Buy & Fly: Boise to Tucson on a Kawasaki KLR650

Touring Idaho Kawasaki KLR650
The author flew to Boise, Idaho, to buy a used Kawasaki KLR650, and then he rode it on a scenic tour to Tucson, Arizona. Here he’s enjoying some Idaho highlights on the immaculate, new-to-him 2011 KLR.

As a long-time admirer of the popular and versatile Kawasaki KLR650, I bought one last year, but I didn’t follow the normal procedure—I used the “Buy and Fly” method and made the trip of a lifetime in the process. With a little due diligence, it’s safe and easy to purchase a new or used bike thousands of miles away, fly out to pick it up and ride it home. I found my bike online equipped exactly like I wanted and spent less money and time touring several states than if I had started the trip from my home in Missouri!

Motorcycle ride Idaho to Arizona
A map of the route taken, by Bill Tipton/compartmaps.com

It was late winter in Boise, Idaho, where the KLR was located, when I was monitoring its “for sale” thread on ADVrider.com. The bike, a nicely equipped, low-mileage 2011, was what I had been looking for. The seller and I exchanged messages, working out an agreement that he would store the bike until I picked it up. We worked through an escrow agent, who would send me the title after receiving full payment. I requested additional pictures and a copy of the title, comparing it to the VIN tag, which I could see in the pictures. By now, the owner and I had a trusting relationship and when I asked, “Is the bike ready for a 3,000-mile trip?,” the answer was the final assurance I needed. I sent a check to our escrow agent and began planning my trip!

In mid-April, the seller picked me up at the airport, offered his guest room and suggested a day excursion to some Idaho highlights. That evening I wired my GPS and heated clothing and the following day the two of us enjoyed a 200-mile ride.

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Touring on a KLR650
Climbing through mountain snow on my way to the historic mining town of Silver City, Idaho.

The Ride Home
The temperature was in the 30s when I began my three-week trip to Tucson, Arizona, where I would store the bike in my son’s garage until fall. My airline bag and camping gear were strapped to the bike and the Happy Trails panniers were loaded and locked. I punched Jordan Valley, Oregon, into the GPS, brought the big thumper to life, dialed up the electric riding gear and rolled into the cold Idaho morning.

Touring on a KLR650
It was in the upper 20s here, but temps climbed to the mid-80s as I descended into the Snake River valley.

The folks at JV Café in Jordan Valley were a gold mine of knowledge about the best way to reach my next destination, Silver City, Idaho. After slithering over snow-covered mountain roads, I reached the historic mining town, knowing that my KLR is a competent mountain climber even when heavily loaded. The KLR is also a capable desert crosser, able to maintain highway speeds on gravel or asphalt. While not endowed with gobs of power, there’s enough to maintain 60-65 mph uphill in top gear. Its willingness to hold a line on sweepers is also a welcome trait.

Touring on a KLR650
Heated clothing is handy when crossing a variety of terrain in early spring.

I discovered that the secret to Idaho’s farming success is the canals carrying melted snow from the mountains. Canals are everywhere—some lined with concrete and others simply hewn from the earth, innovation spawned from desperation and determination.

I intersected Thousand Springs Scenic Byway, paralleling the Snake River, and stumbled onto Three Island State Park, where Oregon Trail emigrants caulked their wagons and floated them across the river. I navigated gravel roads with names like “Flying Pig” and passed landmarks like the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. I dismounted at the Hansen Bridge overlook to marvel at the spectacular view of the Snake River Canyon, where settlers crossed the river in rowboats until 1919, when a suspension bridge was constructed. Today, thousands of travelers whiz by on nearby Interstate 84, oblivious of the scenic wonder just a mile away.

Touring on a KLR650
Bear Lake, straddling Utah and Idaho near the Oregon Trail, is visible behind this old Mormon cabin and is famous as the site of the “rendezvous” of 1827 and 1828. Jedediah Smith, Jim Bridger and American Indians gathered at the south end of the 18-mile-long lake to trade goods and revel in assorted amusements and liquor.

I was following U.S. Route 30, portions of which hug the old Oregon and California Trails, when I paused at Hudspeth Cutoff, where stampeding ’49ers left the California Trail in search of a shorter route to the gold. A roadside marker describes with pictures and words how the stoic emigrants endured dust, disease and death in search of a better life. Overwhelmed by the beauty of the land in contrast with the plight of those trying to settle it, I found respite at a Mexican restaurant and a motel in Pocatello.

Touring on a KLR650
My MRA X-Creen mounted easily to the KLR’s windscreen and kept the wind, bugs and rain at bay in Wyoming.

I ventured into Wyoming with Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area in my sights. Not a drop of rain had dampened the trip so far, but on this day I saw ominous clouds and rain shafts in the distance, and it was a dark, cold, wet and long 75 miles to Interstate 80 and a motel.

Touring on a KLR650
A photo op among the red rocks of Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

The next day I tested the KLR’s abilities in the slimy red mud of Red Canyon Road, one of several roads that climb to spectacular Flaming Gorge overlooks. A sign reads, “4-wheel drive recommended beyond this point.” A mile farther I encountered a small SUV, bogged down and abandoned, partially blocking the road. I continued slipping and lurching for perhaps another two miles when the tires suddenly found traction on red stone. An inspiring view unfolded. I was on the precipice of a serpentine canyon where the now-impounded Green River once flowed. The fierce wind was cold as I uncovered my camera. Totally alone on the edge of the world, I heard only the relentless growl of the wind in the trees.

Touring on a KLR650
Notom Road Scenic Backway at Capitol Reef National Park.

The trip down the mountain was as challenging as the trip up, but now the front tire bore the traction challenge. And it had completely disappeared; only the wheel spokes projected from the red glue. Utah State Route 44 came into view but was fading fast as snow began to cover it. I checked my phone’s radar app and saw a major storm approaching. Flaming Gorge Lodge was closed for the winter and my choices were limited. I decided to make a dash for Vernal, Utah, 30 miles down the mountain.

The trip down the mountain was a test of man and machine. The fast-falling snow was the wet, heavy kind that stuck to my face shield. Anything above 25 mph had the front tire squirming out of control. Eventually an 18-wheeler pulled onto the road in front of me, and I followed it down the mountain, its huge tires clearing a path in the snow. It was the first time I was thrilled to share the road with a slow-moving truck!

Touring on a KLR650
Utah’s Kodachrome Basin State Park, which is accessed by some paved and dirt roads—no problem for my trusty KLR.

Vernal was a nice place to spend a couple of nights waiting for the weather to clear. My next planned stop was Dinosaur National Monument, but its website was reporting most roads impassable. I passed through Green River, Utah, which sits on the northern edge of my “Motorcycle Disneyland,” the place where my mind goes when I’m having trouble sleeping. It’s truly a wonderland. I had always wanted to tour Capitol Reef National Park “the back way,” and the KLR was going to make it possible. I took State Route 24 for about 85 miles and got off on the Notom Road Scenic Backway, a dirt and sand road. I traveled this road for about 30 miles through remarkable rock formations. But it got even better when I turned west onto the Burr Trail, a highlight of this adventure thanks to the switchbacks, blind turns, steep climbs and unforgettable scenery. I had ridden the western, paved half of Burr Trail on my Gold Wing by approaching from Boulder, and it’s a superb ride, but I wouldn’t take a heavy street bike on the eastern dirt section with its washboard surface.

Touring on a KLR650
Navajo National Monument in northern Arizona, where I camped for a night.

Continuing southwest on State Route 12, also known as the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway, I was transported through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where prehistoric reptiles ruled this otherworldly landscape. My GPS was navigating to Cannonville, where the Grand Staircase Inn, a motorcycle and price-friendly place with spacious rooms and excellent Wi-Fi, awaited. It’s only eight miles from Kodachrome Basin State Park—highly recommended.

Touring on a KLR650
Living “off the grid” at 3 Step Hideaway near Moab, Utah, is an unforgettable adventure.

A motorcycle trip in this region is not complete without a pass through Monument Valley, a visit to Navajo National Monument and the unforgettable climb up to Muley Point on the thrilling, switchbacked gravel Moki Dugway. I camped at the peaceful Navajo National Monument and might have done so at Muley Point, but 3 Step Hideaway, a rustic motorcycle resort south of Moab, Utah, was calling. The hospitality offered by Scott and Julie Stevenson is hard to beat.

Touring on a KLR650
My free campsite at Navajo National Monument.

If you believe in spirits, you’ll feel them at Hovenweep National Monument, on the Utah-Colorado border. Plan enough time to walk and reflect among the deserted stone buildings built before Europeans “discovered” the Americas. There’s a campground at the Visitor Center, and dirt roads lead to the outlying settlements. The spirits are strong here.

Touring on a KLR650
Arizona’s Canyon de Chelly National Monument, which is still occupied by Native Americans.

The next day I pondered another ancient community at Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona, but this one is still occupied, despite the massacre that occurred here two centuries ago. This bucolic setting seemed incompatible with its sorrowful history.

I passed Petrified Forest National Park en route to Canyon Point Campground, but it was late and I was tired. Canyon Point is a full-featured campsite in a high national forest, popular with tenters and RVers alike. There are secluded sites and forest roads nearby to explore. I enjoyed three nights here relaxing and gathering my thoughts before beginning the final, but picturesque, run to Tucson 200 miles south. The KLR had been a fine travel partner: honest, capable and non-complaining. Some riders gripe that it’s lacking power, but then, at my age, so am I!

9 COMMENTS

  1. Canadians used to buy bikes in the States then ride them back up north saving a few dollars. Today, Americans can buy a bike in Canada and because of the exchange rate and US import tariffs on non-American bikes, we can spend a month in the North Country, ride it home and sell the bike and make money – even after costs for the trip. Google bike prices and do the math . . . it’s nuts. E.G.: A new demo KLR 650 can be bought in Canada for around $3600 usd or less, nice motels go for around $45 usd – decent ones for much less – compared to New York, food and gas is almost free.

    • What a great idea! I rode my Goldwing to Alaska and back in 2010, spending a lot of time in Canada of course, and loved it. Your idea is intriguing! So, are you suggesting that an American could fly into a western Canadian city, purchase a bike, ride it to Alaska then ride it back to the states with no hassles? Would the Canadians collect sales taxes? (We would of course have to pay sales tax in our state of residence, plus registration and license fees.) Would we get a temporary license tag in Canada and what would that cost? Thanks in advance for your answers!
      Steve Robertson

  2. Great article! Well written with wonderful pictures! I love buy and fly. While living in Connecticut bought a used Gold Wing in Los Angeles and spent seven weeks driving it back. Drove up the west coast to Prince George BC, over to Jasper then down the Icefield Parkway. (put that road on your bucket list!) Then down to Missoula Montana then across the norther US and in and out of Canada to Vermont then back to Ct. Put the wing for sale and only lost $300. Try renting a bike for seven weeks for $300!

    • Gary, thanks for the kind comment… you had a great adventure as well! I did the Icefield Parkway as well, also on a Goldwing, and it was unforgettable. Your adventure was extremely cost-effective! I tend to get attached to my bikes and can’t bear to sell them for several years. Thanks for sharing, and happy riding!
      Steve Robertson

  3. It’s been very inspiring to read and see your travels. An unorthodox way to purchase a bike (giving us a picture of the endless potential for honesty and kindness in the human race!). I enjoyed your writting style as well… not boring and quite descriptive.

  4. Thanks, Osvaldo, I appreciate your comments! Yes, there are many good people in the world willing to help others enjoy our marvelous motorcycling hobby. I’m happy you enjoyed my story!
    Regards, Steve Robertson

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