Future Project?, Opinions

Well here go's
I have a need to travel on gravel roads, to go fishing (summer+fall) and some small game hunting (in the fall).
I want to use a motorcycle for this. It will have to carry all required equipment.
I'm thinking a Street bike with a faring (bugs+cold) with some on/off road tires. Being cheap on gas, 250-400cid to carry my 250 lbs. plus gun/ fishing equipment. It would have to have saddle bags, and rear carry rack/platform and a way to carry a shotgun/rifle. That's why I'm thinking street bike.
How about a gravel guard, maybe some heated hand grips, maybe even a cb radio (cheap).
I'll travel up to 50 mi. round trip, and not have to go faster than 55mph (paved to gas station). I'll be traveling on gravel roads 80% of the time.
I want something more comfortable than an Enduro, and I want to keep it cheap, real cheap, but very, very reliable.
Any Ideas? Thanks in advance.
No I'm not going to ride my connie on gravel!

Something with a kick start option also.

Most of what you talked about (to me) points to something like a '77 or '78 kz400 Deluxe, maybe with some different tires for the gravel roads. Would be a little concerned about the weight (sorry) and if you had any significant hills to climb.

Just my thoughts.

Link14 wrote:

Most of what you talked about (to me) points to something like a '77 or '78 kz400 Deluxe, maybe with some different tires for the gravel roads. Would be a little concerned about the weight (sorry) and if you had any significant hills to climb.

Just my thoughts.

Stiffen the shocks, change gearing for hills. Sounds cool keep us informed on your decision and send pics of your kaw in huntin trim.

I'd modify a early 1980's KDX or IT 175, 250, 465 (real fun rides)you can pick one up for low $ and you can put-put or gass-em all day long. Easy to do all the upgrades you need to also. Doug

id say try an old yamaha 250/500 TT myself

my 86 500 is for sale 65 hp at the back wheel for those real heavy deer ill throw in the 10 paddle

Link14, that's exactly what I was thinking.
A KZ 400.
Guys, I just sold my 06 KLR 650 last year, I didn't use it enough to justify the expenditure. (Great Machine!)
I'll only be on gravel roads, not off road.
I'm after as much comfort as possable with carrying capasity.
I've got a line on one, it's 144mi away though. $400.00
1976. Says he just started it the other day, started up+ran just fine, 11,000mi.
What's the top end on a KZ 400? and is there a bigger rear sproket available these days? How about upswept pipes? Maybe a camo paint job too. :blink: