Opinions please: KLE500 vs KLR650 vs Transalp vs XT660

[The Big J]

Hi there

I'm doing a bit of riding on the KLR - 25000 odd kms in the next few months.

We have found them capable and perfect for a budget option but much needs to be improved. The new model may be addressing these.

In terms of road speed, the KLR will do up to about 90 mph but feels quite strained above 75 (115?). On trails it really comes into it's own and letting down the air in the tires it plows through all sorts of nasty surprises and a couple of ditches with aplomb. But your husband has a DRZ which would do these much better.

In terms of criticism on my bike (2005) I would rank, poor road feel on front forks (which is however better off road), poor front brakes and brake feel, seat could be more plush - I find I need to get off every couple of hours to get circulation going, and undeniably the doohickey.

I haven't researched the 2008 so these may be addressed. I spoke to Mike Cowlishaw who manufactures the doohickey part fix and as far as he's aware the part has not been upgraded. We did the fix on my bike and the counterbalancer spring had broken in less than 5000kms. Mike estimates of 200 doohickeys he's changed about 40 broken parts and 20 broken springs making a high failure rate.

I would in future factor the price of a doohickey into any KLR purchase. Everything else has been pretty much good to go despite Round the World riders' criticisms of everything being flimsy. Just check bolts religiously.

If I had doubled my bike budget, I would be on the Vstrom 650 hands down. Then T/A, don't really know anything about Yamaha.

Responses to this are welcome, just bear in mind I've whacked this out in 5 minutes and it's just my opinion. The new KLR looks vastly improved, I just don't know much about it.

Josh

[mazz1972]

Thanks Big J...a few things to investigate when we get to clap eyes on the new model.

Sheesh that's a fair bit of riding coming up for you....are you doing a tour? On road/off road?

I have to admit it took me a while to work out what a doohickey is!!

Anyone who doesn't have to get off their bike every couple of hours must have a cast iron butt to start with!!

No doubt you have found this forum, but just in case.. http://klrworld.com/forums/

[The Big J]

Hey Mazz
Good luck on bike purchase. Despite my misgivings the KLR is a great bike

The reason I would lean away from it is because it will never be as off road capable as your DRZ400 - I would go something more on-road focused, maybe the new model fits the bill.

If you purchase www.KLR650.net offers expert assistance but it´s a private forum, no problem, just request a username.

I am riding San Francisco to Rio de Janiero - currently in Mexico.
Check out my thread in Ride Report sub-forum or www.locokiwi.com

Josh

[mazz1972]

Hey Mazz
Good luck on bike purchase. Despite my misgivings the KLR is a great bike

The reason I would lean away from it is because it will never be as off road capable as your DRZ400 - I would go something more on-road focused, maybe the new model fits the bill.

If you purchase www.KLR650.net offers expert assistance but it´s a private forum, no problem, just request a username.

I am riding San Francisco to Rio de Janiero - currently in Mexico.
Check out my thread in Ride Report sub-forum or www.locokiwi.com

Josh

Thanks Josh. Hubby is keeping the DRZ - he's putting it back on the trail, hence looking for something more comfy for the road, but still capable of tamer off road stuff.

The comments you made and links to other forums with more info make interesting reading and we will certainly be checking these out.

Wow what an awesome trip you are having! I have bookmarked your website for future reading, and will include it in our next club newsletter. Stay upright!

[pete376403]

My new '08 KLR is due sometime this month. (getting twitchy, haven't ridden for ages)
One of the first things I plan on doing is pulling the stator cover to have a look at the balance chain tensioner ("doohickey") and see if it changed from the previous design.
I did ask on advrider.com about why Kawasaki haven't addressed the problem, as if it is as bad as made out, the warranty repair costs would be affecting their profits. Given that when it does fail, the resultant damage could be require a very expensive fix - eg the broken spring bit goes up the cam chain (the two chains are only 3mm apart), cam timing jumps, valves hit piston = messy. Suppose this happened while riding in traffic and the resultant engine lockup bought the rider off in front of another vehicle, could lead to injury or death. Yet even in litigation-land (USA) where product recalls are made for the most obscure things that might only remotely affect safety, Kawi haven't ever flagged the chain tensioner for replacement.
However not denying that they DO fail, as the makers of the aftermarket parts can supply any number of pictures of broken bits.

[SlipperyOZ]

If he's considering a Transalp then theres a bloody good second hand one just been traded on a Triumph Tiger at Thundersports in Nelson (Oldriders one).

Of the bikes you list the Transalp has the most road comfort and copes with gravel roads with ease. The KLR is more trail biased but still very good on the road but not as refined/smooth/comfortable as the T/A for bigger trips.

I don't have any experience with the KLE500 - they look OK and I have a mate with an earlier 400 version which goes well but he's pretty small and light. If your husband is bigger then I think you'll find the 500 is well behind the T/A for grunt, especially if you plan some two up rides.

I have done the Maungatapu track on the T/A and was really impressed with its ability to quietly pick the best line through tricky steep rocky tracks and pull away from very low revs without losing traction (unless I really wanted to give it a blast). I wouldn't want to do this on muddy tracks though - too bloody heavy but it doesn't sound like you want it for that anyway.

The XT 660 is probably the quickest but looking at them I think I'd much rather do a long trip on the T/A, especially with a lot of luggage.

What about your TA Ruralman?? Haven't yet found the Tiger to replace her???

I have a DRZ400E and am considering a spare DualSport for the shed (Mostly for mates who are visiting from KiwiLand ) I probably will get a DR650 though... They get a better write up in a recent comparo than the KLR and I already have a big "Beach Whale" GSA1200, so the DR650 is probably the better bet if you want a 50/50 bike.

[Ruralman]

[QUOTE=SlipperyOZ;962542]What about your TA Ruralman?? Haven't yet found the Tiger to replace her???

mutter mutter mutter - never let an Aussie know your weak spot!!!!

[mazz1972]

What about your TA Ruralman?? Haven't yet found the Tiger to replace her???

I have a DRZ400E and am considering a spare DualSport for the shed (Mostly for mates who are visiting from KiwiLand ) I probably will get a DR650 though... They get a better write up in a recent comparo than the KLR and I already have a big "Beach Whale" GSA1200, so the DR650 is probably the better bet if you want a 50/50 bike.

Hubby tried a friends DR650 (although not a particularly recent model) and still preferred his 400, but I'm sure he will take a good look at a newer 650 model. I can see quite a few weekends of bike shopping coming up...

I'm not hearing much about the XT660 - anyone got any comments?

[mazz1972]

My new '08 KLR is due sometime this month. (getting twitchy, haven't ridden for ages)
One of the first things I plan on doing is pulling the stator cover to have a look at the balance chain tensioner ("doohickey") and see if it changed from the previous design.
I did ask on advrider.com about why Kawasaki haven't addressed the problem, as if it is as bad as made out, the warranty repair costs would be affecting their profits. Given that when it does fail, the resultant damage could be require a very expensive fix - eg the broken spring bit goes up the cam chain (the two chains are only 3mm apart), cam timing jumps, valves hit piston = messy. Suppose this happened while riding in traffic and the resultant engine lockup bought the rider off in front of another vehicle, could lead to injury or death. Yet even in litigation-land (USA) where product recalls are made for the most obscure things that might only remotely affect safety, Kawi haven't ever flagged the chain tensioner for replacement.
However not denying that they DO fail, as the makers of the aftermarket parts can supply any number of pictures of broken bits.

Yup sounds very messy if it fails. Here's hoping the problem has been rectified....bit daft if it hasn't. Do you have a delivery date yet for the new steed? Look forward to hearing what you think of it!

[pete376403]

Delivery date has been suggested by Kawasaki NZ as "mid to late March",
I'm trying not to nag too much round at Sawyers/Motorad, don't want Glen running and hiding every time he sees me come in the shop.

I can safely predict that, after the glorious summer weather we've been having in Wellington, it will turn to shit sometime between next week and the end of the month.

[mazz1972]

Delivery date has been suggested by Kawasaki NZ as "mid to late March",
I'm trying not to nag too much round at Sawyers/Motorad, don't want Glen running and hiding every time he sees me come in the shop.

I can safely predict that, after the glorious summer weather we've been having in Wellington, it will turn to shit sometime between next week and the end of the month.

That's "only" a week or two away...if the bikes have been shipped (from where?) they must be just about in the country now if not already.

I can tell you now it will definately be raining and blowing a gale on 25th March as our club is having a trail ride at Terawhiti Station...