Picture(s) A Day – 18 April 2011 – Kawasaki KLX250s at Carter Powersports

Ya know, it seems like I’ve gotten into a rhythm of posting about once a week.  I don’t know if it’s that I really can’t stand politics, I’m tired, or I just want to go to sleep after work due to mental fatigue, but I’m runnin’ on empty sometimes.  Lately it’s been the thought of getting my first motorcycle that’s kept me going

As I’ve written before, I had a rather uninspiring and embarrassing experience at a motorcycle dealer a week ago Saturday.  Go back and read the last post for details – I don’t want to relive that bit again.  The motorcycle that was involved in that incident is the same one I’m coming back to today – the Kawasaki KLX250s.  Why would I ever do something so potentially negative?  Well, the KLX has a ton of things to recommend it.  Read on and see what I mean and how it all went

18 April 2011 - Kawasaki KLX250s

18 April 2011 - Kawasaki KLX250s

On second thought I’m not going to go into too much detail tonight.  I’m planning on going back to the same shop on Saturday with a proper camera and I want to leave something for the post with those pics   These were taken with my cell phone on short notice

OK, I’ll give you a few details   The XT has a max weight of around 350 pounds, but the KLX can carry about 400 giving me some fudge factor and then some while I continue to lose my ass the hard way in Vegas   The KLX has more power, better suspension, and a few other nice features compared to the XT250 as well.  Oh yeah – the price is just about the same on the two bikes

About the experience today – it was 180° different from the last time I got on a KLX and I’m thrilled   I headed down to Carter Powersports after work and met Mike while I was looking over the bikes.  Mike’s new to Las Vegas, but he knows what he’s doing at this dealership and is a much better salesman than most I’ve dealt with

I explained the problem I had last time and he noticed that we’re similar in height and inseam so he jumped on the bike to see what I meant.  Sure enough, the kick stand got in his way too.  Mike’s about 100 pounds lighter than me so it wasn’t all my fault last time.  After figuring out what was going on he showed me how to dismount with the kickstand up while making sure I didn’t nearly faceplant and end up with a bike on my leg again.  After his explanation and demonstration I gave it a try and had no problem whatsoever!  I repeated this a few times and it got easier each time

Having figured out that this is probably the bike I’m going to end up with in a few months and with my upcoming MSF course in mind, Mike introduced me to Heather back in the parts department for assistance with helmets and such.  This dealer had both of the helmets I’ve been considering in stock and in my size and Heather’s customer service was truly top notch

18 April 2011 - Helluva deal on the Kawasaki KLX250s right now!

Here’s hoping this deal sticks around a while   Yeah, that’s about what I’m looking for – something that’s priced low enough to make sense and will still get the job done.  I’m not looking to take this bike around the world (yet) but I’m thinking Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, Utah…

18 April 2011 - Kawasaki Eliminator 125

Before anyone freaks out I’ll put your mind at ease – I am not considering this bike   It’s the wrong type to begin with and it’s only got a 150cc engine which would rule it out regardless of whether I like it or not.  If someone just wanted a bike to learn on and go around town with, I could see this as a decent option   Kawasaki stopped making the Eliminator 125 after the 2009 model year so if you want a new one you’d better hurry.  Just look at that price   I just thought it was pretty cool to see something like this that would still fill a niche

That’s it for tonight, but I’ll be back before long.  Have a great day everyone