KLR 650 Motorcycle-Any Feedback

I bought a KLR650 new in 1995 and rode it until 2005. It's a fun all-purpose machine with the benefit of cheap insurance (vs. a sport bike). I'm 6'2" and 250 and the bike was roomy enough for me. I added a SuperTrap aluminum racing series exhaust and a K&N stage 2 jet kit to wake it up a bit.

If you plan on doing a considerable amount of dirt riding (most dualsport buyers actually do very little), the Honda would be a better choice. If you plan to ride mostly on the roads with an occasional dirt road exploration, the KLR is great.

One drawback: the wheelies will have you wearing out rear tires and drive chains. :-)

Good riding,
desmobob
 
I've had my Honda XR650L for about 3 years, and another XR650L for several before that while at school. I think most others are correct. KLR for mostly road, XR65L or DR650 for some dirt. While in holland I met a fellow that had 65K miles on his XR650L, and it was still running strong.....I'm pretty happy with my choice. I suggest you try to ride each before you buy.
 
Well sir,

I just got into riding, and my chosen steed is none other than the venerable KLR650. I picked up a lightly used 2005 for a good price about 6 months ago. I've had it as my only mode of transportation for about 5 months, and have put on in the neighborhood of 13,000 miles on it so far.

As mentioned, it is truly the SAK of motorbikes. You can do absolutely ANYTHING with it, and with very few modifications too! Case in point: I've taken this thing on a 2 week, 5,500 mile trip across Canada, taken off the bags, and done some fairly gnarly dual sporting that would be absolutely impossible with any other street oriented bike (Vstroms included).

I'm 6'2, and the KLR is a great height for me. I've got fairly long legs, and can flat-foot on both sides. You should have no problems resting the balls of your feet on both sides when stopped.

If you wanna hear more about what I've done with this thing, here are a couple links:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=355243

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=370715

Aw heck, here's a couple pictures too:

When I first got her:

001.jpg


And now! Taken last night, I just installed the fairing yesterday.

XS10.jpg


All I can say is get one!

If you want more info, check out:

www.klr650.net

www.klrworld.com

I'm on both.

Take care!

Travis
 
The KLR 650 is one of the best deals going and it's an awsome all-purpose.

It has only one weakness and that is what has been refered to as the "doohickey". It's a small part in the lower case that has a reputation for failing. Search for "KLR 650 doohickey" and you will find out more about it. There is an aftermarket replacement part that some guys replace right away but it voids the warranty and some guys change it right when the warranty expires. I think most klr owners probably don't even know about it but it's well documented on the internet.

I don't recommend buying used one. The price is about $5000 new. It will be $3000 used with someone elses miles on it and someone elses lack of diligence for maintaining it. My friend bought a used one and ended up paying nearly $1000 for having it rebuilt. He would have been farther ahead had he just bought a new one.

I suggest that you make sure it is the bike you want and if yes, by a new one. Wait and save up if you have to but the extra cost for a new one spread over a few years will be hardly noticeable. And after it's payed for keep it.
 
After MUCH research on the internet I settled for the KLR650.
I bought an 08 back in April and I love it!
I'm 6'2" 230 lbs.
I ride it almost every day to work which is 70 miles round trip mostly on the freeway. I've had it up to 105 with no problems. I mostly ride it around 80 mph.
I get an honest 44 mpg going that fast. When I first got it, you have to slowly break it in. By doing the speed limit everywhere I went, I was getting about 52 mpg! One of the great things about this bike is its HUGE gas tank!
It hold 5.9 gallons! The .9 is the reserve. You get 5 gallons with 44 mpg for a total of 220 miles!
I've just replaced my rear turn signals because my son broke one. I replaced it with Buell's. A kawasaki replacement was $54! for only 1! The Buell's are only $10 each. You have to make a slight modification, but that's fine.
I also bought a tailbag and a 1 piece rain suit. I plan on running the bike into December as long as we have no snow here in Michigan.

Anyway...buy one and you won't be disappointed! I LOVE mine and thats the honest truth!:jerkit:
 
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