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Kawasaki KLR 600 (93') or Yamaha XT 600 E (02') Kawasaki KLR 600 (93') or Yamaha XT 600 E (02')
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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  #1  
Old 28 Feb 2011
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Kawasaki KLR 600 (93') or Yamaha XT 600 E (02')
Hey guys, I got the opportunity to buy

-Kawasaki KLR 600 (93') for $2000, it has 52000 km

or

-Yamaha XT 600 E (02') for $2800, it has 11000 km

I am going to drive on road mostly, at least this summer,
but I am planning on going to Siberia next year...

Is any of those prices reasonable, and if which one would
you recommend?

(It is going to be my first bike btw)

Thanks very much for opinions and advice.

Dave
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  #2  
Old 28 Feb 2011
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XT 600, for a million reasons !!
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  #3  
Old 28 Feb 2011
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2nd yep for the XT
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  #4  
Old 1 Mar 2011
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but why
Why would you recommend the XT?
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  #5  
Old 1 Mar 2011
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Smile How long is a piece of string?
At those ages either could be wonderful or could have been thrashed to death by a previous owner. That ,rather than make, model or mileage condition should be the deciding factor. If you don't know anything about bikes either (a) choose the one that looks nicest to you and hope karma was on your side, (b) toss a coin and do the same or (c) better find someone knowledgeble to look at them and give you advice (but even then don't blame him or her if it later has problems - with old bikes we can all get caught out).

Having said that both are good solid bikes and if they were apparently in equal condition then go the XT - a decade less life and less miles makes it well worth the extra.
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  #6  
Old 1 Mar 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gangstabber View Post
Why would you recommend the XT?
For a start the XT is 10 years newer. Forgetting if its been "ragged" or not, that's ten less years of corrosion and general "rotting" of seals, rubbers, cables etc etc.

The KLR has 55,000KM.... Whatever people may tell you about "i've got 400,0000000000 miles on mine and it purrs like a sewing machine", that IS high mileage and problems could arise...

The XT also has disc brakes front and rear where I think (correct me if im wrong) will have a rear drum brake...

The XT is also "ready to role" where the KLR will probably need the CCT replaced along with many things an 18 year old high mileage bike will..

ted
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  #7  
Old 1 Mar 2011
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thanks for replies
Thank you for advices, the worst thing is that the budget is pushing me hard. My limit is $1500, therefore I would have to think something up to use more money.

I have also looked at some smaller bikes, and I have found these:

-Yamaha XT 125 X 2007, $2000

-Honda xlr 125r 1998, $1600

-Yamaha TDR 125 1997, $1200

Do you think that these smaller bike would be strong enough to carry me (70kg) and luggage for like a months trip?

If yes, which of the above would you reccomend?

Again thanks a lot for advices and replies, as I am absolute novice and don't know much about (these) bikes..
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  #8  
Old 3 Mar 2011
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Personally I am not an XT fan. The Kawasaki is a real plodder but is renown for being reliable. I think the bikes you're looking at are a bit over-priced. In the UK I can pick either up for a whole lot less, I don't know if things are a lot more money where you are.
For my money, if I was down to the two I would go with the KLR but I would want to shop around a bit first. The smaller bikes would manage but be a lot less fun on the road and I can't say I have much experience.
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  #9  
Old 8 Mar 2011
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A 125 won't get you anywhere unless you plan on carrying just a backpack at under 45mph.
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  #10  
Old 30 Mar 2011
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For me the XT6 wins hands down every time!

Where exactly are you Gangstabber? You're profile is blank.

A XT6E will tick ALL the boxes for a tarmac/offroad mixed adventure. A smaller bike will do the job but not comfortably. Anything under 250cc will protest under heavy load.

Here in the UK it's still possible to find mint low milage XT6's for about £1,500 ($2,000).

It's quite simply a true RTW biking legend - Not expensive, Made well, light, slim, frugal (fuel), good design, simple, robust, reliable, Durable etc....

"Bang for Buck" you simply won't beat a XT600 (any version).
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