33Likes
![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
2 Jul 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
|
|
Pretty boring without mollydog here....
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
25 Jul 2014
|
Registered User
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 377
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grant Johnson
Time for a timeout - Patrick, you're in the deepest of the deep brown stuff. Just because you think someone is wrong doesn't mean it's ok to dump on him.
|
Over breakfast with (Twowheels03) Paul & Angie we stumbled upon the later part of this thread. Haven't laughed for so hard in quite a while, brilliant course of action!
THANKS
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
17 Sep 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 3
|
|
I have been follow this thread with interest having recently bought a 2013 KLR.
I am new to this adventure riding stuff at a ripe old age of 67 but loving it. Been on the mountain section of the TCAT and the HUBB meeting in Nakusp this year plus other smaller rides.
The KLR was priced right for me at a hair under CD$6000.00 plus of course all the add ons but most (not every) person adds these to any bike they buy to make it adventure ready.
Anyway back to business. Is not the reality that maybe percentages come into play with this discussion? I do not have figures to hand but I just wonder how many KLR's have been sold in the World vs any other model?
Then I start to wonder what percentage of those models have been reported to have broken down (has to be defined) and that could be key too, vs those that were sold.
I would hazard a guess that the KLR percentage would be relatively small. That is not to say any other bike model sales vs break down percentage may be small also.
Remember "It's not what you did for me but what you did not do for me that I will remember".
Someone said that I'm fairly sure.............
Hope all that makes some sense.
Howard.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
18 Sep 2014
|
![mollydog's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal036.jpg) |
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MOAC Man
Anyway back to business. Is not the reality that maybe percentages come into play with this discussion? I do not have figures to hand but I just wonder how many KLR's have been sold in the World vs any other model?
|
I don't have EXACT figures either, but if you contact Kawasaki USA I bet they would tell you!
I DO know that according to KHI (Kawasaki Heavy Industries) spokespeople the KLR650 is ... and has been ... one of their VERY best sellers over the long haul, maybe THE best seller for them. Call them, ask. They won't bite.
If I had to guess, for USA/Canada sales? I'd GUESS 8,000 to 10,000 units per year. If you go back to say, around 1990, that's a good number of bikes sold. Remember, Kawi have about 1200 dealers in US/Canada. (used to be more!)
My question would be ... how many KLR650's are still on the road?
Quote:
Originally Posted by MOAC Man
Then I start to wonder what percentage of those models have been reported to have broken down (has to be defined) and that could be key too, vs those that were sold.
|
The Big Four used to disclose warranty claim information and break down stats. They no longer do this, AFAIK. But the Japanese always try for a LESS than 3% failure rate. Fact is, they usually do BETTER than 3%. Not bad.
When working as a Moto Journo (20 years) and having attended dozens of
product launches, you hear these sorts of stats touted at those events. But they don't usually publish them now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MOAC Man
I would hazard a guess that the KLR percentage would be relatively small. That is not to say any other bike model sales vs break down percentage may be small also.
|
Back when OEM's did reveal this sort of info, BMW would typically be around 10% to 12% a year failure rate. The Japanese, (as mentioned) under 3%. But that was over ten years ago. They ALL track, analyze and store this data but don't reveal it as they once did.
Motorcycle Dealer News (USA) used to publish this sort of info along with tons of other stats regards sales, marketing and more. Since I was in the industry, I used to read Dealer News. Now, the OEM's are very tight lipped with this info.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
18 Sep 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 3
|
|
"Now, the OEM's are very tight lipped with this info."
I wonder why?
If the percentage was so good say still 3% wouldn't you want to shout that from the roof tops? If of course you had other brands to compare it to.
Maybe they are tight lipped because the percentage has risen in all brands. Something that would not be good for the manufacturer or us.
Sorry I cannot be more helpful really.
Just at the moment I would trust this KLR to just about go anywhere (maybe not "anywhere" in my hands though!) but I have only about 5000 kms on it.
Maybe I should report back after another zero is added on the end and see how happy I am by then.
Of course there is always the possibility of getting a different bike before then and starting this all over again!
DO NOT anyone tell my wife I said that!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
19 Sep 2014
|
![mollydog's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal036.jpg) |
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MOAC Man
Just at the moment I would trust this KLR to just about go anywhere (maybe not "anywhere" in my hands though!) but I have only about 5000 kms on it.
Maybe I should report back after another zero is added on the end and see how happy I am by then. Of course there is always the possibility of getting a different bike before then and starting this all over again!
DO NOT anyone tell my wife I said that!
|
Come on 'ol boy, 50,000 kms would only be 30,000 miles. You can find many KLR's out there with over 160,000 kms showing.
I'm quite sure you will be able to top 50K kms in a couple good Summers of riding. I've done it and I'm just 2 years behind you. ![Wheelchair](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/wheelchair.gif) Not ready for the chair quite yet.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
19 Sep 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 141
|
|
On my second Gen I KLR. First, '01 has over 100,000 miles and still runs great but looks like hell. Second one, '07, is fixin' to go to Ushuaia.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
19 Sep 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 3
|
|
Looks like I'll be riding my KLR for a long time to come! I hope so anyway.
By the sound of what I am hearing it will probably have to be handed down to one of the kids!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
19 Sep 2014
|
![mollydog's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal036.jpg) |
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by juanvaldez650
On my second Gen I KLR. First, '01 has over 100,000 miles and still runs great but looks like hell. Second one, '07, is fixin' to go to Ushuaia.
|
That's great news!
!que le via bien!
How is oil consumption on your '07? I know some early "new gen" KLR's used oil and that KHI replaced some cylinders/pistons. My buddies' '09 uses some oil but he's fine with it. Only uses oil when stuck on 70-75 mph, hours at at a time. Normal modest riding = little or no oil use.
On long multi-day rides he checks oil level everyday, tops up maybe every 3rd day or so? To me, that is just not a big deal. I check my oil daily anyway ... we all do, right? Carrying a pint of oil along is no burden ... in a way ... it's good as you continually introduce FRESH oil into your system.
Here's part of our gang on a day ride. KLR's, DR's, XR-L's and big bikes too.
Buddy on the KLR rode up from SoCal, then onto Crater Lake. 3 more DR650's not shown on this ride.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
11 Oct 2014
|
![ckittsteiner's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar118.jpg) |
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Palm Harbor Florida
Posts: 1
|
|
KLR 650 the best Motorcycle for the low budget nomads.
The KLR 650 is the best Motorcycle for long trips to remote places for riders in a budget.
The good
It is very un-expensive
It does everything good. It is not great in any area.
Does not brake as often as some more expensive ones
Repairs are 1/4 of the cost of German Motorcycles.
You not need an specialized shop with computers to repair it.
Any one with some mechanical abilities the KLR 650 Clymer manual and a basic set of tools can fix anything.
Parts are non expensive and easy to find
50 Miles per gallon about 20 Km per L.
The bad
Only the new 2014 does not need springs update.about $200
All need replacement of the infamous Doohikey about $250.
If you are buying a KLR 650 with less than 2500 Miles install a Termo bob to keep your oil consumption in a normal level. It keep the temperature of the engine at 209 F no matter how warmo or how cold it is. $ 118
Frame bolts need to be upgraded when you plan to ride with the motorcycle fully loaded off road. About $20
There are lots of very un-expensive upgrades but you can go around the world without any of those upgrades. It iss not uncommon to find KLR 650 with over 100.000 miles without an overhaul. The KTMs or the new B&Ws have mayor issues before 80.000 miles. If you add the cost of the maintenance you will be close to the cost of a new B&W or KTM.
The real issue here is If you are looking for a motorcycle with outstanding performance you will pay a lot more in initial cost, and frequent maintenance witch translates in higher total ownership cost by a lot.
Final comment:
If you are looking for performance and to you, cost is not an issue I agree the KTMs and B&W is a better bike.
The KLR 650 is a Motorcycle for the low budget nomads. With $600 in upgrades plus all the typical maintenance, brake pads, chain oil etc. you can go around the world without braking the bank.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
6 Jul 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 136
|
|
Interesting thread but people quoting google search results to back their arguments is the funniest thing I've ever seen.
400,000 results for KLR faults? I got 5,500,000 results for "Why Hitler was right" Guess the wrong side won on that basis?
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
Similar Threads
|
Thread |
Thread Starter |
Forum |
Replies |
Last Post |
KLR question
|
muppet8mycat |
Which Bike? |
10 |
9 Apr 2015 08:59 |
go RTW with old KLR ?
|
thecoon |
Which Bike? |
9 |
4 Dec 2012 06:24 |
|
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...
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.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
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!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|