Checkswrecks said:
You've mentioned the FZ1 and 520EXC before, I just forgot you had them.
And I remember that when you got the WRR you said/wrote things like "ain't sexy, but it does seem to be able to do everything I'm going to throw at it." What I'm picking up is that like Little Red Riding Hood, the soup was too hot with the the 520 & FZ1, it's too cold with the WRR, and you are looking for just right. To me, the DR is just too close to a KLR. Here is where a WR450 sure would suit me/us but of course, the dirt bike conversions can't be made legal in VA and MD and Yamaha is so far not selling a factory version.
Interesting way of looking at it. Yes, the KTM was too hot in many ways. It was a case of too much actually being too much. Thing was a beast to keep under control. The FZ1 I've always called the most boring bike I've ever owned. But it was too hot (fast) for its own good. I've enjoyed owing the WR and I didn't realize it was too cold, until I got a hold of the DR.
Actually I always said I wanted the WR to see what it could teach me. I've never had a small displacement bike in my adult life. My wife showed me what she could accomplish on a little 125cc and I was impressed. I wanted to see if I could learn new things with the little WR. I think what I learned is that I'm no longer in a position in life where my dirt skill will see any significant advancement. I don't have regular access to any place that could challenge me to improve. Instead I realize I have the skills that I have, and I accept that. I think what the DR did is make me realize the experiment is over. Time to return to those capabilities that are familiar and satisfying. The performance of the DR is fitting that description.
You probably won't be surprised to learn I owned a KLR. In fact, it is still the bike I've owned the longest out of all bikes in my adult history. I liked my KLR, but it was a top heavy pig. Something that is really appealing to me about the DR is it feels so little and easy to control. It really doesn't remind me of my old KLR. It reminds me more of my wife's old XT350 from 25 years ago (her first bike). I had an XT600 at that time. That bike reminds me of the KLR.
My god...I've had a lot of bikes. Maybe my wife is right...I might have problem.
WR is up for sale.
