Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Kawasaki Tech
35mpg on an "05 KLR 650?!!! 35mpg on an "05 KLR 650?!!!
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Kawasaki Tech Kawasaki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Kawasaki riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Jul 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Alta Loma, Ca
Posts: 5
Unhappy 35mpg on an "05 KLR 650?!!!
I'm 160lbs. 5'5" ride with about 30lbs of add-ons and with about 60lbs of luggage. Average speed is about 70mph and my mpg SUCKS!!! Even when I first got it and had no extras or luggage, I still never got any better then 38-42mpg. I had the first service at about 1000miles and was told that it did not need the valves adjusted. Everything else has been done religiously (oil/filter, air filter, spark plug, coolant change, 91 octane) And I'm still getting lousy MPG what else can I do? It's now it's creeping up to 13k miles and nothing has changed. I'm seriously thinking of getting rid of it and buying the F 650. But I hear so many of you guys are getting as much as 55mpg...what's wrong with my bike?!

Thanx ahead 4 any advice,

Greg
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Jul 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
My '00, loaded up at Interstate speed, get low to mid 40's mpg. Putting around town I have got as much as 60. Speed is expensive.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Jul 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Montreal
Posts: 245
Hi Greg!

I also get 55mpg with my bike fully loaded. I have 2 big alu box and a bag on the back (more then 100lbs). But I ride at 90km/h. One thing I have done is that I raised the needle slightly.

Pat
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Jul 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
Yeah it is the speed. All the guys I met on KLRs stuck at 60mph religiously on the highway. Single trailies aren't made for highways really. They can do it, but 70mph is a bit on the fast side. That poor piston is bashing away something rotton.

Having said that, fully laden, as you are, my Transalp twin is the same for fuel efficiency as your KLR. I can hear/feel the main jet in the carb taking up the squirting job in earnest once I hit 93 km/h, and then the reality of one pound a litre becomes all the more real for me.

Fuel injection bikes are different though.

Simon
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Jul 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: cardigan,wales
Posts: 249
I'm not very "au-fait" with KLR's but are the later ones fitted with cat exhausts?If they are then the first thing i'd do is to weigh the damn cat in for scrap! I know for other bikes and cars that a de-cat exhaust will give a marked improvement in MPG and performance.Silly isn't it....a cat is supposed to make the vehicle "cleaner" but uses more fuel!
__________________
Just going for a short ride on my bike....
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Jul 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Alta Loma, Ca
Posts: 5
Cat exhausts=cat converter?
Quote:
Originally Posted by JonStobbs
I'm not very "au-fait" with KLR's but are the later ones fitted with cat exhausts?If they are then the first thing i'd do is to weigh the damn cat in for scrap! I know for other bikes and cars that a de-cat exhaust will give a marked improvement in MPG and performance.Silly isn't it....a cat is supposed to make the vehicle "cleaner" but uses more fuel!
Excuse my ignorance, just making sure I understood you JonStobbs...

Thanks again!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Jul 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: cardigan,wales
Posts: 249
Yes the same....something to do with our funny language over here! Cat exhaust = catalytic converter
__________________
Just going for a short ride on my bike....
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Aug 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 33
Ya, it's the speed
For what it's worth, I rode from calgary to Port Renfrew. More than 3000k in 6 days over a variety of terrian and speeds. Here's the result. Carrying me at 6 feet 3 inches and 180 lb, with all travel gear the 2003 klr did as follows:
Traveling through mountains at 90 to 100k (55 to 60 mph) gave 4.7 to 4.3 liters per 100k (50 to 52 miles per us gallon).
Running at 110 to 120k (roughly 70 mph) over a high mountain pass in cold weather, used 7.4 liter/ 100k (that's 32.2 mpg US.)
As you can see, up to 60 mph, the klr is good on gas. Upward of that, you pay for the time you gain.
This is the point of a dual purpose. You can go down trails or superslab, but there still is no free lunch. If I expected to do primarly highway, I would look for a fuel effecient multi-cylinder.
I like the overall ability of a klr, not any specific aspect.

Peace,

Narly
Last edited by narly; 11 Aug 2006 at 04:19.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:46.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top