If you like what you see and want to support the channel, please subscribe. It's the easiest way to help the channel grow! In a world with the Tenere 700 and the 890 Adventure does the KLR650 really still matter? Let's have a chat...
I think the KLR looks great, and does what its supposed to. Your videos on it are how I came to find the YN channel and now yours. I am looking forward to more KLR videos in the future. Also, I have not been on a motorcycle in years and I am going soon to make this my first bike back into the sport.
@@jeffreywhittle6161 Don't worry my friend, Yammie's heard the complaints and got you covered! His latest video is about the Indian Scout Bobber! ...it's one of his usual videos where he throws stock clips and memes over background footage that isn't even of the Scout, while he talks over it pretentiously, mind you. Yep, that's the content he's decided was worth sacking his competent content manager over to produce full time.
Hey Spite, sounds like you’re not at YN anymore. However I’m happy to report that the algorithm popped your video right onto my feed today and I’m subscribed. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with! Also, the KLR is totally cool and if I had any mechanical aptitude for doohickeys I’d certainly consider one as my first bike.
All of us pro casuals were blindsided, and the “explanation” video was painful to watch. I’m Team Spite. Him getting fired and all Yammie’s ham-fisted replies in the comments and his paper-thin justifications… I’m looking forward to Spite’s content. I’m out on YN.
Houjous, yeah that was abundantly clear. I’ve been keeping tabs on that train wreck explainer video and the comments all day. So many of YN’s replies were some version of “it’s my business, and I had a right to make that decision.” It was disgusting to watch. Like, nobody questions it’s his right. Appeal to authority is always an admission you don’t have a reasonable argument, which makes me read everything YN had to say as BS.
IMO, we 100% still need bikes likes these. extremely simple, analog, low cost and functional. This is the spirit of a motorcycle. The KLR is not intended to compete against the newer adv offerings. I loved my 2017 model.
@@dutchy1121 Japanese beats Indian 10 out of 10 times for reliability over the long term but I like what's R.E is doing. They are putting money into r&d with the new 450 adv bike. They have the ability to beat the Japanese by trying new things as Japan is very slow to evolve and innovate.
@@talltale9760 not a chance, for all the fuss over certain known issues there's almost no bikes out there that have done more miles than a klr. It's a 40 year old bike essentially with some updates like fi. I dont love the klr but you have to give credit where it's due
First RU-vid comment, ever. Here because of the news on YN. Your addition to the channel is what made me a regular viewer of YN. The videos you were responsible for, the long form, informational, and deep dive content is what made YN so great. I hope you can grow the channel and find the resources necessary to bring that content to us here. I know it’s going to be a bit of a ride while you grow the subscriber count and get advertisers to fund videos like those, but we’ll be here for the ride with you. Keep it up, and we’ll watch! Love having you run the show with great content that educates us while being entertaining. It’s great differentiator from the sponsored reviews from the big guys. Subbed and Liked, and Dropped a Comment to help traction!
The KLR 650 is a good bike. Maybe it doesn't compete with the latest suite of ADVs but if you like it and you want one with a warranty and no miles you can't go wrong. As an aside I don't think background noise comes across nearly as badly as it seems like it would when you're among it 🙂
Enjoyed your work on YN, hope things go well for you on your own. I swore I’d never have a KLR, but I have a 22 and enjoy it. I prefer “affordable “ vs “cheap”. The right mods make it more comfortable. Lowered peg mounts, larger foot pegs make it feel much better off-road. You can twist the throttle, merge and pass without staining your shorts. Constructive criticism, I cringe hearing “that being said” multiple times in a few minutes. Unnecessary transition. Subscribed, hoping for more quality content.
Spite, congratulations on your own channel and best of luck brother! Just subscribed, excited to see what you do. Shopping for a new KLR now thanks to you and Yammie! Was thinking to go full crazy on the new HD Pan America. Then sticker shock, and regrouped on the Suzuki Vstrom 1150. But you know, I've always been a street rider so I think I will start with the KLR650. I'm a big guy too, hope you go over suspension upgrades to the KLR perhaps starting with the front forks. Dorky is COOL!
if you are a street rider then i would go with the V-Strom. I had a first gen DL1000 with predominately street tires on it. You ahve to be a tall guy to comfortably handle it, but it was a very comfortable bike. I got rid of it, as it just wasnt my style, i think it was a bit before its time if you ask me. the ADV bikes didnt take off quite that early on, like theyu have in the last 5 or so years. I did find a bike for me in a differnt well liked bike. a 98 Honda VFR800, it checks all the boxes for me. not full spoort position, good power, but not insane, solid running bike, with low maintenance, and still sporety enough to have fun when the opprtunity presents itself. I also decided that it was not too bad to own multiple bikes, so i got an 86 GoldWing to strip down and have a comfy "muscle cruiser" type of bike, and a GS450 that will become a scrambler when i am done with the GW. Find your type of riding, and then find the bike that fits that the best. and you might find that is not just one bike...
Spite! You are half the reason I bought a gen 3 adv KLR! Please don't stop making content! You were my favorite part of YN and I think you'll be immensely successful if you keep your head up and keep on trucking. Best of luck to you brother from one KLR rider to another
I have a gen 3 and love it. I am not a boy racer like YN so going fast doesn’t appeal to me. Slowing down and enjoying the ride and seeing all the nature around me is much more enjoyable. I subscribed will look forward to seeing what you do next.
I’ve got a 2022 KLR as my first bike. I’d love some “how to” content on wrenching on it, doohickeys, thermobobs, valves, chains, etc. Both basic and advanced content. I see videos all over the internet about it, but it would be cool to be a part of a community that has a good amount of KLR content. Kind of how Life of Burch has a thing for Rebels.
Advice, Buy good torque wrenches (not harbor freight) and a service manual. Follow procedures and ask questions. Be very careful of who you get how to tips from on You Tube... There are a bunch of hacks here that will have you visiting professionals such as myself to correct mistakes you will make.
Jumped over from YN. Keep doing what you have been doing. We are here for you. I'm on my second gen 1 worth and 87 for my first and now a 2001 for my second. I'm a cult follower for sure on the KLR'ER.
Holy cow subscriber spike! Well deserved. Spite is a great presenter with a fantastic camera presence. He IMO deserves a good chunk of the subscribers that his former employer had.
12 hours and you have 10k more subs. Keep doing honest, detailed, and humble bike reviews and you will prosper and wish you the best. I watched YN for your back and forth and thought you guys were a decent contrast to each other. But you are around my size. I am a 6'4 250, and most reviewers are not giving the long legged ergonomics feedback that is an opportunity area in bike reviews. Leg room is a major part of comfort. Its also hard to find tall person gear. Being wedged into pegs that are too high isn't fun. I like cruisers too, but a sport bike gives the smiles and dopamine blasts. You helped make me look at the MT line and were spot on with its strengths and weaknesses. These adventure bikes may be worth looking into more as a 2nd bike. Just keep pushing forward bro.
Spite, I appreciate you continuing to manufacture content on the youtube platform. I recently watched the video from YN on the subject of your departure. Something that resonated with me on that video was the need for more than 2 machines. I have recently departed from the US and currently based in Europe for the next few months. I have a 2022 RE Himmy stored in the states that you can use and make content with if you wanted to do so? The bike is located in NC but if you wanted to, I would be more than happy to let you use it for making content FOC.
I've always gravitated to less complicated motorcycles and old enough that if the original Gen 1 was on my radar way back then I would have bought one. I ride my 22 adventure as a urban commuter mostly and here on Oahu it handles that task very well. If it rains I don't care and it sits tall enough to keep my head level with other heads driving SUV's. I've put 5500 miles on mine without a burp and it returns about 50-55mpg with a mix of freeway and city type riding. Good luck here with the channel.
I bought 1 gen 2007 klr650c and i love it. Complete overhauled, serviced and spray painted. Not worth my efforts and money spent on the klr but if you like working on motorcycles klr is perfect for that. I wouldn't enjoy brand new expensive bike or even new klr as much as i enjoy mine and all the upgrades and mods i can do without worries about warranty or just simply being new :). Hayes manual is all you need. I never worked on an engine before and was able to overhaul top to bottom, replace all bearings, seals, piston etc just with that manual, it's so simple. Parts are super easy to obtain, but kinda expensive. I'm just for mikuni hrs tm42-6 pumper carby being shipped and the joy continues :)
When you said the thing about if it had a 6th gear it would be better on the highway I realized why you like it. It's the Sportster of the the Dual Sport/ADV world.
Loved this video, and still have fond memories of my stolen 1988 KLR-650. If you see one riding around in Colorado with hammered metal grey Krylon tank and plastics, it might be mine.
I got a KLR650S as my first bike and it's treating me very well. I live in a small town between two bigger cities here in TX and it is perfect for around town, some interstate and occasion dirt/gravel. I love it. Thanks for the vid, and keep it up!
Came here from that other channel. Subscribed! Looking forward to more of your in depth and well balanced motorcyclereviews. You always deliver and has given me a lot of insight and knowledge about the world of motorcycles. I hope you grow beyond your wildest dreams. You deserve it.
Had my klr for four years and have have rode it through alot of tough stuff that has sure tested my limits but it just never let's me down i love it! Good luck with the fresh start mate👍
I really see your niche as a Big Man on bikes. Long torso and 34" inseam. KLR was the only motorcycle in the showroom that I could comfortably operate! Put my name in RU-vid to see how far a KLR can be taken.
I've owned a gen 1 and currently own a gen 2 (18). The KLR is a great touring bike for anything that isn't an interstate. Mine is outfitted with crash bars, hard bags , rebuilt rear shock, 16 tooth front sprocket , and tkc80s to make it an adv build. I like mine, and it's the most fun you can have without dropping GSA money.
My first bike was a 2018 KLR. With my second bike now in the garage the KLR serves as a mule to carry my stuff on longer rides & camping trips. It was the perfect bike to start on & to learn basic moto maintenance with. Two thumbs up from me, Spite
The KLR definitely makes sense. I'm a 59 year old Boomer and a bit old school and I really don't like the direction that the motorcycle market is going (and the car/truck market as well.) I don't like rider nanny's and I prefer to keep things simple. The only exceptions in my book are cruise control and EFI. At least the KLR EFI which is fine by me because carburetors suck and I'm tired of dealing with them. I'm in the market for a Yamaha T7 or a KLR, but it is highly likely that I'll end up with the KLR because I am starting to get cheap in my old age.
made it here from yams channel. you cant buy the klr in the uk and i think thats a huge mistake. i think it would out sell the tenere 700. great work spite. keep me comin!
Spite, More Dirt, ADV or just senseless rambling! Looking forward what you create, you can make it your own now! I've learned with my KTM, fix it yourself if you want it done right. I got burned as well from the Austin dealer, told I needed a top end, just need rejetting according to Slavens. Year later still running like a champ.
Had a Gen 1, loved mine, my biggest issue was finding new plastics ☹️ wish I had brought it with me when I moved to Japan, worth a lot here! Great Video!! Keep up the great content Spite!
As someone who loves to ride but decided to start when I have very little time to do so (blessed with two young kids, busy career, etc.), this seems like the perfect second bike to compliment my Ninja 400 to ride in the winter and off road. Thanks for putting out great content and I look forward to seeing more videos on the channel!
I started watching YN for the crf300l content and now have a Crf250L myself. I like dirt boy stuff and dual sport street riding. The klr and ktm stuff is perfect for me. Looking forward to watching your journey
I like your honest and informed take on the bike. It’s good to know that thumpers still have their place in the world. I used to ride a Yamaha 360 Enduro back in the day and that thing would have climbed a telephone pole if it could get the traction. I’m enjoying your channel and your unique style of promoting the sport. Keep up the good work.
They're very very relevant. I own 2, Gen 3 KLR's. I don't off road. Recently, I did a 2 day, 925 mile ride, all hwy. The second day was 551 miles. I am 69, 6'1" 245. I use a Seat Concepts Commuter Low touring seat, a National Cycle tall VStream windshield and employed a GoCruise throttle lock. Very capable bike. I love my KLR's.
When I first got into motorcycles I went straight for the sport bikes, and while I can go on mini adventures, the KLR type of bike just seems like a must have for that. Thank you for all the info, I know I gotta get one in the future.
You are a really great presenter, and I was very supprised to see the news on yn today. You have everything going for you, and I'm subscribed to this channal too now. Grateful for all the info you have presented, being a relatively new rider. The synergy at yn looked great with you there, but I'm looking forward to your independent content!
My dad and I each got Gen 2 2017 KLR 650's. He's ridden motorcycles for years and this is my first bike. We both absolutely love it and the community is a trip to be a part of. Personally, I think you made a great choice!
I’m so glad to see you have your own channel. You were the reason I watched you over on the other one. Your perspective and the thought you put into your work was always fun to watch. I’m not a cruiser rider, but damn you made it enjoyable and interesting. I know you mentioned that you won’t have the access to other bikes yet, and my 2020 Street Twi is a little small for you, but if you want it for content I’d be happy to make the short ride up 281 to Austin. Keep up the great work! I love the bikes and guitar content!
The biggest issue is with the KLR650 is they did not fix the major decades old problems with it, which forces owners to go modify it themselves. I would never buy one because I HAVE to modify it so it doesn't die in 10k+miles. But if you like it great. Anyways subbed.
Agree. Big time. Doo Hickey is largely marketing hype aimed at paranoid people. Have had my 2018 for 4 years and 65000kms without upgrade. No probs and still purrs. Have spoken to many many specialist mechanics here in Oz and none have had to repair Doo Hickey related issues.
I have achieved my dream bike, Tuareg 660, but I still look at these very fondly. Have been around older versions in the past on desert rides and they are great tanks, and have that kawasaki charm. Wouldn't mind owning one too but i have too many bikes already and it's too similar in use to the Tuareg.
I camped next to you at GetOn ADV Fest in Sturgis, I had the tan KLR-650. Good to see your own channel and I always enjoyed your take on motorcycles. More KLR-650 content!
Shock and awe was my afternoon when I saw the band was breaking up. I couldn’t make it past the first 4:00 minutes of the other channels video. So here I’am, rooting for you
Hey Spite, cool video! I always got a soft spot for those dorky/nerd bikes! I actually see one of these bikes in my business district quite frequently.
Making my way through the vids, going to 100% the channel. I would get a KLR but I understand the appeal, it's a super versatile bike. I'd imagine it would do best in rural areas with a mix of paved, dirt, and green line roads. Nice vid Spite! 👍
I'm binge watching your content so you can soon be celebrating your one millionth subscriber video. It won't be long, the community at YN I'm sure, we have your back.
Hey Spite! Very accurate assessment of the KLR, my gen 1 has a ton of farlearkles and is staying in the garage next to my tiger! Will come back more here, not too pleased with the Yam. Get some merch up, so can order something, can't seem to wear my fast dad hat anymore. You are very talented, believe in yourself. Moving on is growth, but sometimes timing sucks.
Subscribed… Came over from watching you on YN. I’m about your size so seeing how you fit on bikes is actually really helpful to me. Hope you have the nuts to do some regular dual sport ADV content. I’m 40, my sport bike days are long gone.
This is the first page I've ever liked a video, and hit the bell for notifications. Does it help the algorithm who knows but I'm here doing everything I can to support the content
Dude in my MSF class bought a 22 KLR. Passed his test and was planning on taking it out as soon as he got his license. Dude absolutely loves his and living in CO is great for hitting trails.
Took a rented KLR on BDR 4 day training trip in WA this summer, gotta say it did great. Rode with a bunch of GS1200's, Tigers, Africa Twins, the old torque dog did great and hung with $$ easily.
So it’s like my 1998 Jeep Wrangler. It’s old, has no power, no features, and smokes like a chimney. But it won’t die, and is SO much fun to bounce off of trees and rocks.
I bought an almost new 2001 version a little over a year ago. It weighs less than 400 lbs, still has a carb, and has nothing it doesn't need and everything it does. Kawi got it right the 1st time!
You were part of my decision to ge the KLR 650 and I'm glad I bought one. Same model too. I want the Tenere 700 too, but I won't sell my KLR 650 because I like it that much. I'm keeping mine as long as it runs
