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Message started by Tocsik on 08/15/22 at 13:20:43

Title: KLR 650 thoughts?
Post by Tocsik on 08/15/22 at 13:20:43

Anyone here ever ride the Kaw KLR 650? Not looking for a comparison to the Savage, of course. I just kinda have a crush on the '22 model and have been thinking about one while I'm young enough to enjoy it for light off-highway trails. I live in Colorado and there's a lot to explore. I've been on the KLR forum some but they're obviously biased already.

It's about 100 pounds heavier than our bike and since it's taller the center of gravity should be a lot higher, too. I do know the unsprung seat height is a bit "up there", too.

Title: Re: KLR 650 thoughts?
Post by pg on 08/15/22 at 14:43:07

I have one, and I put 40K miles on it. What questions do you have?

Best regards,

Title: Re: KLR 650 thoughts?
Post by Tocsik on 08/15/22 at 14:51:33

Reliability? I've read they really are, with the minor weak point of the "doohickey" which has a good fix. Any other notable points?
Also fit. I'm about 5'9" (shrinking these days) so wondering about manageability with the seat height and overall bike weight.

I need to get by a dealer and throw a leg over one to see for myself, but I'm just asking around preliminarily.

Title: Re: KLR 650 thoughts?
Post by pg on 08/15/22 at 15:08:14

I'm 5'10' and the height doesn't bother me, some people it might thought. I cannot flat foot or even close. Yes, the 'doo' failed on mine and you will need to fix it if you are going to be a long term owner. It can lead to a catastrophic failure. The weight isn't bad at all. Lots and lots of aftermarket accessories are available. I recommend the thermo-bob as well, this regulates the engine temp. The suspension is extremely soft or weak, I had to upgrade that as well. The only other week point it wiring. They did not do a good job of insulating wires throughout the bike. A lot of areas are exposed for rub spots. This is easily prevented with electrical tape, but you have to take off all the plastic. All in all I really like mine.

Best regards,

Title: Re: KLR 650 thoughts?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/15/22 at 15:27:46

A trip to the junk yard and some wire loom tubing will solve your problems AND leave your wires accessible should you ever have a problem that you can't solve with a hammer.
After tape gets hot a few times it gets really nasty to get off.

Title: Re: KLR 650 thoughts?
Post by pg on 08/16/22 at 02:34:08

If I had to do it again I would get protective sleeves, conduit, whatever you want to call them from the get go. I would take a day and pull off all the plastic and do it right.

Also, a couple other positive attributes to the KLR are a 5.8 gallon tank. You really can go a lonngggg way before you need to fill up. I get 40 - 45 mpg as well. The ergos are wonderful, I can go all day without and discomfort. I have done multiple 500+ mile days and a couple 800+ as well. Here is a photo from Robbinsville, can't remember the year.

Best regards,

Title: Re: KLR 650 thoughts?
Post by pg on 08/16/22 at 02:36:05

https://i.ibb.co/BtsqTFn/3068894.jpg

Sorry about the big picture, not sure how to correct that.

Best regards,

try the link instead -v1

Title: Re: KLR 650 thoughts?
Post by Needles on 08/17/22 at 09:48:42

I have a friend that has been commuting from southern Indiana into Louisville on a KLR 650 for years. He also takes it off road a lot on weekends, though he also has a Kawi 450 Dual Sport for more serious offroading--- mainly because it's lighter. Both of them are reliable as hammers, according to him.

Title: Re: KLR 650 thoughts?
Post by Tocsik on 08/17/22 at 15:11:58

Thanks for all the feedback. I may wait until next year. It'll give me more time to get the wife on board and squirrel a little away toward a down payment.