NGC: KLR 650

[Testarossa]

Looking at a well-sorted KLR 650 on Tuesday, possibly to be the sub-400 lb day trip bike for the back of the van, and a daily rider while the T is in bits.

Have never ridden one. Big question is height: stock seat is 35" high and I'm 5'8" with a 30-inch inseam.  I'll find out tomorrow if I can balance the thing with Gail on pillion.

Thoughts from owners?

[Perazzimx14]

I don't have a KLR but when I was looking it was between the KLR and the DR650. I opted for a DR650 instead it's 44 pounds lighter, no liquid cooling and valves are adjusted like a Guzzi whereas the KLR uses shims. The KLR is a it a little better highway bike and the DR is a bit more dirt oriented. Both bikes have pretty squishy suspensions and will settle a good bit. There are also lowering links and/or lower seat available for both. Both bikes have been around for a long time and are proven reliable. Parts are cheap, parts are readily available, lots of aftermarket goodies and neither are considered light weight in the dual sport world. I'm guessing those who think these bikes are heave do not own Guzzi's.

I have one DR set up as my touring rig w/ 35liter Pelican cases, HT racks, 5.3 gallon fuel cell, HD springs F/R, FCR carb and a Trail Tech computer, center stand and a seat concepts seat. I bought a lot of the goodies used off of ADV rider and DRRIDERS and including bike I don't have 5K into it. I ended up liking it so much I bought another for off paved surface duty.

[cookiemech]

I have a 2009 KLR 650 and of my eight bikes, this one is the most fun per dollar. It's just so easy to ride and it runs like a Japanese bike (perfectly). Since it's been on the market so long, there is a wealth of aftermarket support. The huge gas tank lets you run 250 to 300 miles on a fillup.

I wouldn't consider it a serious off-road bike, but it's great on gravel and dirt roads, and I've seen some amazing YouTube videos of those who DO use it off road. Works perfectly on the pavement (particularly with more street-oriented tires, which is what I do), though it's not all that happy about running 75 mph or more on the interstate. I've done it for short (20 mile or so) distances and it's OK, but the aerodynamics are not ideal when trailer trucks pass.

Really great all-round bike, in my opinion.

[PeteS]

I have a 2008, first year of the new style. The first three years they were prone to high oil consumption. I put a 685 kit in it it now burns no oil betweem changes. I can nearly flatfoot it with a 32" inseam. Stock dogbone but its got a Moab shock and Race Tech front springs and emulators.
I agree its a fun bike bike to ride. Its the one that leaves the garage most often. It will run 70 all day. Starts to get unhappy much over that. I have ridden single track with it and survived but I suck as a dirt rider. They are cheap and fun but not too fast and there are better bikes for off road. Mine came fully equiped from a friend. If this hadn't come along I would have probably picked a DR but I have no intention to trade at this point. Its a keeper.

Pete

[biking sailor]

Pros:
Big tank (range), lots of part availability, huge aftermarket, pretty simple to work on/maintain, most things pretty over built, soft suspension that handles quite well on twisty roads, fun bike to ride (as stated not over 70 too much).

Cons:
Had some oil burners (typically do or don't so buy wise), some issues with durability of engine parts/design (Doohicky, adding a Thermobob...), components are OK but not top shelf, I personally hated the turn signal switch gear on mine (cancelling not a quick punch of a button, you have to re-center it), tubed tires if get a flat, not world class brakes (just OK), shim OVER bucket valves (but reasonably long intervals).

Test ride one, you will know if it is for you pretty quick.  One thing, first gear is really low and requires a quick shift soon after starting from a stop, and you need to be mindful of it when down shifting.  I had two first gens, 2004 and 2006.  Overall, enjoyed riding the bikes.

[fotoguzzi]

it won't feel sub 400# when loading into your van. Wikki says 402# DRY. they are fun but under powered.

[radguzzi]

You did not mention the year of the one you are looking at...  I assume well sorted meand that the following has been done to it.  You might ask these questions.

As mentioned already, ensure the owner or someone in the ownership has done the DooHickey.  Long story short, the factory advance unit, balance idle and lever is prone to breaking and a fellow in Cali, Eagle Mike makes a replacement kit for it.  Do that mod.

When you are on the KLR, the soft suspension will squish  out enough for you to feel confident in the stability of the m/c.

Speaking of that, the front end needs Progressive Springs, push down on the front end repeatedly and watch the thing plunge.... 

The front brake could use an upgrade, there are kits out there, rotor, caliper and adapter

They are very reliable and as mentioned, not a real "Off Road" rig other than dirt roads, I have taken mine into places I probably should not have and made it out though... LOL

Best,
Rob

[steven c]

 Fun bike, I had a 2001 for a few years, it was my urban assault motor cycle. If you take your time it will go just about anywhere.

[rboe]

I went the Honda XR650L route. Knowing what I know now, I would do the Suzuki (truthfully I'd get a much smaller bike). Has a built in lowering link, better on the street than the XR (which is not all that bad) and better in the dirt than the KLR. Both the XR and DR should have more built proof motors and are much lighter.

For a quasi dirt bike in the 650 class you will be much better off with the V-Strom.

[canuck750]

I have had a KLR 650 for the past 8 years, just finished a 1000 mile day ride a couple weeks ago. I am 5'-9" and have a 30" inseam. A set of 2" bar risers with the bars pulled back makes a huge difference for us under 6 foot tall guys. A KLR is about 430 lbs wet. The 2015 has a decent all day seat, the older ones less so. I fitted a Corbin flat seat to a 2008 my son rides and it is very comfortable, I rode a couple 600 mile days on it this summer.

Aftermarket and used parts are readily available. I fitted up my 2015 with SW Motech hard cases (same as on the Stelvio), an adjustable windshield, crash bars and driving lights. I get about 50 miles to the gallon with a 16 tooth front sprocket (stock is 15 teeth). If you are planning a lot of highway then a 17 tooth will really drop the rpm and raise the top end to a 80 mph cruising speed.

The KLR is my favorite all around bike, great on the city, good for a solo touring bike and capable off road.

[Sheepdog]

My '99 was fantastic. Occasionally it would back out a bolt and the plastic discolored easily, but it was as reliable as a hammer and was supported by a superb aftermarket. Rear suspension lowering links along with dropping the triple trees a bit will bring the seat height down without causing problems. A great all-around machine...

[DCWCALI]

Had a 2005 KLR and sold it....regretted ever since!

[Testarossa]

Thanks for all the input.  I saw the bike -- it's very sweet with all the appropriate upgrades. But I'm intimidated by the height. Can't really get either foot down in current trim. I'd need to install a lowering link, dial all the preload out of the shock, drop the triple clamps and find a stock saddle before there's even a hope of riding safely.  Seller is about 6'4". Need some time to think about this.

Dirt road solution might be like an old scrambler. Maybe dual-purpose tires on something like an EX500.

[rboe]

He need a certain skill set to ride the bike and short people have contended with tall bikes and done very well.

The rub is in getting that experience.    It can be done, but will your back and shoulders and knees survive school? Being tall, once they fall, the physics is not in your favor. A fair amount of weight at the end of a long moment arm. I made the mistake of filling up my 6 gallon tank on my 650L then proceeded to drop it about six times (frankly, I lost count). I survived. I don't fill it up anymore if dirt is any where in the plans. And I can flat foot my 650, but there are times when it is a bit tall even for me. Every bike is too tall if you start to fall on the down hill side and/or there are marbles under your feet when it comes time to catch it. 

[canuck750]

Thanks for all the input.  I saw the bike -- it's very sweet with all the appropriate upgrades. But I'm intimidated by the height. Can't really get either foot down in current trim. I'd need to install a lowering link, dial all the preload out of the shock, drop the triple clamps and find a stock saddle before there's even a hope of riding safely.  Seller is about 6'4". Need some time to think about this.

Dirt road solution might be like an old scrambler. Maybe dual-purpose tires on something like an EX500.

I should have mentioned I always fit an adjustable lowering link kit and the Corbin seat will lower the seat height by another inch. A good friend has a 28" inseam and is 5'-8" and with these simple mods his feet are flat on the ground. Do not lower the forks in the triple clamp it will effect the handling, and not in a good way. I also highly recommend a fork brace, Eagle Mike makes a top quality one.



You don't need to alter the rear shock unless you are north of 250 lbs. Once you fit the lowering link you will find the bike to be very comfortable to ride.

I carry a couple Rotopax gas tanks and I fitted a back rest onto the Rotopax tank mount and then fastened the tank mount to an aluminum plate over the stock carrier. The bas are SW Motech as are the crash bars.





The KLR has taken me up the Dempster highway to Inuvik



Down to Skagway



Across the east slope of the Rockies south of Jasper



Ando down the Oregon coast this summer



Some say its too slow, or too old fashioned or (fill  in the blanks)... but I have had no issues with any of the three I share with my sons. I can honestly say I have put more miles on a KLR on the past 8 years than any other bike I own including my 2004 R1150RT.

[fotoguzzi]

Thanks for all the input.  I saw the bike -- it's very sweet with all the appropriate upgrades. But I'm intimidated by the height. Can't really get either foot down in current trim. I'd need to install a lowering link, dial all the preload out of the shock, drop the triple clamps and find a stock saddle before there's even a hope of riding safely.  Seller is about 6'4". Need some time to think about this.

Dirt road solution might be like an old scrambler. Maybe dual-purpose tires on something like an EX500.

I've had about 5 KLR's, fun.. but NOW I'd like to get a DRZ400, lighter and since your wanting a day tripper, no need for all the bags and other farkles.. they come in off road or super moto versions..meaning big front wheel or 17" f&R.. whenever one comes on CL I try to trade my Madass for it..still waiting for the right deal..

the Madass is perfect if you never ride highways tho..



I ride to work everyday, get 100 MPG! and do 50 MPH on the 1 ways in and out of the city.

[Unkept]

I've had about 5 KLR's, fun.. but NOW I'd like to get a DRZ400, lighter and since your wanting a day tripper, no need for all the bags and other farkles.. they come in off road or super moto versions..meaning big front wheel or 17" f&R.. whenever one comes on CL I try to trade my Madass for it..still waiting for the right deal..

the Madass is perfect if you never ride highways tho..



I ride to work everyday, get 100 MPG! and do 50 MPH on the 1 ways in and out of the city.

Love it! Always wanted to ride the Sachs off a Madass...

-Joe