Why Is Everyone SELLING Their Kawasaki KLR650?! 

They are tough as nails

You hoped on it?Lol

Wouldn't it have been easier just to ride it down? And if you were just going back up, why bother?

@@TH4.W4TCH4 there was literally half of the mountain to go down, with rocky cliffs

@@Grunt49he was probably hoping that it still worked

Sounds like a nicer way of saying "The bike isn't very fun, but it will get you from A to B"

@@Shintenzu I rode my KLR from SF to Ushuaia in 2012, along the way meeting my wife. The money I saved bought me a lot of time, and the simplicity of the bike got me through a number of jams. I don't look back and think the ride would have been better with a bigger or faster bike. That said, everyone needs to ride their own ride, whether you're on a Super Cub or a big GS or just on a bicycle. The important thing is to get out there, and the KLR's big draw (imho) is that it makes adventure accessible.

​@@Shintenzu point being that if point "B" is in the densest forest, or the top of a mountain, or the other side of the world, the KLR will get you there, where 99% of other bikes can't.

@@Twinspinner If compared to street bikes sure. However most dual sports and off-road biased ADVs in its weight class outperform it in almost every category.

If you know, you know!!!!!

The KLR just keeps turning up

I've noticed the same with my V-Strom 650. It's always dirty because it's always being ridden.

@@cowmath77 *Outsourcing one's pride in the opinions of others - (Kardashian)

@@cowmath77 There are riders that ride so often, the focus is the experience, and those whose bikes are always spotless because they're restaurant cruisers. It makes no sense that frequent riders with dirty bikes don't care about their machines. It's just impractical to detail something that will be covered in bugs and dust the next day.

@@cowmath77 then i guess you havent met enough rider? every rider that prefer function over form that i know, always have their bike dirty / not shiny but they always takes very good care of their engine. They want their bike to perform whenever its needed, and a cracked fairings aint gonna hinder them as much as a stalled engine that lacks maintenance. When these type meet up, they usually talk about where have you been to? is it a nice ride going there? etc. on the other hand, those riders that you mention mostly never ride their bike daily (maybe weekend) and or just a short distances rider. In my experiences, all they talk about is how fast they accelerate or how beautiful this or that mods, how many HP your mod made, etc. (nothing wrong with it tho...)

100% correct and 12000km is a lot in that amount of time!

Klr is my first bike and this is the exact reason I bought it I just hit the one year mark and have rode 5100 miles roughly 8200 km a couple spills but no issues unlike friends that have bought other bikes im the only one that hasn't had a problem! Not fast but reliable and a absolutely tank!

I’d buy a klr if it wasn’t the ugliest bike I’ve ever seen

aside from time you actually have to fix it

​@EllAntares I just fixed my broken choke. Forum from 2009 said to just buy a choke eliminator knob, and call it a day. Other than having to take the fuel tank off, was a super easy fix. That day was also the first time I had ever changed to oil on any vehicle, just to show my experience level 😅

Good to hear mate

Hey how's the thing on the highway? I know it's been a bit since you made this comment. I'm deciding between this and a v strom 650

@@Sil3ntD3ath478 it's ok. The Vstrom is a much better highway bike

@@onthebackwheel that's kinda the general sentiment from what I've found. So I'm gonna end up with that, because we're planning on taking road trips over 1k miles. I'd rather be more comfortable on the highway

@@Sil3ntD3ath478 that definitely sounds like the better option for you. I wouldn't want to ride the KLR for that long on the highway. It'll do it...but you'd rather be on the Vstrom

Legend, sounds like you're having a blast

I’m 69, and been on an Africa twin since 2020. I can no longer pick up after a drop or fall. I’ve wondered if the KLR, at around 65# lighter might be possible. I actually rode one last spring, a friend has one and wants to sell.

@@PeterVred it's lighter, but will probably still be a struggle tbh. It's a heavy machine. Perhaps a 690?

Well I'm 66 and I strained my back attempting to pick up my 2022 KLR after a spill, but I foolishly tried a lift against a small slope. I should have dragged it around and used the slope in my favor. In any case, I'm now avoiding rougher terrain unless I'm riding with friends who are all a bit younger. I really like my KLR, though, and at this point I can't see down sizing.

Hi Mark, I’m from western mass also and probably ride some of the same trails. I have a bad back and so far can still pick up my DR650 without too much trouble, it’s a bit lighter than the KLR and you have 6 years on me but I do think about the day I might have to buy a lighter bike for off road, maybe the Honda 300 you hear so much about. The other important thing about riding off road for me is staying active when I’m not riding, lots of walks or hikes will help that back. Good luck

The KLR just keeps coming back for more 🤣

My KLR 650S is my first motorcycle too, for all the same reasons that you well-mentioned.

My KLR is for sale ,only because my knees are shot not the bikes fault , this bike will give a person years of riding, without much time in the shop , technology is great but expensive Simple isn't.

A good point that I didn't think of

I wouldn't call them idiots. They just like the newest thing and thats great for the rest of us that are looking for a good deal. If you can afford to jump on the newest thing, more power to you. Keep it up! I'll continue to look for deals.

Smart man. I had a $16k Triumph 800xcx offroad a lot and had to fight with all the electronic aids constantly, and could never open the throttle offroad with 100hp. I started simple, had a ton of expensive HD's and other bikes and like you I just own my reliable bikes. Putting on hundreds of worry free miles is 10x more enjoyable than waiting for repairs/parts or walking home.

Same here mate! My new Harley needed a warranty gearbox and engine at 1,000 miles. I sold it back to the stealership and bought the KLR. I thought about the T7 but over here in Australia I can have 2 GenIII KLRs for the price of the T7. I can’t justify the extra price for the T7’s extra power. Sure, it’s probably a lot of fun feeding the T7’s throttle but the KLR goes everywhere the T7 does and you’re not worried about your hip pocket.

@@jasonrichardwatts Good on ya! I rode a buds T7 last week end. Sure the extra zip in the engine is nice, but overall, the bike was not nearly as comfortable as the KLR.

That’s quite the contrast !! 150 hp to 42 !

@@h.d.mech.mortenson2098 What good is 150hp when the bike won't run? My Pan Am was a clusterf##k. I've completed every ride I started with the KLR, can't say that about the PA

Nice mate

Why replace it? Was something wrong with the 09?

@@raizt1596 My buddy wanted it and I wanted to try out the new version.

Did you do the doo on either of them?

Nope, no problems with either of them.@@HooDRidEWhiteY

Try not crashing!

I think some people got butt hurt by your comment. lol

Yep I went with the xr 650l but they're all great bikes. Just wanted a little more ground clearance and as you pointed out to not poke a stick through my radiator and after some mods it's excellent.

I have a DR650 and I did smash the oil cooler (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Jja_hCvsEbI.html). An aftermarket/oversized full tank may have protected it, though.

I had the opposite problem. I wanted a KLR650, but only a DRZ400 was available.

This is exactly why I ended up with a new KLR, I wanted a DR650 but couldn't find a new one anywhere within 300-400 miles of me. As long as my doohickey doesn't implode, I'll be enjoying this bike for many years to come.

Sane wanted the Tenere ended up with KLR buying the Tenere next week might actually give away the KLR

Hehe yep, I know the feeling

The MT-09 is just as bad. You can't really ride it without going 2x on the speed limit. The capabilities of the bike make the roads designed for old ladies in Cadilac's seem like airport runways. You either have to decide the laws are for suckers and if I see a cop hit his lights I am gone or you ride the bike far far far below what it was designed for. EDIT: Moral of the story it is generally more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.

@@NONO-hz4vo 💯👍 Thrashing a Single Cylinder Dual Sport around town can Way more fun than Putting around on a 1000cc 🚀Crotch Rocket! The Ridiculous Penalties you get for Speeding here in OZ Reminds you it was Originally a Penal Colony! I recently picked up a low k 'Minty' 2003 KTM 525exc & it's a Blast! It has 'Old School' Screw type Valve adjustment! No Shims👍 + 6 speed gearbox & it Rips! I had a KLR650 Tengai back in the day, Not Bad! & still got an old XR600 Tank, but it's Kick Start only! I sold a CRF450x to get the KTM525 & it fills the Void Between High Maintenance MXer & Heavy & Slow Dual Sport! I'd recommend having a go on one! The new KTM500 are meant to be Highly Reliable also but there a bit over my Bike Budget! It took me a Long time to Trust the KTM Brand, but I think they have their Sh*t together now! -Cheers🍺👍

I just set up my klr as a street bike because it handles amazing and it’s just such a comfortable ride. Street tires and an exhaust went a long way.

@@bpundt1094 yeah that’s what I ended up doing with mine for a while before I sold it. Was super comfortable but I wanted something a bit lighter to go hoon and carve twisties on. I think it was once of those “grass is greener” kinda deals.

You're clearly an intelligent person and intelligent rider. Because you are not trying to keep up with your buddies, you're trying to own a practical motorcycle that is actually useful. I personally hate single cylinder engines, but I absolutely LOVE the KLR. I'm torn, because I love the styling, it's my favorite bike, I think it has always been the best looking dual sport motorcycle (Enduro). There is no such thing as an adventure bike. It's called an "Enduro." They have always been called Enduros, I'm not sure why someone named them adventure bikes. Lol. In my mind, if they just changed the KLR to a parallel twin engine, it would be my dream bike! Still, I might buy a KLR650 just because I feel nervous driving my other bikes on gravel roads, and I'm always nervous I'm going to scratch them, and it's almost pointless owning something that you are nervous driving.

This is a reason I didn't think of and you're right

The bike is plenty capable off road as there are many videos of the bike,in the hands of a skilled rider, going up and down and over and through just about everything you can think of.the problem isn't with the bike, it's with the rider.the klr will do anything you have the balls to do off road.the only limiting factor is the rider.

Enjoy mate, I'd say they are a better allrounder than the newer model

Thanks mate. 3 KLRs, you might own the most for one family

Sturdy is a good term for them!

My dad just turned 56 and I am mentoring him on the exact same journey so that I have someone to teach and ride with. Looking at a new '23 base KLR tomorrow!

@Christopher T I sure hope he pulls the trigger on that. You will make lots of long lasting memories together.

Nice mate, ride on 👊

I dare you to hold that motor at 85 miles an hour for an hour or better. That's the weakest part of that bike is the motor

@@thomasreyes2857 Eighty five mph for an hour plus is sure to get me cited for speeding. It doesn't seem like a smart thing to do. However, I will have the bike for a few years so I'm sure to notice some things if/when they start happening.

Cheers, sounds like the KLR perfectly suits you

Have a 2000 KLR650 I purchased new and a 2010 R1200RT, we must think alike.

For sure, great time to buy toys

Haha that last line cracked me up 🤣

Well said and accurate demographic of ADV riders. KLR is a de tuned, for a reason tank of a bike. Still in the top 3 round the world bikes out there, after all these years. It's not "ready to race" but "ready to get you there"

Cheers mate. When I get 2 bikes, will definitely get something like you've got

@@onthebackwheel I think that as enthusiast we aren’t going to find the unicorn bike. If I were strictly a dirt rider it’d be easy for me, one of the 350cc or 500cc Husky/KTM, Beta would be all I needed, with a larger thank. Done, go have fun. It’s those long road miles and still have fun in the dirt that throw a wrench into the mix. Wanna ride two-up, even bigger wrench. I’m honestly thinking a Jeep with a single bike carrier off the rear rack to throw the KLX 300 on might be a great option for me. 😉

@@pinkiewerewolf mate you nailed it. Ultimately you need to compromise or have multiple bikes

The xr is a great all-rounder, shame they don't update them for other markets

With GEICO I had motorcycle insurance for a year for $100. But that was in Oregon

Enjoy mate!

Bingo

That sucks, hopefully it gets sorted

How many miles were you at when it started acting up?

@@leroyjenkins4123 180 miles.

@@RiseRyder that's disconcerting to hear. Thanks and good luck.

Cheers mate. I'm using Quadlock. I did an install vid on it if you want a more detailed look. Yet to do a review, but it's solid

Xr650s are good bikes, would love to own one

Haha nothing wrong with that mate

I think a lot of people in Europe feel the same way!

Sounds like it might suit to perfectly

I sold my FJR 2 years ago.... I would take it on roads I shouldn't have and got looks like what are you doing here with this bike? lol It weighed 700+ and never managed to drop it. And when I did have it on a proper road I went way too fast... I remember going down a country road one night doing 130 and the next morning thinking how stupid I am (pitch black that night along side corn fields) decided to sell it that day. I have road a number of bikes over the years... Just bought the KLR not even a week ago and have 250 miles on it.... took it Saturday on some gravel desert roads and this bike is nimble, comfortable, and very well planted. It handled the gravel at 60 mph like a champ.... and on pavement I would let go of the handle bars and zero wobble... very well balanced! My FJR wouldn't let me take my hands off the handle bars.... death wobble every time. The 3rd gen KLR has and extended rear swing arm and front raked out another 2 degrees from previous models and Led headlight is amazing. But I think the really big win is the fuel injection.... I ran 1st 80 miles on regular fuel then I topped it off and added a couple ounces of Lucas upper cylinder fuel treatment. I noticed a difference so I think it will help with break in. I use it in all my vehicles! My Lexus ES350 and Toyota Tundra..... great stuff! I don't forsee selling this bike ever. I may buy other bikes but I will at least keep this around for a buddy to ride at very minimal.... I went with the base model with ABS - oh yeah ABS works great, Last Saturday again I came into a hard turn that I miss calculated approached at around 50mph and the antilock allowed me to cut into the gravel berm without losing it. That turn would have been a lot more sketchy, I might had to lay it down to avoid going through a fence... anyway I was really surprised.

​@@lanceguinn9807sounds like a maintenance issue. My fjr has cruise control and never gets a speed wobble or any other kind and my hands are off quite often. I've had it 135+ mph. I have the tw200 for off road and back road adventures and it's a blast. It's less than 300 pounds and easy to put on a hitch carrier on my van for camping and traveling. Love the looks of the camo klr but can't justify the weight and lack of power on them. I'll end up with a drz400 eventually for a lightweight but fairly quick true dual sport that can still go on a hitch carrier.

Nice mate, enjoying mine too. I'm only one my 2nd KLR, need to do some catching up!

Hey Jerry, the “S” caught my attention and your experience - wow. KLR it is, though, I was leaning to the DR; this vid was helpful. I am trying to decide to go bigger bike on my toes, or flat footed on the S. I am 5’8. The suspension travel is a non-issue; I’m light and not pounding the bike - 50/50 tar/dirt. Thoughts?

@@adriennekeyzer108 I am 5’ 9” and not getting any younger. Me personally, I would go with the KLR. Impressive how maneuverable this bike is. I was surprised that you don’t notice the weight. Well balanced. The larger gas tank is a big plus. That said, the one you feel the most comfortable riding is the one I would recommend.

Hehe sounds like me after I ride on a different bike for a while. Lots of dirt bikes popping up too, trying to resist buying one

It really was

They did fix the doohickey.and the frame.and the swing arm.and the brakes.and the carburetor.and a lot of stuff besides just adding fuel injection.and they didn't raise the price.any company that completely redesigns their bike and sells it for the same price has my support.

Thanks mate, I rustled up some older footage for it

Not a bad way of going about it

I'd ditch the Road Glide if I were you! 🤮

Nice mate. A windscreen riser might make it even better

Hey, what do you mean the DR is no more? I'm looking for a first-bike capable of cross-country travel.

650 Suzuki is much smoother and comfortable tourer than KLR.

@@BabylonHits7 It’s no longer sold in Australia. I believe it is still sold in the USA.

@@TURKOGLUTURK34 Having owned a DR, I agree it was comfortable and smooth once you spent money setting it up for touring. Straight off the showroom floor it wasn’t though. I fitted a Seat Concepts seat, an after market screen, bar risers, Pivot Pegz, a Safari tank, and a rack and pannier frames to set mine up. In that configuration I found it to be a very comfortable tourer. I rode it across Australia a couple of times and really enjoyed it.

Well said.

I had to google the cj7. Looks like a beast

That’s what I said all the time, a CJ7 on 2 wheels.

If you've got long distance bikes already, you definitely made the right choice

Sounds perfect for you

'A toy for your Dakar cosplay', I like that one

I had a KLR 650 for a couple of years then upgraded to a KTM 1290. I now resemble a loon as the smile does not leave me.

@@stitchjones7134 funny thing, that is exactly the bike on my “short list.” Also looking at the Tuareg, but I am tall ~193cm.

KLR to 1290, hold on!

@@onthebackwheel lol. Yeah that’s a huge jump up in power. And for only the second year on a bike I wouldn’t recommend it. Maybe jump to a KTM790/890. Still a big jump in power but with similar weight/size. Growing in skill and competency should be done in smaller bites not giant leaps.

@@onthebackwheel yeah, twas a bit like that at first :D After trailbikes, Harley's and the KLR I felt like I was attached to a rocket. I leave the MTC on most days.

Interesting to hear

I had the same experience going from a 07 DR to a 08 KLR. KLR is certainly more substantial feeling with more wind protection but the DR was just dramatically peppier and more fun to ride. To be fair a stock KLR has 24lbs more fuel in its larger stock tank

@@gtemnykh that’s true… but I should have mentioned that my DR also had the big Acerbis fuel tank, 25 litres capacity. I would say that it was a pretty fair comparison, with the one exception being the KLR was 6 years newer than my DR.

100% agree. The DR makes me smile. The KLR makes me bored and frustrated. YMMV, of course.

KLR IMO is the better long range adventure tourer. No pretty or exiting- never was. DR better off roader by most accounts. @@richardwhitehead4684

That's it, if you don't to go nuts, she's a good thing

Mate you're preaching to the choir. 6 speeds or larger spacing please

Exactly, it's good value for money and takes you the same places

AMEN BROTHER!!!

18000 is a LOT

What's a 400 Falcon!? is that a South American built XR400? You guys get some nice XR250 type bikes but with Double OHC & Electric Start that I haven't seen in North America or Asia Pacific regions! I think you locally build those bikes somewhere in South America!? I've watched some cool Air Cooled MX bikes that are Raced down those parts! - Cheers🍺👍🇦🇺

@@purebloodheretic4682 Falcon 400 is a Honda NX4 Falcon. An Adv bike made in Brazil until 2014. It uses the motor from a XR400 and a street chassis with about 7" suspension travel and 21" front and 17" rear wheels.

The new one is more of an adventure bike than yours. You certainly won't be getting an extra 20hp out of one!

Lol yes it is some weird Christmas mix. I thought it just sounded like quiet background music 🤣

i was at a adv rally the had a himalya took it for a ride it was a pile i was glad to get back on my transalp

@@galenamall2061 Everyone has preferences. Most Adv bikes out there are pretty versatile and great for all rounders. Enjoy the Translappper

100%. Enjoy mate!

Hey do you have issues on the highway? I love the bike I’m just worried about the interstate use

@@ryankerr7075 I try to avoid the interstate, but I have driven on it. 70-75 mph no problem

@@ryankerr7075 I've been on three 2000 + mile trips and haven't had any trouble at highway speeds. I try to avoid the interstate, but have ridden on them. 70-75 no problem

it is an adventure i love ridding that bike

It is a good starter bike. Only thing to watch out for is the weight, it is very heavy so it may be worth getting something lighter to begin with

Thanks mate. Have to catch up for a ride one of these days

@@onthebackwheel defo mate, I still wanna head out back of neurum Creek and do a bit if exploring out there. Possibly camp the night at neurum aswell

Nothing wrong with that. Ideal world is road bike, adventure bike and proper dirt bike I think

@@onthebackwheel or a Tuareg

@@scorchcycles if I had one choice, that would be it atm. Ideal world Tuono, Tuareg and dirt bike

Get yourself a ktm 500 exc-f….light weight, plenty of power, and road worthy. And a great woods bike

@@louisdriscoll2580 I'm thinking smaller again, something like the Beta 390

Bargain!

Nailed it mate. Haven't heard of them, I'll check them out

The forks are very soft

Put Progressive springs in it, get a quality radiator guard. I’ve had a 2003 KLR from new, 88,000 miles, still going strong. Sounds like improper break in, lack of maintenance, or an anomalous piston/ring problem causing oil burning. I’m a nut for maintenance, which has helped mine survive for 20+ years.

Sounds like it could be a great fit for you

No one has ever called a KLR fast!

the 890 definitely puts a smile on your face and is most certainly not boring - I've had mine for almost 2 years now and wouldn't swop it for any other bike - plenty power, manageable weight and amazing suspension.

I hear way to many reported reliability issues with KTM to want to trust one. And for the money it should be rock solid reliability.

Exactly, sounds perfect for the riding you (and a lot of others) are doing

Hey mate. You're right, it's MORE than enough for a lot of people

The Africa twin seems to be a popular upgrade from the KLR

Which fuel controller did you go with? It's next on my list

Hehe yep, they can be a handful

Heavy??? You must have never dropped a Harley Electra glide.

Nice mate, enjoyed mine too

Z900, bloody nice bike

This is basically what I'm facing living in central Maryland, hence me selling my CRF250L Rally in exchange for a Versys 650 - if I lived somewhere like AZ, NM, Australia, or went back to living in Africa, a KLR would be awesome probably

I see used ones for sale all the time

Sounds perfect for you mate

Nice mate, I found the new model to be an improvement too

you can just 'lock' the throttle with a thick cord wrapped around the handlebar next to the grip so that the friction prevents rolling back. I've done that on my Tenere (take the cord double, hold the loop, wrap the two ends around a few times and stick them thru the loop, pull tight) and its fu@&ing brilliant when you can take the right hand off ... just make sure to losen it before you hit the trails ;-)

She's no stud on the highway that's for sure

They sure can take it!

When I bought mine they were going for $7000 base now I see new ones on sale for $5000! So don't buy it thinking you will get your return money on it. Now that Being said. I bought mine to tone my speed down! My naked sports bike was crazy. I enjoy driving this to and from work on nice sunny days 60 mile round trip. Some highways some back roads. But where it really shines is dirt roads. I love taking it up north on dirt roads. I call it my giant moped!

Mate some of those roads to Philip Island are WINDY! Would not love to be on a KLR on them