BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Okay, this is a great topic. I have a 2002 BMW R1150R and I just sold my 1999 Kawasaki KLR650. Just about all the advice you are getting is spot on from the members. They are apple and oranges in machines. I love my R1150R for the longer rides. The comfort is great and the power from the engine is awesome. Not to mention the BMW reliability. The KLR 650 is perfect for exploring those dirt roads that you might encounter but it is not a dirt bike. Much different powerband on the bike and the brakes take some getting use to. Not exactly the most confident in response. Do not be fooled. If I were you, I would look for a pre-owned R1150R and there are things you can do to the R1150R to make it more "GSish" in nature. You can change footpegs, suspension, paralever arm and tires to make it a little more capable within the off-road situations if you encounter them. If you could some how swing it to own two bikes, I would say go with the R1150R and pick yourself up a pre-owned Suzuki DRX-400SM. Yep, the supermotard. The dual sport ability is still there in the machine. All you would have to do is buy another set of tires to swap out when you want to explore and you are done.

I hope that I have not confused you with the reply but you can't go wrong with the R1150R. Since I got my BMW, I can honestly say that it has given my the most fun riding a motorcycling. My second was my Ducati 916 but 150 miles on that baby and you had to get off and get a new spine. Good luck in your search!

GypsyRR wrote: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.

I like the Suzuki DR bikes; I used to have a DR350. I only say the KLR650 over the DR650 when comparing new bikes (which is more of a level ground for comparing them). The $300 difference between the two (list price), would quickly be offset by 'equaling' the DR650 with a larger fuel tank. Used is a different story. IMO, I think the DR650 wins out because the older KLRs lacked in the brakes, and the newer models (with the re-designed brakes) are hard to find at a good price.

Personally, I have a thing for the Suzuki, but would be happy with either.

Perhaps slightly off topic, but I have a similar problem. I've decided three bikes is too many and I can't part with my RT because of all the money I recently put into it with a spline failure repair and new shocks. So, either the 2004 R1150R or the 2006 F650GS will have to go. The decision is really tough. It makes more sense to keep the F650 since the 1150R duplicates much of the function of the RT. However, my impractical side loves the power, smoothness, stability, and ease of maintenance of the R bike. I really don't enjoy riding on unpaved roads with either bike, so that doesn't seem to be a major factor. It's just that the F650 is more practical as a second bike to the RT. The right and left sides of my brain are fighting this one out and I'm sitting back waiting for one side to win.

Or just buy a GS and be done with it!

maduko wrote:Or just buy a GS and be done with it!

That's an option I'm seriously considering.