Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Kawasaki Tech
Is KLR the right bike ? Is KLR the right bike ?
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 7 Jun 2003
usl usl is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Turkey
Posts: 337
Is KLR the right bike ?
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 ,
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Jun 2003
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Taupo, New Zealand
Posts: 194
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
__________________
James Courtier
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Jun 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Here and there
Posts: 44
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.
__________________
Grant March
"Live as if your life depended on it!"
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Jun 2003
usl usl is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Turkey
Posts: 337

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,
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Jun 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Sacramento, CA, USA
Posts: 9
Quote:
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

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jun 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Eureka, CA USA
Posts: 323
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.
__________________
John
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Jul 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 26
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.

---------------------------------------------
<font color=red>[b]Check Out The KLR650.NET Archive Of KLR650 Pictures and Multimedia: Located Here Or the main site here: <a href=http://www.klr650.net/>MAIN SITE</a>


[This message has been edited by Glenn_M (edited 02 July 2003).]
__________________
Glenn, Founder of:
/KLR650.NET - Your Kawasaki KLR650 Resource (16+ years and counting) ..I link 2 HU!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 Oct 2003
usl usl is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Turkey
Posts: 337
Hi ;

Thanks all for tha replies.

I bought a '97 KLR650A with 2700km. on it.
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 07:33.

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