Dr650 vs KLR 650

[nickdcook]

Originally Posted by alan hopkins

Well that was hilarious read and a wonderful slice through different attitudes, expectations and humour.
No wonder we can't even decide on the ultimate travel bike

p.s. have I told you that you are all nuts

Dr650 vs KLR 650? still trying to decide, I think the DR would be nice if i spent a bit more on modifications than i would have to do to the KLR.

[mollydog]

Originally Posted by nickdcook

Dr650 vs KLR 650? still trying to decide, I think the DR would be nice if i spent a bit more on modifications than i would have to do to the KLR.

Required mods are about the same for both bikes. The KLR does not need a bigger tank, DR does. But the plastic Acerbis tank takes about 6 lbs. off the weight of the DR ... and it won't DENT like the metal KLR tank.

What both bikes need:
suspension upgrade front and rear
Seat (stock KLR seat is better than stock DR seat but both are crap)
racks/luggage
tuning: carb, intake, exhaust
Lighting
Protection (bash plate, case guards, bark busters)

Here's the thing: The DR is much easier to work on. Ask anyone who's owned and worked on both. Carb mods easier on DR with results that REALLY makes a big difference ... not so much on a KLR. Valve adjustments a PITA on KLR, 20 minutes or less on accessible DR valves.

Fuel Economy. About even ... around 50 MPG if tuned properly or if totally stock, untouched. (both run better once modified, especially the DR650)

In the end, the DR is smoother running at highway speeds, faster everywhere, lighter, more nimble and a better handling bike on a tight twisty road.

The DR650 is MUCH easier to handle in tough off road conditions ... big plus riding a loaded up bike on a long trip. The DR for example, handles deep desert sand remarkably well ... Vs. the KLR which IMO, is pretty tough to ride in deep sand.

Smoother? Why? Double counter balancer engine, rubber shock mounted handle bars and foot pegs. Smooth at 75 mph.

The KLR has a small fairing & shield. On my KLR, I took shield off ... and after one trip to Baja, I broke or cracked plastic fairings in minor tumbles

No such issues in dozens of falls on my DR650 as it has no breakable plastic. It crashes really well. Not so the KLR ... with it's radiators, plastic fairings, steel tank and other vulnerabilities ... more a chance of show stopping damage to coolant hose, water pump or rad.

Both bikes need case protection.

If you want a windscreen on the DR, you can add one, but many don't like having a shield riding off road. (very distracting ... but good in cold). Many good shields available for DR650, a snap to install or remove!

Another important factor often overlooked: The DR comes stock with a 525 size chain. KLR uses a 520. Difference? You will go about 30% further on the 525 chain/sprocket combo. Downside? More 520 parts out there than 525.
I carry sprockets with me. 25K miles on a chain. (X ring)

Strike Two: KLR's typically USE OIL. A lot of oil. No problem if you remember to top it up ... daily. DR's rarely use ANY oil at all ... even at 50 or 60K miles.

Service: KLR uses shim under bucket system. DR650 uses
Screw type adjusters. A valve check/adjustment on the DR650 takes about 20 minutes start to finish.

KLR, tank and radiator must be removed, hoses and wires moved, them struggle to remove valve covers ... then find correct shims if valves need adjustment. About 1.5 hours if you know what you're doing and have correct shims. (I've done it multiple times on both bikes)
Both bikes have very stable tops ends and neither need much adjustment ever.

Weight: New version (since 2008) KLR's are about 50 lbs. heavier than DR650 (stock vs. stock) This is A LOT of weight. 50 lbs. accounts for nearly ALL the luggage and tools I carry on board.

Aftermarket support is great for both bikes.
Best to ride both and decide for yourself.

[Gipper]

All good points given by Mollydog there, which market are you buying the bike in ?


If you are planning on buying in North America, theres plenty of supoport for both bikes, but the DR hasnt been sold for quite a while in Europe, so buying a new one is expensive and getting parts from North America will cost a lot.

[nickdcook]

Um... I didn't make this post did I? I don't remember this I quoted that on another post I think hahaha.

Anyway thanks molly your so informative, I have been over on avdrider looking at some huge posts over there reading about the DR and some of the mods most you have listed here, but really shouldn't be more thank 3000$ and I'm going to try and buy a used one and go over all of it my self. I'm buying the bike in western Canada most likely because I live here.

I feel more comfortable on the klr when it was stock vs stock just sitting on it in the show room but I think once I change the bars (including raising then) , seat, tank (going with the larges safari tank) , suspension front and back I will get built by Jessie @ Kientech Engineering Home Page (also going to get some other mods on his website), also going to reinforce the motor due to stories of the shifter smashing through the side or rocks puncturing the oil case, in line fuel filter, and a bunch of other simple little things like kn airfilter and heated gel grips...

I just hope after all of this it feels comfy. All the guys at the shops here tell me to get the klr but I'm going to pick up a DR because of its more dirt bike like feel, I'm more used to.

Just might be hard to find a used one around here, but worst case I'll buy new...

[Ride Far]

Originally Posted by nickdcook

All the guys at the shops here tell me to get the klr but I'm going to pick up a DR because of its more dirt bike like feel, I'm more used to.

Just might be hard to find a used one around here, but worst case I'll buy new...

DR sounds ideal for what you're looking for Nick. I've ridden both KLR and DR extensively.... over 35,000 mis on KLR and 19,000 mis on DR and the DR wins hands down -- ligther, funner, faster. The post-06 KLRs weigh a whopping 66 pounds more than the DR, 432 vs. 366. Makes a big difference offroad.

Enjoy & ride well ~~

[Grant Johnson]

Originally Posted by nickdcook

Um... I didn't make this post did I? I don't remember this I quoted that on another post I think hahaha.

Nick, this post was moved to a relevant forum. What you did is called "hijacking a thread" and is naughty.
You should have made your reply, and then started a new thread to ask this question.

[Steve Travels]

Nick,
I'm a motorcycle mechanic in Alberta and currently building a DR for an extended trip. I would be happy to swap DR notes with you. Everything you could possibly want to know is also available at the DR riders forum.www.DRRiders.com

[mollydog]

Originally Posted by Grant Johnson

Nick, this post was moved to a relevant forum. What you did is called "hijacking a thread" and is naughty.
You should have made your reply, and then started a new thread to ask this question.

Grant,
Nick's right ... I posted the DR comments (responding to Nick's query: DR vs. KLR) My bad ... I forgot what thread I was on! .. as Nick's been asking about both bikes on several other threads. Chris of Japan did the right thing ... and didn't attempt to crucify anyone in the process.

[nickdcook]

Originally Posted by Grant Johnson

Nick, this post was moved to a relevant forum. What you did is called "hijacking a thread" and is naughty.
You should have made your reply, and then started a new thread to ask this question.

I was merely joking actually because of the post above me that I quoted.... Now only if we could agree on the best adventure bike. But noted.

Ya my mind has been jumping around allot, but like I said I think it's been decided. Dr 650. Again thank you to everyone because I was just going to buy a klr650 and do a do hickey and be on my way to be honest hahaha but decided to ask and read around. Now it's time to keep reading more into the Dr and make sure I have a full list of what I want to do, because I won't buy the bike until next year (just got out of med school)

That's for the links I will read them tomorrow.