Took one for a ride today!

[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....

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....

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

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 !!!!

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.