klr650 - highway travel - how fast for how long and what bike mileage
O.K. boys, time to fess-up about the klr and the highway (speed and distance) you all are riding at.
I was reading some posts about how the new 08 klr is the machine to pick cause it can maintain true highway speeds of 80 to 85 miles per hour for extended periods of time. A number of questions leaped to mind.
First; I must be a bit confused about the engine. I thought this was basically the same engine as the pre 08 design. As such, unless there is a HUGE difference in aerodynamics, that motor in the 08 model is beating itself into early retirement at those speeds just as much as the pre 08 would have.
Second; from where did this pile of posts come about how the old klr was BARELY capable of highway speeds. You’d think it topped out at 70 mph and that you were wringing it’s neck at that speed to maintain it. Fully loaded with gear and all 180 pounds of me aboard – my 02 klr maintained 110k to 120k (about 70 to 75 mph) going through the coq uihalla pass (read “one bloody, long, high, and steep mountain pass) with enough punch to pass at 130+ (80mph) when needed. I have taken it to 140k (just shy of 90 mph) with no problem.
Third; Where in hell are these people (requiring 85+ mph for sustained periods) riding? It sure as hell isn’t here in Canada. Maintain 85 mph here for any period of time and you will go broke (that’s a hundred plus bucks here for the ticket) and will loose your licence.
Last; If you plan on doing extended time on the freeway at 80+ mph, why are you looking at buying a klr anyway?
So, now, on to the question at hand… What speed and distance on the highway do you maintain with your klr, and what is the mileage on your bike (ie, have you already burn your engine to crap, or what sustained speed is it happy at)?
Narly
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