Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Kawasaki Tech
How reliable is the KLR650 for a RTW, don't know much about them, trying to learn ! How reliable is the KLR650 for a RTW, don't know much about them, trying to learn !
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Kawasaki Tech Kawasaki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Kawasaki riders only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 46
How reliable is the KLR650 for a RTW, don't know much about them, trying to learn !
i was just wondering how reliable and suitable the KLR650 is for an RTW trip. Don't know much about them but they are cheaper here in Oz than the BMW, honda or the tiger..
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Mar 2009
usl usl is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Turkey
Posts: 337
I rode with 97 model KLR-A (usa version) from turkey to mongolia and mongolia to turkey ...and had no problem what so ever ...

3 years ago i made the mistake of my life and sold it ...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Mar 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
Klr650
The Klr650 is like a Jeep , it will go pretty much anywhere and will be very reliable if you do take care of it, I had 2 and the last one had 80000 miles without any problem. If you go online you will find the mods to be done and for little money will have a great bike for one up plus luggage. just try one before buying it as they are tall and top heavy.( didn't bather me much)

Good luck.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Mar 2009
sebjones906's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: So.Cal.
Posts: 30
The KLR 650 is the Swiss Army Knife of the m/c world. It doesn't do anything perfect but does everthing well. Would you take a swiss army knife with you around the world? I would.

They are as close to a 50/50 (Dirt/street)motorcycle as you can get.

KlR's are all about the tires you put on them. With street tires they handle as good as most anything. Put dirt tires (Dunlops 606) of them and they work well in the dirt.

Replace the Doohickey and go.

However, if you go two up. The Triumph Tiger or BMW gs will handle the weight better.
__________________
Sam Jones
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: kuala lumpur, Malaysia
Posts: 138
Smile klr for rtw
Hi!,
TQ all for bringing up the question about KLR suitability for the RTW and some positive replies. I am planning to do the RTW on KLR 650 model 2008 myself starting from my country (Malaysia) moving westward. I have made little mod on the bike except for height adjustment. Tall bike for me. Now I am doing some regional ride as a drill to the RTW. My assessment on the Bike, value for money. Ride Far Ride Safe. Amzah.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Sep 2009
Fredontour's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: since 2005 on the worldtrip,on two bikes and more than 300.000km
Posts: 51
KLR for RTW,yessssssssssssssssssssss
Hey matesI change from BMW R 100GS to a 2008 KLR 650,and I can say now after 27000km,much better handling,more economic,simple single zylinder with more power what you need,check every 26000km,the valve clearance and drive without problems.(I don't change the doohickey,why).I like my green one,better than the Old GS,sorrys freaks,but that's my experience now,on my trip around the world from 2005 to until.................,more under,FRED KLEIN
now with english translation tolls babel fish,Fred.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Sep 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 30
In pre-2008 models, the doohickey had a bad habit of breaking into pieces, which could be catastrophic for the engine. This part was significantly strengthened in the 2008 and later model, but some still complain that the spring is not strong enough/wears out too easily and results in unnecessary wear and noise from the balancer chain. So, one could say that replacing this part isn't mandatory in the 2008 and later model, but many who are particular about the longevity of their engines will replace the part.

If you want lots of how-to's, etc., check out the KLR650.net forum. You'll find write-ups on cheap boxes, tool tubes, etc.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 3
KLR650 reliability
Very reliable. Long proven record; basic, reliable and reasonable to work on engine. Easy to get parts. Much cheaper than the BMW.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Nov 2009
RISH's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Near Byron Bay, NSW
Posts: 13
I just bought a 2008 KLR and am extremely happy. Handles well on, good riding position for tall guys like me, excellent range......and fun to ride on any surface.
.... also, worth spending a bit extra for crash bars, pegs and skid plate.
__________________
___________________
All black 2008 KLR650
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 20 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 124
Mel Falcon (sp) says in the DVD series that any bike can make the trip...its all about the rider.

The only suggestion I would make concerns buying a used bike. So many people swap out the exhaust and modify the airboxes. The real question is if the bike has been tuned properly. You want that happy medium between performance and reliability.

Speaking for myself...I won't buy a bike that's been modified. I might if the owner can produce the OEM take offs. Even oil changes are suspect. Who knows what oil has been run though it. The manuals say to use JASO-MA specifications....but allot of people use automotive oil instead.

If you can, purchase a new one. What ever you get....your going to have a great time.

daryl
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Nov 2009
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
I'd say all the posters here are full of it - the KLR, I mean.

Can anyone who's been on this forum point to TWO KLR's that have actually been around the world - not just Turkey to Mongolia and back, or not down to TDF from NA.

Who's actually gone over 100,000 miles, riding around the world, on this thing? Doing 100K miles in North America doesn't count - that's not same as taking it to South America and scorching the piston by riding at high altitude with the improper carb jets! (try buying KLR parts in South America lately? )
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 21 Nov 2009
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
A google search revealed 4 Round the World trips by KLR on the first page .

Different strokes for different folks .
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 22 Nov 2009
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
OK, I'm being a bit hard on the KLR.

All the postings on the HUBB for folks dumping, err selling, their KLR's after reaching South America had me confused.
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 22 Nov 2009
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
My take on this scenario ,is that the KLR appeals more to the younger guy on a restricted budget .A lot of these guys have very little mechanical skill , hence the bike is abused and/or dumped at the end of the ride .

As with any bike : if you look after it , it will look after you .
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 22 Nov 2009
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
Quote:
Originally Posted by quastdog View Post
OK, I'm being a bit hard on the KLR.

All the postings on the HUBB for folks dumping, err selling, their KLR's after reaching South America had me confused.
I can understand your confusion. But I happen to have arrived at your post immediately after reading about two (2) GS riders stranded by breakdowns in the Andes--one regular contributor waiting for major parts in Peru, I believe, begging for someone to help out, and another trucking his bike back to Colombia (with advice from the list referring to all sorts of obscure coding, parts and procedures). Of course, the second poster probably needs just a battery....which might address the comment about younger, less mechanically-adept riders. Or not.

KLR parts look to be perhaps a bit difficult at times, but then again parts for my KLR can be fabricated or faked almost anywhere. I will shortly be trying to prove that true in S.A. as it is elsewhere.

The idea that RTW travel is defined in terms of 100k miles may suit some, but that does not make it the law of the land.

enjoy,

Mark

(from someplace ridiculously hot and humid in Panama, 2007 KLR headed south with 57k miles on the meter)
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

« 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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Bike to learn on?? stage1v8 Which Bike? 7 12 Jun 2008 21:10
How long to learn to ride? Schermy Route Planning 7 3 Nov 2006 15:37
where do I learn to read a map alan hopkins Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 11 30 Oct 2004 00:22
language to learn DaveSmith Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 2 30 Apr 2003 13:01

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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 11:55.

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