2009 KLR650 - consumes oil?

**xj87** · 10th October 2009, 21:25

Hi
I'm interested in buying a KLR 650 and have been reading stories of high oil consumption (esp at high revs) in the models upto and including 2008. I understand Kawasaki put thinner rings with higher tension in the 2009 model (KL650E9F) to reduce the consumption . Any 2009 model owners able to tell me their experience of oil consumption?
Cheers

**Moki** · 11th October 2009, 07:40

Originally Posted by xj87

Hi
I'm interested in buying a KLR 650 and have been reading stories of high oil consumption (esp at high revs) in the models upto and including 2008. I understand Kawasaki put thinner rings with higher tension in the 2009 model (KL650E9F) to reduce the consumption . Any 2009 model owners able to tell me their experience of oil consumption?
Cheers

Not sure about the accuracy of the info you've been given.

Early 2008 models had dodgy rings - supplier issue - but this was quickly sorted. Late 2008- don't have this issue and I don't believe the 09 has different rings than what the late 08s had.

I've put on 15k kms in 8 months without any oil consumption issues whatsoever....and my KLR was born Oct 08. I use it as an almost daily commuter (200kms return) on mostly highway and hitting about 4500-5000rpm for extended periods. No probs. I use Spectro Golden 4 and change every 6km.

**James Deuce** · 11th October 2009, 07:52

Join KLR world

After looking at the long list of issues that need to be rectified by an owner from new, I'd be hesitant, but it has been said that I am a miserable bugger. Those that say that may be right.

**veny** · 11th October 2009, 08:16

Originally Posted by xj87

Hi
I'm interested in buying a KLR 650 and have been reading stories of high oil consumption (esp at high revs) in the models upto and including 2008. I understand Kawasaki put thinner rings with higher tension in the 2009 model (KL650E9F) to reduce the consumption . Any 2009 model owners able to tell me their experience of oil consumption?
Cheers

No problems here yet. But then, it's only done 700kms.

Things I have noticed is that they're quite noisy when warm and idling at the lights. Reminds me of my mothers Bernina

But ok when moving along.

Also, they're not quite ready to take off the beaten track.
Crash bars and a decent bash plate required.

Steve

**Woodman** · 11th October 2009, 08:21

Originally Posted by veny

No problems here yet. But then, it's only done 700kms.

Things I have noticed is that they're quite noisy when warm and idling at the lights. Reminds me of my mothers Bernina

But ok when moving along.

Also, they're not quite ready to take off the beaten track.
Crash bars and a decent bash plate required.

Steve

Welcome aboard Steve, good to see a klrer here. Just remember to be constantly on the defensive.

**veny** · 11th October 2009, 08:53

Thanks for the welcome.

Yes, I'll try to defend.
But it's early days. Several XR500 bikes over the last 20 years, a short stint on a Pegaso and now a KLR.

Here's hoping I can post more good than bad experiences

Steve

**junkmanjoe** · 11th October 2009, 09:30

may be safer if you buy my DR-650.....stay away from them nasty KLR,s

**paddy** · 11th October 2009, 10:09

Originally Posted by veny

Thanks for the welcome.

Yes, I'll try to defend.
But it's early days. Several XR500 bikes over the last 20 years, a short stint on a Pegaso and now a KLR.

Here's hoping I can post more good than bad experiences

Steve

I'm very interested in how you found the Pegaso when you get a chance.

**dino3310** · 11th October 2009, 10:19

Originally Posted by Woodman

Welcome aboard Steve, good to see a klrer here. Just remember to be constantly on the defensive.

were so biting our tongues on this one

**Moki** · 11th October 2009, 14:30

Originally Posted by veny

Crash bars and a decent bash plate required.

Steve

...and jet kit, intiminators and don't forget the locktite..

**veny** · 11th October 2009, 19:03

Originally Posted by paddy

I'm very interested in how you found the Pegaso when you get a chance.

There were some good rides on the Pegaso. It was a 1998 model and I owned it between 2000 - 2002. The motor was super smooth for a single. It had a nice whine to it and was great for power sliding up shingle roads

I remember it being quite shaky on those judders you get with shingle up hill corners though. The suspension wasn't really up to it. But the motor definitely stood out. A Rotax, which I think is the same as what they put into the BMW 650 bikes. The twin exhaust had people guessing whether it was a twin or not

Luckily I didn't need to do any work to it, but was always slightly concerned of what it might cost to repair, compared to a Jap bike.
Not sure on that.

They're not tall and I'm 6' so looked a bit big for it.
I didn't sell it because I wasn't happy with.
I became a dad and spare time dried up for a while.

It seemed to hold it's value when it came time to sell.
Apart from tires, I only lost about $500.

I noticed today that the KLR has better brakes.
The 4WD coming the other way agrees

Steve

**paddy** · 11th October 2009, 19:08

Cool thanks. I was looking at this and wondering how it compares to the F650GS. (I'm also wondering which island Manawatu is in, but lets not go there.)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-246771313.htm

**pete376403** · 11th October 2009, 19:35

Just get the KLR. I have one of the very early '08s and there were are a couple of thing that required attention - the cable loom under the tank was incorrectly routed and pulled tight over a sharp edge, easily fixed. It did use oil and had the rings replaced under warranty, it still uses a bit and I'm waiting on Motorad to see where this goes. If they won't cover it I'll put the Schnitz racing 685 piston in, its well priced at $US280 odd.
The CAN go off road, good tyres (ie knobbies) will get these things most places.

read Big Daves blog - he had a long term test KLR and loved it.

**Frodo** · 11th October 2009, 19:55

Originally Posted by paddy

Cool thanks. I was looking at this and wondering how it compares to the F650GS. (I'm also wondering which island Manawatu is in, but lets not go there.)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-246771313.htm

That is the last of the Pegasos with the Rotax motor (had a DOHC five-valve head compared to the four-valver in F650s). The current model (like mine) has a very similar motor to that in Yam XT660 - fuel injected SOHC four-valve.

The one on Trademe has been listed for some time. Looks tidy. I think that this model is fuel-injected. I'd be tempted to go for the current model (which has the fuelling sorted) for very little more - there are not many Trails second-hand (the "Strada" is much more road focused with a 17 inch front wheel). Or go for the earlier Rotax motor which uses twin-carbs (I had a twin-carbed F650 which I was happy with).

In any case, its probably a better road bike than the KLR (but okay in gravel), whereas the KLR comes into its own in the more snotty stuff.

Cheers