BMW f650 vs KLR 650 ??
 

Ok, here we go. I like the Bmw f650, Gs and Dakar, and am thinking it would be a better alternative to my R80g/s for a South America trip. However, I have seen LOTS of KLR's used for touring and have been wondering about them...
I think the Bmw gets better fuel economy with fuel injection, but it could be a weak point with bad fuel. The KLR is much less costly to buy, but what has to be done to make it an acceptable long distance tourer?
Will they both run to 60,000kms without a rebuild??? Opinions anyone

I have ridden and researched both bikes extensively. Even though these are both 650 single cylinder engine bikes, they ride completely different. The BMW feels more like a twin on the highway and the KLR feels like a heavy dirt bike (which it is). The BMW is a much more stable and enjoyable bike to ride on the highway than the KLR. It also vibrates a lot less than the KLR. I noticed on the highway the front end of the KLR was not very stable, it was just like my 250cc dirt bike.

The KLR is a heck of a lot less money than the BMW, so that's a big point in its favor. Also, its 100 lbs lighter than the BMW so its probably better off road. Plus its got a bigger gas tank. I think even with the higher fuel mileage of the BMW, you are going to get more range from the KLR.

The BMW will handle two-up riding better than the KLR. Its got a nice stiff frame so its probably going to be better with luggage also.

Mechanically, both bikes have proven themselves to be very reliable for world travel. Sure the BMW is fuel-injected and the KLR carburetted and both have their pros & cons, but I don't think that one bike wins over the other on this point alone. This is a trivial issue, in my opinion.

I think if you can afford it, the BMW is going to be a more enjoyable bike to ride over the long haul. But if you are on a budget, you can get a used KLR pretty cheap. On the other hand, used BMW 650gs's are getting pretty cheap now also. Both bikes have lots of aftermarket parts available. Don't forget also, that the BMW has 10+ years newer technology than the KLR. This will be evident when you ride the bikes.

Either way, both of the bikes would be excellent choices, but I think the BMW is a better "all around" choice...if you can afford it.

-Dave

[This message has been edited by davidmc (edited 19 December 2004).]

[This message has been edited by davidmc (edited 19 December 2004).]

i actually own an f650 (classic/funduro) AND the klr 650
now i dont plan on riding round the world, but i ride both and will add my 2 cents.

The klr is basicly a klr600 and has not been updated one little bit.. not one part since 1980ish. SO parts are kind of plentiful and its tried. It rides excelently and only has a few faults (notably to rtw folk lack of good luggage and a center stand) the engine has one part that (according to popular opinion) WILL go bad period. Chain tensoner, also known as doohickey WILL break, and take out your engine. been breaking for 20 years without kawasaki caring, but can be upgraded with some medium hastle in the garage for near no money. The klr isnt good off road or on road as a rule, but for bad roads and fire roads (by us standards) its great. I get between 50 and 60 mpg as do my klr buddies. Which means 250 miles per tank without hitting reserve.
The f650 classic shares many parts with the new f650 gs BUT its not fuel injected, has plenty of vaccum lines but no computer stuff or ABS or anything to fail. Mine (probably out of tune) gets about 45-50 mpg. The tank is MINISCULE, I dont know what the capacity is exactly but when i hit 100 miles i look for gas. There is an aftermarket available from acerbis but i havent seen it. The F650 is MUCH more comfortable for longer distances. The klr650 is, first, not possible for someone less than 6' tall to even mount much less ride off road. My saddle with some good use put on the springs runs about 35 inches and only drops to 33 ish with me on it. I'm 6'4" and still... if i stop on the side of a hill i have to bail.
And second... not built for sitting. As much as it tries to be a road bike.. its got a lot of dirt bike in it. (good thing?)

The f650 funduro doesnt do off road as well stock, but it is basicly the same bike as the klr at heart, luggage from bmw is roomy (same luggage as all the other bikes) but not super durable. the bike itself has plastic doodads that dont like bashing.

There's a guy that started out traveling the perimiter of all the contenents on an r100gs pd i think it was .. if not an r80 ... ended up with a pair of f650 funduro. Aprilla dealers as well as bmw could probably set you up with parts.

If my life depended on it (ie rtw trip) i would take the klr... germans make snazzy stuff with experimental ideas that seem like a good idea, but they move on to the next idea before they hammer out the kinks of the last.

The klr is proven to be more or less reliable. Its not perfect, but compared to any german equipment, its flawless.
(all said, i am selling both to get r1150gsa. buying a motorcycle isnt a logical choice unless you are going to siberia i guess.)

Me, too.
Not strictly true - it's quite a bit different to the 600, and there have been a few minor engine changes.
Easy to get from Arrowhead.
My doohickey fell out of the engine in pieces during an oil change...
Hmmm, I'm 5'8" and it isn't an issue for me. There are lowering links, or one can wait for the suspension to collapse http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif
I find it very comfortable - no problems on an 800 mile day, but everyone has a different bum.

The KLR is flawed, no doubt about it, and desperately in need of a parts-bin upgrade. But IMHO it easily beats the Dakar in a head-to-head for travellers. Someone summed up KLR ownership brilliantly in the link below:

http://forum.motorcycle-usa.com/defa...35885&g=135964

Have fun choosing,
James

Sheesh!
Anyone that owns a KLR 650 and doesn't know the differences between it and the ole 600, I'm havin a hard time spendin the time to elaborate!
I've spent alot of time comparing the two.
Talkin about the KLR and Dakar.
What I gather is the fuel injection is a pain on the Dakar.
You can't stand up comfortably.
Way too pretty to crash too!
A respected ridin buddy has spent lots of time in the saddle with me on the Mighty KLR.
He is Badass on the Dakar.
Even if I had the extra $4,000, I'd take the KLR.
What's $60 for the upgraded idler lever?
Some KLRs have done close to 100,000 miles!
I may even have seen if the Dakar could beat my 14.9 at the Dragstrip last summer, cept it was in the shop.
Rod,,,,26,000 miles in less than 2 years and $70 in repairs, HHMMM!

Having used a KLR650 and owning two KLR600's,
And doing 42,000 miles on a GS650 I would still go for the KLR as well. Spend some money on the KLR to make it what you want.

In the 42,000 miles on the BMW I had many problems, rear wheel bearings, fuel pump, rear brake, rear shock, and some other electrical problems. The KLR just does'nt like to be wheelied.

I'd recommend the BMW, and if you want off road capacity, go for a Dakar. Its a good all rounder and for a trip to South America perfectly capable. Of course its more expensive, so if you really plan to do some hard core off roading, you might want to consider the cost of almost inevitable repairs.

To do South America though, you don't HAVE to do any real hard core stuff. I found that the bike could easily handle anything I was prepared or needed to get through going solo. I'd just adviseon some slightly nobblier tyres than stock by the time you get there.

------------------
Richb
http://www.postmaster.co.uk/~richardbeaumont/60684/

The KLR just does'nt like to be wheelied.[/B][/QUOTE]


Yup!
I can only claw the sky in the first 3 gears so far!
Rod,,,lookin for 4th soon though!

We have a BMW since a year and are dissapointed in its reliability.
Broken brake-line, leaking radiator,... And no explanation or abuse that could have caused it.

Wouldn't buy one again.

Im on my 2 nd Dakar, crashed the 1st. They are absolutely great, have given both of mine a grinding and have been totally impressed with how tough they are!!! Love the ride to, so smooth and comfortable, feels like a sports bike when you climb on the tar. Great bike!!!!!!

This might help
 

I recently rode 8000 miles on a KLR 650.The trip started in
San Diego,went the length of Baja around the tip at Cabo
then in to Lapaz.From La Paz I took the ferry to Mazatlan
and continued to the Gautemalan border. I then went to a few
places in the Yucatan and returned up the East coast to
Brownsville Tx. and back to San Diego. A total distance of
8000 miles!

I am writing today to talk about the KLR and after market
items I put on the bike. The good , The bad , and the
useless.

Let us begin with the KLR itself.On a positive note I have
to say upfront that the bike performed flawlessly from a
mechanical point of view.The only time it faltered was when
I got some bad gas, Certainly not the bikes fault.

Stock Items that performed poorly are the front and rear
shocks,the rear shock especially.Constantly bottomed out.The
front shock bottomed but not as much and is weak and mushy.

Brakes:My God how Kawasaki a manufacture of fine motorcycles
allows this bike to leave the factory with such poor
brakes is beyond me.The rear brake on this bike is virtually useless.The
front somewhat better as the trip progressed I found that I
relied more and more on the front brake and planned well
ahead for foreseen stops.During one panic stop the rear
brake was useless and was very much a factor in a contact
collision with a Taxi.It was during the collision that some
of my after market items came in to play and saved the bike.
Most significant was a a crash bar foot rest, this absorbed
80 percent of the the bike being dropped on the right side.
Bar ends! I was amazed at how much force the right bar end
absorbed,no damage to the handle bars. Finally an after
market top luggage rack took a bit of the impact as well as the passenger
foot pegs.There was a little little cosmetic damage and after lifting the bike and dusting myself of I was up and riding.

The Ride

The stock seat suited me well, however I shaved of an inch to
help lower my at rest ability to touch the tarmac!
I also
lowered the front forks a half inch and ran the rear shock
at the #2 setting.This really improved handling.

After market items I installed from top to bottom.

Mirror dampeners------GOOD

Bar end dampeners-----very good

Crash bar/foot pegs--very good

Fork brace-----------good

hardened sub frame bolts-very good-

How Kawasaki gets away without improving these is again beyond my comprehension.I ran into a KLR rider in lower Baja.We were chatting I mentioned the sub frame bolts,we checked his and sure enough the upper right had sheared of!!!

skid plate----------useless use the stock one!

after market knockoff exhaust--Poor quality,lots of
problems.Not sure if it increased HP or not.I have gone back to the stock exhaust.

(however the stock one is very heavy)Perhaps
a genuine super trap would be the way to go.I got what I
paid for,Beware the knock of super trap on Ebay it is a
piece of crap!!!

Side panel Luggage rack-good

Top luggage rack---very good

Wolf man luggage bag-The bag is good but puts the center of gravity to high on a bike with an already high center, saddle bags would
be better,they have a lower center of gravity.

This brings up an inherent problem with the KLR.The bike is
super heavy,has a high center of gravity and runs very hot,even being water cooled.I
also found that after 250 to 300 miles I was toast,because
of the vibration.If I ever make another trip thru mexico it
will be on a light multi cylinder bike,with modern brakes
and suspension.As I did very little dirt road riding the
heavy dual purpose single cylinder bike was not the way to
go for me( I never used any toll roads)

My recommendation is if you want to tour on a dual purpose
bike go with the lightest model you can ride.The guy that
rode with me was on a Suzuki DR350.He had no issues got 30%
better gas milage and had a really simple machine compared
to the water cooled KLR.His overall ride wasn’t much better
but his brakes and suspension were better and a simple light bike made for
an easier time in the towns and villiages.No problems with
power in the mountains(he had a real super trap and carb
kit).

As a result of this trip the KLR is up for sale.

I hope that this helps many of you in your decision making
process, I am happy to answer any questions I also realize I will
be bombarded with abuse from die hard KLR owners.All I can
say is each to his own the bike is not for me!Feel free to respond and ask questions.

VinnyT

Get the KLR, and spend the difference in $$$ on your trip

Noticing that the thread has begun almost two years ago, the choice is probably made and the money is already spent on whatever the bike is.

But I couldn't hold myself remembering the trouble I shared with my gs650 owner friend where we filled our tanks at the same station with the same fuel (I have an XT600). Within miles he ended up with a misfiring injection, puzzled air intake sensor, and had to cancel the trip we had planned. I never experience such things with my mule.

Can Ozcan

KLR or F650?
 

I also owned both KLR (KL650A and C) and various F650 Funduro, GS and Dakar.
Got rid of the Beemers:
Negative was crap quality of steering bearings on all versions. On the more recent GS and Dakar the problem is worse due to thee bike lacking rubber seals to protect the bearings. Absolutely no problem on KLR
The rear shock is also very cheap and usually awol after 35000 to 40000 km whilst KL650C rear shocks have exceeded 100000km and are still fine (no high mileage KL650A yet)
The doohickey does not break your engine immediately: If the doohickey breaks the balancer chain gets slack and causes a very easily recognizable noise. The doohickeys have been reinforced a few years ago by Kawasaki and I did not have one of the new ones failing until today (although I had a snapped spring - new reinforced version - some weeks ago).
If you ignore the noise from the balancer chain for a long time your chain will jump and this might cause the front balancer to make contact with the cranc - bang!

The KLR is a very good, simple and reliable bike.
If you buy a KL650A (model currently sold) get the front brake master and caliper and the forks of the KL650C, replace the doohickey with the aftermarket one and replace the rear subframe mounting bolts with high tensile steel ones (12.9)
I find the suspensions of both F 650 GS and Dakar way too stiff and overdampened for dirt roads. Helps with high speed stability but feedback from tires on dirt is poor and the bikes don't keep a clean line if ridden hard on bad tarmac.

How much do you weigh Vinny?
Vinny, sounds like the DL1000 will suit your perfectly.

Excellent post Le Cap!

Dr 650
 

All my bikes:
 

re mollydog:

Yep, that's me.
I currently have 5 KLR650's (A and C), 4 DR650SE, one Freewind, a MZ 660 Baghira HR (which I like a lot :-)
Two big bikes: A 900 Tiger and a 1100 GS

Phased out: F650 Funduro earlier and later models (circlip sprocket and retaining nut sprocket), F650 GS, F 650 Dakar.

I do all service and repair myself up to engine overhaul.

There were rumors at the time running up to the presentation of the R 1200 GS that BMW will bring out a completely new 650. The figures going around were 150 kg dry weight and 50 hp+. Never heard anything further, the project might have been scrapped completely or in favor of the 800cc twins.

I am a bit under the impression that the whole F 650 project always was some kind of an unloved child for BMW. At some stage it looked to me as if BMW just wanted to throw something in only to make sure not to leave the market to MZ and Aprilia (while the Funduro is an Aprilia in BMW tank emblem disguise anyway) and to the Japanese.

BMW SA definitely does not have a problem with warranty claims. After replacing steering head bearings on a GS and a Dakar on warranty the Dakar went back with bearings buggered the second time while still being under 20000 km and about 10 months old. I was told that the steering head bearings are now excepted from the warranty just like the usual wearing parts and electrical parts and paint andandand. WTF does the famous (here two) years BMW warranty cover?

Many Japanese importers in SA are upping their warranties to two years at least for big bikes.

A KLR KL650A currently sets you back ZAR 40000. A F 650 ranges between ZAR 63950 (GS basic) and ZAR 73700 (Dakar ABS + heated grips)
The DR650SE does not come in officialy any more :-((((( but I saw adverts for grey imports in the ZAR 50000 range. Suzuki SA unfortunately scrapped the import of the DR650SE after the advent of the DL650 and previously dwindling sales caused by hefty price tags.

I am very very much looking forward to the "new" KLR 650. I hope the clipped suspension travel does not make the KLR a street bike in disguise and looking at good sales of the KL650A since 2004 and a probably very competitive price of the new model I see no reason why KMSA should not import them.

Thats quite a fleet!

Le Cap, KLR, DR...
 

Thanks for pointing out my minimalistic profile! I just updated it.

I run my own workshop. Although I do not advertise the workshop to walk in customers I do fix the odd bike that comes in. I have been working on bikes for 20 years and since 1995 with my own business.

I saw the 2007 (2008) KLR 650 before. The 450 is a bit "small" for my purpose. The current KLR's are my choice for offering a good compromise of dirt road capability and passenger capability. Keep in mind that my customers often do not have dirt road but rather touring bike experience. If you tell them: Oh, it's just like a Tenere they will be happy. If they see a DRZ they might not.
The 400's / 450's like DRZ used to be inadequately expensive here and did not have the DR650SE's big advantage of the low seat height.
Further Johann had some bad experience with DR350 which were generally fine but got ridden to death on the open road quickly.
As far as I have heard the DR650SE will at least continue through 2007 although we can't get them any more here in SA unless grey imported.

My ideal DR650SE would be very much like the current model with an increased tank volume of 20 liters. The DR650SE is a bit useless when it comes to passenger transport but that's what I have the KLR for. I don't see good reason to scrap the SE in favor of something radically new. A careful face lift will do.

With regards to BMW: It looks as if the guys in Munich finally want to go the way after the DL 650 (at which a 800 BMW dual sport will probably be aimed).
We will have to see what comes out of this BMW - Suzuki clash. Remember the Freewind which IMHO in handling and comfort was always superior to the Funduro.

I agree. Big and roomy are important for this group.

Overland single
 

Unfortunately the times of every japs manufacturer having a big knobbly single ready to go to the end of the world and back are gone. The bikes often get too pretty to break and try to be all in one. Examples: The new XT, BMW F650, Pegaso...
We used to travel on XT500. Too weak, crap brakes and suspensions. What light? Broken frames. But they did the job. All across Africa. A friend even took his SR (!) 500 from Germany to Dakar. (And that was waaaay before it was all tarmac)
A lot of travellers still seem to prefer big singles as soon as the tarmac ends.
The recent local success here in South Africa proved that there is a market for bikes like the KLR (which apparently also sells well in the US).

As the products develop more and more two fold into the showy shiny adventure bike, heavy and too pretty to take it anywhere else than the Promenade in Camps Bay, and the rallye racing KTM and wannabe dirt track bike fraction never ever to be seen even in the vicinity of the Cederberg, I can only hope that there will be enough customers left to allow the manufacturers to produce simple and reliable overland bikes like the KLR650 and DR650.

I hope Suzuki will leave it with a slight face lift. What about the mentioned 20l tank and 140 kg dry weight. That should not be too difficult. Suzuki has nice bikes to cater for more off road oriented riders.

OK Mollydog, which one is best?
 

I greatly value your experience and biking knowledge. I'm debating between the KLR and 650GS. I owned (and crashed)on a KLR 650. It is pretty crude, I had lots of aftermarket stuff on it. The 650GS just seems like a better bike overall. What do you think? I realize you may have answered this question previously.

The f650 is a nice bike to LOOK at but I wouldn't own one.

DR 650 Windshield, Gas tank, 2008 KLR?
 

Again, Patrick, thanks for your input. I've looked but I don't see any windshield available and what about the small gas tank? These are issue for long distance travelling. I'm drawn to the simplicity and quality of the DR 650. Also, the DR 400 looks interesting. I've also looked at the 2008 KLR, wow, this could be THE bike to go for if they've made some fundamental improvements. Don't know when it will be out? Perhaps this year?

I would not bother about a windshield for a DR 650. Just go a bit slower. 100 - 110km/h are easy with the minimalistic shield and it does not block out your view of the road (rocks and potholes) immediately ahead of the front wheel.
Big tanks are readily available from IMS.
Acerbis makes a big tank for the older (SP45) DR 650 but it does not fit the DR650SE (SP46) without hickups. You will have to make up tank mountings, modify the seat etc.
The standard 14l tank is actually fine for most trips giving you a fuel range of about 300 km at cruising speed. I sometimes take a 10 l jerrycan when I go into remote areas (Central Karoo).
Although being a 2008 model the new KLR is said to become available in 2007. Not sure which month and which countries will get the first bikes.

If anyone is looking at a KLR650 as an expedition vehicle, I'd recommend the KLR650A (USA) rather than the KLR560C (Europe), for a couple of reasons:

- miserable little rear luggage rack on the KLR650C (3kg max!)
- pannier racks, oversized tanks etc are easy to find for KLR650A, but difficult if not impossible to find for KLR650C (I'm going to end up making my own pannier racks for my KLR650C as a consequence of not being able to source one commercially to fit it, given it's different rear subframe and different + less obvious mounting points).
- manuals seem to have far better coverage of KLR650A (the Clymer manual only covers the KLR650A, and not the KLR650C, for instance)

The F650 BMW is a beautiful package but it can't deliver on down the road
if given hard use.

DR 650 is back in South Africa
 

Yes! and for 48000 Rand! :-)

MZ 660 Baghira HR
 

.
Lecap, I've looked at the MZ 660 Baghira HR with the Yamaha engine and really liked it. But I thought that there wasn't enough support here in the States. If you could, give your reasons why you favor this MZ ride.
.
.
.......Gary

MZ Baghira
 

Hi Gary

Ckeck out :-

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-baghira-24213

or search MZ Baghira on the Hubb.

Best wishes Alec.

I would go for KLR650A version ....

* Cheaper,
* Easy to fix (less complicated)
* Easy to obtain parts ... www.happy-trail.com (they can deliver anywhere)

Cheers,

Not sure if I've actually heard it termed this, but IMO and in the words of countless others the "KLR is the R80GS of the day". Simple, outdated, reliable, cheap…er, OK, no similarity there. Anyway, the KLR really just needs you to 1) budget/plan for the upgrades to make it what you want (it's like a burger and bun: you add the rest at the toppings counter!), and 2) accept its truly all-purpose nature. It can't be made MUCH smoother, but it can be somewhat. It can't be a MX bike, but it CAN be made a good bit better offroad.

In America, it simply rocks for support/parts/farkles. As for no changes since the KLR600--dude, study up. And note the '08 REVISED version due out shortly.

Plus, what other bike has so many color combos to choose from?!?!?!?!?

Oh, AND now you can get a Big Bore kit to raise hp/torque 10% w/ 685cc displacement. Then that 4th gear wheelie will happen, bro!

s

My reasons why I like the MZ Baghira are mainly the suspensions (fully adj. WP rear and nicely set (on hte HR) Mazocchi front end which is also fully adj. on the high version). IMHO the best suspension as long as you don't look in much more expensive bikes like KTM or CCM which are on the same level.
The brakes are also top notch.
The bike rides very nicely on bad terrain as long as it's not too soft or sandy.
Nice engine, 50hp is more than fine for covering distance on tarmac if you have to. The engine (XTZ 660) feels nice and has a long track record with regards to reliability.
Some of the finish is a bit amateurish / small series standards but overall the bike is build very nicely and of good quality.
Only one thing the Baghira needs from day one: Fork boots.
After one year: SS spokes.

The MZ's (Muz) showed up here in the San Fran Bay area around the late
90's.There were a couple dealers around, but the one near me no longer handles MZ. Don't know if parts are available or not. Been maybe four of five years since there were being sold new.

San Franciscan's love weird, quirky bikes, like the Moto Morini 3 1/2, Guzzi Quota and Monza 50's, modern Laverda's, and of course the MZ's. So that's kind of the niche the MZ's fell into. Its a cult bike now. I know people who ride the Tour version, the Black Panther, the Baghira and a few others whose model names I don't know.

I was just at a club Xmas party last week and two MZ showed up, still on the road and looking fine. In around 99' or 2000 I could have bought a BRAND NEW Black Panther for $3200. Now that's cheap. The dealer was closing out the MZ's. Hasn't carried them since.

The small group of folk who ride the MZ's swear by them and ride the hell out them and have done for years. Good bike.

New BMW Singles
 

The biggest problem, as usual with BMW, is price.

Actually I think they are called G-models, unless they have dubbed them otherwise in the US.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...new-bmws-23580

Christmas if fast approaching--you better decide and get a bow taped on whatever you're putting under the tree.

BTW, have you seen the upgraded '08 KLR?

I originally bought a KR as my first bike witht he intent of riding it around the world. I didn't know what a "nice" bike felt like to ride at the time.
Now that I have a V-strom, I couldn't ever imaging going on a ride of any length on a KLR.

My two cents. If I had to choose between the KLR and the F650, I'd go with the F650 and be happier on the trip.

Have to give the nod to....
 

I will state first off that I own the KLR, and not the BMW. I believe both are fine bikes, and am a fan of both.

With that being said, I will run down a list of things I believe make the KLR MY choice. I'll start with the 'cons,' and move to the 'Pros.'

CONS:

1) Height:
The seat sits fairly high, and unless lowered will pose a problem for the vertically challenged. I am 6' tall with a 34" inseam, and it's taller than my Triumph Tiger on even it's perkiest days. This could also be a problem when the bike goes down, loaded with gear. Since it sits higher, the gear will have to be lifted at a more difficult angle, sitting higher above the wheel base than other bikes.

2) Doohickey:
If you have looked into the KLR at any length, you have found all about this 'mystery part.' As far as it keeping you from making the purchase, don't worry about it. In my opinion it's not a dealbreaker. Buy a new part immediately, from one of several places (on the web...google 'KLR Doohickey'...) and then enjoy the bike with piece of mind.


PROS:

1) Cost
I picked mine up for $3700, with two years and 1,100 miles on her. You can find them for less.

2) Mechanical Ease
Honestly, throw a wrench at the timeless engine, and it fixes itself (well, almost...) =) If I am travelling in another country, the simplicity of all the parts, from the wiring to the engine itself, makes me less worried about the computer, or fuel injection going out, stuck in the middle of nowhere.

3) Durability
They are simply a tank of a bike, without the weight. There's a reason the U.S. military buys these up like crazy (and then has a civilian company outfit them for their military career).

4) Aftermarket Parts
Hands down, MASSIVE aftermarket options. Bike has a cult following, which makes unique customizations very prevalent as well.

5) Fuel (in other countries)
Not as picky about what she drinks as the BMW.

6) The 'Jeep' Effect
Like a Jeep, a KLR just looks a little better with a few dents, scratches, and 'battle scars' than her sleeker BMW cousin. If I ever bought a jeep, the first thing I would do is walk over to the side of the road, pick up a rock, and give her a well placed dent. Jeeps just call for it, and look better for it; same with the KLR. (You won't have to do that with the KLR, though; most owners will give their mounts a good dent or two naturally).

7) Riding Comfort
I read a few reports here that suggeted it wasn't all that comfy. I disagree, and I'll tell you why it isn't in my case. I made these modifications, and took my bike on a 7 week trip across the U.S.A., with several 500 mile days, 10,000 miles overall, and felt great.
a) Custom seat (I went with Corbin). This is ESSENTIAL.
b) Progressive shock and springs. Larry Roessler knew what he was making. Pricey, but if $$ isn't a concern, do it, you will thank yourself later.
c) Nerf bars...they add protection for the engine and tank, but also have fold-down footpegs at a more forward location, giving you an option for the times you want to stretch.

8) Weight
Much lighter than the BMWf650/f650 Dakar models. Nimbler offroad, and easier to pick up after you fall. (Not an 'if,' but 'when.')

9) The 'It Is What It Is' Factor
The KLR is simply a street legal dirt bike on steroids. Period. It was intended to go places where the pavement ends, and up trails where you don't think it could go. I recently took mine up several black diamond rated bike trails, steep stair-step rock trails, all with street tires (Pirelli Scorpion ST's...).


I own a motorcycle touring company (www.great-escape-tours.com) and am in the planning process for a new Alaska trip we will be adding next year. We will be using KLR's on the tour, and so far have gotten nothing but positive responses to that decision. Of course, everyone has their own ideas of what they want, what they like, and how much they can spend, and that is all part of the fun. If we all rode the same thing, how boring would that be? But for my money, pound for pound, I'd take the KLR 9.8 times out of 10. :cool4:

Hope this was helpful!

Dug Shelby
Great Escape Motorcycle Tours
www.great-escape-tours.com
:mchappy:

Or to summarize the previous post: Sometimes simpler is better.

Nothing will make a KLR smooth or high-powered. But once properly armored it's pretty near indestructible, and if you do manage to break it, parts are everywhere and even if you don't have the right part anybody with simple tools can fix almost anything well enough to get going with nothing more special than some Kwiksteel, scrap metal, and a big hammer.

As for issues with the KLR, a KLR is a platform, and almost every issue you can think of can be resolved by customizing it to your needs. The only big issue for me is the lack of electrical power. The stock headlamp is dangerously feeble unless upgraded to a 100/90 watt headlamp. But if you do that, you can no longer use a heated vest. And if you are travelling in cold weather, a heated vest is very nice to have. I have to be very careful with my electrical power when using my heated vest and grips, I have a voltmeter attached so I can make sure I'm not dangerously discharging my battery. The BMW has a bigger alternator and has better headlights to begin with, so this is not a problem with the BMW.

As for the MZ, they are exotics here and you cannot get parts. So if you want to travel in the Americas, it is best to use something more mainstream, such as a BMW F650GS, Suzuki DR650, or Kawasaki KLR650. The Suzuki DL650 (V-Strom) is a smoother more powerful bike than any of these, but you give up the ability to handle offroad conditions that the other three will easily handle, and it is heavier than even the F650GS. It all depends on what compromises you're willing to make, and for me the big thumper is the right compromise. The only question is which thumper to get. I like the Suzuki and Kawasaki because they are simple. The Kawasaki is physically bigger than the Suzuki thus which one to get for me boiled down to which one I physically fit better on. It turns out that I'm right on the line between which one I fit better on (the Kawasaki is a tiny bit tall for me, the Suzuki a tiny bit cramped for me), so I ended up buying whatever was cheap and available on the used market, which in this area is the Kawasaki. But I would not have been disappointed with the Suzuki either.

KLR fixes and the DR650 and why its better.
 

The DR650. IMHO, YMMV, eccetera

Only problem with the DR650 is that it is, as you say, smaller and lighter. Underneath someone who is, let us say, "security-sized", it feels like a mini-bike -- it *definitely* isn't comfortable for someone who used to play in the NFL or just looks like it. Meanwhile, if you beef up the springs in a KLR, it'll handle mighty big folks quite handily without feeling like you're riding a kiddy bike.

For me, the DR650 is a little cramped but acceptable, while the KLR feels slightly too big for me but acceptable once lowered an inch. Given that both would serve me well, other factors detirmined which one to buy. I bought the KLR because they are available dirt cheap used here. When I was searching for a good used bike, I could not find a used DR650 *anywhere* within the state of California. They just aren't out there. (I can't buy bikes from outside of California because the People's Republic won't allow low mileage used bikes from out of state to be registered here). If I had bought a new bike, I would have been hard pressed to decide, and probably would have gone with the DR. But I can think of better things to spend $2500 on than paying the difference between the price of a used bike and a new bike...

Finally, regarding upgrading the headlamp, the problem with headlamp upgrades is that to get more light you need either a) more watts, or b) a HID conversion. The DR650, BTW, has the same problem as the KLR, i.e., a feeble alternator (both make roughly 200 watts max, or less than 20 amps). Anyhow, a HID conversion is expensive and not particularly reliable under the conditions of a big thumper, while more watts runs into the alternator issue. If you put a 100 watt bulb in the stock headlight housing it works great (you'll need to swap out the socket and ideally put a bigger harness too, else you'll melt stuff). But that leaves 100 watts total for everything else. The bike itself uses around 35 watts for the tail light, ignition, instrument cluster lamps, etc., which leaves 65 watts for any other accessories. Which means you can turn on your heated grips, or you can turn on your heated vest, but you can't turn on both.

As far as the upgraded stator for the KLR is concerned, the trick there is that the aftermarket stator uses bigger wires, but fewer of them (due to the fact you're trying to cram them into the same space as the OEM stator's smaller wires). This means less resistive losses at high RPM (i.e., more current at high RPM), but at low RPM the fact that you have fewer wires breaking the plane of the magnets at any given pint in time means that it makes less juice at low RPM's. This is not a problem if you're primarily riding on the highways. It is a problem if you're riding at lower RPM's in the city or on some twisty single-track. There is no free lunch, you can't get more juice without bigger wires, and you can't get as many bigger wires into the same space as smaller wires so putting bigger wires kills your low-RPM wattage. Add in the fact that the largest retailer of aftermarket KLR parts will no longer stock the aftermarket stator because he got 50% of them back as defective, and depending upon your riding style you may no longer be interested.

Klr 650
 

Hi All, I am just about to order a 2008 KLR 650. My dream bike would be one of the Dual Sport BMW's but it looks like allot of you actally perfer the KLR. My only hesitation with the KLR is that I hope it really handles well on the road. Looks like the 08 is going to be geared a little more towards the road then the past models. I am hopping this bike will be a good long distance tourer. I like the looks of sport bikes better But there is two factors why I think i'm going for the KLR. The main, price, of the bike and of insurance for a new rider. The second, the fact that it will work well on gravel roads or heading off the beaten path once and a while. My hesitations are that i'm hoping it will be a comfortable, good handling road bike, also don't like the looks as much as say the 599 naked honda sports bike.......but again, back to the price..........any thoughts? Is this bike going to handle on a winding mountain road?

Thanks,
Jason

My guess is the bike will meet your needs perfectly

Patrick, is there any chance that you could check for the part number of the 2008 KLR doohickey? Or is there word around if Kawasaki has a new doohickey? I am too curious if they have changed anything.
No 2008 KLR's down here before the end of the year :-( Also no parts catalog.

Sometimes it takes them a few months to get them on a new bike.

The full name of the malicious doohickey is: 13168 - 1436 Lever, idler shaft

Kawasaki never admitted any problems with the doohickey. I assume It will either be a quiet change to a different part or maybe if we are really lucky an upgraded part replacing the old one. (Like the upgraded DR 650 cylinder foot gasket in 2004)

If they did not do anything at all I will order a bucket full of Eagle Levers from Arrowhead :-)

Part number
 

Hi lecap,

well I've just logged onto Kawasaki's UK system and can advise that part number 13168-1436 has been superceeded to 13168-0046.

Hope this is of help to you.

Regards

Reggie AKA The Cameraman

Hi Reggie,

thanks for the info, I will order one tomorrow and see what I get.

I still have two 13168-1436 in stock.
Will get the new part and destroy one of each to be able to compare.
If the new part is backwards compatible (should?) it comes down to the price.

As someone who has ridden both sports bikes and the KLR on winding mountain roads -- yes, it will handle on a winding mountain road. But the riding position and height of the bike do make it handle differently than a sport bike. On a sport bike, you're crouched down so that you can easily hang off the bike with a simple shift to make it really go around curves. Hanging off a KLR doesn't really work unless you're as limber as a babboon, it's just too tall and the seating position too upright. The upside is that a KLR is so tall that it sorta hangs off all by itself without any involvement from you. But it is definitely a different feel, you're riding "with" the bike, rather than hanging off of it. Also you will not be going as fast around curves as a sportbike will, both because of the general geometry of how you're sitting on the bike and because the tires are so much narrower than a modern sportbike's tires. However, you will still be going around curves far faster than any four-wheeled vehicle short of perhaps a full-fledged sports car with extremely wide and sticky tires.

Note that tires make a big difference here too. Street-oriented tires make the KLR handle really well. In general, the closer you get to a true dirt bike knobby, the worse it will handle on the road. Right now I am riding Continental TKC-80's on the road and definitely do not push them as hard as I push Avon Gripsters on the road. On the other hand, I push them harder than I would push a Kenda 270 on the road (Kenda 270's are known for their slippery and squirmy on-road handling). Also, you set up the bike a little differently for the road. For best handling on-road you set it up with firmer suspension so that you don't get all that pitching motion. In the extreme you can even get "death wobble" from that pitching motion. For offroad use you want slightly soggier suspension (but not so soggy that you're always bottoming it!) in order to soak up the bumps better and thus keep your tires on the ground more. I usually run my suspension a bit on the firm side for better on-road handling, at the expense of a bit of ride quality on and offroad. Others choose differently. The KLR is pretty easy to set up however you want it, but everything requires compromises. The KLR itself is one giant compromise, a rather slow dirt bike on the street, and a rather heavy street bike on the dirt.

I don't know if this answers your question. The KLR does quite well on the street (well enough that I sold my Kawasaki Concours sport-tourer because, frankly, the KLR is just more comfortable as a tourer, albeit much slower), if that answers your question. I do know that I didn't notice much difference between my KLR and the F650GS that I test-rode, other than the fact that the F650GS has more power and a lower center of gravity. Handling seemed pretty much the same between the two.

-E

KLR or BMW
 

Hi owned few KLR and to my opinion for tavelling one up in SA america the bike bike is much more capable that the BMW 650 , I tried the 650 BMW on some long ride and if you stick to the HWY the bmw is the best , but as soon as you go off road the klr is really a SUV type bike able to cross river , take as much abuse as you can handle. I know that the klr need to be updated but for $2000 you can equipe it with luggage , protection bar ,better brake and more goodys,you will less stress when doing your maintenanceas the bike is pretty much bullet proof, the good news is with the new model of KLR coming for 08 the 06 / 05 should become dirt cheap.

Hendi

Can you lower the seat on a KLR?
 

Hi chaps

I know you can lower a seat on GS650.
Can you do the same on a KLR, say down to 80 cm or even less?

Thanks

Paolo

Yes and no. While the KLR supposedly has a seat height of 35" (88cm), around 3" of that disappears immediately into sag the moment you tip the bike up onto its tires. I have a 32" (80cm) inseam and did not have any trouble getting my feet down with the stock seat because of a) the sag in the springs when you put weight on the bike, and b) the soft foam of the seat, which squished down another inch. Indeed, when I switched to a firmer wider seat for additional comfort, I had to add 1" lowering links to get me back down to where I was.

If you want a bike that is sized more towards smaller/shorter people, the GS is certainly an option, but the Suzuki DR650 is probably an even better one. It is as stone-axe simple as the Kawasaki (even simpler, actually), but side by side it is significantly shorter in both height and length. I am right at the boundary between DR-sized and KLR-sized (as I noted, I can put the soles of my boots on the ground with the stock KLR, but only barely), so I got a KLR because I found one cheap. But if I had run across a DR cheap, I would have bought the DR instead.

The DR650 is built so that it can be lowered by the dealer pre/post sale. The mounting points are built-in to the bike from the factory, a well thought-out design. I'm surprised we don't see this on more bikes.

The DR also 'feels' smaller and lighter than the KLR. This is noticed within 2.3 seconds after straddling the bike.

The F650GS Dakar. More accessories available. FI, ABS (when needed), HHG, and more. Not the perfect bike. But best in class.

This should IMHO read:
The F650GS Dakar. More OEM accessories available.
Nothing wrong with available accessories of all kinds for KLR's. See DualStar, Arrowhead...

Best in WHAT class?

The advantage of FI on a touring bike is debatable. I have definitely seen more people wiht FI problems than with carb problems.

You can buy a set of heated grips for a few hundred Rand. Why spend 30000 Rand more on a bike that has OEM heated grips?

When it costs 50% more than comparable bikes, the F650 is in a class of it's own ;)

I'm a former owner of both an F650 and a KLR and spent 2 1/2 years riding in South America; there's no question in my mind the KLR is the better bike - it's not even close.

My two cents,
James

The other problem with BMW long term relibility record

This is a great thread as currently I am looking at a bike for a 12 months trip round Sth America in about 12-15 months time and the KLR had been on the shopping list. I have a couple questions for those knowledgeable ones in particular...
How do you think the new one rates given the specs as it seems to address some of the concerns with lights, doohicky, seat, "A high-capacity 36W alternator powers a new higher-output headlight" better spokes, stronger suspension (although less travel) etc etc. So does it seem like it will be a better travel bike? Motorcycle Daily

My other question is a few people mention vibration about the singles and i realise the thread is KLR Vs f650 but why has no-one mentioned the Honda Transalp? It is also a bike that is in the ring for me at the moment and i was a bit surprised to see that it had not been mentioned. We can still get them new in Australia whereas i know in other parts of the world you cannot so maybe that is why? How do they compare?

Thanks
Chris

Haven't heard about a new "doohicky" in the new KLR. The part number has changed several times over the years but it has remained the same cruddy weldment all that time (other than the original one-piece stamped part in early KLR's). I have not personally seen the new KLR (due to slow sales of the 2007 models the new 2008 model isn't going to get here in the United States until September or October, probably), but it's the same basic bike. I have some concerns about whether the new shroud will be unduly fragile, and because the design of the luggage rack has changed current luggage mounts may not fit, so personally I'd look for the "old" KLR rather than go with the new one if I were setting out for a long trip today. That said, the new one is definitely on my list of bikes to look at when my current KLR dies (but that may be a while, I have "only" 36,000 miles on my KLR).

Indeed, that is why. The only Transalps we have here in the United States are 15 year old models, and comparing those to the new models is rather senseless. As far as the 15 year old models we have here goes, they weigh about 125 pounds more than a KLR (which itself is no lightweight), and have much less suspension travel. Capability-wise they're similar to the Suzuki V-Strom 650, i.e., a smooth highway cruiser and okay on a gravel road but a disaster when the road turns to mud and ruts (not that a KLR is much fun in that situation either, but at least if you put decent off-road-oriented tires like a Kenda 270 on it, you'll get out of there, even if you might need to drag it out of a mud hole or two on its side). You'll also have problems getting parts for the thing if it breaks here in the Americas, since the current-generation bikes are not sold here and dealers don't sell parts for them (unlike KLR's, where more common parts are easily obtained either directly from local motorcycle shops or via airmail from Fred at Arrowhead Motorsports). So if you're doing the Americas, I'd probably advise against the Transalp.

El,
As you have a KLR, do you do two up? How does it handle it two up with hard panniers & gear? (panniers are so they can be locked up)

thanks
Chris

I don't do two up. If you put a stronger rear spring and change out the subframe bolts the KLR will do two-up better than other 650cc singles, but that isn't saying much. Too much weight on the back of the bike makes it handle weird. That said, if you travel light and get metal paniers that tuck tightly to the side of the bike and put heavy stuff in your tank bag and tank paniers to reduce the weight behind you and your pillion, you can make it work. It's just not where the KLR's comfort zone is, especially since you'll be taxing the bike's already-limited power (i.e., better switch to a 14 tooth front sprocket if you're hauling that much weight). And BTW, if you and your pillion add up to more than 300 pounds, forget about it -- adding another 100 pounds of luggage and luggage contents (typical) will exceed the weight limits of the bike.

Damn that just cancelled the KLR from the list. Me+her = 145kg approx or 320lbs.
Looks like the Transalp or something else. Maybe have to wait and see whether Honda do indeed launch an all new TA as has been discussed recently or the 800gs and also see what the weight limits of the new KLR is guess.
thanks El

Chris

320 pounds isn't that bad, the KLR isn't going to disintegrate just because you have 20 pounds overloaded, though with a lot of gear you're going to not be having much fun. Just out of curiousity, why not ride two motorcycles? That adds a lot of safety in remote areas, because if one motorcycle breaks down and nobody comes along within a few hours who can help haul you to the next town, you still have one motorcycle to get somewhere that you can hire help. It doesn't matter if she's not any good at motorcycling yet, when Chris and Spice set out to tour South America on their KLR's, Spice had never ridden a motorcycle before, but she picked it up just fine. Adventure motorcycling means just that -- adventuring. Which means stretching your limits in some cases.

If you absolutely insist on two-up, probably a big BMW twin has the best parts availability of big "adventure" bikes in the Americas. Not that this is saying too much, because for most of the past two decades it was the *only* big "adventure" bike sold in the Americas. The limitations of the big BMW twins when encountering mud are well known (hint: get rid of the inner fenders, they will pack up with mud and put you down), but with TKC-80 tires they're adequate as long as you don't go into car-swallowing mud holes. And as I noted, while parts availability for BMW's is not the best in the Americas, parts availability for current-generation Transalps is absolutely non-existent in the Americas...

I have been looking at R100GSPD's as the bike on which we were going to do this but recently the KLR (both new and old), the Transalp and the new 800GS had been something to think about. I don't really want the weight of a 1200/1150GS so i had thought maybe give those a miss.
I thought the new gen TA's were sold in Sth America??

Hmm, you are right, I just pulled up the Honda Argentina site and the Transalp *is* sold there. On the other hand, it weighs 191kg while the BMW 1200GS weighs 199kg. Trivial difference. I also note that both the Transalp and BMW have a low fender and thus will not work on muddy roads, the mud will collect between the fender and the tire and eventually lock the wheel and throw the bike down. Whether this is acceptable to you depends on when and where you're going...

Funny you mention the weight as i had been thinking the same thing myself. The TA does have a couple of advantages.
1/ Cost - A new one is about $13K but then there are some very cheap used ones around eg Used HONDA XL650V TRANSALP Motorcycles For Sale
2/ Simplicity against the GS1200 as it is a very basic bike still the TA from what i understand which could be a good thing in the middle of no-where with no BMW dealer nearby.
I agree re the fender. I think i would remove it and replace with a higher fender on either one.
I'm not in a hurry as I still have about 19 months before i leave so i may just wait and see what else is released although i'm not keen on getting a new untried bike either.
Chris

The new BMW F800 parallel twin has no off road (GS) model out yet.

I know there is no GS yet but i think we all know that there is one on the way. Pricing yes again your correct the BMW's are expensive and I'm not a brand lover of any brand so i have no particular alliance. (although its a shame the Caponord is not such a good thing as i love that motor but its a bit much for a DS bike i think).

I have heard good things about the DL650 but given that it has cast wheels rather than spokes then i felt for what i want out of a bike it is probably outside of its intended design purpose. I will take it along with the others into consideration though so thanks for the feedback. Do you knwo of anyone that has put cast wheels on it? also is it easy to lift the ride height?

Chris

klr VS BMW
 

I have not owned a BMW but have owned a KLR and rode it from Minnesota to Panama Canal. Mine was a 2000 and I did not like it at that time. It was a heavy mushy dog I thought. I rode with guys that were on Honda XR650L and so when I got back I purchased one of those. I rode it to Prudhoe bay and back and liked it better than the 2000 KLR. Then I rented a KLR in California and it was like a totaly different bike than I remembered. This winter I rode a KTM 640 down in South America for 6,000 miles and it is also a totally different bike. My 2 cents is the KTM is to heavy. The Honda is pretty good quality but no one makes much for it. The new KLR seems pretty good and if I were to have to go buy one I think would buy the KLR just for the best buy for the money. There is no one bike that is perfect for everyone. Deal with it. From the feedback from everyone it seems that the BMW just has to many problems and when I am on the road I do not want to have those. I worry about the ABS brakes and the fuel injection that if they go down you are screwed.

Good real-world comparisons. That's the only way. Good post.
If you get a chance to ride a friend's DR, give it a try.

You can raise the ride height a bit Makes bike taller.
Best.

Thanks Mollydog. I must admit you have opened my eyes a bit to the Wee or V as a contender so I will do a bit more research about them and take both for a spin.
I have a GSXR 600 track bike and a GSXR 750 was my first bike when i turned 18 back in 1988 so i am a bit of a fan of Suzi's anyway.
Thanks for answering my questions... and yep i did mean wire wheels, can't imagine the hassle it would be to put a belt drive on though.. crazy Germans :euro: hehehehe... (i think i'm allowed to say that with a last name like Schultz)

With regard to your commments about FI.. personally i'm a fan. I have never had any problems with any of my bikes with fuel injection and really don't undertstand why people prefer carby bikes?? Maybe they have never used feul injector cleaner to ensure the injectors are kept clean?? don't know but i find it a bit strange and for me going to Sth America i would prefer a FI bike due to the constant elevation changes.
Ok back to studying. Thanks again for comments and sorry for the minor hijack Cameron. :thumbup1:
Chris

The F650 Dakar has some incredible RTW miles under its belt, ie: Glen Heggstad, Tommy & Rosa, etc. There's lots of after market goodies, albeit expensive, available to help toughen it up and correct its shortcomings plus it has a 21" front wheel as opposed to a 19" on the Wee Strom. While the Suzuki is considerably less expensive, a good used Dakar can be had for about the same price as a new Wee if you watch and find a motivated seller as deals can be had.

I think both bikes are unsuitable for two-up travel for the long haul as they both lack the power and suspension to manage well. If it was my choice, I'd probably go with the 1200GS as suggested. Like you, I'm going to be in the market for a new Adventure Touring bike sometime in the next two years and am waiting to see what the F800GS turns out like.

I don't have high hopes that BMW will lay a golden egg in that the bike will be perfect. I do think the Bombardier-Rotax motor has great potential as the base for a lower-weight, slimmer alternative to the 1200GS while still having adequate power for two-up travels loaded with gear.

I'm sure that I'm not the only one holding their breath - if BMW does it right, it might be a close to perfect AT :unsure:

The Dakar has it's fans. be a very interesting Adv.Tourer.
so far...nothing.

Help Oh Enlightened One!
 

Patrick,

The more I read the more confused I get:eek3: !! I am planning on coming over to Phoenix in September to venture out for a year to North, Central & South America for a year or till the pennies run out. From all my research have nailed it down to a new 08 KLR650(one must have brakes I guess); Nearly new Wee Storm650 or 650gs Dakar? I am by UK standards a large bloke, medium in US then! 6ft and 100kgs, I will be carrying camping gear as well.

My routes will be 70/30 tarmac : Gravel I guess. I intend to test ride the Wee storm & Dakar next week, however not easy to take a KLR out here in the UK. I am no wizz kid with mechanics so simplicity and ease of maintenance is of importance to me. I am also concerned about weight & suspension issues.

Any help in the matter would be appreciated.

Cheers Mojo. :helpsmilie:

For ease of maintenance, you should be looking at either a DR650 or DL650, IMO.

The DR is more off road oriented, with the DL being more street oriented. I haven't read back to learn whether you're going 2-up or not, but any bike will suck panda bear balls when really riding off road, meaning rough and sometimes technical roads.

One-up for a year's worth of trouble-free exploring, the DR means you have the option of going on most all roads except for basic single track. The DL is only limited by weight, ground clearance and suspension on rough roads, being more of a road bike, and designed for that.

For the cost of a bare F650 you could outfit one of these two Suzukis and probably ride your dream without major problems, and have ergos to meet your comfort needs.

Bike problems are Suckus Maximus when on the road.....

Sorry for the confusion Mojo.

I've been there...
 

Two years ago I decided to buy either a KLR or a Dakar- that was the easy part. I went back and forth between dealerships and spent plenty of time on line doing the research. I finally chose the Dakar. People talk about the KLR being lighter as some kind of selling point. I always wondered WHY it was lighter, and wonder if many of the components are simply lighter/cheaper/weaker. No doubt the liquid cooling on the Dakar adds a few pounds. The reality of long-distance riding is that no matter what bike you choose, compromises must be made. I've spent quite a bit of time off-road on my trip, and the Dakar is heavy and heavily loaded- yet there are heavier bikes doing long trips. If only we could all ride like Tiger Woods- "OK boys, unload the 250 for me, load up the Dakar after you change the oil..." I've never ridden a KLR but am convinced it's a fine bike. Either bike will treat you right. Mine has given me over 30,000 miles of trouble free riding on 4 continents- and the party is just starting! Mind you, I take good care of the bike. Below is one of my buddies with his KLR- an unstoppable pair! His bike had over 65,000 miles on it when I took this picture- and that was almost 2 years ago (note the kickstand foot-print made from a piece of scrap metal Mel had welded on in Guatemala for a few cents- no fancy $50 part here). In the end, I think bikes are kinda like tires, people spend WAY too much time "worrying." Good luck with your trip, hopefully our paths will cross someday- preferably near a good pub! H.

Thanks Guys
 

Thanks for the input guys,

As I do not want to restrict my adventure have ruled out the Wee Storm. Shame as I realy like the ride of the bike.

Thanks Patrick, the plan stands to get to Phoenix in September and see the best deal I get for a used KLR, DR or GS. Have enrolled in a Bike maintenance school from next week! Lord help them for my questions?

See you guys on the road some day.

Cheers Mojo.

Just a note on mechanical ineptness I am no grease monkey but took the time to learn and then the time to set the bike up correctly and set the valves with generous help from others (including Mollydog fount of knowledge). Everything I took a shortcut on I regretted, everything I prepared well I have had VERY FEW problems with and carry about 10,000 miles so far.

good luck and travel safe.

Actually BMW have had many more problems with broken frames, shock mounts, footpeg brackets, and final drives (on twins) and so on.
Light is Right.

KLR650 Cheap uncostly way to go for a bit of everything
 

Have owned an older R100GS which was reliable and a great machine albeit a little bulky, never had a problem other than a burnt exhaust valve, but for a cheap alternative to the latest GS machinery and other jap jobs, I'd suggest the laughable KLR650 as having owned one for the last few years have stacked it a few times attempting to do motocross, ridden it for a few thousand k's in one hit and run up the back end of many a sport bike in the very twisty bits in the hills of Victoria, and had a ball doing it.

They dont handle particularly well at over 120kmh, (tyres make a big difference, knobblies, dualsport etc.) vibrate quite a bit at touring speeds, but are water cooled, have a large tank, tacho,fairing and a comfy seat which bodes well for all manner of riding. Jack of all trades, master of none comes to mind and a very easy bike to maintain.

The front brakes are crap and I've changed to an EBC 320mm rotor, stiffer springs and put on a centrestand and heated handgrips and a decent switchblock (lights, indicators, horn etc.)for a total cost of around $7,600 new all up, so try one out.

They dont do things as well as more expensive machines but will be right there with them for half the cost. :mchappy::funmeteryes:

Hi Bonzo,
Have you done much with yours two up mate? Or is there not enough room and not really a two up machine due to the vibrations? I think i have pretty much decided on a Wee or V Strom unless BMW launch the new 800GS early next year and that may come into the mix also.
Hey is your KLR red? You didn't happen to be out near Noojee with about 5/6 other riders 3/4 weeks ago did you?

Hey Mollydog do you know of anyone that has put DR forks and wheel on the front of a Wee to make it handle the dirt a bit better? Actually i'll do a search on ADV rider and check it out as i'm sure i read somewhere of someone doing that..



Chris

If they can't figure this out easily....well you get the idea. :scooter:

Yeh i actually thought it all sounded a bit to crazy for me and to be honest i was more just thinking about getting a bigger front wheel on it rather than changing the world...

You can do far travels on any bike, even one with every other wheel spoke missing, loose handle bars, no operating lights, blown shock, spewing forks, bad rings.....etc. :)

How you ride whatever bike it might be, is a huge difference.

The machinery used is more important now, at least as it's viewed by today's rider setting off on a long trip. So many choices....

Gs 650
 

Hi Guys

3 months ago I had to make a decision on what bike I wanted to buy for my "long" trips.
I wanted the BMW GS1200.
Anytime I travel to distant lands and meet other bikers on the road they all ride one. That speaks for itself.
Unfortunately I am to short to ride it (If I wasn't, that would be my choice, no doubt!).

I was looking for an alternative and checked all your previous comments on GS and KLR
EventuallyI opted for the GS650.
In the last 2 months I have travelled in Italy, France Spain and Morocco
I think the bike is confortable and reliable.
I only had 1 incident in Madrid where my battery was completely dry.
I believe it's nothing to do with the bike.
Probably the battery was cracked.
I'll have this issue checked when I am back in Italy in September.
One of the features I am really impressed with is the petrol consumption.
The bike can ride over 30km with 1 ltr! I think that's impressive.
Also quite handy when you have to ride 100s of kms before you can finally find a petrol station!

I wanted to give some feedback as your previous comments where very useful to finalise my decision
Never tried a KLR, so I can' really comment

Ciao
Paolo

Just look around you will see how many people use the GS650 for RTW trips. Here's one man thats still busy since 2005 and the bike is on 130000km, nuff said:mchappy:
index

Big Budget.......No Budget
http://www.locokiwi.com/gallery/15 B...71 (Large).JPG

No Budget

http://www.locokiwi.com/gallery/15 B...79 (Large).JPG

Well said.

Note the KLR's shredded radiator cowl and indicator :)

A KLR without scratches does not look real. You have to make sure you wipe out once or twice or at least kick it off the side stand when nobody is looking :D

Koritsimou!
 

Hey! Who let you out whilst I was away? But somebody rebuilt you...and dropped you...??

That was a really good kick off the sidestand to go over on the RHS! It does improve the looks of the KLR however!!:rolleyes2:

Mollydog:
The BMW was prepped to spend several years on the road. The KLR was prepped to do only 8 months.

The guy riding the KLR sure wishes he had a good carrying system like the guy riding the BMW!

[QUOTE=quastdog;144894]Mollydog:
The BMW was prepped to spend several years on the road. The KLR was prepped to do only 8 months.
..............QUOTE]

How would a bike be prepped differently from a planned 8 month trip vs one that's longer?

hmmm yes well I must admit.

If going soft luggage I would advise not having one of the saddlebags stolen. One saddlebag looks really naff. I am using some donated old ones not up to the task, all straps broken. With a friendly mechanic we fabricated some `wings`from steel to support the weight. Fine on road, on road in Bolivia (ie real off road) vibrations, potholes, rocks too much. Having `wings`upgraded to something like a `cradle`. The top bag is good, straps gave out after 10000 miles which is difficult to explain to shoe-repair guys who can`t read good and can`t do other stuff good too.

Yes, kick off sidestand does improve street-cred for the KLR but would`ve been nice not to do it at 70km/h in the backblocks of Peru.

So yes, in spite of kicking old Quastdog`s ass on the hill climbs and having some good fun in the dirt, the BMW didn`t need 20 minutes of harnessing in the morning to keep all luggage on the bike.
PS have noticed KLR hard luggage frames always seem to be flimsy - we`re always looking for a welder!

For me soft luggage has been a lot of tribulations but hey, saved me $1000.

[quote=Lone Rider;144896]
Discussing with the quastdog, for me some costs like hard luggage, GPS, hell even a new tank bag are more reasonable when spaced out over 5 years. I still don`t know if I`d get the flash big gas tank but I would`ve bought a new helmet...
For 8 months I have learned to `make do`with some inconveniences to make doing the trip a possibility. When I`m 40 I can spend double on a plush BMW but for now that money is going to stave off the credit card vultures.

How does one prep for five years of travel anyway? Are you prescient? When they've never done it before, how does one proceed? After all, they
haven't tested the bike or gear to really know how things will work out, or countries, or thieves or corrupt officials?
I guess some guys just have an inate God given gift to sort this travel stuff out?:rolleyes2: