Looking for a Dual Sport.. KLR650?

[mmonroe]

First off, I have never owned or really even ridden a dirt bike. I have had many street bikes over the past 25 years with most of them being bigger faster sportbiles. I have really enjoyed having the FJR and what it brings to riding and I am thinking it would be nice to have a bike to do similar things with but on dirt mountain roads.

Living in Harrisburg NC, I am 1-3 hours away from some incredible mountain roads, hike, camping and whatnot. I am an avid hiker and hike someplace several times a week and just love the mountains. Normally when I ride my FJR or other bikes, I am heading to the mountains to hit the curves and country towns.

I would really like to ride the dirt mountain roads in the Smokies, Pisgah and elsewhere. I would also like to be able to carry enough gear to camp and/or do some overnight trips. It would also be nice to occasionally take my girlfriend (she is small 5'2" and about 110-115lbs).

I seem to be drawn to the KLR650. There is a good range of luggage and stuff for them. It is very affordable (about $5300 for an 08) and if you get it dirty or tear it up some, no big deal (unlike a $15,000+ KTM or BMW) Many of the guys seem to ride them all over the country and puts lots of miles on them like we do FJR's. I sat on one with my girl and at first sit there seemed to be room for a pillion.

I am used to big bikes so it didnt seem heavy to me, however, many folks still say they are too heavy. Not only are the big KTM's amd BWM's even heavier but they cost 3x as much.

A smaller lighter bike would be nice but will it be comfortable enough to ride 150mi from where I live up the mountains and back - or carry light panniers or a pillon?

I know that many of you have had KLR's and other dual sport bikes and I am hoping that my FJR brothers can offer up some feedback before I run out and buy something.



Mark

Harrisburg NC

 

[twowheelnut]

Double posting? BAN HIM!

 

[ed29]

For your purposes a KLR sounds like it would be a good fit. No motocross track days in that plan, so a more radical dirt bike is not needed. I have a friend that rode his KLR from Texas to the Pacific Northwest and back and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I have also seen the machines ridden on some fairly gnarly single track trails with rocks, roots, mud, and steep inclines. Think of it a s Jeep on two wheels. Cheap to buy, cheap to accessorize, cheap to fix if it breaks.

The KLR also has a loyal following, much like our FJRs do. If you do get one be sure and link up with the KLR folks... and if you get a pre-2008 model used ask whether the doohickey has been changed.... This is not an April fools joke.... the doo is part of the cam chain tensioner system and is the one weak link in an otherwise bulletproof motor.

 

[rickysnickers]

I am one of those that has a KLR sitting in the garage. I think they are great. I use mine mostly for commuting. However, I have also used it go exploring and desert riding. It's a bit heavy, but fairly well on most surfaces. Sand was not one where it's very good.

There are lots of guys that have ridden these machines all over the world, literally. They are very easy to maintain and work on. If you aren't into hardcore offroading, then I think you will probably really like a KLR.

A couple of things. First the balancer lever, aka "doohickey." These are known to break. They can, but only in rare instances, can cause serious engine damage if they aren't replaced. There's a guy, Eagle Mike, that makes them and depending on where you live there are always tech days where folks will help you if you like.

The front brake is weak. If you get one I would suggest replacing the front rotor with a 320mm rotor from EBC. It makes a drastic difference.

There are other things that can be done. There is a large aftermarket for these bikes. The basic design hasn't changed in over 20 years.

I'm partial to the 2007 and previous years. I don't care much for the '08. The new ones are heavier than the older ones. You can still find '07s new too.

Here are some websites for you to take a look at too.

Rick

https://www.klr650.marknet.us/

https://www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html

https://www.klr650.net/forums/

https://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/

https://www.leftcoastklrs.com/

https://www.happy-trail.com/

 

[beemerdons]

https://www.klr650.marknet.us/

https://www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html

https://www.klr650.net/forums/

https://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/

https://www.leftcoastklrs.com/

https://www.happy-trail.com/

Mark: ed29 and rickysnickers have given you given you some great advice. As far as a bang for the buck goes, you just cannot beat the Kawasaki KLR 650 for dual sport work! For the purpose that you are going to use the bike for, it's perfect.

If you go to Classified Ads For Sale under Beemerdons here on FJR Forum you will see the modifications I have done to my 2006 KLR 650 for riding in Alaska and Mexico; and they were all bought from the same sources that Rick has listed above.

Definitely make sure you have a "doohickey" on your KLR and I also bought my complete "doohickey" kit from Eagle Mike.

If you go to https://www.azbeemers.org/forum/index.php?topic=640.0 you will see my KLR at the bottom of Copper Canyon!

Go to https://www.azbeemers.org/forum/index.php?topic=761.0 and you will see my KLR at Bahia Kino and Puerto Libertad.

I've ridden on the beaches of the Mexican States of Baja California Norte y Sur and Sonora. I let 7 pounds of air out of the front tire, down to 15 from the recommended 22; and I reduce the rear tire pressure from 28 down to 20 for sand work.

From hard packed sand on inland side of La Playa I keep my eyes peeled where the Mexican locals have driven their 4-wheel drives or tractors to launch their Pangas: Universal Mexico Boat; 26' long-8' beam and all built from the same mold!

I follow the tire tracks to waters edge and make sure I stay in the wet sand zone; if you go into the dry pack you're dead!

I'm also up on the pegs to keep front tire unweighted as much as I possibly can; otherwise it will "nose in" really quickly!

https://www.electrosport.com/news/news-greg...zier-klr650.php

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_KLR650

 

[spklbuk]

If you are planning to stick mostly to gravel forest service type roads, you might also consider a Versys setup for such. New bike, but some guys already swear by them. Pillion friendly, Givi bags available and good suspension. Parallel twin might make the paved roads to the mountains a little more tolerable and I guarantee the Versys will be more fun on the paved one laners. Even though my KLR still makes me grin, I'm considering trading it for a Versys.

 

[beemerdons]

If you are planning to stick mostly to gravel forest service type roads, you might also consider a Versys setup for such. New bike, but some guys already swear by them. Pillion friendly, Givi bags available and good suspension. Parallel twin might make the paved roads to the mountains a little more tolerable and I guarantee the Versys will be more fun on the paved one laners. Even though my KLR still makes me grin, I'm considering trading it for a Versys.

Also excellent advice from spklbuk regarding Versys, especially if you're going to take your lady along at highway speeds.

Two other fantastic machines are from Honda: Varadero and Trans-Alp. My Austrian friend Markus Hellrigl from Innsbruck is Tour Director for Edelweiss Bike Tours and when he is not leading EBT trips he is a factory works test rider for KTM, Inc.

Even though he gets whatever BMW, Ducati, KTM he wants; his personal machine is Trans-Alp for North Africa/Arabia rides.

 

[DucatiSSsp]

Hi Mark,

Been having the same idea as You! I live a bit closer to my desired destinations, so I'm looking at the Suzuki DR650. A bit more dirt oriented, but still capable of handling freeway duties with the addition of a small windscreen. Also air/oil cooled, so it's simple in design. I also like the KLR650, which I could also use as a commuter bike as the FJR tend to get toasty during the summer commute. Seems to be more goodies for the KLR, but I think it's just a tad to heavy for my intended purpose. Do a search for klr650 on cycletrader.com and you'll get some idea as to what you can get one for.

Bryce

 

[Shane]

Just do it. You won't regret it.

Mine now gets more miles per month than the FJR.

Shane

 

[daddysbike]

I've had a KLR and both Vstroms. For rough/rocky/stumps fire/forest roads solo I'd get the KLR. For dirt/gravel/not to rough forest service/fire roads and 2 up riding I'd get the 650 Vstrom. You can add saddle bags and a Givi trunk to the Vstrom. It has a large/long saddle and luggage rack that makes it a good 2 up bike. The Vstrom is not much heavier than the KLR and comes with Bridgestone trailwings that do well on street and gravel/dirt. Also a 650 Vstrom can be had cheap.

The wee strom also has a great Vtwin engine that gets 55mpg and fuel injected.

Look to www.vstrom.info

Steve

 

[Fred W]

My advice is to try and borrow someone's KLR and take a spin before you buy.

I owned one (briefly), an '05 that I took in partial trade for my '01 Concours. The bike really reminded me of the Concours a lot. Very basic. Almost crude. Lots of aftermarket goodies can be bought to try and improve them.

The reason that my ownership was brief is the bike just did not suit my requirements. I ended up selling that bike and getting the Aprilia Pegaso that I own now, which is the same bike as the BMW F650. These bikes are a lot more road oriented than the KLR. I only paid $3k for my stock 2000 Peg w/ 4k miles, so the msrp difference is not apparent on the used market.

To me, riding the KLR on the road sucked. It felt twitchy and unstable at anything over ~50 mph. Oh, and the KLR is just too big and heavy for any kind of real New England off-roading (real jeep trails, singletrack or woods) so it did not seem like a good compromise for me. Your riding area may present different requirements. There are many, many KLR fans out there...

The F650 / Pegaso bikes are far more roadworthy bikes and only give up a little on the off-road side of the equation compared to the KLR. If I were buying new, I'd be a Versys or WeeStrom buyer.

 

[phil]

KLR Advantages -

Low cost

Fuel economy/range

Versatility

Dependability

Lots of accessories available

Disadvantages -

Low Power

Engine vibration

Geared too high for serious dirt work

Heavy / Top-heavy, makes it a handful in the mud

Little wind protection for highway use

Having a dirt-bike background, I over-expected and under-received. Sold it last month. I also over-farkled, and did not get much of that cost back.

 

[beemerdons]

Looking at all these posts, it is amazing to me what a great wealth of dual-sport machines that we have to choose from.

Started riding offroad in 1966: My choice was between the BSA Victor 441 Special and Triumph 650 Tiger; went with BSA

 

[mmonroe]

KLR Advantages -
Low cost

Fuel economy/range

Versatility

Dependability

Lots of accessories available

Disadvantages -

Low Power

Engine vibration

Geared too high for serious dirt work

Heavy / Top-heavy, makes it a handful in the mud

Little wind protection for highway use

Having a dirt-bike background, I over-expected and under-received. Sold it last month. I also over-farkled, and did not get much of that cost back.

What do you think you will replace it with? I have never been a BMW fan but that new F800GS looks interesting. Of course it costs twice as much and wont be avialable until the end of the year, however, it does seem to address many of the shortcomings of the KLR and might be more dirt worthy.

Mark

 

[Fred W]

I have never been a BMW fan but that new F800GS looks interesting. Of course it costs twice as much and wont be avialable until the end of the year, however, it does seem to address many of the shortcomings of the KLR and might be more dirt worthy.
Mark

It will be really really expensive, and won't be around for another year according to latest reports.

If money were no object, then sure. But money IS an object for me... so no F800GS for moi.

 

[beemerdons]

It will be really really expensive, and won't be around for another year according to latest reports.

If money were no object, then sure. But money IS an object for me... so no F800GS for moi.

Fred W is as right as rain, it is going to be very, very expensive; I already have my $500 deposit down on one for delivery.

That is why I am selling my Kawasaki KLR 650, to come up with the monies needed for the purchase of the BMW F800GS!

I put my deposit down last November 1, with a promised delivery of April 15; then I was called into Scottsdale BMW by my owner friend Dave Slepak to learn that those lying Kraut *******s in Munchen weren't going to be bringing it here until 2009.

And you can bet that they'll not be selling it to me for the once promised price of $10,520, with the $580 ABS added option.

Ach du Lieber, Was ist Los? If I wasn't a freaking BMW fanatic I'd tell them to kiss it. But I first drank the BMW Kool-Aide 40 years ago and have a blue und white spinning propeller roundel tattoo on my ***. Deutschland Uber Alles, Schatzie!

Both BMW Owners News and Cycle World have current road tests. Motorcycle Consumer News features F800GS June issue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCeC2K_fBUg

 

[mmonroe]

I have never been a BMW fan but that new F800GS looks interesting. Of course it costs twice as much and wont be avialable until the end of the year, however, it does seem to address many of the shortcomings of the KLR and might be more dirt worthy.
Mark

It will be really really expensive, and won't be around for another year according to latest reports.

If money were no object, then sure. But money IS an object for me... so no F800GS for moi.

Money is an object for everyone at some point. BMW's (cars or motorcycles) may or may not offer anything (many times "not") over their competition but you can be certain they will cost more, usually a lot more, and will cost a lot more to maintain. The same can be said about the other notable German marks of Porshce, Mercedes and whatnot.

Everyone keep the thoughts coming.. I am really digging the input..

Mark

 

[Fred W]

I have never been a BMW fan but that new F800GS looks interesting. Of course it costs twice as much and wont be avialable until the end of the year, however, it does seem to address many of the shortcomings of the KLR and might be more dirt worthy.
Mark

It will be really really expensive, and won't be around for another year according to latest reports.

If money were no object, then sure. But money IS an object for me... so no F800GS for moi.

Money is an object for everyone at some point. BMW's (cars or motorcycles) may or may not offer anything (many times "not") over their competition but you can be certain they will cost more, usually a lot more, and will cost a lot more to maintain. The same can be said about the other notable German marks of Porshce, Mercedes and whatnot.

Everyone keep the thoughts coming.. I am really digging the input..

Mark

Just because you cannot appreciate a difference in these items does not mean that it is not there, or worth the extra $$ to someone that does.

 

[ed29]

Wow, is this still about whether a KLR is a good answer to the original question???

I am sure the new 800GS is going to be a sweet ride when it gets here. I considered one as my main bike when I first saw the specs on it. The prospect of the pay and wait game along with the reality that it was going to be more expensive than the leftover 07 FJR led me to rule the Beemer out and get the Feejer.

Comparing a KLR and a BMW 800GS is like comparing an old school Jeep with a Hummer. Totally different target user base.

For mmonroe's purposes a KLR, a Wee Strom, or if budget permits a Versys would do the trick. The KLR would be easier to get through single tracks, while the other two give greater over the road comfort. The 800GS goes one step further from dirt worthiness than the Wee or the Versys, gaining even better road manners in the trade. (In My Humble Opinion)

In a couple of years, when the 800 has been here long enough to work through the inevitable new model teething pains, I will re-visit adding one to my garage.