Took one for a ride today!

[Gizzit]

I finally got to ride a KLR. I went to Shaws Motorcycles in Whg today, and took an 06 KLR for a short ride.
I was only able to take it out for a short ride, because of time constraints, but enough to find that it is a really enjoyable bike to ride.

First off, I stalled in second gear after pulling out of the driveway out onto the road. I wasn't used to the revs, and while just leaning and turning left ... I stalled it! The good thing was ... I just put my foot down and held the bike up, no problem. If that had happened on my CB1300S, I would have been limping back to the shop to get help to pick it up !! lol

Anyway .. once I got used to the clutch take up, and the feel of the bike in traffic, I got out onto the southern highway, and opened her up a little. It got to the speed limit really easily, and went on up to 120 and felt very comfortable at that speed for cruising. Unfortunately as I had to have the bike back by a certain time, I wasn't able to take it for a good blat through the twisties, but had enough of a taste to know that it is a fun bike to ride.

One thing I noticed however, was a slightly vague kind of feeling at around 130 - 140k. I think it was the 21" wheel with "skinny" tyre on it. I wasn't used to the different feel out front. Might have a lot to do with weight as well. Another thing I noticed was how soft the seat was, and I know I wouldn't be going too far on that without getting a pretty sore butt. Also ... crap brakes. I know I'm used to using one finger front braking on the CB, as it has awesome brakes ... but really noticed the difference having to really grab a handfull and stand on the back brake as well, to scrub off speed in a hurry. Big difference in brakes though, so it was very noticeably different from the CB!

I realy liked the sit up riding position. It suited me perfectly. However, as I'm 5' 10", I would have liked to have it sitting a little lower, as I was only really able to get the ball of each foot on the ground. I didn't find the bike to be too heavy though, so it wasn't a real problem. It could be an issue in the rough ... maybe.

All in all, I think that the KLR is a really good bike. It's the first big single I have ridden in a really long time, and I'm looking forward to getting on an 08 model KLR now.

And ... I will hopefully be able to chuck my leg over a DR as well for a comparison, as there is one at the local Suzook agent at the moment. It will be interesting to see how it goes. :cool:

[carver]

these bikes are rubbish

[dino3310]

i've heard they've got a bloody good donkey in them,but to me they just butt ugly.deffinately try the DR you can lower the seat height it only takes a few mins.i found the DR a lot easier to throw around.
are you looking at buying one?

[Gizzit]

i've heard they've got a bloody good donkey in them,but to me they just butt ugly.deffinately try the DR you can lower the seat height it only takes a few mins.i found the DR a lot easier to throw around.
are you looking at buying one?

Yes I'm certainly looking at a 650 adventure style bike. I'm not interested in real off road riding. 90% will be sealed road, with 10% gravel, dirt road, with maybe some easy trail. The 08 KLR is my intended bike, but am open to trying others around that kind of price range. The DR and the KLR are very reasonably priced.

[dino3310]

nice one mate,theres a lot of gravel and adventure riding to be done up there.

[tri boy]

these bikes are rubbish

I guess a model that has evolved over 20+ yrs is total shit aye?
A model that has travelled the globe in all sorts of climate extremes, and carried many happy rider to far off places, (as opposed to doing a few wheelies and skids in the local paddock).
Looks like we have a new contender for lame reporter on KB.:oi-grr:

[trustme]

The KLR is under rated. I ride with a mate who has one , we all ride bigger & so called better bikes but most guys struggle to keep up in the tighter stuff, effective cruising speed is 120/125 kph so you are not likely to lose your license . I call it his LAY Z BOY, it is just so easy & comfortable to ride on seal or offroad. Better tyres & some suspension work will fix the vague feeling More & more my mates 990 ADV stays in the garage while the 15 year old KLR goes on a run & the bugger doesnt seem to be any slower unless we want to sit at over 140 where it runs out of legs
Has a big following as a budget round the world tourer they are bullet proof once the cam chain tensioner has been modded .

[Gizzit]

I guess a model that has evolved over 20+ yrs is total shit aye?
A model that has travelled the globe in all sorts of climate extremes, and carried many happy rider to far off places, (as opposed to doing a few wheelies and skids in the local paddock).
Looks like we have a new contender for lame reporter on KB.:oi-grr:

I wasn't going to bother replying to his comment ..... didn't think it worth it :oi-grr:

Better to concern myself with what matters ... these dual purpose bikes are great bikes !! Different bikes for different riders .... no big deal eh !! We just enjoy riding !!!! :2thumbsup

[timg]

Yes I'm certainly looking at a 650 adventure style bike. I'm not interested in real off road riding. 90% will be sealed road, with 10% gravel, dirt road, with maybe some easy trail. The 08 KLR is my intended bike, but am open to trying others around that kind of price range. The DR and the KLR are very reasonably priced.

Hi, At 10% gravel, dirt road, with maybe some easy trail maybe you should be considering something at the other end of the 'adventure' spectrum and a little more road orientated? V Strom, Transalp, BMW's etc? Transalp with twin front disks has awesome brakes and is very planted on the road at all speeds and very capable on gravel/dirt roads etc. V Strom is a little more road orientated than the TA. Cheers, Tim

[Gizzit]

The KLR is under rated.

Has a big following as a budget round the world tourer they are bullet proof once the cam chain tensioner has been modded .

They are underated ...... in NZ, but loved in many other countries, especially USA.

And with regards the "doohickey", I believe its fixed in the 08 model, along with the brakes and seat .... apart from many other improvements. I think it looks like a top contender for a lazy tourer, scratcher, commuter, ... do anything kind of bike.

[Gizzit]

Hi, At 10% gravel, dirt road, with maybe some easy trail maybe you should be considering something at the other end of the 'adventure' spectrum and a little more road orientated? V Strom, Transalp, BMW's etc? Transalp with twin front disks has awesome brakes and is very planted on the road at all speeds and very capable on gravel/dirt roads etc. V Strom is a little more road orientated than the TA. Cheers, Tim

No arguments with you on those other bikes Tim. They are all real good bikes. However, I like the idea of a big single (the bmw is, I know), and they are all much dearer and probably more sophisticated than either the DR or KLR. I like the idea of keeping it simple ... and I would rather buy a new bike for under $10K and afford to add or change bits, and still have change from the price of any of the others.
Thanks for the input.

[trustme]

When does the new Tenere come out ,it might be worth the wait

[Gizzit]

When does the new Tenere come out ,it might be worth the wait

I have seen a link to that bike somewhere else on here. It looks like a real nice bike. I think someone mentioned that it isn't coming to NZ or Aus.

[pete376403]

The seat, forks, fairing, wheels, brakes, lights, luggage rack, instruments, exhaust, cylinder head & doohickey have been improved on the '08. The rest is more or less the same. Test riding an '06 model will give you a taste, but you really need to try the '08.

Seat height issue - lowering links for the rear are readily available off the 'net, and the forks can be dropped through the triple clamps a bit.

Doohickey = balancer chain tensioner, not cam chain.

As for the Tenere - when I bought my '08 KLR it was $9k8 on the road. The same shop (Motorad) had a second hand XT660 for $12k. IF the Tenere makes it here it's I reckon going to be priced in the $13 -14 range at minimum.

[dino3310]

check this out its in maruaders
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-132824931.htm?key=801573

[MVnut]

Good bikes the Kwaka 650s, but I prefer the older model without all the plastic crap round the front, it is an adventure bike after all, gotta bin it sooner or later

[Nonbeliever]

I prefer the looks of the pre 07/08 model, but no doubt the later is the better (mechanicaly) machine. I too have ridden an older klr and enjoyed the experience.It would be a nice bike to add to the stable.

[pete376403]

Good bikes the Kwaka 650s, but I prefer the older model without all the plastic crap round the front, it is an adventure bike after all, gotta bin it sooner or later

I've dropped mine in the dirt, didn't break too much - the lower mounting stud of the fairing lower popped through, other than that a few scratches. They're not just a pretty face (well, relatively pretty vis-a-vis the '07 and earliers)

Did Kawasaki sell the Tengai models in NZ?

[Gizzit]

check this out its in maruaders
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-132824931.htm?key=801573


Yes thats the one I saw there the other day. I'm going to go back and try it out if I can. It hasn't done many K's for an 05 model. I guess it will be pretty similar to the latest model, so will give me a good idea what they are like.
"Maruaders" !! Not sure if they would like that name or not ... lol :laugh:

[Gizzit]

Good bikes the Kwaka 650s, but I prefer the older model without all the plastic crap round the front, it is an adventure bike after all, gotta bin it sooner or later

I agree ... most bikes will hit the deck at some time ... maybe there will be some aftermarket guards to protect the plastic ? And I certainly liked the 06 I took for a ride, but with all the improvements made on the latest model ... I would go for one of those, because I don't think it would be cost effective to upgrade a lot of parts to get an older model up to somewhere near the latest spec. I do like the look of the older models though.
Cheers.

[mylodon]

I found that with KLR's, it is so easy to pick them up, you might as well drop them all the time.

I've torn off both left and right front fairings, and started scratching the tank when I bought an engine guard. You might have to import one. But I wouldn't ride again without it. It'll keep the fairing and radiator safe. It came with highway pegs, but those don't stay on very well in a crash. If you had one of these on a '08 you'd probably be pretty safe even with the extra plastic.

Also they are very nice for tying down the bike.

About the front wheel -- once I reach 150k, my front wheel sometimes starts to get pretty wobbly. It might be because my fender is asymmetrical. The oscillation can be pretty intense.

The height of the bike I like.. it's a good position to see what's going on. A little rough in some of rougher trails when you need to pause a bit before dropping down into something -- can be hard to walk a bike into a good position if you have to do it on tiptoes. They are light but they aren't that light.

The one thing that is somewhat unsatisfying about the bike is the power of the engine on highways. The polite local drivers have of pulling off to the left side of the road when a motorcycle creeps up behind them can be a little tiring, especially if you are going up a gradual slope -- you could have a conversation in the time it takes to overtake them.

[nallac]

Yes thats the one I saw there the other day. I'm going to go back and try it out if I can. It hasn't done many K's for an 05 model. I guess it will be pretty similar to the latest model, so will give me a good idea what they are like.
"Maruaders" !! Not sure if they would like that name or not ... lol :laugh:

awesum bike the Dr650. Should be no difference between the 05 and 08,
not that i'm aware of.
I wish i could've kept my one........:weep:
They go shet loads better when you derestrict them.

[carver]

I guess a model that has evolved over 20+ yrs is total shit aye?
A model that has travelled the globe in all sorts of climate extremes, and carried many happy rider to far off places, (as opposed to doing a few wheelies and skids in the local paddock).
Looks like we have a new contender for lame reporter on KB.:oi-grr:

i have owned one

have you?

DR 650 is a much better TRUE adventure bike

i had a 03 KLR a few years ago, it used oil, the cooling system screwed up, it was a top heavy bitch of a thing off road.
it was ok on the road though
i did no wheelies and skids in any paddocks, cause it was that crap off road.
i did do a bit of touring round the waikato though.

kiss my arse

[tri boy]

i have owned one

have you?



kiss my arse

Two actually. The first was an early 89 model that carried me around WA while I took six mths off to explore that huge state.(later I bought a new KLX650).
I have also owned three XR's of differing capacity 500RB, 600RE, and two 250RE's. Ooop, thats four.:yawn:
When you finally wish to ride these bikes in the manner they were built for, then you will be in a position to comment. Some how I think you don't even own a tent, let alone a full camping set up.
Kiss your arse?
I'd have to wait till or your little boyfriends had finnished:killingme

[tri boy]

Only got a old scanned pic of my KLX, the staining on the spokes and running gear is iron ore dust from the Pilbara. Try a bit of adv riding first carver before you have a go at the grown ups.

[cooneyr]

Yes thats the one I saw there the other day. I'm going to go back and try it out if I can. It hasn't done many K's for an 05 model. I guess it will be pretty similar to the latest model, so will give me a good idea what they are like.
"Maruaders" !! Not sure if they would like that name or not ... lol :laugh:

There is effectively no difference between the 96/97 model to current day. 98/99's had issues with the lack of starter motor back torque limiting gear (readily fixed) that all other years have and the 01/02 years didnt have a metal cylinder base gasket and so were prone to leaking oil. Again easy fix - has been successfully done with RTV but really needs engine out and base gasket replaced.

A KLR is probably better for what you want to do (given the % on and off road you mention). If you were a bit more off road orientated then the DR is probably the way to go. The DR and KLR are at different ends (well either side of middle really) of the adventure riding spectrum.

Cheers R

[Gizzit]

A KLR is probably better for what you want to do (given the % on and off road you mention). If you were a bit more off road orientated then the DR is probably the way to go. The DR and KLR are at different ends (well either side of middle really) of the adventure riding spectrum.

Cheers R

Yes I think I would agree with you. The KLR maybe slightly better on road, and the DR better off road.
I still want to take a DR for a test ride to see how they feel at around 110 - 130. The other concern I had was carrying a pillion, and thought that maybe the KLR might do that a little better ??
In the end, they are both recognised by lots of guys, as being really good and reliable bikes.
Cheers,
Grant.

[Gizzit]

They go shet loads better when you derestrict them.

What is involved in derestricting ? Do you mean a better muffler, air filter, carb jetting ?

[dino3310]

What is involved in derestricting ? Do you mean a better muffler, air filter, carb jetting ?

yep thats the one

[NordieBoy]

A model that has travelled the globe in all sorts of climate extremes, and carried many happy rider to far off places, (as opposed to doing a few wheelies and skids in the local paddock).

Oh, you mean the F650/DR650/KLR650/R1150/CT110/TE610.

Good to have matters cleared up.

:devil2:

[NordieBoy]

Yes thats the one I saw there the other day. I'm going to go back and try it out if I can. It hasn't done many K's for an 05 model. I guess it will be pretty similar to the latest model, so will give me a good idea what they are like.
"Maruaders" !! Not sure if they would like that name or not ... lol :laugh:

That's only $1000 less than a brand new one.

[Gizzit]

That's only $1000 less than a brand new one.

Yes I realise that. I won't be buying that bike, but will let them know I want to try it, with view of buying a new bike, if I decided I like the DR. It will be interesting to compare it against the 06 KLR I rode the other day.
Cheers.

[nallac]

What is involved in derestricting ? Do you mean a better muffler, air filter, carb jetting ?

Pretty much it.
open up the top of the air box ,(cut out most of it actually)

grind out the weld in the exhaust manifold (was amazed how big the weld was,must of been restricting the flow by 15-20%)

Rejet carbie with Dyna Jet kit (has different needle aswell)

I never changed my muffler as i couldn't justify the cost for one......
(actually more like the wife couldn't).

The above made a hugh difference to the power and a big hit to economy.
It made it so much more fun to thrash that the trade of in economy didn't worry me.
I went from about 20k's a litre to 15k's a litre.
Would run the tank dry at about 160K's.
But i never did find out what the economy was like riding it sedately...
Just couldn't help myself ,i was using it every day to work.

By the way i have never riden a Klr650 but i think the new ones are butt ugly
look to top heavy around the headlight tank area.

[pete376403]

By the way i have never riden a Klr650 but i think the new ones are butt ugly
look to top heavy around the headlight tank area.

The fairing / screen / side panels work very well from the riders POV. Couldn't give a shit what it looks like to others. I usually attend the Brass Monkey and when riding in the SI in mid winter, appearance becomes (very) secondary to how it keeps sub zero air off me. I'm hoping the KLR fairing works as well as the barn door on the front of the GS1100GK

[carver]

Two actually. The first was an early 89 model that carried me around WA while I took six mths off to explore that huge state.(later I bought a new KLX650).
I have also owned three XR's of differing capacity 500RB, 600RE, and two 250RE's. Ooop, thats four.:yawn:
When you finally wish to ride these bikes in the manner they were built for, then you will be in a position to comment. Some how I think you don't even own a tent, let alone a full camping set up.
Kiss your arse?
I'd have to wait till or your little boyfriends had finnished:killingme

haha...yeah, fair call..
fuck tents man, i just keep riding..
i still think the DR is a much better adventure bike than the KLR...

[Qkchk]

Yes I'm certainly looking at a 650 adventure style bike. I'm not interested in real off road riding. 90% will be sealed road, with 10% gravel, dirt road, with maybe some easy trail. The 08 KLR is my intended bike, but am open to trying others around that kind of price range. The DR and the KLR are very reasonably priced.

Me and Qkkid are in the same boat at the mo. Probably would like to do more light trail/firebreak/paper roads etc..... Have been looking at the DR650 since everone who has one just love them! Not trying to hi-jack the thread but how would a DRZ400E be like in comparision to the DR650? Ive heard they are better offroad than the 650 but are they any good on the road? (Would like to buy a motard kit for one as well if was the right bike)

BTW Gizzit, good job on the write up. I look forward to reading your next report. :niceone:

[NordieBoy]

Me and Qkkid are in the same boat at the mo. Probably would like to do more light trail/firebreak/paper roads etc..... Have been looking at the DR650 since everone who has one just love them! Not trying to hi-jack the thread but how would a DRZ400E be like in comparision to the DR650? Ive heard they are better offroad than the 650 but are they any good on the road? (Would like to buy a motard kit for one as well if was the right bike)

The DRZ will be better off-road and fanging it on the road but it's taller than the 650 and the 650 has the nice lazy engine that never sounds stressed.

It's like comparing 600 and 1000cc road bikes.
The 600 will be better in the twisties but will need to be kept on the boil more whereas the 1000 will pull from whatever revs you want.
Longer distances you'd want to be on the bigger bike.

Another plus for the DR650 is it can be lowered easily.

[GaZBur]

Me and Qkkid are in the same boat at the mo. Probably would like to do more light trail/firebreak/paper roads etc..... Have been looking at the DR650 since everone who has one just love them! Not trying to hi-jack the thread but how would a DRZ400E be like in comparision to the DR650? Ive heard they are better offroad than the 650 but are they any good on the road? (Would like to buy a motard kit for one as well if was the right bike)

BTW Gizzit, good job on the write up. I look forward to reading your next report. :niceone:

You asked a similar question here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=53207&page=2) so I put my view there.

[Qkchk]

You asked a similar question here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=53207&page=2) so I put my view there.

Yeah just trying a different angle and was interested in the write up in this thread....... me bad.

[Gizzit]

Yeah just trying a different angle and was interested in the write up in this thread....... me bad.

Yes , regarding the 400, I hadn't considered that bike, as most of my riding will be on sealed roads, with some gravel, and much less ..dirt/dry clay. My need is more for using it on long haul rides on the rode, and commuting sometimes (wouldn't want my scooter sulking !! :crybaby: )
From whats been said the 400 is far better off road than the 650, so I guess it really depends on what you need. Maybe the 400 might be a bit tough to ride a long distance on the seal ... ? Someone will have done it for sure though :cool:
Hopefully I will get to ride the DR650 this arvo, so will report back.
Cheers,
Grant.

[Qkchk]

Hopefully I will get to ride the DR650 this arvo, so will report back.
Cheers,
Grant.

Ha! Im just trying to organise the same thing but with a 400........

Would love to read what you think of the DR650..... and how much work it would be offroad..

We would be looking at 20% Road the rest gravel and as said ealier paper roads/firebreaks etc... However the hubby would commute on his but he woill probably buy a 650 as weight isnt an issue for him.

[Gizzit]

Ha! Im just trying to organise the same thing but with a 400........

Would love to read what you think of the DR650..... and how much work it would be offroad..

We would be looking at 20% Road the rest gravel and as said ealier paper roads/firebreaks etc... However the hubby would commute on his but he woill probably buy a 650 as weight isnt an issue for him.

Well ... I did get to ride a DR650SE this afternoon. It was an 05 model, in good nick with low k's. All of the riding was done on the seal, just like the ride I did on the KLR. Sorry I can't answer any questions regarding even gravel riding on either bike, but lots of others will be able to comment on what they have found.

First off, I found that like the KLR, I could get the ball's of both feet on the ground .. (who's ever heard of balls on ya feet ?? and I mean ... and do girls have them on their feet .... ?? - but I digress!).

The DR felt light enough to manage easily, and the tank/seat was narrow, so the whole bike felt narrower than the KLR. having said that, I didn't find the KLR to be bulky at all. The seating position, while quite good, was different to the KLR. The KLR certainly felt more relaxed and natural to me, but obviously it's a personal thing, and dependant on your size, limb length, etc.
The controls were just the usual basic setup that most bikes share. There was a speedo with trip odometer, and a separate small display with neutral light, turn indicator light, and I think a high beam indicator light. The display unit was a little difficult to see, as it was hidden by the clutch cable that crossed over the top of the unit.
I found, like the KLR, that first gear was reasonably tall, which I thought was a bit strange, given the dual purpose nature of the bikes.
However, after a clunk into first, I was away with quite a suprising amount of get up and go! The clutch was good, and the gearbox was pretty smooth.
In town, in 50K zones, I found 3rd gear was just right unless having to slow down too much for tin tops, when 2nd was happy to chug along ok.
Acceleration was really good for a single banger 650. I would say it is a little quicker accelerating perhaps than the 06 KLR, but would need to ride them back to back, to be sure. 120Kmh came up pretty easy, and I imagine that cruising around that speed would be easy. Like the KLR, it didn't feel stressed at all, and also like the KLR ... wandered on up to 140kmh quite quickly with a twist of the wrist.
What I did notice fairly quickly, compared to the KLR, was that there was a lot more wind felt on the DR. The screen on the bike I rode was standard, and this is virtually nothing. This, with the shape of the tank/radiator cowl, meant that it didn't provide anywhere near the amount of wind protection that the 06 KLR did. The KLR comes with a standard small screen, and tank/cowl shape, that I found, provided a reasonable amount of protection from the elements.
The handling of the DR was good. It was reasonably easy to flick from side to side, and felt stable through some twisties, and only requiring a single finger brake pull, to scrub speed off quickly. This was a major difference to the 06 KLR, which needed a good handfull, and the rear brake as well. In the same kind of situations, the braking power of the DR was a much better and easy to control, only requiring the use of the front brake.
Both the KLR, and today the DR gave a slightly vague feeling in the front wheel, while accelerating from around the 120 to the 140kmh mark. having said that, this is maybe more about my unfamiliararity with this style of bike, and/or may be a normal trait for a skinny tyre on a 21" wheel.

As for the seat ..... even the 06 KLR was a better shape and size than the DR in my opinion. I know I would find it bloody hard after an hour. While the foam in the KLR was too soft, and would also be painful I think, after an hour, the shape/width was better for me, so new denser foam would cure that.
I know if I bought either bike, ... I'd be off to Tauranga to get a replacement 'Rider" seat. (It will be interesting to try the 08 KLR, and see how much improved it is in the braking, and seat dept's).

On balance I found the DR to be a very good bike, and very good value for money, especially if you got a $K off it by buying during the Summer Fest deal.
However ...... for me .... I'm pretty certain at this stage that it's going to be a new 08 KLR650, especially if it is better than the 06 model I rode.

There will always be people that prefer the DR, or the KLR for whatever reasons. Either way you can't loose. They are both excellent value for money in my opinion.

[Skinny_Birdman]

After riding Lugzy23's '06 KLR during the Dust Butt, I'd be thinking seriously about a KLR if I was to replace the Transalp. I didn't get to ride it on the seal, but I thought it pretty suweeet on the gravel, with a nice riding position, and waaaay easier to ride quick than the much heavier Tranny, although the Tranny is smoother and more comfy. It also appears that the KLR is quite economical on gas, compared to both the Transalp and Nordie's (modified) DR650.

Anyway, it certainly completed the 1000km without any worse dramas than the small topbox mount issue, and apparently the US Army use them, so they can't be completely shit.... Oh wait, perhaps the US Army thing isn't the best recommendation....:Oops:

[nerdneh]

Well ... I did get to ride a DR650SE this afternoon. It was an 05 model, in good nick with low k's. All of the riding was done on the seal, just like the ride I did on the KLR. Sorry I can't answer any questions regarding even gravel riding on either bike, but lots of others will be able to comment on what they have found.

First off, I found that like the KLR, I could get the ball's of both feet on the ground .. (who's ever heard of balls on ya feet ?? and I mean ... and do girls have them on their feet .... ?? - but I digress!).

The DR felt light enough to manage easily, and the tank/seat was narrow, so the whole bike felt narrower than the KLR. having said that, I didn't find the KLR to be bulky at all. The seating position, while quite good, was different to the KLR. The KLR certainly felt more relaxed and natural to me, but obviously it's a personal thing, and dependant on your size, limb length, etc.
The controls were just the usual basic setup that most bikes share. There was a speedo with trip odometer, and a separate small display with neutral light, turn indicator light, and I think a high beam indicator light. The display unit was a little difficult to see, as it was hidden by the clutch cable that crossed over the top of the unit.
I found, like the KLR, that first gear was reasonably tall, which I thought was a bit strange, given the dual purpose nature of the bikes.
However, after a clunk into first, I was away with quite a suprising amount of get up and go! The clutch was good, and the gearbox was pretty smooth.
In town, in 50K zones, I found 3rd gear was just right unless having to slow down too much for tin tops, when 2nd was happy to chug along ok.
Acceleration was really good for a single banger 650. I would say it is a little quicker accelerating perhaps than the 06 KLR, but would need to ride them back to back, to be sure. 120Kmh came up pretty easy, and I imagine that cruising around that speed would be easy. Like the KLR, it didn't feel stressed at all, and also like the KLR ... wandered on up to 140kmh quite quickly with a twist of the wrist.
What I did notice fairly quickly, compared to the KLR, was that there was a lot more wind felt on the DR. The screen on the bike I rode was standard, and this is virtually nothing. This, with the shape of the tank/radiator cowl, meant that it didn't provide anywhere near the amount of wind protection that the 06 KLR did. The KLR comes with a standard small screen, and tank/cowl shape, that I found, provided a reasonable amount of protection from the elements.
The handling of the DR was good. It was reasonably easy to flick from side to side, and felt stable through some twisties, and only requiring a single finger brake pull, to scrub speed off quickly. This was a major difference to the 06 KLR, which needed a good handfull, and the rear brake as well. In the same kind of situations, the braking power of the DR was a much better and easy to control, only requiring the use of the front brake.
Both the KLR, and today the DR gave a slightly vague feeling in the front wheel, while accelerating from around the 120 to the 140kmh mark. having said that, this is maybe more about my unfamiliararity with this style of bike, and/or may be a normal trait for a skinny tyre on a 21" wheel.

As for the seat ..... even the 06 KLR was a better shape and size than the DR in my opinion. I know I would find it bloody hard after an hour. While the foam in the KLR was too soft, and would also be painful I think, after an hour, the shape/width was better for me, so new denser foam would cure that.
I know if I bought either bike, ... I'd be off to Tauranga to get a replacement 'Rider" seat. (It will be interesting to try the 08 KLR, and see how much improved it is in the braking, and seat dept's).

On balance I found the DR to be a very good bike, and very good value for money, especially if you got a $K off it by buying during the Summer Fest deal.
However ...... for me .... I'm pretty certain at this stage that it's going to be a new 08 KLR650, especially if it is better than the 06 model I rode.

There will always be people that prefer the DR, or the KLR for whatever reasons. Either way you can't loose. They are both excellent value for money in my opinion.
On my 3rd DR650 the seat on 07 small tailight model is most definitely a more comfortable compound than the previous models.

[Gizzit]

On my 3rd DR650 the seat on 07 small tailight model is most definitely a more comfortable compound than the previous models.

Thats good! I wasn't able to try the latest models of either the KLR or the DR, so could only go on what I was able to ride. I am sure from what I have read, that both bikes are improved for this year.
You are obviously a real fan of the DR, being on your 3rd. Glad you enjoy it!
Cheers,
Grant.

[Gizzit]

After riding Lugzy23's '06 KLR during the Dust Butt, I'd be thinking seriously about a KLR if I was to replace the Transalp. I didn't get to ride it on the seal, but I thought it pretty suweeet on the gravel, with a nice riding position, and waaaay easier to ride quick than the much heavier Tranny, although the Tranny is smoother and more comfy. It also appears that the KLR is quite economical on gas, compared to both the Transalp and Nordie's (modified) DR650.

Anyway, it certainly completed the 1000km without any worse dramas than the small topbox mount issue, and apparently the US Army use them, so they can't be completely shit.... Oh wait, perhaps the US Army thing isn't the best recommendation....:Oops:

I think that maybe the new KLR and the Transalp may be more similar in what they are designed to do best, i.e. good road and gravel performance, where the DR is leaning slightly more towards the dirt end of the dual purpose roles.

Apparently the US army are still using some petrol models, but have mostly changed over to a diesel engined model, that is quite modified for their purpose. (probably not many of us need bullet proof tyres ?)
Cheers,
Grant.

[pete376403]

That will be these guys. If they were affordable....
http://www.dieselmotorcycles.com/models.htm

[NordieBoy]

It also appears that the KLR is quite economical on gas, compared to both the Transalp and Nordie's (modified) DR650.
It also has a 23L tank stock which helps.


Anyway, it certainly completed the 1000km without any worse dramas than the small topbox mount issue, and apparently the US Army use them, so they can't be completely shit.... Oh wait, perhaps the US Army thing isn't the best recommendation....:Oops:

The US Army ones are very highly modded (diesel etc), pretty gutless, get fantastic mileage and cost a fortune.

[homer]

I wasn't going to bother replying to his comment ..... didn't think it worth it :oi-grr:

Better to concern myself with what matters ... these dual purpose bikes are great bikes !! Different bikes for different riders .... no big deal eh !! We just enjoy riding !!!! :2thumbsup

I had a 250 years ago
and id have another klr tomorrow, if it was a duel purpose bike i wanted

[Gizzit]

I had a 250 years ago
and id have another klr tomorrow, if it was a duel purpose bike i wanted

It seems that most people that have owned a KLR in the past or now, are very happy with them.

I wonder ..... just to head off on another track .... how the KLR compares with the new 08 Yamaha XT660R.

I know the Yamie is around anywhere ... depending where you look .... from about $10, 495 to just under $12,000.
Thats quite a bit dearer that the KLR at around $9600, or the DR at about $8000.

Anyone got any views on the XT660R ?
I'm not that interested in the XT660X, as I imagine that the fat 17" front hoop would be that good in the gravel, let alone any more demanding surface, compared to the 21" skinny. The motard would be a LOT of fun though!

[dino3310]

to me it looks like the new XT's are more road orientated than the DR and KLR,i prefer the TTR with kick start only but deffinately more offroad orientated, theres a bloke up the road with the 07 XT he reckons it farkin awesome on the road,but he hasnt tried it off road as yet.