Good on you Mike! Hope you can afford one soon. I’ll probably start looking for one in the next year or two myself. I’m thinking a KLR650 might be fun for starters.
You oughtta pick up a clean low mileage used one for less than $2,000. Supported by a ton of internet and aftermarket support. One of THE most trouble-free and versatile designs out there
Downsides:
Tube tires, sooner or later you will have a flat, not at all often but eventually. Compared to tubeless, tube tires are a major hassle.
Left outside, KLR's fade to drab faster'n any bike I know. All that very functional plastic that bends without breaking when you drop the bike in the dirt just doesn't stand up to UV rays very well. Also everything metal like the exhaust will develop a surface layer of rust in record time too. The bike will still work fine, it just won't look flashy is all.
"...if the gentlemen of Virginia shall send us a dozen of their sons, we would take great care in their education, instruct them in all we know, and make men of them." Canasatego 1744
