Don't EVER by a KLR. Seriously. I know there are a lot of die-hard KLR fans out there. They say its a "cheap reliable bike". Maybe this was true when the KLR came out 21 years ago. But the new ones are an outdated boat anchor. They have shit suspension, shit brakes, they are heavy, very little power, and the new ones are a lot less reliable then my "high strung KTM"

So many good used bikes to be found if you just look. I sold my 05 640 ADV for $4000. It only had 10,000 miles on it. My friend in CA just bought a very well sorted Husky TE610 with a large tank, racks, luggage and many other things for $4500, It was owned by an old guy who kept very good care of it. So when people say "I bought a KLR because they are cheep and reliable". Well, you could of actually bought a used bike that actually is reliable and you can actually have fun on.

Maybe I'm wrong though. I ride like a hooligan and I love traveling on enduro bikes off road. In a few weeks a friend and I will be doing an unassisted Simpson desert crossing. I will need to carry 25 liters of fuel extra to the 26 liters I already have. Would I ever try to do this trip on a KLR? No. hell no. But my 690 will take me through with its efficient, reliable powerful, engine and its great suspension. Then i'll put a bigger front sprocket and burn highway around oz. The bike really does it all.

So... if you want a bike to limit you, get a heavy bike with shit suspension. If you want a bike that will be able to go way past your riding ability.. (yes, you need some self control).. then get a light enduro. DRZ, DR, XT, 640 Adv, 690, husky 610 or 630, or honda Xr 400 or 650.

Ok bring on the hate from the KLR lovers out there.

I doubt that.
You seem to know a lot about the KLR. Have you ever owned/traveled on one? How far back does your experience go? I was riding a KLR in 1986 and owned another in '98. I didn't like either one ... but since then I've ridden ones that have been nicely modded and are much better.

Yes, they need UP GRADES to be any good at all ... and NO ... they won't beat you in your race around the world on your KTM, but they usually make it through albeit at a slower pace.

Proven by the THOUSANDS who've done RTW or cross continent rides on KLR's. Yes, surly old school and outdated but still get the job done for many who aren't having any fun!

The 610 is a very fun bike to ride ... but in fact at 10K miles is right were the top ends go out ... almost like clock work ... Just ask co-owner Matt Prentiss of Munroe Mtrs. in San Francisco ... top Husky dealer in USA until the KTM takeover, and true Husky Guru.

Matt's a HUGE Husky fan (owns a 510) ... but does not live with his head in the sand regards weaknesses and common failures of the Huskies. I have first hand, eye witness Husky stories from our rides together.

So, NO, I would not recommend the 610 or 630 (even Worse!) as a travel bike. Both are a HOOT to ride or race ... but require careful maintenance, good mechanic/owners ... and luck.

Regards prices of used Euro bikes compared to a used KLR, DR, XR-L, XT, DRZ, XR400, et al. Sometimes you can find deals,
like on older 640 KTM's, Huskies. But a KTM 690 in good nick is a different world away price wise.

Here is one posted here : http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...dventure-76984
2011 KTM 690 - Around £9,000 if you add in all offered accessories. That's $13,500 USD.

yea, I guess there's just no way a KLR guy could ever have fun! and some KLR's are good deals, some not. How about this one:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...rth-look-76869

Well young guys have lots of testosterone to burn off ... so go for it! Have fun...the 690 is perfect for you.

I hope you have good evac insurance! But not everyone "Rides like a Hooligan" on a fully loaded travel bike when 10,000 miles from home with no quick Medical help close at hand. When you've seen a few "hooligan" heros die right in front of you ... you may revaluate riding style.

Really good advice for someone going racing. Not so much for travel. I've already been racing, 8 years AMA Enduro, "B" rider. How about you?

But I'm done racing, sold my WR250F a few months back. I totally get having a capable off road bike ... but most novice riders/travelers (like the OP) don't have racing backgrounds so could give a Rat's Ass about going fast. Really talking about two different worlds.

This statement just proves your ignorance regards the character and values of most of the KLR guys. They're really not a hateful bunch in my experience ... and most don't have that feverish devotion we see from some brand loyalists. Statements like the above simply antagonize and inflame the conversation. No place for "hate" here ... hey, it's just motorcycle riding after all!