KLR650 or R1150R??

[ColumbiaBMW]

Hey everyone,
I've been looking into buying a KLR650 the last week or so. The only problem is, I don't have the finances available to have the BMW and the Kawasaki. So I have to decide. I understand there is a certain amount of bias using this forum, but I guess I just want you guys to to talk me out of it. The KLR650 would cost less for a brand new bike than what I am paying now for one with 17,000 miles on it, and I could really go off road with it. There is no question though that the BMW is way more gorgeous than the Kawasaki and I'm sure handles much better.
But here is the main thing, the first time I took my BMW out of my city limit, it died. (although it is fixed now) It was just a week or so after I bought it, so I just don't have the confidence to take it to Colorado (where my friend lives that I would like to go riding with). I would not be worried at all about taking a brand new bike that far though. So should I just take my BMW to a shop and have them check it out for me before attempting to cross several states, or should I just buy the KLR and have an uglier, cheaper, simpler, slower, but very functional bike. (That can go off road) Anyone have experience with the KLR650, are they a boring bike to ride everyday? Because I certainly could never say that about my Roadster.

Someone just tell me to quit whining and keep the BMW

PS I realize this post is incredibly stupid, just wanted some quick advice, or thoughts on the KLR650. (Which really reminds me of a poor mans R1200GS)

[DSKYZD]

If your really are going to be covering a lot of miles you'd probably be more comfortable on the R1150R. I've never ridden a KLR, but the R1150R is more than capable of covering just about any improved (gravel) road and most forest service roads as long things don't get too gnarly.

What caused your bike to die when you left town?

If you like your BMW just have your dealer give it a good going over and keep it. There have been many here that have parted with the R1150R and regretted it. Others probably did so and never looked back, to be fair.

I'd evaluate the type of riding you want to do. If it is mostly touring = BMW, mostly rough off-road = KLR.

Thanks to my first real off road experience on an XT225 Yamaha I currently have a jones for a dual sport. I could possibly see adding a KLR. I'm sure that would lead to the desire to get rid of the R1150R for a more dedicated sport bike and a more dedicated touring bike. For me, it would take 3 different bikes replace my R.

DSKYZD

[ColumbiaBMW]

What caused your bike to die when you left town?

This is what I was told, a spark plug wire came off under the gas tank. So it was an easy fix, for someone that knows about bikes (I on the other hand am pretty clueless to fixing things.) I just hope something like that doesn't happen when I'm 800 miles away from home. I know it needs a valve adjustment, and because of the rough idle I'm now experiencing also, it probably could use a TB sync. I also need a windshield before I try to go for a big trip, but the ones I find are incredibly expensive. I appreciate the advice DSKYZD.

[jfslater98]

The KLR650 was my first bike, so I can provide some insight and comparison. Will have to do so later though, be back soon.

[cbesey]

Definitely two different bikes for two different purposes. The R is generally stump dumb reliable, don't let one bad experience throw you.

I recently picked up an Aprilia Pegaso as a second bike, essentially same as an F650GS and a bit more road oriented but othewise similar to the KLR (tall 650 single but with 19" front, I believe the KLR is 21"). Like others have said, if you'll be in the dirt, take the KLR. If you'll be touring twisties and especially for highway miles, the R's the choice. I opt for the Pegaso anytime I'm getting into goat trails (one lane, paved but barely, etc) and love it for around town - it's light, narrow and the brakes aren't as... exacting. But on the freeway, the R's far more comfortable, doesn't get blown all over by the wind, doesn't have semi-knobbies flopping all over on grooved pavement and doesn't feel like it's going to flail itself apart above 75mph (tho a bigger sprocket helped the Peg).

If I had to choose, it would strictly be a matter of how much time I was going to spend in the woods vs on the freeway. If like me you like to split the difference, think about a used KLR, they're everywhere and can be had fairly cheap and might make keeping the R possible. That's why I ended up with the Peg instead of the 650GS, it's cheaper. I honestly wouldn't know how to choose between the two at this point. Hey, that's a helpful close, now isn't it?

[ruddy]

KLRs will have their maintenance issues too. Look up "doohickey" on Google. It all boils down to what you prefer to ride. How much off-roading are you really going to do? I don't hesitate to take my 'R on dirt and gravel country roads. After all, it's the same basic platform as the GS models.

If you plan to ride long distances on any bike, you should acquire some maintenance skills & knowledge. There are some good M/C touring books out there that will help you. I recommend this one by Greg Frazier for a practical guide to dealing with problems on the road:
http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Tourin ... 772&sr=8-1

Take a KLR for an extended ride and see how you like it. Personally, if I can have but one motorcycle, it has to be my "Beakster." (Of course BMW has a few new models I drool over, but my 'R suits me just fine, and it's paid for!)

[wncbmw]

Apples vs Oranges!

I have been bitten by the dual-sport bug thanks to a board member that shall go unnamed! But I am shopping for a 2nd bike, most likely a Suzuki DR650 used but a KLR or Honda XR would work if the right deal presents itself.

You need to evaluate what kind of riding you want to do. The KLR is a great bike for riding a distance then going on some backcountry stuff. But it is not a dirt bike. Too heavy. Older bikes (anything before the new '08) have truly lousy brakes. As mentioned, the R can handle lots of gravel road stuff but unless you are like our esteemed member Chitown, most of us steer clear of true adventure riding with it. Bikes with more clearance and not with mag wheels are better for that.

If you decide you wish to do a lot of 'off-road' stuff, the KLR is probably the better choice.

And to truly screw you up, consider a used BMW F650GS or Paris-Dakar 650! If I get into the dual-sport thing big time and decide to go back to one bike, that will be one of my choices. Along with the new F800GS!

[jfslater98]

It all boils down to what you prefer to ride. How much off-roading are you really going to do?

So the members here have weighed in correctly. I may have a distinct advantage of actually having owned one for a year, at the very least the first one to post here. My next bike was the Rockster I have now. I had to part with the KLR because of storage issues, which are now fixed. Do I miss the KLR? Sometimes:

A: When the way around a blocked up intersection is a curb and some grass
B: When I fill up the Rock with premium
C: When I'm lazy with my shifting and it hangs in Neutral on the way to 2nd
D: When the Rock drops out of 6th and freewheels in false neutral (see C for cause)
E: When I have to buy OEM part$$$

But then I remember

1: The night it left me stranded in a parking lot, with a dying cell phone, no towing package and a 3 hour wait for a cab ride home - my home being 15 miles away.
2: The tingling of my jiggly bits after more than 30 minutes in the saddle.
3: Tubed tires? What is this, a moped?
4: I'm well over 200 lbs. That thumper was DONE with me over 50 mph. And this with a tuned exhaust system.
5: At 6'2" the wind blast hit me at exactly the wrong place. Headaches and blurred vision were common on my mostly highway commute to work.
6: I live in a part of NJ where there is no off-roading to be done
7: The night it left me stranded...

Your BMW is a vastly superior bike in many respects. The valve adjustment is one of the easiest items for a DIY mechanic to tackle. To be fair, the KLR was 9 years old when I got it, and my "con" list is a mix of personal and addressable issues. But there's a couple threads here on how to turn your R into a capable dirt handler, so you may already have your solution. Here's a start

http://www.r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12786

And while I could fit a KLR in the garage now, I've not gotten a replacement.

Hope that helped, sorry to take up so much room here.

[12bar1]

I bought an 08 KLR a few months ago and have had an opportunity to compare the R (still have) vs the KLR. If I had purchased the KLR first I probably wouldn't have my R. The KLR is just easy to ride and fun, if I see a dirt road I don't think twice I just go if I am in the mood. I ride my KLR most of the time as a commuter bike but have done several 200 mile rides and have decided I could take it anywhere as long as I have the time, they don't call it a thumper for no reason. The R is a lot more refined, faster and comfortable on the highway but the KLR eats up pot holes and bad pavment with no drama. Neither bike is perfect but both are great at many things. I added nerf bars, corbin seat and a rear rack with cases to facilitate commuting and camping, it really is a poor mans GS except if you drop it your wallet won't be hurt as bad and is a lot easier to pick up. If you go to http://www.klr650.net you can learn just about anything related to the KLR and there are many there who have gotten rid of bigger bikes including GS's in favor of the KLR. In a few years I am planning to ride from Bradenton Florida to Alaska and back on my KLR , however I am taking 3 months to do it. I would post pictures of my KLR but I haven't qite figured out how after all this time, sorry. If anyone is interested the shop where I bought my KLR (Action Jet Sports, Bradenton FL) has an 07 with 350 miles on the clock for $3999. The bike has several upgrades like SS brake lines and master cylinder cover, it's a really nice shop they have always treated me well. Come to think of it they have been better to deal with than my local BMW shop where I have purchased 2 bikes and have had all my service done until now.

[jfslater98]

I thought the 08 was a twin, not a single cylinder, but I might be wrong. I know kawasaki recently redesigned the KLR, and the new version seems like a much nicer bike. Mine was a 94 with about all the upgrades that could be done on it. If a 2008 could have somehow been handed to me 5 years ago, that list above might be a lot different.

[outnabout]

I don't have the 1150R, I have the 1200R and had a KLR for several years. These RxxR does not compare to the KLR as they are for different uses. The R is a road bike and the KLR is "dual purpose". I have taken long 1000+ mile rides on my KLR and found it to be fine on the highway up to about 75 mph and for me the stock windscreen was fine (6 feet tall). The KLR is not fun to ride fast, but with all the vibes low speeds make you feel like your going fast. The KLR gets iffy on major interstate highways at speeds above 70 mph as the front end gets light with the stock fender. The brakes don't even begin to compare. I know the 08 (it's a single still) has upgraded brakes, but the older KLR brakes are down right scary. In 30,000+ miles on the KLR I never had a flat on the road with the tube tires and tires for the KLR are fairly cheap. The R is smooth on the highway, has great brakes, 85 hp? (1150)/109 hp (1200) compared to 35 hp for the KLR. The KLR is top heavy with a full tank while the R carries it weight low. Chain for the KLR vs shaft for the R. Air cooled vs water cooled. These two bikes would compliment each other if you had the money. If you have a bunch of gravel/dirt roads in your area to explore, the KLR might be for you. If you primarily commute and ride the highway, the R is best. Maybe a BMW F650 or F650 Dakar is more of what you're looking for as it's smoother on the highway and can do light dirt riding?

[FM696969]

if you are ever going to ride on the dirt,mud,gravel,offroad...get the KLR
I have one with over 40k miles, the KLR is like the OLD VW beetle, YOU CAN'T KILL IT!!!!

[ColumbiaBMW]

Well thanks for everyone weighing in on this, I read a lot of reviews on the internet at other sites of the KLR and it sounds like a buzzy, light, easily blown around highway traveler, and a heavy, difficult trail rider, so I'm thinking I'll hang on to the R, I really want to see if I can make it last for a 100,000 miles. Keep in mind I kind of slack off keeping up with maintenance due to working two jobs, and helping another guy with construction on the weekends, so if it makes it that long I'll be very happy.
I think what may be the best thing is to convince my fiancee to allow me to buy a small, cheap, used on/offroad dirtbike. Any suggestions? And when I say cheap, I mean CHEAP (otherwise I don't have a chance convincing my lady friend). Anything that is street legal, beacuse I don't have a trailor, and around a $1000. I'm not asking anyone if they know of a specific bike, because I would just post this in the buy/sell forum, I'm just asking for suggestions on what kind of bike could fit that description. And I apologize if I'm getting off topic, I realize this post is no longer really about the R1150R, but I figure you guys are all friendly enough to forgive me.

[wncbmw]

Check out some older bikes in the 350-650 range. I am mainly interested in the Suzuki DR 650 because I have a friend and neighbor who has one and is an expert. I know they have been relatively unchanged since 1996, so an older one with reasonable miles would not be giving up much in the way of performance. They make some 350 and 400 models that are DS versions also that might fit what you are looking for.

I can't pretend to be an expert, I wasn't even interested until recently! That is the extent of my knowledge with minimum research and perusing Craigslist and advrider.com!

[Brownw3]

I have experience with both bikes. Its tough because I love both (OK read ALL) bikes, but:

1. The KLR is not a good choice at all if you plan on getting on an Interstate. It does not have touring guts. Oddly enough, you could probably get on a KLR and ride it all the way to Argentina without a problem. But this bike is far better suited to safely get you to any destination, except an American Superhighway.

2. The used ones have been hammered. Hard. Its all plastic parts and they fade and look grisly. But, the best Beemer I ever had had a plastic Gas tank (a 100GS/PD)

3. Reliability? I have no idea of what broke on your bike but I put Well over 100k on the aforementioned PD and have 20k ticked up on my R with nary a hiccup. All bikes have maintenance issues. No bike is bulletproof but I've had a road license for 28 years, I've ridden every year and would bet the farm on a Beemer getting me there above any other bike in the world. Including the KLR.

4. Hands down, unless your friend lives at least 200 miles off road, I'm takin the Beemer, although the KLR is one of my favorite BMW alternatives ever.

[jfslater98]

a small, cheap, used on/offroad dirtbike. Any suggestions?

Kawasaki also makes/made the KLR250. Yamaha as the XT200(?). The Yamaha was the bike I was on for my MSF beginner class

And in other coincidental news, I confirmed that one of the coauthors of this book

http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product_ ... ts_id=5822

is the one who sold me the KLR650!

[maduko]

As a former KLR owner (and Transalp and GS and observed trials rider..) my general advice would be buy the BMW.

1) If you're thinking about a KLR for gravel roads, exploring the countryside, etc. then you'll find the R, with the right tires, quite capable.

2) If you're seriously thinking about riding off-road (I mean really off-road, like muddy, nasty stuff) you don't want a KLR.

[ColumbiaBMW]

Well, I took my R1150R out on a bunch of backroads and gravel roads today, and it did pretty well. I posted pictures under the Great Rides forum if anyone is interested. Thanks again for all the advice!

[R4R&R]

Pay the 1150R off, then buy a KLR. That's my plan. Well, my 1150R is padi off, but I have to 'buy' some points with the Mrs. first (jewelry).

[GypsyRR]

Pay the 1150R off, then buy a KLR. That's my plan. Well, my 1150R is padi off, but I have to 'buy' some points with the Mrs. first (jewelry).

OR..... consider a Suzuki DR650 if you keep the RR and want a dual sport as well. That is what I have. The DR650 is generally cheaper than a KLR and generally considered more suited for dirt than the KLR. Also there is no doohickey to deal with, which some say the KLR requires.

I bought mine used in Nov 07. It's an '04 and had 3800 miles, for $2500 and then added the larger tank which is pictured below. BUT, keep in mind, a 650 dual sport is really not a good choice if you are planning to do single track type trail riding. Another bike is needed for that!!!! Start saving.



this was a fun hill to jump.