Who's got a KLX650?

[pete376403]

The old IT400 has gone, and I'm looking for an adventure-capable bike. Don't want a BMW (not that old yet) and not overly taken with the DR650, XT660 or any Honda. KTMS and other Euro-exotica are out of price range So that more or less leaves the KLR650. I'd like to hear (read) owners opinions of them, please.
Thanks

[upshift]

I must be old then, I have a BMW :-)
I think the KLR650 is well worth considering, I may well of got one myself if I was purchasing with adventure riding in mind.

If you decide the KLR650 is for you then keep in mind there is an updated version about to be released in the U.S., it's actually dubbed the 2008 model! Could be in NZ some time next year?
Look here for details.

[dickytoo]

The KLR650 has a huge following in the states. they are quite fanatical about the bike.

http://www.klr650.net/forums/

[dickytoo]

hmmm, seems the old forums have closed. here is the link to the replacement one

http://klrworld.com/forums/

[dickytoo]

another good link


http://www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html


This one is very detailed and very informative!

[Motu]

KLR or KLX ??

[Ruralman]

If you can manage a kick start then the TTR600 is worth a look - few on trademe that have been stuck there a while. Great suspension, unbreakable motors, downside is the tank is only 10l and no lecky start.

[pete376403]

Its the KLR I am looking at. I'm aware there will be an updated one released here about May 07 according to Motorad, price unknown at this stage.
The downside of the DR and TT is the small tank, whereas the KLR has a 23 litre one, and the electric leg. Current retail is $9200 give or take, and a second hand Dakar 650 BMW that Motorad had was 10500,
The US forums say it is almost mandatory to change the "doohickey" - balance chain tensioner - as they wear and break, causing big time engine damage. Anyone here experienced that?

[RedKLR650]

Its the KLR I am looking at. I'm aware there will be an updated one released here about May 07 according to Motorad, price unknown at this stage.
The downside of the DR and TT is the small tank, whereas the KLR has a 23 litre one, and the electric leg. Current retail is $9200 give or take, and a second hand Dakar 650 BMW that Motorad had was 10500,
The US forums say it is almost mandatory to change the "doohickey" - balance chain tensioner - as they wear and break, causing big time engine damage. Anyone here experienced that?

I have a 2nd hand one with 9300km on the clock for sale for $7500 if you are interested and still looking. I have 2 and the old one is currently on trademe. Otherwise give me a buzz on 0 3 688 5050 to discuss. That new model you refer to looks a lot more like the KLE500 - heaps more plastic to damage..... . Regards, Stu

[chris]

not overly taken with the DR650

Can I ask why? It really is one of the best no frills adventure bikes on the market, $9000 new!

[ducatijim]

Yeah...DR650 is an oarsome machine;cheap,simple,reasonably lite,VERY capable both on/off road. I am no Suzuki fan, but these are truly a good buy and will go on forever!Got to be lighter and simpler than the KLR,smaller fuel tank;13l.

[chris]

Yeah...DR650 is an oarsome machine;cheap,simple,reasonably lite,VERY capable both on/off road. I am no Suzuki fan, but these are truly a good buy and will go on forever!Got to be lighter and simpler than the KLR,smaller fuel tank;13l.

Everything you said plus electric start. We're huge fans of the DR650 and can hardly contain our anticipation each time we have one. Mr Priestley grieves for days after returning a DR.