The KLR is a legend. My buddy had driven one for 20 years. He beats the living hell out of it, the bike doesn't even sweat it. He changes the oil once a year. It never skips a beat.
I cannot agree with you more. I have a 2023 S model and I really enjoy it. I have owned gen 1's, and Gen 2's. The Gen 3 so far is my favorite. I was pretty worried that I would not like it when I purchased it. But I actually like it more than I expected. I look forward to riding it every time. I got dirt bikes to scratch the tuff stuff itch. For the money there really is not anything out there to compare. I came off a Yamaha Super Tenere which I owned for about 7 yrs. The KLR feels so much lighter and more capable off road. Of course the only area the ST is better is on the hwy. I will most likely purchase another ST down the road before I retire. But I truly believe we all need to have a KLR in the garage.
looking at your front tire, I believe its on backwards. Look at the directional tread on the rear, you have the front opposite. I could be mistaken but that's what it looks like on camera.
great video...we are akin, fellow KLR fan for life. It was my first bike (GEN 1) and now my third (GEN 3) For me, like a glove to hand, a wicked and fun bike. Stay up bud, carry on.
Just picked up a new 23’ KLR. Now has 16 miles. Haha. Already staring to mod it. Had in the past an 08’ and 14’ KLR… enjoy your videos keep them coming. Cheers from Lincoln. CA.
I picked up one of the remaining 2023's, a 650S, the lowered version. I'm only 5'9" and I'm flat footed on the ground. I dont want to stop riding it. Every time i ride i don't want it to end. It is a sheer pleasure crusing around. I've owned 40 bikes and i think I'm enjoying this more than any of them. Its the combination of things. Its PLEASANT. Its relaxed and smooth and its nimble and its suspension is perfect for pavement irregularities. Obviously it's not fast. I DON'T CARE. It fits me PERFECTLY. I've added a top box and installed the 16t sprocket because i need to cruise at 75mph occasionally. I installled the tall V-Stream windshield and i cant recommend it enough. It directs the air over my head. Very quiet and no buffeting. I added a USB port and quick release knobs for the seat and a pig-tail from the battery for winterizing. I dont understand comments about vibration. I get less vibes in the bars and pegs than most bikes I've owned. Anyway I'm having a blast and could not be more pleased. Did i say it was pleasant?
Haha the new location threw me off. It’s been so long since a KLR video from you I thought I was watching a different channel. I did the full cogent upgrade after watching your stuff and others, couldn’t be happier.
Just got a 23 KLR adventure… just a little south of you. Definitely my kind of ride, I feel the same way about what I want out of my bike and the whole wanting to explore rather than race or what not. Definitely my pace😂
Just bought my first bike, a new KLR. Loving every second , sometimes you just know what fits u exactly. I can't imagine having a different ride getting into ADV. It has all the thrills and comfort that I want. Gonna do my first offroad exploring at Lassen next summer💪🏼🌋
I ran the same tire set as you heidenau k60 scout tire. my rear tire only lasted about 6k. That was as my daily driver and a trip to Big Bend and the K-Trail in Oklahoma. I figured out that the Heidenau is only made in the M&S type which is softer than the old type that people talk about putting 10k miles on. Because of that I am trying the Motoz Adventure and Its really nice so on gravel and the river crossings:)
I dont think Im there yet....but getting close. Rode hard offroad all thru my 30's, now in my 40's and settled on my KLX300 that can dual sport and single track. But starting to think of getting a KLR to haul my fishing stuff around. And putting on more easy miles, cuz I mainly explore Great Lakes area anyway. I still haul the KLX to the desert in winters and do some crazy sketchy enduro though...that would be tough to give up.
You may have mentioned this, but by far my biggest disappointment with the 2023 KLR was the engine braking issue. Once I disconnected the clutch sensor (per many youtube videos), the bike has performed way beyond my expectations. I love it. I thought the fuel economy might have improved with fuel injection over the Gen 1 KLRs I owned, but it still runs about 50 mpg like the older bikes.
Hey neighbor, it's still Oct. 23 where I live. I have been wanting to ride with you since 21' when I saw one of your videos, I believe it was the VC video. I live in Reno. I own the XR650L 22" we got our bikes about the same time. I think you would enjoy a ride on it, and I would like to try your KLR.
I do agree that the KLR 650 is pretty much the closest you can get to a 50/50 bike. Also do agree with pretty much everyone that keeps wanting a 6th gear, however I find it goes from 65 up to 80mph pretty quickly. although over 65-68 mph the vibes will start to get you, I find that if I just hold the bars very lightly I can sustain long distance at 70, but its really not meant for that, and if thats what you want to do, get an Africa Twin.
As someone who is 5'9 and this being my first bike I dropped my 22 KLR 4 times in the first 3 weeks stalling and coming to a stop LOL. good thing I bought it with crash bars already on it, I dont do that anymore but yeah HAHA
People hate KLRs because they paid double the price for their bikes that are no more reliable and have nowhere near the aftermarket support. Thinking about buying another KLR this summer.
Isn’t Nor Cal freaking beautiful?? And the UNLIMITED amount of trails you can take that on is crazy. I haven’t don’t anything to mine yet but will soon
I have a xr650 with a lot of mods and all the bolt on power adders and it’s a awesome bike. My best friend just got a older 04 klr and we will have to do some comparison. I like the lighter Honda, I run Moto z tractionators so does my buddy on his brand new ktm 450 enduro, has a oversized 5.5 gallons tank I love the dirtbike look. I have led lights all around and low profile turns. Mx styled graphics kit. Rides soo much better for distance then my buddies ktm but not as adventure bike riding like the klr.
I want to put on the crash bars but I don't know if I have to remove the stock flood lights. All the KLR's I have seen with the crash bars all have aftermarket flood lights.
I've had my gen II for over five years now and i wouldn't give it up without a fight. I suggest that anyone considering a KLR 650 should buy a used one to try it out, that way you can turn around a sell it for about what you paid for it if you don't keep it too long.
Gen II for seven years now, feel the same way. Don't need or want anything else. Not trying to impress anyone else. Just enjoying the ride and soaking up the sights.
Will it pop start? or do you have to disconnect the neutral safety switch? if so, is it just as easy as taking a fuse out? I am thinking about wiring in a battery tender, and then modifying a small jump box to hook up to the battery tender wires… Not sure… The battery jump box charges from USB, Id like to know what the amperage output is on the gen3 stator. I have some psychological hickup on not having kickstart, or being able to bump start it. Freaked me out when I put the kickstand down with it in gear and it killed the bike ha.
Your next set of tires should be mission trailmax . They are way better on the street and equal to the k60 on gravel . Fully loaded R1200gs (my last bike) I cleared 20,000 miles on the rear …
Did you ever say how many miles you have on it? I have had my KLR Adventure bike since February 22 and am enjoying it. All I have done is swapped out stock tires for some Shinko tires. Mine seems to burns a little oil but I did not add thermobob. I wonder if that’s why. It hasn’t over heated and I live in Florida. Thanks for the update.
I rode a 2017 KLR for years. I sold it and bought a 23 Tuareg 660 (almost identical weight). The difference is mind blowing. IMHO, the biggest issue with the Gen 2 KLR is geometry and weight distribution. I live on a 4 x 4 road and every time I go anywhere I start with that. There are two places where I always had trouble with my KLR. The Tuareg just blows right through them. Why? 1) The fuel sits lower. Cannot over-emphasize how much that helps. 2) The frame and fork geometry is different. Areas where I had real struggle on my KLR I can just let the Tuareg flow through and the bike takes care of itself. I know the Gen 3 changed fork geometry. No one ever comments on it, but it could be the single most important change from Gen 2 to Gen 3. If Kawi did it right, all other changes would pale in comparison. Because, quite frankly, the Gen 2 geometry absolutely sucks. And you wont know it until you get on a bike where it doesn't. Can you Gen 3 riders who came off a Gen 1 or 2 comment?
It would be nice if the KLR wheels were tubeless. It would suck to get a flat on one of those off road roads and have to try to change out a tube, instead of just being able to plug the tire and inflate it...
Pros and cons to both, with tube you can drop air pressure for sand and loose stuff, tubeless, drop PSI and knock tire off of wheel, good luck getting it to bead up again. Tubed, can patch the tube or change out. Tubeless, cut a side wall or poke a hole to big for a plug, your putting a tube in it to get home. Tubed, can bend a rim and it will still hold, Tubeless, bend a rim, you better have a way to bend back to get the tire to bead up again. In either case run with what you feel comfortable with.
I had an early KLR. I think the price allows people to be free to explore. Paying $12K+, realistically $16K+, keeps a lot of people strictly on road and not adventuring off road. KLRs are slow. A buddy put a 705 or 720 kit on his and that actually had some mid range.
@@nathanbanks7091 I just put a skid plate and milk crate on it. It might be the weed talking, but it's kinda funny we're having a 'conversation' in 2024 that is slower than actual snail mail. Cheers!
Had one Might not totally agree with your assessment Mint certainly I can see your point ! Sad thing….. I sit on one Fit perfectly May sucker me into giving it a go again
The KLR is a legend. My buddy had driven one for 20 years. He beats the living hell out of it, the bike doesn't even sweat it. He changes the oil once a year. It never skips a beat.
I cannot agree with you more. I have a 2023 S model and I really enjoy it. I have owned gen 1's, and Gen 2's. The Gen 3 so far is my favorite. I was pretty worried that I would not like it when I purchased it. But I actually like it more than I expected. I look forward to riding it every time. I got dirt bikes to scratch the tuff stuff itch. For the money there really is not anything out there to compare. I came off a Yamaha Super Tenere which I owned for about 7 yrs. The KLR feels so much lighter and more capable off road. Of course the only area the ST is better is on the hwy. I will most likely purchase another ST down the road before I retire. But I truly believe we all need to have a KLR in the garage.
looking at your front tire, I believe its on backwards. Look at the directional tread on the rear, you have the front opposite. I could be mistaken but that's what it looks like on camera.
There should be a arrow on the sidewall showing the correct rotation of the tire.
great video...we are akin, fellow KLR fan for life. It was my first bike (GEN 1) and now my third (GEN 3) For me, like a glove to hand, a wicked and fun bike. Stay up bud, carry on.
Just picked up a new 23’ KLR. Now has 16 miles. Haha. Already staring to mod it. Had in the past an 08’ and 14’ KLR… enjoy your videos keep them coming. Cheers from Lincoln. CA.
I picked up one of the remaining 2023's, a 650S, the lowered version. I'm only 5'9" and I'm flat footed on the ground. I dont want to stop riding it. Every time i ride i don't want it to end. It is a sheer pleasure crusing around. I've owned 40 bikes and i think I'm enjoying this more than any of them. Its the combination of things. Its PLEASANT. Its relaxed and smooth and its nimble and its suspension is perfect for pavement irregularities. Obviously it's not fast. I DON'T CARE. It fits me PERFECTLY. I've added a top box and installed the 16t sprocket because i need to cruise at 75mph occasionally. I installled the tall V-Stream windshield and i cant recommend it enough. It directs the air over my head. Very quiet and no buffeting. I added a USB port and quick release knobs for the seat and a pig-tail from the battery for winterizing. I dont understand comments about vibration. I get less vibes in the bars and pegs than most bikes I've owned. Anyway I'm having a blast and could not be more pleased. Did i say it was pleasant?
Haha the new location threw me off. It’s been so long since a KLR video from you I thought I was watching a different channel. I did the full cogent upgrade after watching your stuff and others, couldn’t be happier.
Saludos desde Ecuador te has ganado un suscriptor, tengo la misma moto y es completa no necesito más, muy buen video felicitaciones
Just got a 23 KLR adventure… just a little south of you. Definitely my kind of ride, I feel the same way about what I want out of my bike and the whole wanting to explore rather than race or what not. Definitely my pace😂
I like the Pelican case idea, gonna get one for my ride.
Just bought my first bike, a new KLR. Loving every second , sometimes you just know what fits u exactly. I can't imagine having a different ride getting into ADV. It has all the thrills and comfort that I want. Gonna do my first offroad exploring at Lassen next summer💪🏼🌋
Can I ask your heel-taint dimension? All signs are pointing me to a new S model, but I’m about 31” inseam.
@@UnkleCletusNW I'm 6'4" , 34 inseam. If I was under 6"2 I'd get an S.
I love my 23 Adventure. Been dogging that thing for 10K so far. What a fun bike!
Love my Gen 2!
Nicely outfitted scooter.
I ran the same tire set as you heidenau k60 scout tire. my rear tire only lasted about 6k. That was as my daily driver and a trip to Big Bend and the K-Trail in Oklahoma. I figured out that the Heidenau is only made in the M&S type which is softer than the old type that people talk about putting 10k miles on. Because of that I am trying the Motoz Adventure and Its really nice so on gravel and the river crossings:)
I dont think Im there yet....but getting close. Rode hard offroad all thru my 30's, now in my 40's and settled on my KLX300 that can dual sport and single track. But starting to think of getting a KLR to haul my fishing stuff around. And putting on more easy miles, cuz I mainly explore Great Lakes area anyway. I still haul the KLX to the desert in winters and do some crazy sketchy enduro though...that would be tough to give up.
You may have mentioned this, but by far my biggest disappointment with the 2023 KLR was the engine braking issue. Once I disconnected the clutch sensor (per many youtube videos), the bike has performed way beyond my expectations. I love it. I thought the fuel economy might have improved with fuel injection over the Gen 1 KLRs I owned, but it still runs about 50 mpg like the older bikes.
I have the same tires and they are absolutely fantastic.
I was flat tracking on the dirt/gravel roads after the video cut out. I call BS on the complaints I saw online
How are your replacement mileage?
I’m running mission trail max and have 16000 mile so far and looks like I can pull another 5-6 thousand…
Hey neighbor, it's still Oct. 23 where I live. I have been wanting to ride with you since 21' when I saw one of your videos, I believe it was the VC video. I live in Reno. I own the XR650L 22" we got our bikes about the same time. I think you would enjoy a ride on it, and I would like to try your KLR.
I loved my gen 2 but needed more for distance riding.
I do agree that the KLR 650 is pretty much the closest you can get to a 50/50 bike. Also do agree with pretty much everyone that keeps wanting a 6th gear, however I find it goes from 65 up to 80mph pretty quickly. although over 65-68 mph the vibes will start to get you, I find that if I just hold the bars very lightly I can sustain long distance at 70, but its really not meant for that, and if thats what you want to do, get an Africa Twin.
As someone who is 5'9 and this being my first bike I dropped my 22 KLR 4 times in the first 3 weeks stalling and coming to a stop LOL. good thing I bought it with crash bars already on it, I dont do that anymore but yeah HAHA
People hate KLRs because they paid double the price for their bikes that are no more reliable and have nowhere near the aftermarket support. Thinking about buying another KLR this summer.
I’m thinking about buying a 2024 S I’m a short guy this bike looks like so much fun
Isn’t Nor Cal freaking beautiful?? And the UNLIMITED amount of trails you can take that on is crazy. I haven’t don’t anything to mine yet but will soon
I love my 2009 klr
I have a xr650 with a lot of mods and all the bolt on power adders and it’s a awesome bike. My best friend just got a older 04 klr and we will have to do some comparison. I like the lighter Honda, I run Moto z tractionators so does my buddy on his brand new ktm 450 enduro, has a oversized 5.5 gallons tank I love the dirtbike look. I have led lights all around and low profile turns. Mx styled graphics kit. Rides soo much better for distance then my buddies ktm but not as adventure bike riding like the klr.
How is your GPS mounted? I have ‘23 Adventure and love it.
Mine was in fact, so good that someone else decided they wanted it more than me 😂
That sucks! Did you ever get it back?
I love it. I just don’t like it when I have to get on the freeway. I will do 16t mod. Hopefully this helps me more
It is definitely better a freeway speed
I got some windshield riser brackets for $30. Functionally/aesthetically, best money I've spent.
If they are the same ones I bought in my early videos (3D printed), I broke them within the first week or two
4:12 I stand on the pegs all over the place, with stock handlebars. I’m 6’1”.
I want to put on the crash bars but I don't know if I have to remove the stock flood lights. All the KLR's I have seen with the crash bars all have aftermarket flood lights.
Hi John. Do you think the doohickey mod is worth it? I've heard several different opinions and stories. Thanks
I've had my gen II for over five years now and i wouldn't give it up without a fight. I suggest that anyone considering a KLR 650 should buy a used one to try it out, that way you can turn around a sell it for about what you paid for it if you don't keep it too long.
Gen II for seven years now, feel the same way. Don't need or want anything else. Not trying to impress anyone else. Just enjoying the ride and soaking up the sights.
Bike is looking good. Good video.
How is your GPS wired up?
Cigarette lighter plug in. I'm a keep in simple stupid kinda person haha
Will it pop start? or do you have to disconnect the neutral safety switch? if so, is it just as easy as taking a fuse out? I am thinking about wiring in a battery tender, and then modifying a small jump box to hook up to the battery tender wires… Not sure… The battery jump box charges from USB, Id like to know what the amperage output is on the gen3 stator. I have some psychological hickup on not having kickstart, or being able to bump start it. Freaked me out when I put the kickstand down with it in gear and it killed the bike ha.
Your next set of tires should be mission trailmax . They are way better on the street and equal to the k60 on gravel .
Fully loaded R1200gs (my last bike) I cleared 20,000 miles on the rear …
Do you have a link to that rear tire?
Did the exhaust change give you more zip?
Any issue with that GPS being mounted there?
Did you ever say how many miles you have on it? I have had my KLR Adventure bike since February 22 and am enjoying it. All I have done is swapped out stock tires for some Shinko tires. Mine seems to burns a little oil but I did not add thermobob. I wonder if that’s why. It hasn’t over heated and I live in Florida. Thanks for the update.
~6k
The thermobob won't fix that. It will just stabilize engine Temps.
I grew up in NorCal... looks like where I grew up there.
That is the area... I graduated From Quincy High
I rode a 2017 KLR for years. I sold it and bought a 23 Tuareg 660 (almost identical weight). The difference is mind blowing. IMHO, the biggest issue with the Gen 2 KLR is geometry and weight distribution. I live on a 4 x 4 road and every time I go anywhere I start with that. There are two places where I always had trouble with my KLR. The Tuareg just blows right through them. Why? 1) The fuel sits lower. Cannot over-emphasize how much that helps. 2) The frame and fork geometry is different. Areas where I had real struggle on my KLR I can just let the Tuareg flow through and the bike takes care of itself.
I know the Gen 3 changed fork geometry. No one ever comments on it, but it could be the single most important change from Gen 2 to Gen 3. If Kawi did it right, all other changes would pale in comparison. Because, quite frankly, the Gen 2 geometry absolutely sucks. And you wont know it until you get on a bike where it doesn't.
Can you Gen 3 riders who came off a Gen 1 or 2 comment?
It would be nice if the KLR wheels were tubeless. It would suck to get a flat on one of those off road roads and have to try to change out a tube, instead of just being able to plug the tire and inflate it...
Pros and cons to both, with tube you can drop air pressure for sand and loose stuff, tubeless, drop PSI and knock tire off of wheel, good luck getting it to bead up again. Tubed, can patch the tube or change out. Tubeless, cut a side wall or poke a hole to big for a plug, your putting a tube in it to get home. Tubed, can bend a rim and it will still hold, Tubeless, bend a rim, you better have a way to bend back to get the tire to bead up again. In either case run with what you feel comfortable with.
I had an early KLR. I think the price allows people to be free to explore. Paying $12K+, realistically $16K+, keeps a lot of people strictly on road and not adventuring off road. KLRs are slow. A buddy put a 705 or 720 kit on his and that actually had some mid range.
Your front tire is on backwards
I think you’re right. Looks backwards to me too.
Alot of the time the front tire is supposed to be like that. I don't exactly know why but that's its direction🤷
Gen 1 is perfect motorcycle. I always say that over time, the pig got fat and lazy.
Gen 1 is a pretty good kit to start with. You have to mod the crap out of them to make them rideable. I put 30k miles and a lot of mods on mine.
@@nathanbanks7091 I just put a skid plate and milk crate on it. It might be the weed talking, but it's kinda funny we're having a 'conversation' in 2024 that is slower than actual snail mail. Cheers!
No
My Gen 1 KLR is a total piece of shit. The KLR is little more than a grocery getter..
Had one
Might not totally agree with your assessment
Mint certainly I can see your point !
Sad thing….. I sit on one
Fit perfectly
May sucker me into giving it a go again
@@rodneybjornstad9016 There are MUCH better bikes out there..