May 9th, 2011, 04:13 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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Your input please on a SMALL dualsport - UPDATE - founds a Sherpa - pics inside!
Im fairly certain my next bike is going to be a small dualsport. Now before you reply to this, please make sure to read what Im writing and understand what Im getting at. Anyway, I've narrowed the list down to three bikes in order of preference:
I.) Suzuki DR200se II.) Honda CR230L III.) Yamaha XT225 / XT250 unlikely other options: IV.)Suzuki DR650 - seat height from 33 -35 inches but siginficantly larger than the DR200se V.) Kawasaki KLX 250S - comfortable, but 35 in seat height makes this hard ot consider What I mainly want the bike for is city street riding, maybe some longer rides on country roads, basically light commuting. I know this type of bike is not well suited to the highway, but I would like to be able to make an occasional short highway jaunt at 60-70mph speeds. One of my main considerations is weight and size. I love the fact that these bikes are sub 300 lbs and are no more than 32 inches in seat height. Im not physically small, 5'10 225lbs, but bigger dual sports such as the XR650L or the KLR650 or even the DRZ400 are out of the running - they are both way too tall for my comfort and a bit heavier than I want. Now with that being said, I know the bikes listed are small displacement thumpers that put out 15-20 hp. My main question is: of the 3 listed above which would be the most condusive to performance modifications? Would it be possible to get any of the above bikes to 25-30hp and still keep it reliable? Lastly, is there a type of bike Im overlooking? Please dont recommend, bigger dual sports as Im not interested in those. If you've ridden any of the above bikes, please tell me about it. Last futzed with by Too40gawlf; June 6th, 2011 at 02:37 PM. |
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May 9th, 2011, 04:29 PM | #2 |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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@ 225 lb. You're a likely candidate for suspension tuning once you get any bike.
Ever consider the Kawasaki Sherpa? probably lower seat height (& lighter) than the rest. I've had an XT before.. a bit heavy for its engine size.. DR200's got drum brake.. |
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May 9th, 2011, 04:32 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Carolyn
Location: San Carlos, CA
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250, 2002 Yamaha XT225 Posts: 597
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I have an XT225 and absolutely love it.
It's absolutely fantastic for the type of riding you mention ("city street riding, maybe some longer rides on country roads, basically light commuting"). Obviously it's also great on dirt roads. I've maxed out the speedo a few times (~80mph) -- it's not really what I'd consider comfortable, but it's doable. I get awfully sick of being on the interstate on the XT after about 30 miles but as long as you're not expecting a lot of acceleration power, it's really not that bad. I put a windscreen on my XT, which makes it a very capable all-day bike. I rode mine from SF to Seattle in 4 days (all back roads with some off-roading) and it was an absolute blast. I haven't personally done any performance mods to mine, but I know that a lot of peeps at xt225.com have. I doubt they've been able to get to 25-30hp but if you poke around that website, you'll see a lot of mods that people have done. I'd be happy to answer any more questions about it; it really is a fantastic bike.
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May 9th, 2011, 04:38 PM | #4 |
ninjette.org member
Name: John
Location: Nebraska
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250 Posts: 67
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i used to have an xt225 and it was a blast. great for city riding and doing some offroading. i had some pretty hard crashes on that thing and could always pick it up and drive off. and by the way i'mi 6'2" 225
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May 9th, 2011, 05:36 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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I like just about everything about the Sherpa except for the ugly front fender. It just looks like it needs to be up higher and the low look really ruins the bike for me. I know, petty, but it is what it is.
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May 9th, 2011, 05:38 PM | #6 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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Quote:
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May 9th, 2011, 05:41 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Carolyn
Location: San Carlos, CA
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250, 2002 Yamaha XT225 Posts: 597
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That's true, they're VERY lean stock.
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May 9th, 2011, 05:45 PM | #8 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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all the bikes mentioned are good choices! are you looking for new or used? if used, how about a kawi klr250? or a suzuki dr250s? honda xr250L?
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May 9th, 2011, 05:50 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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Im leaning toward used. The other thing that I forgot to mention is that I want electric start. I think the 3 that you mentioned are kick start only, though I could be wrong.
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May 9th, 2011, 05:51 PM | #10 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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Well John, thats good to hear. I hope that I can avoid the part about the hard crashes though.
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May 9th, 2011, 05:55 PM | #11 | |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
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Quote:
is this what you might look like on a Sherpa? |
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May 9th, 2011, 05:58 PM | #12 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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May 9th, 2011, 06:02 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Brian
Location: Detroit, MI
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.
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Correct me if i'm wrong but isnt 250cc the minimum to be highway/freeway legal?
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May 9th, 2011, 06:39 PM | #14 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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Quote:
And no. Im not quite as hefty as 'Ole Boy on that bike - although I probably see myself as a lot more dashing and svelte than I really am. |
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May 9th, 2011, 06:48 PM | #15 |
im a NinFo!....
Name: 00000000000
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i would have to suggest the kawasaki super sherpa 250. if you can find one cheap enough that is.
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May 9th, 2011, 06:54 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Carolyn
Location: San Carlos, CA
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250, 2002 Yamaha XT225 Posts: 597
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It may vary state to state (I've never looked) but in California, it's 150cc.
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May 9th, 2011, 08:39 PM | #17 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Brian
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Seriously? I'd be terrified to go on the freeway with only a 150cc bike. It's already the top end of the 250cc's power on the freeway. I cant imagine cruising with something less powerful. Probably get run over by a F150's wind tunnel.
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May 9th, 2011, 08:46 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Matthew
Location: Washington
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I know you didn't list it but I think the wr250x is the best looking dual sport bike.
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May 9th, 2011, 08:48 PM | #19 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ben
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Blue Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 66
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I was taught to ride on the Yamaha XT250. It was great in the city and could do short spells on the highway. The bike was exceptionally light and had fairly decent suspension. I would recommend it.
In Brazil, Yamaha's come out with a Tenere version. I really hope they consider it for Canada. I'm also thinking about a dual sport to take advantage of the many logging roads on Vancouver Island. Except for the Suzuki DR650, most of the mid-size dual sports are huge and the 250cc bikes have tiny fuel tanks and limited range. http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...enere%2011.htm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL-ox...layer_embedded Last futzed with by LegB4Wicket; May 9th, 2011 at 09:03 PM. Reason: Added YouTube link |
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May 9th, 2011, 10:03 PM | #20 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Carolyn
Location: San Carlos, CA
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250, 2002 Yamaha XT225 Posts: 597
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Quote:
The XT on the freeway can occasionally be exhilarating for all the wrong reasons. The Ninja has tons of get up 'n' go compared to the XT's 17hp. But if I stay in the right lane* and stay away from really short merge lanes, it's generally OK. * the depressing part is when I pass people on the freeway on the XT. Dude, I'm on a single cylinder 225cc with 17 horsepower! Drive your damn car!
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May 10th, 2011, 01:08 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jesse
Location: Kona, Hawaii
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 04 250r(sold), 09 250r(sold), 07 CRF450x, 07 sv650(sold) Posts: 110
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What about a wr250x or even a plated crf250x or crf450x? I ride a 07 crf450x. I'm 5'10" 150lbs with full gear. the seat height is a little on the high side, at 36", but i don't mind it. my bike weigh in at 260lbs, very easy to move around. Just be observant when you stop if you are stopping on a angle.
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May 10th, 2011, 06:45 AM | #22 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Marc
Location: Crawfordville, Florida
Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Suzuki S50, 2006 Kawasaki Ninja EX250F, 1990 Honda PC800, 2000 Yamaha TW200 Posts: 848
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Check out the Yamaha TW200 and their site tw200forum.com. I got one a few months ago and it's really a nice little bike. Not meant for 60-70 highway (60mph OK) but perfect for city driving and very capable offroad if you want to do that. Gets about 80-90 mpg, very reliable, older ones had kickstarters in addition to electric, hold their value very well. Comes standard with big knobby tires but there are also others more suitable for the road with offroad capabilities as well. Very supportive and knowledgeable forum.
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May 10th, 2011, 07:04 AM | #23 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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May 10th, 2011, 07:05 AM | #24 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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Quote:
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May 10th, 2011, 07:07 AM | #25 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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Quote:
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May 10th, 2011, 09:47 AM | #26 | |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
I'm used to riding racing bicycle saddles, but with the high engine rev on highway riding, even I find the seat/handlebar vibe much intrusive for any amount of extended highway. The additional suspension may be great for dirt riding at speed, but at tame speeds they are overkill. Climbing on and off the bike will likely be a hassle for 225 lb. |
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May 12th, 2011, 07:50 AM | #27 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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A,
I called the guy you PMed me about and he's not budging off the price. But I offered him $400 less than what he was asking for and told him to call me back if he changed his mind. I think that particular bike is worth no more than what I offered, considereing the tires on there are the stock 10 year old ones and I gotta drive 260 miles round trip to lug the bike back. There's another guy much closer to me with an 09 for a reasonable price, but the newer ones dont come with the gold rims that look just so cool. Anyway, point is Im going to go with the Super Sherpa over the DR200se and the XT-225. The Sherpa's got 6 gears and disc brakes which are very apprealling. As you said, the fender mod looks pretty easy to do, so I think Ill be very happy with the Sherpa if I end up getting it. |
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May 12th, 2011, 07:52 AM | #28 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Carolyn
Location: San Carlos, CA
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250, 2002 Yamaha XT225 Posts: 597
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Awesome! I don't think you can go wrong with any of those bikes.
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May 12th, 2011, 08:18 AM | #29 | |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
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Quote:
Usually, sellers are less likely to refuse an offer in person. I point out all the little things I see to the owner, tires/brake pad/rotors, little dents in tank, slight bent handlebar, small cracks in plastics.. all that make more convincing for my offer. Take a test ride and tell them how I feel about the bike they are selling. Relate to them on a personal level, get more bonding then go in with a killer offer. Good luck huntin' |
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May 12th, 2011, 08:32 AM | #30 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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Quote:
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May 12th, 2011, 08:42 AM | #31 |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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That's the thing.. my small pickup truck gets decent fuel econ., 3 hour drive one-way I can usually make it there and back in one tank.
I'm always prompt or early for agreed time for meeting with the seller. Being prompt and react early to a posted ad is very important to demonstrate you sincere about you offer. I'm usually pretty confident of my haggling skills in person. I offer a price and leave myself room to up the offer or meet the seller 1/2 way. But if seller is still unwilling to meet me 1/2 way, always willing to walk away. Never once have I been refused when I show them the cash. Last futzed with by "A"; May 12th, 2011 at 03:20 PM. |
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May 13th, 2011, 07:58 AM | #32 |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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One thing I heard about the negative of going with high front fender on the Sherpa is it may effect handling at highway speed.
I assume that the lightweight nature of the Sherpa combined with the high front fender 'sail effect' can affect handling at highway speed when gusty condition is present. Personally, I have no problem with OEM fender setup as long as it doesn't clog up with mud. Looks of it doesn't bother me since I don't see it when I ride. It's all about the ride for me. |
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May 13th, 2011, 08:36 AM | #33 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Carolyn
Location: San Carlos, CA
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250, 2002 Yamaha XT225 Posts: 597
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Quote:
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May 13th, 2011, 10:22 PM | #34 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jesse
Location: Kona, Hawaii
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 04 250r(sold), 09 250r(sold), 07 CRF450x, 07 sv650(sold) Posts: 110
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Quote:
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May 14th, 2011, 08:53 AM | #35 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
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I'm not a dual-sport fan. I think they suck on the street (to slow) and suck on the dirt (to heavy). The suspension sucks for either application also.
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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May 14th, 2011, 09:06 AM | #36 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Carolyn
Location: San Carlos, CA
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250, 2002 Yamaha XT225 Posts: 597
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Quote:
When I rode cross-country in 2008, I took my F650GS. I wanted to stay off the interstates anyway, so it didn't matter that I couldn't go much over 100mph (and, um, I don't generally ride those speeds even on the interstate ). From the dirt perspective, I was alone and on a long trip and so I wasn't going to hit anything terribly technical anyway. But I was still able to find some amazing dirt farm roads and saw bison, tarantulas, burros, armadillos, alligators, wild horses, and some great camping/scenery that I wouldn't have felt comfortable bringing a streetbike to. Obviously if you want to win a speed race or do tabletops/moguls, you're going to want a dedicated machine. But if you're out to see some neat stuff and take it easy on both the speed and the super technical off roading, a dualsport can really bring a lot of smiles.
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May 14th, 2011, 09:58 AM | #37 | |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
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Quote:
This Sherpa was on eBay last month, I think the round headlight conversion looks nice: |
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May 14th, 2011, 10:52 AM | #38 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
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Thanks for your opinion. I'll keep it in mind when I post my opinion.
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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May 14th, 2011, 11:55 AM | #39 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jesse
Location: Kona, Hawaii
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 04 250r(sold), 09 250r(sold), 07 CRF450x, 07 sv650(sold) Posts: 110
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Quote:
back to topic. the tw200 looks like a great choice, low seat height, good support, easy to work on, and great mpg. makes me want to get one now. |
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June 4th, 2011, 02:52 PM | #40 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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Thanks all on the input. Most thanks to you A for opening up my eyes and getting me to reconsider the Sherpa. After a few weeks of hunting - I found an 09 Sherpa nearby and snatched it up! Looks to be in fantastic condition and it only had 570 miles on it. I rode 70 miles home on it, with a good portion of it being the highway and got used to the bike pretty well by the time I got home. She only set me back $2800, which I think is a fairly good deal for a practically brand new Sherpa.
I will work on getting pics up tomorrow and will be hunting for a place to buy a 'high' fender online. Thanks again guys! Your input was very much appreciated. |
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