Thread: From a KLR650 to a Blackbird...

Greetings from QLD, Australia

Traded my KLR650 in for an 04 Blue Blackbird (the Bluebird as the wife often refers to it). Only been riding for a year, so taking it easy at the moment. Replaced the ventura rack almost immediately with a givi setup, not that I don't like the ventura stuff, just finally wanted to get some hard, lockable luggage, having only dealt with the soft stuff on the KLR

Spoke to some random I saw at a petrol station who was taking a break before he headed home on his blackbird, he seemed a little concerned that I'd picked one up as a second bike with such little riding experience (which did make me slightly concerned also).

Nevertheless I do rather enjoy riding, and going from a 650 single to an 1100 inline4 is a phenomenal difference, add the riding position, the fact that the blackbird basically doesn't dive under breaking (not sure if that's just me expecting longtravel suspension, or the dual-linked brakes), is an interesting transition time

Certainly keen to keep an eye out for any group rides that get organised, although I suspect I'll be captain slow on any ride for a while to come, no harm in that though, just keeping my own pace.

Hi and Welcome Techneon Youll be right just take your time and learn the bike.

servus

Welcome. For your Givi hard bags I recommend, AdMore Lighting LED Light Kits Also for the top bag if you have one.

Welcome to the site. Congratulations on getting a Blackbird.

Originally Posted by Techneon

Greetings from QLD, Australia

Traded my KLR650 in for an 04 Blue Blackbird (the Bluebird as the wife often refers to it). Only been riding for a year, so taking it easy at the moment. Replaced the ventura rack almost immediately with a givi setup, not that I don't like the ventura stuff, just finally wanted to get some hard, lockable luggage, having only dealt with the soft stuff on the KLR

Spoke to some random I saw at a petrol station who was taking a break before he headed home on his blackbird, he seemed a little concerned that I'd picked one up as a second bike with such little riding experience (which did make me slightly concerned also).

Nevertheless I do rather enjoy riding, and going from a 650 single to an 1100 inline4 is a phenomenal difference, add the riding position, the fact that the blackbird basically doesn't dive under breaking (not sure if that's just me expecting longtravel suspension, or the dual-linked brakes), is an interesting transition time

Certainly keen to keep an eye out for any group rides that get organised, although I suspect I'll be captain slow on any ride for a while to come, no harm in that though, just keeping my own pace.

Howdy. No surprise that you only dealt with soft on the KLR. The XX will certainly help you with that.

Be careful, this is a lot of bike for a short timer.

Congrats!

Ease your way into it for sure...

I only had 3000 miles of riding experience on a 600cc bike when I got my BB...and hadn't ridden in 7 years. 10 months and 6500 miles later I couldn't be happier about my selection.

Welcome, Enjoy,

Thankyou all

Completely agree Shewie, it is a lot of bike for my level of experience. I'm hoping to do an advanced braking/cornering course sometime soon, also planning to order some shrooms and risers from jaws to help me 'ease into' it, coming from the bolt-upright KLR seating so far it's a bit of a shock to the system

Your Bird is a magic machine Techneon. Take it easy, ride within your capabilities, and you will learn to love it.

Hello and from South Australia.

Welcome, Techneon!
Ah yeah you saw my thread earlier. Looks like we've moved from "similar" bikes to the XX - my old GS500 was upright and soft. Mate if you're sensible you should be fine.

I always tell myself I've got the XX for a long time, no need to rush, just grow into the power. Only two oopsies I've had: one was still getting used to the weight which can be a bitch when parking and I let her fall away from me Second was taking pillion and being a bit eager and a tyre stepped out briefly... 2up is a lot of responsibility, so I cooled it after that incident.

All the best
~Flame