The Brutally Honest Truth About The KLR650 & XR650L
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- Опубликовано: 15 мар 2024
- Now that I've had some seat time on my new 2023 Honda XR650L, I decided to hop back on the old Gen3 KLR 650 to see how it feels in comparison.
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My 15 year old KLR is like me. Old fat and slow and im okay with that. 😁 It's reliable and relatively comfortable that's good enough for me.
My son & I are planning on a trip from Dallas Tx. to the Oregon coast then down to Yosemite & back to Dallas ( summer 2024 ) I bought 2 Gen 3 KLR'S with that trip in mind & I believe I made the right choice, that being said I don't think a person can go wrong with with a Honda, Suzuki or Yamaha for that matter, I just choose the KLR due to reputation of longevity & it's going to be mostly a road trip, price point was a consideration as well ( both bikes out the door $315 per month, no down ).
I'm 65 & Jr. is 16 we're going to have a BLAST. I've gleaned a lot of info from these KLR videos, Thank you!
I'm glad to hear all of that, that sounds like a blast! The KLR is really an amazing option for something like that. They're the perfect rental bike if you will. Not anything too expensive, the exact amount of power you need both on and off road (not too much to be dangerous, not so little you can't ride aggressively in traffic). It just works! Enjoy!!!
Hell of an age diff.
That will be an amazing adventure and one JR will remember forever.
Dan you’re a Great American 🇺🇸.
I agree with your review. I owned a late 90s gen one. It had it's share of faults. The gen3 has improved many of the issues. I enjoy making longer trips with maybe 50/50 pavement /dirt roads. I'll be 70 in less than two months, and just don't push hard on or off pavement.
Just another dam good video! Awesome comparison. Prayers to the wife and family. Can't wait to see what's next.
Good comparison. I think you put out some of the best small adv/dual sport videos and I hope your channel finally takes off!
Thanks man!!! I've got my fingers crossed 😂
I love my KLR's they inspire me to slow down, look around, and take that side road and see where it leads me. I picked up a new Transalp late last year and while I'm still getting used to it and it's a great and fun bike it doesn't seem to inspire me to explore the same way the KLR does. I was planning on getting rid of the KLR's but now am planning on keeping one of them for at least another year
That's awesome! I sort of felt the same with my Tenere. Not really sure why. It was an awesome bike, just didn't bond with it I guess guess haha.
Prayers to you and your wife, hope that her healing goes well.
Thank you!!!
I know of at least 4 different riders (klr) who are over 100,000 miles and one that’s close to 200,000 . I’m at 58,000 and still feels as strong as when I purchased it …
On the same piston/rings🤔
@@toddbenfield6546 that’s what he says … it also happens to be the inventor of the “thermobob” …
My (personal) friend with over 100,000 I know has never opened his engine other than valve checks as I’ve been his mechanic since he bought it, and his bike doesn’t burn oil either …
@@toddbenfield6546 I can’t speak of all of them, but one person at 100,000 hasn’t, as I’m the person doing the work on it and (like mine) only the doo and s thermobob has been done . The guy with close to 200,000 is the inventor of the thermobob itself . Time will tell, I put 30-40,000 miles a year on my bikes.
Good to hear. I’m only at 14k on my gen 2. I love that bike.
@@insatiable_mind if you ride in cold or chilly areas a lot (live up north) get the thermobob done … if you start getting a lot of “loose chain slap” sound coming out of the left side, after adjusting the doo, it needs upgrading . Otherwise ride on, and have fun!!
I hope Mrs. Swanky heals up fast, and feels better soon. 80 miles per tank reminds me of my 1985 Harley Sportster.
Nice video Ben. Wishing your wife a speedy and full recovery.
Thank you!
This really reinforces my confidence in choosing the xr over the klr! I'd really like to hear your thoughts comparing the xr to the 701. A lot of guys criticize the tank location for off road use on the 701. I'll pray for you family. It's wonderful that you put them first!
Another good one Ben. We benefit from your love of duals and adv's 😎 Rode a TW200 when I took the rider's course in '95, and again in '22. Madly in love with my T7. Really enjoy hearing about the KLR and XRL, and the 701. I wish Honda made an XR400 L.... friend had the 400 years ago, terribly fun bike. A street legal one would be the bees knees
Thank you!!! I'm glad to hear your enjoying your Tenere. I was just looking at mine last night at my parents haha. An XR400L would be really cool!
I have had both bikes as well, but older versions. Now I have a T7 just so it has more spit on the interstate when needed (which I cannot always avoid). You make a really good point about sitting "in" the bike versus sitting "on" the bike. Oh, and nice wheelie on the KLR650. That's not super easy given the weight and gutless engine.
All that said, the KLR650 was one of the best bikes I ever owned. Yes, it's old tech, but the bike it bulletproof, cheap, and versatile. It went anywhere I wanted it to. I thought it was truly a 50/50 bike. I also own a Husqvarna FE350 and a BMW G700GS. The Husky is basically a dirt bike with a license plate. The BMW is a road bike capable of light off-road. By contrast, the KLR was pretty much in the middle.
Most importantly, I the KLR to be COMFORTABLE-more so than most. You can ride it all day and feel good.
Ultimately, I sold my Gen1 because I wanted EFI and a bit more power for the interstate. I try to avoid the interstate but sometimes you find yourself on them. The T7 was essentially an upgrade from the KLR is all respects, with no downsides.
I like the lack of wind protection on my dr650 way better than the fairing that blocks the wind on the klr650 I had. It's all about how you are using the bike.
I do a mix of on and off road most rides and dont go for a ride if it's really cold or wet. When riding off road you're working harder and the wind blast cools you off, with a fairing I sweated a lot more.
Yeah that's definitely true, I think I forget how much the cold is a factor. On a hot day, I would probably appreciate the XRs wind protection over the KLR.
This is another of hundreds (?) of excellent videos from Swanky Cat. I really enjoyed this one and you inspired me to "get off my duff" and take my Gen3 KLR for a ride! Your style is perfect for riders like me.
Thanks man, I'm really glad to hear that!
Love my KLR and agree 100%. It compliments my XT250 well.
XR650L is a updated XR600R, with e start.
If you look at all the mods for it to keep it from over heating and over stressing itself out on the road, it becomes obvious it has issues. They get hot and things wear out too quick, or they can frag.
Oil coolers, gearbox mods, extra cooling fins welded on, and other stuff. Vibration is an issue.
But its a better dirt rig compared to DR or KLR.
I'm surprised about it over stressing itself out because it is in a low state of tune, IIRC. The compression ratio is about 8.3:1. How much does an oil cooler help?
@@filippocorti6760Ive never had an XR650L, I only know what I read. The engine was initially designed as a dirtbike/XR600............when it gets ran long and hard on hiway it gets hot.................guys put oil coolers on em..............My DR650 has a BIG oil cooler stock, and has 51,000 hard miles on it and runs same as new....Suzuki put oil jets in important places on the DR650 also, to keep it cooler....underside of piston gets sprayed with oil to draw heat away.
2:57 As someone who went through late night feedings I can say, it's the best. You'll have the memories and connection from doing that the rest of your life.
The only advice my mother ever gave me I pass along.
Hold your kids as long as you can because when they are done, it's over.
We've actually both really come to like our time in the rocking chair. She's always liked me more than my son did. Bottle feeding him probably would've helped, makes a lot of sense. He's coming around a bit now though. Working on stuff, video games, and fishing seem to help ha ha.
I have tried for that 6th gear so many times. LOL I wonder if the fork brace helps you any on the KLR650? I bought one and haven't put it on. I have the 2022 Adventure model and did most of the upgrades you did to your bike. You had great instruction videos on "how to" which I really appreciated. With 7 bikes in the crib I don't ride the KLR650 as much as I'd like. It's a great bike and kind of like the "John Deere" of motorcycles. I did put a heated Corbin seat on it with cruise control, heated grips, etc... The bike runs well and I enjoy having a simple bike that will cruise along and go anywhere. I took it through the Idaho BDR last summer and it outran many of the guys on BMW's. I agree with your feelings on this bike(20 more HP would be great) and I feel it's good to try new bikes and gain more knowledge about riding. I hope your Dad is enjoying the T700 if he still has it. Greetings from northern Idaho.
Fork braces always help. Every bike I’ve ever owned ends up with them, some it’s slightly noticeable, most it’s quite a distinctive difference.
I like my fork brace on the KLR
Such an awesome video. Put an Acerbis big tank on the XR. You will love it
Thank you!!! I actually just took a Clark tank off it haha. I just like the stock one so much... Going to try auxiliary fuel for a while and see how it goes.
Thanks for another great video. I hope your wife heals quickly and well. Total respect for your dedication to family. That first chicken shot looked like it was stepping in time to the music. Stay Swanky my friend.
Thanks Mike! Haha yeah it did! They're usually pretty photogenic 😆
I have had several XR650Ls over the years, but now want to try out the 3rd gen KLR 650 because of the updated features it has that, sadly, the XR650L doesn't offer even as an option. I rode the XR650Ls in my 30s and 40s. Now I am 51 and would like a larger gas tank STANDARD not aftermarket, as well as a small windscreen, the benefits of a liquid cooled engine, and the option of having storage on the bike if I want to go on camping trip or long 'Road Trip' with friends. Thank you for your reviews between both of the bikes. They are very useful, and I will Follow You and Subscribe as a result of your honesty review and respect of both bikes pointing out each of their strengths and honest weaknesses. I have never purchase a brand new XR, but now will be seriously considering (and hopefully test riding) a new KLR for my 'refined'' tastes as a 51 yr old rider. I have owned vintage British, American, and Japanese bikes both off road and cruisers. I have settled on a 2016 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe with Windshield, foot boards, medium sized saddle bags, and crash bar protection for my latest STREET CRUISER adventures in my early 50s. It is looking very strongly that my ADVENTURE BIKE and occasional OFF-ROAD excursions will be handled with the 2024 KLR 650. Thanks Again!!
As fun as the XR is, I think the KLR sounds like it'll be a good fit for what your interested in doing now. It's certainly got the big ADV bike feel to it now in the 3rd gen and I really enjoyed the times I had on mine! Let me know how you like yours!!!
The XR650L is a wheelie, wheelie fun motorcycle. I owned one for a few years and absolutely love the torque on the XRL. Now I'm on a '24 CRF450RL❤
Nice! How do you like that in comparison?
@@SwankyCatProductions Its been 17 years since I had my XR650L but it has been my favorite all-around dualsport that I've ever owned up until now (and I've had a plated XR650R, DRZ400S, plated 525EXC, 640 Adventure, two WR250Rs and now the CRF450RL)The CRF450RL only has a few break-in rides on it so far, and no real offroad on it yet, but it feels a lot lighter and modern compared to how I remember the XRL. Plus the power doesn't sign off early like on the BRP (Big Red Pig, but I say that with MUCH affection 🙂).
In light of all the new dual sports the KLR has slipped into adventure bike category. The XR and DR still feel dual sport. Maybe because the of tractor engine, gear ratios or that the KLR headlight instruments don’t move? Great year to ride, snow is off frozen forest roads and no 4 wheeler traffic. Just ran my modern CRF450 to strong falls. Nothing I couldn’t have done on my 35 yo KLR and missed my the KLR ergonomics when ripping home on 8.
Sorry to hear about the skiing accident, that is no fun. Once you get tired of the XR, you ought to step it up to the KTM 790 Adventure that bike will change the way you look at adventure motorcycles. Anyways, thanks for the great content. Be safe out there in all that you do, and enjoy your life to the fullest.
Honda made a NX650 in '89 i believe it was. Excellent dual sport they didn't make adventure bikes back then. lol I loved that thing, like the klr but more power, you had to watch the whiskey throttle on it. Couldn't keep mirrors or turn signals on mine.
That's awesome! Not sure if I've ever seen one of them, but I've seen the smaller versions a lot actually.
Praying for you and yours!
Thank you!!!
I love my 06!!! So fun to commute on!
I swear, more people get injured Skiing than riding motorcycles.
Not fatally though
Can confirm. All of my most serious injuries were from skiing.
More people ski than ride motorcycles….
@@williamconnolly9841worldwide thats not true.
Man, don't apologise, give the Misses my best wishes for a speedy recovery and look after Her, as you have been. Thank God I have never broken bones, but I know what it's like to be laid up.
Carry on & stay swanky.
Thank you!!!
'08 bored out to 692 with 107,000 miles and runs great. I love my "22 Adv. and plan on going well over 100K miles. It's a zen maintenance thing.
Are you go on a get a Dr650 to test as well? Great video!
I rode a Honda Navi for two commuting summers, and at a real world 70 mpg, the .9gal tank had me gassing up every other day...35 MPG and 80 mi range would be a deal breaker for me...even with a bigger tank. I'm looking forward to commuting on both my old pogo stick '87 KLR650 (once it's finally rebuilt-ish), and my 'new' '85 KLR 250.
I'm surprised the Navi doesn't do better honestly. My crf300l gets 70 mixed riding and close to 80 if I'm just cruising rural highways. The trail 125s I was looking at are supposed to get around 120mpg (sounds like people reliably get 100+ out of them real world).
35mpg is pretty abysmal for a 650 considering many bikes in that range are around 45-60. There are a lot of liter bikes that get around 35mpg.
@@Higgin80 My ZG1000 Concours easily gets 40 MPG, full fairing, and running 50/50 dual sport rubber (limited options in 16-inch 130+). I once got over 50... I'll try to gear down both the KLRs for commuting/mileage...also looking at some aero options.
The XR can’t compete with the KLR on the street no matter what you do to it. I tried lol. That’s why I went back to a KLR after selling my XR but man do I miss that XR 650L. Such a great bike. I know you’ll love it. Congratulations look forward to seeing more of your XR on the channel
Isn't the point to be the best off road, but be able to ride there? Being the best on the streets would equal to being the worst for off road? I want my first dual sport, and like the old styles.
Yes, you can . Put a tune on it . The XR is better in everything
It will cost you around 500 dollors
@@brianrahuba6919 wind protection will never compare. I’m not saying it’s a power thing. The XR has more of that out of the box. The XR is better in every way other than wind protection.
@@user-fk2mp5xh4s guess it depends on what you plan on using it for.
Great review. I want a Bike for me and my wife to take with us when we go camping. I have a 23’ Camper I pull and would like to put a Bike in the back of my 3/4 Ton Truck. I am not into speed especially at 63 and I think the KLR might be a good choice. I guess my only question would be is it strong enough to carry two people? Thanks for a good video.
All my enduro club guys , especially the young ones are hot for big bore thumpers from the eighties on one of my nephews is trying to weedle my Xrl away from me the other has a 650R great bikes and comparably cheap dual sports especially when picked up needing a little work 😎
I've had and still have a 2004 KLR650 from new and even with the well maintained 90,000 k's it still works well.
In 2022 I bought a new KLR650 and have done a few improvements and do love the new bike.
Nice! I'd like to get a gen 1 at some point.
I took my license test on a klr, I now ride a ktm 1090 adv its an awesome bike and I love it but my dad sold his klr and I miss it. Its to tempting to ride fast on the ktm, the klr is good for quiet backroad cruizing.
Awesome intro!
Thanks!!!
nice to see you move on to another bike.....My 22 klr will be switched this year, as I need to down size it...getting older, and it has been modded from protection to suspension to luggage, etc. I have a question, in the video around the 1.25 to 1.40 mark, there is a blue piece on the side of the KLR, looks like a triangle shape behind the crash bars....has me stumped? Thanks, Garth
Hi Garth! I think the blue triangle is just my old trail pass for Tigerton off road park actually! Haha.
Never knew you could make 999 videos about one bike
Your XR may not be jetted correctly?
I'm getting 45 to 50 miles per gallon with a pumper carb at 7,500 ft altitude.
It’s funny I never even considered the xr650 when shopping for a KLR. Instead though I ended up on a DR650. I still love how the XR looks even more vintage than the DR does though.
My KLR just fits me better than any other bike I've owned. I'm 6' 2" and require a taller/bigger bike. It's comfortable on long rides. I prefer the analog gauges on Gen 2 also.
Would you please tell me what front tire/wheel you are rocking in the video? I am looking for a wider than stock tire that isn't as dramatically narrow as my current (front 90/90-21) Pirelli Scorpion Trail II matching set. Based on my calculations, Stock = 90/90-21 (81mm) where largest front tire that will fit = 80/100-21 (80mm) or 100/90-21 (90mm) or imperial 3.25x21"
What tire model/size have you mounted? It looks much wider than stock. If that's due to the tread pattern/knobbies while running 90/90-21 I would love to know your tire make/model & size if not stock.
Here's the install and test video I did on it. There's a link to the tire, tube and anything else I used in the "more" section under the video. The tire and tube size are both shown in the video, but I believe it is actually a 90/90-21. That's usually just the nominal numbers, or class. Actual sizes vary wildly I think.
ruclips.net/video/uLJrb2ob8UU/видео.htmlsi=R7EP3Z8ihojcy_C9
Your bike stable is pretty narrow. Meaning there is not a lot of difference between your 701 and XR650L (besides power 😄). KLR is in a class of it's own especially for it's price! If the 701/690 had a wide ratio transmission and wind protection like the KLR it would be my unicorn bike. Likewise if the KLR had a few more ponies and a 6th gear it would be my unicorn. My current stable consists of a 2023 KLR, 2023 WR450F plated, 2018 TE250 plated, and a 2019 KLX 140 21/18 wheel set. My next bike to add will be a YZ125X which I totally regret selling. This gives me a wide range of riding options. Not sure why but I never jelled with my 690. I rode it more like a dirt bike. Did not like it on they hwy. Funky transmission ratios. Was a hoot in the dirt! My riding buddy rode a XR650L for years. We did some great rides together in those days when the XR was very popular. It still is a great bike today. Thanks for the content.
In today’s bike world, it would be hard to find a crappy motorcycle. The KLR and Honda are legendary. I too find it hard to keep a bike forever, although my GS is probably gonna stay for years. The XR650L is an excellent choice for your riding style and the channel. Looking forward to the journeys ahead with this Honda.
Yeah, I really think so too. Especially now that I have so much moding under my belt. I should really be able to tune it pretty close to the KLR, but keep all the off road abilities. Back when I got the KLR, I didn't even want to pull the tank off! Haha.
XR650L: Do the 2nd and 5th gear mod. It dramatically changes the bike. Honda can't change it or they lose EPA grandfather clearance.
While you have the case split, upgrade the piston to about 9.5:1. It will still run low octane fuel but put out over 50 HP.
Change the header. The slip-on doesn't matter. Its the header that makes the difference.
XR suspension, Shoei, is comparable to modern day Husky linkage suspension. The Honda Pro-link was ahead of its time.
That sounds like an amazing build!!!
I had an gen1 KLR after a couple XR650L's.. the new one's are likely better, but I felt the KLR basically sucked at everything- trails, hwy, maybe commuting was ok.. whereas the XRL was supreme off hwy, decent in town, not so much hwy for any distance..so at least for me it was good at something..so back to XRL I went.. have a DL650 for longer rides-but that's a whole different class of bike...
That's the way I felt about my Gen 1, though I thought it was great in town.
Hey Swank, I'm also riding around on a KLR and I'm interested in one of those 360 cameras. Where do you have it mounted at for that camera angle?
Never give up your secrets
What’s the best dual sport fora seasoned rider that’s 5ft 7 ?
I get 45 to 55mpg on my xr with daves modes stock gearing and a adapted windsheild running 70 on the road.
To you guys that want this bike keep in mind you can change things with the huge aftermarket to get more power there's ways to change the gear ratio didn't let that turn you away immediately test the bike for yourself first!
Ah a elusive KLR wheelie 😂 surprisingly they do better on one wheel than most would think. One thing I miss about not having one lol
Haha yeah I'm a little out of practice (and never was that good) but it can certainly be done!
When did you get the XR650 and how did I miss that? I will be looking for more content on the Honda!
Just last week! Haha, yeah I'm pretty excited about it!
My XR650L got about 80 miles to a tank. It got ridden extremely hard. Needed a top end when I sold it at 15k miles. I have a Gen 3 KLR now. 2 different bikes that ride completely different but can accomplish the same task.
15k isn't terrible if it was really put through it's places. Yes they definitely are, and certainly can!
I didn’t realize the gen 3 handles better off road than the gen 2. I thought the longer rake and swing arm just made it more highway stable.
We can only dream about the days we had these bikes here in the UK.
They KLR isn't sold there either? Even with the new efi?
@@SwankyCatProductionsnope, and not in mainland europe either, sadly
I’ve had both and prefer the KLR650 because of the liquid cooled engine, larger fuel tank for long rides, and now fuel injection. The XR650 is more off-road friendly.
I'm 250lbs without gear about 260 265 with gear the klr is under powered for my weight doing highway speeds. I really like my klr 650. If I was only cruising around at 80-90km this bike would be great all day long but unfortunately for where I'm going it's not enough power to move in a emergency on the highway.
I'm interested to see how my new bikes do with all my camp gear on the back. The KLR wasn't exactly comfortable for me on the highway either, but that was more because of the high speed wiggle.
I love my KLR but there are some things it leaves me longing for that I see on other bikes, a 6th gear and a little more dash info without being too complicated (tach, gear indicator, and engine temp info). Also, something basic to shut off the rear ABS at least since I still wanted it for the front wheel. Cruise control is probably too much to ask at this price point without drive by wire, but everything else I mentioned would make the KLR just about perfect for me.
Yeah, that stuff was really nice on the Tenere. Now I don't even have a clock! Ha ha.
What really sucks is the previous gen KLR had a tach and temp gauge.
@@Coltron_Actual Yeah it baffles the mind the decisions these companies make most likely to save a few Thai Bahts.🤔
Production value in the opening was great but felt too long by 30 seconds or so. Getting better all the time.
Love my slow adventure bike. Great commuter too.
Indeed!
Thats why i stuck with rhe xr650r and just added e start and fuel injection.
Nice!
I wasn’t in a hurry way back when, but I always thought I was. Now I’m still not and actually ride like it and my Gen 3 KLR is perfectly fast enough.
Yeah, it is actually the perfect speed isn't it? Unless you're trying to do something silly, it always has just enough.
If you want to go fast you should not buy a KLR. But if you want to go just about anywhere it is a good choice. A very comfortable ride that will get you just about anywhere eventually...
It’s why I struggle selling my very clean Klr 650 . It’s not too overwhelming on the weight side and power wise it does the job. I rode an older car 650 and loves the off-road capabilities but damn ot sucked on the highway . I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of my 01, by the time I do upgrade my little guy will be riding with me 😂
That's awesome! Yeah if it wasn't for the channel I'd keep bikes much much longer lol.
@@SwankyCatProductions as long as you’re on two wheels it’s all good ! Stay safe out there , this guys still ice fishing waiting for warmer weather. Seasonal depression is a thing :$
You have me shopping for a KLR now. By the way, Suzuki and Honda did make rally style bikes, the DR750 and DR800. Honda had the Dominator 650. Pretty sure the Honda either didn't sell well or wasn't sold in the states. The DR750/800s, I think were not sold in the U.S.
Imagine riding a bike with a 750 or 800 single!
I have seen a few DRs with fairings, I thought they were 650s but maybe not. Never seen the Honda. I think Americans had always thought that Harleys were the only cool bikes. Now we're figuring out that light adv is actually where it's at, only took 30 years haha.
Buy a second gen and not a newer one imo
I have a DRZ400S. Been thinking about selling and getting 3rd gen KLR... hard to say. Think I'm going to keep it and just get aftermarket seat and better sprockets for longer rides. 15/41. If I avoid highways then no point in getting KLR.
Why not just go for a DR650? Seems pretty logical if you want a slightly bigger bike.
I have a 23 dr650 and a 23 klr650. And I have had a few drz400 sm. I would not get rid of a drz400s for a klr unless u want to keep it on the pavement.
Why don’t you look into installing a Rally tower on the XR? I’m seeing them on all sorts of different bikes these days, like the 300l, the 701, etc. I’m sure you could find one for the XR. At the very least, I would put a windshield. But the tower also provides additional mounting space, as well as some bright led lighting.
That's the plan! Sort of, unfortunately the XR doesn't have a place to mount a traditional rally tower, so I've got the next best thing coming! Also have a few light upgrades in mind too.
@@SwankyCatProductions interesting. I wonder where they’re mounting them to the 300l’s, and the 701’s... The creators that have added towers to these bikes left links to where they bought them from, I’ll have to check that out.
I wish, my DR650 made 40HP. KLR/XRL/DR all do about 34 or 35 HP. Gaining 5HP is a real serious trick.
40 at the crank
I think the new Himalayan 450 and the new KTM 390 ADV are going to be 2ay better than the Gen 3. It is a fine bike I just think it's going to be outdated for the price really quickly. Glad your family is doing better, praying for a speedy recovery for your family.
I love my KLR!
Same!
Now let's see a comparison between the Honda XR650 and the Husqvarna 701. Should be interesting.
Yeah man!!! That'll take a little more testing to really nail down though I think.
theres just something about the XR650 that does it for me
It's pretty awesome!
Like I have always said every since I got the Goat . It can do most things . It will and has out ridden the rider . Ok saying that it can do mostly everything does not mean that it should. There is a price to pay to the KLR . One way or another. You loose out on the fun some times . Still ....the Goat is not going any place with out myself. I love the slow 2009 blue pig .
How much are you selling your klr650 for?
$5750
If we wanted fast bikes, we’d ride our Z900rs. If we wanted dual sports, we’d ride our KLXs. We want KLRs, and DGAF about XRs.
Xr don't even have an oil cooler, klr or DR 650 for me.
My XR consistently gets 47 mpg and I've hit 50 mpg once... even riding aggressively, I've never seen less than 45 mpg.
What year? 35 mpg does seem a bit off.
@@SwankyCatProductions 2022.
My gen 2 KLR usually gets 46 mpg
As you said in the video most bikes are way more capable than the person setting in the seat !!
Definitely. Bikes can make us look good, but we also make them look bad way more often haha.
We get it. You want more HP. So, go get a dangerbike, and when you get old, and slow... Just remember, they'll still be making KLRs.
I also own a TW200. Bikes don't all need to be extremely powerful to be fun. I can, and have appreciated the KLR. Just time for something else now. Hard to experience new bikes without trying them!
@@SwankyCatProductions I live close to Milwaukee. Since you're a fellow Wisconsinite, you should take one of the benefits and visit the HD Museum in Milwaukee on a Saturday during the summer and test ride any/all of the current year Harley's. That's worth an episode.
X1.25 speed like this if you did!
Some bikes are just too fun to get good mpg. 😂
Why do you feel the xr650l couldn't/wouldn't make it 30k? Not arguing, just starting to look around and the xr was my pick so far.
Aaaaahhhhh I'm not really sure. A mix of what I've heard/read in Facebook groups, videos, and bikes I looked it with rebuilds at lower miles, I suppose. I do think the rider has A LOT to do with that though.
@SwankyCatProductions I will have to do more research, I tend to put a lot of miles on my toys. I put over 40k miles on my 125 scooter, let a long a motorcycle. Thanks 👍
The KLR is the Lazy Boy of the non-cruiser industry......And that is OK , it is comfortable and it will do hundreds, if not thousands, of miles in any road trip. Some people want this and if all you want to do is tour and not be in a cruiser, this is the BEST Budget Choice. The Honda? I just wish they add FI and a 6-speed. Period.
There is something magical about the XR650L while there is something positively average about the KLR650.
I don't think it's possible for a single cylinder D/S - ADV bike to check all the bases -- any more than a twin cylinder will either. There's always a trade-off from either design. Most AVD rides are some level of twin-track, not single, so railing along in the woods like they show in the marketing videos isn't relevant. Weight is. Any twin cylinder will start at 400+ pounds plus your gear. How many times do you want to lift that off the deck on any ride? I'm on a KTM 640 Adventure because of its features and capability, not its comfort.
The KLR really needs a 6th gear, twin piston motor and a proper front fender. Those 3 simple things will give us the best KLR ever made. Sadly we won't get that anytime soon if ever.
That's what the versy is for
That would be great but then the klr wouldn't be $5800
@EverydayGear even more important then that is it wouldn't be a klr it would be a versy-x
The 80 's called they want their bikes back😂 they were heavy pigs w shitty suspension back then.. nothing has changed
Yet they're still selling well enough year over year to keep them available...
So what am I missing?? . . . the "brutally honest truth" . . . but the XR650L is not ridden at all? The "comparison" is the KLR against an XR that you didn't ride?
This guy has made the same rant about the klr650 prolly 100 times.
That's a bad swap. I have both as well and have to say the KLR gets a lot more use. The XR is a lame duck in comparison.
The KLR is little more than a grocery getter..
The XR is a 17.2 times better bike.
Haha 😂
Who the hell has time to watch a 20 minute video
Stupid dramatic music
🤣
The truth? No XR mention, KLR sucks, your video is all KLR