7 Reasons To Buy A KLR 650 Over A Tenere 700 (From Someone Who Owns Both) 

Right now in Australia a new KLR is about $10,500 and a new Tenere 700 is about $19,500, that was one of the reasons I got a Gen 3 KLR.

I just sold my Tenere 700 and bought a Gen 3 KLR650. I loved the T7. It, surprisingly, is much more of just a big dirt bike than the KLR. I did the NEBDR last summer on the T7, and I was amazed how it does offroad for a 450ish lb bike. I could just totally rip on it. But I have a KTM 350 XCF-W for full-on single track riding. So I've got my offroad fix covered. For adventure travels and commuting, I prefer the KLR for a number, of mostly practical, reasons: high exhaust (T7 hanger gets bent with any right side tip over), high front fender with single front brake caliper (much easier to pull front wheel to fix a flat or maintenance), big comfy seat, big stock tail rack, ~300 mile range (vs ~220 miles), available in non-ABS, simple single cylinder engine that is easy to work on, massive community and aftermarket support, and more As for engine performance, clearly on paper the 70ish hp of the T7 is better than the 40ish hp of the KLR. Yet, with the low down torque of the KLR, I rarely wish I had more power (exception is high speed interstate runs on high elevation roads like I-70 going thru Colorado). What really separates the T7 and KLR is the suspension when off-roading - the T7 wins and it isn't even close. If you really want offroad capability, get the T7. If you want to do adventure touring and general exploring, like say running down the Baja peninsula to Los Cabos or the Transamerica trail, get the KLR. (The KLR is also a fantastic commuter.) I only wish Kawi had kept the helmet lock on the tail rack. I also wish they still offered the semi-rigid bags - that was an inexpensive and highly functionally setup. And the saddlebags rested against the rear panels, keeping the width nice and narrow. On the emotional side, the KLR has some intangible thing going on that just makes it fun to ride.

I have to agree with you about the KLR. I have a 2006, generation one KLR. Bought it with about 3,000 miles on it in 2007. Been riding it almost daily for fifteen years now. 74,000+ miles on the odo, and she’s still going strong. I rarely drive it over 60 mph, and I think that’s helped to prolong its life. It’s almost impossible to kill this beast/tractor of a motorcycle. Rock On

I have a gen 1 KLR, wouldn't trade it for anything. I would love to have a T7, but im happy with my flying pig.

The coolness to me is that you can do so much with so little on these bikes. The fact that you can hit the road, freeway or trail in just about any capacity on these is just cool.

I have a 2016 KLR and it's probably the only bike I would be comfortable buying used with decent mileage on it. There's really not much that can go wrong on it, and anything that does go wrong is pretty cheap and easy to fix.

I’m interested in seeing which bike you go with next. I recently got a dr650 and was hyped to see it on your potential list

The history of the KLR and price point is what sold me on the KLR. Both my brothers '03) and my dad ('07) have owned one and had no problems. Sadly, the Tenere 700 is just not available in the New England right now. A friend of mine had the Tenere in mind, bought an Africa Twin instead because he found one nearby. And he got the last AT expected to arrive in western Massachusetts for a while. KLRs are available at 3 local dealerships!

You ask why? Because “In the end it will be cockroaches and KLR’s!”

Couldn't agree more brother 👊 I really want one of the new fancy bikes but my KLR is just getting it done. Keep up the great work always enjoy your videos

Watching this video as I'm researching the KLR, The Yamaha hasn't been on my radar because of the cost. I'd start researching it a bit more if it was comparable. Here in Australia the KLR is 10-12k. The Tenere starts at 20k.

Thank you for clearing this up and telling both sides of the argument

Thank you for the video I’m looking at getting a KLR 650

Yet another great review. Thank you.

I put a FMF power core on my KLR and it made a substantial difference in vibration from stock exhaust. I also had hi flow air filter at the same time so that probably helped. Roughly 400 miles per tank 50 a gal for normal ridding. 🤜Long live the KLR!!!🤛🤙

Thanks for this video. I've been missing my 08 KLR ever since I traded it for a Versys. With the $1K rebate happening now, along with this video, I think I've talked myself into picking up a new gen 3.

Just turned 1k on my gen 3 and I absolutely love it. I commute 6 miles to work in a smaller town with it when I can. Having not riding for 30 years, this is the perfect bike for getting back onto the road. Probably the last bike I’ll have to purchase.

Wow. Thank you so much. That was my main question. I knew the Yamaha would be better offroad. But the highway use was my BIG question. Subscribed!

I really feel sorry for people, because the 650 Thumper is an AMAZINGLY fun motor!!.......I have a DRZ400 now, smaller thumper. But I used to have a 650 Thumper with gutted muffler, and it literally sounded like a bomber plane going down the highway, LOL......so much fun.

That was a great summation from your point of view regarding the KLR 650. Are you ever going to play the old outrageous jingle that has that cool jazzy lyrics "Swanky Cat moto vlog....yeah...?"

Thank you for another thorough, informative and fun evaluation. The Kawasaki service manual is very good, but I sure would like to have a Clymer's service manual for my 2022 KLR. Do you think they'll ever publish a manual for the Gen 3? In the mean time, the on-line KLR forum AND your great "what I did to my KLR" videos have been fantastic for newbee KLR owners like me. Again, Thank you!!

Love this different take on reviewing these 2 bikes!

just sold my 2018 KLR 650 was a great bike for cruising around back roads not good for off road to heavy lacks power and suspension (I got a 2016 Husky 501 for that) but i never had a single problem with it! I sold my KLR because i just got a 22 Tenere and its amazing one of the funnest bikes i ever rode! good power, clutch, suspension, brakes I like everything about it better than the KLR only thing is the KLR had a more comfy seat and was better on gas mileage in my opinion there's no comparison Tenere is a way better bike!

Another brilliant video on these two bikes, thanks! :)

I got my 2022 ADV with tons of upgrades for 5K used. Only 4,100 miles. Was in perfect condition.

Love the shoutout to the KLR community. You’re right. It’s one of the secret best points of the bike and isn’t highlighted enough.

As always great vid man

Had a gen2 KLR and now a gen3. I've really fallen in love with it. If i could only have 1 bike it would be the KLR!

Every person ive ever met with a KLR has been very kind.

Hey, Swanky Cat! What is it about the KLR that few words can describe? It is soulful. It just resonates with one's character and spirit. AND, it's fun. It makes you slow down and enjoy the moment in the environment you are in--road or gravel or dirt. The only motorcycle I have ever regretted moving along was my 2018 KLR 650 when I traded it for something bigger, faster and more powerful. Now, I'm looking to get another KLR. Thanks for the video.

weird, the other day i was looking at KLR's oline, i have a HD cruiser and want a adv bike for a 2nd bike, watched this and enjoyed and pretty much summed up what i have been reading, i'm 54yrs old and it looks like something that i could atleast get to fit me since i'm 5'7 on a good day lol subbed and i will be checking out your other videos!

I agree 100%, I have a KLR650 gen1 of 2003 AND a KTM 790 adventure ! I love the single cylinder ...

I’m buying this as my first owned bike next month. Super excited

Coming off an xr650r I rode the klr,a few different sizes of ktm and ended up buying the t7,put about 6k into it and couldn't be happier.

Was looking online and found a T7 advertised for 23k ! I picked up my new 2022 KLR for 11k Australian dollars…now there is a difference. New from the dealer they are around 20k

Hey! I recognize that guy at the 9:50 mark! That was a fun ride that day. Still love my KLR too!

Thanks good info , SWANKY CAT

I got hooked on "Thumpers" at an early age... in my teen years and I have always loved thumpers because of the FEEL of them I made the mistake and bought a RX4 from CSC motorcycles, a chinese bike but it was a great machine for when I was 30 years younger , it's weight would not have bothered me ! but now that I am 70 years old weight means alot to me I considered a KLR for a long time but the weight put me off.... I happened on a XR650L and I fell in love with it... it is the lightest 650 "Thumper" out there albeit the Tallest seat height as well..... I made short work of that problem by changing the lowering link which dropped it about 3" and then I cut out 2.5" of foam out of the seat.... lowered the tripple trees and now I can flat foot the 2001 XR650L !!!! it has the power I wanted... it will wheelie on throttle up and cruise at 70+ MPH..... and I can pick it up if I drop it ! I had to make a ging-pole for the RX4 because it was so heavy ! I have the best bike for me on the plannet right now it does what ever I want to do.....

My son picked up a T7 last fall for MSRP. Spent about 4 weeks on a list. Florida

The only thing that could make the KLR Cooler is an old school kick start.... Love my KLR because it runs hard like a tree sloth on crack, its reliable and its paid for!!!!!!

Having just paid of my ‘03 Harley Softail I purchased a 2020 Moto Guzzi V85 tt Adventure with only 129 miles on it , all the while wanting the KLR 650 . I’m supper happy with this adventure bike but now I’m really “chomping at the bit” to buy the KLR ! Having a motorcycle for each type of riding that I like doing is a dream and I’m fixing to make this my reality. Thanks to honest reviews like yours and many others I’ve seen and the fact the bang for the buck on this $7K motorcycle is an excellent deal , I’m sold ! Next week I’m going down to my dealer and see what up 😜😁✌️🇺🇸

Regarding mileage, when the light comes on with the Tenere there's another gallon and a quarter left. I'm at altitude and get 60 miles to the gallon on that bike. It's a 4.2 gallon tank. Mileage may vary but I know I can count on 50 to 60 per gallon here in Vail Colorado depending on how much I twist the throttle. So that's easily over 200 miles per tank. So at 50 miles to the gallon the T7 goes over 200 miles a per tank according to your numbers.

I want a good used XT 500 1979 to 1982 I had a 1979 when I was 15 I was wheelie king of my county awe the Good Ole days. Where have all the times gone keep it swanky

Great review... respects.

Love the tenere, especially extreme or world raid editions which are not available in usa, base model is also not in stock and dealer quoted close to 14 k with tax and setup, past bikes 3 klrs dr650 dr400 gs800 vstrom650 versys650 crf250rally and currently klx300

Looking for content on the 2023 KLR 650, Candy Lime green and wondering what it takes to get it to the Adventure spec. Doesn't look like the adventure comes in lime green, not sure what items to buy that are better aftermarket. Crash bars, lighting, pannier mounts and bags etc. Doubt it would be better to buy the Adventure and then swap out body panels to get the lime green. I was gonna take a 2022 Adventure and paint it lime green, now since it's available in a lower spec model, I'm trying to figure the best gear that would make a base spec better than the adventure for the same cost or close to it. More reasons? tractors are cool, valve adjustment is easier but maybe the time between adjustments is less on the T7, not sure. Trying to come up with different reasons since I don't own one yet. 705 cc piston kit? I'd kinda like to that and cams right away.

I have owned four of these bikes (KLR’s). And I love them. Maybe I’ll get another. 😎

INTERESAMNTE COMPARACION, Y ANALIZIZ DE AMBAS MOTOS. CUANDO VI POR PRIMERA VEZ LA KLR TENIA COMO 20 AÑOS...AHORA A MIS 50 ESTOY PENSANDO EN PODER TENER LA MIA. SALUDOS DESDE MEXICO

I have an 09 KLR650 with about 20k. It always gets at least 50 mpg It has a bunch of farkels that improved it. It is a pig but so am I 6'4" 255 I absolutely love this machine. Its so reliable its like the tractor of my dreams I run D606 front and rear as my style of riding is alot of dirt rocks sand mud hwy clay sandy loam lava rocks just everything. I like the agressive tires as they save my 58 year old butt alot off road wether im cruizing down old washouts of in sand is where most of the wash outs happen and get you injured. Im a believer in OVERKILL ALWAYS COVERS THE PERIMETERS... So traction up front on one of the PIGS is a must even though the tire is wore out at 4k . usually two D606 fronts to one Rear D606. The compromise is safety and you cant put a price in safety. Ive has alot of orthopedic and broken legs on dirtbikes trying to be a show off. Now I like Sport Utility 4x4 and My Tractor KLR It does every thing well. You just cant beat this thing. It really runs awesome but Fuel Injection seems pretty good but to be honest I dont need it. I would rather just put on more farlkels like a new Seat Concept seat ahhh. My sone has one and its amazing on long rides. anyway anyone out there want a great machine, any KLR of any year is a grear machine. Gen 2 is cheap and amazing especially the front fairing and a tall windsheild is amazing on the road. Gen 1 is cheap and I think a bit better on single track they are all great .... Cheers and great video Swanky

If i could add on to what you are saying, I would like to say the thing that sold me on getting a KLR aside from the fact that they have been Proven as a build hence they been around for ever. The fact like you said they have a huge Economy parts galore, both factory replacement and aftermarket. the fact that company's are still updating and building new crash bars and other things says alot about a bike. especially because its been around for so long. I think the DOo is proly the most controversial but If you look at it from Kawasaki stand point They are standing behind people Like Eagle Mike, and keeping his business thriving. That says alot about a company that stands behind there product.

And again....another great video!

Still loving my Gen 3 KLR, huge long road trip, lots of trail time... sand, grass...

I have both. 2009 KLR with 63,000 miles; 2022 T7 I've only had about a month. Love them both. The Pig has all the miles and memories. Has NEVER failed me. I'll never get rid of it.

Did you put Progressive fork springs in the KLR yet? It makes a world of differnce on my Gen1. I do wish the brakes were better, I sure like the brakes on my Honda AT. Saved me from being a hood ornament today. What I really like about my KLR, DR, and my new AT, they run on cbeap 87 E10 gas. You can't really say that about most of the other new machines. If you stop and put 2 or 3 gallons of premium in your high compression wonder bike, how much of it is premium vs what the cheapskate in front of yout filled up with?

The 2022 T7 has been very slow getting to a lot of dealers (supply chain issues) thus driving the price up to as high as 14k.

Was that Hwy 29 I saw? Woot!

Thank you for your time and information. I have a question. What happens if you change both sprockets to 16/ 40 for highway

I liked that these last two videos helped us to understand your own feelings about these two bikes. I was afraid maybe you had regretted buying the KLR since the T7 is “better”!

The "cool" factor to me is the make do attitude it delivers. I can get around, weight her down, lean in turns, and drop into some dirt and let out the clutch to putt putt out of trouble. You cant buy a do it all vehicle brand new for 7000 anymore but the klr proves you can. When you see a fellow klr rider you know they are making it work

Price was the deciding factor for me. I bought the 2022 KLR650 and the extended warranty, paid cash, and ride it worry free. I've been very happy with it and it's done everything I've asked it to do.

Hey love your video’s, I’m from Australia too and Yamaha t700 is too dear for me ,even second hand. So It looks like the klr 650 is the one I can afford. Calcut09 is right about the prices.

New KLR in Michigan are being discounted to $6600. I know it’s not as capable in many ways as a T7, but 30 years ago this bike woulda been amazing…If you don’t think about what don’t have/can’t afford you will enjoy. I’ve ridden a new KLR and they are fun to throw around. Just getting off-road to ride on any bike is incredible. You can always upgrade later…don’t waste a riding season not riding because you can’t get your dream bike. That time isn’t ever coming back…

just looked at each brands Canadian website. the KLR is $7,499 CAD the Tenere is $12,799 CAD. I want a Tenere but I was able to find a gen 2 KLR fully moded with better skid plate's, luggage rack, and aftermarket suspension for only 5K CAD.

I've had most all brands of dual sports, have the 22 Traveler and man this thing is just comfortable and a pleasure to ride, if you like to just tool around doing like 45-50 its actually amazing, thanks

Over the time I own 3 KLR and many more other bikes, I cannot say that any of the Kawa had a problem but there was always something missing when driving hard off-road or even on the race track therefore if I go for a new bike I would go for the Tenere I have a pretty good idea what the Yamaha Tenere is capable since I also own the Transalp and African Twin 🙂

My '07 Kawi Land Rover has over 100k mi and if you learn to carry momentum it's a hoot. I got a T7 for the extra kick and I like to reach out and explore so reliability is now a factor, not that my KLR is threatening me. Yeah, the cool factor of the KLR is that it's like a good buddy who is not trying to push you to do foolish things or spend all your money just for kicks, and in these times that means something...and it's perfect for the farm roads and humpy twisties here in central PA. Learn to lean.

The klr is like chuck Norris, you don't need to be told he is a badass, you just know he's a badass

That seventh thing. I would describe it as uniquely awesome.

My KLR is cheap, uncomplicated, reliable, comfortable, has great range, good wind protection, etc, etc, etc. Did I mention it’s very affordable? Though not a competent woods machine it will do it grudgingly. I use my WR250R for that. And put a milk crate on it and laugh at the Orange bike brigade catch their hair on fire. Hehe.

I like the revenge of the KLR quote.

i have been averaging 270 miles to 1 bar flashing that's running the Tusk rackless mostly loaded with EDC items like tools pump spare so on.. + my lunch :). I drive about 12 miles to work been average around 2.5 to 3 weeks to fill back up depending on if i ride on the week end.

i recommend to change the 15 teeth sprocket to 17 teeth.With slightly taller gearing one can stay in 2nd or 3rd more often and doesn't need 4th. on the highway she revs over 5000rpm at 100km/h with that 15 teeth sprocket - not good for fuel consumption

KLR Swiss Army 🏍

Straight up spot on - from a guy that will smoke most people on an adv bike. I own 2 KLRs and an 890.

Hello Brother I love watching your videos your always entertaining and informative. I have just bought a gen 3 klr. I have watched your video on lowering the foot pegs with a lowering bracket. I have seen some lowering brackets for sale on ebay It says they will fit models from 1987 to 2018 do you know if they will suit the Gen 3 Klr Man part number MVAUFPL02 Thanks you

Great job, new sub! I'm 5' 9.5" looking at the new KLR650s model, we are about the same size. You think the lower seat would work better?

Wonder if the gen3 wheelies as good as the gen2 did…heard it has a longer swingarm

I bought a used 06 for $2800 and you cant beat the fun you have for the price!

Been considering both these bikes as a replacement for my Himalayan to bump up into the “medium size” adv segment. 60/40 on off road for me and as not my only bike I liked the feel of the KLR and it didn’t feel like too much of a change from what I’m currently riding, just bigger. Love my Himalayan but the KLR just seems like a bit better for my size at 5’11 and 160 pounds. The T7 was an obvious upgrade but I don’t need it to be fast. And at double the price of the KLR and waiting on it to be available, the KLR adventure will probably be my choice in the next 6 months

T7 is ridiculously hard to find here in the SLC area. When they do pop up, the markup makes it about 50% more than a KLR, which is relatively easy to find.

I wish for a KLX 450 with big tank, pannier racks and cruise control.

Totally agree. I guess I love the simplicity of the KLR above all. Question: can you put a 16 t sprocket on the front. To me I wouldn't think so but if someone has tried it and it works let me know. Thx

I’ve put +20,000 miles on my 2012 klr I bought used and it’s been great. But I plan on selling it for a T7 because I’m looking for much more aggressive offroad riding. I commute daily city street or short freeway riding. On the weekend I’m on the back roads and up in the woods and plan on doing some double and single track. The klr does it pretty ok but it’s just a tractor and I’m looking for more performance.

For me the KLR makes it about the ride not about the Bike.

Good video :)

I get it. it's not fast, its not pretty, it's not "nice" but for some reason that I can't really explain my gen 2 is one of my favorite bikes I've ever owned. I always have a blast on it whether I'm out getting it ridiculously buried in mud in the middle of nowhere or just cruising to the store.

Question- is the foot shifter on the 2022 klr 650 carbon steel?

I had fun with my '07 KLR I went up 1 tooth on the front sprocket and dropped 5 on the back dropped my rpms 900 and there was my 6th gear all KLR owners dreamed of on the freeway, total caddilac less vibration 😂

U.S.A. Wisconsin one dealership had a KLR for $7,680 out the door and another had it at $9,500. While I’ve seen the T7 at $12,000-$15,000.

I'm 6'1 with a 32 inch in seem. I picked up the KLR and for the life of me I can't find a solid wind screen that actually works. please, if you can recommend something for me I would be greatful!

weird. i never had any problems with the Tenere handle bars. But Im 185cm thats 6ft1. I just turned them slightly forward for stand up riding.

The last time I was in my local dealer ,they had 5 KLRs in stock. All 3 versions available.

KLR JUST NEEDS HIGHER COMPRESSION SINGLE , BUMP THE HP UP TO. 65. HP, STIFFER FRONT FORKS, KEEEP IT OTHERWISE SIMPLE AND TOUGH AND PRICE THE SAME.

Dude, a KLR and Led Zeppelin t-shirt! Seriously though the KLR has been built for 30 years; there isn't one piece on it you can't replace, modify, or upgrade a million and one ways. After begging the boss (wife) for one I found a 2018 with only 5k for $4200 at a dealership. She hates it, I love it. She calls it a 'dirt bike' that's slow, rather clunky, and not very graceful looking. I look at it as one of those rare specimens where functionality came first, aesthetics a far second.

Ive had both, I put enough money in the KLR to try and make it hang that I could of bought the T7 right off the bat.... The T7 is much more bike as far as capability as a touring machine. The KLR has improver over the years but it is still 1980s vs 2000s..........

I rode a klr and it felt pretty good. I prefer the nature of my xr650l though.

I’m in Houston Texas and right now I’m seeing new KLRs on the floor for under 6k at the dealer. Meanwhile you can’t even find a T7 at a dealer but the used markets are 12-13k So it’s literally half the price.

I’ve been thinking about trading in my klr to get a tenere. My main motivation is just performance. The klr is so damn slow it’s boring to ride on the road. Is the tenere worth buying mainly for wanting to go faster?

Hold up, I need to know how you paid just over 10k for the Tenere 700? Was it used? I can’t find a used one under 12k.

In Canada base model KLR is about $7400, the adventure $9800. The Tenere 700 $14,000. Maybe there are better deals, but that is what I see.