I am 89 years old and have owned over 50 motorcycles from AJS to Harley 4 different BMWS, I have had more fun and seen more on back roads on the 2007 KLR that I bought new than all the other bikes, I still ride it ever week it has taken me to the PNW and Alaska its not fast but you get to see more country. its been a great trouble free motorcycle....
Well this is a surprise. First sentence introduces Gregory Frazier. He is a friend of mine for over 35 years. I lived at his place in Denver for a year in 86/87 helping him maintain his motorcycle collection of over 30 bikes and drink beer with him. He lent me a BMW900 to tour the States in the summer of 86. When he came down to Australia in 91 to make one of his touring videos I was the one he was following in the videos. Also I had the very first KLR650 in Australia. It was the pre-production model for the media release to the journalists. It was number 48 off the line. I did over 160000km on it around Australia until it died of old age and worn out parts. A fantastic motorcycle.
Maybe now he does, but about a decade ago there used to be a motorcycle "shrine" dedicated to him set-up inside Fey Meyers Motorcycle dealership here in Denver. And if memory serves he loaned Fey Meyers the actual bike he traveled the world on. Definetly worked on me as through the years I've owned 3 of them! @@filippocorti6760
Kawasaki employed the KISS method Keep It Simple Stupid and it has worked since 1987 so why change just to get an extra cup holder or some electronic device that tells you you are lost ! who needs it you can do that with a map
@@meeow3rides I agree, but try selling that argument to the younger generation of riders. They ride the bleeding edge of minutiae, and that's often what decides their purchasing decisions.
After getting absolutely bored with road bikes I bought a 2009 KLR 650 and promptly fell in love. These bikes are just a joy to ride! A big thumping simple tractor that never quits. 38,000 miles later I sold it to a buddy and bought a 2022 KLR 650 Adventure, and while it's a different bike it's still a KLR. And I still love it!
Not riding for about 25 years I bought a brand new 2015 KLR 650 in 2017 , I was 55 years old at the time. I've had trail bikes as a kid and later road, road bikes including Harleys . I'm 60 now and have over 40,000 km on the KLR. Probably almost more KMs than all the other bikes combined. I resently bought an other touring Harley but have no plans to sell the KLR. The low cost of the KLR got me riding again. The enjoyment the KLR got me was priceless.
XR or XL probably KLR or DR no i dont think so. I have DR SP XL XR adn TT, KLR is a great bike, for road , longer gear box confortable, but not durable , will not hold the abuse that a XR or XL can hold.
@@disyokerr maybe? The liquid and oil cooling has something going for it. Those Honda HEVC engines run real hot. The KLR is a PITA to maintain in comparison to the DR and XR, though. But in exchange, you get way longer cylinder and ring life.
I’m the proud owner of a 2008 KLR 650. I currently live in East Tennessee, constantly taking it on and off the road. My wife and I have been to Destin and Pensacola Florida, roughly 1500 miles each trip. One of those trips we took camping gear and camped on the beach in Pensacola. One of the guys I work with is big on West travel, I made one trip to Pikes Peak in Colorado, 3200 miles. I never thought I would be back out there, but a second trip was made on the same dependable motorcycle, this time I took it to the Grand Canyon a round-trip at 4300 miles! It’s still running good with really close to 70,000 actual miles. At 50,000 miles I was concerned about maintenance and was going to do a valve adjustment, it was still in spec. I have only used Rotella 15 40 oil in it still using the original clutch, I did the Doohickey, I think it was a good move, it was still running great when I did that. Still happy! Looking forward to my next ride on old faithful!
Loved my KLR650. I live in UK and toured much of Europe and North Africa on it. Just a tote bag strapped on the back and a map taped onto the tank. It never let me down and was ultra reliable, comfortable and quick on highways, yet manouverable when 'up on the pegs' riding trails and dirt. A full day spent crossing the Atlas Mountains in Morocco on goat trails was easy going on the Kwacker. Mine was even the same blue/white color as the one in your video.
A few days ago, the Bikes and Beards site posted a video about an ex-military diesel KLR that they bought. Fewer than 250 were ever made despite all the hoopla at its introduction, this motorcycle they did not stay in service for long. Although it was sold to them as a runner, it took significant work by a specialist (former engineer of the company that developed it) to get the oddball diesel engine running. The Bearded Mechanic has a video in which he took it to the one place that works on them to get it running again.
@@Thebonesoftrees When they were introduced, there were lots of magazine articles and short videos that made it seem like the diesel version would become widespread in the military.... then nothing... for a long time. Apparently the engines were essentially custom made, easy to break and difficult to fix. The Bearded Mechanic video is definitely worth watching and goes over a lot of this.
@@retiredbore378 The main issue is that this particular engine has some one-off parts and outright design flaws (like the compression release that can cause valve and piston damage). There are plenty of small diesel engines that work just fine but the have poor power to weight ratios. My guess it that they tried to push this one too far. I agree with the lack of field development. Nevertheless, if a product is too flawed at introduction, it won't survive long enough to get improved. I don't know if you remember seeing the hype when this thing was introduced, but it was being billed as something amazing.
Sold my 07' BMW R1200gs, maintenance and parts got to expensive, bought a 08' KLR for $1800, with all the kit on, thing runs like a dream, and I have $1900 left from the sale of the R1200gs, I'm a happy man 😊
I had an 08 green KLR and loved it. I rode it to work ripping through short cuts and side streets instead of the freeway. I sold it when it just got too dicey riding through Memphis (dodge City) and it made my arthritist flare up. I now ride a Royal Enfield Scram 411 and love it. Both bikes has a functional simplicity which I as always saw that as genius in and of itself.
I own three bikes. BMW 1200 GSA, KTM 500 EXC-F and a KLR 650. The first two are amazing at what they do. BMW for long distance touring with lighter off road. KTM for short distance hardcore off road. The KLR for whatever I want. She has taken me places the other two haven’t yet. A true expedition bike. I have no plans to ever sell her.
I"m old enough to remember when the first KLR came out back in 87'. It certainly wasn't a headline bike back then like all the inline four offerings from all the japanese manufactures but it still got some visibility. I imagine for quite a few of us (future) Dad-Bods, we kept the KLR in the back of our minds as we bought and rode various other bikes through the decades. Then the unimaginable thing happened. In 2018 Kawasaki discontinued the model and all of us curious admirers seemily missed the proverbial train. Needless to say when it was announced the KLR was going to re-introduced as a 2022 model with flashy new bodywork and fuel injection, I ironed up some of the crispiest dad jeans I had and stood in line for the first one I could find. Here on Oahu there is only one Kawasaki dealer and the day finally came I was going to buy my new 2022 KLR adventure model. I walked onto the showroom floor past dozens of other manufacturer models and gazed upon my vision quest. That was all it took. I walked straight to the first salesman I could find and in this case he was sitting at his desk eating a hotdog and I said, "I'll take that one over there". He wiped the mustard off his lip and rest is history. Since that glorious day I still have my other bike (Harley) but commute to work pretty much exclusively with the KLR. For me it's not a off road bike but serves as a any weather bike and 15K miles later couldn't be happier. Aloha 🍍🌴
You must be talking about some other motorcycle. I own a 2023 klr650 adventure and the seat is brutal after about 30 minutes, it’s slow, the handling had to be improved by using a fork stabilizer to get rid of high speed wobble. What the hell are you talking about?
Im a xr650l rider because i fell in love with that triple sport idea that klr650 sold. Camping, traveling, commuting and some off road trails. I added tons and tons of aftermarket parts and I basically have a gen 1 klr and i love all of it.
I've got 5 Gen2 KLRs in South Africa that I use for my Tankwa Biking touring business here and in the desert in Namibia. In 11 years of touring other than a snapped clutch cable and a balancer chain that snapped on one bike (due to my fault of not adjusting it) I have never had other breakdowns. Only thing I don't like about the KLR are its air filters, after about 600kms on dusty dry dirt roads they need to be cleaned, otherwise they start using oil and the Petrol consumption goes up quite a bit. I also have a XR650L and CRF1000 Africa Twin, but my go to bike is still a KLR. Comfortable, easy to ride. Keep the RPM below 5,500, preferably 5000 and they are happy campers
I daily a 2007, last of the Gen 1's. Thanks for this video, this is probably the most accurate KLR video ever. We do keep just trucking along and thanks for the shout out to Big Rock Moto! Ian seems like an honest guy.
Thanks for the history lesson on the KLR. After riding for many years on dirt bikes, street bikes, cruisers and dual sports, my KLR brings a smile to my face every ride. It reminds me of the first time I rode a motorcycle, a rented Honda 90. The wind in my face, the fact that I did not have to peddle to go some where, the joy of freedom. That made me a motorcycle addict. I admit that I enjoyed much more sophisticated bikes, including 3 of the fastest production bikes of their time, and have a particularly fond memory of my Husky 400, that could make a mediocre dirt rider like me, fast, I come back to my KLR to get back to my original enjoyment of riding. KLR riders don't seem to care about our bikes not being light enough, fast enough, or look like a piece of art like a Ducati. They just ride them as the last surviving dinosaur of motorcycling.
Yup glad to have obtained a 2016 before they interrupted production to upgrade. So mine is straight carbureted. New ones fuel injected carb. NW0 green cafe standards.
I bought my KLR brand new in 2003, and still have it. Recently removed the terribly faded plastic and painted it matte olive drab. In 2008 I rode it from Colorado up to Deadhorse with the only upgrades being crash bars and a real skid plate. I’d never sell it, but am giving it a rest from errand running, as I just bought a new XR150L. Both simple, honest, hard working machines. When I crave nostalgia and great memories of epic travels, my KLR ticks both of those boxes!
Just bought an XR150L two months ago myself! Never had a dual sport or rode off road and now I’m looking into the new s model of the KLR! Hope you enjoy the XR, it’s my new trail and around town buddy!
I currently own 4 motorcycles. One of them is my trusty '08 KLR650. I bought it in 2013 with just under 15k miles on it. It now has over 68k miles on it, has had its top end rebuilt once and many mods. made to it. Of all my bikes, my KLR is hands down, my favorite. My Wife and I have been all over the Western states on our KLR650s on many vacations over the years.
There is something "Primitive or Primal " about the KLR. It takes me back to the roots of my early years riding. When something was wrong, you knew exactly what it was. typically a pretty simple fix. Always got me home...
Lifetime rider, enduro circuit champion back in the day. Multiple GS's over the years. Bought a Pan America, the sold it and bought a new KLR. No regrets! Back to what made me fall in love with motorcycles in the first place.
Best bike I have ever owned. Ride the slab all day, check into a hotel, then go out and hit the nearest trail. No other bike has kept my butt in the saddle as much as the KLR before or since.
I bought an 08 KLR brand new for my stepson and both of us just fell in love with this machine. We put a larger drive spocket on it to give it more pep in the dirt. I also bought a KDX for him one Christmas and we would trail ride on these bikes. Great memories on these machines. I would definitely buy a KLR again especially since they went to fuel injection in 22.
I put 30k miles on a first-generation KLR. Other than a battery failure at a bad time, she has never let me down. I upgraded the fork springs, shock, added a fork brace, then I rode the absolute shit out of it. I took it on many trips, and to many places that one probably shouldn't take a 420lb motorcycle. I did several BDR type trips before the official BDR was a thing. Amazingly, I've never had to rebuild the carburetor, and in 30k miles it has only needed one valve adjustment. I check them every 5 or 6k miles, and only once were they out of spec, it was the first time I checked them. It was only this year that I upgraded to a more modern bike (AJP PR7). And really the only reason I upgraded was that I like riding in nasty places, and I wanted modern suspension. I'm still keeping the KLR. Too many fond memories to let it go.
I frequent a lot of the dualsport/adv forums, and it seems like for 80% of the bike recommendation posts, the answer is DR650, XR650L, or DRZ400. I think it's really fascinating how these bikes haven't really been refreshed or redesigned in forever, yet they are routinely recommended more than anything else. As a DR650 owner, it's just simply the best dualsport.
Michael Yes, I have a DR too and it's great. I love the simple nature of the bike. For me, it's all about FUN and I don't need all the modern tech on bikes these days. I have a M109R for the road and that's similar. So simple and heaps of fun! I know manufacturers need to put on all this tech crap to sell their latest design but you can't beat simplicity.
Lol I always get a chuckle how when ever there is a klr650 conversation it’s guaranteed that a DR owner will speak up about how much better the DR is Objectively true but the DR costs double the price used.
@Doomer17018 KLR is probably much more comfortable on the road though. I didn't mention it to say the DR is better than the KLR. Just that its cool how these old bikes are still the ones most recommended despite the innovation that comes with the new ones. The KLR just isn't recommended as often in dualsport circles so I can't speak to that.
I did a fairly tame forest trail rally ish weekend a couple of years ago, advertised for larger adv bikes. I won the combined age of bike and rider prize, at 61 on a ‘88 klr. I wasn’t last, several (some brand new) failed to finish. Of course I wasn’t in the top ten. Hell, I’m 60+ So often I heard the chat about slipping the clutch, easing the power etc. From the guys on bikes with 100 + hp. Mine had a probable 40 HP? But what I had was a single pot with rediculous torque. It could chug at 700 revs, without stalling. Generally I stick it in second for the tricky bits, third for the rest of the time and it just plugged on! Crazy enduro or trials , nah, 90mph highway; nah. It is so forgiving for any rider on average terrain. Just t don’t be a short ass; grow some legs!!! It’s tall, top heavy and not enduro in any way. But it is a fun and easy bike to ride. I recommend the gen 1, but do the doo, and the bob.
I have never owned or rode a KLR 650 and I was never attracted to one. True to form, this channel has shown me in this video, the significance of this machine. Thanks!
All the tech and how easy they’ve made bikes to ride. That’s the whole reason I’m selling off my modern sport bikes/sport touring bikes. I’m 37 now and my 2 favorite bikes I’ve owned are my 1st gen ninja 250 and my XR650. Retiring the xr due to how many miles I’ve racked up on it in the last 7 years. I think this time I will end up with an old KLR650. So far I’ve gotten 7 years and 72k miles out of the old XR650. So hopefully a klr will do that as well.
I think its fair to say that, there's beauty in simplicity. Sometimes, the simple act of FEELING the road, the single track, the fire roads, in a motorcycles simplest form is what brings us a grounded happiness we lose in today's world of technological advancement. Like you said. There's nothing WRONG with being comfortable and riding a bike where it cuts through a thunderstorm with ease. But my most memorable rides were ones where I was out of my comfort zone and experiencing the world as it came. I still enjoy riding naked bikes because it's about as raw road bike as you can get these days
I just purchased a '23 KLR (non-ABS) this past March and I am absolutely loving it. I have had two high-tech adventure bikes since 2011, but I sold them in search of something cheaper, lighter, and simpler. The KLR fits that criteria well. The only thing that I miss is a cruise control, but the throttle lock that I installed on the KLR works well enought.
Yeah! First bike, after research, 22klr. Rode a bunch of bikes B4, most gnarly a 350 Honda trike B4 they were illegal. Side note to being a vw TDI sportwagen owner, hence value for performance and quality consumer. Couldn't be more satisfied than with the gen 3 klr. Not satisfied, ecstatic. I dreamed of a Dr 650 for years but pulled the trigger on the '22 klr. Bullseye!!!
Great video thanks, I had the first gen KLR 650 and loved that bike, my sun is still riding it. The longest trip I did on it was from Barrie Ont. to Epworth Newfoundland, a great ride. Crossing Newfoundland hit the worst rain storm any one could remember, riding at night had the road all to my self not event the moose were out. When I looked at the second Gen the suspension was to stiff and my feet no longer flat footed on bough sides, so passed it up. Now I see they came out with a lower model which I am looking in to, that is if I can even get one. The bike I would really like to get is the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, but no dealers hear in Prince Edward Island. Had a KTM 390 Adventure, but service was bad and need a computer to do any thing with it. traded it for a Honda CB500X not a bad bike but not a single. I also have a 2023 Honda Trail 125 a great little bike but wish it had a five speed manual transmission, But is a great little run about. I also had a DR650 but had to put a larger gas tank on it, another great bike, but at almost 75 a little hard getting on and off on, on even ground. Think other than the gas tank it came with would make a great ADV bike. I also loved that it had no wind protection love the feel of the wind in my chest. Well got all winter to see what other bike I will get for next years riding, been changing bikes a lot, trying to fine what I want to keep, Also had the CRF 300 L great little bike but gas tank way to small and again trouble getting off on uneven ground. I think a lower CRF300L with a large gas tank and a huge carrying capacity would make a great bike for a run about, a rear rack like on the Honda Trail 125.
Kawasaki really had some long lived models, they're great at getting every last bit of performance out of budget parts. The Klr650, the Ninja 500 and 250, the original Concours, the ZG1000... These bikes were introduced in the 80's and went basically unchanged till the mid 2000's. Even the ZZR600 introduced in 1990 and discontinued in 2008, great bikes from my favorite era of motorcycles.
I want to put the XR650R motor in the KLR. That would be a fun bike. You tweek the gearing and you could keep up with the big adventure bikes on the pavement. Definitely be a sleeper bike!
Way back I had a KLX 650, lovely bike, even took it off road occasionally, though bit of a handful when dropped. Nice peaceful bike for our little country lanes here in the UK.
Just got my 1st non street bike at 63 yrs old, a 2022 klr traveler. Took it on my first solo trail ride in the Black Hills last month. Cannot wait to get back out there and ride some more in retirement! No rocking chairs or fishing boat for me.
I bought another KLR last year. I've been all over Minnesota with it. Next year I will be checking out much of Montana. I ride my KLR more than my cruiser because I like the backroads/dirt roads.
I've had four KLRs since 1988. Sold my last one only four years ago. You hit the nail on the head - it's a simple no thrills bike that's great fun. Besides the 23l fuel tank, I also really appreciated the fairing - just big enough to do the job, just small enough not to get in the way.
I bought an '84 KLR600 in 1994 for $2000. Although being 5'7", and thus vertically-challenged, it was a very pleasant surprise to see how much the height collapsed on being seated . A truly soft ride, without much wallowing, which I enjoyed for the insane territory I was riding through - Cambodian countryside. No-one could start it, apart from myself [BDC] I became quite proud of that ability after a few drinks, back in Phnom Penh. The power was adequate, yes, brakes were certainly not intimidating, the low weight made it 'flickable' to a certain extent, and a Super Trapp exhaust completed the package. I could feel safe in dropping it and the only thing to go wrong, in my three years owning it, was a sticking Mikuni carb' and clogged jets. That was more a fact of sub-standard petrol being the norm. I sold it for $2000 after 23,000k's of fun. You're right; CHARACTER - through and through - [Yes, I KNOW it's not a 650!!]
I owned 3 motorcycles that I truly loved in my lifetime. I had a 2008 klr650, I rode for a year. In that year I put 10000 miles on it living in Maine. Not bad The next bike I got was a 09 R1200GSA. Which was the best bike I've had and I'll continue to say it. I had that bike for 5 years, and put over 200,000 miles on it. Had very few issues apart from routine maintenance. And I beat the snot out of it. Used it offroad, on trails every day I could, and it outperformed many of my other motorcycles I've had. But this year, I got my first brand new bike. A 2023 klr650. And I gotta say, I sold my BMW, and started making the new pig a perfect touring machine. And it doesn't take much to make it as good as the bmw either. Gotta say, they knocked this machine outta the park.
One of the best commuter bikes made, also great for lots of twisty roads or in a big city where you can use the advantages or easily cutting through traffic. There's a few weaknesses with the bike, but once the balancer chain adjuster "doohickey" and installing a bypass thermostat setup "thermo bob" and the engine will run for thousands of miles. The aftermarket really has great support, especially with suspension and brake upgrades. It's a great bike for people who want a useful simple bike with decent capability and usability, and the price is great for all you get in a bike. Worth it to get a used one and make it how you want, Totally! My first was used for a south american ride, had 35000 miles and a bad bearing in the transmission, I eventually got around to fixing everything with the intention of selling it, and after riding, i realized I couldn't let it go. I'm on my 2nd KLR, it's got 50K miles on it and has a few issues, but it'll be easy to get it straightened out and I'll fall in love with it again. I'm a full time motorcycle tech, so I can care for it.
Have a 2018. No thermostat or "doohickey" replacement. No heating or motor "exploding" issues whatsoever at 70,000 klms. Gets a bit old that these mods HAVE to be done to the KLR. Good maintenance at service intervals have done my bike fine. It has run 'thousands of miles" without them.................
@@Mikethebike-ov1yp yeah, just I've personally tore down engines where the balancer tensioner had broken, and that upgrade is cheaper, especially on the older models, I believe the part has been improved over the years.
Kudos to an amazing review of the Anvil of motorcycles, the KLR650. Only thing I'd add is the "doohickey" debacle. A small part of the engine would, on some bikes, break off and hand-grenade the powerplant. I bought a new KLR in 2000 that was my only year-round transportation in a northern state. I learned about the doohickey just a week too late to replace it. The factory refused to stand by their product because I did my own oil changes. Yes, it's not a problem with every KLR, and the factory fixed the problem, but I was one of the unfortunate few.
In early 1990 I chopped my FZR1000 in for a KLR650.Not long after the Berlin Wall came down, I rode it around East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary & Yugoslavia. The next year I did a 4000-mile tour of Spain & Portugal on it. It was a great bike for these tours, the only problem being the narrow seat, which was pretty uncomfortable after a couple of hours in the saddle. I traded it in a year later for a BMW R100GS, but I do miss the KLR.
Dude that tour of East Germany (and a few other eastern block ountries) right after the fall of the Berlin Wall must have been incredibly interesting!! Kudos for having done that!
It was indeed. Very few hotels/hostels, lots of rough camping. Not many places to eat, not even much food in the shops. Easy to get gas though.I had no visa for CZ, I got in by giving the border guard 20 D-Mark. I bought a new rear tyre in Prague for $10.@@sganzerlag
Every reason listed to love the KLR is why I love my DR650. as a shorter rider the lower seat height and lower weight made all the difference in the world to me when i sat on both of these bikes.
Still rocking my 01 . Did so many mods . I have tested and ridden everything new and old . Just something about these bikes . Simple under sophisticated machines.
Got my 06 in the midwest. Its the most fun commuting ive ever had. The hilarious front loaded torque that falls off a cliff after 4K rpm makes riding around town a blast. Too bad i can only ride it 4 months outa the year.
Reminds me of my '96 Jeep Cherokee with the in-line 6 @ 4.0L, still chugging along at 267k on the original engine... Stone-cold reliable, simple to work on, torquey but no high-end horsepower. I love it for all the right reasons
I've owned....4? KLR650's over the years and honestly the first one I didn't even want. I picked it up for 1.4k and rode the shit out of it. It was such a simple bike to work on, so astonishingly reliable (compared to my WR426F) and just would do whatever you asked it to do. I jumped that KLR probably higher and further than you ever should, and this was after the previous owner did the same thing and broke footpegs doing. It's a steel frame so repairs like that are as simple as buying a bigger bolt and retapping new threads in. My current KLR is maybe a 2007 (idk or care but it's Gen I) and seems to have spent a decent chunk of its life either in a garage or under the control of someone who was new to riding. I love the thing, I just dragged it out of storage after not riding it for a year (life happened), drained the gas and it fired right up. Only issue was a water pump leak I had to fix which took 3 hours with minimal tools. A KLR is not a bike, it's a piece of farm equipment. Specifically a diesel tractor that will ALWAYS be able to aid you with whatever stupid thing you happen to be doing. The bike is hilarious to ride and is slow enough that you really can't get into too much trouble. The brakes are non-existent or as Fortnine once said "Are considered the worlds first off road ABS system"...as they will not lock up. The suspension is in need of upgrades, there's a component known as the "Doohicky" which everyone swears will blow up within 5 minutes of buying your bike and plenty of other flaws but I love my tractor.
forums convinced me to buy the doohickey which is sitting nicely in a box in my garage cause like....eh...ill do it one day but seems fussy and no weird noises yet lol, multiple road trips later. I am sure its an improvement over the real part but i think its more a badge of honor mechanically to bother to future proof your bike not a must do or die. or I could eat my words in another 10k miles, who knows.
@@Snocone333 I've definitely bought the upgrades and lost them in my colletion of junk lol. I did install a thermobob on this KLR because for a while I was riding it year round honestly can recommend at least that one. Some day I'll get around to strengthening the frame and doing the doo.
I got my KLR650A in May, and I've already put over 3,000 miles on it and have done a valve clearance job, raised the rear for better suspension characteristics, diagnosed carb issues.... She's clunky and slow, but she will go anywhere you point her at, and doesn't even mind the occasional off road drop.
I'm a '00 KLR guy, from new, only left me along side the road once, it's last time @ 97000 miles plus. When the balencer bearing gave out & popped a dime size hole in the block. BUT, it still runs, sounds like soon death, lol, after 19 years. 3 Speedo cables, 4 clutch cables, second after market big front rotor! Still have it, maybe for newer motor!
Background: I own a 2nd gen klr650. It is my first bike and I got it from a friend with only 12k miles. I cannot see how it is a triple sport or how they even thought it would pass as one. I've been 80-85ish mph and I have taken it to work on the freeway numerous times - It could use a sixth gear for sure.. Not comfortable at all at any speed over 60-65mph. It's great in the city and fire roads, but they tried so hard to make it a jack of all trades that not only is it not a master of none, its mediocre at best everywhere else. I have to preface this with I personally do not care that the klr650 is not particularly good at anything. The bike has character, reliability, is simple, and a is a fun bike most of the time. I love it.
Big fan of your channel. As a previous 2nd gen KLR owner. Your take on it was spot on and really entertaining.. Tastefully edited and Narrated expertly. One of the reasons I love this bike so much, was that I could beat the hell out if it and not care.. so many memories were made with this bike.
That triple purpose ad sold me on 1987. Took me another 35 years to actually buy one. The 22 was my first KLR. A sixth gear and the “s” option would have kept this on my garage. Riding a 300 versys now. And a 1250 bandit.
Perfect timing to come across this video.. just flew back home to finish up my 1996 KLR C and take it for a test drive over 4-5 countries in south east Europe starting tomorrow..😊
My buddy bought an early 90s KLR for $2,500 to commute to and from work on. Ran it up to 85K miles, and sold it.....for $2,500. Other than maintenance the only failure was the radiator, which he replaced for like $50. Unreal!
Never owned a KLR, but I have been riding its fire breathing, off-road cousin....the rare, KLX650R. With much bigger cams, gear driven balancer and about 60hp, I imagine putting this engine into the KLR would probably remedy the sluggish nature. The KLX was a pretty bonkers (for the time) open-class dirt bike, and while I've entertained the idea of street-leagaling it, I imagine the spartan nature and tiny fuel tank would suck on-road.
The thing is, that engine doesn't last and long and requires more valve clearance and maintenance. The entire point of the KLR is the under-stressed engine has greater long term reliability
I was a TL250 rider in the 80s and 90s , I still have 4 of them , in 91 I bought a KX500 Wow that made me into a good rider , then I got into muscle cars , now I've got 4 britsh road bikes and just bought a KLR650 22 adv , haven't ridden off road for a while , hope it goes ok .Cheers.
I had a 2008 KLR650 that I put around 15k on when it was lost. Drove it all over Kansas and Colorado. I miss the bike dearly and moved onto bigger bikes. My 2016 Tiger 800XCX was amazing, put 16k on that, then bought a 2021 1200 Scramlber XE that I got 3k on before it was stolen in Washington, and now have a 2023 1250 GSA which I love. I don't do as much offroad as I did but the touring aspect is amazing. If I was to get another bike though, it would be another KLR650 due to the simplistic nature and all the fun I had on my old one
ive got 2 gen 2 klrs(08 and 14) and the 14 has cams, mikuni, big bore kit and an exhaust it leave Harleys and 400cc sports bikes in its dust (if there stock lol). There great for a daily commuter as there easy to control(when stock) at low speed , high enough to see over most cars in traffic and good clearance to go over lane dividers or jump up onto a sidewalk to get around traffic. If you want to reduce weight there are a few things you can do, if it a gen2 you can fit a gen 1 headlight and surround (smaller fairing and big metal bracket cut down alot), get a full stainless exhaust, a long range plastic fuel tank(you will need it anyway if you have a mikuni carb) and if you want you could also get a aftermarket number plate bracket
I bought one that hadn't run for a few years, fixed it up, rode it for 3 weeks and then sold it. It wasn't terrible but didn't feel fast. I went drz400 a day later and I absolutely love it.
Man that ending hits home. I have a 08 KLR that was thrashed when I got it and I have preceded to beat on it more and it refuses to die. It’s been all over Wyoming and Colorado packed with all my camping gear and let me tell you… it’s a terrible bike. Off road tires cause it to shake over 75, it’s gutless in the mountains, the brakes are horrendous, it’s heavy when I drop it on a mountain pass. The suspension is so soft I can bottom it out easily. It randomly burns oil at high rpm (08/09 problem). Oh and the worst part they sound terrible, like a tractor And in the end I still love it. Paid 1800 for it and it’s been worthy every penny Every KLR owner I have met on the road has been super friendly and have always stopped to chat!
My family grew up on motorcycles. My Father was a honda dude. Our family traveled North America on, Honda Interstate, my parents cruiser - a bike i would eventually inherit and I stripped it down, removed the fairing and bags and my father was horrified but he upgraded to the Aspencade.... my brother and I had matching Brand new 750 f Super Sports.. this trip was the summer of '81. I am from San Francisco and we did a counter clockwise loop of North America so you get the just of the 46 days on the road. I have zero idea why I got rid of it but in 87 I pounced on the brand spanking new KLR 650. I just came off the XL 600 Honda. I loved this Jeep type of bike thing that would evolve into the Modern ADV bikes. I put a Mikuni carb and a Super trap exhaust and opened the air intake and it was a lot of fun and I rode the hell out of it. Traveling all throughout the Tahoe and Sierra Nevadas and beating it up, I never had any issues. Wish I still had it. I have never done this before but I am going to try to list most of my bikes i have ever owned.... I will try to keep the order to the best of my ability, BTW, my older brother turned into a serious, knuckle and pan head official patched Hells angel. My father loved that. 😅 Ok we had a bananza mini bike.... my brother and I would fight over sharing it. I eventually got my fist big Honda XR 75...I loved the clutch..... 😅kinda could wheelie, The retard bike a Hodaka ace 100, Yamaha IT 175, Suzuki fun to kick start RM 370, Bultaco 370 persang, Husky 510, both bikes a bear to start, And then the sweet 82 Honda 750 F super sport, Moto Guzzi 850 T-3 bullet prood, I don't remember exat order, Hondas V4 SABER.... Phenomenal engine definitely not my style, VFR 750 interceptor, A Little VT 500, the thing was small, KLR 650 after the Honda xl 600, a couple of the BMW GS models, I can't remember all as i know I am missing a few. I have been living in Bangkok Thailand and SEA now full time since 1990. here now I ride my lovely Honda SH 150..😅 ABSOLUTELY love it😅. I can't remember any others at the moment due to my old brain.. 😅 Anyway, I hav a ton of fun with it here just zipping through traffic on it. Thanks Bart Dude. Love your channel 🙏 🌴 😊🙏🌴✨🌴🌴
Ive owned a 2000 f150 for 13 years. Its slow af, great off road, decent on fuel, and reliable as can be. I cant sell it because its so good to me. I believe the KLR will be the bike ill enjoy for the same reason
Great insight on the KLR ! I currently ride & love my Suzuki V-Strom 650 its a 2008 in immaculate condition, mostly stock. I have added rear case & side bags + larger windshield. It does gravel roads fine but def more street oriented, mainly cause prior owner mounted Pirelli Angel GT tires. (Ill add multi surface tires next set) If any of you KLR 650 guys have also owned or ridden the V-Strom 650 like I have, can you comment on the differences between these two bikes ? Appreciate it ! David in East Texas
The KLR 650 has a good bit of vibration after 65 mph , it truly needs a 6th gear . The seat is uncomfortable where im replacing that because after riding for a short time my tail bone is killing me . But the powertrain is built solid .
Yeah right it's easy to work on but a lot of steps and stuff you must remove just to check the valve shims side panels seat tank and shrouds, radiator fan upper radiator hose radiator must be lowered and held up with wire 3 bolt top engine bracket this is just to take the valve cover off and to get it out is a trick.
I own three bikes - ‘95 BMW R1100 GS, ‘17 BMW G 310 GS, and ‘05 KLR. I am glad for all three. But if a friend said “let’s go for a ride“ and I didn’t have any other information, I get on the KLR.
Never rode a KLR, but have over 23k glorious miles on my DR650, including 4k+ miles through 7 western States last summer on mainly dirt roads (TAT). I can't imagine it being more fun on a heavier KLR with the added luggage I carried.
I had the 600 version in the eighties with no e start available. What a beast to start when hot or cold! I had the RT1 360 Yamaha Enduro in the mid seventies too.
I was a teenager and my older brother came home from Vietnam with an RT-1 Enduro purchased on leave in Japan. He let me try to kick start it. I almost perforated my Achilles tendon on the passenger peg mount. Made me appreciate electric start for the rest of my life.
7:02 that's my bike... Haha 8 months ago I bought my 1989 klr for £600 as a non-runner. A lot of parts were missing or broken, all in all I spent close to £2000 on it since, and a lot of work. And I think will need another £300 to finish, at the mo I'm doing the fuel tank and new fabric for the seat. Still needed indicators, foot pegs, grips, handguards, rear wiring harness, side stand switch, starter solenoid and some more bolts and nuts, as I replaced 80% of the bolts with black stainless steel bolts, oil filters coolant, . Oh and thermostat housing( badly corroded) as mine has de-icing feed to the carb. Hopefully will be on the road in the next 2 weeks .
Compared every brand except Honda. As a XR650L owner, I added a Acerbis tank and won any comparison. Also never changed since its inception, it is a far superior bike. Also cheap. More off road capable, just as adventur(ized). Plenty of after market parts. Just a better built bike. Imo.
90% of “dual purpose” bike owners never go off-road. The KLR was quieter and smoother. Larger gas tank for better road-worthiness. Less expensive. KLR owners don’t want a dirt bike. “lmo”
I am 89 years old and have owned over 50 motorcycles from AJS to Harley 4 different BMWS, I have had more fun and seen more on back roads on the 2007 KLR that I bought new than all the other bikes, I still ride it ever week it has taken me to the PNW and Alaska its not fast but you get to see more country. its been a great trouble free motorcycle....
Well this is a surprise. First sentence introduces Gregory Frazier. He is a friend of mine for over 35 years. I lived at his place in Denver for a year in 86/87 helping him maintain his motorcycle collection of over 30 bikes and drink beer with him. He lent me a BMW900 to tour the States in the summer of 86. When he came down to Australia in 91 to make one of his touring videos I was the one he was following in the videos. Also I had the very first KLR650 in Australia. It was the pre-production model for the media release to the journalists. It was number 48 off the line. I did over 160000km on it around Australia until it died of old age and worn out parts. A fantastic motorcycle.
I thought Dr. Frazier lived in the Albuquerque area.
Awesome thanks for sharing!
Maybe now he does, but about a decade ago there used to be a motorcycle "shrine" dedicated to him set-up inside Fey Meyers Motorcycle dealership here in Denver. And if memory serves he loaned Fey Meyers the actual bike he traveled the world on. Definetly worked on me as through the years I've owned 3 of them! @@filippocorti6760
Kawasaki employed the KISS method Keep It Simple Stupid and it has worked since 1987 so why change just to get an extra cup holder or some electronic device that tells you you are lost ! who needs it you can do that with a map
@@meeow3rides I agree, but try selling that argument to the younger generation of riders. They ride the bleeding edge of minutiae, and that's often what decides their purchasing decisions.
After getting absolutely bored with road bikes I bought a 2009 KLR 650 and promptly fell in love. These bikes are just a joy to ride! A big thumping simple tractor that never quits. 38,000 miles later I sold it to a buddy and bought a 2022 KLR 650 Adventure, and while it's a different bike it's still a KLR. And I still love it!
Not riding for about 25 years I bought a brand new 2015 KLR 650 in 2017 , I was 55 years old at the time. I've had trail bikes as a kid and later road, road bikes including Harleys . I'm 60 now and have over 40,000 km on the KLR. Probably almost more KMs than all the other bikes combined. I resently bought an other touring Harley but have no plans to sell the KLR. The low cost of the KLR got me riding again. The enjoyment the KLR got me was priceless.
the KLR 650 DRZ 650 and XL650R seem like the bombproof dual sport trio that will just always go
XR or XL probably KLR or DR no i dont think so. I have DR SP XL XR adn TT, KLR is a great bike, for road , longer gear box confortable, but not durable , will not hold the abuse that a XR or XL can hold.
@@disyokerr maybe? The liquid and oil cooling has something going for it. Those Honda HEVC engines run real hot. The KLR is a PITA to maintain in comparison to the DR and XR, though. But in exchange, you get way longer cylinder and ring life.
yes KLR vs XR is like lexus suv and a Hammer,,,,,,, lovey bike both@@catherined.398
f650 too
Xt600
I’m the proud owner of a 2008 KLR 650. I currently live in East Tennessee, constantly taking it on and off the road. My wife and I have been to Destin and Pensacola Florida, roughly 1500 miles each trip. One of those trips we took camping gear and camped on the beach in Pensacola. One of the guys I work with is big on West travel, I made one trip to Pikes Peak in Colorado, 3200 miles. I never thought I would be back out there, but a second trip was made on the same dependable motorcycle, this time I took it to the Grand Canyon a round-trip at 4300 miles! It’s still running good with really close to 70,000 actual miles. At 50,000 miles I was concerned about maintenance and was going to do a valve adjustment, it was still in spec. I have only used Rotella 15 40 oil in it still using the original clutch, I did the Doohickey, I think it was a good move, it was still running great when I did that. Still happy! Looking forward to my next ride on old faithful!
Loved my KLR650. I live in UK and toured much of Europe and North Africa on it. Just a tote bag strapped on the back and a map taped onto the tank. It never let me down and was ultra reliable, comfortable and quick on highways, yet manouverable when 'up on the pegs' riding trails and dirt. A full day spent crossing the Atlas Mountains in Morocco on goat trails was easy going on the Kwacker. Mine was even the same blue/white color as the one in your video.
A few days ago, the Bikes and Beards site posted a video about an ex-military diesel KLR that they bought. Fewer than 250 were ever made despite all the hoopla at its introduction, this motorcycle they did not stay in service for long. Although it was sold to them as a runner, it took significant work by a specialist (former engineer of the company that developed it) to get the oddball diesel engine running. The Bearded Mechanic has a video in which he took it to the one place that works on them to get it running again.
Completely different machine. The diesels are lemons.
@@Thebonesoftrees When they were introduced, there were lots of magazine articles and short videos that made it seem like the diesel version would become widespread in the military.... then nothing... for a long time. Apparently the engines were essentially custom made, easy to break and difficult to fix. The Bearded Mechanic video is definitely worth watching and goes over a lot of this.
@@retiredbore378 The main issue is that this particular engine has some one-off parts and outright design flaws (like the compression release that can cause valve and piston damage). There are plenty of small diesel engines that work just fine but the have poor power to weight ratios. My guess it that they tried to push this one too far.
I agree with the lack of field development. Nevertheless, if a product is too flawed at introduction, it won't survive long enough to get improved. I don't know if you remember seeing the hype when this thing was introduced, but it was being billed as something amazing.
I find the track 800 to be more real world
Basically a car 800cc 3 cyl diesel engine that can get fixed a lot easier
Wouldn't want to own one, great video tho.🇳🇱 NL, 2000 Transalp.
Sold my 07' BMW R1200gs, maintenance and parts got to expensive, bought a 08' KLR for $1800, with all the kit on, thing runs like a dream, and I have $1900 left from the sale of the R1200gs, I'm a happy man 😊
Fortnine’s video is the best testament to this bike’s durability
Damn that's rude
I really like this guy's cadence, knowledge, content, pace, even voice. And no, I am not his agent
I had an 08 green KLR and loved it. I rode it to work ripping through short cuts and side streets instead of the freeway. I sold it when it just got too dicey riding through Memphis (dodge City) and it made my arthritist flare up. I now ride a Royal Enfield Scram 411 and love it. Both bikes has a functional simplicity which I as always saw that as genius in and of itself.
Right on Im considering the RE.
I own three bikes. BMW 1200 GSA, KTM 500 EXC-F and a KLR 650. The first two are amazing at what they do. BMW for long distance touring with lighter off road. KTM for short distance hardcore off road. The KLR for whatever I want. She has taken me places the other two haven’t yet. A true expedition bike. I have no plans to ever sell her.
I"m old enough to remember when the first KLR came out back in 87'. It certainly wasn't a headline bike back then like all the inline four offerings from all the japanese manufactures but it still got some visibility. I imagine for quite a few of us (future) Dad-Bods, we kept the KLR in the back of our minds as we bought and rode various other bikes through the decades. Then the unimaginable thing happened. In 2018 Kawasaki discontinued the model and all of us curious admirers seemily missed the proverbial train. Needless to say when it was announced the KLR was going to re-introduced as a 2022 model with flashy new bodywork and fuel injection, I ironed up some of the crispiest dad jeans I had and stood in line for the first one I could find. Here on Oahu there is only one Kawasaki dealer and the day finally came I was going to buy my new 2022 KLR adventure model. I walked onto the showroom floor past dozens of other manufacturer models and gazed upon my vision quest. That was all it took. I walked straight to the first salesman I could find and in this case he was sitting at his desk eating a hotdog and I said, "I'll take that one over there". He wiped the mustard off his lip and rest is history. Since that glorious day I still have my other bike (Harley) but commute to work pretty much exclusively with the KLR. For me it's not a off road bike but serves as a any weather bike and 15K miles later couldn't be happier. Aloha 🍍🌴
Awesome!
Tks for sharing.!
Got my first KLR650A in April, its beautiful, best bike I ever had. Great comfort, fast, good handling. What ever you need this bike has it.
I did 940 miles of Interstate, 2 lane and some destroyed forestry roads loaded down ..first part is on my channel.
You must be talking about some other motorcycle. I own a 2023 klr650 adventure and the seat is brutal after about 30 minutes, it’s slow, the handling had to be improved by using a fork stabilizer to get rid of high speed wobble. What the hell are you talking about?
Fanboys only please...!!!
@@Prosecute-fauci I don't start wobbling to around 90
After I set the suspension my '89 doesn't wobble at all. 😊
Im a xr650l rider because i fell in love with that triple sport idea that klr650 sold. Camping, traveling, commuting and some off road trails. I added tons and tons of aftermarket parts and I basically have a gen 1 klr and i love all of it.
I've got 5 Gen2 KLRs in South Africa that I use for my Tankwa Biking touring business here and in the desert in Namibia. In 11 years of touring other than a snapped clutch cable and a balancer chain that snapped on one bike (due to my fault of not adjusting it) I have never had other breakdowns. Only thing I don't like about the KLR are its air filters, after about 600kms on dusty dry dirt roads they need to be cleaned, otherwise they start using oil and the Petrol consumption goes up quite a bit. I also have a XR650L and CRF1000 Africa Twin, but my go to bike is still a KLR. Comfortable, easy to ride. Keep the RPM below 5,500, preferably 5000 and they are happy campers
How many mph is 5000 rpms?
75 mph
@@carlmetelerkamp2151 Thanks.
@10:23 disc brakes were SUCH a treat back in the 80's. No one I knew was complaining about front and rear disc brakes back then.
I daily a 2007, last of the Gen 1's. Thanks for this video, this is probably the most accurate KLR video ever. We do keep just trucking along and thanks for the shout out to Big Rock Moto! Ian seems like an honest guy.
Thanks for the history lesson on the KLR. After riding for many years on dirt bikes, street bikes, cruisers and dual sports, my KLR brings a smile to my face every ride. It reminds me of the first time I rode a motorcycle, a rented Honda 90. The wind in my face, the fact that I did not have to peddle to go some where, the joy of freedom. That made me a motorcycle addict. I admit that I enjoyed much more sophisticated bikes, including 3 of the fastest production bikes of their time, and have a particularly fond memory of my Husky 400, that could make a mediocre dirt rider like me, fast, I come back to my KLR to get back to my original enjoyment of riding. KLR riders don't seem to care about our bikes not being light enough, fast enough, or look like a piece of art like a Ducati. They just ride them as the last surviving dinosaur of motorcycling.
Yup glad to have obtained a 2016 before they interrupted production to upgrade. So mine is straight carbureted.
New ones fuel injected carb. NW0 green cafe standards.
I bought my KLR brand new in 2003, and still have it. Recently removed the terribly faded plastic and painted it matte olive drab. In 2008 I rode it from Colorado up to Deadhorse with the only upgrades being crash bars and a real skid plate. I’d never sell it, but am giving it a rest from errand running, as I just bought a new XR150L. Both simple, honest, hard working machines. When I crave nostalgia and great memories of epic travels, my KLR ticks both of those boxes!
Incredible! How many miles on it? Do the Doo or Thermobob?
I just bought a '23 Traveler. It will always be with me.
Just bought an XR150L two months ago myself! Never had a dual sport or rode off road and now I’m looking into the new s model of the KLR! Hope you enjoy the XR, it’s my new trail and around town buddy!
I currently own 4 motorcycles. One of them is my trusty '08 KLR650. I bought it in 2013 with just under 15k miles on it. It now has over 68k miles on it, has had its top end rebuilt once and many mods. made to it. Of all my bikes, my KLR is hands down, my favorite. My Wife and I have been all over the Western states on our KLR650s on many vacations over the years.
There is something "Primitive or Primal " about the KLR. It takes me back to the roots of my early years riding. When something was wrong, you knew exactly what it was. typically a pretty simple fix. Always got me home...
Lifetime rider, enduro circuit champion back in the day. Multiple GS's over the years. Bought a Pan America, the sold it and bought a new KLR. No regrets! Back to what made me fall in love with motorcycles in the first place.
Best bike I have ever owned. Ride the slab all day, check into a hotel, then go out and hit the nearest trail. No other bike has kept my butt in the saddle as much as the KLR before or since.
I bought an 08 KLR brand new for my stepson and both of us just fell in love with this machine. We put a larger drive spocket on it to give it more pep in the dirt. I also bought a KDX for him one Christmas and we would trail ride on these bikes. Great memories on these machines. I would definitely buy a KLR again especially since they went to fuel injection in 22.
I put 30k miles on a first-generation KLR. Other than a battery failure at a bad time, she has never let me down.
I upgraded the fork springs, shock, added a fork brace, then I rode the absolute shit out of it. I took it on many trips, and to many places that one probably shouldn't take a 420lb motorcycle. I did several BDR type trips before the official BDR was a thing.
Amazingly, I've never had to rebuild the carburetor, and in 30k miles it has only needed one valve adjustment. I check them every 5 or 6k miles, and only once were they out of spec, it was the first time I checked them.
It was only this year that I upgraded to a more modern bike (AJP PR7). And really the only reason I upgraded was that I like riding in nasty places, and I wanted modern suspension.
I'm still keeping the KLR. Too many fond memories to let it go.
I frequent a lot of the dualsport/adv forums, and it seems like for 80% of the bike recommendation posts, the answer is DR650, XR650L, or DRZ400. I think it's really fascinating how these bikes haven't really been refreshed or redesigned in forever, yet they are routinely recommended more than anything else. As a DR650 owner, it's just simply the best dualsport.
Michael Yes, I have a DR too and it's great. I love the simple nature of the bike. For me, it's all about FUN and I don't need all the modern tech on bikes these days. I have a M109R for the road and that's similar. So simple and heaps of fun! I know manufacturers need to put on all this tech crap to sell their latest design but you can't beat simplicity.
Lol I always get a chuckle how when ever there is a klr650 conversation it’s guaranteed that a DR owner will speak up about how much better the DR is
Objectively true but the DR costs double the price used.
@Doomer17018 KLR is probably much more comfortable on the road though. I didn't mention it to say the DR is better than the KLR. Just that its cool how these old bikes are still the ones most recommended despite the innovation that comes with the new ones. The KLR just isn't recommended as often in dualsport circles so I can't speak to that.
@@Doomer17018 What country is that. In US KLR $6899, DR650 $6999
@@micaKTM1290 used used. Should have mentioned that. You can get a KLR for 1500 all day, drs are 3k+. Probably because they are much less common
I did a fairly tame forest trail rally ish weekend a couple of years ago, advertised for larger adv bikes.
I won the combined age of bike and rider prize, at 61 on a ‘88 klr.
I wasn’t last, several (some brand new) failed to finish.
Of course I wasn’t in the top ten.
Hell, I’m 60+
So often I heard the chat about slipping the clutch, easing the power etc.
From the guys on bikes with 100 + hp.
Mine had a probable 40 HP?
But what I had was a single pot with rediculous torque.
It could chug at 700 revs, without stalling.
Generally I stick it in second for the tricky bits, third for the rest of the time and it just plugged on!
Crazy enduro or trials , nah,
90mph highway; nah.
It is so forgiving for any rider on average terrain.
Just t don’t be a short ass; grow some legs!!! It’s tall, top heavy and not enduro in any way.
But it is a fun and easy bike to ride.
I recommend the gen 1, but do the doo, and the bob.
I have never owned or rode a KLR 650 and I was never attracted to one. True to form, this channel has shown me in this video, the significance of this machine. Thanks!
All the tech and how easy they’ve made bikes to ride. That’s the whole reason I’m selling off my modern sport bikes/sport touring bikes. I’m 37 now and my 2 favorite bikes I’ve owned are my 1st gen ninja 250 and my XR650. Retiring the xr due to how many miles I’ve racked up on it in the last 7 years. I think this time I will end up with an old KLR650. So far I’ve gotten 7 years and 72k miles out of the old XR650. So hopefully a klr will do that as well.
I think its fair to say that, there's beauty in simplicity. Sometimes, the simple act of FEELING the road, the single track, the fire roads, in a motorcycles simplest form is what brings us a grounded happiness we lose in today's world of technological advancement. Like you said. There's nothing WRONG with being comfortable and riding a bike where it cuts through a thunderstorm with ease.
But my most memorable rides were ones where I was out of my comfort zone and experiencing the world as it came. I still enjoy riding naked bikes because it's about as raw road bike as you can get these days
I just purchased a '23 KLR (non-ABS) this past March and I am absolutely loving it. I have had two high-tech adventure bikes since 2011, but I sold them in search of something cheaper, lighter, and simpler. The KLR fits that criteria well. The only thing that I miss is a cruise control, but the throttle lock that I installed on the KLR works well enought.
7:52 “double head over cam”. Not complaining, just made me chuckle over my corn flakes. Love Barts videos!
Yeah! First bike, after research, 22klr. Rode a bunch of bikes B4, most gnarly a 350 Honda trike B4 they were illegal. Side note to being a vw TDI sportwagen owner, hence value for performance and quality consumer. Couldn't be more satisfied than with the gen 3 klr. Not satisfied, ecstatic. I dreamed of a Dr 650 for years but pulled the trigger on the '22 klr. Bullseye!!!
Great video thanks, I had the first gen KLR 650 and loved that bike, my sun is still riding it. The longest trip I did on it was from Barrie Ont. to Epworth Newfoundland, a great ride. Crossing Newfoundland hit the worst rain storm any one could remember, riding at night had the road all to my self not event the moose were out. When I looked at the second Gen the suspension was to stiff and my feet no longer flat footed on bough sides, so passed it up. Now I see they came out with a lower model which I am looking in to, that is if I can even get one. The bike I would really like to get is the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, but no dealers hear in Prince Edward Island. Had a KTM 390 Adventure, but service was bad and need a computer to do any thing with it. traded it for a Honda CB500X not a bad bike but not a single. I also have a 2023 Honda Trail 125 a great little bike but wish it had a five speed manual transmission, But is a great little run about. I also had a DR650 but had to put a larger gas tank on it, another great bike, but at almost 75 a little hard getting on and off on, on even ground. Think other than the gas tank it came with would make a great ADV bike. I also loved that it had no wind protection love the feel of the wind in my chest. Well got all winter to see what other bike I will get for next years riding, been changing bikes a lot, trying to fine what I want to keep, Also had the CRF 300 L great little bike but gas tank way to small and again trouble getting off on uneven ground. I think a lower CRF300L with a large gas tank and a huge carrying capacity would make a great bike for a run about, a rear rack like on the Honda Trail 125.
At 15:07 was pleased to see my bike on your channel. Thanks!
I owned a gen 1 and always regretted selling it. Saw the revived gen3 and bought it. I'm a happy camper.
Kawasaki really had some long lived models, they're great at getting every last bit of performance out of budget parts.
The Klr650, the Ninja 500 and 250, the original Concours, the ZG1000... These bikes were introduced in the 80's and went basically unchanged till the mid 2000's. Even the ZZR600 introduced in 1990 and discontinued in 2008, great bikes from my favorite era of motorcycles.
I want to put the XR650R motor in the KLR. That would be a fun bike. You tweek the gearing and you could keep up with the big adventure bikes on the pavement. Definitely be a sleeper bike!
Way back I had a KLX 650, lovely bike, even took it off road occasionally, though bit of a handful when dropped. Nice peaceful bike for our little country lanes here in the UK.
I have a KLX250 and it goes almost everywhere , my daily driver.
Just got my 1st non street bike at 63 yrs old, a 2022 klr traveler. Took it on my first solo trail ride in the Black Hills last month. Cannot wait to get back out there and ride some more in retirement! No rocking chairs or fishing boat for me.
I bought another KLR last year. I've been all over Minnesota with it. Next year I will be checking out much of Montana. I ride my KLR more than my cruiser because I like the backroads/dirt roads.
My 1st Gen '89 and I racked thousands of miles on and off road, and those days still shine in my memories.
Same first gen 88 best KLR for me
I've had four KLRs since 1988. Sold my last one only four years ago. You hit the nail on the head - it's a simple no thrills bike that's great fun. Besides the 23l fuel tank, I also really appreciated the fairing - just big enough to do the job, just small enough not to get in the way.
I bought an '84 KLR600 in 1994 for $2000. Although being 5'7", and thus vertically-challenged, it was a very pleasant surprise to see how much the height collapsed on being seated . A truly soft ride, without much wallowing, which I enjoyed for the insane territory I was riding through - Cambodian countryside. No-one could start it, apart from myself [BDC] I became quite proud of that ability after a few drinks, back in Phnom Penh. The power was adequate, yes, brakes were certainly not intimidating, the low weight made it 'flickable' to a certain extent, and a Super Trapp exhaust completed the package. I could feel safe in dropping it and the only thing to go wrong, in my three years owning it, was a sticking Mikuni carb' and clogged jets. That was more a fact of sub-standard petrol being the norm. I sold it for $2000 after 23,000k's of fun. You're right; CHARACTER - through and through - [Yes, I KNOW it's not a 650!!]
I owned 3 motorcycles that I truly loved in my lifetime.
I had a 2008 klr650, I rode for a year. In that year I put 10000 miles on it living in Maine. Not bad
The next bike I got was a 09 R1200GSA. Which was the best bike I've had and I'll continue to say it. I had that bike for 5 years, and put over 200,000 miles on it. Had very few issues apart from routine maintenance. And I beat the snot out of it. Used it offroad, on trails every day I could, and it outperformed many of my other motorcycles I've had.
But this year, I got my first brand new bike. A 2023 klr650.
And I gotta say, I sold my BMW, and started making the new pig a perfect touring machine. And it doesn't take much to make it as good as the bmw either.
Gotta say, they knocked this machine outta the park.
One of the best commuter bikes made, also great for lots of twisty roads or in a big city where you can use the advantages or easily cutting through traffic. There's a few weaknesses with the bike, but once the balancer chain adjuster "doohickey" and installing a bypass thermostat setup "thermo bob" and the engine will run for thousands of miles. The aftermarket really has great support, especially with suspension and brake upgrades. It's a great bike for people who want a useful simple bike with decent capability and usability, and the price is great for all you get in a bike. Worth it to get a used one and make it how you want, Totally! My first was used for a south american ride, had 35000 miles and a bad bearing in the transmission, I eventually got around to fixing everything with the intention of selling it, and after riding, i realized I couldn't let it go. I'm on my 2nd KLR, it's got 50K miles on it and has a few issues, but it'll be easy to get it straightened out and I'll fall in love with it again. I'm a full time motorcycle tech, so I can care for it.
Have a 2018. No thermostat or "doohickey" replacement. No heating or motor "exploding" issues whatsoever at 70,000 klms.
Gets a bit old that these mods HAVE to be done to the KLR. Good maintenance at service intervals have done my bike fine.
It has run 'thousands of miles" without them.................
@@Mikethebike-ov1yp yeah, just I've personally tore down engines where the balancer tensioner had broken, and that upgrade is cheaper, especially on the older models, I believe the part has been improved over the years.
Kudos to an amazing review of the Anvil of motorcycles, the KLR650. Only thing I'd add is the "doohickey" debacle. A small part of the engine would, on some bikes, break off and hand-grenade the powerplant. I bought a new KLR in 2000 that was my only year-round transportation in a northern state. I learned about the doohickey just a week too late to replace it. The factory refused to stand by their product because I did my own oil changes. Yes, it's not a problem with every KLR, and the factory fixed the problem, but I was one of the unfortunate few.
In early 1990 I chopped my FZR1000 in for a KLR650.Not long after the Berlin Wall came down, I rode it around East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary & Yugoslavia. The next year I did a 4000-mile tour of Spain & Portugal on it. It was a great bike for these tours, the only problem being the narrow seat, which was pretty uncomfortable after a couple of hours in the saddle. I traded it in a year later for a BMW R100GS, but I do miss the KLR.
Dude that tour of East Germany (and a few other eastern block ountries) right after the fall of the Berlin Wall must have been incredibly interesting!! Kudos for having done that!
It was indeed. Very few hotels/hostels, lots of rough camping. Not many places to eat, not even much food in the shops. Easy to get gas though.I had no visa for CZ, I got in by giving the border guard 20 D-Mark. I bought a new rear tyre in Prague for $10.@@sganzerlag
I have a 80,000 klm 2004 model and a 10,000 klm 2022 basic model and have had both from new and love both bikes.
Every reason listed to love the KLR is why I love my DR650. as a shorter rider the lower seat height and lower weight made all the difference in the world to me when i sat on both of these bikes.
Still rocking my 01 . Did so many mods . I have tested and ridden everything new and old . Just something about these bikes . Simple under sophisticated machines.
I ride a first gen DR650. I'm 6'5" and it fits perfect. I'll always have respect for the KLR650. They are tanks
Got my 06 in the midwest. Its the most fun commuting ive ever had. The hilarious front loaded torque that falls off a cliff after 4K rpm makes riding around town a blast. Too bad i can only ride it 4 months outa the year.
When discussing the price, Ryan F9 once stated: "The only thing cheaper than a klr.....is its owner."
Reminds me of my '96 Jeep Cherokee with the in-line 6 @ 4.0L, still chugging along at 267k on the original engine... Stone-cold reliable, simple to work on, torquey but no high-end horsepower. I love it for all the right reasons
I've owned....4? KLR650's over the years and honestly the first one I didn't even want. I picked it up for 1.4k and rode the shit out of it. It was such a simple bike to work on, so astonishingly reliable (compared to my WR426F) and just would do whatever you asked it to do. I jumped that KLR probably higher and further than you ever should, and this was after the previous owner did the same thing and broke footpegs doing. It's a steel frame so repairs like that are as simple as buying a bigger bolt and retapping new threads in.
My current KLR is maybe a 2007 (idk or care but it's Gen I) and seems to have spent a decent chunk of its life either in a garage or under the control of someone who was new to riding. I love the thing, I just dragged it out of storage after not riding it for a year (life happened), drained the gas and it fired right up. Only issue was a water pump leak I had to fix which took 3 hours with minimal tools.
A KLR is not a bike, it's a piece of farm equipment. Specifically a diesel tractor that will ALWAYS be able to aid you with whatever stupid thing you happen to be doing. The bike is hilarious to ride and is slow enough that you really can't get into too much trouble. The brakes are non-existent or as Fortnine once said "Are considered the worlds first off road ABS system"...as they will not lock up. The suspension is in need of upgrades, there's a component known as the "Doohicky" which everyone swears will blow up within 5 minutes of buying your bike and plenty of other flaws but I love my tractor.
forums convinced me to buy the doohickey which is sitting nicely in a box in my garage cause like....eh...ill do it one day but seems fussy and no weird noises yet lol, multiple road trips later. I am sure its an improvement over the real part but i think its more a badge of honor mechanically to bother to future proof your bike not a must do or die. or I could eat my words in another 10k miles, who knows.
@@Snocone333 I've definitely bought the upgrades and lost them in my colletion of junk lol. I did install a thermobob on this KLR because for a while I was riding it year round honestly can recommend at least that one. Some day I'll get around to strengthening the frame and doing the doo.
I got my KLR650A in May, and I've already put over 3,000 miles on it and have done a valve clearance job, raised the rear for better suspension characteristics, diagnosed carb issues.... She's clunky and slow, but she will go anywhere you point her at, and doesn't even mind the occasional off road drop.
Still love the Gen1 KLR the most. Hate the later fender designs for the next two iterations.
I'm a '00 KLR guy, from new, only left me along side the road once, it's last time @ 97000 miles plus. When the balencer bearing gave out & popped a dime size hole in the block. BUT, it still runs, sounds like soon death, lol, after 19 years. 3 Speedo cables, 4 clutch cables, second after market big front rotor! Still have it, maybe for newer motor!
Background: I own a 2nd gen klr650. It is my first bike and I got it from a friend with only 12k miles.
I cannot see how it is a triple sport or how they even thought it would pass as one. I've been 80-85ish mph and I have taken it to work on the freeway numerous times - It could use a sixth gear for sure.. Not comfortable at all at any speed over 60-65mph. It's great in the city and fire roads, but they tried so hard to make it a jack of all trades that not only is it not a master of none, its mediocre at best everywhere else. I have to preface this with I personally do not care that the klr650 is not particularly good at anything. The bike has character, reliability, is simple, and a is a fun bike most of the time. I love it.
Big fan of your channel. As a previous 2nd gen KLR owner. Your take on it was spot on and really entertaining.. Tastefully edited and Narrated expertly.
One of the reasons I love this bike so much, was that I could beat the hell out if it and not care.. so many memories were made with this bike.
That triple purpose ad sold me on 1987. Took me another 35 years to actually buy one. The 22 was my first KLR. A sixth gear and the “s” option would have kept this on my garage. Riding a 300 versys now. And a 1250 bandit.
Perfect timing to come across this video.. just flew back home to finish up my 1996 KLR C and take it for a test drive over 4-5 countries in south east Europe starting tomorrow..😊
My buddy bought an early 90s KLR for $2,500 to commute to and from work on. Ran it up to 85K miles, and sold it.....for $2,500. Other than maintenance the only failure was the radiator, which he replaced for like $50. Unreal!
I have klr 650 1st gen and a 1989 BMW r100rt love them both till I'm gone.
0:22 wildly recognized as a versatile and durable..
.. because it ain't always reliable, but boy can it take a beating lol.
Never owned a KLR, but I have been riding its fire breathing, off-road cousin....the rare, KLX650R.
With much bigger cams, gear driven balancer and about 60hp, I imagine putting this engine into the KLR would probably remedy the sluggish nature. The KLX was a pretty bonkers (for the time) open-class dirt bike, and while I've entertained the idea of street-leagaling it, I imagine the spartan nature and tiny fuel tank would suck on-road.
The thing is, that engine doesn't last and long and requires more valve clearance and maintenance. The entire point of the KLR is the under-stressed engine has greater long term reliability
I've seen a couple here in Australia, they were road registerable here
I was a TL250 rider in the 80s and 90s , I still have 4 of them , in 91 I bought a KX500 Wow that made me into a good rider , then I got into muscle cars , now I've got 4 britsh road bikes and just bought a KLR650 22 adv , haven't ridden off road for a while , hope it goes ok .Cheers.
I had a 2008 KLR650 that I put around 15k on when it was lost. Drove it all over Kansas and Colorado. I miss the bike dearly and moved onto bigger bikes. My 2016 Tiger 800XCX was amazing, put 16k on that, then bought a 2021 1200 Scramlber XE that I got 3k on before it was stolen in Washington, and now have a 2023 1250 GSA which I love. I don't do as much offroad as I did but the touring aspect is amazing. If I was to get another bike though, it would be another KLR650 due to the simplistic nature and all the fun I had on my old one
The KLR is an utilitarian tool. It just works.
When I saw you acknowledge the DT-1, I knew that you were legit with your information and observations. Thanks for posting.
ive got 2 gen 2 klrs(08 and 14) and the 14 has cams, mikuni, big bore kit and an exhaust it leave Harleys and 400cc sports bikes in its dust (if there stock lol). There great for a daily commuter as there easy to control(when stock) at low speed , high enough to see over most cars in traffic and good clearance to go over lane dividers or jump up onto a sidewalk to get around traffic. If you want to reduce weight there are a few things you can do, if it a gen2 you can fit a gen 1 headlight and surround (smaller fairing and big metal bracket cut down alot), get a full stainless exhaust, a long range plastic fuel tank(you will need it anyway if you have a mikuni carb) and if you want you could also get a aftermarket number plate bracket
I have a 2004 klr 650.I worked on all 3 bikes,i think i would prefer the dr more
I bought one that hadn't run for a few years, fixed it up, rode it for 3 weeks and then sold it. It wasn't terrible but didn't feel fast. I went drz400 a day later and I absolutely love it.
You did something wrong.
Depending on the day, maybe I'd agree with you, however he's free to have a different enjoyment of bikes.
Who ever said the KLR was FAST? They just go. The DRZ44 is a very nice bike.
Man that ending hits home. I have a 08 KLR that was thrashed when I got it and I have preceded to beat on it more and it refuses to die. It’s been all over Wyoming and Colorado packed with all my camping gear and let me tell you… it’s a terrible bike.
Off road tires cause it to shake over 75, it’s gutless in the mountains, the brakes are horrendous, it’s heavy when I drop it on a mountain pass. The suspension is so soft I can bottom it out easily. It randomly burns oil at high rpm (08/09 problem). Oh and the worst part they sound terrible, like a tractor
And in the end I still love it. Paid 1800 for it and it’s been worthy every penny
Every KLR owner I have met on the road has been super friendly and have always stopped to chat!
My first bike ever was a Kawasaki KE 100 with the same white blue and green as your 1st year KLR, love that look.
I have an 08 with piles of miles. Its name is “beer can”. Best machine imaginable for Vancouver Island.
My family grew up on motorcycles. My Father was a honda dude. Our family traveled North America on, Honda Interstate, my parents cruiser - a bike i would eventually inherit and I stripped it down, removed the fairing and bags and my father was horrified but he upgraded to the Aspencade.... my brother and I had matching Brand new 750 f Super Sports.. this trip was the summer of '81. I am from San Francisco and we did a counter clockwise loop of North America so you get the just of the 46 days on the road. I have zero idea why I got rid of it but in 87 I pounced on the brand spanking new KLR 650. I just came off the XL 600 Honda. I loved this Jeep type of bike thing that would evolve into the Modern ADV bikes. I put a Mikuni carb and a Super trap exhaust and opened the air intake and it was a lot of fun and I rode the hell out of it. Traveling all throughout the Tahoe and Sierra Nevadas and beating it up, I never had any issues. Wish I still had it. I have never done this before but I am going to try to list most of my bikes i have ever owned.... I will try to keep the order to the best of my ability, BTW, my older brother turned into a serious, knuckle and pan head official patched Hells angel. My father loved that. 😅 Ok we had a bananza mini bike.... my brother and I would fight over sharing it. I eventually got my fist big Honda XR 75...I loved the clutch..... 😅kinda could wheelie, The retard bike a Hodaka ace 100, Yamaha IT 175, Suzuki fun to kick start RM 370, Bultaco 370 persang, Husky 510, both bikes a bear to start, And then the sweet 82 Honda 750 F super sport, Moto Guzzi 850 T-3 bullet prood, I don't remember exat order, Hondas V4 SABER.... Phenomenal engine definitely not my style, VFR 750 interceptor, A Little VT 500, the thing was small, KLR 650 after the Honda xl 600, a couple of the BMW GS models, I can't remember all as i know I am missing a few. I have been living in Bangkok Thailand and SEA now full time since 1990. here now I ride my lovely Honda SH 150..😅 ABSOLUTELY love it😅. I can't remember any others at the moment due to my old brain.. 😅 Anyway, I hav a ton of fun with it here just zipping through traffic on it. Thanks Bart Dude. Love your channel 🙏 🌴 😊🙏🌴✨🌴🌴
Klr 650 was what everyone needed cheap affordable reliable period.
I have owned 4 -KLRs over the years! Best bang for the Buck! 👍🏻🙏🏻😀
I have a 2022adventure and went from eliz ni to Athens ga down and back no problems
I love my GEN 2 KLR. I want like three other bikes, but I don’t ever see getting rid of the KLR. It feels like a forever bike to me.
The first KLR 600 came out in 1984. I had the 1985 version, first year for electric start. It was a fun and good motorcycle.
Ive owned a 2000 f150 for 13 years. Its slow af, great off road, decent on fuel, and reliable as can be. I cant sell it because its so good to me. I believe the KLR will be the bike ill enjoy for the same reason
2000 KLR still going , 72,000 miles crossed the USA 2 times . ride all the 2 track and dirt roads i can find ,,,,,,,,still loving it
Bro I was LITERALLY considering one of these last night
What a story! Happy to find your channel!
"its the best bike at just being a bike to live with" 🎉
Great insight on the KLR !
I currently ride & love my Suzuki V-Strom 650 its a 2008 in immaculate condition, mostly stock.
I have added rear case & side bags + larger windshield.
It does gravel roads fine but def more street oriented, mainly cause prior owner mounted Pirelli Angel GT tires.
(Ill add multi surface tires next set)
If any of you KLR 650 guys have also owned or ridden the V-Strom 650 like I have, can you comment on the differences between these two bikes ?
Appreciate it !
David in East Texas
The KLR 650 has a good bit of vibration after 65 mph , it truly needs a 6th gear . The seat is uncomfortable where im replacing that because after riding for a short time my tail bone is killing me . But the powertrain is built solid .
You nailed it, it is cheap. 'Tis the reason.
Yeah right it's easy to work on but a lot of steps and stuff you must remove just to check the valve shims
side panels seat tank and shrouds, radiator fan upper radiator hose radiator must be lowered and held up with wire
3 bolt top engine bracket this is just to take the valve cover off and to get it out is a trick.
I own three bikes - ‘95 BMW R1100 GS, ‘17 BMW G 310 GS, and ‘05 KLR. I am glad for all three. But if a friend said “let’s go for a ride“ and I didn’t have any other information, I get on the KLR.
Never rode a KLR, but have over 23k glorious miles on my DR650, including 4k+ miles through 7 western States last summer on mainly dirt roads (TAT). I can't imagine it being more fun on a heavier KLR with the added luggage I carried.
I had the 600 version in the eighties with no e start available. What a beast to start when hot or cold! I had the RT1 360 Yamaha Enduro in the mid seventies too.
No electric start, must have been an 1984 model.
I was a teenager and my older brother came home from Vietnam with an RT-1 Enduro purchased on leave in Japan. He let me try to kick start it. I almost perforated my Achilles tendon on the passenger peg mount. Made me appreciate electric start for the rest of my life.
@@Dad3Sons I bought mine from older friend who was a Vietnam vet, great guy!
7:02 that's my bike... Haha 8 months ago I bought my 1989 klr for £600 as a non-runner. A lot of parts were missing or broken, all in all I spent close to £2000 on it since, and a lot of work. And I think will need another £300 to finish, at the mo I'm doing the fuel tank and new fabric for the seat. Still needed indicators, foot pegs, grips, handguards, rear wiring harness, side stand switch, starter solenoid and some more bolts and nuts, as I replaced 80% of the bolts with black stainless steel bolts, oil filters coolant, . Oh and thermostat housing( badly corroded) as mine has de-icing feed to the carb. Hopefully will be on the road in the next 2 weeks .
Compared every brand except Honda. As a XR650L owner, I added a Acerbis tank and won any comparison. Also never changed since its inception, it is a far superior bike. Also cheap. More off road capable, just as adventur(ized). Plenty of after market parts. Just a better built bike. Imo.
90% of “dual purpose” bike owners never go off-road. The KLR was quieter and smoother. Larger gas tank for better road-worthiness. Less expensive. KLR owners don’t want a dirt bike. “lmo”