XT660R or KLR650 ??

[NordieBoy]

1st up would be removing the snorkle, raising the needle 2mm and grinding out the header weld - That'll get the jetting in the ballpark.
Then maybe drill the carb slide for quicker response off the bottom.
Adjust the mixture screw to suit.

$0

I did each bit on it's own and felt the difference each time.

Any more requires opening up the airbox first.
Backfire screen removal, dynojet kit, aftermarket exhaust.

[warewolf]

1. Only one set of spares to carry between two of us.

They'll all do the job, but this point alone has enough advantages to be the deciding factor.

You might save some fun vouchers by buying a Safari tank in Aus. You'll save shipping but will have to pay GST. Maybe try buying used over there?

What's your dirt bike experience? If you've only really ridden multi-cylinder road bikes (particularly recently), then any thumper dirt bike is going to vibrate, be gutless, and have a hard seat.

[warewolf]

It's still orange though...

But getting blacker with time and use, as I have to apply more gaffer tape over the scrapes.

[busadayz]

Has any body turned a dr650 into a road only/motard machine,(smaller wheels, gearing for slighter higher cruising speed etc). Also how would they go around say the coro loop chasing a few mates. What are they like 2 up touring?

[far queue]

Has any body turned a dr650 into a road only/motard machine,(smaller wheels, gearing for slighter higher cruising speed etc). Also how would they go around say the coro loop chasing a few mates. What are they like 2 up touring?

Have a look at the September Kiwi Rider mag, pages 14 + 15, there's an article all about it.

[mbazza]

Interesting thread with cool ideas. Thanks. Cheers.

[pete376403]

This thread interests me because I have been given an opportunity to circle Oz on an adventure bike - probably mid next year. However, first I have to buy one.
The guy I will be riding with is DR 650 mounted and so buying a DR has the following advantages: -

1. Cheap
2. Only one set of spares to carry between two of us.
3. Light weight (comparatively)

But also the following disadvantages: -

1. Needs new seat
2. needs bigger tank
3. Needs decent bash plate and hand protection
4. May need suspension upgrade

The other machine I am considering is the KLR. Advantages: -

1. Has big tank
2. Has good seat
3. Has much more power
4. Don't know about suspension

But also: -

1. More expensive
2. Water cooled (Been told of owner in Broome who says that in summer, the fan runs all the time. I don't want to be dependant on a toy fan in the middle of nowhere)
3. Much heavier

So, I am undecided.
Yamaha, KTM and BMW price themselves out of it.
I would be interested in candid and honest opinions.
Those with a barrow to push need not apply.
There could be significant ramifications for me here if I make a poor choice

All the points you list are valid but - re the KLR cooling / fan issue - I have blanked off the lower half of the rad on my KLR to try and get it to warm up a little - even with that the temp guage never went more than 1/3 into the normal zone unless parked for 10 minutes or so with the engine running in which case it got to about half way. Once moving the temp dropped almost immediately. (Obviously central north Island last week is not Broome in high summer)
Also I woun't agree that the KLR is more powerful than the DR. In a side by side roll-on, my friends (lightly modified - exhaust and jetting) DR would beat the KLR. His DR is lighter by about 60kgs according to the interisland ferry weighbridges

[NordieBoy]

Also I woun't agree that the KLR is more powerful than the DR. In a side by side roll-on, my friends (lightly modified - exhaust and jetting) DR would beat the KLR. His DR is lighter by about 60kgs according to the interisland ferry weighbridges

KLR650
http://www.patmanracing.com/klrdyno.htm
34hp, 31 ft/lbs stock.
38hp,38ft/lbs fully modded (inc 685cc kit).

DR650
39hp, 38ft/lbs modded.

Like the KLR guy says on his site.
Not worried about the hp, it's the ft/lbs that do the business.

[The Big J]

All the points you list are valid but - re the KLR cooling / fan issue - I have blanked off the lower half of the rad on my KLR to try and get it to warm up a little - even with that the temp guage never went more than 1/3 into the normal zone unless parked for 10 minutes or so with the engine running in which case it got to about half way. Once moving the temp dropped almost immediately. (Obviously central north Island last week is not Broome in high summer)

Is this the new or old model? I have 05 and consistent voice from owners in the states seems to be that it runs a little WARM for their liking - obviously a bit of a climate change in Baja from the Desert Road!

I personally find the fan comes on very quickly if you're doing anything under 60km/h (switchbacks etc). I blew a fuse and managed to ride the KLR for an hour and a half in the dark in switchbacks (didn't have any tools with me, didn't realise it was the fuse), boiled the water out but went okay.

I don't know enough about the XT to make a comparison but the new KLR looks like a winner to me with improved suspension on last version.

For the guy riding with someone who has a DR650, I would buy another DR and share spares.

[pete376403]

Mine is the new model ("08") which does have a different radiator to the previous ones. Maybe the new shrouds direct air into the rad better than the old one also. As far as I can tel the fan hasn't turned on yet. I should leave it running at standstill to see if I can get it to come on.

[Scouse]

If your selling your ZX14 why dont you go for The king of dual purpose bikes the KTM950 Supermoto?

[cooneyr]

If your selling your ZX14 why dont you go for The king of off dual purpose bikes the KTM950 Supermoto?

Don't you mean the KTM 950 Super Enduro?

Cheers R

[Scouse]

Don't you mean the KTM 950 Super Enduro?

Cheers R

Nah I mean the Supermoto

[cooneyr]

Nah I mean the Supermoto

Guess it depend on what the other type of riding is in the Dual part. For dirt and seal I would do the SE meself.

Cheers R

[Bass]

They'll all do the job, but this point alone has enough advantages to be the deciding factor.

All the points you list are valid Also I woun't agree that the KLR is more powerful than the DR. His DR is lighter by about 60kgs according to the interisland ferry weighbridges

KLR650
34hp, 31 ft/lbs stock.
38hp,38ft/lbs fully modded (inc 685cc kit).

DR650
39hp, 38ft/lbs modded.

Like the KLR guy says on his site.
Not worried about the hp, it's the ft/lbs that do the business.

Is this the new or old model? I have 05 and consistent voice from owners in the states seems to be that it runs a little WARM for their liking For the guy riding with someone who has a DR650, I would buy another DR and share spares.

Mine is the new model ("08") which does have a different radiator to the previous ones. Maybe the new shrouds direct air into the rad better than the old one also. As far as I can tel the fan hasn't turned on yet. I should leave it running at standstill to see if I can get it to come on.

All good stuff gents.
Many thanks for the input