You ever met someone who rides a KLR you didn't like? No, you haven't, because KLR riders are the most benevolent and down to earth folks around. We are a culture of conservative utility. A KLR 650 is like a physical manifestation of the Scout law. Cheers from the bottom coast.
You are so spot on with your description. I have had three KLR's. Traded my first one in on a Sporster 1200 then traded back to a KLR then traded it in for a Verses 1000 which I rode around in mostly 3500 rpm. Didn't need all that power and it was so uncomfortable. So back to another KLR. The KLR for me is the right fit and I have been riding bikes for fifty yrs.
Thank you SOOO MUCH for this video!!!!!!!!!!! You knocked me over the KLR fence. I had wanted a KLR forever and finally got one because of the love you shared for it. The KLR650 is an AMAZING BIKE and I will love it forever! ROCK ON!!!
Everything you said about your KLR is so spot on! I have a 2001, 12000 miles, original owner, and would NEVER part wit my horse! Thanks man! Happy, happy, happy!
I have a 02 that I love. It runs perfect. I just found a18 with 85 miles on it. KLR just fits me perfect. So much fun to cruise around on. Every thing you said is true. Great bike. I have a 2020 speed twin. I ride my KLR about 80% of the time. Thanks
I've had my 08 for 9 years now! Dynojet stage 2, lexx mx exhaust, 16th counter sprocket and opened up the airbox, drilled 4 1inch holes on top of airbox. With those mods it made a real big difference! 30,000. Miles and stock chain absolutely no issues!!! Fing love my klr!!!
@@bensbikex510 in spring of 2020 checked valves. In spec. Took side covers off still had adjustment with stock adjuster. But went with eagle mike's doo. Nothing wrong with chain. I meticulously maintain my bike, cars etc.... It works!
I have owned mine for about three years now. It gives me 120% out on the road. I think the bike is quite comfortable on long trips. I also like the weight on the bike. I ride solo a lot and I can pick it up. Really haven't found anything to replace it. Great camping motorcycle.
Don't get me wrong I love my Klr. It's my everyday bike in Scotland. It has an IMS tank and hard panniers and I load it full of camping gear (including my chainsaw). I also have a Tiger 'steamer', but my all time favorite bike lives in my sisters garage in Cape Town, an XR650R. Now that is an awesome adventure machine on a level nothing else delivers.
Yes, that XR 650 R is the bike, but has no electric start (i should not kick because of my spine) and here in Portugal there isn't much in good condition, just overpriced!
I like that it is standard carburetion and can be bump started (I've had to a few times when the battery pooched) so reliable, so easy to maintain and ton's of aftermarket upgrades (bought mine new in 2008 for $5,200 and now have over $7m in it)
Great review and welcome back to the fold. ;) Yeah, I like that it's big and fits me, old school, carbed with no ABS, traction control, cheap to get parts for. And hey, there's a ton of forums full of info on the thing. I just finished upgrading the suspension and it made a world of difference, and I'm now waiting for my new Seat Concepts Commuter seat to show up at the door next week to literally save my ass. I love my KLR
Everyone venturing far offroad should spend a day taking their carburetor apart and putting it back together. It's not hard. It's not something you want to try and do alone out in the desert for the first time.
Not to mention that the aftermarket support enables you to change basically anything you dont like about the bike I have my 2013 just about dialed in ergonomically it's on point with the footpegs handlebar risers seat concepts commuter saddle extended shifter billet hand levers. The cogent dynamics suspension transforms the handling of the bike and is by far the best money anyone can spend on a klr I've upgraded just about everything on the bike the brakes the carb the handguards and skid plates the windshield the tires all the lighting the front and rear fenders and the taillight I really want to up the displacement of the old thumper but am holding out to see if eagle mike will ever release his 762 stroker or if it will just fade into obscurity
Just bought me second one after selling my last one for an XT660Z (most uncomfortable bike in the world). There's only two bikes I've had twice, A Ural Tourist (which I still have) and now a KLR650.....I don't know the Russian for "Let the good times roll" but they sure do with the Ural and of course always will with the KLR !!
Preach it brother you know what I like. When I think of my KLR I think of this country song. You can set my truck on fire and roll it down a hill and I still wouldn't trade it for a coupe deville. Thumper and I have been through some thing's together. I wouldn't trade my KLR for anything it's hands down my favorite bike.
It's a great bike and your review is spot on. I've always thought of it as a dual sport and adventure bike combined. I love that I can easily carry all of my camping gear and enough food and water to bugout for three days or more. You can't beat the price and with the money you save you can certainly do a lot of upgrades that you would probably do on any bike that you purchase. It's just a great all around bike that's easy to own and won't drain your wallet.
2006 KLR 650.... It's been a dual sport beast... in and out of places I never should have been. It's been used, abused, put away dirty and it keeps on going with 28,000 miles. I am always looking for a last year 2007 model with very low miles and a decent low price that I can purchase as my new daily rider and then tweak the crap out this 2006 in to a more dedicated trail bashing beast!
I'm on my 2nd klr. I have more than one bike but the klr is my go to. I can afford about any bike out there but the klr is it. The only true adv bike I'd consider is the cb500x with RR bits. I'll say this.. I have 45k miles on my current klr, im about to buy a new one just to have once I wear this one out. There will never be a klr again. No matter what kawi tries.. the klr is truly one of a kind. As an old guy, that's seen em all come and go... the klrs will be the bike to have , especially once they are all gone. Hell I may buy 2 new ones and store them. I will be laughing at bmw and ktm sheep with there over priced never seen dirt " adv " bikes for years to come.
Wow my first was a klr 600,1984,still have the motor, next one was a 1987,then a 1991,1994,then a nice green and silver 2001, I also bought a 1990 klr 250 than a used 1989 250 that I still own
Yeah, did that sent the post cards, still have the T shirt. I stepped up to a BMW R1150 GS but have not sold my KLR 650... Glad I didnt! I still LOVE that naughty girl! My BMW is actually easier to work on but cost at least twice as much to do anything to it. And I have been having to do a lot of work to it. Love it on the highway but I love the KLR more off road. If could only have one.... I would have to stick with the KLR. But then there is sixth gear. OMG I love 6th gear soooo much! Why couldnt KLR have made a 6 speed gear box!! I used to think my KLR was a fat ass pig in the woods... after BMW riding she is slim and SEXY!
I bought a 1200gs thinking it was my dream bike a few years ago. I owned it for a couple of years. I traded it for my 2017 Klr 😎 The BMW is way over priced and honestly it’s fine on the road but it sucks off-road and I had quite a few problems with it. My Klr is my favorite bike I’ve ever owned.. It’s fun, easy to ride, easy to work on, easy to mod, and you can make it whatever you want it to be.. It’s awesome, it’s tough, and just what every other motorcycle should be.. If I won the powerball I still would have bought my Klr 🙂 Check out my bike on my channel if you want (Supertrucker207)... happy riding!
Swag my friend! The Klr has a certain swag to it over ALL other bikes! Nuff said. Loved ur review. Agreed with all you said. Sold my gen 2 regretted shit out of it. Gotta 2018 v Strom 650.xt. heavily modded for off road. Love that bike too but couldn't sleep thinking bout my Klr. So I bought a gen 3. Always wanting to ride my Klr over the Strom. Luv that chug!
I think the reason Mikal are get such a bad rap because it’s not fancy and the magazines and reviewers aren’t overly excited about it because there’s nothing specifically special about it. It’s got the basics like you said of an adventure bike it can go off-road just about anywhere you can go on road anywhere It’s not fast but fast enough but the things that are exciting and our sales points on the killer are basics on everything now. But that’s what’s great about the killer is the features that aren’t talked about or what make it great. It’s simple it’s easy to work on because it’s not pushed to the edge of high-performance it’s incredibly durable and needs very little maintenance. You lube and change the oil you keep your filter clean and replace consumables as they were out and every couple of years you do a valve adjustment and that’s about it. Some thing like a CRF 450 L is a better bike it’s faster in the red circles around this is better off-road but the killer will still all do that pretty well and get you from point a to point B which is what an adventure bike is supposed to do Get it from place to place over various types of terrain. A motocross racer isn’t gonna be happy with a KLR he’s gonna want something more motocross oriented but that’s not what the killer is supposed to be it’s not a street bike it’s not a motocross bike it’s kind of like an SUV it’s a very comfortable workhorse that will get you anywhere you need to go. If you want the fastest cutting edge engine performance you’re going to pay for it in maintenance time and costs, a CRF 450 L wants you to rebuild the entire engine after 20,000 miles., You could probably skip your valve adjustments and just change oil on a car alarm for 20,000 miles and it will barely be broken in come out low compression simple engines go forever. You’re not going to see a bunch of CRF 450 else with 100,000 miles on them in the future, they’re already a bunch of Honda XL‘s Suzuki DR 650 is the KL are 650 come out these simple bikes just go forever. That’s the magic of these, ease of ownership, if you’re not out there racing this will do everything just fine and get you from point a to point B he hit dirt or mud or rocky trail it’ll get through it and it will do it for cheap. Yeah BMW makes better bikes and so does KTM and even the Japanese manufacturers now have them but you can buy a killer for 3500 bucks in pretty good shape go out and put 80,000 miles on it. He might be able to do that with something like in Africa twin but you’re still going to have a little more maintenance on it and you’re gonna have to pay 4 to 5 times as much for it right off the bat and parts and service are going to be expensive. Forget about a KTM or Ducati or some of those. You can buy 2 cal with what you’re going to pay for in maintenance costs not to mention if your friend says hey let’s go drive to the top of Alaska this summer, if you’ve got a KLR you change the oil and go. If you’ve got a high-tech high-performance bike you have to check your maintenance intervals and how many of them do you have to be a damn good mechanic or try and schedule time with the dealer to get your overprice maintenance done. Personally I really like the Africa twin but do I want to pay $12,000 when I can get a K alarm for 3500 which will probably get you to all the same places for a whole lot cheaper and honestly a lot more comfortably. I get it I would love to have an Africa twin and I kind of like the BMWs but my biggest problem with those bikes is they’re heavy and if you write off road you’re gonna drop it and a killer is heavy as well but well over 100 pounds lighter and just way more comfortable. Adding a bigger windscreen is easy but you can’t add ease of use and maintenance and ownership later. If you go buy a CRF 450 L you’re gonna have to drive a couple of times and then spend the day renting on it and if you’re gonna put miles on it you’re gonna have to rebuild that engine every 20,000. With Keller you just drain the oil throwing a new filter fill it back up with oil and go that’s almost all you have to do for years on end. To me that’s worth way more than an extra 50 hp I’ll probably never use. It’s cool those bikes are out there but a killer does the same thing just a lot cheaper and a lot easier and it will keep doing it for decades. Low tech is sometimes better. Yeah you can buy a $400 nail gun and get the compressor or battery make sure it’s charged load it with overpriced nail gun nails and that’s cool if you got to do a ton of them that’s great but if you gotta just put a couple of nails in a hammer is much easier and simpler and cheaper, that’s kind of what the killer is it’s just very simple very easy durable dependable and performance wise it’s not bad the people who hate it or the people that nitpick everything to little pieces. For me the killer performance is good enough. I would probably make a couple of mods on it, they’re kind of choked off and put a pipe on it But nothing crazy I’d put some holes in the screen on the top of the airbox and re-jet it but bone stock the performance is decent and the power is good enough to get you out of trouble it’s not too heavy and it’s super easy. That’s why people keep going back to them you see people who do reviews that I’ve driven hundreds of different bikes and a lot of them have A Kahler or an XR 650 L or a DR 650 sitting in their garage and that’s what they buy, Bikes like the kale are like the DR the DRZ 400, everybody likes to complain about them but those are some of the best selling bikes out there and that’s what most people have for a reason. Magazines are cool to see the latest tech and all that but they aren’t very practical at suggesting bikes for people most of the time because they’re kind of selling you those high-performance flashy new and exciting things that are interesting about new bikes but when you buy that two years later there’s gonna be something newer and flash year that they’re gonna tell you is way better than the crap you bought two years ago. The killer is just a simple honest bike it is what it is is it going to be what you bought it to be and it’s going to be that way for 30 years. Most bikes can’t say that, almost everything new and redesigned in the last few years is never gonna last that long and if you wanna spend the money and the maintenance time for that level of performance and that’s awesome and they’re great bikes out there for that but for the average guy wants to go for a ride travel up from point a to point B be able to get through the dirt roads end the streets to be able to go fast enough on the freeway, the killer is just fine and it will do it cheap and it will be very easy to own and that’s worth way more to me. I might go for an Africa twin but realistically the killer is all I’ll ever need and for 95% of the people out there who will probably be able most of them will ever need as well, buying a $20,000 bike is it gonna make that much of a difference a good rider on a killer will drive circles around your average Joe on The KTM 890 adventure. The only exception to that would be drag racing and if you drag race and get a street bike because it’s gonna be way faster than any adventure bike anyway. People should get what they want but that’s the one thing I always lacking when I hear advice from reviewers, Is considering the ease of ownership and maintenance the durability and longevity are touched on but the truth is almost anything you out by today it’s going to be kind of a pain in the butt to own as far as maintenance and servicing, a killer isn’t. The only problem I see with the KLR is there a couple things that need to be covered up better and sometimes the bolts rattle loose a little bit so you keep some red Loctite and something comes loose you pop it out put a couple drops of Loctite on it screw it back in then you never have to worry about it again. You can nitpick its imperfections but as a complete package it’s a pretty great bike and there’s very little seriously wrong with it, Especially on the new models. A GEN one Yep you’re gonna need to upgrade that front brake because they suck but you can do that for three or 400 bucks later models fix that and the Doohickey thing is stupid they should’ve fixed that but neither of those are a big deal they’re both things that can kind of wait but other than that it’s a pretty solid bike all the way around will take you anywhere and it’ll be very easy to do and that’s why people who just put down a lot of miles love them
I had a 2004 with a ton of aftermarket stuff: Tall windshield, brake and case guards, springs, brake lines, strobing brake light... I reluctantly sold it and wish I had it back. Bike is perfect but could use a 6th gear, better charging system, and better seat.
Did you ever mess around with the sprokets? I just swapped the front stock 15 tooth for a 16 tooth and has given me less buzz at high speed and higher top speed
KLR to Harley Sportster 1200 to KLR to Kawasaki Verses 1000 and finally back to a KLR . Thats three KLR's in about four years. So I now know what makes me happy. Also in my youth I've owned Z1-900, KZ1000, Bandit 1200, V-Max. It's not about power anymore, it's about do it ALL fun.
I picked a klr for my first bike again after years due to its utilitarian sorta style living in rural in MN it can’t do anything well but will do everything
I’ve ridden dirt bikes for years, then I had a couple cruisers including a Harley. Traded up from the Harley to a klr650. I should have just stuck with dual sport bikes instead of cruisers. Also funny little story, my dad bought a klr new in 1999 when I was 3. I thought it was the coolest thing ever, 20 years later in 2019I bought my 18’klr brand new.
I've bounced between sport bikes and dual sports myself. If I could only pick one, a street oriented dual sport takes it. Will say tho it's great to experience all types of motorcycles.
I bought my KLR because of the simplicity; no electronic b.s.. basic & inexpensive, & maybe I can fix it too!.. it's just a motorcycle, 👍! My adult version of my Honda 90!
I just got a 92 last year. I wish so bad that i diddnt have to replace the gage cluster. But it was toast when i got it. The tac needle actually fell off as i rode it from the purchase lol
I've had various dirt bikes and street bikes over the years, and enjoyed them all for various purposes. For the last 2 seasons I've been riding a 1989 Xt600 happily around my rural county roads. Then I tried a friends klr650 a few days ago, and I gotta have one! The liquid cooling and big gas tank are just better for my needs.
Kawasaki needs to talk to every KLR rider ever and find out how to build its successor. They won’t though. What’s the use of a product that lasts. Can’t sell a new bike to an untroubled old customer.
At least they should look at the forums. Though the recipe that made the klr successful imo isnt the recipe id imagine most marketing departments would go for. Key points being simple user friendly design, affordable price, and 50/50 off on road performance. Seems most bikes today need to be complex to assure use of dealer mechanics, expemsive to increase per unit profit, and heavy bias to either street or dirt.
TwinCitiesRider Yep. Although with the help of utube and guys like you who are willing to empower people, enthusiasts are realising that even the more complex jobs are achievable. Dealer mechanics will probably always have their place but everyday guys are keeping up with tech.
Unfortunately, the current (and future) emission regulations mandate a lot of complexity that prevents making a simple basic bike anymore. There will never be another bike of the KLR type made. It's sad, but when we run out of good used KLRs, we're stuck.
Fixed fairing way better. A handlebar mounted fairing caused me to crash my GS1100G at 108mph (crazy driver crowding me on freeway). Handlebar mounted fairings should be illegal!
My first KLR (a 2015) got stolen about 2 years ago. About a year ago after I recovered from a broken arm that I suffered at work I bought my second KLR (a 2017). Any differences? Other than paint scheme, the 2017 sat better on its side stand. Both bikes had the front sprocket upgrades from the standard 15 tooth to the 16 tooth. I did the 2015 myself because the 16 tooth were not available at bike purchase but for the 2017, I had the dealer fit it and leave me 15 tooth as a spare. Why did I do this? Simple:- with the 15 tooth front sprocket at 4000RPM the bike would be doing about 93km/h during first part of the run-in/break-in; With the 16 tooth front sprocket the bike would be doing about 100km/h. I bought both bikes from new. Windscreens: The standard windscreen on the fixed fairing on both bikes are the same and they sucked because they are to short for me. The 2015 got the 4 inch extended KLR screen from Kawasaki but for the 2017, I got the National Cycle VScreen 18 inch screen. I originally wanted the 21 inch in clear but they couldn't make it as they were out of clear stock and it would have taken ages to get clear, they had it on backorder, so I settled on a 5% tint in the 18 inch they had in stock as I could hunch down behind it at night and ride in the rain. I quite like it. It pushes the air to the sides around me rather into my face. The only other thing to be fitted is an extended shift lever with a folding tip as I have a pair of Enduro/MX boots that I want to try for long runs rather than my touring boots. The toe caps on the Enduro boots are a bit taller than the touring boots. I need to break in the Enduro boots as well. But the best thing about the KLR is that I don't have to rev the crap out of it or tap-dance on the shift lever, it will grunt its way through most stuff. About the only thing I'm not a fan of with the KLR is that if you have to pull a bolt out, locktite it back in.
Do you notice much of a difference off road with the 16 sprocket. I have one but am a bit reluctant to put it on, but i would really like to settle the revs down a bit at pavement speed
Nice, I know the people who own the dealership, great bikes. Seasons almost over but I'm sure some riding weather is still ahead. twincitiesrider@gmail.com if you wanna plan a ride.
I have 2 KLRS (one in the process of becoming a rat scrambler). If I were to buy a new bike it would be a Himalayan. I'm 67 and not that strong - KLR can be a beast to pick up, especially loaded. Then again, I'd try a new Honda 125 Cub Hunter (check out C90 adventures on RU-vid) and go ultralight.
I'm all the way Honda XR650L, 650R and I would never consider putting up cash for a Kawasaki KLR650 until now. Do you sell brides too? I would be obliged to pay you ca$h for it....!!!
Did you do the wheatwacker mod yourself? How do you find it compares to the stock angle? Thinking of doing it if itll make a difference on the highway.
It was done by the previous owner. It keeps the wind off, but personally I hated it. I like my helmet in the wind, and this blocks it to the top of my lid.
i had the exact same KLR 650 colour etc..year.. i SO!! regret selling it..i own a couple of bikes ktm1290 norton commando.. and a yamaha FZ6 the bike i used and rode the most was..MY KLR 650.. it could do anything get scratched ..fall over..handle my weekly shopping runs..take on long camping trips and even be a downtown city street bike.
kudos on your viewership. Such a simple vid with all of the facts we klr folks know! I too look at newer bikes. pan america, bmw, ktm etc. Always come back to reality. Like you said "nothing great" but does it all. And that is a fact. With the exception of munching miles. Probably the biggest down fall. For my old ass anyways. lol
I had one before this one, it was my second bike. Its great overall in it's ability. It can be a light duty trail bike, it's good enough to enjoy the twisties, and it handles the highway good enough for touring. It's also nice for learning to work on bikes cause it's relatively simple compared to other bikes. I'd definitely think about how much off road you plan on doing though. I wouldn't buy a KLR if you don't plan to ride some light trails. Otherwise I'd consider anything with a twin engine. They run a lot smoother on the road and offer better street performance. Singles are nice for stop and go and trails, but for street duty I'd take a twin any day. Plus about any bike can get you down a smooth gravel road. Just some considerations, good luck with your purchase!
@@twincitiesrider8103 that was the plan was 50/50 I'm not a dirt bike guy, and i dont wanna go balls fast on highway, at the same time I dont wanna be restricted to the pavement
Honestly how bad does engine vibrate 4000-5000 rpm's?? Can't get honest answer from anyone.My 2006 with grip puppies and Rox antivibration risors still numbs my hands horribly.
My first and my current one are both gen 1. I think the gen 2 is a touch better in terms of being a road bike due to the bigger fairing, improved doo, improved suspension, and brakes. I bought a gen 1 again mainly cause i like the look, the more durable plastics, cheaper price, and lighter weight.
So my 2006 after a few miles(30 more or less) all of the sudden shots off. Pull over wait a few seconds start it again off I go. It does it consistently now especially if it's hot out don't know if heat has anything to do with). Any ideas or any one experience the same problem?
Vapor lock/vacuum in fuel tank maybe?Sometimes if a gastank/carb vent hose is pinched or the tank is super hot it can do that. Also u might need to start it with the throttle open to get it started after sitting in a hot parking lot. Most other theories might be digging too deep into the prob, valve out of clearance, electrical staor issue, couple other unlikely culprits.
You are spending too much time in the city and not using the Motorcycle for what it was meant for touring and off roading trials, get another klr for the ladies that like off roading too
The klr 650 is not that great of a bike..But its a great bike for the price..It does everything ok but with a few upgrades it makes a great long distance adventure bike..
If your buying new your right, there's better options. T7, KTM 390 790 690, Versys 300x, cb500x, ect. Though similar function can still be gained from used bikes with a little tweaking for far less coin.
Oh... and please stop talking with your hand(s)! Anyone around you will be trying to figure out just what in the heck you're doing... are you signaling... giving hand gestures to some other vehicle.... what are you doing?.... it looks ridiculous, they have no idea you're vlogging.
I bought a 1200gs thinking it was my dream bike a few years ago. I owned it for a couple of years. I traded it for my 2017 Klr 😎 The BMW is way over priced and honestly it’s fine on the road but it sucks off-road and I had quite a few problems with it. My Klr is my favorite bike I’ve ever owned.. It’s fun, easy to ride, easy to work on, easy to mod, and you can make it whatever you want it to be.. It’s awesome, it’s tough, and just what every other motorcycle should be.. If I won the powerball I still would have bought my Klr 🙂 Check out my bike on my channel if you want (Supertrucker207)... happy riding!
