KRL600--650 Whats the difference?
 

So what is different between these two bike?-Yes I know the obious one! I have been offered a 600 in good condition and plan to use it for a east coast trans africa trip. Everyone talks about all the extra goodies avaliable for the 650 But how many of these will fit the 600 (the year is 86), or will I have to try sourcing extras specificaly for the 600? Thanks all
Regards George Guille

KLR 600 and 650
 

The most important: The doohickey is the same means you can use aftermarket ones on th 600. Want to say that I did not have any of the later version KLR doohickeys (balancer chain idler lever) packing up so far but I had a snapped idler spring recently (larger dia. later version).
Very little need to do a lot on the bike IMHO. The KLR 600 has the same crappy front brake as the current KL650A. The late 90's European model KL650C was lots better and you can use the C caliper on A or 600 forks and discs. Not that it really matters on an overland bike.
The KL650 C has a 41 mm fork as well as my (South African official KMSA) 2004 and 2005 KL650A's. The KLR600 has a 38mm fork and this apparently was also used on the newer models KL650A in other countries (?)

What in detail do you want to get for the bike?