Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Klx650 Klx650
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Jun 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 20
Klx650
I have been looking around for a nice bike to start learning allroad/offraod riding and do some traveling on. Searching for the bike to meet my requirements i ended up looking at xt600/660's, TTR600, ktm 640's, klr's, Honda NX650,XR600/650, DRZ400, DR350, DR650.

And then i spotted the KLX650 (C not the R/A) and i wondered why i never heard of this bike... Its like a perfect allround bike in my eyes with good springs, mpg, reliable engine and best of all its cheap. I did some little search and i don't see people doing any long distance traveling on this bike. Is there something im missing out or is it just one of those bikes the masses somehow missed...?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Jul 2010
Mickey D's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
I don't think the KLX was imported to Europe. It was imported to the USA, starting in around the mid 90's. (not sure of years)

Early versions had major engine problems, next year Kawi solved this. They continued production another few years then stopped. Kawi never really advertised this bike much. No one new about it.

I don't know of anyone who has done long distance touring on it but I do have a couple friends that ride this bike. One is famous: Wade Boyd, famous IOM competitor from San Francisco.

Good bike but a generation behind modern bikes. Can be upgraded to make a good touring bike. Like you said, cheap to buy, reliable. Needs better seat to travel. Good off road, but a bit heavy.


Wade and his KLX
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Jul 2010
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
KLX's were imported to Europe, I owned a UK spec 1994 model.

For some reason, it's the only bike I've ever owned that I didn't "gel" with?

They never really caught on, might be more popular in France than anywhere else? Having owned a DR600, if I was buy a big Jap trailie again, I'd opt for a variant of the TT600/TTR600 if trailriding or a DR650or Honda Dominator. All are aircooled & possibly easier to work on and probably have a greater choice of aftermarket parts than the KLX?
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Jul 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 20
Yeah im still trying to figure out if i go for the NX650 or KLX. Atm im more hanging toward the klx. Price wise they cost about the same.

Although i did spot a 1990 red NX650 with e start and kick start and it looks like new! Doesnt make things easier can tell you that :P
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Jul 2010
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
One of the issues with the KLX was that the CDI box was mounted to the inside of the rear mudguard & under full suspension compression, the wheel was known to hit the mudguard & damage the CDI box. There is a fix for it I think.

Also note that KLX's require cam removal for valve adjustment. If you're in the middle of nowhere, you might appreciate the screw & locknut adjustment of the DR/NX/TTR.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Jul 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 20
In the end i went with a NX650. simply because i can get more parts for it and because i could get a '88 with electric start and kickstart. Its less off a offroader but it will do for now
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Jul 2010
Mickey D's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
Be sure to keep an eye on your oil level on the NX. I had an XL600R, same motor as the NX. This motor runs extremely HOT, so if you ever get out of the coolness of the UK, then I'd be using GOOD synthetic oil.

This motor also uses some oil normally when run hard. Check daily, and learn the correct method of checking: Bike must be FULLY HOT to get accurate level check.

Also, the electrics (for a Honda) are not great. Battery is too small/weak for the bike, DO NOT let the battery run low, it will cost you your Stator (about $400 USD). Keep the battery strong and fresh.

Sub Frame is weak, will bend or break if overloaded and then run on rough roads. (I bent mine and have seen others break when abused)

Keep eye on wheel bearings and swingarm bearings if running in water.

All else very good. Good luck!
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:18.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top