Author Topic: Kawasaki KLR 650.....what is there to know about this beast? (Read 2583 times)

DarkRider · « **on:** November 29, 2008, 08:23:29 AM »

I have been doing some thinking these past couple nights and reevaluating the need for a newer sport bike when the Interceptor is plenty fast enough. I suspect the CB750F will be as well even though that bike will soon become Project Nomad (more explanation will be given when the time comes). I have started looking into other bikes and time and time again i keep coming back to the Kawasaki KLR 650. Now from having a dirt bike riding background and starting to move back towards my roots (thus the CZ125 Motocrosser). I have wanted to own a KLR for quite awhile long before i even got my drivers license. They seem to be a good mix of street and off road in the same machine. Has anyone on here had any experience with this bike?

TE 450 Pilot · « **Reply #1 on:** November 29, 2008, 08:37:04 AM »

http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/index.php

Or try ODSC.on.ca

I had the KLX 250 and know of lots of guys who own the KLX650. Bike is very reliable not the best wood's bike but great for adventure riding and gravel road/ forest road riding.

Randy

bryanj · « **Reply #2 on:** November 30, 2008, 03:39:11 AM »

Head and cam wear if not looked after

tortelvis · « **Reply #3 on:** December 01, 2008, 11:44:22 AM »

The newer ones have a recurring balancer chain tensioner problem. The Kawasaki upgrade is no good either. You can get a better fix from an owner on the net who has made and is marketing one called the "doohickey".

Venturous · « **Reply #4 on:** December 01, 2008, 12:09:06 PM »

Yes, definitely do the doohickey fix. You can find more about it as well as the guy who makes a good fix
at the forums of www.klr650.net

heffay · « **Reply #5 on:** December 01, 2008, 12:15:57 PM »

my opinion, which will probably get jumped on...

unstable at best. if you like the feeling of a bike dancing around beneath you, then this is the bike for you.
i've said it before, but i've never met a dual sport that actually did both sports well.

650 is way to big for comfortable dirt/trail riding and the fact that it is essentially a dirt bike makes it unwieldy on the open roads.

don't know much about their reliability... just the way they ride.

some people swear by them... i just swear at them.

DarkRider · « **Reply #6 on:** December 03, 2008, 03:07:57 AM »

I recall reading something about the doohickey fix in an issue of motorcyclist magazine earlier this year. In fact i think it was the same issue they had the new 08 KLR in. Totally forgot about that when considering this bike. With the head and cam wear...probably a similar issue to the Honda V4s? Either soft cam materials or bad oiling?

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #7 on:** December 03, 2008, 04:35:41 AM »

KLR650 brilliant bikes....for stripping off the twin throttle cables and putting them on your CB750 to run Keihin carbs - fit with no modifications. Otherwise, errr no thanks

DarkRider · « **Reply #8 on:** December 03, 2008, 06:58:00 AM »

Oy...seems like everyone is raggin on my choice in bike here lol...The main reason i chose this model..well a dual sport in general is because long before i rode street bikes i was riding dirt bikes so the instability issues that Heffay noted are something im used to lol. Talking about bikes that are far too big to do what they were designed to do..the Suzuki RV125 i rode when i was a kid comes to mind...really who needs tires the same size as a car and 10 speeds on a dual sport? sheesh...In the end i think i wound up replacing the front tire with one off of a car since i couldnt find one that would fit the bike at the time lol. I wanna say it was a 185/70R14 that was used but that was around 15 years ago so yea no chance on recallin that...Anyways...I found myself on two wheels a lot this summer going to work and such..However something like the Interceptor isnt really suited to that given theres no clean way of installing a rack to carry a duffel bag to work. Half of the KLRs i have found thus far have a rack fitted. And i recall Carver once saying its better to keep practicing basic riding skills in the dirt. So the KLR will have more then just street riding as a use.

heffay · « **Reply #9 on:** December 03, 2008, 07:10:03 AM »

well, if you want to play in the dirt... i'd recommend the smaller version... but the 650 is good for commuting because it is more planted.

if it helps i hate my parents big honkin BMW GSs too.

KeithTurk · « **Reply #10 on:** December 03, 2008, 07:35:10 AM »

I'm actually with Heffay a bit here.... Compromised bikes suck at all things... but I'm of the opinion that they can do what they do with the compromise and be good bikes...

One of my good freinds rides a KLR every day in Los Angles traffic and loves it... He was out here and I stuck him on my F650 Bmw and he liked it as well... comparing the two is interesting because they are designed to do different things... the F 650 is designed to be a world traveller which can go off road... and the KLR is designed to be a dirt bike that is street legal... I find the seat and riding position on the KLR uncomfortable and tall... and the handling rather suspect on the street.

I've been eye balling V-storm's... they seem to have a nice balance as well... ( keep in mind I'm more street then dirt, but want the option )

Keith

DarkRider · « **Reply #11 on:** December 03, 2008, 07:39:31 AM »

Ok good points both of you..However theres other reasons that i selected the largest KLR. This is kind of the same reason that i wanted to mod the CB550 for more power. Im a taller and bit larger rider so even going with the 550 street bike is kinda pushing it for going smaller unless im on a dirt only bike like the CZ. Out of the KLRs and KLXs the 650 would probably be the best for my application. But even i find the KLR a lil on the tall side so more then likely lowering links will find their way onto the bike.

heffay · « **Reply #12 on:** December 03, 2008, 08:05:23 AM »

not sure what you carry to the worksite but i do like soft saddlebags that i can switch from bike to bike... adjustable velcro straps over the seat to allow for wide or skinny bikes. the ones that elizabeth has, we put all of our stuff (aside from sleeping bags) in her set for our trip to vegas and back... a whole weeks worth of stuff in one set of saddlebags!

you can see them here, fully expanded... part of my trip report:

here is my "tank" bag, expanded (not fully though)... stability tested to 140

:

not trying to talk you out of it, per se, just talking.

DarkRider · « **Reply #13 on:** December 03, 2008, 08:48:56 AM »

Usually i carry a courier style bag on my back but after working a 10 hour shift in the ER even having that on the back is kinda irritating...Right now im on the fence between going with a Shadow or with the KLR...still trying to sort out which bike truly suits my needs..

bunghole · « **Reply #14 on:** December 03, 2008, 10:47:52 AM »

I looked at those when I was looking to purchase a dual sport. I ended up with the Suzi DRZ400 which was more dirt / less street. I've taken it on fairly long trips with highway speeds involved and it was fine. Does well in the dirt too, but a bit heavy.

HavocTurbo · « **Reply #15 on:** December 03, 2008, 11:44:09 AM »

Well...

As a Kawi tech I would swear by my choice in brand. I have ridden the KLR in both earlier and newer versions. I must say that regardless of their shortcomings...

Kawasaki has produced an extremely stable brand. The new ones aren't that much different from the old.

As far as tech wise... the dohickey fix is great.

I will go out on a limb and highly recommend the KLR for a tall rider as there is no other brand that seems to fit my 6'10" buddy.

I hope that I can answer any questions you have, as I have only seen one KLR back in the shop since Kawi offered them. He drowned it.

jhasewhite · « **Reply #16 on:** December 03, 2008, 11:45:38 AM »

they fly

jhasewhite · « **Reply #17 on:** December 03, 2008, 11:52:50 AM »

I love KLR's! I lived aboard mine and put 30k miles on it in one year. I don't know if someone else told you this, but look up the KLR650 FAQ page and all of your questions will be answered. My bike needed nothing but gas,oil,tires,valve shims,chain and sprockets and brake pads, just basic maintenance and nothing else. It is mechanically beautiful, albeit physically ugly,hehe.

Also, the "doohickey" will break or fail to adjust! replace it with upgraded parts!

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #18 on:** December 03, 2008, 02:05:25 PM »

Quote from: DarkRider on December 03, 2008, 08:48:56 AM

Usually i carry a courier style bag on my back but after working a 10 hour shift in the ER even having that on the back is kinda irritating...Right now im on the fence between going with a Shadow or with the KLR...still trying to sort out which bike truly suits my needs..

Well how abut staying with Soichiro and going for a CB600F Hornet? Put a race can and K&N filter on them and they are hilarious fun. I toured Ireland for a week two up on one and I'm 6'3" and 210 lbs - just the biggest grin factor you can muster

RatBikeRandy · « **Reply #19 on:** December 03, 2008, 04:28:34 PM »

Never had one myself - too tall. I did meet a semi-permanent campground attendant that has 130,000 miles on his. Two trips across US and Canada - claims mostly on dirt and dirt roads. Pretty interesting guy.

ofreen · « **Reply #20 on:** December 04, 2008, 10:59:02 PM »

There is a reason why there are so many KLR650s out there. It could be all those owners are somehow mistaken and deluded into thinking it is an enjoyable bike. But the more likely explanation is that it offers things no other bike on the market has. For one thing, it is cheap. It has been around forever, parts are plentiful and aftermarket support is excellent. It has that big gas tank and gets great gas mileage. It has adequate power. It handles decently once you learn how to ride it. It will go just about anywhere. It sits up high, nice for commuting. It is heavy for the dirt, but it is not intended to be motocrosser. I have seen them in some gnarly places packed to the hilt with camping stuff. It is reliable with some minor upgrades, as was mentioned. Plenty of people tour on them.

I have ridden and worked on many specimens as they are popular around here. I don't have one, because I have the R100GS, but I have considered it many times and may get one yet.

Did I mention they are cheap?

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Author Topic: Kawasaki KLR 650.....what is there to know about this beast? (Read 2583 times)