Here in all of ecuador the police drive the new kawa klr 650
(there are heeps of them) ,
so for anyone riding in south america ,spars will not be a problem here.
Spares should be in every city,(if not so they can send it from the major kawa dealer in Quito in 1 or two days )
becouse the police service there bikes in local bike repair shops.
Hope this helps enyone outthere!!

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jay,

I was riding my Kawasaki Long Range (i think that's what it stands for) 650 today. What i noticed about it was how honest if keeps you.

The power band sits around 4500 to 5500 in 5th gear which takes you from about 60 to 75 miles per hour. However, the engine really feels the most "packed" at about 4500 rpm, which puts you just over the highway speed limit at 60 mph. if you need to pass someone at this speed you are right at the beginning of it's power band. furthermore, It will run at over 5000 rpm, all day long if that is what you want to do. But check your oil!!! It you run her hard she demands attention.... sometimes. keeping you honest.

The brakes suck. and this, keeps you honest. So of course, after driving it for awhile, you create really good margin habits. Keeping your distance from cars in front. Watching the proximity of the cars behind you; if you can see them through the mirror vibrations. This keeps you extra diligent to back coming traffic....you have no choice but to shoulder check, unless of course your a complete idiot. So again, she makes you extra cautious of what's behind you and keeps you from tail gating all the while proving Darwin theories. Again, keeping you honest and smart.

It has no "bling", no flash factor, and it's nothing new, so it's nothing really to look at. Plus, It's kinda ugly(however some may disagree) So you won't be thinking about how good you're looking to that hottie on the side of the street. Again, keeping your attention where it belongs. On hurling yourself down a road on a outdated machine while androids in cars are eating burgers while texting on there Iphones. Again keeping you honest.

And the list goes on....

Seriously, though, it's a good bike that is pretty good at everything. I've road it on a road and it rides on that road pretty good. I've had to go onto the shoulder then a ditch and out again, at a pretty good clip, and it did it all really well. However, if you never drove one before you should think about getting a DR650: Lighter, stronger machine. But, and this is a big but, if you ever rode one, you would probably buy another in a heart beat. She keeps you honest.

Regards,
troy

When I used to have a KLR with aftermarket stand, I discovered a trick to get up on the stand easier. Ride your bike up on a board, brick, speed bump, etc., put down the stand, and slowly back off. Works best if you have something just high enough to get the stand down. Probably will damage something if you go down too fast with too much force, so take it easy. Less stress than taking everything off just to lube the chain.

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Japan touring information

Wrong Way Troy has hit the nail on the head repeatedly!