With the rising price of gas and the Middle East about as stable as Paris Hilton after two days in solitary, I decided it was time I had another option besides "the beast." Any sensible person would have probably traded in the Disco for a Toyota Prius, but screw that. After all, if I was a sensible person I wouldn't have bought a Disco to begin with.
After tossing around loads of ideas, I decided on a motorcycle. Now I lack the necessary willpower to ride a "pocket rocket" like a law-abiding citizen and the whole "Harley" thing sounded as exciting as watching paint dry, so, I found myself drawn to the same things in a bike that drew me to the Disco: the ability to go just about anywhere. So, I decided on a dual-sport.
My final decision was an '08 Kawasaki KLR 650 and I have to say it is hands-down the most fun I have had outside of my Disco. This thing is an absolute blast! On the road it rides very comfortably, even at highway speeds. New aerodynamics translate to much more wind protection and improved stability. It has plenty of acceleration to spare (whereas my Disco couldn't get out of its own way) and switchbacks can't help but bring a smile to my face. Off-road it swallows up jeep roads like a demon; the suspension eats rough stuff for breakfast. And, did I mention the gas mileage? I am averaging 50 mpg.
Ok, so it's not a Disco but it's got the same spirit. I can still drive to the playground as well as driving to work. It's better on gas and repairs, which makes me feel a whole lot better about putting a ton of miles on it as opposed to the Disco. It's insanely fun, and it's probably the best alternative I could think of to driving "the beast".
After tossing around loads of ideas, I decided on a motorcycle. Now I lack the necessary willpower to ride a "pocket rocket" like a law-abiding citizen and the whole "Harley" thing sounded as exciting as watching paint dry, so, I found myself drawn to the same things in a bike that drew me to the Disco: the ability to go just about anywhere. So, I decided on a dual-sport.
My final decision was an '08 Kawasaki KLR 650 and I have to say it is hands-down the most fun I have had outside of my Disco. This thing is an absolute blast! On the road it rides very comfortably, even at highway speeds. New aerodynamics translate to much more wind protection and improved stability. It has plenty of acceleration to spare (whereas my Disco couldn't get out of its own way) and switchbacks can't help but bring a smile to my face. Off-road it swallows up jeep roads like a demon; the suspension eats rough stuff for breakfast. And, did I mention the gas mileage? I am averaging 50 mpg.
Ok, so it's not a Disco but it's got the same spirit. I can still drive to the playground as well as driving to work. It's better on gas and repairs, which makes me feel a whole lot better about putting a ton of miles on it as opposed to the Disco. It's insanely fun, and it's probably the best alternative I could think of to driving "the beast".
