A KLR will take you anywhere you want to go. Just because it doesn't have 100 plus horsepower, rider modes, and high tech suspension doesn't mean it is a "beginners bike". I hate it when that term is used to describe the mighty KLR.
I've seen much more beautiful sights on a 1977 XL250 so I get your point! It's never too late and I think riding into old age would be a great way to keep yourself sharp.
I have a 2024 KLR that does everything. We put over 250 miles this past weekend on a moto camping trip in the Frazier Park. These bikes can do it all. Granted, it's not a KTM 890 adventure as far as suspension technology..etc. If you want a second bike that's affordable, comfortable, looks great with some upgrades (SW Moto crash bars, Acerbis hand guards and adventure mirrors), can take you off the beaten path, great gas milage (6 gallon tank), cheap insurance, than the KLR is calling your name. I love my KLR!
Great Video. I have a KLR, a Monster and a Street Bob. All three provide a different experience. I love my KLR and I actually enjoy trail riding more than anything else. its purpose built and it does what is built for very well. Also the KLR can take a beating. Once you have fallen a few times you will be happy you did not spend a lot on it. lol! I have crash bars front and back. Recommendation. Soft saddle bags. Hard ones will break when you fall. Also replace the stock skid plate with a metal one and install a low profile oil plug.
For me, it was a bad time of year to buy a 2nd bike to my HD Road King, I really didn't have the money for another bike, and my significant other HATED the idea and wouldn't even discuss it much less ride on it. All that said, at 63, I've returned to my mini-bike roots of 53 years ago and am loving every minute of it. I'm never getting rid of my 2022 Traveler.
Had a street bike since I was 18. Just bought my first "off road" KLR650 at 63. Bottom line is, you got one life. Live it. "If you think you're too old to rock 'n roll......you're right." - Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead)
I have found my KLR650 is far more capable than me and most people I know. Most people that are critics are not even skilled enough to unleash the bike's full potential.
I have a 2010 ultra limited and a 2017 Sportster 1200, I just got the 22 KLR adv back in June and the bike is just what is says adventure it is great for forest service roads. its weight alone makes it hard to do the other stuff, single track, enduro things of that nature ie hard core stuff. it is meant to tour around on and if you want to go see something but it happens to be down a dirt road off the hard top. that is what the bike is for plan and simple. Now if you want to do a little more hard core stuff. then you would need to replace the tires for sure regardless. but to do any of the other stuff that is offroad then you would need to put a set of fork springs, rear shock suspension from YSS or any other good name brand that you like. Then you can tackle some of the harder stuff, which lets face it that is what we really want to do anyways right? Or you can get a CRF 300 or KLX 300 dual sport, myself I think the KLX would be the better bike for its taller 1st and 2nd gear and front fork suspension it just tracks way better in the rocks then the CRF. If I had it to do all over again I would have gotten the KLX 300 dual sprot. Don't get me wrong I am happy with the KLR 650 yeah sure its alittle on the heavy side when it comes to the hard stuff after you have to pick the nearly 500 lb bike up more then once or twice your body starts to notice the weight. vs the 200 plus lbs of the CRF or the KLX. To sum every thing up if a 2 wheel drive car or truck can go to the place then the KLR can go there. it is not going to be jumping fallen trees blocking the road, climbing up over big rocks that just not what the bike is for.
I have taken my 2022 KLR 650 from DFW to Big Bend which is 515 miles each way. Then you ride all over that area for another 300 miles. Back roads in Texas are 70 plus mph these days which changes things a bit but its way better than the interstate.
On my second KLR now, bought a 2024 recently and currently outfitting it to suit my riding style. I've owned a lot of other bikes but felt the need for another adventure bike. Here in B.C we've got limitless twisty roads, FSR's, lakes, creeks and rivers. The KLR get's the job done, many miles, full of smiles once again! Having a blast! 🤪
I rode over 30,000km (20,000 miles) on a circumnavigation trip around North America (Canada/United States). It included the furthest road points. Northern - Deadhorse, Alaska. Western - Anchor Point, Alaska. Eastern - Cape Spear, Newfoundland. Southern - Key West, Florida. 14 episodes on RU-vid. Mapmando Adventures. Not the most comfortable bike 😬, but an exp.
Just stiff turning especially at lower speeds. Remember, it’s only a 2023 and some of them. You will know when you’re turning the bike in a parking lot.
I got the same bike klr650 23. With prices right now, this is my daily. $15 bucks last me almost to weeks to work, insurance for full coverage is $21 a month.. what more can I ask for?
I'm 88 be 89 next month, if your in good shape no reason to quit riding. Rode to PNW twice and Alaska 1 time from So Cal on a KLR don't get in a hurry take back roads see what this country is about !!!
I have a 07 1Gen. KLR and a BMW RT if I'm in a hurry I take the Beemer, if I want to see more country its the KLR on back roads small town motels and local restaurants. the KLR has been all over the PNW and Alaska less problems with it than the Beemer, not fast 70 mph on the GPS just right for an 88 year old man I'm not in a hurry at this stage of Life. the KLR does fine changed the seat and windshield 16 tooth sprocket, crash bars, alum. bags. Enjoy the ride !!
It doesnt break the bank to keep it in the shed , I bought a 22 klr adv only had it a month , look up adv trail rides in your area , there will be awesome scenery , go do some loops etc , all the best . Cheers
I lowered my fork tubes in the triple tree by 3/4 inch and now my KLR takes curves a lot sportier and that also lowered the seat height a bit. Much happier now.
56 here. After 12 years of riding road bikes (notably 2004 BMW R1150R for 6 years and a Honda VTX 1300), I went for ADV riding with a 2022 KLR650. Having a lot of fun. Took a few classes to learn the basics of off-roading and ADV bike handling. The KLR is exactly what I needed to learn the fundamentals while still having fun touring at an appropriate pace. I might upgrade to an middle weight ADV twin cylinder bike in the future, but I am definitely glad I took the challenge. I plan to ride for a long time. Not long ago, I met an older rider in his late 70's who decided to downsize to a KTM 390 Adventure for his daily rides, and added a Ural Side Car for his long distance Adventure touring trips. Quite a clever option.
