Vložit
- čas přidán 28. 08. 2013
- Part Two: • o#o Part 2 KLR 650 Rev...
The KLR is the ultimate "dual" sport motorcycle. Truly a 50-50 bike, it can do anything you need to do on the road, and anything you need to do in the dirt. Keep in mind, it doesn't do anything you may want to do, such as take a super-tight corner, jump a tabletop, or tackle REALLY gnarly singletrack with finesse, but most anything can be done with the right mods/tires.
Like it? Hate it? Let me know why! Leave a comment on your opinion of the KLR 650. There are too many things pertaining to motorcycles to include in this review-- I had to leave a lot out!
So you might ask me, "If the KLR is so perfect, why did you move to a DRZ400?" This video might help explain: • o#o KLR650 vs DRZ400 R...
I spend MUCH more time in the dirt than on the road. Cagers scare me to death, and I don't want to trailer a bike to the local trails, so I preferred a "street legal dirt bike" that's basically good for short commutes and getting me to the dirt without the hassles of a trailer.
That being said, when it comes to longer range travels, I truly despise the open freeway/highway on a dual-sport motorcycle. ANY dual-sport motorcycle. To get to far-off destinations I would much rather trailer a dirtbike and enjoy the comforts of a car/truck.
When it comes time to circumnavigate the globe or make my Alaska-to-Argentina adventure, the KLR will be a top contender for my bike of choice.
Love Adventure? Subscribe to eveRide ADV! everide.org/youtube
everide.org is the new hub of Dual Sport, ADV, and Enduro motorcycling. Join the eveRide community's positive vibe, tailor made for new and experienced riders. See more videos, pictures, posts, gear reviews, deals, and more!
Want to get to know our awesome, positive, inclusive community while seeing bonus footage, meeting moto buddies, and getting dirt-cheap-motorcycling-tips?
everide.org/facebook
everide.org/instagram
everide.org/twitter
Follow my GPX tracks on the rides I take!
www.mapmytracks.com/everide
Favorite everide.org to support the FREE creation of more ADV, Enduro, and Dual Sport videos by using the partner links to shop online! Or simply click the links below and shop like normal:
everide.org/amazon
everide.org/ebay
everide.org/RMATVMC (Rocky Mountain ATV MC)
everide.org/motorcyclesuperstore
everide.org/cyclegear
See a video of my recommended riding gear! everide.org/yt/gear
See a video of every mod on my DRZ 400! everide.org/yt/mods
The following gear has withstood the crucible of enduro and ADV motorcycling while maintaining excellent value-for-money. The links below feature products from many different retailers, and are the lowest prices we could find. Using these links supports more free content on the eveRide channel.
*RIDER ARMOR & PROTECTION*
+AFX FX 39 Dual Sport Helmet $110 amzn.to/1KItYBB
+Fox Titan CLONE Body Armor $40 everide.org/buy/armor-jackets
+Decade Armored Gauntlet Gloves amzn.to/1EPo8Gg
+Over-the-knee Articulating Shin Guards $25 everide.org/buy/arc-knee-guards
+Oneal MX Boots $120 amzn.to/1BDZHeK
*MOTOVLOGGING, CAMERAS, MICS, & TECH GEAR*
+Helmet Camera - Sony as100v amzn.to/1I61xtS
+Sena SMH10 In-helmet Bluetooth Communicators amzn.to/1JkBxMM
+In-helmet Motovlogging Mic amzn.to/1AJuw6Q
+RAM ULTRA GRIP Phone Mount amzn.to/1IgwoHQ
*LIGHTING AND STREET-LEGAL MODS*
+18w LED Flood/Spot Light Bar $15 amzn.to/1I66tPb
+Trailtech X2 Universal Halogen Headlight $100 amzn.to/1AJyE6C
+LED Flush-mount Blinkers $10 amzn.to/1dHz9Ev
+Dual Sport Kit everide.org//buy/tuskendurolig...
*DUAL SPORT COMFORT MODS*
+Seat Concepts Comfort Seat $160 everide.org/buy/seatconcepts
+Sheepskin Seat Cover $50 amzn.to/1FQ8D4K
+Progrip 714 Grips $15 amzn.to/1BE1z7p
+Cramp Buster Throttle Assist $10 amzn.to/1BE1IYp
+Trackside Heated Grips everide.org/buy/heated-grips
*LUGGAGE, BAGS, & TRAVEL SYSTEMS*
+Green Chile Modular Luggage System everide.org/gcag (use coupon code everide)
+Nomad Rider Tank Bag amzn.to/1BE1UHc
+Nomad Rider Massive Bag amzn.to/1dalPYj
+Tusk Rear Fender Tool Bag everide.org/buy/tuskfenderpack
+Tusk Front Fender Tool Bag with Tire Spoons everide.org/buy/tuskfenderspoons
+Tactical MOLLE Backpack amzn.to/1JkGwgA
*MUST-HAVE TOOLS & EMERGENCY GEAR*
+JB Weld Steel Stik amzn.to/1KIxAn2
+Slime Tire Inflator amzn.to/1BE319S
+12v Adapter amzn.to/1cuwtZe
+First Aid Kit amzn.to/1I6c1cD
+Ride On Tire Sealant & Balancer amzn.to/1QkDVDB - Auta a dopravní prostředky
![o#o Part 2 KLR 650 Review - Brutally Honest [mv]{](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/SoPyKYtEel0/mqdefault.jpg)
![o#o Part 2 KLR 650 Review - Brutally Honest [mv]{](/img/tr.png)
My KLR works in the city, on the freeway, and on mountain fire (BLM) roads. I can carry enough camping gear to be comfortable.
I don't do long distance touring and after 200-300 freeway miles I have a tired butt with the stock seat. By way of disclosure: I'm 62 years old, 6'2" , 330 lbs with a 30" inseam on my pants. My poor bike groans when it see's me coming but it hauls me up a freeway on ramp with authority.
I've owned several Harleys, a nice BMW R1150RT, and several other Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki's.
The KLR has become my favorite bike, just because it's fun and cheap and tough.
Sounds like the KLR is the absolute perfect bike for you! Honestly I don't think there are may bikes that can do all that the KLR can do. In fact, there are no other bikes that can do what the KLR can do for the money.
im getting reADy to sell my street bike for a KLR, I was sold on it already, But your view on motorcycles and the life of a motorcyclist, is completely accurate to my style and general mind set. THANK YOU so much for sharing every thing !
+NIGHTWING Hey thanks so much! You're gonna love the Dual Sport life :)
You had me at headlight won't turn. Thank you for this comment>I have watched numerous reviews on this bike and you the first reviewer mentioning this.Shows attention to detail.
Thank you.
Thanks so much! This is just the road to Gunlock from St. George/Santa Clara where I live. It really is an incredible area all around. Thousands of trails, fantastic roads, warm weather year-round. Thanks :)
So glad someone with dope videos rides a KLR!
I agree! My old KLR was dropped plenty of times and I never had to replace anything, and I didn't even have crash bars. The tank is pretty huge so it protected the radiators just fine without them. But I may have been lucky. I don't know from experience, but I've heard that adding more fuel weight with the safari tank does a real number on the suspension... which already sags with just a few extra lbs.
I have optimized my 2011 KLR for street riding with Performance Suspension fork springs and rear shock, Galfer disc kit and braided steel lines, Eagle Mike doohickey and fork brace, Heidenau K76 tires, as well as the mods that were on the bike when I bought it used. I also invested in a Corbin seat which was a HUGE improvement over stock. I have not modified the engine or exhaust because I feel that the modest power increase is not worth the noise penalty. The result is a superb touring single that I will never sell. When I want to go fast I will be on my new KTM 790, due to arrive next month.
The fairings are for function, the front fairing is for aerodynamics,, and the tank fairings funnel the air into the radiator for improved cooling,,
+tantricmaster800 I learned how functional the fairings were after taking a very long trip on the Gen 2, then a very long trip on the Gen 1. Those side fairings make things a lot easier on the legs, that's for sure!
Funny you had nothing to say about the plastic dripping off of the V-strom or honda african twin.
IM0 the fairings offer good wind protection when you get up around 60 mph or more
Improved cooling? Every KLR ever made runs cold without a thermo-bob.
Hello there. Yes I purchased a brand new 1989 KLR 650 straight out of the box. I rode it for some 13 years achieving 260,000 plus Kms happy riding on BridgeStone dual purpose tyres
It was an awsome bike both on & off road. Only problem I found Was the balancer chian tensioner lock but i've heard that that has been rectified in the later models so I wiil be looking
to the new models soon
I have ridden my 1994 klr for around 8 years now. I rode from texas to the east coast and loved every minute of it. Put on a 16 tooth front counter sprocket to lower the rpm's on the highway and it performs great. I averaged 58 to 62 mpg on it doing 65 all of the way.
That is something that is so fantastic about the KLR! It really can be made to accomplish most any purpose really well without a lot of work on it. It can go from a serious highway machine to a serious dirt machine with a sprocket swap and some aggressive knobs. It really is such a phenomenal motorcycle.
Jack of all trades, Master of none.
I love my 01, one thing I love about the Klr... with the bike stock i feel that it sits as a true 50/50. Making it very easy to customize for street or dirt, what ever you choose. Either way keep up the good work Everide, I like your style!
Thanks Michael! Yeah, the KLR is so close to true 50 50 that you can easily mod it to be good in either way. Same with the DR650. Both excellent bikes.
I owned a 2005 KLR, it was probably one of the best color combo's out there, being the red and black ...sharp! I loved my KLR! I went into it knowing it wasn't going to be great either on road, or off road, but the ability to do both. I have to disagree with your comment on the new front fender ...it looks like someone just hit a parked car and the thing's bent and needs replaced. Just my opinion. I've owned many bikes, crotch rocket, cruisers, full-on dirt, but I really enjoyed at my older age, having the ability to do almost whatever I wanted on this bike. ...Again, just my opinion. Thanks!
Good review...pretty much spot on. I own a 2012 KLR and have 6000 miles on it. I chopped 1/2" off the kickstand and it works good now, but I have a 30" inseam so I have to be a little careful getting on and off. I've ridden about 2700 miles off road, mainly forest and logging roads and it does a good job in that environment. But like you said, it really needs a 6th gear for pavement. I put a 15 tooth sprocket up front and it'll do 60 mph at 4000 rpm. Did 90 Mph, max throttle, and that was with Happy Trails panniers on. Tires will make huge difference on gravel / dirt. I run Kenda 270's at 22 psi and they work good. I've gotten 4300 miles on those tires so far. Should see 5000+. Bike works great for what it is but a good aftermarket seat will definitely improve butt endurance on long rides. A friend of mine has a '09 KLR and rode to Alaska and back to Washington St. On 8 week trip and had no problems.
Thanks so much! The AudioTechnica ATR 3350 is a great little lav mic for motovlogging... and at only $20 it's a great deal. However, in this video, the wind is pretty bad.
You make proper reviews! Quality so high!
That's the good way to go Danny! Most people rush into a bike purchase thinking they know exactly what they want when they've never diversified their riding experience to find out what really "moves" them. When I first started I truly believed I was going to ride around the world. Although that goal isn't off the table, I found short rips int he dirt FAR more appealing than super-long endurance rides at freeway speeds.
This is a great review, both parts. I've been thinking about a KLR and this was terrific. I agreed 100% with the kickstand issue. I got on the KLR in a showroom and got high centered on the stand. If I tried to get off left, the kickstand kept the bike so upright I almost dropped it. If I go right, I'm going to be hopping off and catching a falling bike at the same time.. Geesh! But thanks for the reviews. I'm looking for a good commuter and some back road (mostly paved) riding. I might look into the V-Strom 650 too. Again, thanks for making such a great video.
That may be my choice when figuring out the Alaska to Argentina dream ride. We'll see when the time gets closer.
If you're looking at the buffeting problem, start by putting a shorter windscreen on there or a way taller one. The previous owner of my DR had put a Cee Baileys windscreen on the front, and because it was throwing air up at my helmet, it was nothing but road noise and buffeting. When I took it off, the turbulent air was striking me in the chest instead of the head, and my helmet was receiving a much "cleaner" and quieter flow of air.
You are absolutely spot on! Someday when Dual Sport Adventure Motorcycling gets a bit bigger, companies will pay attention to it and make a true 50-50 machine instead of a road bike with knobbies or a dirt bike that's street legal.
AMEN to your comment about not having a 6th gear. The #1 thing I would want for the KLR is a 6th gear
+Kellashnikov And the DRZ, too!
+eveRide ADV
A sixth gear would probably eliminate a lot of oil burning problems, as highway commuting really raps out the poor girl, even if you are going the speed limit in some cases.
Fix the doo permanently (I know they made it better on 2nd Gen), and put a sixth gear.
+Kellashnikov It definitely needed a sixth gear!
16 tooth really helps a lot.
every motorcycle with 5th gear needs 6th gear
if you are having wind issues on a gen 2, put a lip on with a kick up. i have a stock screen with a laminar lip and its awesome. if thats not enough, a tall adjustable screen is even better. also, with a 16 tooth front sprocket, mine does killer on the highway.
Ah yes amigo I started on the 94... it was such a rock solid motorcycle! I miss it!
Nah, just filming with both, then switching them around during the edit. The hard part is syncing them up. Usually I do a "3, 2, 1 sync" with my hand so the audio and video from both sources sync up.
On the road the headlight thing isn't that big of a deal... but on a singletrack at night you need that light pointed in a certain direction!
Yeah, on my older KLR it sagged a bit lower but I never had a problem with the kickstand, either. But on the new ones like RojoNeck's and GoatCabeza's... it's a weird thing. Maybe some have longer kickstands than others?
Highly recommended! A bit of a shorter stand with a bit of a wider foot would be excellent!
Thank you very much! I've always thought my voice sounded nasal, but thanks!
Great review! I have a 2012 and for the most part love it. I have to agree with you about the front fairing. I'd like to remove mine and just leave the instrument cluster but can't seem to find any instructions or vids on how to get it done. I chose my KLR strictly because of how tall it is. I'm 6'4 so on the KLR it doesn't feel like my knees are up by my ears while riding!
Ahhh you tall guys are lucky! I have buddies who are tall and they handle the KLR so easily. Have you checked klr650.net? I think they would have a forum topic on removing the fairing-- but it might look pretty industrial all naked like that :)
Great review homie.... And very accurate. I think that they must engineer that kickstand to work with a stock bike with no extras on it, or a rider on it, as you've said. As soon as one adds a skid plate, crash bars, and maybe a tank bag, that suspension is collapsed way down from the added weight, and your pogo sticking it. No bueno! Can't wait to see part 2!
Once you get in tune with your bike you'll find a sense to park it on the right inclines making the kickstand issue less of a problem and I've spent most of my life without a kickstand (mx) so it's hard for me to complain.
any lower aftermarket seat helps the kickstand thing too. been there. i have a 32" inseam and its no problem for me with my corbin. my wife has a little more trouble with it than me...
i'm pretty much in agreement with most of your observations. i know where you're coming from about the stationary headlights... but that fairing does an "ok" job at breaking the air ahead of you. i have the Happy Trails ralley screen on mine with a double bubble. i'm 5-10 and wear a AGV AX8 dual sport helmet. the buffetting on mine is about the top of my helmet. that fairing isnt so much as a "poser"... as it does move the air around the rider. when i tuck my legs in, they stay warm on the cool days. love it. One thing about the E model... dual bulbs. better illumination... and you can swap bulbs if you loose a low beam.
i have owned numerous bikes in my life .
they all broke down some time or another , except the KLR .
my daughter and me drove them from canada to the tip of south america without a single problem .
36,000 km. on each bike .
worst bike , 2003 BMW K1200gt , .. ABS problem ,.. unfixable .
looks brand new , not a scrach on it ,...... scrap !
just cancelled the insurance , probably sell it for parts .
+theklrdude oo Just curious if you've ever performed the upgrade to the motor ..."doohickey?" Being it had 36,000 miles, sounds pretty good - having no issues. Also, what year were they? ...Just wondering.
when we came back from our trip i did the doohicky in both bikes mine was o.k. my daughters bike had a broke spring .
both bikes were new in 2005 when i bought them
theklrdude oo Appreciate the feedback. Thanks!
Double the power? Great! Cheap way to get an 84 HP Klr! :)
Good news ,if you put two aftermarket muflers you Triple the HP. LOL
Here is an other awesome and very forming video from eveRide, I enjoys watching it. True that about the mirrors coming loose on the KLR and all the other nuts and bolts, and anything that does have male and female threads are coming loose on KLRs! 😂 but I still love my KLR. Ride safe Everton. 👋
Great Vid! Really captivating. I only intended on watching this for a min!
Great review! I gotta go catch part 2. What are you wearing for gear jacket wise or is it even gear? Looks really breathable. Thanks.
The pre gen 1 klr650 was the klr600 which did not have a fairing, they had a tiny headlight cowl all mounted to the forks like an XR or DR. The military modified a bunch of KLRs and they got rid of the steel tank and the stock fairing and I think used aceribis headlight kits which are likely not even available anymore. Be interesting if that ever happens with the gen2 KLRs?
from Canada also.. Just bought a used 2008 KLR and he had a lowering kit on it. I could see the kick stand being an issue, but with the bike back at manufactured height I have no problem with the side stand. Looks like Utah, Arizona, Texas are AWESOME places for trail riding. Great review though..
You and Cugarfed definitely know how to treat 'em! I ragged on my old one quite a bit, but I didn't have the heart to abuse GoatCabeza's brand new 2013! :)
Good review. I'm in the market for a 650 thumper and had written off the klr. Maybe I'll take a second look. {pre '08}
You can't really go wrong, man. Good luck finding a beaut!
I love what you do, keep it up.
Yessir!! I wish the DRZ had a 6th gear!! The extra gear would make freeway riding more comfortable, esp going to or coming from athe trails! A bigger gas tank stock would be nice as well! Great review eveRide, time to watch part 2 :D Thanks to Mr Goat for letting you roll on the KLR!!
I have a 2015, I heated up kickstand and bent out to fix issue. It does suck from the factory. On a good note, It didnt take a lot of money in aftermarket parts to make extremely dirt worthy.
Yea im 5'6 and i hate the kickstand. Being short the windscreen is fine cuz it hits the top of my helmet. I noticed a big difference in buffeting when i took the big soup bowl handgaurds off. It is heavy and i always seem to go off road right after i fill up but i have not had any problem handling the weight. I love the bike and i have put 7500mi on in the past 6 months. Great video.
Hey man just watching your review again and again. Really good stuff. Last time I wrote I spoke of the wind sail effect on my 2004. SO, I just updated to a supermoto front fender and removed the the hand shields and the difference is pretty sweet!! Rider is 6'04" 210ish. Front fender $25ish and removal of hand shields free. Total Effect kind of Priceless!!!!!!!! Keep up the good work Everride!!!
That's a great idea to remove the "sugar scoops" for highway riding... or at least pick up some lower profile guards. The supermoto fender must help a lot, too. Very cool!
Iv had mine years apart from services iv never spanners it...yeah it's heavy yeah it hasn't got 200bhp but it never stops thumping and compared to what else is on offer for the money. I'm happy..
5,000 miles and no issues with the kick stand. At first I had same thoughts as you, but it just gets programmed into your sub conscience and you don't even think about it. If you ride in 35 degree temperatures, you will find quickly that the fairing does add comforts, especially your upper legs. Never had a mirror blow back, check for tightness? I do wish it had a 6th gear, but for the price, it is what it is. The bike is happiest at 50mph or so, but I did run it at 80 mpupper legs.
How many KLR owners recommend me buying this bike?
I have to agree...the kick stand does suck. I put Eagle Mikes raising links on my KLR and it helped and while the kickstand still sucks it now sucks a bit less but sometimes I still have trouble getting it up and have to lean the bike over....might cut a half inch off it.
I've heard putting a windscreen on the forks can make the steering wobble at higher speeds, maybe that's the reason for the front fairing.
From what I've read, the oil burning issue was mostly on the 08's and some 09's past 5k RPM. Some say if "properly" broken in, oil burning won't be a problem... My 2012 doesn't burn a drop.
This might be weird, but the lighter I go on dirt, the better it feels. The lighter on pavement, the worse it feels. Hence the KLR 650 being a pretty solid bike. It's light enough to pick up on the dirt, but heavy enough to feel planted on the road.
I love my 06' KLR 650, but I seriously have to laugh my ass off when people talk about it being a great touring bike, so you have that right. My max time on Intercraps was an hour and half. It's a great touring bike if all you hit is back roads where you can last much longer, but you don't make near the headway. So it's a great local tourer. Trailer the sucker anywhere and then explore all the backroads within a 100 mile radius. But to each their own. I'm still not fond of the changes to the new model. The new plastic is too easily damaged. It's not like the old plastic that flexes and bends.
I also laugh my ass off when people talk about how fast they are and how they out run sport bikes in the twisties. Ummm... NO! They may out run the RIDER, but not the sport bike itself. KLR650 owners tend to be a unique breed of delusional people for sure. I have kept myself out of that delusion. The KLR is what it is and nothing more. It's a do all bike, but it doesn't excel at anything. Plain and simple.
You nailed it, my friend. You can see by the dislikes and some of the comments that I've offended some hardcore KLR guys out there with an honest opinion of the bike. I guess if they're happy to distance-tour on it, take it in the gnarly dirt, and hate on anybody who says there's a better bike out there for that stuff, then it's all good.
Wow...hmmm...i was just offered a 2015 model with only 400 miles on it for only 3100 bucks, and now I'm seriously debating on the purchase....thanks for the review!
3100 bucks for a KLR with 400 miles on it? Just what do you have to lose? That bike no matter how bad it is will live longer they you will. Buy it, ride it till it's dead by the side of the road. That is if you live long enough to ever see that day. I'v had 25 bike in my life and for the $$$$$, nothing comes close to the KLR. It ain't fast, handles lousy, thumps, needs 6 speeds, along with about 50 other items, but it's almost free, how can a bike which is almost free be better worse then a BWM 850 for 15 grand? That is unless 15 grand is spare change for someone. When the BMW dealer is selling the 850s for 6000 bucks, I'll get in line.
Honestly on the wind buffeting comment I've learned you have 2 options. Either find a windscreen that gets the wind completely off you at speed OR just have no windscreen.
At speed the wind screen actually compresses the air as it moves it out of the way and directs it at your head, or shoulders. Which completely sucks. So myself rather than buying a more expensive wind screen that's going to bob up and down in my line of sight...I just chop it down to the minimum or completely remove it.
The Idea behind the headlight being attached to the frame, instead of the steering is lighter feel in the steering. with a large fairing if you attach the headlight to the steering it will be difficult to turn off road.
ER is a Warrior!,......... Great video!...( As usual) 😎👍👏🍻✌️
Jerrythe coo Thanks Jerry! :D
I know this is an old post and I have watched both part 1 and 2. A main point I don't think was covered in the vids was the price of the KLR compared to other equivilents...most of the time you could purchase 2 KLR's for the price of one Africa Twin for instance. Second, the seats of the new edition KLR's are vastly improved over the previous years. I have owned both models and the new edition seat is extremely comfortable for long distance riding compared with the previous year. Suspension of New edition is a vast improvement, you still need to dial it in a bit for your weight etc but its great compared to the previous setup. And finally the wind issue for long distance...the KLR dash does fix this very nicely. I dont like the dash for bush riding but for long distance its brilliant. Can ride at 110k's/hr with visor open and still hold a conversation with the buddy beside you. Anyway just some tid bits that were not available at the time of the vid....I still agree with the sixth gear though. Even with a 16 tooth I am still always wanting the 6th gear.
The fairing keeps the wind off. Warmer in the winter with a little protection. That's all I thought of it just as others have said. I blamed myself for spazzing out with the kickstand; just should know better!
Good vid/review, late for me, though, guess I'll watch pt2 tomorrow and leave final comment there :).
One thing I didn't see you mention (and maybe you haven't experienced it?) but on the KLR a friend of mine has there is very little clearance between the rear tire and the swing arm. Combined with the placement of the muffler and passenger foot pegs / sub-assembly mud ends up getting trapped and just builds up. While riding on some muddy trails this past weekend he kept getting bogged down to the point where his bike stalled under anything less than 2/3 full throttle. Getting all that mud out wasn't easy and if he got stuck he couldn't just get off the bike to clear it out - he couldn't get his side stand down. Just seemed odd that Kawasaki would overlook something like that on a bike that's built for the next apocalypse.
A number of guys actually cut out a 1" (or more) section of the sidestand on the gen2 KLRs to get them more stable.
Suspension remedy: progressive fork springs, and a used stock (!) White Power rear suspension from a KTM 640. Just a little drilling and grinding to do to fit the upper fixing to the KLR's suspension levers.
re 6th gear on the KLR650s: Both the 4th and 5th gears are overdrives (.954 and .791.) If they were to add a 6th gear it'd probably go towards a lower first gear since it's higher than the other Japanese 650s.
Thanks Doc!
Always thought my '03 could benefit from a 6th gear. Gets a little buzzy about 4500 RPM. Thinking of buying a newer one.
Excellent video. Thanks!
I found with the right helmet the wind will actually mostly hold my head up and i just have to balance it over 60mph.
I am sure if you ditch that upper visor on your helmet your head buffering would be greatly reduced.
Lovely review man. Don't know about all of the traffic that you're competing with on this highway though :/
I welded a small loop at the bottom of my kickstand. It sticks out about an inch and half, I don't even have to look down to retract the stand.
The DR 650 has the same problem with the kickstand being too long. My bike was sitting with the kickstand into the wind and it just blew over!
I just love that you’re wearing a Millencolin shirt!
Of course they improved the suspension and seat on the 2013 & 1/2. They had a 6 speed transmission on the little KLR 250. Never understood why they didn't put one on the 650. Oh well it's discontinued know. There will be used ones on the road for at least another decade.
I loved my 2008 KLR650 right until I started riding freeway to commute to a new job. I traded her for a 2011 weestrom after 1 week of commuting. I actually miss it for hacking around on the back roads.
Decent review...thanks. I've owned an '03 KLR and an '09...felt the fairing was better on the newer model. Both bikes capable of much better mpg than 50 if you are not twisting a lot of throttle. I've owned a V-Strom. Best of the lot, but it really is not a dual sport....wouldn't take it on the same roads as the KLR. People diss the KLR mostly because it doesn't do everything perfectly. Name a bike that does. For between 2 and 4 grand used, the KLR is the best compromise bike on the market. And reliable as it gets. No, its not a cruiser or sport bike. No, its not a lightweight dirt bike.
Add the KLR dash and tilt the windshield forward for better wind deflection. Also add a flood aux light and the headlight turning does not matter as much.
Lower it 1 inch, crash bar. Heated grips, klr dash, power panel, double take mirror, Sargent seat, progressive springs, bar riser. Low kickstand, hardbags, fork brace, lower front fender, led bulbs, 16 tooth front sprocket, acerbis hand guards. Skid plate and magnetic drain bolt, brake resoivor cover, safety kickstand bypass. You're done!
I believe that's around 3 grand in mods
I have a 2012 KLR and agree about the kickstand. The solution is pretty easy. Just put it up before getting on the bike. Lot of times I just kick it into gear and ride off mounting the bike as I go horse style.
It's an AFX DS 39. It's a dynamite helmet for only about $100!
I haven't followed the oil problem much. I know ChaplainC was having all kinds of issues with gas mileage and oil problems, but he's the only one I've heard of with those problems. I don't think he was the kindest owner, though :)
I also liked the look of your old KLR.
Yeeeah Robert! 7500mi in 6 months? That's absolutely fantastic!
I cut half an inch out of my kick stand and welded the foot back on. far as the fairing goes, I totally agree. its not really doing anything but costing money if it drops. the prior owner of mine was able to bend the cowling just from a light drop (trying to put the kickstand up lol ) I personally would rather just get the safari tank, then buying armor for cheap plastic. that way all the space serves a purpose, and the radiator is good and protected.
KLR 650's are a great bike! I had 2- 09's and finally sold one. Own a V strom 1000 2012 and really like it as well. I have the best of both world and might even purchase a 2013 v strom EXP. But back to the KLR 650, it's such a durable, simple and reliable bike. You truly won't regret owning one of these bikes, the 2014 are even better with upgrades on a few flawed items from the past.
I doubt very much I'll ever sell my KLR 650...
Safe riding all !
Thanks lv2! I really miss my KLR, especially for the longer hauls. It really is a fantastic, low maintenance, strong performing bike that does just about anything you throw at it. I also look forward to getting a V Strom some day!
It seems like it wouldn't make sense, but I completely agree. I'd rather just have smooth, constant air hitting me from the chest up than have a jacked up jetstream to the face. There was an aftermarket windscreen/dash for the KLR that actually increased the angle of the windscreen, so it was able to throw air over the rider. Still, larger windscreens are bad for offroading because they tend to smack you in the face when you go up a hill.
from Canada: YOU NEED to tell us what road that was.....-and great review!!
Ahh that sucks that your KLR drang up oil. I heard that could happen on 2008 and 2009 models, but 2011 is pretty recent for that to still be happening :\
The wind hitting your helmet isn't a problem that can't be easily fixed. I installed a Madstad windshield on my 2016 KLR and now it's like riding in a bubble. No buffeting at all. Just another easy KLR fix. I had the same "tall" windshield that you have in this video and I ended up returning it for a full refund.
Every bike is going to need some modifications to make it a little better than stock.
I'm fortunate that I'm able to afford ANY bike on the showroom floor. My 2016 KLR constantly puts a smile on my face. For riding more aggressive trails and catching air I ride a modified DRZ400 that keeps my "motocross" DNA happy.
I am 6 foot 4. At 65 MPH and in colder weather I found my KLR almost unridable. The wind hit me right at the shoulders and head. I installed a higher wind screen made by parabellum. Reasonable price, easy to install and made a huge difference.
Something I realized when thinking about a new to me bike(I have wanted the klr650) I really don't live in a 50/50 place. Everyone around here loads up dirt bikes and drives to places to ride. 20 years ago there were powerlines to ride and people did not freak out for riding around there fields. I have to choose something for my riding ablity, where I live and my buget. I am sure now I am looking for something smaller and lighter. A DRZ 400 can't be worse on the road as the jeep. I think thats
This bike is pretty much 100% stock aside from Mefo Explorer tires, SW Motech crash bars, and a taller windshield.
You ever ride a Honda XR650? Either the 650L or better the 650R have tons of torque & for crawling on trails you may want a smaller bike but in the desert or climbing hills you can't beat those bikes. Now I like a medium bike for off road & have owned a few. The KLR to me would be best to drive out to fire trails but there so heavy I believe the weight is like 430 lbs+ now that's a lot of weight. A person that owns one is trying to have a do it all bike & sometimes that just doesn't work.
...and the plastic fairings protect the tank when you drop it. Love your vids by the way.
I am in love with my klr 650
Isn't it funny how that works? I actually prefer my DRZ at freeway speeds over the KLR witth the mini windscreen because smooth air hits me all over, rather than buffeted air getting directed square at the middle of my helmet :)
eveRIDE, what external mic do you use for your GoPro?
TPI has a 1 inch shorter kickstand available now by the way
Good video!!!
that about the kickstand is true, it is a problem for me too because you have to find a parking without any opposite inclination even that I am tall, that bike is a heavy one (200kg).
riding a highway is not to bad even that I feel without power sometimes but a bit better than DRZ 400 (I had before a DRZ 2006) but off road beacuse KLR is heavier I feel less confidence to ride; then for me DRZ was more enjoyable.
anyway, is a good review.
I've had KLR for 6 months I am falling in love, things to change(1st. mirrors).
how about if I change the exhaust I am thinking vance & Hines.
is it goona work better?what do you think?
luis antonio Ah man as for sound I LOVE *****'s Two Brother's exhaust. It's quite loud, though... so for longer trips it might be a bit fatiguing, but oh it just sounds SOOOOOO good! I'm not sure if exhausts do a TON for power... MrDuhfactor would know a lot more about that :)
I own a DR650 and I haven't ridden a KLR yet but I'm sure you're not giving it the credit it deserves.
Duder, you have to turn the front wheel to the left so it sits on the kickstand right.