2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 Freeway Test
Vložit
- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- Does the 2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 have enough top speed to handle freeway riding? Is the lack of 6th gear a deal breaker in terms of 2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 freeway performance? In this video, I'll show you exactly how the 2022 KLR 650 highway speed performance is in the simplest and most direct way I can think of: by actually taking my 2022 KLR on the freeway and recording the whole thing.
This idea that the KLR isn't a bike you can ride at freeway speeds or really anything above 65 or 70 miles per hour is a total myth, in my opinion. Sure, it would be more comfortable if the KLR had a 6th gear, but that doesn't mean it can't handle being ridden at freeway speeds for extended periods of time. There are vibrations, yes, but the 2022 KLR 650 top speed is more than adequate to not only survive on the freeway, but to allow you to cruise comfortably and safely while still having enough power to accelerate to 80 or 90 miles per hour if need be.
Basically, riding the KLR on the freeway is totally possible and you shouldn't let the stigma associated with it keep you from strongly considering purchasing a 2022 KLR 650 of your own.
-SUBSCRIBE for more adventures, how-tos, gear reviews, and moto shenanigans!
bit.ly/dorkinth...
Check out www.dorkinthero... for all your dorky motorcycling needs!
Want early access to videos and other perks? Become a channel member: / @dorkintheroad
Merch Store: teespring.com/...
Instagram: / adorkintheroad
Twitter: / adorkintheroad
Support me on Patreon: www.patreon.co...
Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links:
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/3tYzpXq
Amazon: amzn.to/3aDkk4z
Revzilla: imp.i104546.ne...
MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.c...
DitR Storefront on Amazon: www.amazon.com...
Save 20% on Gaia GPS Premium with this link: www.gaiagps.co...
Bigfoot Bushcraft Firestarters: bigfoot-bushcr...
Save 15% with promo code "dorkintheroad"
Dork in the Road’s Riding Gear Picks on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3t8fgOC
Dork in the Road’s Dual Sport Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3yzVuws
Dork in the Road’s Adventure Bike Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3zGFHxg
Select music courtesy of Epidemic Sound. Use this link to get a free 30-day trial: www.epidemicso...
Adventure Riding Gear:
Klim Krios Helmet: bit.ly/2U8kYmn
Klim Traverse Jacket: bit.ly/3v6Cju1
Klim Traverse Pants:bit.ly/2X5CIjP
Klim Marrakesh Jacket: bit.ly/3h3zy66
Klim Marrakesh Pants: bit.ly/3lxjCfL
Klim Inferno Jacket: bit.ly/3Ax4PWN
Klim Inferno Pants: bit.ly/3lweKYy
Klim PowerXross Gloves: bit.ly/3ACxZnv
Rev-it Sand 3 Gloves: bit.ly/3AznS2P
Camelbak M.U.L.E.: amzn.to/3iXdewN
Garmin InReach Mini: bit.ly/3v6D2vf
Giant Loop Tracker Packer (Mount for InReach): bit.ly/3ayYFel
Alpinestars Corozal Boots: bit.ly/3mNXEEY
Giant Loop Neck Buff: www.giantloopm...
Trail Riding Gear:
Fox Racing Raptor Vest CE: bit.ly/3BDUgmn
Alpinestars Tech 7 MX Boots: bit.ly/3v6bFkU
Klim Dakar Gloves: bit.ly/3BHkqEw
Klim Dakar In The Boot Pants: bit.ly/2YOSWPf
Klim XC Lite Jersey: bit.ly/3vgeYX2
Klim Viper Goggles: bit.ly/3lEe2so
Fox Titan Race Elbow Pads: bit.ly/3FLOocU
Filming Gear:
GoPro Hero 9: amzn.to/3ByMolX
Battery Pack for Helmet Cam: amzn.to/2YJFfRc
GoPro Hero 9 Media Mod: amzn.to/3awIj5J
DJI Osmo Action: amzn.to/3ADixaK
DJI Osmo Action Mic Adapter: amzn.to/3BDsTIR
Mini Tripod w/Ring Light: bit.ly/3FLrVg8
Helmet Mic: amzn.to/3mRPE5S
I have a 2009 KLR , I re-geared to a 16 tooth front and 38 tooth rear and wow what a difference, 75-80 with ease at 4000-4400 rpm and very little vibration, I highly recommend changing the sprockets.
Any noticeable difference on the low end?
@@RayTeerlink yeah a little, the takeoff from stop lights is a little different but other than that it still has a lot of torque to accelerate fast.
By changing the gears it lowered your rpm’s? I’m assuming better mpg on commuting
@@bob-o9865 yeah, night and day difference.
How's the oil consumption?
Oh heck yes! I rode my 2022 KLR on the southern California freeways no problem! It moves out fine!
commifornia ?
@@joecamel6835 oh geez! 👽👽
How's it doing on oil? Any burning issue?
I ask this because my '08 was a burner from the showroom. Could never ride without taking a quart with me. Very discouraging! Had to sell it.
I don't have enough miles on my '23 to know yet.
It can run with the big dogs with no problem, besides who in a big hurry anyway when riding. What a beautiful bike you have. Thanks for sharing.
I'm pretty happy with it
@@DorkintheRoad that’s good it’s yours. Wednesday I pick up me 41st new bike Husqvarna 701 Enduro. I’m going to trade in my DRZ.
I owned a highly modified '08 KLR650 and it could do interstates it wasn't in its happy place. 65 mph was a comfortable pace for the bike and me.
Ended up trading for a Versys 650 and KLX250S to better cover street and trail riding.
Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links:
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/3tYzpXq
Amazon: amzn.to/3aDkk4z
Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/4eMdJZ
MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork
DitR Storefront on Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/dorkintheroad
Save 20% on Gaia GPS Premium with this link: www.gaiagps.com/discounts/?fp_ref=dork
Bigfoot Bushcraft Firestarters: bigfoot-bushcraft.com/?ref=dork
Save 15% with promo code "dorkintheroad"
Dork in the Road’s Riding Gear Picks on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3t8fgOC
Dork in the Road’s Dual Sport Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3yzVuws
Dork in the Road’s Adventure Bike Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3zGFHxg
Good job. I had a 2011 KLR and yours seems to have a little better acceleration. Probably because of the fuel injection. Keep the content coming
Great video. Congrats on 40k! I too believe that the Klr was too slow…. But after seeing your video it looks fine. I love at the end you gave the set up you got and how much you weigh. That helps when trying to see if the bike will work for me. Thanks!
*believed
Everytime the Excite bike theme comes up I get a rush of nostalgia.
Great video. Currently looking at KLRs as a second bike and was curious how one would handle my long, boring highway commute down I-5. Seems like it'll do fine - better than my old KLX230, for sure.
This is slowly becoming one of my all time favorite channels. But man do some episodes on your gaming! I hop on my KLR and head to the woods with my Switch too. What are your favorite games right now? What are your favorites from childhood? Do you have any video game bucket lists you're trying to achieve?
CZcams basically buries anything outside of your normal content so any gaming stuff would not get any views, sadly. I'll try and work some game convos into some camping vids, maybe.
Bought my 2nd gen klr in Montana rode it all the way home from Billings to Newport Oregon I pretty much had top speed of 95. ( Wouldn't want to hold it there) but 85 almost the whole way back. Was not an issue.
My DR650 with one less tooth up front than stock, and a larger rear tire (tusk d sport knobbies), did 2 hours of 75-80 free way riding. Glad I had a windshield. Definitely vibrated a bit.
That answers that question perfectly.
I used to own a 1999 KLR650 and it would do 75 all day on the NYS Thruway with ease.
Looking to get one of these to commute with and bang trails on the weekend. I have about 15 min of freeway both ways. This is exactly the video I'm looking for.
I'm used to taking small bikes on the freeway. Had a few Cafe racers. Moto guzzis and small Hondas.
My KLR tops out AT 93 , but is really comfortable at 77. I love my KLR. I have A 2003 Harley wide glide and a 2017 Indian chief dark horse but actually enjoying commuting 50 miles a day on the interstate more with the KLR, and I’m about to sell the Indian . The KLR is just fun
It's the riding position. It's the most comfortable and natural imo
I just went all the way to lake George and then whiteface mountain 🏔 on the Klr and the bike did wonderful 💯 I did 85-90 occasionally
What year is your KLR? I’m thinking about getting one, I commute 60+ miles / day
The klr650 is the bike you want I own 2 of them 50 miles to a gallon and very comfortable
Awesome!! Better than I imagined. I can’t wait for this MI winter to give way so I can get mine out at any speed! 😂 👍🏼✌🏼
I know this is about the performance of your KLR and I agree with you, the 650cc bikes will do freeway speeds all day. Yes there are other bikes that will do freeway speeds easier and with more comfort, it all depends on what type of riding you prefer and everyone has their own preference. The ney-sayers need to ride their ride and us 650 peeps will ride our ride. I have the Honda XR650L also with 5 gears and I can run I-5 all day if I need to. Personally prefer secondary roads and speeds slower than 75-80 but that's just me. I've had it up above 80 a few times but my old man gray hair speaks to me louder than testosterone these days and says I can slow the *&^% down anytime.
On my Oahu world we have freeways but they’re really just used as shortcuts that take you off busier semi city traffic scenarios. I don’t think I’ve ever taken the KLR over 70. Sometimes I want an excuse to go 80 but then I run out of time and end up on some secondary street. Sometimes I miss and get jealous of the open road. Oh, and we don’t have big foots but do somehow have elusive Wallabies up in the dense forests. I’ve lived here for 28 years and I’ve never personally seen one.
Your not looking hard enough, Big Foot is definitely there, he even has a few little foots (Kids)
I took my '08 KLR 650 cross-country once. Granted, it was South Africa, and not the US, but still... Didn't know a thing about ear plugs back then, and was running an after-market Arrow slip-on exhaust - I am sure I lost some hearing on that trip... Also, the vibrations did get a bit tiresome after long hours at a time.
As you rightly said - if you are happy to ride speeds at which you actually see the countryside, then the KLR is more than up to the task. I know this, because I also took a 1984 Honda XL 250 cross-country in South Africa, which was not such an easy feat as with the KLR...
Even thou I was pretty sure you made it alright. I was still praying for you the whole time watching the video. 💯✌️🤟🤘
you need to go one tooth bigger on your countershaft sprocket,it dosent hurt your first gear at all it just makes the bike run out nicer in second through fifth gears,it will make a nice difference.and its cheap for what u get out of it.
Cool. A 650 runs fine on the highway. I ride a DR650 and there is no issues with power or drivetrain. Wind on the other hand.. well, you gotta man up and just deal with it.
I have a KLR 2022 Traveler and I was thinking that KLR on a highway wasn't a good idea. After proper break the engine in, Even with that big top case and huge high fender the KLR performed very well on the highway. I am sure with out the top case and lowering the fender it can go almost 100, for sure over 90.... I never tried max speed, but often time when I need to pass some truck or danger traffic it hits 85 easily. My cruse speed is 70, if the highway is empty I'll go 65.
First time I've seen someone admit to going slower with no traffic. I love it when there are no cars, I slow down and just buzz along enjoying the scenery and relaxing. Going fast, for me, is over-rated. Everything I enjoy goes by too quick. I'm toying with selling my Road King and just riding a KLR. ☮
@@torquer9669 100% . Only reason sometimes I ride over 65 its because the traffic here is fast and I need to follow the flow also its safer stay always from the cars.
I did 650 mile rides down to Vegas every year on my gen 1 Cruising at 70+ the whole way and it was fine. The only issues I had were fasteners coming loose.
I find the vibration a little bit more than I expected on my 2023 KLR 650S but it has a lot more power than my Himalayan.
I've done freeway klr gen 2 riding plenty. No problems other than using oil at those speeds! Do with my drz the ergos aren't very comfy for hours of freeway, plus it's got plenty of power but gets buzzy at that speed. Now the drz is the one that needs the 6th gear!
My 2006 would comfortably cruise at 65-70. The first Gen did not have a highway friendly fairing like the Gen 2 & 3. A number do the guys on KLR650forums would swap out the front sprocket for a 16T to keep thr revs down. - Frank
I LOVED my KLR but ultimately it wasn't a good machine on the interstate highway going 75mph. It can do it, but the rpms were on the high side. I generally avoid the interstate on my trips, but sometimes you can't avoid it completely. I ended up selling it and buying the T7.
I’m looking to buy a T7….how does it handle the highway??…….love my KLR but try to avoid highways
@@garyrourke3284 It seems great on the highway. Has almost twice the horsepower as the KLR and rides comfortably at 75-80mph. The T7 is also just as reliable as the KLR if not more so. I love the middle-weight adv bikes as opposed to the much heavier 1200cc class, so the T7 fits the bill.
If you can own only one motorcycle, the KLR is tough to beat.
Rode my Gen 2 KLR for 1800km ( over 1100 miles) mostly highway on one trip in Australia.
no problem.
My 08 does just fine at 70-75 on the freeway.
My 2015 KLR 650 flys down the freeway. Effortless. I do have a 16 tooth front sprocket which helps. I could ride this bike across country if I liked. You would be tired at the end of the day but it’s doable
Had a 2022 Desert Tan “Khaki” KLR and loved it. I sold it and always regretted it, so I bought the 2023 yellow one. I’m a huge fan. I came from Harleys. I’ve hit 100mph on the KLR, they will do it, but they don’t need to. They do well above the posted speed limits. In my opinion the KLR is a perfect all around bike. It checks your ego at the door, and let’s you enjoy riding.
Good info. I'm torn. Most of my daily commuting is 75 the whole way and my trips include mostly all 75 speed limits. Been running a Suzuki boulevard and a Ducati Multistrada, but the Ducati is way way more than I need. Idles at 100mph. I really want a KLR but it would have to be comfortable for 8hrs at 75-80 for my trips to Denver. Might have to look into a Tenere or something to meet my demands in the middle
My advice is get the bike design to do the thing you want. A 5 speed with 40 couple horsepower is NOT designed for what you're describing. CAN it do it, sure, but why not get a bike that is WAY better at the freeway part of your travel needs.
V-Strom maybe?
I have an 06 c90t and a klr. Also rode the Idaho BDR twice last year with lots of detours. After several hours on the klr, I'd have given my left nut to be back on my Suzuki. Street bikes for streets my friend.
For that type of trip the Yamaha would be better.
Honda Goldwing didn't have a 6th gear until 2018.
but GW has an extra 5 cylinders compared to KLR!
OMG, how did the owners’ ever manage to go on the freeway?!?! 😁
Thanks for showing that the KLR will do 70+mph. I have a 2013 KLR, it does everything I need it to do just fine.
At 4:25 yes, most testing on the 2022 with fuel injection are done bone stock, loaded up . I want to take the air box boot out , get a slip on exhaust and a ECU flash and try to see what that yeilds with a stock cylinder. Doohickey and Thermobob on the way as we speak.
Appreciate the video and info
My 2011 KLR does 110kmh all day, it loves it and so do I. Don't know where the stigma comes from but it's from people who've never ridden a KLR, I'll tell you that much.
I take it you're in Aus? How many RPM does it do at 110kph? And have you changed either front or rear sprocket (or both)
@@Thedog5563 Approx 4750RPM @ 110kmh. on stock sprockets. It will go faster than that but it's a slow process getting there, there's not a huge amount left for quick overtaking. If you have a Gen 1 or Gen 2 KLR want a little more oomph from it Google MCP Carb Correction Kit, and fit that kit. Highly recommended and the guy who sells them Grant Jensen is helpful in the extreme, has endless patience for questions. This is particularly beneficial in Australian KLRs because they're heavily restricted from factory. Note this will not work on the current model Gen 3's as seen in this video because they're fuel injected, obviously.
I ride my KLR650 everyday on the freeway and no problems
Great example of the capabilities of that machine!👊👍
Did 600 miles in 3 days mostly highway miles front sprocket ⚙️ 16 tooth and the rear 42 💯 and it performed I’m proud of the K
Bought a '22 KLR Adventure the week of thanksgiving of '21. Now the beginning of March '22 as i write this i have 3,000 miles. That was all winter mileage. Ill rack up alot more when actual riding season arrives. The KLR can absolutely do hwy speed...however at 60 mph it runs 4,000rpm and each additional 5mph adds another 500rpm. That means at 75 mph the engine is turning 5500 rpm. Which equates to roughly 75% of the engines total operating capacity. THATS WHERE THE OIL BURNING ISSUE comes from. I ride mostly at 65mph or a lil less. That brings the total engine capacity closer to 60%. I havent burnt an ounce of oil in 3000 miles on my 22 adventure using this method
I don’t have a 6th gear either on my sportster but it’s ok also
I had a 2008 KLR and it did just fine on the free way for a single cylinder dual sport. My KLR Seemed happiest on the free way between 65 and 75 mph.I have a 2017 Africa Twin and a 2022 KTM 690 enduro r. I can't really compare the Africa Twin to a KLR, although the Twin is much better on the free way. The KTM 690 is not a great free way bike for long distance, but like the KLR and other dual sport bikes they aren't going to be great on the free way for long distance compared to a big advantage bike, although they will do it.
The only time I ride on highways is when my adventure was a bit too adventurous, it's dark and I want to get home home ASAP, not only to get home faster but also to avoid deer in the early hours after dusk on the wooded back roads where I usually ride. I much prefer to ride secondary roads to get to the off road adventure. I have a G310GS and it has very nice road manners, way nicer than the dual sport thumpers I've owned. It makes 34 HP which isn't too bad for a 374 pound bike. It'll cruise at highway speeds but it's a bit buzzy and the lightweight bike is blown around a bit on the highway. The baby GS is optimized for the riding I do, but it's nice to know I'll cruise at highway speed even if that's not its forte.
The new KLR 650 seemed reasonably comfortable on the highway. I'm sure it's not as nice as the big luxurious $20K+ bikes, but definitely good enough.
4:32 - I'd have stopped to see if the bicyclist with the trailer needed help.
Oh heck, I did'nt know you are a fellow Oregonian. I recognized that stretch of highway quite well. I'm up north near Hillsboro. Currently running xr650Ls, but looking at a new KLR because of the fuel injection for altitude changes that I frequent when hauling the bike on my rv.
Your videos are awesome - definitely a factor in purchasing my 2022 KLR - Thank you - been doing much highway riding - looking for suggestions on better tires for on road riding if you have any- Tom
I've rode my 2008 klr650 on the highway at 75-80. 400+miles.
Faster at times. Yes.. it burned oil 🤦♂️. I kept a eye on it. Bike is still kicking away.
New KLR is not burning oil at all. After had broken in the engine I had rode 250 miles at 80... no oil was burned , but Eagle Mike says the problem still there, so I am still checking it once in a while.
I did a very method engine break, this could be helping
New subscriber,, loving the klr content it has helped in my decision to add 1 with my drz400 sm. It has 15/41 gearing and I'm guessing your drz400 has 15/44. Would you say the klr is significantly better at highways speeds or just marginally better?
The klr is far better than the drz, anything over about 60mph on the drz is just torture, the is like an africa twin when comparing it to the drz.
I just bought a 2007 klr absolutely beautiful. From a motorcycle mechanic. All stock and it does 95 mph. So for more low end I'm going with a 45 or 47 rear sprocket and hope it can still do 70. I live in the north woods of Minnesota so I think I'll be happy on both dirt and tar . And people who say u can't wheelie a klr!!! Lol bullshit I can do 3 gear clutch wheelies no problem. Oh and I also have a hawk 250 witch I ride full throttle all day long. With me at 225lb it goes 67mph.
I have a 2014 New Edition. However I have the 16 tooth front sprocket, and it make a world of difference...Well worth the effort/investment for freeway rides, and makes little to no discernable difference off road...
My Gen1 would top out at 107. Modified airbox and a SuperTrap muffler, was all I did to it.
I'll echo that. I normally ride with Harleys and sport bikes on my banged-up gen1. It will do 90 for longs stretches...the wobble and hand numbness adds to the excitement. Its a do it all bike
Thanks for the awesome review. How would it do 2 up on the freeway? Does it have enough torque to maintain 80 2 up loaded up with gear?
People always worrying about the klr on the freeway and the only problem I've had is crosswinds and turbulence behind semis.as far as hurting the bike, I don't see that really happening unless you run it wide open all the time and never change the oil.my 22 model now has 7000 miles,90% on the interstate going 75 or 80 30 miles to work and 30 miles back home every day and doesn't use any oil and sounds like it did on day one. no thermobob,no doohickeys bone stock except for a 16 tooth front sprocket.I also have a generator with a Kawasaki single cylinder four stroke engine that was several years old when hurricane ida hit.we were without power for six weeks and that generator ran literally non stop, under load 24 hours a day seven days a week for six weeks and still runs fine today with two oil changes during the six run if that gives you any indication of the durability of Kawasaki single cylinder engines.six weeks straight only shut it off twice to change the oil.I put gas in it while it was running.pretty impressive.I think the klr motor is built a little tougher than the generator motor so ride the thing.dont worry about it.chang the oil.if something breaks fix it.dont try to overthink the klr.
My gen 2 has done just fine on the freeway at 75-80. After that it’s capable to hit 90 but general freeway speeds are super doable.
She's a daisy on the highway. Way better than gen 2 I'm almost 300lbs and it's good up till 80mph. 80 to 90 is slow. If you're going faster than 90, SLOW DOWN 😄 I've hit 99 before i had to slow down, but I'm positive i could've got that ton son 🏍️💨
In my personal opinion, over 70 mph your fuel consumption increases dramatically. 60-65 you can get 300 miles out of a tank. 70-75.. drops to about 220 miles on a tank.
That looks like it’s near Albany Oregon. I just got my 2022 klr and went up soda fork off hwy 20 last weekend. First time riding a motorcycle off road.. ok first time taking a bike off road that was actually made for it… even though I ran into snow several areas it was still a blast.
Got a Gen 2 KLR its good for 85 mph. Put a bigger front sprocket on and fork brace. Also recommend changing stock tyres to a more road tyre. Pirrelli Scorpions for example.
What does putting those parts on helps with?
@@JessicaRodriguez-gi2cl sprocket change reduces revs so can run better @ highway speeds, running for long periods above 5000rpm KLRs can burn engine oil. Fork brace and tyres reduce front end wobble @ highway speeds. Take a stock KLR up to top speed its not very stable out the factory without mods
I had a 2015 KLR 650 and now have a 2018 KLR 650 and on the 2015 I changed out the standard front sprocket from a 15 tooth to a 16 tooth at about the 300 km mark. For the 2018, I got the dealer to change the standard 15 tooth front sprocket to a 16 tooth front sprocket before I picked up the bike.
What did this achieve? On both bikes the bike went 6% faster at the same revs with the 16 tooth sprocket compared to the 15 tooth sprocket. Why? on both bikes the manual said not to exceed 4000 RPM during the first 800 km (500 miles) of run-in. With the 15 tooth sprocket, the bikes would go 94 km/h at 4000 RPM in top gear. With the 16 tooth sprocket the speed of the bikes in top gear @ 4000 RPM was 100km/h (62 miles per hour). Made running-in the bike nicer. In Australia in most places the maximum highway speed is 100km/h. There are some places where the max speed is 110km/h. The only down side I found was I needed a bit more clutch slip to go up steep hills. Everywhere else, the bike just grunts along fine.
Anyhow you may want to have a look at the 16 tooth front sprocket swap at the next chain and sprockets change after the current set wears out.
thx for the demo
My riding group shits on the KLR for it's piggishness. Thanks for showing me that it'll be just fine for my slow ass.
Had the first generation KLR650 went from Barrie Ontario the Epworth Newfoundland mostly highway and found it very comfortable. Wind protection I will leave for the candy ass riders, runes a good ride.
What's up dork? always wanted to say that and not get cursed out! anyway I fixed the rattling black plastic pieces on the sides of the gas tank.I just threw them in the shed and left them there.rattling fixed.all I can see that they do is hide two bolts.less wind drag, bike is a half ounce lighter, I don't get those two little pieces even being there.why?also my top air vents o my helmet were rattling and sounded just like something on the front of the bike.closed the vents and it stopped.that took a while to figure out but got the rattling solved and rides are much more enjoyable.
I ride my 2016 on the hwy. 60mph is about 4000 rpm in 5th. I wander up to 70s some times without meaning it. 1 hour on the hwy and i ready to get off.
Honestly 80 mph is a bit lacking. I'd feel intimidated by the cars behind me when riding the KLR on busy european highways, where the avg. speed of traffic revolves somewhere between 80-90 mph. Other than that, 80 is totally fine for long distance cruising on a bike. With that said, nobody buys a KLR for highway riding. It has other qualities.
Idk I do it in Texas USA are speed limits go up to 95mph and I’m normally chillin I just take another route if I come across a 90+ mph highway
The New York Thruway speed limit is 65. Cars travel at 80 avg honestly I would have to ride in the right lane at 74. Thanks I would def need to consider that
Hey Dork
Wondering what your max weight was while owning the KLR? I'm looking at getting one, still deciding on gen 3 vs older, I really dont wanna mess with carbs but my god gen 1 and 2s are cheap to buy lol
I'm also cutting down, used to do strongman contests at 300-310 lbs, Now I'm just arm wrestling and dont need to be so heavy, cutting down to 250-265ish. wondering how much weight you carried between rider and gear? Factory limit seems low for hefty fellers. TIA, keep up the great channel!
And what about riding at 80 with passenger and Babbage ?
Probably depends on the size of your passenger…
I see that you have a Garmin XT mount without the power cord in the middle. Is that because you usually use the XT on another bike and just bought a mount only for this bike? How does the battery on the GPS do without power?
I plug it in to the USB charger on the bike.
Now that mine has broken in a bit the 65mph speeds are more comfy. 70-75 feels wound up more than I would like to cruise at but it can be done for sure. I stick to the side roads where it’s more fun but with a 16 tooth front sprocket I’m sure the highway would be fairly palatable
lol my 250 can do 65 comfortably .
How is the 50-70mph acceleration? brisk enough to pass people on state roads/55mph roads? thank you for the thoughtful KLR videos!
How accurate is the speedo? I know the older KLR speedos were off proportionally inaccurate
I haven't tested it yet
Man, 2022 KLR reads about 2 mph slow, like most bike's !
Yeah I have that feeling too on my 22 KLR. Always need to go faster to stay will the flow of traffic. Ben if you could test that would be great 👍
Oil consumption?
is your speedometer off, my brothers is off by 6 mph at 75, try gps.
Electronic and machine speedometers are more accurate than GPS.
Are you saying that the manufacturer and dealership are selling vehicles with improperly calibrated speed sensors?
Thats a lawsuit, IF you're right.
EVERY bike I've ever owned read at least 6 mph fast except my Road King and Honda Monkey were spot on, my BMWs were the biggest offenders with most reading 8-9 mph fast at freeway speeds, not until I got my gps did I know except one time I had a CHP radar me on a road, he did it four times because he couldn't believe it, my 1991 GS read fast by 11 mph. Reading 65, actual speed was 54, reading 55, actual speed was 44, always wondered why cars were blowing by me. My 2021 DR650 reads 65 at actual GPS speed of 59 mph. GPS is way more accurate. also has to do with which size tires you have on the bike. A lot of bikes have wheel driven speedos. Bike speedos are usually off, just a fact of life, not lawsuit worthy, I use a gps instead of a speedo on my bikes.
Officer - You were speeding here's your ticket
Dork - I'll type fight it in court
Judge - How do you plea?
Dork - Not guilty sir, I ridee a KLR
Judge - A KLR ?! Case dismissed!!
Good 👍 for me!!!!
I ride mine almost daily in the summer. (2010 gen 2, stock gearing) It’ll do 120kph at a bit over 5000rpm all day. I can overtake people (with some planing) and it’ll do 140kph in short bursts although, I bet it could run 140 all day as well.
140 kph ? doubt
Is that garmin mount only for a 'Zumo'? Or will it mount a 'Tread' as well?
Gen 2, 2015 KLR does just fine holigan riding
My 22 KLR handles the freeway just fine...but I like the backroads much better.
I was talking to someone the other day about how the KLR does on the hwy and your thoughts are my thoughts!! To a T! The 5th gear reason is kinda silly to me, I had a FJR before this KLR. It only had a 5 speed, would anyone be silly enough to say it's not a capable highway bike because of that? I also find the KLR to be more roomy than my FJR. So is it buzzier than the FJR at 75 / 80 - oh hell yah! But will I do another SS or BB on my KLR - oh hell yah!!
KLRs are great on the freeway. They get 500 miles per quart of oil :)
Hey dork I have the same exact bike as you and same gear too. I noticed today when leaning left between 50-60mph I'm getting a whine from seemingly the front tire. Any thoughts?
wheel bearing every time. Ive has some out live bikes and some go bad in the first 100 miles on a new bike. Just luck of the chinesum
i think the true concern is the KLR oil consumption at extended highway speeds.
Such a shame no 6th gear.
220 pounds. Costa Mesa to Anza Borrego Desert with camping gear (in the rain). No problemo!
I got my 2022 to 80mph (indicated) yesterday. There was still plenty of throttle left, but I just don't like going that fast.
I'm looking for a KLR, it's a good motorcycle(comfortable etc) for long distance/short distance rides?
@@KevinGgames -- The longest I've ridden so far was about 2 hours, and it's plenty comfortable for that. Later this summer I'll be taking a much longer trip with 5 hour legs.
Did a 5 hour haul on I-40 from TN to NC and itll def do it fairly comfortably, I was sitting at about 75-80 mph most of the time and cranked it up to about 95 to pass a semi or sketchy driver a time or two, but it definitely needs windsheild risers and Id reccomend an 11 tooth front sprocket for longer freeway trips
I have 2021 Drz400s. I had a chance to get a 2023 Klr adventure. I didn't really think it would be that much of an upgrade and benefit me for years. I already did so many mods on the Drz400s that I will not get back in the trade. But the Klr is only 5k after all discounts and trade in. Any advice on this? I am not really sure at the moment. Thanks for the advice.
Do you leave the super stock pegs on for highway cruising?
Yes.
2022 klr 650 wobbles between the speed of 85mph and up. top speed was about 96mph.
Should I wait for a 2023?
Do you have an extension on the quad lock? Your phone definitely sits higher than my quad lock on my klr
ive had my KLR at 95, on a track, obviously
It's never about the speed with modern full size motorcycles in regards to Highways, they can nearly all do 80+without breaking much of a sweat, it's about comfort and stability.
I took one of these out and she's not a very comfortable ride at 70 and I found her quickly becoming obnoxious at 75+. She's obviously manageable, but if I had to commute 10+ miles every day on a highway or something... no thanks. Past 65 she is too rung out and she starts to make you tingle in your ass and dankly bits pretty quickly. She really wants to cruise along at around 55-60, not 70. The lack of the 6th gear really hurts the bike in that regard. I'm sure you could change sprockets and that would sort her out, but stock she's one of those bikes you kinda avoid highways with if practical because it's more of a tolerable than enjoyable experience. If you take out something like a Honda CB500X you can quickly feel a big difference in comfort and how that 6th gear drastically improves the experience.
Are you gonna put a bigger cylinder om that one? Like try and do the 685 mod.
I have a gin too have done three 400 miles at a time or more on highway at 65 70 no problem
Thanks for share! Oil Consumption at that speed?
Haven't noticed any yet.