COBDR bike choice?

[verboten1]

We are having the bikes trailered out so we can spend 9 days in CO.

I have a choice between my:

'01 KLR 33,000 miles ( high compression 685, plenty of protection, hard bags, intiminators and works performance shock)

'12 Super Tenere 27,000 miles and climbing because it's basically my car ( hard bags, engine bars, lots of lighting)

Both would have good off road tires think Trakmaster for the KLR and E07 or E09 for the tenere

Either bike would most likely end up with SW Motech Dakar bags

The KLR would probably be gone through this summer, carb, clutch, suspension, wheel bearings, probably new shock.

The. Tenere is in great shape, I wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhere, and the KLR is just not that comfortable, but runs well and needs some little things only.

Everyone else is taking GSs or tigers. I kind of want the KLR because I would be the most capable off road bike, even though I'm already the most capable off road rider. :clap:
The part of me that wants the Tenere would love the heated gear capability, the comfort, the power, traction control and ABS

Any thoughts? Is it ok for the big bikes, or is the KLR the better bike for that route?

Thanks!

 

[BaldKnob]

Epic ride last September. I used the Tenere but would have been excited to ride it on a Rukus. As you're with a large group, I would take the Yamaha. Solo, the lighter bike might be a better choice.

 

[verboten1]

I usually ride around TN, NGA, NC,SC in the mountains, FS roads, some tracks, I'm going to be taking the Tenere this year, do you think will that be a decent "practice" for me to see if I like off road on the tenere?

 

[True Grip]

I've ridden most of it and others here have ridden their Teneres. If everybody else is on big bikes that's what I'd ride too. Bring a tow strap whenever two GS's are along at least one will fail. It's a great ride! You'll have a blast!



Verboten1 you'll be fine but its better to travel with someone. A loaded Tenere is very hard to pick up at elevation for us flat landers.

Colorado is WONDERFUL!!!!!

 

[low drag]

I did the COBDR on my Super Tenere last summer. I've only been riding motorcycles for a bit over 2 years when I did it. The only issue I had was in the sand near Buena Vista. One of the guys with our group had full knobbies and ran right up the sand hill. NOTE He's a good rider too.

We also got turned around on the first day due to rain/mud. Even smaller duel sport bikes could not do the trail that day. That darn S10 really handled the steep climbs and switch backs great. I was able to get RPMs down low and gently roll on the power when coming out of a switch back without any issues at all.

KLRs are very capable bikes as well. Either will do the job well.

I'd say take the bike that is the most comfortable to ride.

 

[SilverBullet]

If trailering out and only riding COBDR tracks I would take the KLR. Depending on the weather you'll be glad you did. But if venturing off the COBDR tracks to experience some of the great pavement riding in the area then the Tenere wins hands down.

_

 

[Ryan G.]

The Tenere can do it but you will wish you had the KLR. Guaranteed

 

[BaldKnob]

I usually ride around TN, NGA, NC,SC in the mountains, FS roads, some tracks, I'm going to be taking the Tenere this year, do you think will that be a decent "practice" for me to see if I like off road on the tenere?

If you are used to mountain roads on other bikes, you will appreciate and enjoy what the Tenere is bringing. The ABS works great on gravel and TC does the job but struggles with washboard and stops the bike in deep sand. I usually turn it to OFF.

The Appalachians are great practice for the BDR's and much more forgiving if you stuff it up good and need some assistance.

 

[BaldKnob]

Here's another pic (US Basin just off the Million Dollar Hwy) just to keep stokin...

 

[verboten1]

Ugh. You guys are killing me, the Tenere is so much nicer, but the KLR is so much lighter. Lol

 

[trikepilot]

Not a debate for me.... take the Tenere. It is TBDBITW, after all!

If you are riding the Tenere in the Appalachians (especially in either the Asheville, NC or New River Gorge, WV regions) in search of truly offroad terrain to test your mettle for a COBDR trip on the big beast, shoot me a PM and I can hook you up with some ride tracks that will let you see what you think about the big beast in rough terrain.

I am aware that opinions will differ... but I came to the Tenere from a KLR and FIRMLY believe that despite the added weight - my Tenere is WAY more dirt capable than my KLR ever was.

No matter what you ride, the COBDR will be a fun adventure.

 

[Shovelhead]

take em both ::008::

 

[simmons1]

If I was trailering, I would take the KLR.

 

[oldbear]

If trailering out and only riding COBDR tracks I would take the KLR. Depending on the weather you'll be glad you did. But if venturing off the COBDR tracks to experience some of the great pavement riding in the area then the Tenere wins hands down.

_

Agree. The S10 will do it, but it's a lot more "work" in really difficult stuff than the lighter machine.

 

[whisperquiet]

I've ridden KLRs, a DRZ400S, and a KTM 690 Enduro R many times on similar terrain in Colorado.....I would take and ride the KLR without hesitation. You will have more fun with a lighter, more agile bike.

 

[verboten1]

You will have more fun with a lighter, more agile bike.

That's what it's all about! This will give me an excuse to (re?)upgrade the shock. Add a trailtech vapor (stupid wheel flanges) nice new SW Motech drybags.
Maybe a new plastic tank. Hmm, awesome KLR. 8)

Or I just Buy the DRZ I've always wanted

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[Buelligan]

I've ridden both my Tenere and my DR650 up on the COBDR and UTBDR numerous times.
I haul the DR up there, but ride the Tenere there.
Given the choice if I was riding there, and was riding in a group, I would take the Tenere.
With a good set of knobbys, you can go anywhere a smaller bike can, the Tenere is a very capable bike, and soooo comfortable.
As long as you have friends to help you pick it up when you drop it. Because, you will...

Ophir pass, Thankfully, True Grip was there to help me pick it up ::012::


This was on a trip I took by myself, (big mistake) This trail slowly shrunk down to a single track with fallen trees I had to maneuver over.


I jumped the first tree successfully, but was not so lucky on the second tree blocking the trail.


Fortunately, I had a ratcheting tie-down and 20' of 1" nylon strap. I used this to anchor to a tree, and pull the bike back upright


In the end, I got to where I wanted to be. a bit tuckered out, but that just made the beer taste better...


A 650 is smaller, lighter, and not as comfortable, or powerful. But if you are going by yourself, I would take the smaller bike



So, in the end it is your choice, KLR, or Tenere.
Enjoy the ride, and take lots of pictures!
::001:: ::26:: ::021::

 

[True Grip]

I think that was the most out of breath I've ever been. I got my wind a little easier as the week went on.

 

[verboten1]

Yeah, that's the other thing, I was hurting at 8800 feet, I'll be dead at 12,000. That's one major reason I've been hitting the gym hard!

 

[verboten1]

Looks like I've made my choice. I started buying better parts for the KLR!