the DR650 thread

[Adv Grifter]

Originally Posted by Rob.G

So what if the KLR makes 8 hp more. They're also carrying around an extra 80 lbs., and if they're pre-2009, another 10 lbs in extra oil (if they're smart).

Besides, on dual sports, I don't think raw power is the key anyway. It's weight and maneuverability. Yeah stock for stock, the KLR is better on the highway, but stock for stock the DR is vastly superior offroad. Big deal either way. Rob

Stock for stock HP is very close between the two. Not a 8 HP spread from dyno reports I've seen and from many I've ridden and owned.

The original KLR650 ('86 to '07) DRY weight is just a few lbs. more than the DR650. (DR: 324 lbs. - KLR approx. ? 334 lbs. ? ) The KLR carries over 6 US gallons of fuel, so that adds weight. Some riders love that huge tank.

The new KLR had some mis-prints about it's weight. They ARE heavier than the pre '08, but not 50 lbs. heavier. So, the NEW KLR wet weight is about 35 lbs. heavier than a stock, wet DR650. This is a lot for a dual sport bike, especially off road.

Somewhere this is all laid out by owners. Probably check out KLR.net to verify. You are correct about carrying extra oil. Both old and new KLR's tend to use oil. My '98 did from new. This is very well documented. The new one is even worse as a bad batch of pistons/cylinders from Thailand were the wrong spec. But even when things are right (all corrected by Kawi) ... the new KLR still uses oil. I have several KLR riding friends into these issues. Just rode with my friend Mike last weekend. He owns a new AND an old KLR. He's got 50,000 miles on his '03 KLR. Very trick bike. We rode to Copper Canyon. Never missed a beat. Here's another KLR rider ... headed for Tierra del Fuego. He made it.

KLR in Copper Canyon on the road to Batopilas.

But Mike loves my DR. Says its the fastest and smoothest single he has ever ridden. (maybe he never rode a KTM 690? )

The reason the "better on the highway" myth persists is that the KLR comes with a small windshield and a wider seat in stock form. So right away the ride is perhaps a bit quieter and the seat is better than the DR650. But the motor is another story. At 70 mph the KLR is a bit vibey and buzzy. Over that speed it is not all that comfortable. The new KLR is better all around: Smoother, with better suspension, better brakes. But the DR is still smoother ... especially at speed.

So ... for those who want to match the KLR on comfort simply fit a small shield and better seat to their DR650. Add a big tank and you're there.

The fact is, if you can get over the shear size (especially the width!) of the KLR then a well set up KLR works quite well ... even off road. With good suspension/brakes fitted the bike works damn well. Does it match the DR650? Pretty close. The DR still feels lighter and the front tracks and sticks better off road. But a really well set up KLR can do the business. On the highway the KLR has a problem. Can't get away from the buzzy motor.

Both are good bikes. The DR crashes better and if you're getting "out there" this is a bonus. The DR is less likely to leave you stranded. Also, KLR sub frame bolts routinely bend or break.

Nicely tricked out KLR .... and yes ... it works very well!

Mike and company on his Blue '08 KLR ... Yes ... Uses Oil!

HU meeting in Copper Canyon in 2004. Out of 105 bikes present ... 34 were KLR's! Go Figure! Zero DR650's. Oh how things have changed!

[chipwich]

Originally Posted by foxfire

Out of curiosity, did you're Clark tank come that shiny or did you wax it or something? Mine came with a haze that took polishing compound to remove, and its still nowhere near that shiny. Just wondering...

I usually Armor All the plastic after washing. Makes it look shiny and keeps mud from sticking a bit.

[atpalmer]

Originally Posted by shu

This gets said a lot and has come to be accepted as true, but I'm not so sure. I've never ridden a KLR but I rode with one on a trip in Mexico and my friend said that the KLR was a pretty buzzy ride at 65 mph. For sure, he kept vibrating fairing screws and other things off his bike.

With the stock gearing my DR is a pretty smooth and stable ride, cruising at 70-75 and with good passing power up to about 85 mph.

All my humble opinion, of course......................shu

I hit 120 MPH (indicated) on my DR the night before i wrecked it. It was nice and smooth. I was running a well worn D606 rear no less. I think the DR is a fine highway bike.

[LukasM]

Originally Posted by Adv Grifter

The original KLR650 ('86 to '07) DRY weight is just a few lbs. more than the DR650. (DR: 324 lbs. - KLR approx. ? 334 lbs. ? ) The KLR carries over 6 US gallons of fuel, so that adds weight. Some riders love that huge tank.

The new KLR had some mis-prints about it's weight. They ARE heavier than the pre '08, but not 50 lbs. heavier. So, the NEW KLR wet weight is about 35 lbs. heavier than a stock, wet DR650. This is a lot for a dual sport bike, especially off road.

We discussed this before, the pre 08 KLR is more than 30 lbs heavier than the DR, the 08+ >45 lbs.

I am comparing the most relevant figure - ready to ride, no fuel.

Originally Posted by atpalmer

I hit 120 MPH (indicated) on my DR the night before i wrecked it. It was nice and smooth.

I think you should try again with a GPS to see how fast you are really going.

[YnotJP?]

A typing mistake, the "M" key is just below and to the left of the "K" key.

[kaijb]

Originally Posted by Foot dragger

I had a bone stock 98 SC620 KTM that would dust XR650R's no problem,top end,bottom end,where ever.

There is not one test ever that rated the 98 SC620 or the 2000 KTM above the XRR. I have no doubt that you did so against lesser riders and maybe uncorked bikes but the 620 never had the top end of the XRR.

[Ant001]

My DR will hit 160kmh, which is roughly i think 100mph and thats fully open, on a very flat road

[inire]

Originally Posted by SkunkWizard

They are out there, I saw this yesterday.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ant...064485249.html

I made contact! You rock!

Anyone with a spare midpipe?

[atpalmer]

I think you should try again with a GPS to see how fast you are really going.

That's exactly what i was planning to do. until THIS happened the following morning.
It's probably only about 110 MPH actual due to the generous speedo. But 120 mph sounds so much cooler.

A typing mistake, the "M" key is just below and to the left of the "K" key.

Funny, but my bike has MPH in big numbers.

For those interested the bike has a gutted exhaust, airbox mod, unknown carb work, worn Trailwing front, D606 rear, 25 PSI, 16/42 gearing, Long Downhill at night, closed course, professional driver, and no animals were harmed.
I did 110 up the same stretch with some room to go. That DR isn't bad.

[RockyNH]

I have Happy Trails Racks and HT Teton alum Panniers mounted. I am thinking of getting something soft like dirtbagz, or anything that might work with my current racks.

Anyone put soft bags on there Happy Trail racks?

Thanks,

Pat in NH

[Rumlover]

A foot of snow in Murray Utah (Salt lake city area) and still accumulating. No riding today.

[plugeye]

yet to see proof of the ton on stock dr650

[Rumlover]

Originally Posted by plugeye

yet to see proof of the ton on stock dr650

I am pretty sure a well tuned dr with moderate gearing would do 100mph. I admit I have never done it, but I am old and getting wimpy. Might depend on how strict you are with the "stock" thing. I would think a little air box work and maybe a 15/43 gearing would pull it.

[exoff-roadgoat]

I hit 80 mph corrected on my stock DR on a gravel farm road but it felt more like 180. Yikes!

[thumpididump]

Oh, man. That sucks. Hope you recover quickly. Just be thankful it wasn't worse.


How much damage to the bike?

Originally Posted by atpalmer

That's exactly what i was planning to do. until THIS happened the following morning. .. .. ..