KLR and XR longevity?
 

I'm looking at getting into a KLR or an XR 650 for crazy adventure traveling. I'm also considering buying a used moto.

Any experience with the klr or xr motor's longevity? What is a typical lifetime for either motor?

I'm leaning to the KLR mostly for gas tank size and seat height (I'm 5'9"). Any suggestions on why I should reconsider that assesment? Reliability, parts, etc?

Thanks!
Hitesh

I met a man with nearly 100,000 miles on his KLR. Achieved with regular valve adjustments and quality lubricants.

Travelling hard (KLR), 50,000 is said to be when things start to fall apart.

As soon as I hit the dirt roads in central america I found myself pining for something a little less street (like an XR). But on the tarmac with a comfy seat and road-ish tires the KLR is great.

Get both? http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by t0by (edited 05 January 2002).]

I've had very few problems with my '91 KLR. The bodywork is a bit cheesy and pops off after a while of hard use (bumpy roads and trails). Mechanically, the motor and gearbox are very strong. This is not a cutting-edge machine by today's standards, but for adventure touring thats a plus. It's a bit more street oriendted then the XR but with a set of knobbies and smaller front sproket, it's very capable on the worst roads.
Like any bike, there are things you'll want to do to it before taking off around the world, though.

Kurt