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  #1  
Old 5 Sep 2010
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Issues with KLR 650
Planning a trip to SA from Minnesota with my son and I've been looking at BMW 650s but I'm open to a KLR. What, if any, mechanical issues are common in 2006-2009 bikes? Will the KLR be more reliable than a 1999 or 2003-2008 BMW?
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  #2  
Old 5 Sep 2010
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Here's the deal (from my personal perspective): you're asking a question which is so general as to be almost meaningless....without any indication that you've made any effort to find answers on your own. This sort of post tends to create drama, not to mention ramped up insults and moderator interference. Pairing KLR with BMW increases the risk.

The response which was recently recommended to me was to answer quote Have you tried a search? unquote. If wanting to learn about KLR's, for example, I suggest Google, with search terms like "KLR FAQ." You'll find answers to your KLR questions scattered all over the web, including on several recent threads here on the HUBB.

Once you've digested enough information to ask specific questions which haven't been repeatedly addressed, maybe return here and post them. On the other hand, maybe you'll get lucky and draw a long, detailed, balanced analysis which will not devolve into name-calling and gratuitous insults. You never know.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
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  #3  
Old 7 Sep 2010
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Any bike will do...

I rode a KLR and had almost no problems. Others I met on KLRs had complete engine rebuilds. Same goes for guys I met on BMWs (and other makes).

Your bound to have problems along the way and you're bound to meet some incredibly intelligent, resourceful, and hospitable people to help you when you're in need.

Have a great ride!
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Old 7 Oct 2010
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For what it is worth
I am currently on a trip from anchorage to tdf and am riding an 08 klr. The bike is ugly slow doesn't do anything that great and burns oil at high rpm. But I absolutely love it. It is simple to fix and can take one hell of a beating plus parts are cheaper and easier to come by than the BMW . On the first day of my trip I hit a moose going about 40 mph the bike flew down a twelve foot ditch and is beat to hell. I threw some duct tape on the fairing bent the pannier back and have ridden it all the way to Hermosillo Mexico so far. Hope that helps.
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Old 11 Oct 2010
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I've got a BMW 650 (actually the new 800 twin) and I often ride with friend on a KLR650. You can probably buy two of them for the cost of the BMW when all is said and done on servicing, insurance, etc... Acceleration wise it isn't the equivalent of an 800 twin, but for a 650 single it hauls ass on the highway, handles well enough in the mountains, and is very simple to fix and work on. He added a pipe and jet kit, a top box and guards and he is good to go anywhere. I am very impressed with the Kawi but cannot understand why Kawasaki have not fixed the doohickey deal once and for all but leave it up to owners to do it. I like the KLR so much that I would buy it from him anytime and I believe it is an excellent bike for more out of the way places. He can cruise all day at 70mph, and cross a shallow river, or drop it in the Pemex parking lot and it is always good to go.
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Old 14 Oct 2010
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KLR would be a great choice.

Just check your oil as often as possible until you find out how much it uses. My riding partner did not and he blew his motor with no hope of continuing the adventure due to availability of parts in Mex.
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Old 26 Oct 2010
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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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