As a long term KLR owner I found your first time reaction to it hilarious. The KLR definitely takes some time to appreciate. It has a unique combination of properties that no other bike in the world possesses. And for those reasons which there are too many to list, the KLR is beloved despite how objectively poorly put together it is.
I just got a 2009 KLR with 16K miles in a trade for virtually nothing. It's too big and heavy for me, and I think it's kind of ugly. But I absolutely love it. I took it on an ATV trail yesterday and went over some extremely gnarly terrain. In the rough stuff it was a bit of a workout to keep the front end pointed where it needed to go, but I was surprised at how well it handled it. This would be a great bike to take cross country. Stick to scenic trails, state parks, and dirt roads wherever possible and hit the highway when necessary.
As much as I hate my KLR I love it. It is stupid simple, gets 50+ mpg, and runs on regular. And it's no uglier than I am. Never knew it could do wheelies....
i bought mine a month ago, and love it. 2014.5 New Edition model, exactly the same as the 2105. same colours. Crash bars, skid plate, heated grips, luggage, driving lights already installed. adventure model almost. love that big tank. 375km to reserve
As a KLR owner (2015) I do NOT have a problem with this review. You taught me some things too like wheelies and 80 mph! Haven't done either yet. I'd also add this is very capable off road and not just fire roads. It's really surprising, simple, cheap, capable and fun. Pretty much what you said. Thanks for reviewing from a different perspective.
Hey I got more chicks on my bicycle then I have on My KLR, it has the sex Appeal of a 1975 Sears riding mower, but as Chase says if you want fun on two wheels at a sensible price point and you feeel better having a vehicle that can handle just about any terrain when the SHTF then by all means throw thy leg over the KLR and strap on a AR15 for some Liberal trigger time.
Hot Damn! You should so a review from that perspective....On second thought, I believe I will............... I have a 2002 Gen 1 that is beat to shit and total fun!
Dude I loved this video! I'm 6' 5" and have been contemplating buying one of these. It will be my first bike too and you pretty much said it, it's the perfect bike for me.
@@KR7PT Do it! I'm 6'6" and the ergonomics have the potential to be fantastic. And it's such an interesting and versatile bike. Big Guy Upgrades: 1. Handlebar Risers (recommend: "Rox") 2. Foot-peg lowering mount 3. Highway Pegs (might have to install some crash bars to mount them to) ^Those three upgrades (on the cheap) might run you $200-400. And I remember the first time I rode with them, it felt like hopping on a 2-wheel monster truck, haha, if that makes sense. 🤙
Love My KLR, I commute every day and ride off road. It can do more and take you to more places many bikes just cant. Just ask the Marines they ride them.
I've had my Black 2013 KLR650 for 3 years and 15,000+ miles. The first year I was putting a thousand miles a month on it but have since added a much faster 2012 Vstrom 1000 for more long highway rides. But, everytime I get on my KLR I absolutely love it. It fits my 6'4", lb 230lb frame perfectly. Slow, yes, fun yes, reliable oh yes, easy to ride, yes, great for rough back road rambling around at 55 mpg, all the time, YES! Thanks for doing this review!
AS a KLR 2012 owner, I can say that this thing is a tank. It may not be fast, but it is pretty much bullet proof and will take you pretty much anywhere and get you back again. And a fuel range to cover a lot of ground. the 21 inch front tire helps with the handling and the turning circle. And the cheap price means you are not out a lot of money if the worst happens. Try that with a BMW GS. Put that down and you are crying. Put a KLR down, and you go, meh. Pick it up and keep going. and the engine will lug way down in a higher gear. it's not a speedy bike, not advertised as such. But if all hell breaks loose, you will leave your spot bike at home and reach for this bike to haul all the gear you need to anyplace you want to go.
Btw, I've done a lot of upgrades to mine including springs suitable for my weight, better Seat Concepts seat, Barkbusters handguards, Leo Vince exhaust, crash bars, luggage racks etc. Great bike!
As a KLR owner, I think the best thing about this video is how true most of it is... Mainly, that it's just kind of a loveable bike; you can't take yourself too seriously on one. Further, he hit on just about everything that most people who buy them change out pretty quick anyway like the hand guards and windscreen. It's neat to see a first time KLR rider on a bike that so many people love for being a no frills, dead reliable, quirky motorcycle.
People can say what they want about this bike but i bought a used 08 in 09 with 3000 miles for 4000 bucks. Now in 2020 i have 30000 miles and other than regular maintenance and wear items this bike has been reliable as a hammer!!! Also it will run the turnpike at 75 mph all day or take a turn and ride up a powerline! Love it!!!
I own a KLR and I think this is pretty fair. She ain't pretty, but she gets the job done. I live in Colorado, where if you want to go into the mountains, you need something like a KLR at a minimum. I have it geared towards more road riding (street dual sport tires, 16t front sprocket amongst other farkles), and I love it for commuting and hitting fire trails on the weekend.
I just completed a 3500 km tour out to the east coast on my 2017. Fantastik bike. I went from Ontario Canada, through NY, The mountains in Vermont and New Hampshire and through Maine. Crossed back into New Brunswick and then along the coast to the Miramachi. The 22 liter fuel tank gives you close to a 500 km range. It's comfortable, plenty of power, and handles great. I was on interstate speed roads for approx 1000 km's of the trip and it held 110 KPH no problem. Had several people approach me and tell me about their KLR's and a couple people that didn't know bikes at all really liked it. It started easily every time and ran superbly the entire trip.
u can do the same on a ktm 990 twin and be way more safe comfortable,, but if u are poor and can only afford $5,000 then u won't mind the base level performance, i had one and hated it, suspension if really good for fire roads, i got a real dirt bike for real fun in the dirt
This is a great bike. It was my first bike and it was a great learner for a tall person. I was able to do all the maintenance and repairs myself. Brakes were weak and heavy winds were scary. Eventually let it go after Powder Springs PD stopped pulling me over when they realized I could no faster than 70mph.
I bought a KLR (Killinit Long Range) for my first bike... was intimidating at first because I'm 5'9", but grew into it fairly quick like. Love this bike!
a KLR Dash or Happy Trails Rally screen will put the air over your helmet. (may be visible in my profile pic) Also... KLR has 5 speeds. We KLR owners would love to have a 6th gear. There are a TON of accessories for the KLR. With suspension upgrades, it can handle really really good. (the '15 got upgrades) Also... you can pick on the choke thing and how "dated" it is. The KLR went unchanged from '87-'97 except colors. It was updated to what you see now in 2008. In 2015, the suspension was upgraded a bit. The truth is that the bike is tall, but its comfortable. Its great on long rides and its simple and reliable. My KLR has run without trouble since 2011 when I got it. My wife's GZ250 and her H-D Fatboy can't claim that.
I like the looks of both gen 1 & gen 2,They got that Mad Max thing going on,I have a 03 & after taking me from North east Pennsylvania to Fairbanks Alaska & back I now love her.
Dudes use these bikes to ride across Australia, my brother had a safari tank (like 20L) fitted and rode around Australia on it with camping gear and Jerry cans on the back
Y’know, I was at the dealership the other day and saw one of these and thought, "Hmm, it would be awesome if chase did a first ride on this" and Here it is! Its like you read my mind.
That bike is the pack mule of adventure bikes. It's not the most attractive bike in the class but it gets the job done. Billy and Tracy used this model bike to ride to Alaska and back on there last 50 state BWOM ride. They said they were just mules never fast enough but just kept chugging along.
Actually the KLR 650 is used a lot on foreign countries (less developed countries), where a high volume of private security and escorts exist due to high insecurity during the day. I've seen them a lot!! And I've talked personally with those private guards escorting behind the SUV's and they've told me its a great bike for getting that specific job done. The high field of vision they have, the maneuvering through high volume traffic and the reliability of going up and down anywhere (you know in case of a chase or something similar). It may not be the best good looking but I can assure you the reliability, durability and low maintenance are perfect for this kind of bike.
Although I am a owner of the KLR's wheely happy more offroad nemesis I wouldn't hesitate to own one.. Say what you will, the KLR's are legendary in their own right. There's nothing quite like them and most who have owned one either still have it or regret ever getting rid of it. I will dare to say that this bike probably has been to more parts of the world then any other bike. All this coming from a DR650 owner. I have a friend who has one with the 705 big bore kit. ( we are lucky enough to live 20 min away from a shop that specializes in KLR big bores ) Every KLR owner should do it and its only $1000. It makes the bike quite a bit more aggressive, zero affect on reliability, and with a sprocket change super slab is much much nicer without losing anything on the low end.
The KLR is like the old work horse in the back stall. Doesn't demand attention like the temperamental pure street bikes we all fuss over. Does off road better than almost all "adventure" bikes. Does on road "good enough". Cheap. Dependable. Decent comfort. Get you 100 miles down the dirt road packed with tents, pots and pans. Put a water hose to it. Oil the chain and do it again the next day. The beauty of it is the simplicity.
I had the older gen, it was one of my first bikes. If you just set the trip meter for gas, it does the job, you can get an easy 240 on a tank with gas to spare. I never ran it out, just waited for 240 and looked for a station. They've only got about 34HP and can't be improved all that much either. The main thing is they can go pretty much wherever you are willing to point them, they are very reliable, they are dirt cheap to maintain and easy to work on. The aftermarket is just out of control, there is literally anything as an option to replace anything on it. One guy hated the pot metal bolts on it, so he put together an entire bike sized kit of complete stainless bolt replacements for nearly every single bolt on the bike. I got tired of the power, living in a metro area with combat traffic ability as a need. I'm heavy, between 275 and 300 depending on the decade and the suspension was grossly undersprung for me (like most bikes) and the fork dive was insane as a result. The brakes were entirely too weak on the one I had as well. But on the plus side, the thing was so ugly I could just lean it on a tree or prop it on a dune to take a break if I wanted to. There are a lot more options to fix the suspension and brakes now though. For tall guys (I'm 6'5") this bike has the roomiest ergos of any production bike and you can even make it bigger with tall seats, lowering pegs, bar risers, you name it. It's a great bike for a tall guy and the power makes it a good noob bike too as long as the height isn't something you would be fighting against. Sticking MT90 tires on it, it really handles well on pavement too.
I commuted daily on mine. And took it to Baltimore and back. Wile the seat is ok for short rides. Once you get much past 25 miles. You butt starts to go numb.. The KLR is such a cult bike. And there is such an aftermarket for it. That you can almost outfit the bike for whatever kind of riding you want to do. See I'm 6'5" And still have the stock windscreen on mine. But I don't feel the buffing as much because it hits my chest. And ya the stock hand guards are mainly there to block rocks and what not. Not trees lol.
Perfect review. I'm 6'3" looking for my first on / off (Adventure) bike. I've been looking at these as I heard they're good beginner bike for taller guys. Looks like you've just locked it in for me.
I thought was a good review. Big guys will love the room. Best to have owned several bikes to be able to truly appreciate this bike. I liken it to a old farm truck with a six cylinder engine, no carpet manual windows and standard trans.
I planned on buying a KLR for a 3000 mile road trip back when I first started wanting to ride. I ended up getting a 2012 CBR250R and after 3 months on that little guy, stepped into a 2009 R1200GS for commuting. I did over 19K my first year, but had I bought a KLR, or 650 Strom, I'd never gotten the GS. I learned how to off road on the big Beemer, so I know what you mean by feeling intimidated by the feel of such a big bike on dirt but the Kawi does great off the pavement. And I was only age 19, 5 foot 9in and 120 lbs haha
the choke is there to regulate the air-fuel ratio. when engaged, your engine will run much richer than normal, actually used to warm up engine in cold days
I've put 16k miles on my '13 (1st bike) in the past 2 years. Love hate relationship when I start comparing it to other options in this category, but since I can only have one for now...I always come back to realizing this one fits the bill for me. Definitely nicer options for street duty, and more capable bikes for offroad, but if it suits your purposes...it's worth a look for sure. Also fairly inexpensive to fix, and easy to learn on (repairs, maintenance.) Most of the negative stuff I hear is from people that are expecting 201x tech on what is essentially a 1980's bike. I thought your review was pretty much spot on.
I think what you were trying to say at 4:27 is that the bike has an "Agricultural" feel to it. I had that with many Dual Sports (especially on the F650GS Twin which I expected to be smoother cuz BMW), in a way I like the very pronounced response to engaging a gear but it felt really weird at first because the gearbox made a very "aggressive" *CLUNK* every time you changed gears.
I literally can't wait to see a review of the brand new (unveiled 2days ago) 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650. If it comes to the US I hope chase reviews it. I'd bet that it will be the ultimate beginner bike.
Owned two of these about 10 years apart, and nothing had changed other than my first model had a 3.9 gal. tank, the second one had a 6 gal tank (I think). so my first was more "dirt bike" like, the second one I had was more "adventure" oriented, and it was a perfect bike (I lived in Alaska for the second bike). the other one was my first bike. Good beginning bike, just a bit "hefty" :) I do believe somewhere between 2018 and 2022 Kawi updated the bike with fuel injection, and changed the look of it. as for the weight off-road: people have circumnavigated the world on this bike!. OC
believe it or not this bike has a huge following and every time someone changes something on it, people riot, and people love holding on to them. the only bike that is in the same catogory thst has a similar following is the vstrom pre 2015
dont buy it. youll get a much better bike for little more mate. check out the kawasaki versys 650 (two cylimders amd tons of power) or even a bmw gs 650 (which is also a 1 cylinder bike but it comes with abs amd a mich more comfortable seat)
McGuffin Doe Don't listen to Matias. If you want a bike that has character, simple as pie to work on, insanely reliable, low maintenance, and can do everything half-assed decently, a KLR is the bike for you. Everyone who hates them just doesn't have a soul worth having. The best people on Earth find the charm of this bike and ride them to the ends of the Earth and back. "It may be heavy. It may be slow. But at least it handles like shit." -A proud KLR owner.
I would really like to see a blooper reel of your first rides chase 😂 I know you have some. Love the first rider bro. Keep it up! ( with your big ass GoPro filter lmfao)
Alot of bang for the buck! With a few tweaks to the carb, airbox and exhaust it really wakes it up! And mine has been as reliable as a hammer for the 30,000 miles and 9 years ive had her!
Nice job, fun review to watch, I like your style, you have fun and give us your opinion nothing more and nothing less. Keep em comin' How about the new generation 2015+ Kawasaki Versys 650 be nice to hear your thoughts on that one. Ride on!
I'm 6'1 and have a 2007 klr and i can confirm that it is inseatructable but I absolutely cringe at the dual sport description its more ultralight adventure but mine has been abused, I've done everything from log hops to freeway work, wheelies, I've crashed on rocks and on pavement and dirt my cowling is cracked my tank is dented and my radiator shrouds are gone I even bent the forks once but it runs like the day I bought it one year and 4500 miles later and this review is accurate 100% its got its problems but to do everything its godly throw some crash bars on it and an aluminum skidplate and you are good to go for a bike that shrugs off 30k miles better than a car I fully intend to take mine to 100k plus before her retirement
I had to ride a Yamaha Super Ténéré for work. I hated that bike so much!!! It definitely kept planted to the ground in wind, but it was so damn heavy. Especially when I hit the dirt roads, I was terrified of it sliding out and falling. These adventure bikes are scary! lol
I've been driving my KLR650 since I bought it new in 1992. I used to do cat walks into second gear. It has always gotten 50 MPG and does have a six gallon tank. of course, mine is an original style not the new style this one is.
A huge problem KLR's seem to always have is that they burn oil like crazy. It seems like when they install the piston rings they line up the gap so there's tons of blow by. Everyone seems to fix the problem as soon as they pull the bike apart to put a big bore kit in it. So I have to figure it's the rings. I've not read of anyone just pulling it apart to see if the rings are the problem.. it just pumps the oil out the exhaust especially at higher rpms like freeway speed. 6 gallon tank, 250 miles per tank... okay so that's almost 42mpg but that's like Ducati levels of mileage there with 1/3 or less the power.
Brayden Bainbridge The KLR650, XR650L, and DR650 are all dual sports, but the KLR has more of an ADV vibe. I'm assuming by "true dirt bike" you mean a non-street legal dirt bike.
yeah sorry, should have said something like "dirt bikes modified to work on-highway". In contrast, the KLR looks like it was specifically built to be 1/2 way in between.
Actually a little surprised by S/Bobber....the overall tone of the test ride was pretty positive. My dirt bike is a XR650R and I can tell you it's a tractor engine on steroids!...and consider it a compliment. The bike is tall, kind of heavy and not a powerhouse...what about those statements is NOT true? My other bike is a 2016 BMW F800 GSA, and although I really love it, it's not without flaws AND for the price I paid you can buy 2-1/2 KLR's....:) So...don't drink the Koolaid and enjoy the bike you choose for the riding YOU do. Thanks for the video.
I'm certain this has been mentioned in the other comments and I'm not going to scroll through to find it and I'm referring of course to the fact that you found the elusive 6th Gear on the KLR650 which proves that you are indeed a professional and not an amature Rider
Hey Chase, can you do a first ride on a 1st or 2nd gen Yamaha FZ6 (2004-2009)? I got my 2007 last week and I love it so far. I want to see what you think of it.
![KAWASAKI KLR 650 UPGRADES AND MODS [Part 1]](/img/1.gif)
Dubstep, mx gloves, can't describe what a carburetor does, god I love moto vloggers
Carbooriters we dun needz no carbooriters.
Yet you give him a view and a comment. He says "thanks for the cash."
this kid is the first person to ever find the klr's mystery 6th gear
As a long term KLR owner I found your first time reaction to it hilarious. The KLR definitely takes some time to appreciate. It has a unique combination of properties that no other bike in the world possesses. And for those reasons which there are too many to list, the KLR is beloved despite how objectively poorly put together it is.
I just got a 2009 KLR with 16K miles in a trade for virtually nothing. It's too big and heavy for me, and I think it's kind of ugly. But I absolutely love it. I took it on an ATV trail yesterday and went over some extremely gnarly terrain. In the rough stuff it was a bit of a workout to keep the front end pointed where it needed to go, but I was surprised at how well it handled it. This would be a great bike to take cross country. Stick to scenic trails, state parks, and dirt roads wherever possible and hit the highway when necessary.
he mentioned he was on "6th gear", it only has 5 btw. just thought I'd point it out.
As much as I hate my KLR I love it. It is stupid simple, gets 50+ mpg, and runs on regular. And it's no uglier than I am. Never knew it could do wheelies....
Michael Torrey You just didn't try hard enough. Any pig can fly if you throw it hard enough ;P (I jump my KLR A LOT)
....runs on regular.....Really? My 2002 needs premium or it pings on acceleration.
Sounds like you might have carbon buildup or something, I only ever use 87. Seafoam it lately?
I must be part of the 1%ers that thinks that this bike is beautiful.
Occupy
I have one and think its great!
I think it looks cool and rugged, honestly.
The 2022 looks amazing!
i bought mine a month ago, and love it. 2014.5 New Edition model, exactly the same as the 2105. same colours. Crash bars, skid plate, heated grips, luggage, driving lights already installed. adventure model almost. love that big tank. 375km to reserve
This is my choice for end of the world bike. It's a ultra reliable tank.
As a KLR owner (2015) I do NOT have a problem with this review. You taught me some things too like wheelies and 80 mph! Haven't done either yet. I'd also add this is very capable off road and not just fire roads. It's really surprising, simple, cheap, capable and fun. Pretty much what you said. Thanks for reviewing from a different perspective.
It'll do 80 easy. May take a while to get there. I think it'll do 90 but I never tried.
Hey I got more chicks on my bicycle then I have on My KLR, it has the sex Appeal of a 1975 Sears riding mower, but as Chase says if you want fun on two wheels at a sensible price point and you feeel better having a vehicle that can handle just about any terrain when the SHTF then by all means throw thy leg over the KLR and strap on a AR15 for some Liberal trigger time.
I've never watched any of those Zombie tv shows but the KLR is the perfect bike if you are surrounded by the living dead and want to get away.
Hot Damn! You should so a review from that perspective....On second thought, I believe I will...............
I have a 2002 Gen 1 that is beat to shit and total fun!
It's delightfully refreshing to see a carb being used in 2016.
Excessively articulate but succinctly observed.......lol
Dude I loved this video! I'm 6' 5" and have been contemplating buying one of these. It will be my first bike too and you pretty much said it, it's the perfect bike for me.
Did you end up buying it? 6'5" for me and I'm so tempted for my first bike
@@KR7PT Do it! I'm 6'6" and the ergonomics have the potential to be fantastic. And it's such an interesting and versatile bike.
Big Guy Upgrades:
1. Handlebar Risers (recommend: "Rox")
2. Foot-peg lowering mount
3. Highway Pegs (might have to install some crash bars to mount them to)
^Those three upgrades (on the cheap) might run you $200-400. And I remember the first time I rode with them, it felt like hopping on a 2-wheel monster truck, haha, if that makes sense. 🤙
Love My KLR, I commute every day and ride off road. It can do more and take you to more places many bikes just cant. Just ask the Marines they ride them.
I've had my Black 2013 KLR650 for 3 years and 15,000+ miles. The first year I was putting a thousand miles a month on it but have since added a much faster 2012 Vstrom 1000 for more long highway rides.
But, everytime I get on my KLR I absolutely love it. It fits my 6'4", lb 230lb frame perfectly.
Slow, yes, fun yes, reliable oh yes, easy to ride, yes, great for rough back road rambling around at 55 mpg, all the time, YES!
Thanks for doing this review!
AS a KLR 2012 owner, I can say that this thing is a tank. It may not be fast, but it is pretty much bullet proof and will take you pretty much anywhere and get you back again. And a fuel range to cover a lot of ground. the 21 inch front tire helps with the handling and the turning circle. And the cheap price means you are not out a lot of money if the worst happens. Try that with a BMW GS. Put that down and you are crying. Put a KLR down, and you go, meh. Pick it up and keep going. and the engine will lug way down in a higher gear.
it's not a speedy bike, not advertised as such. But if all hell breaks loose, you will leave your spot bike at home and reach for this bike to haul all the gear you need to anyplace you want to go.
Btw, I've done a lot of upgrades to mine including springs suitable for my weight, better Seat Concepts seat, Barkbusters handguards, Leo Vince exhaust, crash bars, luggage racks etc.
Great bike!
Best bike I've owned. And it's bike 33 for me.
As a KLR owner, I think the best thing about this video is how true most of it is... Mainly, that it's just kind of a loveable bike; you can't take yourself too seriously on one. Further, he hit on just about everything that most people who buy them change out pretty quick anyway like the hand guards and windscreen. It's neat to see a first time KLR rider on a bike that so many people love for being a no frills, dead reliable, quirky motorcycle.
People can say what they want about this bike but i bought a used 08 in 09 with 3000 miles for 4000 bucks. Now in 2020 i have 30000 miles and other than regular maintenance and wear items this bike has been reliable as a hammer!!! Also it will run the turnpike at 75 mph all day or take a turn and ride up a powerline! Love it!!!
I actually kind of like the Camo painted bike. Very utilitarian. A preppers dream bike.
I own a KLR and I think this is pretty fair. She ain't pretty, but she gets the job done. I live in Colorado, where if you want to go into the mountains, you need something like a KLR at a minimum. I have it geared towards more road riding (street dual sport tires, 16t front sprocket amongst other farkles), and I love it for commuting and hitting fire trails on the weekend.
I'm 17 and I bought the Klr650 2008,I love it so much, it's a lot of fun to ride on.I have the Akrapovich exhaust on mine.
I just completed a 3500 km tour out to the east coast on my 2017. Fantastik bike. I went from Ontario Canada, through NY, The mountains in Vermont and New Hampshire and through Maine. Crossed back into New Brunswick and then along the coast to the Miramachi. The 22 liter fuel tank gives you close to a 500 km range. It's comfortable, plenty of power, and handles great. I was on interstate speed roads for approx 1000 km's of the trip and it held 110 KPH no problem. Had several people approach me and tell me about their KLR's and a couple people that didn't know bikes at all really liked it. It started easily every time and ran superbly the entire trip.
u can do the same on a ktm 990 twin and be way more safe comfortable,, but if u are poor and can only afford $5,000 then u won't mind the base level performance, i had one and hated it, suspension if really good for fire roads, i got a real dirt bike for real fun in the dirt
No filter Chase! It bothered me at first, but he truly tells it like he sees it. Perfect for an honest review.
This is a great bike. It was my first bike and it was a great learner for a tall person. I was able to do all the maintenance and repairs myself. Brakes were weak and heavy winds were scary. Eventually let it go after Powder Springs PD stopped pulling me over when they realized I could no faster than 70mph.
Something was wrong with it if you can't hit 90+
I bought a KLR (Killinit Long Range) for my first bike... was intimidating at first because I'm 5'9", but grew into it fairly quick like. Love this bike!
a KLR Dash or Happy Trails Rally screen will put the air over your helmet. (may be visible in my profile pic) Also... KLR has 5 speeds. We KLR owners would love to have a 6th gear. There are a TON of accessories for the KLR. With suspension upgrades, it can handle really really good. (the '15 got upgrades) Also... you can pick on the choke thing and how "dated" it is. The KLR went unchanged from '87-'97 except colors. It was updated to what you see now in 2008. In 2015, the suspension was upgraded a bit. The truth is that the bike is tall, but its comfortable. Its great on long rides and its simple and reliable. My KLR has run without trouble since 2011 when I got it. My wife's GZ250 and her H-D Fatboy can't claim that.
Always have fun watching your vids!^^
Do the kawasaki er-6n next please :D
Dude, you seriously find the best music for these vids!
Notice how the old episodes were First Ride & Review. Now its just First Ride. All that hate from people calling it a review got to Chase.
I like the looks of both gen 1 & gen 2,They got that Mad Max thing going on,I have a 03 & after taking me from North east Pennsylvania to Fairbanks Alaska & back I now love her.
Dudes use these bikes to ride across Australia, my brother had a safari tank (like 20L) fitted and rode around Australia on it with camping gear and Jerry cans on the back
Y’know, I was at the dealership the other day and saw one of these and thought, "Hmm, it would be awesome if chase did a first ride on this" and Here it is! Its like you read my mind.
That bike is the pack mule of adventure bikes. It's not the most attractive bike in the class but it gets the job done. Billy and Tracy used this model bike to ride to Alaska and back on there last 50 state BWOM ride. They said they were just mules never fast enough but just kept chugging along.
They should make a KLR 1000.
They do, it's called a Honda Africa Twin.
Bill M As a KLR owner, I laughed my ass off at this hahaha
+Zippopotamus Redditor
AE86 of Mt. Akina ...What?
Or a 1500. That should piss off a lot of people, like this guy in the video.
Actually the KLR 650 is used a lot on foreign countries (less developed countries), where a high volume of private security and escorts exist due to high insecurity during the day. I've seen them a lot!! And I've talked personally with those private guards escorting behind the SUV's and they've told me its a great bike for getting that specific job done. The high field of vision they have, the maneuvering through high volume traffic and the reliability of going up and down anywhere (you know in case of a chase or something similar). It may not be the best good looking but I can assure you the reliability, durability and low maintenance are perfect for this kind of bike.
that bike has gotten me through hell and back mud snow and rock and dirt I wouldn't do any tour without my Jessie.
Although I am a owner of the KLR's wheely happy more offroad nemesis I wouldn't hesitate to own one.. Say what you will, the KLR's are legendary in their own right. There's nothing quite like them and most who have owned one either still have it or regret ever getting rid of it. I will dare to say that this bike probably has been to more parts of the world then any other bike. All this coming from a DR650 owner. I have a friend who has one with the 705 big bore kit. ( we are lucky enough to live 20 min away from a shop that specializes in KLR big bores ) Every KLR owner should do it and its only $1000. It makes the bike quite a bit more aggressive, zero affect on reliability, and with a sprocket change super slab is much much nicer without losing anything on the low end.
The KLR is like the old work horse in the back stall. Doesn't demand attention like the temperamental pure street bikes we all fuss over. Does off road better than almost all "adventure" bikes. Does on road "good enough". Cheap. Dependable. Decent comfort. Get you 100 miles down the dirt road packed with tents, pots and pans. Put a water hose to it. Oil the chain and do it again the next day. The beauty of it is the simplicity.
Your intros are always on point!
I had the older gen, it was one of my first bikes. If you just set the trip meter for gas, it does the job, you can get an easy 240 on a tank with gas to spare. I never ran it out, just waited for 240 and looked for a station. They've only got about 34HP and can't be improved all that much either. The main thing is they can go pretty much wherever you are willing to point them, they are very reliable, they are dirt cheap to maintain and easy to work on.
The aftermarket is just out of control, there is literally anything as an option to replace anything on it. One guy hated the pot metal bolts on it, so he put together an entire bike sized kit of complete stainless bolt replacements for nearly every single bolt on the bike.
I got tired of the power, living in a metro area with combat traffic ability as a need. I'm heavy, between 275 and 300 depending on the decade and the suspension was grossly undersprung for me (like most bikes) and the fork dive was insane as a result. The brakes were entirely too weak on the one I had as well. But on the plus side, the thing was so ugly I could just lean it on a tree or prop it on a dune to take a break if I wanted to. There are a lot more options to fix the suspension and brakes now though.
For tall guys (I'm 6'5") this bike has the roomiest ergos of any production bike and you can even make it bigger with tall seats, lowering pegs, bar risers, you name it. It's a great bike for a tall guy and the power makes it a good noob bike too as long as the height isn't something you would be fighting against. Sticking MT90 tires on it, it really handles well on pavement too.
I love the klr it's very comfortable bike
So cool to see Chase discover the magic of the KLR!
I commuted daily on mine. And took it to Baltimore and back. Wile the seat is ok for short rides. Once you get much past 25 miles. You butt starts to go numb.. The KLR is such a cult bike. And there is such an aftermarket for it. That you can almost outfit the bike for whatever kind of riding you want to do. See I'm 6'5" And still have the stock windscreen on mine. But I don't feel the buffing as much because it hits my chest. And ya the stock hand guards are mainly there to block rocks and what not. Not trees lol.
Arsooon riiiides !!
Hector cheeeeeeeehh
Hector 👌💀
im 15 foot 3. Is this bike going to fit me Chase
You're probably too tall for any bike...or car for that matter. Maybe try a double decker bus with the sun roof.
cheers man. ive already got a semi truck for a daily driver
Try a grom
Get a razer electric dirt bike
the suspension dose adjust some. so you can lower it to mabey fit you.
Perfect review. I'm 6'3" looking for my first on / off (Adventure) bike. I've been looking at these as I heard they're good beginner bike for taller guys. Looks like you've just locked it in for me.
I thought was a good review. Big guys will love the room. Best to have owned several bikes to be able to truly appreciate this bike. I liken it to a old farm truck with a six cylinder engine, no carpet manual windows and standard trans.
I planned on buying a KLR for a 3000 mile road trip back when I first started wanting to ride. I ended up getting a 2012 CBR250R and after 3 months on that little guy, stepped into a 2009 R1200GS for commuting. I did over 19K my first year, but had I bought a KLR, or 650 Strom, I'd never gotten the GS. I learned how to off road on the big Beemer, so I know what you mean by feeling intimidated by the feel of such a big bike on dirt but the Kawi does great off the pavement. And I was only age 19, 5 foot 9in and 120 lbs haha
the choke is there to regulate the air-fuel ratio. when engaged, your engine will run much richer than normal, actually used to warm up engine in cold days
DUDE! the image stabilization on the session 5 was pretty trippy! i want one now.
I've put 16k miles on my '13 (1st bike) in the past 2 years. Love hate relationship when I start comparing it to other options in this category, but since I can only have one for now...I always come back to realizing this one fits the bill for me. Definitely nicer options for street duty, and more capable bikes for offroad, but if it suits your purposes...it's worth a look for sure. Also fairly inexpensive to fix, and easy to learn on (repairs, maintenance.) Most of the negative stuff I hear is from people that are expecting 201x tech on what is essentially a 1980's bike. I thought your review was pretty much spot on.
I think what you were trying to say at 4:27 is that the bike has an "Agricultural" feel to it. I had that with many Dual Sports (especially on the F650GS Twin which I expected to be smoother cuz BMW), in a way I like the very pronounced response to engaging a gear but it felt really weird at first because the gearbox made a very "aggressive" *CLUNK* every time you changed gears.
I literally can't wait to see a review of the brand new (unveiled 2days ago) 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650. If it comes to the US I hope chase reviews it. I'd bet that it will be the ultimate beginner bike.
you make first ride videos fun to watch thanks
Owned two of these about 10 years apart, and nothing had changed other than my first model had a 3.9 gal. tank, the second one had a 6 gal tank (I think). so my first was more "dirt bike" like, the second one I had was more "adventure" oriented, and it was a perfect bike (I lived in Alaska for the second bike). the other one was my first bike. Good beginning bike, just a bit "hefty" :)
I do believe somewhere between 2018 and 2022 Kawi updated the bike with fuel injection, and changed the look of it.
as for the weight off-road: people have circumnavigated the world on this bike!.
OC
believe it or not this bike has a huge following and every time someone changes something on it, people riot, and people love holding on to them. the only bike that is in the same catogory thst has a similar following is the vstrom pre 2015
That chopping noise at 3:44 was the bike going to slow in what gear you were in. Meaning you needed to downshift or speed up to eliminate that
I rode a mate's before, and she wasn't too bad. However we have LAMS bikes for new riders, so it makes more sense here in Aus
Dude I fucking love this bike...I'm buying it. This will be my first bike.Thank You, Chase you smooth southern, silver-tongued bastard.
dont buy it. youll get a much better bike for little more mate. check out the kawasaki versys 650 (two cylimders amd tons of power) or even a bmw gs 650 (which is also a 1 cylinder bike but it comes with abs amd a mich more comfortable seat)
McGuffin Doe Don't listen to Matias. If you want a bike that has character, simple as pie to work on, insanely reliable, low maintenance, and can do everything half-assed decently, a KLR is the bike for you. Everyone who hates them just doesn't have a soul worth having. The best people on Earth find the charm of this bike and ride them to the ends of the Earth and back.
"It may be heavy. It may be slow. But at least it handles like shit." -A proud KLR owner.
yeah my soul is all rotten, I am afraid. I just think a bike should not handle like a farming vehicle or sound like a fukin tractor...
I actually ended up buying a z800
McGuffin Doe I picked one up a z a few months ago. Awesome bike eh?
I would really like to see a blooper reel of your first rides chase 😂 I know you have some. Love the first rider bro. Keep it up! ( with your big ass GoPro filter lmfao)
And I like the session angle as well. Nice touch.
19:28 Look at that Intermodal's Trailer Tires! Completely without tread! You can tell that the driver either didn't care or skipped his Pre-Trip!
Please find a way to make a HD Forty-Eight/Roadster review.
As always, great videos. Greetings from Mexico.
Alot of bang for the buck! With a few tweaks to the carb, airbox and exhaust it really wakes it up! And mine has been as reliable as a hammer for the 30,000 miles and 9 years ive had her!
the new gopro footage is crisp 👌
I have a 2016 and love it. Love the video.
Nice job, fun review to watch, I like your style, you have fun and give us your opinion nothing more and nothing less. Keep em comin'
How about the new generation 2015+ Kawasaki Versys 650 be nice to hear your thoughts on that one. Ride on!
11:52 " oh my god it's so big" - Chase 2016
I'm 6'1 and have a 2007 klr and i can confirm that it is inseatructable
but I absolutely cringe at the dual sport description
its more ultralight adventure but mine has been abused, I've done everything from log hops to freeway work, wheelies, I've crashed on rocks and on pavement and dirt
my cowling is cracked my tank is dented and my radiator shrouds are gone
I even bent the forks once
but it runs like the day I bought it one year and 4500 miles later
and this review is accurate
100%
its got its problems but to do everything its godly
throw some crash bars on it and an aluminum skidplate and you are good to go for a bike that shrugs off 30k miles better than a car
I fully intend to take mine to 100k plus before her retirement
The front looks like the villain from Pheanes and Ferb
I had to ride a Yamaha Super Ténéré for work. I hated that bike so much!!! It definitely kept planted to the ground in wind, but it was so damn heavy. Especially when I hit the dirt roads, I was terrified of it sliding out and falling. These adventure bikes are scary! lol
ive got an 09 and i love it :)
I'd love it if you'd do a first ride on a brand new supermoto :)
Excelent video! This bike can survive a war!!
I've been driving my KLR650 since I bought it new in 1992. I used to do cat walks into second gear. It has always gotten 50 MPG and does have a six gallon tank. of course, mine is an original style not the new style this one is.
I had the first gen. Reminded me of a giant minibike.
A huge problem KLR's seem to always have is that they burn oil like crazy. It seems like when they install the piston rings they line up the gap so there's tons of blow by. Everyone seems to fix the problem as soon as they pull the bike apart to put a big bore kit in it. So I have to figure it's the rings. I've not read of anyone just pulling it apart to see if the rings are the problem.. it just pumps the oil out the exhaust especially at higher rpms like freeway speed.
6 gallon tank, 250 miles per tank... okay so that's almost 42mpg but that's like Ducati levels of mileage there with 1/3 or less the power.
300 mile range on highway at 70mph
I like the Session5. I even think the colors are more vivid than your Hero4. I am considering making the Session5 my main camera.
another great video, keep it going.
Chase you should do a first ride on an Aprilla Shiver 750
Nice vid man as always;-)
Hey Chase not sure if you realized but you have a fucking telescope on your face
love it
my dad has a 2014 klr. super reliable bike :)
You should do an xr650l to compare it to the klr650
And a DR650
Aren't the XR and DR true dirt bikes? That's kind of an apples vs. oranges comparo, but would be fun to watch.
Brayden Bainbridge The KLR650, XR650L, and DR650 are all dual sports, but the KLR has more of an ADV vibe. I'm assuming by "true dirt bike" you mean a non-street legal dirt bike.
yeah sorry, should have said something like "dirt bikes modified to work on-highway". In contrast, the KLR looks like it was specifically built to be 1/2 way in between.
Dat old ninja 250 headlamp tho
Love the dual sport reviews. If you have the chance to review a Honda XR650L, I would like to hear your input on it.
Actually a little surprised by S/Bobber....the overall tone of the test ride was pretty positive. My dirt bike is a XR650R and I can tell you it's a tractor engine on steroids!...and consider it a compliment. The bike is tall, kind of heavy and not a powerhouse...what about those statements is NOT true?
My other bike is a 2016 BMW F800 GSA, and although I really love it, it's not without flaws AND for the price I paid you can buy 2-1/2 KLR's....:)
So...don't drink the Koolaid and enjoy the bike you choose for the riding YOU do.
Thanks for the video.
Choke works by restricting the air flow into the carburetor..richer air/fuel ratio for cold start and warm up
hey chase, you really should do a first ride on a Triumph Rocket 3! Wicked ass bike!
I'm certain this has been mentioned in the other comments and I'm not going to scroll through to find it and I'm referring of course to the fact that you found the elusive 6th Gear on the KLR650 which proves that you are indeed a professional and not an amature Rider
To the 15 FOOT 3 INCH GUY! The KLR will fit you,but only if you order it with a sunroof!
I love that bike and I'm 5ft 2inch...
My first bike was a 1988 klr250. But yeah. I don't think I could ride it. it's too high...but they are really good bikes
Give it up, you are too short, these are for men.
Was that condescending remark really necessary?
Look bro, you are perfect for a Ninja 250, the perfect bike for a small Ladyboy. Leave the big bikes for the men.
@@valhala56 aren't you just a nice, muddy, smear of shit
Hey Chase, can you do a first ride on a 1st or 2nd gen Yamaha FZ6 (2004-2009)? I got my 2007 last week and I love it so far. I want to see what you think of it.
Love this bike, Just have that one flaw with the carburetor.
also, Marines have been testing a diesel variant of this.
super neat
Legendary bike. Unfortunate they stopped making these!
You're in luck, they did not stop making them. In fact 2022 is gen 3 with ABS and fuel injection.
@@tika7mm no way! They actually listened to consumers
3:42 this bike is definetly made from Train engine parts.
Nah just three
greas too high and yet it chugs
It's definitely dated however it's also $6,000 less than a V Strom 1000. Good reliable utility bike, easy to work on if you need to.
am I the only one that feels with a couple of mods it will look sick while still being a dual purpose?
no, thats what most people do haha stock is cool for a bit, but you gotta start playing with aftermarket random stuff to make it your own
NinjaCat
Could be extremely sick !
Chase would love to see you get your hands on the new CBR 1000RR and R6 for a C2W First Ride as soon as they're available to you!
I watched the whole video and you took it over a little hill near a car wash. Haha this guys got absolutely no idea
its a beast of a bike, not so pretty but looks super capable for adventuring!