pyro 1 Posted February 20, 2007 I've owned my '06 Kawasaki KLR 650 for 1 year now, and just clocked in my 10,000th mile. I couldn't be happier with this motorcycle. I've done a few mods at a minimal cost to better suit my riding style and improve safety and reliability: pegs, led tail light, slidplate, bark busters, doohickey etc. . . There are so many other mods and upgrades out there, but my bike is running so sweet that I don't want to change a thing! (for now) What bike to ride? Everyone has a different answer to that question. My answer is . . .. ((drumroll please)) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carguy 1 Posted February 21, 2007 Congrats on 10K, may you have 10 more 10k's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sandiegoland 0 Posted February 21, 2007 10,000 well ridden miles too!! A pretty good percentage of that in the dirt no doubt... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joliet 0 Posted February 21, 2007 Pyro, are you riding the dash? I will try not to trash another of your cams. You have to admit is is a nice roost shot. Ken Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin 0 Posted February 21, 2007 What bike to ride? Everyone has a different answer to that question. My answer is . . .. ((drumroll please)) Troy, I think you are to KLR as I am to BMW. I have over 37,000 miles on mine. We just go back from a 3 day 1,000 mile trip to Death Valley. We rode the dirt from Lone Pine to Scotty's Castle in Death Valley. Of course, I did it two up with my wife and side bags. Lots of snow also. Sorry, I dont do ride reports. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pyro 1 Posted November 5, 2007 20k miles now in a few weeks or so. Still the same answer: You still don't believe me? Here's my 19,000 some-odd-miles report: Kawasaki KLR 650 20,000 miles ride report Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chief Gunner 2 Posted November 10, 2007 Hey Troy, some sick SOB threw this up on another site.....Imagine the possibilities with this.... VRod Mated to a KLR..... A 10 Second Quarter-miler that can do dirt!!!!! :blum3: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
unclecameron 0 Posted November 11, 2007 started the year with 18200 on the clock, now have 27200, but the speedo was broken for 2 months until I figured it ran off the BACK wheel and I should fix them 2 dangling wires :blum3: Will get > 10K this year...anyone else? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sandiegoland 0 Posted November 11, 2007 Will get > 10K this year...anyone else? Will be somewhere around 15,000 for this year after Thanksgiving... :blum3: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chief Gunner 2 Posted June 30, 2008 12K+ on the pig now ; Since I've owned her here's my list of repairs.... Some are related to dirt naps, other were just the luck of the draw. 1 left crank case cover (courtesy of one of those jumping trail rocks on my first ride with you guys) 1 CDI (broke the pins to the CDI riding at plaster city with Tree and RO) Warranty covered it 1 Clutch lever 2 shifters 2 sets of turn signals Throttle and clutch cables 2 sets of sprockets and chains 1 busted chain, Sandiegoland was behind me and saw that one at the '07 dash I'm on my 2nd new XR's only exhaust, the first one kept cracking at the welds. I called them and talked to them about it so they cut me a better than good deal on a new one. It is made from thicker steel and has "Beefier" welds. We'll see...... She's still running very strong and still tracks straight so far but as I soon can break even on her (Meaning when I can get what I owe on a trade in) I'll be in the market for a lighter & more agile thumper. Toss up between the Beta, a KTM or a Husky right now, aw hell I'll probably keep Matilda around anyway, it's always nice to have a "Buddy" bike in the barn for times when a friend wants to ride but does'nt have a bike. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crawdaddy 97 Posted June 30, 2008 Will get > 10K this year...anyone else? Not sure how many miles I put on the KTMs each year.......they're strickly for fun and not commuting so probably only a few thousand over the course of a year? .......but, with gas prices the way they are, I've been riding the Superhawk to work most everyday .......that equates to about 2K miles/month on average since I live in BFE Ramona and work in Carlsbad......so, conservatively speaking and taking winter temps into account, I'll probably put ~15-20K miles on the SuperChicken this year.......which will push the ODO past 50K miles..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SCHWINN 0 Posted July 1, 2008 Will get > 10K this year...anyone else? Not sure how many miles I put on the KTMs each year.......they're strickly for fun and not commuting so probably only a few thousand over the course of a year? .......but, with gas prices the way they are, I've been riding the Superhawk to work most everyday .......that equates to about 2K miles/month on average since I live in BFE Ramona and work in Carlsbad......so, conservatively speaking and taking winter temps into account, I'll probably put ~15-20K miles on the SuperChicken this year.......which will push the ODO past 50K miles..... I rode my superhawk 145miles round trip today to my new job at the 405 and 55 north at dyer rd. Started with a full tank and when I got home I topped off the tank with 3.5 gallons of gas, avg speed 80 mph,not bad gas milage. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SCHWINN 0 Posted July 2, 2008 Will get > 10K this year...anyone else? Not sure how many miles I put on the KTMs each year.......they're strickly for fun and not commuting so probably only a few thousand over the course of a year? .......but, with gas prices the way they are, I've been riding the Superhawk to work most everyday .......that equates to about 2K miles/month on average since I live in BFE Ramona and work in Carlsbad......so, conservatively speaking and taking winter temps into account, I'll probably put ~15-20K miles on the SuperChicken this year.......which will push the ODO past 50K miles..... I rode my superhawk 145miles round trip today to my new job at the 405 and 55 north at dyer rd. Started with a full tank and when I got home I topped off the tank with 3.5 gallons of gas, avg speed 80 mph,not bad gas milage. I rode the harley today, same trip, 145 miles, and it took 3.7 gallons of gas, round trip. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
backhoedoc 0 Posted July 2, 2008 Troy. The 2000 KLR that I purchased from paul now has 39'000 MI. It uses some oil but has had no problems at all, My friend has it now and just rode it from New Mexico to Bishop he called Me tuesday and said the Bike ran just fine. Sounds like your Bike is now Broken in. The Doc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
graydog 0 Posted July 3, 2008 while the KLR650 was a handful at first as my re-entry off-road motorcycle I have really come to appreciate what a great machine she is now that the size and weight have found their place in my aging skills. She is much more flickable and nimble that I had thought....I am slowly selling off my other bikes but will keep the KLR for long distance on the street and modestly challenging trails...OK, I will probably find a plated TT-R 250 to push the envelop a bit...but I just enjoy the feel, ride and ease of working on the KLR, especially the fact that you can get her home with duct tape, gum and a bit of wire....what a deal....hope the new generation of KLR's is as good as my older one. carl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crawdaddy 97 Posted August 13, 2008 I've owned my '06 Kawasaki KLR 650 for 1 year now, and just clocked in my 10,000th mile. I couldn't be happier with this motorcycle. There’s no question that I’m partial to KTMs, but I plan on taking a 08 KLR for a test ride at some point as I work my way through Adventure fever.......pretty good history of the bike/08 reviews on Wikipedia I was surfing various long haul websites from home last night (did I mention I have a bad case of Adventure Fever? ) like TAT, Continental Divide ride, Mex2Canada ride, etc………the KLR 650 came up over and over again as the bike of choice…...not in the same league in terms of quality/performance as the big KTMs/BMWs, but an affordable/reliable platform for extended journeys………we’ll see what my impressions are after I go out and ride a whole bevy of different Adventure bikes/models……I can't help but imagine that I'll be partial to the big KTMs but a side by side comparison really isn't appropriate.......the appropriate thing (for me) to look at is my budget/planned usage...........and in that light, two attractive features of the KLR (to me) are the price and proven reliability……..AND, if the KLR is too my liking, I might be able to keep my Super Hawk……THAT is very appealing to me…… An EXC 520 for knarly dirt adventures, the Super Hawk for the street only shenanigans, and a KLR for commuting (50+mpg) and occasional “Adventures”……..hmmmmm……we’ll see…… I see it also won the Motorcycle USA 2008 Dual Sport Comparo between Beemer G650 X-Country, Honda 650L and the KLR 650 Check out This Mad Max KLR 650 that's currently on Craig's list Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hammerin Hammon Posted August 14, 2008 I've owned my '06 Kawasaki KLR 650 for 1 year now, and just clocked in my 10,000th mile. I couldn't be happier with this motorcycle. There’s no question that I’m partial to KTMs, but I plan on taking a 08 KLR for a test ride at some point as I work my way through Adventure fever.......pretty good history of the bike/08 reviews on Wikipedia I was surfing various long haul websites from home last night (did I mention I have a bad case of Adventure Fever? ) like TAT, Continental Divide ride, Mex2Canada ride, etc………the KLR 650 came up over and over again as the bike of choice…...not in the same league in terms of quality/performance as the big KTMs/BMWs, but an affordable/reliable platform for extended journeys………we’ll see what my impressions are after I go out and ride a whole bevy of different Adventure bikes/models……I can't help but imagine that I'll be partial to the big KTMs but a side by side comparison really isn't appropriate.......the appropriate thing (for me) to look at is my budget/planned usage...........and in that light, two attractive features of the KLR (to me) are the price and proven reliability……..AND, if the KLR is too my liking, I might be able to keep my Super Hawk……THAT is very appealing to me…… An EXC 520 for knarly dirt adventures, the Super Hawk for the street only shenanigans, and a KLR for commuting (50+mpg) and occasional “Adventures”……..hmmmmm……we’ll see…… Check out This Mad Max KLR 650 that's currently on Craig's list That bike was 10,000.00 last week when I looked at it. I like it beter at 5,500.00 but still am looking for somthing newer, with less miles. The dependability, factor comes into play, with a bike that old, no matter how few miles are on it. Craig Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crawdaddy 97 Posted August 14, 2008 I see it also won the Motorcycle USA 2008 Dual Sport Comparo between Beemer G650 X-Country, Honda 650L and the KLR 650 Yet I've seen both Troy and Roger making specific reference to liking the PRE 2008 Model years better.....why is that???.....I thought the 2008 model represented many needed chnages after ~20 years of the same principal design? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerTOWM 0 Posted August 14, 2008 Chris, The Post 07 models are much heavier and have a bunch of expensive plastic fairings sticking out. They did fix the “dohicky” and a few other issues. They took an already heavy bike and made it a lot heavier. With the new suspension changes the new bike is a better road bike. It likes the twistys but I don’t think the extra weight, plastic and lower ground clearance makes it as suitable for off road. It cost a heck of a lot more to replace the plastic and is much easier to break that plastic and the tube frame supporting it. If I want to spend money like that I’ll just take my Harley off road. The costs for parts replacement appeared to be the same! I don’t thing it is a good idea to take the “new” KLR 650 over the same trails as the “old” KLR. My inexpert opinion is the pre-08 bikes are more suitable for Dual-Sport. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crawdaddy 97 Posted August 14, 2008 Chris, The Post 07 models are much heavier and have a bunch of expensive plastic fairings sticking out. They did fix the “dohicky” and a few other issues. They took an already heavy bike and made it a lot heavier. With the new suspension changes the new bike is a better road bike. It likes the twistys but I don’t think the extra weight, plastic and lower ground clearance makes it as suitable for off road. It cost a heck of a lot more to replace the plastic and is much easier to break that plastic and the tube frame supporting it. If I want so spend money like that I’ll just take my Harley off road. The costs for parts replacement appeared to be the same! I don’t thing it is a good idea to take the “new” KLR 650 over the same trails as the “old” KLR. My inexpert opinion is the pre-08 bikes are more suitable for Dual-Sport. Wow....I see the 08 is ~50 lbs heavier........WTF?!?!!?......how is that an "improvement?!?! ......though the reviewers all still give it high marks as an all around performer (and we all know that "all around" = "compromise").......I have no doubt that all that sport bike looking plastic IS expensive and I'm sure that's one of the things that turned you off on the bike........I don't want to drop big $$ for plastics every time I crash (because I crash a lot).......the KLR power plant also sounds very BORING......so the classic balancing act between affordability/practicality (compromise) and performance will continue......performance usually wins out with me......that's why I already have 2 KTMs and a Superhawk If I went off pure gut instinct/sex appeal, and money was not an issue, I'd shoot in the KTM 950 Super Enduro in a heartbeat .......that bike is the ........no extra weight with unnecessary dress plastics........awesome twin power plant for road usage and enough weight to not get blown all over the place when you must travel on the highway.....it's true that the gas tank is too small......naked look means wind protection is probably non existent......luggage considerations are more limited than Adventure series......but that bike is just too sexy ......I could rig extra gas/luggage when needed (which would NOT be the majority of the time)......and a Super Enduro in the stable would ease the pain of waving bye-bye to the Superhawk ........whereas the KLR would be such a performance compromise on the street that it really couldn't replace the Superhawk......decisions, decisions..... Plenty of time to decide.....I'm not close to having enough cash to buy anything for a while and not interested in financing.....looking forward to riding a whole slew of different sleds while I decide which path to pursue......if I can't get over my Super Enduro lust issues then it'll be a LONG time before I buy because it'll take a while to generate enough cash to pick up one of those.....the upside is that I might be able to find one used by then..... Speaking of generating cash......my son never got back to me about the night ride this weekend......in the old days he would've been all over it.....looks like the EXC 400 may be headed to the sales block (again).......as much as I'd like to keep it (love that bike).....I may actually force myself to let it go this time .....need to start building up the "adventure fund" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerTOWM 0 Posted August 14, 2008 If I went off pure gut instinct/sex appeal, and money was not an issue, I'd shoot in the KTM 950 Super Enduro in a heartbeat .......that bike is the ........no extra weight with unnecessary dress plastics........awesome twin power plant for road usage and enough weight to not get blown all over the place when you must travel on the highway.....it's true that the gas tank is too small......naked look means wind protection is probably non existent......luggage considerations are more limited than Adventure series......but that bike is just too sexy ......I could rig extra gas/luggage when needed (which would NOT be the majority of the time)......and a Super Enduro in the stable would ease the pain of waving bye-bye to the Superhawk ........whereas the KLR would be such a performance compromise on the street that it really couldn't replace the Superhawk......decisions, decisions..... I’m still with Doug on this, go with the Adventure. Great performance, you can ride with a pillion and always take plastic off if you want to be naked. I ain’t going to stop you from undressing, but don’t expect me to look at you! Heck you can even get a small gas tank if that is what shakes you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
