Greetings to the KLR club ...

[CrazyD2.0]

I'd like to say hi to the members of this club. I went to the show on Friday, and eventually made my way to the DSBC booth. Needless to say I am pleased to have met a couple members there (Lindsay?), with which I had a great conversation with regards to the club activities. If all members are like those at the booth, then I would very much like to partake in the off-hwy activities shown on your picture display.

My name is Rick, 36 yrs, married with 2 boys. I'm a relativelynew owner of a 2005 KLR (bought new last Apr - at which time I also obtained my MC license), still in its stock condition except for a K&N filter (for street use - I'd put the foam one back in for trail rides), and a proper skid-plate which I expect in next week. I have a few changes I'd like to make and of course will be going through this site for tips and such. My work schedule is 4-days week, which leaves me Thurs-Sat avail for rides (though I do need to be back in time for picking the kids up when school lets out) I've been out on the gravel trails a couple times but not having had the proper gear, I didn't get too crazy.

While I've got this posted, I've discovered that my quest to obtain a pair of Enduro boots is going to be difficult. I've come across 2 brands now, SIDI and Alpinestar, the first of which doesn't go toa size 13, the second of which no-one seems to stock (apparently there's not much market for Enduro boots - motocross has priority). I've obtained some riding pants and shin/knee guards, so now need the boots. Any suggestions welcome.

In the meantime, I hope to be able to join up with some of your rides and look forward to meeting you all in person.

Rick (CrazyD)

[Yak_KLR650]

check out Gaerne Explorers - don't know about sizes tho'. also a lot of MX boots are available in an ATV version (lugged sole) so you might check that. Thor T 30 for example and the Fox Tracker (I think).

[dooveman]

Welcome Rick,
I got my AlpineStar at Bby Kawasaki. However they are not what most would probably buy here. I bought street boots with Gortex lining. They have a soft soul. The reason I bought them is they are waterproof, and comfy, and flexible for my size 12 EEE feet. To counter the soft souls I went with moose pegs that are wide and this prevents the peg from hurting the foot.

I used to use hiking boots but you need the hieght for the water.
Brian

[vanmixman]

Rick,



I bought some boots from Triumph that were an older version of the link posted.. http://www.motorcyclestore.us/triumph/clothing/boots/images/Boots_001.jpg

They are very similar. I did some tough riding including about 10 stream crossings with them in a day. Like most boots, they will not keep the water out in streams, but work well in the rain. I took the soles out at night and they were dry for morning.

I also took the bike to Washington State for a ride up to twin lakes and then hiked to the peak in these. They are very comfortable to wear on/ and off the bike. They sell them at what used to be Brittish Italian Motorcycles on Powell Street in Vancouver. They may have changed names though.

[vanmixman]

A little more info for you


TriTech II Boot


Size:
37-38-39-40-41-42-43-44-45-46
* Waterproof, Breathable and Windproof
* Leather and textile Construction
* Ankle Guards
* Heel and Gear Change Protectors
* 3M Night Reflective Panels
* Non-Slip Sole

[CrazyD2.0]

Thanks for the reply, guys! I was wearing my hiking boots also, but the sole is separating (they're over 10 yrs old!), and I want proper riding boots, that can be worn with shin/knee pads for off-road use. I've jotted down the info so hopefully there's a size 13 out there that will do the job!:P

[CrazyD2.0]

Well, I googled all the boots suggested, but I found the Gearne Explorer boot would be my #1 choice - anyone know where I can find them in the Lower Mainland? I'll be going to Kelowna Feb 16th for 3 days so if someone from that area knows of a dealer there, please post their name (and address if possible)

Thanks in advance

Rick

[CrazyD2.0]

Hey there, Yak! Just wanted to thank you for suggesting the Gaerne Explorers - I obtained a pair from Clearbrook Yamaha in Abbotsford - they're exactly what I was looking for.

Hey Norm - if you catch this, here's the link to a picture of the boot. Like I mentioned the rep can order it from Richmond and get it the next day ($370.00 CDN).

http://gaerne.rideshop.com/catalog/p...products_id=14

[JavaJude]

Hi Rick

Those are the same boots that I bought. I got them for when I'm a "street weenie" on my 650 Dakar.I like that I can use themoff road if I have to.Very comfortable boot for riding and walking. For strictly off road use I have a pair of AplineStar Tech 6s.

Also, I think that I was the one that you were talking to at the Show last weekend.

-Judy-

[CrazyD2.0]

Hi there Judy - yes you were, on Friday about 1:30pm. My bad,I apologize. I'm one of those people that screw up on names the first time meeting. Won't happen again, lol. I enjoyed our conversation, and have learned so much info from this site, my wallet's crying "uncle"! Actually met one of the others from the site - Norm from Chilliwack, met for lunch today. I look forward to getting out there and getting dirty.

Rick

[fubar]

Nice riding boots. I've been looking for some new (to me) boots lately since I purchased my 1st dualsport. I do have boots for my road bike but they may not be suitable for off-road. Like everyone else I'm looking for a good combo boot. Something for protection when off road but suitable for a road bike and of course they must be comfy to wear while walking... I suspect the perfect boot would be made from unobtainium. I do have a question about the Gaerne Explorers. On the website the price is $170US = $201Can and you paid $370 in richmond that seems like a nice profit level for the shop that you bought them from. I keep seeing decent prices in the US but huge price jumps for these same products once they come here. To me it seems dealers here are taking advantage of the lower exchange rate by holding prices higher as they were under a less favourable exchange rate.

I know there's lots of arguements for paying for the best and all but I think I'll be watching out for a good used pair.

[CrazyD2.0]

Yep, I agree with you there, Fubar. But with the several dealers I've gone to, and only one that carries the line, I guess they feel the right to sock it too ya hard - especially when the majority of dirtbikers buy the motocross boot where there's more competition, they make up for it in this fashion.

[dualsportbiker]

I plan to buy complete gear for myself, however I find shops in vancouver dont have too much selection. anyhow MotorcycleUSA.com has a shopping section, and they do ship to Canada, I've never bought anything from them, though I plan to, but they seem to have some amazingly good deals, and an equally extensive selection... here's the link

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...WT.mc_ev=click

[CrazyD2.0]

Thanks for the link. Of course, the first thing I look for is the Kenda 270 tires, and then I read the shipping guide and they don't deliver tires to Canada :P. But thanks for the link, I've added the site to my Kawasaki favorites' folder.