Kawi klr

[gdhillon]

I’m contemplating getting another bike, ( perv had a manga, zx6r and lastly a cbr 600).

I liked the speed of the crotch rockets and the comfort of cruisers. However, I’d like a dirt bike/road bike.

i did some googling/browsing of the klrs and they seem like decent bikes. From my understanding the tech of them hasn’t changed in quite a few years and they seem to be decently priced.

Would a klr650 be recommended or is there other crossover type bikes out there that’d be bette bang for the buck?

 

[Stg2Suby]

Yes the tech for the KLR hasn't changed for hundreds of years lol. Reliable but very underpowered is the main complaint. I'd look at the Suzuki DR650 if I was in the market for that type machine.

 

[teeroy]

2018 is the last year they will make a KLR 650. better scoop one while you still can.

 

[Turts]

KLR.... where do I start?
Had one. Loved it!
Lived on it for three months during a trip to Alaska. So many trips down two tracks and logging roads everywhere.
These bikes have been around the world countless times.
They are drop dead reliable once a few issues have been addressed. Every problem they have ever had, has a solution available on-line.
Here is the thing though....
They are gutless, under braked, under suspended and very over weight.
That being said, I’ll likely have another one someday.

 

[gdhillon]

Thanks for the input guys.

What brand would have the ‘best’ crossover bike?

As far as the power goes I only weigh about 160, how is it for comfort on long trips?

 

[gdhillon]

2018 is the last year they will make a KLR 650. better scoop one while you still can.

I’d be looking at a used one, my budget would be around 4k

 

[Stg2Suby]

What brand would have the ‘best’ crossover bike?

You'll never find the answer, just opinions, kind of like asking what's the best colour.

In that class of machine and budget you'd be looking at comparing used Kawi KLR650 vs Suzuki DR650, maybe Honda XR650L as well. Yamaha doesn't really have anything in that category.

One thing to consider is your height and does the bike need lowering for you to reach the ground while seated.

Google something like "KLR vs DR" and you'll find all sorts of feedback on the pros and cons of each.

 

[Turts]

$4k should get you a good one, somewhat kitted out.
Age does not matter. There are basically two generations. ‘07 down has less plastics and wind coverage on the street(less to break!) ‘08 up more street type plastics and better wind coverage.
‘08-09 has some oil usage issues. This was solved with a big bore kit. PS, they all need the 685 kit. Makes them smoother and much more responsive.
So much info online.
Dohickey
KLR needle kit
685 kit
Starter deep hole
Shock and fork upgrade
Swingarm grease fittings
Et al.....
Google and spend the next two days reading.

 

[adamg]

Why not a KTM EXC 500?

 

[gdhillon]

I guess I should have titled this dual sport bike, the brand/mode doesn’t matter to me just looking for the most reliable machine

 

[DRD]

More road I’d try a Vstrom, more dirt the DR650 or the drz400 are worth looking at as well. Could also find a plated XR650, they rip but don’t have the magic button

 

[Ronaha]

I used to run Honda xr650L (still have one sitting around) they are not a good dirt bike.They are not a good street bike.I did see a ktm enduro do a catwalk in 3rd gear once, they look pretty cool.

 

[adamg]

Why not a KTM EXC 500?

Buddy was showing me what his EXC500 would do. We were on a highway doing 113km/h. He pull up alongside me in the shoulder and lifts into a wheelie, and stays right at my passenger door in a wheelie for about 30 seconds.

 

[teeroy]

Buddy was showing me what his EXC500 would do. We were on a highway doing 113km/h. He pull up alongside me in the shoulder and lifts into a wheelie, and stays right at my passenger door in a wheelie for about 30 seconds.

my plated 450X will do that, all day long at 70 mph

 

[adamg]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3y-hLaYsOw

 

[Irocaz]

I bought a couple used DR650's this year after doing a ton of research. They are great bikes for low maint./ reliability. From all the online reviews, they show the best overall budget 650 dual sport.

We picked these up for long trips on forestry roads and into BC. Depending on our trips next year we may even plan a trip across Canada.

If we were just going to rip around home the odd time or use them more strictly off-road we would of went the KTM/ Husky. Cannot justify the maintenance/ cost per KM for long trips

 

[Irocaz]

btw I think we pay something like $12-14/ month for insurance per bike!!