3 Reasons NOT To Buy A KLR650!
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- Опубликовано: 1 авг 2024
- Thinking about buying a Kawasaki KLR 650? Before you do listen two my three biggest complaints about the bike! I go over the rather tall seat height, the excessively hefty weight, and the disappointingly lacking 5 speed transmission. But yet I still LOVE the bike!
KLR Accessory Reviews:
• CHEAP KLR650 Foot Pegs
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Associate Links For Kawasaki KLR650 Stuff & Things
KLRDASH:
www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pa...
Windshield:
www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pa...
Phone Mount:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Mirrors:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Wide Foot Pegs:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Tusk Low Profile Oil Drain Plug:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Tusk Front Crash Bars: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06...
DirtRacks Rear Crash Bars:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
LED Dash Light Bulbs:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
LED Tail Light Bulb:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Rear Tire:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Front Tire:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
FMF Q4 Muffler:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Associate Links For Motovlog Stuff & Things:
Open Camera Case:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Back Door Mount:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Straight Knuckles:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Mic:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Mic Adaptor:
(GoPro brand not available, this would be my next choice)
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Refurbished GoPro Hero 3+ Camera:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
#klrdelusionals #klrinfo #klr650 #klr650motovlog #klrmotovlog #klroffroad #klr650offroad 
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3 reasons not to buy a klr650.....
1) Im too short.
2) I'm too weak.
3) I'm not a good rider.
Both 1 & 2 are actually #3. I've seen 5'3 females ride ultra classics like horses. Technique and skill is everything always
He needs a 250 ninja and 150 KLX ?
Don't forget "I'm a pussy" Mama's boy!
I'm 72 y/o and 5' 11" Where can I find elevator MC boots with cold fish in them
@Justin Sane LOL
My wife is 5'8" And she has no problems on both our 04 and 08
She just completed 1000 mile run from San Francisco to Los Angeles and back
We had an awesome time
That's awesome!
Hello David, I ride from Temecula to San Fran. I'll take Hwy 5 or 101 or the 1. What route to you take?
david me you’re not allowed to have an awesome time in California without being taxed lol
Now do one for a hundred reasons to have one
Ha ha i think that might be coming up on my to do list.
Lol
Get a suzuki dr650
@@lunantix I enjoy fuel injection too much
@@AlanTradesand a wide seat. And a 6 gallon tank.
Love my 2017. I don't off road at all with it. Strictly a touring bike for me. I find it very comfortable, 400+ kms per tank, plenty of power for all roads and very reliable and simple, easy to maintain. Can't beat a KLR. Rode mine from Eastern Ontario out to the Miramachi New Brunswick via eastern US States last summer and was the perfect bike for that trip.
My17A You have my sympathy friend. Not taking a klr off road is like never taking a chocolate bar out of it's wrapper.
IMHO you would be much better served with like a 650Vstrom ...there just is little point to a big single if you stay on pavement....you could even go smaller engine and equal hp of klr....I dare say a well made 300- 400cc twin would outperform a klr on the highway in practically every way ...just saying
You can swap sprockets on one of these bikes super cheap and cruise at 80mph all day.
@@SuperDriver379 In my country the max speed often is 62 miles/h and rarely (very rarely) 68 miles/h so the stock bike is just perfect for highway.
I love my '09 KLR. Bought out of the crate new in early '11. Blow out price was $4900.00 CDN. Bunch of farkle material most importantly a center stand. My issue, like you said, was the seat height. What to do? I am a short 5' 7.5" with a 30" inseam. Could have gone for lowering dogs, new seat, triple soled boots. Looked at my seat and decided to try modifying it as a cheap experiment/alternative. Snuck into my wife's cutlery drawing and stole her electric carving knife for a couple of hours. Removed the seat cover and carved off about 1.25" along the entire top side of the foam. Was still left with a hefty amount of foam but it became about a half inch wider all along (not a bad thing actually). Sanded the foam smooth and re-stapled the cover back on. This was 6 years 44,000 kms ago. I can now tippy-toe both feet in sneakers (please don't ride in sneakers) and flat foot in my enduro boots. As far as comfort I noticed no difference on my ass but feel much more in control. My wife got her electric carving knife back none the wiser although the turkey tasted a little plasticy the following Thanksgiving - small sacrifice.
If there's one thing I
1 thing I've learned after being married long enough to raise 3 boys, Never tell her anything. "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission." We're men, we don't need permission. Good luck, fellow short guy.
excellent solution!
7 min vid to say you're too short for the bike.
Not being perfect on highway-trails while having the capability to do both really well is the intended purpose of the KLR.
lol! He is
Reviews done by people who can afford any bike they want are useless! If somebody is comparing a $6000 bike and $15,000 bike.... well, just STFU, right? For me, I'd rather buy a $6,000 KLR for what it is and get a separate $6,000 bike that handles what the KLR isn't and I'm still ahead of the $15,000 dollar bike and I have two bikes.
@@MotoAtheist yeah, I'm with you. I mean I may be able to to finance a 15k bike but why when I can cash buy one that does the same thing. Not saying I wouldn't want a African twin or GS1200.
@@MotoAtheist new to motorcycles, not at all new to two-wheels. Why would I buy one compromised bicycle instead of having like, nine specialized bicycles?!
I had an 08 second generation KLR. Loved it . Had Pelican Case on tail end. 300 miles on a fill up. Comfortable enough. But rear tires never lasted very long compared with the front tire. Still a great all rounder.
2019 KLR camo = just hit 500 mi. 5'10 185lbs and 56 i truly love this bike, I chase cattle down the Texas trails all day long. excellent suspension and still quiet enough to take hunting
I’m 6 foot and the height is great for me.
I’d love if it was lighter but there are not many bikes that are long distance ready that are lighter.
6th gear would be awesome.
It’s a budget bike, maybe the new ktm 790 adventure or tenere 700 will be way better but they will also be 3-4 times as costly.
I like having a cheap bike I’m not afraid to put scratches on or do my own maintenance.
Use to commute to school with my dads 2010 KLR 650 back in 2014 when I was 17. Was really fun.
Love my '15!
Have a great weekend dude!!
Yeah it is a big boy bike and you need to start pumping iron at the gym these things are heavy ...but I get along real nice with it. 70mph hiway is about top end but I did not buy a off road bike to spend half the ride on pavement ...it grunts up some big tall hills real well...it is a beastly bike. 2008 EZ to maintain and got it used with 3k for $3500 bagged it armoured it and away I go.
I also just bought a 2018 and absolutely love it. I'm 6' and feel right at home. No buyers remorse here.
Nice!
Just bought a 2018 I'm about 6'1 I've read about people having issues with the hight but so far it's about perfect for me. Loving it so far, does exactly what I need it to do. We'll see how it serves me in the future, but no complaints as yet.
Kris, glad to hear your enjoying it! I would guess at 6'1" it would be about perfect for you, I would certainly be more confident on mine if the ground wasn't so far away haha.
Looking forward to modifying the crap out of it.. I'll chucking my bow on the back, a swag and doing alot of camping.. I'm in Australia 😉!
Also, 6.1 and found it very low, but that’s probably my weight on the soft rear spring. I don’t think you’re too short, just too light. Tank size is good but it’s heavy on fuel, thus range is only ok. Also, it overheats on a hot weather slow commutes and overtaking at 120km/h is hairy unless you have plenty of time. I love the looks of it though and it’s a bargain bike for its capabilities. I did however also battle to set the idle speed perfectly on even a short-term basis. The components used in construction are also outdated making working on it quite a chore, unless you enjoy fiddling with split pins, etc. Lighting is excellent, and the vibrations acceptable.
I'm 6'1" barefoot and I think it's tall to get on especially when I'm on uneven ground and have to stretch even further which is when I've dropped it a couple times. that's the only time I have a "height issue" with mine. When I sit my 240 lb ass on the seat on the street it's easy to flat foot with flex in my knees. I don't think you have been offroading at the time u made that comment.
Super cheap bike...great range...wind protection...enough power for highway speeds...very easy to fix and work on.....can go everywhere a GS, KTM, Tiger Africa Twin, Tenere . ....etc etc can...Whats not to like?
Can NOT go long distance with anything like the comfort of the bikes you mention ....and hey if it gets miserable in the saddle after a couple hours? Is THAT fun??? No....NO it is not ....
When ever I get to ride no matter how long it's the best time of my life .
simon templer not to mention FortNine pulled a Top Gear torture test on one and as we all thought it would be dead, somebody ride up on the bike behind the presenter and it ran just fine
You forgot , the part's are everywhere used or new !
@@dougiequick1 comfortable? Definitely no, but why spend the 20,000 for a GS when I can spend $5000 for a KLR that performs the same function with less comfort?
If you could have any Dual Sport bike what would you buy ? I looked at a lot of bikes and found that the KLR650 is perfect for me. I am 6’1 225 and 57 years old and I like the gas mileage and the all around fit of the KLR.
It is a nice comfy bike thats for sure! Ahhh I guess I don't really know to be honest. I would really like a Husky or KTM but most of them are pretty tall and I'm not a fan of that, even with a light bike. I would say the new Honda CRF 250 Rally.
Dual Sport, Rally and Adventure are all different bikes.
i.e.
Dual Sport = DRZ400 or XR650L
Rally = Africa Twin or the CRF450 Rally
Adventure = Yamaha ST or BMW GS line
I'm pretty much the same size as you. How did you find it fits your height
Can't go wrong with a KLR.
Great video, I’m over in Minneapolis and looking to ride into Wisconsin later this summer.
The KLR is a jack of all trades bike, yes it’s heavy, slow, and tall but it’s almost bullet proof and the aftermarket support is immense. It is a poor man’s adventure bike for the 600-650 class that’s for sure.
Thank you! Yep all very true!
The klr is for man's no for gays
Klr is a tractor... and reliable
I've owned my 2015 sense new, and I love it , I'm 6'2" 200lb and the bike fits me fine I can flat foot with some knee bend as well If I stand up my butt comes off the seat. The improvements made in the 2015 year were new seat and stiffer fork springs that made a huge difference in fork dive during breaking, much better for street manners, and I love the seat best stock seat I've ever had on a bike.I ride my KLR daily to work rain or shine and off road every chance I get. Yes she's heavy for off road and a bit top heavy ( and I'm not experienced off road rider) I've learned momentum is your friend keep the big girl moving especially up hill, I ride with buddies who are much better in dirt than me and they ride BMW GSA800 and two have Honda 650L's and I manage to keep up at my own pace and ability. The 6.1 gallon tank is a huge plus over the other bikes mentioned my buddies are always looking for gas during our outings. For the price the KLR is just plain hard to beat!
I had a KLR in the past, had a GSA, Harley Davidson, just bought a 2019. KLR has been my favorite.
That says a lot!!
I'm scoping these out on Craigslist for my first motorcycle ever. I plan to take the MSF course in the coming months and then buy over winter. Can't wait, this looks so fun.
Awesome! It's by far my favorite bike yet and I've owned two CBR600RRs, a DRZ400 and an 1100 Virago. Wouldn't ever go back!
I LOVE MY KAWASAKI KLR650, 1993. THE height, weight or speed is not a problem for ME. I'M JUST ENJOYING THIS MOTORCYCLE and looking forward to enjoying my RIDE...THANK YOU KINDLY for your help and support...
1 isn't a problem for me at 6'1 but some good highway pegs would be awesome! 2 and 3 definitely are an issue for me. I've tried the major (for me) highway comfort mods, 16t and Madstad, but it's still no tourer over 65. So my next plan is buy a used touring bike and strip the KLR back close to stock and just use as a commuter and off road. That's my story and I'm sticking to it....maybe...
I currently have the 2018 KLR 650 at 6' tall I see no issues with the height of the bike and they must have lowered the weight from the model you have cause currently curb weight is 432 for my bike. But I can see the point on this may be valid but they definitely depend on each individual year and person.
I'm 5'-10" 180lbs
I bought a new 2013 KLR650 to learn on. I liked the bike until I got up to 80 MPH. I did well off road and on road with the KLR650. I paid around $6,700 plus tax and dealer fees. I sold it in 2017 for $4,000. In 2017 I bought a BMW R1200GSA. I wanted to break the 80 MPH limit. I contribute the 21" front wheel to the 80 MPH limit. The KLR became unstable. I never dropped the KLR do too being short. I did drop the KLR off road as well as the R1200GSA. That's the nature of offroad. My best advice is to do your research before you buy. I did. Learn on a cheap bike then found what your looking for.
Seat Height - Weight
KLR650 35" - 431 lbs
DRZ400 35"-36.8 - 317 - 322 lbs
BMW R1200GSA 31"-35.2" - 573 lbs
Versys 650ABS 33.1" - 476 lbs
I'm 6' and 220 lbs. the klr is perfect for me. I've had lots of street and dirt bikes over the years. I love the big enduro. It does it all. I just love throwing a leg over it. Had my 2013 since new. Put lots of farkles on it. The last thing I'm buying is the ims tank. Best mod is the heated grips. Big enduros rule
Dale Wildey thank you,same height and weight and I was wondering how it would be.
Everything you've said is true of my experience with the KLR650. The 5 speed gearbox is quiet puzzling in my eyes. I have a larger front sprocket which makes it much nicer for road riding, but when I do anything tricky I feel 1st is way to high. If you're going to do a lot of highway riding consider a windshield and larger front sprocket, if you're going to do a lot of off-road riding then definitely get some foot-pegs with bite; the stock foot-pegs become super slippery if you get water or mud on your boot.
I went from gsxr to klr and was best purchase for me. I enjoy it much more. Plus it's hard to go to jail because you're breaking speed limits. Thing I wish is 6th gear.
James Giant Floor Sander check out the videos on 16/43 and 16/40 sprocket swaps, makes all the difference on the highway.
I had a 1990 KLR that I put over 100k miles on. At the time I bought it, my intent was to ride around the country (from New England) on mainly secondary roads and dirt roads...and to use as a commuter bike when I wasn't traveling. My chief complaints were 1) No good in the dirt. Too heavy. Geometry was all wrong. 2) Gearbox. 1st gear wasn't low enough for dirt riding. Needed a 'granny' gear. And a 6th gear. 3) Brakes were lousy; too spongy, not enough stopping power. But all things considered, it was almost the right bike, the only other legitimate candidates at the time were the BMW GS (too expensive and big), Yamaha XT (too much dirt and not enough road), Honda XR (same issues). What I should have bought was the Honda Transalp, a 600cc v-twin, which was in the process of being discontinued, I believe. I did manage to keep the thing running for over 100k miles. Moral of the story: You can't have everything in one bike. Maybe I'll get something completely different....like a Ural.
Ive had 24 different bikes the KLR650 is one of the best Ive owned. My 03 will pull way from a friends 2nd gen model, I did only foam filter air box mod new pipe and re-jet and a few more mods i keep to myself. I plan on a lighter stock size piston and a ported head when I finally get ready to do a full tune up. So far it runs sweet and has forever.
I bought an 09 in 09 and was aware of the limitations and have no regrets. I too am 6'1"
The KLR is still one of my favorites.
It really does need a sixth gear. Every time I have mine out I try to find that hidden sixth
Point one is valid, I tried the lowering bones and the rear tire bottomed out. Point two: you may want to recheck the weight, dry weight on my 2008 is 397 and wet (curb) weight is 424 lbs. third point: valid, always looking for an extra gear, also there is a BIG hole between first and second when off roading, (hit neutral a lot ) but my BIGGEST gripe is the rear brake! even with a stainless line & upgraded pads it's falling short of acceptable. all that being said, it's still my first choice for dual sport.
regarding the gearbox. i have an 07 and my first mod was going up one tooth on the front sprocket. that helped. when it came time for a tire change i went from a 130x80x17 to a 130x90x17 and that put my bike exactly where i wanted it. i m doing 80+ with 5k on the tach. hope it helps
I’m currently deciding between the two great rivals, the KLR and the DR favouring the KLR right now though for my adventure bike. Great video, thanks.
I've been there! Good luck and thank you!
Dr has more power and is lighter. I’m sure you have done you homework but getting rid of my Kawi for the Suzuki was the best decision I’ve made ( as far as trading bikes go!)
I appreciate the review! Still deciding on what bike to get but klr is top of list.I have a 32 inseam but I am 230lbs
I still love mine. Its tall but I've improved my riding a lot in the past year and now the height doesn't bother me nearly as much as it use too. Best adventure bike for the price in my opinion!
Rode the klr 600 n loved it now im on lighter drz n have a blast still
Some very worthy comments on the old klr. A couple of fixes...lowering links make such a huge difference to the intimidation factor of the bike. I put some 2" lowering links on mine as im 5'8" and immediately this bike was so much more usable, comfortable and less intimidating. Cant do much about the weight but with links its much less an issue. For gearbox issue put a 16 tooth front sprocket on...wont fix completely but will make u less needy of the 6th gear.
I had 2 klr 650s.... loved them both!!!
I had a 1988 KLR650, I was too small and weak to take it off road, i could barely pick it up if dropped, but it would hit 100 mph fast, very torquey.
First things first for new buyers. Know what you need out of your bike. If you want hard dirt roads and jumping. A KLR is not the bike for you. If you want a duel use bike for simple to rough dirt roads and street use. This is the bike for you. Know what you want before you decide.
Thanks. Most enduro bikes sit high and the bike can get squirrely on bigger riders too. We have a few areas of clay on our trails and the taller bikes can lose it bad. I'm buying with my adult son who is 6'1" 225 and we appreciate the input. He rode dirt bikes his whole life and you are correct in your analysis. Sometimes a smaller bike is more enjoyable when just motoring around the trails. I remember how sad he was when he outgrew his Kx65. My 2 adult daughters ride too and so I always consider safety limitations but maximizing the fun. The nasty comments are from insecure people. Your video is appreciated. We may still get the 650 but we are thinking like you. Thanks for the advice.
Nice video. Good points.
I made a decision about 3 months ago between the KLR 650 & the VERSEYS 650. After doing research on the two I chose the verseys. The verseys has more HP & You can ride moderately off road too. Its been great. Love the bike. But the klr is no slouch either. Great video. Thanks
Thank you! Yes the versys sounds like a great bike too!
Had an 08 klr, loved it great for off road and in town riding. But even tho it "can" go hwy speed you're pegging the throttle. But if you're not doing a lot of hwy speeds often then get it.
I'm 5'10, 165lbs. Riding a 2015 KLR650. The height is just fine. I do like camping with it, I keep it simple. A big 80L bag tied down on the back and a 55L backbag on my back. Side bags are just too bulky. I changed the sprocket, plug holes in airbox, get bigger needle jet and aftermarket exhaust. These upgrades help with highway riding. Thanks for sharing. :-D Cheers from Australia.
The lack of a sixth gear can be "fixed" by swapping the front 15 tooth sprocket for a 16 tooth sprocket. On my KLR, it went from 93 km/h @ 4000 RPM to 100 km/h @ 4000 RPM; or at 100 km/h, the revs dropped from 4300 RPM to 4000 RPM, on stock new tyres. I don't go into very tight off road places that the bike was not really designed for so it is not an issue for me.
Where I go a set of Heidenau K60 Scouts (or similar) are the best option for me rather than a big block option or even Dunlop D-606 tyres as I have to do a lot of highway cruising to get there.
A year ago, my 2 and a half year old KLR was stolen but recently I bought a new one. I love my KLR!
Thank you for the input! My dad has k60s in his XC800 and likes them a lot! I'm thinking about D606s as my next set just because they look cool haha.
I’m 5’7”, 150 and have ridden KLRs for more years than I care to count. When I bought my ‘09, I bought a MOAB 2” shortened rear shock (best $ I ever spent) and raised the front forks an inch in the tree. No 6th gear is solved by a cheap front sprocket change. Moved those things over to my ‘11 and had the same bike all over again but brand new. Rode that bike 2 up with 2 weeks of gear from Maryland to Massachusetts with zero issues. Several highway trips to Bristol, TN and back. Great times! Now I’m waiting on the injected model to hit my local store so I can start all over again, lol.
I'm the hunter/camper/survivalist type guy, and I won't have a bike that can't go off road. I have a DR650 that I'm totally satisfied with, as I ride (about) 70% dirt. But I was thinking about getting a KLR650 as my road bike, knowing that it has off road capabilities. I appreciate the video as I make my decision.
Appreciate and identify with your comments.
I have been riding a 2013 for five years and having dropped it six times whilst stopped and thrice when under power (the last time putting me into the hospital two weeks ago), I am finally coming to a decision about whether to keep the bike or not. I am no weakling and stand 5’11” at 290lbs.
Yet this bike becomes increasingly difficult to handle, not only due to its weight but also the fact that it carries it weight high. And then there is that 35” seat height!
By contrast my 2015 Super Tenere 1200 weighs over 100 lbs more but has a much lower centre of gravity. After 12000 kms I don’t remember coming close to dropping it (granted it has not been off road yet). It also has an adjustable seat which is lower than the KLR’s to start with.
Yet my KLR is a wonderful ride. Absolutely road worthy on the pave and has taken me on several 6-8000 km trips. It will cruise all day at 120 kph at about 5100 rpm and uses only 1/2 litre of oil per 1300 miles. I have found that oil consumption only becomes noticeable when you approach the 5000 rpm range.
If I keep the bike I will install a 16 tooth small chain sprocket which will drop that higher speed rpm range to about 4500.
The bike charms you but bites back every now and then.
Oooo ouch! Yeah I take it pretty easy on mine since I'm often solo and trying to ride and talk, so I've only had a few very low speed tip overs but I can see some serious injuries happening if you really gave'r. I suppose I could say the same about my XL250 though too.
Super Tenere sounds like a fun bike with some nice options! I might get something like that eventually but I think I'd have a hard time parting with my KLR too.
Thank you for sharing!
@@SwankyCatProductions nice, I had an XL250, and I'm thinking about a KLR since my ZX10R is a bit of a fair weather mare. Having a hard time deciding whether to go with a KLR or some other tourer for my 100km round trip commute though...
Hi, g’day from Australia. I’m so glad I didn’t watch this before I bought my klr650. I am 5’7 and 100kgs(205lbs). Yes I know that’s short and fat. Haha.i should mention I have over 30 years experience enduro riding. I bought mine new over a year ago and first thing I did was install the lowering kit. However 3 weeks ago I lifted the suspension back to factory height. I’ve done so many mods making it my own and I began to think I probably should have just bought a Ktm or bmw. I’ve done 12500kms on it mostly adv trips. Last trip I did I swapped bikes with a tenere700, and Ktm 790. Just for the fun of it. Both times I couldn’t wait to get back to my klr. The only benefit was from the Ktm and that was a lot of fun with more power. The tenere 700 owner was amazed how my klr handled and how much power it had.(full cogent suspension upgrade and 42mm mikuni carb and with quite a few other mods) drags off tenere quite easily. But even with all the mods I’m still $5000.00AU cheaper than the tenere new and 10500.00Au cheaper than the Ktm 790. If you can’t touch both your feet on the ground on the klr I suggest you just get over it..or buy a Harley soft tail.
For every fault I found with the KLR there was already half a dozen available upgrades on the internet to fix them. On one ride 3 of us on different water crossings swamped our bikes with a fall on large submerged rocks, mine was the only one of them to finish the ride. Both others(Husqvarna and Ktm) had to be transported back due to their computers and wiring getting wet. My klr just needed to pull the plug and drain carb.. all good..
Never been happier with a bike.. and I own a few..
The KLR can't really be beat for the money, that's for sure.
Hi my KLR friend ! The other day my turn signal indicator stopped flashing when I use it to go left but works and flash when I use it to turn right what do you think about it and how to fix it ? I have a 2012 KLR and love it . And have you updated your Do hickey on your bike and the thremo bob ? What do you think about those updates for the KLR. Thanks Dave in Des Moines.
How do you think this bike would do as a beginner bike?
Yeah i’m 5’8” and touching was an issue so my first mod was new Dog bones. The weight was a learning curve also because in comparison to my last bike that weighed in just under a 1000 lbs I had to back off on my lean on twisties but otherwise I love it.
Enjoy the Ride
ruclips.net/video/E-wLJ1Bfcf8/видео.html
Before you leave a comment regarding my riding ability and stature, give this a watch...
ruclips.net/video/rWq22NyIing/видео.html
my 2016 has 300 miles on it and honestly it sucks at everything, not sure what to do with it
I just bought a 2013 KLR650 with 20k miles with tons of added features for $4,000, (father & son from the UK each bought a new KLR had every mod done drove the bikes cross country.) I’m about 5.8 almost 5.9 with a 39’ inseam LOL & you are right about the hight! My first ride from picking up the bike was on the California freeway on a a Friday afternoon. It was a stop & go ride for about 25 miles. Normally I’d just split lanes but I had to stay with the person that gave me the ride to pick up the bike. It was my sister driving an SUV. Also the temperature was about 100 degrees, that was not a fun ride home. Every stop was with my toes barely touching the ground. But once moving, it was great. I found an aftermarket seat on offer up, I’m going to try to thin out the seat first before using a dog bone to lower the bike. The bikes height feels good while moving, & I don’t want to alter its clearance or geometry, & I can see far down the road because of its height. It’s just the stopping that’s scary!
I'm 5'7" with a 28" inseam and I rode a klr for 6 years. I did cut the seat down 1.5 inches though
bought used 2009 this spring find it a bit tall for my liking initially, but adjusted the pre load down lighter then what my actual weight would be recommend per the scale ( 1-5 ) but it worked and feel much more comfortable at a stop and i dont go off road. I am having vibration issues that would be great to get reduced so trying to find stuff that would help with that (on a budget) added weight to the handle bars (helped somewhat) did a mod job per youtube on the seat (added memory foam) that helped somewhat....also use a cramp buster, but still not a comfy ride much past a 100 miles without getting off for a spell mostly the hands that need the rest. It came with a vance hines pipe (louder then stock) but getting to like it in traffic :) Could it be the exhaust that is causing the vibration issue ?
I bought a 2017 KLR-650. Brand New $7000 in Canada. I love the Bike.
Need some advice here!
Im a 6’4 400lb guy looking at my first adv bike. About 60/40 split between tarmac and hard gravel riding with an hours drive to gravel and back. Will this have enough grunt on the highway for my fat ass or do I need to look at something bigger like a gs 800 as they seem to be very popular here in South Africa?
Just got a used 2008, yes I know a suspect year but the price was right. It sits in my garage beside my ZX9R. They are both excellent examples of what they were meant to be. Also the standard that everything else is measured against, what does that tell you? No matter where you go or what you ride you will always rank it on a scale set by the KLR.
Glad I'm not the only one that has issues backing that beast up or just on my toes. I recently cut down the foam in the seat so I can at least flat foot on one side with the lean.
Haha thank you for the honest comment!!! I should really either get mine cut down or get a lower aftermarket seat so I can flat foot easier.
@@SwankyCatProductions For real! I was tempted to put in some lowering links, but I want to avoid messing with the clearance or suspension.
I own a 2011 650 KLR. Agree wish mine had a 6th gear. Also it is a very tall and relatively heavy cumbersome bike. The height helps with obstacles off-road. Also the gas tank is large so when full it adds a lot of weight to the top half of the bike (not the best). Likes: great range,good mpg. Very comfortable even long trips. Rear rack very practicle. It’s the Swiss Army knife of dual purpose bikes, not great at any one thing, but pretty good at many.
I’m taking one to the Grand Canyon (2,800 miles round trip) only modifications over stock is 16/40 sprockets and a thermobob thermostat.
I was hoping to get a KLR this spring but I couldn't find any to fit in my budget. My #1 goal this year was to get on two wheels before summer so, yesterday, I bought a '98 Honda Shadow 750.
Shadows are nice looking bikes! Two wheels are always better then four!
I have a 2013, on the height issue, you can get lowering links for the Uni Trak suspension, to suit shorter riders, even tall riders can benefit from fitting them, and fitting a 16tooth sprocket will give you better road gearing, without affecting it's off-road abilities. Oh and cut the baseplate off the stand then cut a inch (2cms) off the tube, weld plate back on, bike will sit without risk of falling to the right.
A Seat Concepts or Sargents lowered saddle would help you. Drops the seat without altering your suspension like a Kouba link would.
I've been thinking a new seat might be in my future, hopefully a used one haha.
Im looking at buying a friends super clean 2008 woth about 10k on it. But i keep hearing how soft the springs are. At 290lbs is there enough preload or suspension adjustment to make ot work? Or at least a solid aftermarket option to swap out? I rode dirtbikes for years and had a naked sport bike a few years so riding ability there. Just wonder if its a big enough bike.
Did you set your suspension up like how the manual says
Totally, agree with all three of your reasons. I would have to put #4 is that you will have to make modifications to the stock bike. I see you replaced your mirrors already, and I hope you have replaced the stock foot pegs. Anything other than the stock pegs make that bike a whole new kind of beast.Great video!
Thanks! I really did not mind the stock pegs all that much but I know thats also a very common complaint. I did end up switching them out for a set of the cheep-o Krator pegs. They are certainly and improvement!
I think Im the only one that likes the stocker mirrors
I love having long legs, I can fiat foot my klr with my knees slightly bent but it’s also a pain to find 28x36 riding pants that’s my only complain
Damn, 28x36??? Are you underweight or?
I wear a 32waist 36length when healthy, when Slightly overweight/average it's 34, and VERY unhealthy (beyond average) I could be 36 for like 2 months before I work it back off.
I'm 6'5" and when healthy am 210lbs (Decent leg, shoulder, and some bicep muscle) I legit don't understand the 28" waistband of a tall person, I'm genuinely curious.
@@MrCODEmaster00 nope just lanky, I weigh 170, up to a 30x36 now though lol.
@@MrCODEmaster00 I just have a shorter torso and long ass legs.
I am 1.67 cms Can I take this bike for ride in the city in the trafic? what do you think?
Had an 08 (bought new in 08). Liked it OK. I'm 6'3", so the height was fine. Biggest complaint was the lack of power on the highway, you simply spend too much time with the throttle pegged. Being as tall as it is, it's also a miserable thing to ride in heavy crosswinds, it doesnt feel heavy at all in crosswinds.
Considering that Kawasaki hasn't done much to the engine in 30 years, a power upgrade, EFI and another gear would be nice. Maybe Kawaski could splurge a bit and upgrade the engine & tranny and not touch it again for another thirty years.
Hmm, this makes me wonder if a previous owner lowered mine. I’m 5’6 and I can tiptoe it. Maybe I have longer legs?
I owned a 2015 KLR and it served its purpose fairly well but I couldn't get beyond the gutlessness of it. So I ended up selling it and buying a 2018 DR650. Sometimes I miss the KLR buy my DR really has much more power. Im happy for now. Who knows what next month will bring...
This will be my 3rd season on the KLR and I was on a DRZ400 before that. So maybe I'm just use to it by now, but the power doesn't really bother me I guess. I do have the FMF pipe but I doubt that makes a huge difference. I know how you feel though, I love my KLR but I always have my eye out for whats next haha.
That would be my impression of it as well. Having owned two sport bikes and 3 HD sportsters I was not sure of to make of the complete lack of power. Not to mention how unrefined the bike was. Minimalism seems to be the trend lately and I figure this bike is the poster child for the motorcycle world.
I have had five klr 650's,I still have my 1984 klr 600 motor and 1989 klr 250
I had a 2012 KLR650. Thing went anywhere I had the balls to point the front wheel. I even raced in a local hare scramble and finished 4th on it. After I put a full Vance & Hines exhaust, Dynojet stage 2 jet kit, and opened up the airbox it gained a ton of power. A D.I.D. X-Ring chain helped free up a little power to the rear wheel as well. That beast had 31k miles on it when I made the mistake of selling it and still ran like new. I also never had any issues with the "doohickey" that everyone talks about. My only gripe with the KLR is that it isn't comfortable enough to ride for hundreds of miles at a time. 800 miles from my place in California to my uncle's place in Oregon was enough to make my back hurt like hell for half of the two weeks I spent up there
Nice!!! I only have 16k on mine but I don't intend to do anything with the doohickey either...hopefully I don't regret that haha. Thank you for sharing!
Lowering links and a lower seat will fix your height problem. Not much you can do about weight, except get used to it. As for not having a 6th gear, it would be nice but the engine is so bullet proof you can due 80 mph at 5500 rpm all day long and it's no problem. I don't know what upgrades you have done but upgrading the suspension will give you a new bike and it's a must for off road. Also a new exhaust and jet the carb will free up some of the trapped horsepower, only way to get more HP is a 685 or 705 kit. I had a 2008 for a few years and just sold my 2002 that I had for 10 years as I got tired of picking it up, I upgraded to a KTM 500 exc and I ride my BMW R1200 GSA on long trips.
I had a ‘99 KLR650, and I’m 5’10” ... I had zero problems with the Bike. I had plenty of torque & the Bike was quick. It’s not a “light” Bike when compared to a legit dirt bike, but this is a dual purpose Bike ... designed for on & off road applications, unlike dirt bikes which are designed only for dirt. But when compared to my H-D Road Glide, the KLR650 is an extremely light Bike.
As a matter of fact, I regret selling it ... wish I still had it. It was a lot of fun. They used a similar model of the KLR650 when I was in the military & the engine is practically bullet proof.
Agreed. Since filming this I've been pushing myself to ride a lot harder and it's been paying off. I still stand by what I said and it's something to consider when purchasing, but the KLR is a hell of a bike, especially for the money.
nice vid. got a 2014.5, new... i'm 6'3, 180 and i even have trouble getting on the thing. that said, i really love the bike.
i've ridden gs, tigers, harleys, tons of sport bikes... too many to list...
it's the smallest displacement i've ever owned, and i was worried about it's highway chops... i bought the tall windscreen and i've done 95mph - fully loaded. you can cruise @ 75mph all day long - no problem. it's great all rounder - but it doesn't give you the thrill of an in-line 4. thanks.
Great info and input thank you!
I've had Yamaha Enduros in the 60s and 70s, BMW R100 GS/PDs in the 80s and 90s, and a KLR650 in 2010. All different yet somewhat similar. The KLR650 is my favorite although I must admit I miss the low seat height of the Yamaha Enduros. I'm 5'9, old and fat and am about to get my second KLR650. Seat height is a non issue for most riding, keep in mind you will likely not be able to "duck walk" the bike in some situations. Gearing may be just a bit low but is easily remedied by a counter sprocket. The KLR may be a bit heavy but that only makes it a very friendly highway companion ( it's positively a light weight when compared to the BMW).
All in all the KLR is an outstanding ride, and if you stay within the design limits it may well be one of the best motorcycles I've ever owned and there have been many, many of them.
Thank you for the comment! Very good info! I'm learning to worry less about being able to put my feet down and focusing on just getting through obstacles. Seems to be helping a lot!
I’m 5’-9” and I had to replace the dog bones to lower it. You hit it on the head, it is way to heavy in soft trails I also laid mine down. The stock tires are best on the road. Decided on a Honda CRF for off road within a budget.
Really interested in getting one seen lots of options. How risky is it to buy an 05 - 08 with around 30 000km. Is it worth it save money or should I just pay more for a new bike? I’m planning on doing a long tour! Any feed back is appreciated!
I'd personally go for a 2014.5 or newer, that way you get the new edition upgrades. I've got A video on that too!
Good video, Ive owned many different bikes over the years my KLR now holds the record for being around the longest at 9 years.
Plenty of pros and cons with all the bikes I've owned.
#1 isn’t an issue for me. I’m 6’6” and 36” pant inseam 😉In fact i’m not sure what bike I would ride if it wasn’t for a KLR 🤔 I’m an absolute beginner. And just bought my first bike. Brand new KLR. Was going to wait until spring 2020 but heard KLR’s last year was 2019. So I dove on the 0% financing they were offering. I have the solar yellow which I love. it is better looking than black and camo, but moreover, i’m hoping the yellow will strike someone’s eye who otherwise wouldn’t have seen me in a black bike. Thanks for your video. 👍
The KLR is fine for hitting dirt roads. But it’s built to also be a daily commuter and like some people are saying “adventure.” But it’s a good bike if you’re using it for what it’s intended for. You can carry luggage on it where as other dual sports you can’t. Other dual sports will handle better on the trails. But dual sports have different gearing ratios in the transmission so you can get up to highway speeds. And who knows the stroke of the piston is probably different than on an off road dirt bike. The bottom line is if you’re really into dirt biking you’ll want to own a dirt bike. If you’re a more casual dirt biker looking for the best of both worlds. Than a dual sport is a viable option. But a dual sport will not perform as well on the dirt like a dirt bike. If you’re looking to rip off road trails than you get a dirt bike. The KLR isn’t the most true dual sport out there. There’s other ones that handle better on the dirt and they look and are built more like a dirt bike. The trails that you’re going on look like trails for a dirt bike. There’s probably a couple of dual sports that can handle those trails too. The engineers that build these bikes can only do so much. Yo have to find the one that best suits your needs. They’re all a little different.
1) Lowering links - I’m 5’7”. With 2 inch links. No problem. Have to shorten the kick stand.
2) Not an off road bike. Dirt Road and Highway Bike. Not freeway.
3) change the drive sprocket for better upper speed gearing.
I am looking at for a second bike. I ride a touring Harley but would like to have a KLR for riding some back roads that are not paved. Do you feel the KLR would be a good choice for that?
Yes, definitely! Check out "Box of Chocolates" KLR videos. He also has a Harley and recently purchased a KLR and he loves it. Just search "Box of Chocolates KLR" and you'll find him!
Almost bought one, but it was nice to find someone who exactly had the same thoughts. Weight!! Just too heavy for me (alone) on a single track or gravel on asphalt or sand. I decided on a lightweight 250 with more streetable tires. Compromise, compromise...
I love my KLR but I'm certainly happy I also bought a 250 for the rough stuff. It's a lot more fun on tight trails and a lot less stressful too lol.
Hey Ben, I really enjoy all your motorcycling videos. I live in Florida so your snowmobile vids kinda don't apply to me. lol. I have been giving some thought to buying a new KLR, 2017 or 2018. Got a question for you. All I want is an honest opinion or answer. Like I said I live in Florida so any riding here is all sand, so I enjoy riding up to Georgia and Alabama for some dirt trails. I will usually take the quickest-fastest way of getting there, which mean interstate and/or fast 4-lane roads. All I want to know is - will the KLR cruise along at 70 - 75 mph for 2 or 3 hours without sounding like it is going to blow up? I don't care about some additional vibration at those rpm's because I don't expect it ride like a Goldwing. I hear one person say anything over like 65 mph is straining a KLR and someone else will say it will run all day at 80 mph and not suck one ounce of oil. I don't expect it to run like a sport bike or cruise like a Goldwing. I just want it to be able to cruise at 70 mph or so for a few hours to get me to trails. Thanks for your time and keep up the great vids.
Thanks man! My most honest answer is this: The KLR does get wild and is difficult to predict in the sand. Highway travel at 75 is comfortable enough but you'll often be searching for that 6th gear. If its broke in properly and the rings were manufactured on a day other then Monday or Friday you might get one that doesn't burn oil so bring that extra quart... All that said, for what you need it to do, in my opinion, the KLR is going to be the best bike for the job/money. It will make you smile every time you throw a leg over it and due to the price you won't have to cry when you drop it, ha ha. I hope that helps, keep me posted and ride safe!
Jeff M ...I do 400 milers all the time with a full gear set up. It's comfortable at 70 ...tech's at about 3800rpm if I remember. So really no big issues on road portions..so many inexpensive farkles and cool little upgrades ...took it in for a new chain tensioner. They due fail at 6500miles so be aware to do that ASAP even the 2017s have THE SAME BOGUS TENSIONER ...should have been a recall part ...my tensioner plus labor at the shop was only 90 bucks. And a Daves Eagle brand I believe is recommended by most don't let anynody or yourself put another KLR stock one on ...get the upgrade...has a good reputation as a replcement get one and you will never worry about anything. It's a worthy bike. I recommend it. But it is ancient simple technology compared to a BMW or Africa Twin..there are too much electronics and expensive aftermarket stuff my friend has 16k in his. For him it might as well be a Road Bike...he has 50 50 tires I have full knobs. If We both just parked the bike and kicked it over My fix might be $100 IF thd PLASTICS OR windscreen broke there is nothing to damage... aside from scratches on thd plastics would probably be only fix...my buddy would first cry then cuss and have $400 plastic to replace in damages. It's too nice to single trail and get whipped with tree branches etc..I dropped mine 3 times at about 40mph on the low side in slick gravl going into corners too fast and nothing broke when I went down ...full saftey equipment on..no body or bone damage...my left bag bent so I bent it back put a Big Decal on it...u can't see a ding or any damage. Good bike simple...cheap ...ez to do it yerself. Put on case guards rock gurds itsbplastic getbsyeal.if you ste going on some rocky rides i can hear nig crunches on it...uou can tell its daving your case...and sliders really saved all 3 of my drops too.
Get one may be a 4 year old bike... you can get a awesome klr for bout 5000 maybe less. Got mine for 3500 with only 2900 miles. The guy got it and it was way to big for him and wife to balance. He was 5' 9"150 his wife was likev6ft 170 lbs.. I'm 6ft 3. So it's a tall guys bike. I sit flat footed both sides. Get one.....
All bikes have limitations and pros and cons. I have a 95 xr650L. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the bike, but I does have some annoying things about it, but all bikes do. I would love to test ride a klr. My bike shares the same as any klr, high speeds are sketchy and I'm always looking for 6th gear. But in the end I still love my xr650L, and anybike has it's querks.
I would like to test ride a XR650! haha. I have heard the XRs are much better off road and I have to say while I love my KLR I am a Honda fan boy at heart. The KLR does have its downfalls but the weight and wind protection certainly makes it feel more at home on the highway.
I've owned and still own many bikes. The KLR is the perfect all around bike. Bought mine in 2007 brand new. I've taken it from the Bay area to Mexico, right onto the beach, Bay to Canada and so many other long rides. It's tall but I grew up on bikes that were too big for me. The KLR has never let me down. 40k miles and I've never had to do anything other than oil, rubber, chain type maintenance. Been dropped countless times without any serious damage. Just started to burn a little oil so I'm not feeling the long rides until I can rebuild and bore... but then the 2022 Came out and it's so affordable for what you get. No reason not to own two I guess. I own a Harley and a couple other bikes but the KLR is the one I use the most. I was out on a mini bike at 4yo and rode almost daily as a kid but I swear, it's like I have some weird connection to the KLR that I never had even when I was a kid and riding was all I cared about. Was my sole transportation in the Bay area for a few years crossing the bridge daily for work. Easy to zip through traffic and on weekends I was off to the mountains or the redwoods and then down whatever trail or fire road I felt like exploring. From the freeway to single track trails without having to stop for anything but the occasions beverage or puff.. Sad face. Gotta rebuild! The 2022 is looking good though.
At first I thought I was going to be ticked off with this, but quickly came around. You're short. I'm 6'3" at 225+ lbs. My 2009 KLR fits me well. #2. It IS a heavy bike, but it's relatively a feather compared to my old Harley Electra Glide. All in perspective. #3. Just like the Harley, the KLR at highway speed needs an extra gear. Good video. Thx.
Thank you for sticking with the video and hearing me out! I can see the bike being much more manageable at your height but I still get by at 5' 10". I've recently been pushing myself to ride the rougher stuff on it and I've gotten a lot more confident on it now. Thanks for watching!
I d try lowering the back shock a little bit they usually have a large threaded lock ring above them ,my drz did anyway good luck
id love one of these for off road riding with my friends and for school will it be good and hows maintenance and im 5 ft 8 will it be a good purchase
I owned a 1995 KLR 650 brand new, first 1000 miles was no mirrors, knobby tires, sand pits ,railroad tracks, woods, following 2 guys 1 on a XR 400 another on a CR 250. Double jumps in the pits 90mph down RR tracks. Went everywhere they did. And many times got there first!!!! Sometimes its the rider don't blame the bike. That bike is very capable. Great wheelly machine as well.
Had a 1986 KLR 650. Loved it. Would like to find one for sale. Was fun to ride.
Hmm 86 huh. They didn't make it till 87.
Great video man! This bike is for some reason not being sold in Sweden. My bike though, Yamaha XT660R, isn't being sold in the US (for some other weird reason). These bikes are probably pretty similar thought, except for fuel tank capacity and wind protection.
Thanks Fredric! I had to look that up a picture of that, very nice looking machine!
@@SwankyCatProductions Thanks, yeah I like it. Just like with the KLR, some people think it's heavy and slow. And of course, compared to certain other bikes it is, but it's good enough for me. Have a great week!
Same here! You too!
Not a great starter bike for sure- but I have a 23 KLR and no regrets- it’s an adventure/cruiser bike to me- it’ll climb steep highway hills without downshifting and enough power for me- for the price- best bike I’ve ever owned-it’s know for Longevity also..depends on who you are, and what you like really…