Is KLR the right bike ?

[usl]

Hi all ;

I want to change my bike with a travel oriented one and want to find out if KLR 650 is the right one to my expectations.

* Its motor should be bullet proof. No valve adjustments every 1000 km., ability to run on low octane fuel etc.
* Avaliability of spare parts in Internet. So that i can make a purchase from the net and receive it ( for example )in India.

As you can easily understand my intention is to make trips that are 5 or 10,000 km. without worrying if my motorcycle can keep up with the mileage and pace.

So, is KLR 650 a good choice?

All take care ,

[JamesCo]

Hola,

The engine is *not* bullet-proof. The idler shaft lever on mine shattered at 25k miles. My riding buddy to Ushuaia (see Arne Bomblies's weblog) had endless problems with his, eventually selling it due to bearing failure.

The valves are supposed to be checked every 6,000 miles, which covers your estimated trip distance, but it's okay to leave longer. It will run okay on low octane fuel - designed for 87, after all - though it can be hard to find fuel that low!

Fred at Arrowhead motorsports will get KLR parts & accessories to you wherever you are - highly recommended. His site is: http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/

What are the rest of your expectations - you must have more? Myself, I don't think I would get a KLR again, probably a DR650 or Adventurer instead, but that's due to personal factors as much as anything else.

Have fun,

James

[gmarch]

I did 17K miles on a KLR in USA and Canada in 2002.

I found it good for my needs. The pros are... loads of stuff available on internet (http://www.dual-star.com, http://www.happy-trail.com). Kawasaki have complete parts diagrams online http://www.buykawasaki.com/Default.a...=2&intParts=1, http://www.wolfmanluggage.com for tank bag that fits steep angle of KLR gas tank), has big standard 23litre (6 US gallon) tank doing 250 miles before reserve on the Dempster Highway.

Cons for me were - stock seat not the best (but see http://www.corbin.com/kawasaki/klrmenu.shtml and theres a place in northern California - something Falls that build seats custom made to your own arse!!! forget their name and web address though) also for me (110kg) plus two boxes of luggage and a watertight bag at back proved too much for stock suspension - so had to upgrade that on the road - put in a progressive suspension which worked great help.

The manual recommends getting valve clearances done every 6,000 miles on my trip this seemed to occur quite quickly. In north america labour was US$75/hour which I found pretty pricy.

Hope this is of some help.

[usl]

Actually my expectations are not so much.

1- Its motor should be durable and reliable. It shouldnt be requesting too much calibration of this&that, adjustment of that&this,looking after its ... at every gas stop or thanking god each day without any failure.

2- Avaliability of spare parts through internet. I dont want to get stuck somewhere in the world with no luck of finding or obtaining the necessary spare part/s.

3- Its mechanic structure should be simple enough to allow my interference.

4- I should be able to carry ~ 55 kg. of luggage without being afraid that its wearisome for the mototcycle.

Should also cook, wash and make good cheesecake.

Thanks,

[wernerschink]

Originally posted by usl:
Hi all ;

As you can easily understand my intention is to make trips that are 5 or 10,000 km. without worrying if my motorcycle can keep up with the mileage and pace.

So, is KLR 650 a good choice?

All take care ,

Hi! Lots of folks have taken the KLR just about everywhere. Check out www.adventure-motorcycling.com/reportindex/index.html which will give you one-page summaries by cycle type and you can compare the KLR with other types. The U.S./Canada version of the KLR is different than the European version; it's my sense the U.S./Canadian version is more set up for long distance travel. This site www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html has extensive info on the KLR650.

Happy traveling,
Werner

[ekaphoto]

Take a look at the Suzuki DRZ 400 S. I was going to buy a KLR, but after research I got the DRZ. It has newer technology, almost the same horsepower in a lighter bike. The valves don't need adjusting as often as other bikes. The down side is they are a little pricer than the KLR, small gas tank, and are taller than the KLR. I ordered an IMS fuel tank for mine. Also the DRZ isn't as street orented as the KLR, but it does great for me. As for power I was travelling along the freeway and was doing 70 mph with pleanty of power left. I am not a small guy so power is not an issue. As for power in about 1992 I met a couple in northern california that had started in Argentina riding 2 people one one bike with lots of baggage and a gas can strapped to the handlebars of the bike. And what were they riding you ask? A Honda 250 dual sport. Not my choice, but hey they did it and I have not so far. Good luck and take care.

[Glenn_M]

A KLR650 is a good solid bike with exception to the stock idler shaft adjustment lever. You can get a replacement from Happy-trail.com for $40 and it's made by Eagle MFG.- After that you shouldn't have a hint of trouble for many many miles. Valves need to be checked at 500 miles and again at 2500, after that you can check them again 3000 miles later and then every 5000 or so.

Other than that the KLR is the best choice unless you're considering a bike worth a lot more like a BMW. With respect to EKA, the DRZ puts out a fair bit of power for a 400cc machine but the KLR650 puts quite a bit more. A 650 will put out 48-50HP if you rejet and buy an aftermarket pipe with free flowing baffles. A DRZ400 puts out 38HP, has a smaller gas tank, narrow seat, higher seat height, it costs more, the tank holds 10 liters (2.6 gallons) and the bike is really meant for the dirt. It can be made more similar to the KLR but that will only require more money and time.

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[This message has been edited by Glenn_M (edited 02 July 2003).]

[usl]

Hi ;

Thanks all for tha replies.

I bought a '97 KLR650A with 2700km. on it.