I'm going to come back to riding after 20 years and will buy a used KLR650 this week. There is a couple that I know of in the Saint Louis, MO region and I wanted members opinions as to which one to get. If you had the choice which one would you get for basic adventure riding (paved and gravel roads and easy single track). Your choices are: Bike "A" Kawasaki KLR 650 (KLR650) - $3999 08 Kawasaki klr650 with 14k.This bike has an upgraded seat, heated grips, upgraded windscreen, stainless steel brake lines, 16T trans sprocket, eagle mikes doohickey, skid plate, crash protection, highway bar with pegs, performance pipe, power port, racks & storm cases. Will give 50+ mpg...makes a great commuter! Bike B KLR dual sport 2008 - $3350 Blue and silver KLR less than 1oo miles on front and back tire and new battery, larger factory windshield works well for highway use great 2 up riding and off road ability. One owner well maintained with small scratch on side from falling over on driveway. 2008 was the first year for the new body design bullet proof motor. 11k mileage. So the question is without a physical inspection which one. Are the additions on bike A both worth the extra $ and worth it in the way of providing actual benefit? Thanks in advance, Jason
Not a lot of difference actually, as miles are close and the accessories are worth the extra money. I bought an 08 KLR with 14k on it in 2011 for $3300, and it had early Happy Trails boxes on it and a few other goodies, and I have been happy with it... very reliable, good mpg, easy to work on, etc. I used it mainly for commuting (although I have a large Honda also) between Michigan and Chicago (until the job ended) but started some offroading in local game area near me last Fall, The bike is heavy for any serious offroading, but its fun and it fits my abilities. Only concern on a KLR is the oil usage due to ring problems on early 08s, some of which Kawasaki rebuilt. Mine does use some oil when I cruise freeways, but I get used to checking and filling and may do a "685 kit" eventually. But I like it overall and after about 11k miles have had no problems on my first KLR. first Kawasaki and only second "dual sport", first being an SL350. I rode a Honda sportbike prior to this, and the KLR is a dog in comparison, but adaquate. Once you get used to the big boxes (I made mine easy to remove btw), you will love it as a place for rain gear and such. Now I have them on most of the time, unless planning some offroading, and it makes it very easy to commute to work.
I'd go with the one with the extra kit, I think you're coming out ahead there. Luggage and protection isn't cheap and the mileage between the two is more or less a wash in my opinion. The stuff you listed seemed fairly well thought out as well, the guy liked his bike and probably could be expected to have reasonably cared for it.
If you want a "turnkey" bike than buy #1. If you like to do the mods yourself,and having fun to look up what mod you want and which aftermarket parts than go with #2./and if you have a patient wife who understands why you sitting in front of the computer talking to fellow advers about mods I think both priced OK.
I would go with the first one as the previous owner obviously took care of it and did the required mods, such as the doo. Listing EagleMike in his listing, in my opinion, means he's knowledgeable about the bike. Ask the PO what kind of oil burning it does, or if it was addressed in a recall. And I'm sure you can get that price down.
Bike #1 Given the small difference in mileage (3K miles), and small difference in price (650.00), I'd definitely go with #1. Skid plate, crash bars, rear rack + hard cases, plus the upgraded doohickey more than makes up for difference in price. Whichever you choose, welcome back to riding!
This thread isn't even an hour old. Just give it some time; Any minute now, someone will be along to tell you to buy a DR650... .
If you want a bike set up like "A", then "A" is a good choice. If that isn't how you want it set up then "B" is better as you have a clean slate to set it up your way. Personally I don't like the '08s. They had some ring issues that year. While we are at it, what color do you like better? They are close enough that color is a fair criteria for picking one machine over the other. Mileage is nothing. I am sitting on 49k on my '00 with little more then one valve adjustment and normal maintance stuff.
I too am in the St Louis area and have been keeping my eye on both those bikes. I am not in a position to buy right now, but if I was I would buy the first one. Phil
update: Bike has been bought and is setting in the garage. Thank you everyone for the input! Jason PS - The bike runs great and is a heck of a lot of fun so far.
Hah! I was just gonna say,dont buy the KLR and then test ride a DR. Friends have done so then realized their mistake. Not that there's anything wrong with a KLR,if you like that sort of thing.
As surely as the night follows the day . . . The DR boosters are on a mission from on high, to save the unwary from the heartbreak, pain, and horrors of KLR ownership. From Scripture: "The DR boosters we shall always have among us." (King James Version)
