Took one for a ride today!

**MVnut** · 26th January 2008, 21:00

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** · 26th January 2008, 21:14

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** · 26th January 2008, 22:23

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 26th January 2008, 23:30

Originally Posted by dino3310

check this out its in maruaders
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...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

**Gizzit** · 26th January 2008, 23:49

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 27th January 2008, 06:41

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** · 27th January 2008, 07:10

Originally Posted by Gizzit

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

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........

They go shet loads better when you derestrict them.

**carver** · 27th January 2008, 07:32

Originally Posted by tri boy

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.

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** · 27th January 2008, 08:09

Originally Posted by carver

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.

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

**tri boy** · 27th January 2008, 08:16

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** · 27th January 2008, 08:52

Originally Posted by Gizzit

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

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** · 27th January 2008, 13:13

Originally Posted by cooneyr

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** · 27th January 2008, 13:17

Originally Posted by nallac

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** · 27th January 2008, 15:42

Originally Posted by Gizzit

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

yep thats the one

**NordieBoy** · 27th January 2008, 16:00

Originally Posted by tri boy

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.