Bike comparo

[Waipukbiker]

Very good write up in the latest Motorcycle trader mag about the DR and KLR. Probably the most sensible Ive seen, No outright winner, it was about which is the best "Horse" for any individuals particular "Course". I like what Kawasaki have done to their venerable 650 beast this year, There is no way in hell you could farkle a DR up to match the latest KLR now for the new price difference. But, As the mag implied, If you want a big, simple road legal trail bike which also goes very well on the road (with a better seat) then the DR Rocks. If you want a comfy long distance adventure tourer that's about a third of the price of most others on the market and still goes pretty well off road then the KLR is worth a serious look.

[bart]

What a surprise, no outright winner. I stopped buying motorbike mags for that exact reason. The guys doing the write ups are too scared to say anything bad in case the demo bike supply dries up.

In saying that, they may have this right. For dual purpose bikes, the DR is better offroad and the KLR better on road. The massive size and all the plastic crap wrapped around the KLR are a bit of a give away.

Sorry. I don’t mean to put a downer on your thread. :cool:

[Waipukbiker]

Nah, no worries with the thread, They got it pretty right I reckon. They don't often do comparos anyway, normally just pick on a single bike but good to see the basic ADV bikes getting some mileage in the mags.

[bart]

What’s the price on a new KLR anyway? I know the DR’s are about 9k.

Not that I’m looking. Just out of interest...

[Waipukbiker]

New KLR is 10 grand, Kawasaki have just given them a make over. new seat, Stiffened up the suspension at both ends, 22 ltr tank, Instuments, lights and front end fairing etc.
Pretty good bang for buck now.

[R650R]

Sounds like you want it anyway, just buy it and report back to us :)

[Scubbo]

instruments updated or the same as 2008? my little 1998 super sherpa had a digital dash that was great, why cant the KLR650 have that (the super shep is a farm bike now with same dash so its a rugged dash.....)

[10bikekid]

New KLR is 10 grand, Kawasaki have just given them a make over. new seat, Stiffened up the suspension at both ends, 22 ltr tank, Instuments, lights and front end fairing etc.
Pretty good bang for buck now.

Sounds like a good deal. best go buy one then :yes:

[Ender EnZed]

New KLR is 10 grand, Kawasaki have just given them a make over. new seat, Stiffened up the suspension at both ends, 22 ltr tank, Instuments, lights and front end fairing etc.
Pretty good bang for buck now.

This one's only 8.5k.
(http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-738674616.htm)

[pete376403]

Thats a bargain for sure. Wonder why they didn't just fit a new side panel? The retail is about $200 so their buy price must be $170 or thereabouts.

[Waipukbiker]

This one's only 8.5k.
(http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-738674616.htm)

Yeah, that's not the new edition model, The dealers must be trying to get rid of those stocks. Big suspension and seat upgrade between that one and the new edition models. The shape of the seat gives them away. Still a bloody good buy though new.

[10bikekid]

Personally I would fork out the extra for the New Edition, Its worth it
<a href="http://s603.photobucket.com/user/800rider/media/015_zps6d5e998f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt119/800rider/015_zps6d5e998f.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 015_zps6d5e998f.jpg"/></a>

[10bikekid]

Very good write up in the latest Motorcycle trader mag about the DR and KLR. Probably the most sensible Ive seen, No outright winner, it was about which is the best "Horse" for any individuals particular "Course". I like what Kawasaki have done to their venerable 650 beast this year, There is no way in hell you could farkle a DR up to match the latest KLR now for the new price difference. But, As the mag implied, If you want a big, simple road legal trail bike which also goes very well on the road (with a better seat) then the DR Rocks. If you want a comfy long distance adventure tourer that's about a third of the price of most others on the market and still goes pretty well off road then the KLR is worth a serious look.

In regard to this its probably similar to choosing a tire but only more expensive :confused:

Things to consider might be

Practical factors
True ratio of on/off road usage
Intended purpose of the particular bike (are going on a trip from Alaska to Argentina or doing local rides with a few roads joining them)

Your real skill level
You physical size and strength (getting older am finding heavier (220kg +) bike harder to handle offroad)

How aggressive a tire your going to run (Kenda Trackmasters can make a whale ok offroad, but and a GP bike a pig on road)

Value for money (not just purchase but running costs)
Reliability (which is also part of value for money)
Local dealer back up

Emotional Factors
Personal preference (logic may have little influence in this, eg a blue, orange or green one)
Biases (I always buy Yamasakis cause their the best)

Probably left some stuff out but you could make a survey calculator out of that and the right bike for you would pop out at the end (colour preference might be the decider <_<)

You might find your already riding that bike :cool: (or not :weep:)

[JATZ]

In regard to this its probably similar to choosing a tire but only more expensive :confused:

Things to consider might be

Practical factors
True ratio of on/off road usage
Intended purpose of the particular bike (are going on a trip from Alaska to Argentina or doing local rides with a few roads joining them)

Your real skill level
You physical size and strength (getting older am finding heavier (220kg +) bike harder to handle offroad)

How aggressive a tire your going to run (Kenda Trackmasters can make a whale ok offroad, but and a GP bike a pig on road)

Value for money (not just purchase but running costs)
Reliability (which is also part of value for money)
Local dealer back up

Emotional Factors
Personal preference (logic may have little influence in this, eg a blue, orange or green one)
Biases (I always buy Yamasakis cause their the best)

Probably left some stuff out but you could make a survey calculator out of that and the right bike for you would pop out at the end (colour preference might be the decider <_<)

You might find your already riding that bike :cool: (or not :weep:)
I went through your selection criteria..... And decided I have the right bike :D
Cheers

[Logmaker]

Yeah, that's not the new edition model, The dealers must be trying to get rid of those stocks. Big suspension and seat upgrade between that one and the new edition models. The shape of the seat gives them away. Still a bloody good buy though new.

Kawasaki NZ have lowered price of 2014/15 KLR650 to $8995 + ORC same as DR650 Cheers.

[10bikekid]

Kawasaki NZ have lowered price of 2014/15 KLR650 to $8995 + ORC same as DR650 Cheers.

Make sure its the New Edition, seat need to look the same as in the above picture and then run to the bank and back to the bike shop as quick as you can as its a steal

You wont look back :woohoo:

[Ender EnZed]

Kawasaki NZ have lowered price of 2014/15 KLR650 to $8995 + ORC same as DR650 Cheers.

Most of the $9k ones on Trademe are listed as 2013. I expect they're the run-out old models.


Yeah, that's not the new edition model, The dealers must be trying to get rid of those stocks. Big suspension and seat upgrade between that one and the new edition models. The shape of the seat gives them away. Still a bloody good buy though new.

Still pretty awesome value either way. Really makes the guys paying $12k+ for a 2-4 cylinder LAMS road bike that's been strangled down to KLR/DR performance anyway look a bit silly.

[10bikekid]

Most of the $9k ones on Trademe are listed as 2013. I expect they're the run-out old models.



Still pretty awesome value either way. Really makes the guys paying $12k+ for a 2-4 cylinder LAMS road bike that's been strangled down to KLR/DR performance anyway look a bit silly.

And the KLR is an even better deal once you actually ride one, IMHO their little rippers :woohoo:
<a href="http://s603.photobucket.com/user/800rider/media/020_zps6b306d50.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt119/800rider/020_zps6b306d50.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 020_zps6b306d50.jpg"/></a>

[Waipukbiker]

Standard list price for the KLR650 is now $9,000. That incudes the New Edition model. Got that from a Kwaka dealer today. That's bloody cheap for a 650 ADV Tourer. That's got to hurt some DR650 sales I reckon. Be interesting to have a ride on one to compare it with the DR. Did about 159 kms of seal and shingle on a G650gs Dakar last weekend, rather underwhelmed with it, Nice engine and brakes, Did it feel $4,000 better than a DR? Hell No. The Dr is much more flickable in the twisties and on shingle. And the price of aftermarket stuff for the Beemers? Freakin hell. (Procycle don't do Beemer anyway so whats the point of buying one). Now I wonder what I can get for my DR?

[10bikekid]

Standard list price for the KLR650 is now $9,000. That incudes the New Edition model. Got that from a Kwaka dealer today. That's bloody cheap for a 650 ADV Tourer. That's got to hurt some DR650 sales I reckon. Be interesting to have a ride on one to compare it with the DR. Did about 159 kms of seal and shingle on a G650gs Dakar last weekend, rather underwhelmed with it, Nice engine and brakes, Did it feel $4,000 better than a DR? Hell No. The Dr is much more flickable in the twisties and on shingle. And the price of aftermarket stuff for the Beemers? Freakin hell. (Procycle don't do Beemer anyway so whats the point of buying one). Now I wonder what I can get for my DR?

Block your ears BMW guys, Not a good proposition in regard to reliability for those newish singles

Remember if you ride a KLR you got to give it time as its a different bike to a DR, having a Fairing might seem strange for awhile but its worth it for the longer distance stuff.
Haven't ridden a DR650 for a while but to me the KLR steered a touch to quick on the road till i got used to it but is probably slower steering than a DR

What we are used to can take a while to shake off even if something else is better in other ways

IF you wanted to make the DR like the KLR it would cost thousands (if you include the fairing) but why would you when Kawasaki already makes the Bike and you don't need to spend a dime

[Waipukbiker]

My first 650 single was an F650 Funduro, It had done 92,000 kms, What a gem of an engine that Rotax was, That was a very nice bike to ride and would still be a worth a look as a second hand bike for someone doing mostley seal with some shingle riding. Never had an issue with it and they had a good rep for reliability but was too heavy for me at that time to get into some serious stuff. They were made by Aprilia for BMW. Can still get them pretty cheap. But time has moved on and I look at practical value as in "Bang for Buck" and unless you want Fuel injection and ABS then its now a narrow field for new bikes between the DR and KLR. There are rumors around that new emission laws will kill non fuel injected bikes in the states so will be interesting to see what happens with probably the 2 most popular bikes on the Planet.

[10bikekid]

My first 650 single was an F650 Funduro, It had done 92,000 kms, What a gem of an engine that Rotax was, That was a very nice bike to ride and would still be a worth a look as a second hand bike for someone doing mostley seal with some shingle riding. Never had an issue with it and they had a good rep for reliability but was too heavy for me at that time to get into some serious stuff. They were made by Aprilia for BMW. Can still get them pretty cheap. But time has moved on and I look at practical value as in "Bang for Buck" and unless you want Fuel injection and ABS then its now a narrow field for new bikes between the DR and KLR. There are rumors around that new emission laws will kill non fuel injected bikes in the states so will be interesting to see what happens with probably the 2 most popular bikes on the Planet.

Yer the old BMW single was awesome, the new Chinese (or something) perhaps not so much

Wont be end of the world if DR's and KLR's get injection (but of course they will cost a bit more) besides there will be a lot of good second hand non injected ones floating around for quite a while

[bart]

And the KLR is an even better deal once you actually ride one, IMHO their little rippers :woohoo:


Are you on the Kawasaki payrole? Serious question. You seem to be doing a hell of a sales pitch.

Personally, I've never been that happy with the DR. My riding tends to be slightly biased towards offroad, so it's the best compromise for me considering I can't justify the cost of going orange. The KLR is just too big and ugly.

[Big Dog]

Another serious consideration is the rider. I would need I spend $x,000 on suspension upgrades before I could go for a ride on the KLR. On road or off.

I tried to take one for a test ride when I was buying my last bike. I wanted an adventure bike could not afford an unbent DL1000, and the DR650 and LC4 seats were two small to entertain thoughts of a pillion.
Just sitting on the KLR, not even roughly, bottomed the forks. Standing on thee pags while on the side stand and leaning back bottomed the rear.
My DR350 works quite well on and off road. I have not taken a DR650 that was not 10 years or older for a ride, bit doubt the suspension is not in better shape on a newer one. I forget the number but the sales guy looked up the max laden weight for the KLR.
RIder pillion and load should weigh less than me. From memory 130kg max load.
DR650se from memory was 165 to 100kmph. Less for more.
The


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[Big Dog]

IIRC there was also a 90 kg off road reccomendation for the KLR and a 130 on the DR.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[10bikekid]

Are you on the Kawasaki payrole? Serious question. You seem to be doing a hell of a sales pitch.

Personally, I've never been that happy with the DR. My riding tends to be slightly biased towards offroad, so it's the best compromise for me considering I can't justify the cost of going orange. The KLR is just too big and ugly.

Bart, if you look up at my bike list I have some other bikes which might be relavant to compare so I have no reason to be biased as can choose whatever one I want to ride, each one would have its place but the for me the KLR is the best alrounder do it all bike in my shed, If I want to do some crazy offroading I ride the YZ since that is what it is designed for, but the KLR could ride down the beach and through the fire breaks or just as easily Ride from Auckland to Christchurch which ever way you wanted to go and in relative comfort

And not everybody thinks they are Ugly, personally I don't like the look of the KTM690 but don't usuely do the troll thing and tell the owner on a reply to their post. :crazy:
<a href="http://s603.photobucket.com/user/800rider/media/048_zpscea182db.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt119/800rider/048_zpscea182db.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 048_zpscea182db.jpg"/></a>

I also have an RMX you probable would enjoy as it will cruise at 125kmh and climb anything and go anywhere the YZ would plus its registered, I just like comfort to much to do more than 100ks at a time on it and beside ADV riding is about the challenge and if you make it to easy whats the fun in that (truth is its a mad thing and can only stand so much of that :crazy: )

BTW nothing wrong with the DR650 either for its intended purpose (personally would want a new seat and tank and fairing of some sort though)

[10bikekid]

Another serious consideration is the rider. I would need I spend $x,000 on suspension upgrades before I could go for a ride on the KLR. On road or off.

I tried to take one for a test ride when I was buying my last bike. I wanted an adventure bike could not afford an unbent DL1000, and the DR650 and LC4 seats were two small to entertain thoughts of a pillion.
Just sitting on the KLR, not even roughly, bottomed the forks. Standing on thee pags while on the side stand and leaning back bottomed the rear.
My DR350 works quite well on and off road. I have not taken a DR650 that was not 10 years or older for a ride, bit doubt the suspension is not in better shape on a newer one. I forget the number but the sales guy looked up the max laden weight for the KLR.
RIder pillion and load should weigh less than me. From memory 130kg max load.
DR650se from memory was 165 to 100kmph. Less for more.
The


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

Perhaps you outa go back to the dealer and try the New Edition KLR as it has suspension upgrades which make it feel very KTMish, 40% stiffer in the front and 60% stiffer in the rear and you really can feel the difference (I had to actually soften the rear from stock for my 85kgs as it was a bit tight on the road for me)

No need to spend a dime on Suspension (unless you want to do motorcross maybe :wacko:)

http://www.dirtrider.com/features/2014-kawasaki-klr650-new-edition/

PS: DR350 was one of those iconic bikes and probable very deserving of its good rep for the purpose it was intended (Short range adventures)

[Waipukbiker]

Sat on the new edition KLR today, Suspension is a bloody side stiffer than my DR. Kawasaki have really beefed them up. Lot harder to push the front down with the front brake on.
Still prefer to be able to see the end of the front fender but that's just getting used to it I spose. Had to laugh at the hero pins under the foot pegs. You would need to be on serious lean to ground them out.

[pete376403]

Sat on the new edition KLR today, Suspension is a bloody side stiffer than my DR. Kawasaki have really beefed them up. Lot harder to push the front down with the front brake on.
Still prefer to be able to see the end of the front fender but that's just getting used to it I spose. Had to laugh at the hero pins under the foot pegs. You would need to be on serious lean to ground them out.

Yes a pretty serious lean but the bike handles very well, the standard K750 tires are surprisingly good on the road and you can get the hero blobs to touch quite easily.

[10bikekid]

Sat on the new edition KLR today, Suspension is a bloody side stiffer than my DR. Kawasaki have really beefed them up. Lot harder to push the front down with the front brake on.
Still prefer to be able to see the end of the front fender but that's just getting used to it I spose. Had to laugh at the hero pins under the foot pegs. You would need to be on serious lean to ground them out.


Yes a pretty serious lean but the bike handles very well, the standard K750 tires are surprisingly good on the road and you can get the hero blobs to touch quite easily.

Ooh you moving in, you wont notice the front wheel thing,

I took my hero pins off as they have made me sit up a couple on times on tight corners, those K750 aint to bad and are ok in sand if you run lower pressures you can even temp some mud, (Much to the suprise of some KTM530 - 690 riders :yes:) would like to keep them as they are so good on the road but will probable go 1 up on aggressiveness for next winter (toss up between Shinko 244's and Michelin T63 or something)
<a href="http://s603.photobucket.com/user/800rider/media/1819_zpsc2e33841.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt119/800rider/1819_zpsc2e33841.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1819_zpsc2e33841.jpg"/></a>

[bart]

And not everybody thinks they are Ugly, personally I don't like the look of the KTM690 but don't usuely do the troll thing and tell the owner on a reply to their post. :crazy:


Sooooooooo, I'm not allowed an opinion?

This was not a personal attack and I didn't realise you were shallow enough to take it that way. Sorry.

[10bikekid]

Sooooooooo, I'm not allowed an opinion?

This was not a personal attack and I didn't realise you were shallow enough to take it that way. Sorry.

It wasn't a personal attack as its not like I look like my bike, lets be honest your comment was a bit trolly something I have an equal right to point out :msn-wink:

What bike do you own so we access if its ugly or not :scratch: (not that I'd say if it was as that would be rude)

[NordieBoy]

The DR650 needs the forks and dash from the DR250...

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[10bikekid]

The DR650 needs the forks and dash from the DR250...

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Its interesting how Suzuki and Kawasaki have taken the old fashion approach with making a good product that works and not messing with it to much, that's seems to work for some of us and I'm coming back from all that trick Euro stuff back to basics as it seems to work

A resent case in point some guys who own 690's bought DR's to go over seas on a big adv ride, one guy took a Euro he didnt make it to the end but non of the DR's broke down, that's what you need

Dont get me wrong, love my KTM, but it can be annoying when you ride up the road only to have it stop and have to come back and grab a Japa

PS. what about some RM upsidedown forks ?

[Big Dog]

Perhaps you outa go back to the dealer and try the New Edition KLR as it has suspension upgrades which make it feel very KTMish, 40% stiffer in the front and 60% stiffer in the rear and you really can feel the difference (I had to actually soften the rear from stock for my 85kgs as it was a bit tight on the road for me)

No need to spend a dime on Suspension (unless you want to do motorcross maybe :wacko:)

http://www.dirtrider.com/features/2014-kawasaki-klr650-new-edition/

PS: DR350 was one of those iconic bikes and probable very deserving of its good rep for the purpose it was intended (Short range adventures)

My 350 has been a little gem. Stood up to 5 years of being my main commuter with occasional off road or gravel trips to dip my toe in the off road arena. Not too serious though as it was my main ride. 40.000 is not much on a Hayabusa. But it is on a 4x2. I only took her off the road because she started leaking oil on the longer commute since I moved out of Auckland but still work there. Probably going to clean her up and start using her for getting to know the Waikato. Now she is my main ride maybe I can get a few adventure rides in. 1 dayers to start. Two, two and under rules out longer trips for the moment.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[NordieBoy]

PS. what about some RM upsidedown forks ?

Got a WR250 usd front end hanging in The Emporium.

Since installing the Intiminators and springs however, I haven't been inclined to go to all the effort of fitting it.

[10bikekid]

My 350 has been a little gem. Stood up to 5 years of being my main commuter with occasional off road or gravel trips to dip my toe in the off road arena. Not too serious though as it was my main ride. 40.000 is not much on a Hayabusa. But it is on a 4x2. I only took her off the road because she started leaking oil on the longer commute since I moved out of Auckland but still work there. Probably going to clean her up and start using her for getting to know the Waikato. Now she is my main ride maybe I can get a few adventure rides in. 1 dayers to start. Two, two and under rules out longer trips for the moment.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

Your in range of our rides also and would be welcome, i'm sure the 350 would have np problems keeping up with some ugly KLR's :shifty:

Will keen on return from PNG mid November

[Big Dog]

Need new throttle cable, a good degrease and see if u can find the leak first, bit definitely looking for some intro riding.
Only really done a few fire breaks arc so far.

I like the look or the KLR. Reminds me of gonzo, but it khans a look of utilitarian go anywhere about it.
At 140 kgs plus gear I have to be picky though.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.