@martyparadise1 I would say that's pretty good. Mileage is a bit high (mine has 18,000 for comparison, same year). But that's a good price. Did you buy it?
Thank you for this video. I was most impressed with your honest and no nonsence review. I had a Honda FT500 Ascot and access to a KLR250 in college. I miss both of them and want to get back on a bike after 20 years of not riding them.
We did the camper bit for a while but sold it because we were not using it. We have a 3 person SeaDoo PWC, but again I don't pull it out as ofter as I should (maybe 4 times last year and we live less than 4 miles from a lake, so I want something for fun.
@bfdvollie You won't regret getting a KLR. I'm happy to report after four seasons I still love my KLR as much as I did in 2008. It's got 17,000 miles on it now and still burns oil, but it's still a fun bike to ride.
@coldkendall69 Kawasaki seems to have addressed the oil burning in the later 2008 bikes and from then on. FWIW, I had a mechanic put new stock rings in the bike about 6 months ago and it still burns oil as much as it did when new.
been looking at getting a klr for a long time now but when you consider the oil burning, knobby replacements, and weight I think I might stick with my drz400sm which stock has 35 hp as well. The most fun I have on a bike is in the twisty high speed roads and I don't think I can move on to a bike that is less competent in this field than a supermoto. Plus, I've taken my supermoto with its street tires pretty much anywhere I need to go. All I need to do now is make some panniers
@gumpdy the oil burning only affected the earliest '08's. The DRZ400 is a great bike too. I find the KLR rails the twisties nearly as hard as my VFR. It's lighter and you have great leverage on the bars. It lacks the drive out of the corners though.
How long would you say you can ride this bike straight? I ride from Michigan to Montana nearly every summer(10-12 hour days), and I've heard that this is a good touring bike for its size and capabilities.
The longest I rode my KLR was from the Canadian border in Maine back to western Massachusetts, about 8 hours. It was kind of rough, but I"m used to a VFR (done several Iron Butt rides on that bike). For the KLR I would suggest getting a taller windshield and perhaps a more comfortable seat.
The KLR is about as road worthy as any dual sport bike out there besides the BMW's.
I have been around dirt bikes my whole life, I own a KLR 650 and it is the best dual sport I have ever ridden, and I have also never seen a fuel injected dirt bike.
I to have a KLR 650 2008 with 6800 miles and it to burns oil. I guess that is a problem you would think a new bike with a new motor would not burn hardly any oil between changes. Only other complaint is it gets a little darty passing big trucks on the highway to solve that I just lay on gas tank until pass the big rigs. Other than that I love my bike!
I had an 03 KLR and loved it. I did some short distance and back road/dirt road touring with it, and it was fanastic for that kind of stuff, though the seat was sure to give you numb-butt after a couple of hours in the saddle.
I never noticed any real oil consumption with my bike at all.
When I get another bike a KLR will be high on my list of choices again.
I don't know If this made a diffrents or not but I changed my front sprocket from 14 to 16 tooth to drop my revs at hwy speed and I don't seem to burn oil at all .
Thanks for the nice video and review! I have always liked the KLRs and since they redesigned it I have been looking at them (i would keep my current bike if I got one). I also am a VFR-er. 2002 VTEC which I tour on and also commute. What year is your VFR? I also wanted to ask your impressions on all-day riding comfort on the KLR, maybe like 300-400 miles a day if you have any experience touring on it. Again great Video and review.
Weird..my VFR is also a 2002, 85,000 miles on it now. I mostly use it for commuting and touring.
400 miles is probably the limit for most people in touring on the KLR. At highway speeds for that long there is a lot of vibration. The wind isn't too bad with the fairing and the seat is pretty comfortable. It does tend to wander or drift a little back and forth on the highway, particularly in high wind situations or passing a truck.
If your limit is 3-400 miles, then the KLR won't be too bad.
i just install a top case givi, 35 ltrs., fix well on the bike. Say, that you can´t load it over 3 kgs., i don´t think that 5 o 6 kgs make a difference driving.
The seat seems to be a personal thing. On my two other bikes (Honda & Ducati) the stock seats were horrible. I like the KLR's seat and have no plans to change it.
On my VFR I have a Sargeant seat and I can highly recommend those. I've ridden another 08 KLR with a Corbin seat and it was too hard for my liking...the stock seat was better IMO.
exellent comentary. I just brought one, two weeks ago. I really don´t like the original tires, i don´t feel good grip on highway. Another issue, its that the bike has a lot of vibration over 5 rpm.I´ve change from fjr 1300, to a KLR. The difference in pounds its incredible, i feel free!!
KLR, its a good bike for everything, well,almost...
I agree with you on all those points. The original tires aren't very good and there is a lot of vibration on the highway. I took a tour of the Maine coast in September and doing 8 hours on the highway was pretty harsh. But once you get to your destination, you're glad to have the KLR.
Thanks for your review and in-depth replys to questions. I was wondering if the '08 and newer KLRs still had the "doohickey" issue?
I'm ready to buy one and have wanted one for years. I was planning on buying a pre-'98 model to stay under budget. Do you think there's any real advantage to buying one of the most recent generation? I'm concerned with highway commute and gravel roads. No real offroad dirt bike stuff.
The '08 and later KLR's are supposed to have a stronger "doohickey" unit, but the spring that holds them does not have much tension and goes slack relatively quickly. Many people are still replacing the whole doohickey with an Eagle Mike kit to address it.
If you can find a pre-'98 that hasn't been abused or has a lot of mileage on it you'll probably be okay for what you are looking for. The intro. of the '08's has made the price of "legacy" KLRs drop, so there are good deals.
Here ye! Here ye! From now on, the KLR650 is called "The raven" . Whenever you see a KLR650on the road, you have the right to say you saw a guy drive a "raven".
My 08 didn't burn a drop until I took it on a 2 day 1000 mile trip that included a lot of high speed (70-80) freeway riding this week. Just a little over 2k miles on the odometer when I pulled out of my driveway, 3.2K showing when I got home, and burned just a little over a quart of oil. It's an issue Kawasaki is aware of, and has admitted to so hopefully I won't have a problem when I contact them today about having the updated rings installed.
bought my 08 in late july and have over 3200 miles on it. far as oil never had to add a drop,except for service oil change. this is a great bike like he said and man it is one fun bike to do anything you want to.
I got mine yesterday.how do you know if you need oil?by checking or a light? do you know if they make a fuel gauge aftermarket? I am in brake in mode so I havent really felt the power, will the front end come up with just the throttle or do you have to clutch it? sweet green goodness.
There is a window on the right side of the crankcase that shows the oil level. Very easy to check, just get the bike on a stand.
I'm not aware of any aftermarket fuel gauges, unless you want to use a Zumo GPS. You really don't need one. Ride until you run out of gas, then flip the fuel tap over to reserve and you'll keep going. Stop and get gas. You should be able to get about 220 miles out of the KLR until you need reserve.
Haven't pulled any wheelies so I can't comment on the technique.
I'm not saying I wouldn't buy one. I might give it a couple years to see if the problem is worked out. I am 6'2" tall and most bikes are too small for me. I like the seat on the KLR. It would allow me to slide front to back instead of being held in one position. The only other similar bike seats are the V-Strom and the BMW F and GS series which cost a lot more. I realy like that new BMW F800GS although I could buy two KLR's for the price.
Not sure about ebay South Africa. In the U.S. there are several Kawasaki dealers that sell the extended warranty via Ebay. I paid $340 for 4 additional years of protection. A week or so later I got a letter from Kawasaki confirming the warranty. I bought mine from West County Powersports.
You mentioned that you got an extended warrantee on eBay... been looking but can't find any... Suggestions welcome - ps. I am not in the US - live in South Africa (Cape Town). Love the bike !
1) I've wanted a KLR for a few years, so I didn't look at anything else. Other compatible bikes to me were the Suzuki DR650 & the BMW F650 - both are highly regarded by their owners.
2) Old KLR's did not burn oil - different material used in the rings.
3) I have the factory pipe. A buddy of mine has the FMF pipe on his 08. It sounds really nice (good rumble) and gives it a little more acceleration. It did require re-jetting of the carburetor and trimming of the rear panel.
This was a very helpful set of videos. I am a new rider and I am hoping to find a KLR 650 sometime soon. They are not the easiest bikes to locate! Would you have any tips for a beginning rider?
Your mention of oil burning: almost laughable when you think about all of the big cars that go thru 2 quarts every 200 miles. Great video series, I really appreciate it!
looking at a klr with 30k 2008 for 1500.00 good deal???
martyparadise1 1 month ago
@martyparadise1 I would say that's pretty good. Mileage is a bit high (mine has 18,000 for comparison, same year). But that's a good price. Did you buy it?
hedlundk 2 weeks ago
Thank you for this video. I was most impressed with your honest and no nonsence review. I had a Honda FT500 Ascot and access to a KLR250 in college. I miss both of them and want to get back on a bike after 20 years of not riding them.
We did the camper bit for a while but sold it because we were not using it. We have a 3 person SeaDoo PWC, but again I don't pull it out as ofter as I should (maybe 4 times last year and we live less than 4 miles from a lake, so I want something for fun.
bfdvollie 1 month ago
@bfdvollie You won't regret getting a KLR. I'm happy to report after four seasons I still love my KLR as much as I did in 2008. It's got 17,000 miles on it now and still burns oil, but it's still a fun bike to ride.
hedlundk 1 month ago
@hedlundk Cool, I just got to save up for one. I'm biased to red :) I'll ask my Chief if I can put lights and siren on it...lol :)
bfdvollie 1 month ago
does the klr come automatic or just manual
darkblade1231 2 months ago in playlist More videos from hedlundk
@darkblade1231 manual, 5 speed.
hedlundk 2 months ago
My bike is a 2011 klr with 5k miles and has not used a drop of oil.
coldkendall69 4 months ago
@coldkendall69 Kawasaki seems to have addressed the oil burning in the later 2008 bikes and from then on. FWIW, I had a mechanic put new stock rings in the bike about 6 months ago and it still burns oil as much as it did when new.
hedlundk 4 months ago
been looking at getting a klr for a long time now but when you consider the oil burning, knobby replacements, and weight I think I might stick with my drz400sm which stock has 35 hp as well. The most fun I have on a bike is in the twisty high speed roads and I don't think I can move on to a bike that is less competent in this field than a supermoto. Plus, I've taken my supermoto with its street tires pretty much anywhere I need to go. All I need to do now is make some panniers
gumpdy 6 months ago
@gumpdy the oil burning only affected the earliest '08's. The DRZ400 is a great bike too. I find the KLR rails the twisties nearly as hard as my VFR. It's lighter and you have great leverage on the bars. It lacks the drive out of the corners though.
hedlundk 6 months ago
do you think the klr is too heavy?
wesdabest787 9 months ago
@wesdabest787 only if you want to do single track dirt trails. For everything else it's fine.
hedlundk 9 months ago
Why do people blank out their plate #? Thinking of all the people who see it when you're riding...whats' the point? :-)
Pretty good video review!
ks3842 1 year ago
How long would you say you can ride this bike straight? I ride from Michigan to Montana nearly every summer(10-12 hour days), and I've heard that this is a good touring bike for its size and capabilities.
Discombobulification 1 year ago
The longest I rode my KLR was from the Canadian border in Maine back to western Massachusetts, about 8 hours. It was kind of rough, but I"m used to a VFR (done several Iron Butt rides on that bike). For the KLR I would suggest getting a taller windshield and perhaps a more comfortable seat.
The KLR is about as road worthy as any dual sport bike out there besides the BMW's.
hedlundk 1 year ago
I have been around dirt bikes my whole life, I own a KLR 650 and it is the best dual sport I have ever ridden, and I have also never seen a fuel injected dirt bike.
Bowk100 1 year ago
I to have a KLR 650 2008 with 6800 miles and it to burns oil. I guess that is a problem you would think a new bike with a new motor would not burn hardly any oil between changes. Only other complaint is it gets a little darty passing big trucks on the highway to solve that I just lay on gas tank until pass the big rigs. Other than that I love my bike!
northeastern11 2 years ago
How did you break it in?
Cube210 2 years ago
I followed the break-in instructions as per the KLR's manual.
northeastern11 2 years ago
how the hell do you figure that you dont see carburetors on single cylinders that often anymore???
cerberusgoddog 2 years ago
fuel injection is now cheaper and easier to manage emissions...surprised any bike has them anymore
hedlundk 2 years ago
i thought the klr was carburated....
bandguy360 2 years ago
Yes, it is.
hedlundk 2 years ago
Excellent video review. You were clear, thorough and honest. Thanks for taking the time and posting this vid.
ellomirza 2 years ago
I had an 03 KLR and loved it. I did some short distance and back road/dirt road touring with it, and it was fanastic for that kind of stuff, though the seat was sure to give you numb-butt after a couple of hours in the saddle.
I never noticed any real oil consumption with my bike at all.
When I get another bike a KLR will be high on my list of choices again.
Leefer1968 2 years ago
Nice review dude. I appreciate the objectiveness.
seangd 2 years ago
nice vid- just picked up my 09 for 5049 out the door.. i got the red one beacuse it was 600 cheaper (?)
bobsaget2006 2 years ago
I don't know If this made a diffrents or not but I changed my front sprocket from 14 to 16 tooth to drop my revs at hwy speed and I don't seem to burn oil at all .
Honey72 2 years ago
Hi, I'm from Argentina... Do you know if the oil issue you mention has been solved for the 2009 model?
Sorry for my english. Thanks!
martincarreras 2 years ago
Thanks for the nice video and review! I have always liked the KLRs and since they redesigned it I have been looking at them (i would keep my current bike if I got one). I also am a VFR-er. 2002 VTEC which I tour on and also commute. What year is your VFR? I also wanted to ask your impressions on all-day riding comfort on the KLR, maybe like 300-400 miles a day if you have any experience touring on it. Again great Video and review.
zeaol 2 years ago
Weird..my VFR is also a 2002, 85,000 miles on it now. I mostly use it for commuting and touring.
400 miles is probably the limit for most people in touring on the KLR. At highway speeds for that long there is a lot of vibration. The wind isn't too bad with the fairing and the seat is pretty comfortable. It does tend to wander or drift a little back and forth on the highway, particularly in high wind situations or passing a truck.
If your limit is 3-400 miles, then the KLR won't be too bad.
hedlundk 2 years ago
hello from québec,canada
i am waiting for my new klr 2009 black at the end of april and i want to know what can of tire did u put??
sorry for my bad english!!!!
ticlide66 2 years ago
Don't apologize, you write better in English than a lot of people!
I put on a Maxxis 6006 tire. I got them at SW MotoTires, but I don't see them available anymore. A lot of people like the Continental TKC80 as well.
hedlundk 2 years ago
i just install a top case givi, 35 ltrs., fix well on the bike. Say, that you can´t load it over 3 kgs., i don´t think that 5 o 6 kgs make a difference driving.
jam91266 2 years ago
hi hedlundk, you´re right, what you think about the set? do you feel hard? i do, maybe is because its brand new, maybe.
i´been considered to change it, instead put a corbain.kind of expansive, but it works.
jam91266 2 years ago
The seat seems to be a personal thing. On my two other bikes (Honda & Ducati) the stock seats were horrible. I like the KLR's seat and have no plans to change it.
On my VFR I have a Sargeant seat and I can highly recommend those. I've ridden another 08 KLR with a Corbin seat and it was too hard for my liking...the stock seat was better IMO.
hedlundk 2 years ago
exellent comentary. I just brought one, two weeks ago. I really don´t like the original tires, i don´t feel good grip on highway. Another issue, its that the bike has a lot of vibration over 5 rpm.I´ve change from fjr 1300, to a KLR. The difference in pounds its incredible, i feel free!!
KLR, its a good bike for everything, well,almost...
jam91266 2 years ago
I agree with you on all those points. The original tires aren't very good and there is a lot of vibration on the highway. I took a tour of the Maine coast in September and doing 8 hours on the highway was pretty harsh. But once you get to your destination, you're glad to have the KLR.
hedlundk 2 years ago
Thanks for your review and in-depth replys to questions. I was wondering if the '08 and newer KLRs still had the "doohickey" issue?
I'm ready to buy one and have wanted one for years. I was planning on buying a pre-'98 model to stay under budget. Do you think there's any real advantage to buying one of the most recent generation? I'm concerned with highway commute and gravel roads. No real offroad dirt bike stuff.
gamonman 3 years ago
The '08 and later KLR's are supposed to have a stronger "doohickey" unit, but the spring that holds them does not have much tension and goes slack relatively quickly. Many people are still replacing the whole doohickey with an Eagle Mike kit to address it.
If you can find a pre-'98 that hasn't been abused or has a lot of mileage on it you'll probably be okay for what you are looking for. The intro. of the '08's has made the price of "legacy" KLRs drop, so there are good deals.
hedlundk 3 years ago
@gamonman doohickey issue resolved in '08 redesign
frontier1701 1 year ago
Great video. Very thorough with lots of useful information.
phillipseric 3 years ago
thanks for the info, I'm looking into one, great job on the review, best I've seen in while.
benzo430 3 years ago
Here ye! Here ye! From now on, the KLR650 is called "The raven" . Whenever you see a KLR650on the road, you have the right to say you saw a guy drive a "raven".
pocket366 3 years ago
My 08 didn't burn a drop until I took it on a 2 day 1000 mile trip that included a lot of high speed (70-80) freeway riding this week. Just a little over 2k miles on the odometer when I pulled out of my driveway, 3.2K showing when I got home, and burned just a little over a quart of oil. It's an issue Kawasaki is aware of, and has admitted to so hopefully I won't have a problem when I contact them today about having the updated rings installed.
GLDave 3 years ago
bought my 08 in late july and have over 3200 miles on it. far as oil never had to add a drop,except for service oil change. this is a great bike like he said and man it is one fun bike to do anything you want to.
germanshep1 3 years ago
I got mine yesterday.how do you know if you need oil?by checking or a light? do you know if they make a fuel gauge aftermarket? I am in brake in mode so I havent really felt the power, will the front end come up with just the throttle or do you have to clutch it? sweet green goodness.
lazloholyfeild 3 years ago
There is a window on the right side of the crankcase that shows the oil level. Very easy to check, just get the bike on a stand.
I'm not aware of any aftermarket fuel gauges, unless you want to use a Zumo GPS. You really don't need one. Ride until you run out of gas, then flip the fuel tap over to reserve and you'll keep going. Stop and get gas. You should be able to get about 220 miles out of the KLR until you need reserve.
Haven't pulled any wheelies so I can't comment on the technique.
hedlundk 3 years ago
The oil consumption issue is the deal breaker for me. I have never seen an oil problem that got better over time.
bsbowles 3 years ago
I can't say I blame you. The oil consumption issue is real and as of yet Kawasaki has not come up with a recognition of the problem or a fix.
To compare, my 2002 Honda VFR has over 80,000 miles and I have never had to add any oil between changes (3,000 mile intervals).
hedlundk 3 years ago
I'm not saying I wouldn't buy one. I might give it a couple years to see if the problem is worked out. I am 6'2" tall and most bikes are too small for me. I like the seat on the KLR. It would allow me to slide front to back instead of being held in one position. The only other similar bike seats are the V-Strom and the BMW F and GS series which cost a lot more. I realy like that new BMW F800GS although I could buy two KLR's for the price.
bsbowles 3 years ago
great review, im looking forward to buy one.
adbrainmarketing 3 years ago
Not sure about ebay South Africa. In the U.S. there are several Kawasaki dealers that sell the extended warranty via Ebay. I paid $340 for 4 additional years of protection. A week or so later I got a letter from Kawasaki confirming the warranty. I bought mine from West County Powersports.
hedlundk 3 years ago
Thanks for the great reviews !
You mentioned that you got an extended warrantee on eBay... been looking but can't find any... Suggestions welcome - ps. I am not in the US - live in South Africa (Cape Town). Love the bike !
NetcashGP 3 years ago
Great review, I thinking about purchasing a klr sometime soon. A couple of questions:
Are there comparable bikes you were looking at?
Do you know if the old klr's had the oil burning issue?
How is the sound, how do the upgraded pipes make it better (louder, rumblier, softer)?
Thanks for the vid.
mrmikeyh 3 years ago
1) I've wanted a KLR for a few years, so I didn't look at anything else. Other compatible bikes to me were the Suzuki DR650 & the BMW F650 - both are highly regarded by their owners.
2) Old KLR's did not burn oil - different material used in the rings.
3) I have the factory pipe. A buddy of mine has the FMF pipe on his 08. It sounds really nice (good rumble) and gives it a little more acceleration. It did require re-jetting of the carburetor and trimming of the rear panel.
hedlundk 3 years ago
Thanks for the great review. It's given me a better idea on which dual-purpose to pursue.
kevhunts 3 years ago
This was a very helpful set of videos. I am a new rider and I am hoping to find a KLR 650 sometime soon. They are not the easiest bikes to locate! Would you have any tips for a beginning rider?
osu501 3 years ago
Your mention of oil burning: almost laughable when you think about all of the big cars that go thru 2 quarts every 200 miles. Great video series, I really appreciate it!
HunterMann 3 years ago
It would burn more oil if I used it for daily commuting. The KLR is mostly used for back roads and dirt.
The only cars I've owned that burned oil were usually 20+ years old. I don't think oil burning is acceptable on a new vehicle.
hedlundk 3 years ago
Thanks for doing that, it was really helpful.
funy my 2007 ninja 250 burns a bit of oil as well. Mostly because the engine revs so high.
Katjump 3 years ago