I did not read through this whole thread but there was a post somewhere where someone listed a BMW rad (G650 maybe) that looked identical and there were also aftermarket versions so I think if push came to shove you could find a rad.
Honestly, if those are the bikes you are looking at, but want something cheaper I would not be looking at the TR650. I'd be looking at a 650 V-strom or 650 Versys. Or a TDM900, but I don't think those are sold in the US.
I have a 2012 Super Tenere and it definitely isn't sluggish. If 140mph doesn't satisfy your needs then you can send the ECU to unleashed at AF1 racing and have it modded to OMG status. I love mine with just the clutch mod which uncorks the ECU and a RS4 Yosh.. Fun bike but I stick to hard pack and gravel. Nothing too crazy offroad. Here is a picture of the current setup. The new 1190 KTM R model looks like a hoot too, but pricey like you mentioned.
Nice! That's almost the exact setup I've got on the KLR. Here's an old pic from the fish'n hole: I've since added a Madstad windshield, a tank bag and some full bore tires. And I dropped the handlebar bag -- interestingly that got rid of a lot of buffeting. I really like the Super T. It's more street oriented than the KLR. And that's exactly what I'm looking for. I've already got the dual-sport/dirt covered with the TE. How does the Super T do on the twisties?
It eats the twisties up and asks for more. The bike feels very light while riding it. Very very (did I say very) planted on gravel, BUUUUT if you get in soft sand the front end pushes so you have to be ready for it and get on the throttle. Twist the throttle and it plants the bike nicely. Very confidence inspiring but it ain't no dirt bike IMO. I am very happy with it and for 12k OTD it's hard to beat.
I find 75 mph is about as high as the "all day" riding is comfortable. 65 mph is much better with less fatigue from the wind. This is loaded or empty. It just gets a little less stable above 75. I've had it to triple digits, but only briefly. It's not a freeway bike, if you can stick to 2 lane; black top, gravel, or dirt then you'll be happy. For the 80+ mph runs, I'd say go for at least the 650 V-strom or Versys. The extra grunt and the fairings would do well, and they'd still be somewhat capable off pavement (vstrom moreso than the versys).
Someone on here made a fairing out of a trash can and I copied their design. I never really knew if it worked or not but based on what you guys are reporting it must as I don't have the wind fatigue that you guys are reporting. I'm 6 foot, 235#s so I'm not small by any means and it seems to work.
Looks like yours is slightly taller and a bit narrower than mine. I have the other bit of plastic and may even try to make mine a bit bigger.
5100 RPMs at 80mph. Furthest I've run it at that speed was 400 miles on the highway. I've done that trip a few times on the TR and found it quite comfortable in that element, even with no windshield.
Last summer on the way back from Kings Canyon National Park (gotta love Cali)I got mine up to 103mph with my ol'lady on the back. Still had some more to go but I noticed a sherrif waaaaaaaaaaay up the road and got off of it. Never once did it feel unstable, but it is not something i want to do again any time soon (got the speed thing out of me back in my sport bike days...having children certainly make you change the way you think). As for wind, I have the factory "high shield" and it does well enough for me (~5'8").
I'm not too concerned about top speed on my bikes. I'll never get there. It's more a matter of if the bike can run for sustained periods at 70 - 80 MPH. The old KLR eats oil at those speeds. I like to get home quick after a day of rock scrambling and boonie bashing to get to the fish.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Husqvarna-T...40500eb5a&item=360861199194&pt=US_motorcycles Brand new Strada on ebay right now for $4000. Buy it now is $5000. Somebody is going to get a SMOKIN' deal. I know a couple of folks in thread were looking...
I sold my KLR and bought a TR. You will think you died and went to heaven . I did rework the seat but I also did this on the KLR . The TR does everything I ever wished the KLR to do and it does it better. Just under 5,000 miles so far, half of those off road in Utah. My rear fender broke at the mounting points and my dealer had a new one in 2 weeks ,installed, thanks to Husky no charge. The Strada/Terra is a better off road bike , better on road bike , gets better mpg, and feels much lighter than the KLR . After 9 years of KLR I don't miss it at all. Buy it . I also ride a 1200 gs.
Ended up at $5250.00, posted by FastbyFerraci. Said it had 152 miles, might have been a demo. Good deal.
The Yosh is a slip on that replaces the super tanker(think Exxon Valdez size) stock muffler. Sounds nice and mellow even without the DB killer.