Updated KLR 650 from Kawasaki

All other motorcycle related topics go in here." However, DO NOT post ANY messages that are related to politics or religion in here. They will be erased. Thanks!

Moderator: Moderators

Post Reply
User avatar
garylspolar
Lifer
Posts: 890
Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 7:43 am
Donating Member #: 0
Location: Cleveland

Updated KLR 650 from Kawasaki

Post by garylspolar »

Image

More an update than a complete redesign, as with their new Concours. Anybody own one of these? I'm thinking of a KLR650 or BMW F650 being in my garage in the next year or so. Compare and contrast the two for me?

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/23september06_klr650.htm
Absence of evidence is evidence of absence.
Top
User avatar
MattPie
Lifer
Posts: 422
Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2005 1:09 pm
Donating Member #: 0
Location: Valley Forge, PA

Re: Updated KLR 650 from Kawasaki

Post by MattPie »

garylspolar wrote:More an update than a complete redesign, as with their new Concours. Anybody own one of these? I'm thinking of a KLR650 or BMW F650 being in my garage in the next year or so. Compare and contrast the two for me?

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/23september06_klr650.htm
I don't have either, but I did some research awhile back. It's the usual BMW vs Japanese from what I can tell: the BMW is great but expensive. The KLR is cheaper a little more maintenance (the chain alone ups the maint), but pretty much bullet proof. The KLR has also been pretty much the same forever (since the 80s), so there's probably a good used deal out there and tons of parts.

I never bought anything, but I would have gone with the KLR most likely. And probably a used one at that.

The new look: I like the new look, but it seems like an awful lot of plastc to break riding down narrow trails (I grew up riding a KX80 on forrest trails no wider than an ATV).
Top
User avatar
munchmeister
Basic User
Posts: 269
Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2005 7:50 pm
Donating Member #: 0
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Contact:
Contact munchmeister

Post by munchmeister »

The F650GS is also chain driven and the price dropped in the last year or so about a grand, I believe. I have an 01 F650GS that got me back into motorcycling and I think it is one of the best all 'round bikes out there. It handles well in the twisties, great as a commuter, and is robust enough to take you (as it has thousands of others) around the world and back. Tons of accessories and after market gear as well as a "support" system of forums and bmw clubs. I'd buy another in a heartbeat. Rotax single is just about bullet proof. 65 MPG to boot.

The KLR comes close and is a bit underpowered, comparatively, maybe a bit less comfortable from my experience but there are tons of them in use, too. The older ones are a bit more billy goat. This one looks like it is pretty sporty, lotsa plastic, but could be a great bike like its predecessor.

Wait a while till BMW comes out with a GS version with its new twin cylinder engine and the F650 prices will probably drop like lead.
munchmeister
'02 R1150GS
'01 F650GS
'04 R1150R - R.I.P. 4/29/07
Top
User avatar
MattPie
Lifer
Posts: 422
Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2005 1:09 pm
Donating Member #: 0
Location: Valley Forge, PA

Post by MattPie »

munchmeister wrote:The F650GS is also chain driven and the price dropped in the last year or so about a grand, I believe.
I didn't realize the GS was chain, my bad. I thought all the F650s were belt for some reason...
Top
User avatar
yjleesvrr
Member
Posts: 1803
Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2005 5:23 pm
Donating Member #: 0
Location: Blacksburg and Haymarket, VA/Basking Ridge, NJ

Post by yjleesvrr »

Belts aren't forgiving of rocks getting lodged between it and the sprocket. That's why I avoid taking my Dyna Glide Sport on dirt/gravel roads.

I like the new KLR. It looks a lot better. The old one looked awkward, but had a good reputation. The style freshening on top of some mild refinement should help Kawasaki sell twice as many. I'd gladly take it over the BMW thumper. Going off road enhances the probability that you will drop your bike. In such situations, you'll invariably want a bike that's cheaper to fix.
Member #93, June 2002
'14 BMW R1200RT "Wethead"
'77 BMW R100/7 "Airhead"
Top
User avatar
munchmeister
Basic User
Posts: 269
Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2005 7:50 pm
Donating Member #: 0
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Contact:
Contact munchmeister

Post by munchmeister »

F650GS has
:D fuel injection
:D :D ABS brakes, which can be disabled for serious dirt. This is a must have for me. Way too many riders claim their braking ability is better than any ABS system, but when panic strikes, I put my money on ABS (and have).
:D heated grips
:D huge number of accessories, add-ons, support forums

There are some good points of comparison at
http://faq.f650.com/FAQs/F650HistoryDif ... 20Opinions Check it out.

I'd still get an F650GS over a KLR. It is a great bike in the twisties, too.
munchmeister
'02 R1150GS
'01 F650GS
'04 R1150R - R.I.P. 4/29/07
Top
johno
Basic User
Posts: 349
Joined: Fri Jul 14, 2006 6:33 am
Donating Member #: 0
Location: Mt Gambier, SA, Australia

Post by johno »

Having ridden both the 650GS, and the last model KLR, the Beemer wins hands down for power, comfort, as stated accesories, common bits with the Dakar, and you have a winner.
I had one ordered when I was trading my 1150GS, but the dealer couldnt get me one, so I wasted money and got an RT. I should have bought the R then, and saved a heap. :(
The reason I was looking at the 650, was to "atempt" to slow down.
The RT didnt help that one little bit. :oops:
2002 R1150R.
Top
User avatar
garylspolar
Lifer
Posts: 890
Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 7:43 am
Donating Member #: 0
Location: Cleveland

Post by garylspolar »

Suzuki V-Strom DL650 might be a winner, available with ABS for 2007.
Absence of evidence is evidence of absence.
Top
Post Reply

Return to “Off-Topik!!!!!”