike. At first you will feel like you don’t have as much control. But you’ll figure it out pretty quick.

 

[llowry61]

Nice bike ! Color scheme is really sharp.

How about a pic of the KLX? I have been thinking about getting one and am torn between the Honda 300 Rally. I live in Ohio and want to be able to ride it down to the trails in southern Ohio then hop on to the two tracks in the state forest. Nothing narly just fun rides through the woods.

I would ride down on secondary roads but wasn't sure if the KLX would be capable enough on the paved roads down. What has your experience been with it.

 

[A10]

That's a good lookin' scooter. Enjoy it. Watch out for all the idiots in cars because they WILL NOT watch out for you! Expect them to do something stupid and they will never disappoint you.

I always rode with the thought that everyone out there with me had the exclusive duty to try and kill me. I was fortunate and only had to put the bike down once. Didn't get hurt on that one, crash bars are wonderful!

 

[madmikeb]

Here is a pic of the KLX. Keep it mind that I am a novice rider, I have only had my bike license since 9/22 and the 600 miles I've put on the KLX is the extent of my riding experience but I am quite pleased with it. I have a few dirt roads around my house that I've ridden quite a bit on and the rest has been secondary roads with speed limits of 45mph or less. I really enjoy the bike and it seems very happy on the tar at these speeds. I have done a little trail riding including one mudhole where I sank right to the axles. It did pull itself through just fine. I've only had it on a main road once where I got it up to 55+ and the bike seemed to handle it just fine. Me being a novice though I was a little intimidated.

I did a lot of research before I bought the KLX and everything I saw said it was an outstanding beginners bike. The reviews I read said that the KLX had the best suspension of the 300 dual sports. I would say that for me the biggest negative is the seat. I did a couple 40+ mile rides without stopping and I was kind of lame afterward.

 

[rwsmith]

Take it on the easy trails.....

I retired in April and one of the things on my to do list was to get my motorcycle license and learn to ride. In August I bought a 2024 Kawasaki KLX300 dual sport with the intention of playing on the dirt roads and trails when I get to Arizona. I got my license the end of September and managed to put 600 miles on the bike before I put it up for the winter.

The first thing I learned was that the 300 was just a gateway drug and I needed a dedicated road bike too. I had no intention of upgrading until I had many more miles of experience but all that changed when I took my 300 to the dealer for it's 600 mile check.

There in the showroom was a new Kawasaki 2022 Vulcan 900 Custom leftover. I was hooked. It was $2000 cheaper than the 2024 version so me with no self control I bought it. Even with what it will cost me to ship it to Arizona when the time comes I'm ahead of the game.

It will probably sit in the garage for awhile while I build up some more experience but I figure it's like money in the bank.

I always had an issue with not being able to say no to guns, now evidently motorcycles will be a problem too!

Don't let it sit. Hit the trails (the EASY ones) and you'll get practice while having fun.

 

[A10]

Here is a pic of the KLX. Keep it mind that I am a novice rider, I have only had my bike license since 9/22 and the 600 miles I've put on the KLX is the extent of my riding experience but I am quite pleased with it. I have a few dirt roads around my house that I've ridden quite a bit on and the rest has been secondary roads with speed limits of 45mph or less. I really enjoy the bike and it seems very happy on the tar at these speeds. I have done a little trail riding including one mudhole where I sank right to the axles. It did pull itself through just fine. I've only had it on a main road once where I got it up to 55+ and the bike seemed to handle it just fine. Me being a novice though I was a little intimidated.

I did a lot of research before I bought the KLX and everything I saw said it was an outstanding beginners bike. The reviews I read said that the KLX had the best suspension of the 300 dual sports. I would say that for me the biggest negative is the seat. I did a couple 40+ mile rides without stopping and I was kind of lame afterward.

Nice bike. I've always liked dual sports.

That seat is why you have foot pegs. It's made for standing over, not sitting on!

 

[meaneyedcatz]

Have you ever noticed?
When drive home in your car and get out you still remember that your coworkers are a bunch of knobs and your customers are entitled whiners.

When you drive home on your motorcycle when you get off….. seems all is well.

 

[wood714]

Taking the course will probably help you out a lot on the street bike.

A couple things to remember, where you look is where the bike will go. If your on a curve with a guardrail, and you fixate on it, the bike will go there. Same with pot holes and stuff in the road you don't want to hit. Look where you want to go, and you'll miss them.

If you get into a curve and find out your going too fast, don't get on the front brake, the rear brake is your friend. Especially during really low speeds.