DR650 vs KLR650 comparison test

[young1]

I found this article quite interesting, you might too;

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=7039&Page=1

[marks]

I found this article quite interesting, you might too;

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=7039&Page=1

thanks Mike
twas interesting

[pete376403]

I liked this bit "so all considered, the Kawasaki has managed to hoist its big self to the top one more time."

But I knew that anyway :-)

[MXNUT]

The test confirms most peoples opinions,
DR650 slightly better off road.
KLR650 slightly better on road.
The perfect adventure bike is different things to different people.

[NordieBoy]

I like that article :)

DR: better in the dirt, drags, twisties, weight, clutch, in town use, standing, braking, price, wheelies, suspension.

And gets 2nd.



There's bugger all between them really.
The DR is more of a blank canvas for mods and you can customise it to suit your needs toward more dirt or more road more easily than the KLR which starts out life with the big tank and bodywork precluding the harder dirt angle.


"Here's a DR, do what you want to it."
"Here's a KLR, it's already done - If this is what you were going to do."

[nallac]

[QUOTE=NordieBoy;1759786]I like that article :)

DR: better in the dirt, drags, twisties, weight, clutch, in town use, standing, braking, price, wheelies, suspension.

And gets 2nd. QUOTE]

exactly what i was thinking....

must only be the seat and fuel range. both of which can be
changed easy.

and it still don't look as ugly as the KLR;)

[ducatijim]

[QUOTE=NordieBoy;1759786]I like that article :)

DR: better in the dirt, drags, twisties, weight, clutch, in town use, standing, braking, price, wheelies, suspension.

And gets 2nd. QUOTE]

exactly what i was thinking....

must only be the seat and fuel range. both of which can be
changed easy.

and it still don't look as ugly as the KLR;)

A great BIG +1 !

[NordieBoy]

The KLR gets far better fuel economy too.

[nallac]

who needs economy when ya havin fun.:woohoo:

[GaZBur]

Read it! DR's aren't that good on Highways - were we meant to be surprised at that! If I was going to be a highway rider I wouldn't touch either of them. I agree with Nordie - the DR wins on all the important stuff. And you can be assured nallac about fuel consumption that you can do 2 10 min practice sessions and four races on a tank full of gas - but make sure you put it on reserve for the last race if the track is a big like Teretonga.
Don't ask me how i know! :Oops:

[puddy]

I liked this bit "so all considered, the Kawasaki has managed to hoist its big self to the top one more time."

But I knew that anyway :-)

All the closet suzuki owners are like that (GS1100GK)!

[Kevnz]

good read but not into weight in pounds so just for the record: filled the DR up with petrol , as much as I could get in. rode less than 2kms to work and chucked it on the big scales . 167kgs, standard bike 2007 model less than 700kms on the clock.

[Padmei]

Yeah I'd be interested how much Gonzo weighs with a full belly. It seems to be bit of a goliath.

Did it seem to anyone else that the tester didn't know much about DRs or did I miss something. I take it they have been in the States for as long as NZ?

All in all no real surprises with the article. Isn't it funny there aren't many comparisons between other bikes of this genre?

[NordieBoy]

They compared 4 or 5 650's in the previous artical but forgot to include the DR so they had to do this one or face the indignation of the ravening Suzuki faithfull :D


Both of them :chase:

[pete376403]

good read but not into weight in pounds so just for the record: filled the DR up with petrol , as much as I could get in. rode less than 2kms to work and chucked it on the big scales . 167kgs, standard bike 2007 model less than 700kms on the clock.

My KLR with a full tank on the interisland ferry weighbridge - 193kg. She's a fat girl alright. Doesn't feel that much once it's rolling, but sure feels it when it's tipping sideways with only a dodgy knee to try and hold it up.

[pete376403]

All the closet suzuki owners are like that (GS1100GK)!I just happen to like big fat bikes.