Time to straighten this young enthusiast out....I just bought my 7th new KLR...2022... At 67, I've owned a klr since their inception....I've owned over 30 bikes in my life, most bought new, From Harley's to Beemers to everything that burns rice...No matter what road cruiser I owned, I pretty much always had a KLR in the other stall...I can say the new KLR has some nice updates, and yes I'm biased...I'm a seasoned, fully acknowledged, KLR junkie...Now, to summise my bias...I should note I've owned both a new Honda 650 L and a new 650 Suzuki DR back in the 90s....Why the KLR is hands down the best of the three for "most" riders ? Ist off, most riders are 90% on pavement, be it asphalt challenged or not...(None of the three noted are bought to climb 60° hills and jump stumps)...They're built for back roads, an occasional rutted dirt road and an occasional trail...The KLR is FAR , FAR, FAR, the most comfortable of the three...Not even close...The KLR has a 6 + gallon tank, that's huge for the back road trips. The klr has a nice big rack to accept what ever bags you want to use, plus has factory panniers available...The KLR is liquid cooled, that's a big plus on hot summer rides....All three are bullet proof...I personally think the KLR is the best looking, especially the 2022 models..I bought the green one...If your thinking about a big single adventure thumper, you owe it to yourself to ride them ...I can almost guarantee, 90% of those that rode all three on back roads or freeways, would pick the KLR, hands down...So with all due respect to this fine fellow, I can only respond as follows....WRONG!!!😎
Hi Jack, thanks for the comment! I 100% agree with you. I've had two KLRs (Gen 1 A & C model). I still regret selling both. I actually sold my XR650L to get another Gen 1 KLR, but the purchase fell through. I will get one again some day. I love the look of the new one, especially the green/sand color. The KLR is just the best because of everything you mentioned, especially the large tank, cush drive rear hub, and ability to cruise at 140km/h all day no issues. I punished mine and it never let me down. I made a video about reasons why the KLR is better than the XR too... In this one, I tried to look for advantages of the XR. In the end, they were not enough for me to keep it. Thanks again and enjoy your new KLR!!
@@GreaseAndGravel LOL..I hope I didn't sound to biased...It was a good review. The Honda is without question, a tank, bullet proof.....Ya, I really like my new one...Best of luck...Ride safe...😎
@@jackpeters9048 No worries! I am very biased too when it comes to the old KLRs. I can assure you the video on what makes the KLR better than the XR was easier to make 😁 All the best!
@Blackout Dude...Your a year late and way over your head...I sold my KLR Standard and bought a new KLR Adventure...All set to go....But ugly is the eye of the beholder...That said, I'm extremely fit and good looking..That alone should smooth any rough edges one might find on my capable steed...Good roads Blackout.........
You can also add a sutton oil cooler its a great add on and its a detailed instructions to relieve the worry of getting to hot! Also adds 150cc more oil
@@johnganshow5536 That was by initial thoughts as well, but to be honest.. I prefer the carb. Less that can leave you stranded completely and fixable almost anywhere. I do like what they've done with the KLR though.
Haha. I love your enthusiasm. I too love my 650L and do not care for the KLR. I’ll have a 650L until the day I die! They are fantastic and under rated bikes
I don't think they are underrated, it was a beast in baja races, Al Baker did the best job on it and japanese engineers were so enthusiast to produce it ! that the reason why they still in production.
@@dafily1697 And have you seen where Chris Scott and his Desert Riders went on 3 XRLs in 2003? Through the Sahara in Algeria and Libya. Crazy stuff. Awesome bike!
Oh dear, where do I start.. way back in the day I had an XL600R actually a couple of em.. in the mix several real dirt bikes like IT250, CR500, some middle class 4strokes, many street bikes etc.. got a XR650L as an "new XL600R" and OMG what a great bike.. off and on had 3 of those.. through raising kids, working etc.. sold and replaced them as finances permitted.. came across a '96 XR650L pretty cheep, had some 20K on it.. well.. 15+ years still have it, modded w/a XR650R exhaust, run D606's on it, big tank, tail rack, real hand guards, Seat concepts seat.... could afford newer/better (now in my mid 50's) .. love the ergo's of it, works for me for aggressive "trail riding" cruising, mellow trail riding, desert stuff.. just can't justify the price of something newer.. this stupid old school thing just works, is basically free to own, registration,/insurance is sub $100 year.. dam thing can sit in the shed for most of the year and I don't bat an eye.. take it out have a blast in the cool months (here in AZ, riding is mostly Nov thru April) and put her away, maybe camping in the high country in the summer.. had and KLR650 but it wasn't really good at anything... sucked as a road bike, sucked worse as a trail/off roader.. the XR650L, if you can manage it's seat height and weight, which goes away once rolling is a peach! Maybe a KTM 450/500 dual sport would sway me, but the cost/performance/reliability/simplicity of these things are simply amazing..
Great analysis! Bought the 1993 when it came out. Had a family...sold it. Purchased a then-new 2016 and it's been an absolute joy! And now we have the internet with good how-to vids and accessories that make it even more enjoyable! Now I wish I was riding where you do instead of waiting for all this snow to melt!
The klr650 has more power than the xr650 there is a dyno test video of the two online proving that plus the klr650 is watercooled so your more safe from overheating in traffic not like the xr which is air cooled the klr650 C looks better that's what i own it's one of the best for off road bikes and u could just put it supermoto with a performance spark plug then u get more speed on highway
Until they put an oil cooler or water cool it count me out.where I live it gets 98 degrees or more regularly in the summer.fried two heads sitting in traffic and got rid of it.oh yeah,it chewed the splines off the countershaft.great bike lol.
U'er channel is great I've been watching you're channel for awhile. I've never had a KLR and never wanted one ,but I love my XR . I'm in the middle of rebuilding my XR after 50,000 miles! And planning on putting another 50,000 on it , I'm 60 now ,l bought mine because these bikes have been around along time ,and there a lot of options. IT'S MY LIFE TIME BIKE!!!! BECAUSE XR'S RULE!!!!THANK 'S from NOR-CAL!!!!
Thanks for the support, Chris. I appreciate it! Wow, then you must know this bike inside out! I love the old tech and working on it is so easy. I am still learning as I go. Would love to do a complete rebuild one day... but mine only had 7500 miles on it... so won't happen soon. Enjoy the build! Cheers from SA
Wow !! congrats Chris !! I rebuilt mine with a Domi engine and XR's cams... and sold it !! Wooaaaashh ! it was one of the biggest mistake I did in my life... Now, I'd want to found an 91-93 model, with baja specs cams (as I remember there was a 630 Mugen kit, or a White Bros kit too), oil-cooler, big tank and double front lights. Yes the last one that Scott Summers rode in baja race. But maybe to be a real crazy baja addict, i would love to have the KX 500 that leads Larry Roeseler to victory one year, a 2 stroke for desert racing, it was just insane! You are lucky Chris to live in Nor Cal, the country of XRs !! My playground sounds magnificent too, is Madagascar with lots of various landscapes.
@@dafily1697 Get with it, those big 2 strokes are very fast 120mph+ , if you do hang on tight that will be a lot of bike, HUAL'EN A$$ IS ALOT OF FUN!!!!! THANK'S from NOR-CAL!!!!
I had a 1994 model back in 1995 and now I just bought a 2024 a few days ago and nothing has changed but the color, I guess why change something if it working
I have 40 reason, great video. You are corect on all points, we have the 250l and the 650l, both run great ee adjust them a little reach an dwe took the epa california sht out.
Totally agree with you.. End up 2015/2016 I bought up 2 brand new xr650l one with 21/18tyre another 17/17 motard tyre.. But both with 4.7 gallons Clarke fuel tanks.. I really hate the 2.2gallon tank.. Yours in the video
Yeah, it is the silliest little tank. Not much use other than for playing around close to home! Wow, that must be great to have a motard as well. Does the motard one have cush drive in the rear hub?
@@GreaseAndGravel hey! Great you saw my message, Yes, it is worth it because it reduces the vibration and I believe it will help the counter shaft, chain and sprockets and tires last longer, Also I have a KK front sprocket, they are the best front sprockets money can buy for an XR
@@johnheckscher7138 Yeah, I've heard the KK's the best. Just very expensive after shipping to SA. The cush drive sounds like a great mod. I don't mind the vibration for discomfort, but I would like to reduce the wear on the drivetrain. Thanks for the info!
At 75mph with the smaller 14t CS sprocket it runs fine. The stock 15t should be good for 80.. our national speed limit is 75. I've got a set of different size sprockets on the way for a comparison. I will report on everything!
@@GreaseAndGravel Very cool! Since it's carbureted, have you noticed any problems while changing elevation? I'm at like 4500 feet here in Salt Lake City, USA, but some of the roads around here go up to 10k feet. I'd hate to buy a bike that is temperamental with elevation. I've never had a carbureted bike before.
@@nspinicelli I've never had major issues with carbs before. Even my little 200c Chinese road bike did okay at 10800ft in the Ethiopian highlands (and that was without rejetting). On the XR I don't know yet, but the next week or two I will climb it up to 6500 ft to find out. Will post a video on the experience!
Hello Nspinicelli and congrats for your XR! just want to say that the 600/650 RFVC engine doesn't like too much higway, mostly hirevs. I ruined mine as I change for supermoto specs: 17" rims and big front disc, even with the 15t sprocket. The engine swallowed a valve at last ! So well, it was a real tool on sinuous roads, but not for that at least...
@@GreaseAndGravel If you could do a video on a beginner learning how to ride the Honda XR650L and proper turns when riding? I would love to learn more about the Honda super facts. Peace and Love...
I had a klr back in 04 as first bike it ran great but was more useful (for me) on road. Traded it for 06 Harley. Years later (2019) I missed offroading so bought a new xrl...man I was not disappointed. Did all the mods and lowered a tooth on the front sprocket, thing has tractor like torque! Great bike get it!
@@fortgreeneprojects1 Thanks for the suggestion! I've been wanting to do a 'how to ride for beginners' video for a long time.. Good luck with the wait until summer :)
Hello François ! I'm always happy when somebody talk about XR's, and I suppose that you are a sort of neighbour because you seem to be in South Africa (as I hear your accent and the left side coded on the road) and my original country is the red island: Madagascar ! We've got the same landscape with laterit dust that make one of the most sticky mud I've ever seen and rode. So I had 3 XR's and only the air-cooled model RFVC and a Domi, the last one was rebuild with a Domi engine to have the electric start but the cams were from XR, and I wanna say that the red pig is one of the most awesome bike you can ride. As some few riders say, add an big plastic tank by Acerbis and an oil-cooler to avoid overheated (the weakness of the RFVC engine at last... and the right level in the carb bowl !) I don't think that the KLR is on the same level, here in Europe and mostly in France, the Kawa is a basic commuter with trail style flavour, the contender of the KLR would be surely the Domi or the Suzie DRS 650 and Yamaha XT 600 (for the japanese brands). I think the real competitor of the XR is the KLX R 650 by Kawasaki because it's a real dual sport bike with some great capacities in off-road as the TT 600 by Yam. I rode few times the KLR, and it was too smooth, almost soft and a bit lack or torque, mostly in off-road (dust and rock tracks, mud and sand...), really no way with it in severe conditions,even the liquid-cooled engine seems to be more secure (I heard many times the cool fan operating...) ? Thanx so much for sharing your experience François because this one is in my top 5 bike (I'm a longway dirt rider) and as I try some CRF 450, I was feeling so uncomfortable, maybe the stiffness is the reason and don't like the modern feel of the engine, with torque, but in hi-revs, I deduced that the bike don't like to move slowly, so as I did with the XR.
Wow, thanks for the comment. Great to hear from someone that is from Madagascar. I've always wanted to go there. Maybe one day :) Yeah, the XR is hard to beat, especially in the tough stuff. I had two KLRs (A and C model). toured Namibia and Wild Coast on the A-model and it was a great bike. But it was mostly good gravel, some sand and mud too. A bit heavy to pick up, but great for the open road and eating up miles at 140kph. But where I play now, the XR is definitely a better bike. What do you ride now?
@@GreaseAndGravel Oh, no bike for me cause it's not time at the moment.But still have a XR 250 82's in a friend's garage, I really love it, the lightest 4stroke I rode and always reliable as all old Hondas. And I'll intend to restore a XL 75 with some XR's flavour ( fork, exhaust, rear shocks and so...), I really love old XRs with the red signal/black seat/yellow plates scheme, looks like a Marty Smith replica...;-))
@@GreaseAndGravel I can certify that is a blast to drive in sinuous trails cause it's a tiny bike, 6 speeds are one of the assets of this previous 250. But i had to change the shock and refurbished the selector shaft which has lost all grooves. Lot's of job for next year, no doubt.
Considering the XR over a new 22 KLR 650. My main concern is the seat height. I have a 32 inch inseam at 5'10"...so would the XR be too tall for me? I also like that the KLR is fuel injected, but thats about it.
I'd go for the KLR. Much better value for money and more versatile. The XR's seat height of 37 inches is tall! If you are mostly going to play in the dirt, get an XR. For anything else, I'd get the KLR. Let me know what you decided...
I’ve watched a few of your videos about the XR 650L. They are very interesting but they’re quite confusing... In some videos you seem to much prefer the Kawasaki... and in some you tell us the XR is the ultimate adventure bike... 😅
Well spotted, Manuel! 🤣 If I seemed confused and indecisive, it is because I am. The same happened with my Gen1 KLR. I had it for a few months and didn't like it much. Then it grew on me and by the time I sold it I loved it. Initially, I found that I didn't quite 'get' the XR650L. It must have been unrealistic expectations. But now, as I get to know it and get used to it, I am starting to fall in love with it. I think I need to take it on a camping trip and see how we get along. Thanks for watching! Cheers
Awesome video. The fact is that it basically it’s a XR600. Been around for many years and they just keep going. Now to be able to get them in Australia again.
Hey man, sold my 1190 adv r, looking at the xr650l or dr650, which would you recommend. 6'4 250lbs, do both trail and road, I do a lot of 10 to 15 hour days
Hey, thanks for the question. I haven't owned a DR650 so my best advice would be to try out both and see which one you like best. Your height would make the XR a great fit (but you'll need bar risers). I am sure the DR would be better on the tarmac (not sure if it has cush drive in the hub, but I suspect so). For technical trails, the XR would probably be better. It is about 20 lbs lighter. Both are air-cooled. I think the DR has an oil cooler though. Good luck with the search and let me know what you end up getting. Cheers
Buy an XR , DR Stands for DDUUURRRR what did I buy DR, for ???????? If your 6'4" 250 , U'll Love the XR, The xr, is kind'a tall but has tons of ground clearance, I've never high centured my XR. Also I'm Only 5'8" I went through some Clutch levers at first , Then I learned how to adjust the Suspension to fit and cut down 2" now can reach almost flat Footed . Didn't mean to get derailed there.Your made for the XR , the XR'S made for U!!!!!!! THANK'S from NOR-CAL!!!! THE XR IS THE BIKE FOR YOU ,
@@GreaseAndGravel Realistically probably some light trail riding, and I want the ability to do some single track if I came across it. DRZ400 felt nice but want something a little less buzzy at 100km/h. Basically why I am leaning toward the XR650L vs the Gen 2 KLR for the better off road capability.
Your height will definitely count in your favor. I am 6' 200lbs and it is a bit tall for me. It will depend on what you want to do with the bike. As a complete beginner it will be good to learn on. But if you want to learn to ride hard in the dirt, I'd start with something smaller (less powerful). At 400lbs, the long travel suspension will also be a plus. Best is to go sit on one (if you can find one at a dealer) to get a feel for it.
Thanks for the useful information. I'm looking at getting one but concerned about spares availability because Honda told me they can't import these 2022 model bikes ,only for USA market.
Part of the reason I sold mine was parts availability. In SA, Honda has to order from Japan. Expensive on long lead times. In the US its freely available. Great bike though
@@GreaseAndGravel Thank you so much for that information, so keen on buying(Honda 650) one in JHB.There is so little dual purpose bikes available to us in SA, people asking far too much for old bikes when spares are an issue. All these newish bikes are totally out of reach. What are you riding now?
@@stoicwarrior346 I know exactly how you feel! The imported so few dual sports into SA and some years were missing (XR's only a few years). It makes them scarce and over-priced. I sold the Honda and bought two AG200s (same problem with parts).. so might sell again. Also, they are too slow. I am now building a KTM 250 for playing. If I buy a dual sport again, I might go for a KLR again (had two before - but never a Gen2). Same issue with parts these days. But the KLR was a better all-rounder and definitely better for touring (taking luggage and open road). You can't go wrong with the 650 GSs either. Or an XT600E or XT660. I am going to try at ordering parts from Amazon soon to see how reliable it is. Lots available and often cheaper. Good luck with the decision! The XR was great fun!
@@GreaseAndGravel I'm searching for an XT660Z and if you find a good one expect to take out a mortgage. Virtually every bike I see here is either BMW or KTM because the dealerships are expanding knowing these bikes are dominating the adventure scene. GS650 are great bikes but aging and rare to find a good one thats not hammered. Like you say there is a massive gap with hardly anything in the midrange. Good luck and thanks for the imput.
@@stoicwarrior346 Yeah, I have been looking for a good used XT660Z, but they go for what they were sold for new 10 years ago. Insane. All the best! Let me know what you end up buying.
@@GreaseAndGravel I've been thinking of selling my KTM 300 2T and buying a lighter dual sport, so after having done some research it comes down to either KTM 690 or XR 650 L (or the R, but they are hard to find in South Africa). Alternatives I looked at is KLR but it's too road oriented and I already have a R1200GS so I don't need more road oriented. A good option nowadays would probably be KTM 500 or Husky 501 and "adventurizing" it. Those bikes have become really reliable and you don't really need to worry too much about the "20 hr" service interval if you do just dual sporting. But I'm not considering that since I need to keep my budget to under R70k :)
@@sgtunix Oooh, the XR650R looks like an amazing bike. I've seen a few in SA for around R65k (with big tank etc). I am sure the KTM690advR is better than the XRL in every way except reliability and cost of ownership. When I got the XRL it took me a while to fall in love with it, but after watch Chris Scott's Desert Riders video (3x XRL's in the Sahara desert, fully loaded in the dunes) I am convinced the XR is enough. Have you seen Round the World Paul's KTM500EXC... great build and he's been everywhere on it. But that may end up costing more than a fully kitted XRL. Even the DRZ400 seems like a good (cheaper) option. The KLR was great, but I agree... no need to have a KLR and a 1200GS. Happy bike shopping!
@@sgtunix Wow hello Torbjorn ! it would be nice to had the 500 KTM with the Rotax engine, old school certainly. But some friends told me this is a really good engine. It was basically used in flat-track in US and CAN AM made a desert racer with it in the 80's. And it hasn't timing-chain, but a belt so it can rev easily as my friend said. Here in France, you can purchase one, but in not very good conditions it's too bad, and there is no electric start but kick on the left side ! The alternative to get the same engine but in 600cc is to find an Aprilia Pegaso (the first model, not the liquid-cooled 650), I tried one in the late 90's, it was a blast to ride, great response I can affirm. Good research mate and come back after to XR's world, they're really amazing bike !! ;-))
Thanks, this is exactly the video I needed. I currently have a 2006 KLR650. I have been riding it almost daily since 2007. It has 61,000 + miles on it, and runs & performs like new. I love riding it. I’m buying the new Honda CRF300L Rally, but have also been looking at the XR650L. They have a XR650L on the showroom floor at my local Honda dealer. I have straddled it, and can not quite flat-foot it. It seems like an awesome machine. I have been thinking of getting one to compliment the CRF300L Rally. The XR650L is only 13 pounds heaver than the new CRF300L Rally. The power to weight ratio on the XR650L must be amazing. Happy Trails
Wow, that is great mileage on your KLR. Awesome bike! I would love to know how the Rally compares to the XR650L. I was surprised to see that their wet weight is very similar (on paper anyways). Let me know what you think once you've ridden both.
I would love to! Here in SA they were street legal, but they are quite scarce and rather expensive compared to the XRL. Looks like a great bike though!
Entil U get stuck some were u can't kickstart it . Or U need another gear, or u blow a head gasket and fill the motor with liquid or the CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL PULLS U OVER BY BY XRR or when someone pulls up on a tricked XRL AND LEAVES U SITTING THERE TRYING TO KICKSTART YOUR STEAMING XRR AFTER YOU JUST BRAGGED ALL DAY ABOUT GREAT AND FAST YOUR LIQUID LEAKING KICKSTART 4 SPEED EXPENSIVE TO FIX BIKE IS WHEN THAT ON TRICK OUT XRL WHATED 15 MINUTES FOR U TO CATCH UP, AND ALL HE HAD TO DO WAS PUSH A BUTTON AND RIDE AWAY!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION OH YEAH DO U EVEN OWN XRR ?
@@Foozefighter Dit klink vir my reg. Solank als netjies is. Kyk maar die gewone goed, e.g. ketting en sprockets, bande, ens. En snaakse geluide uit die enjin. Vriend van my het nou 100 000km op die klok.
