sparksgarrett45
Observer
I want a good adventure bike that can do just about everything. Is this a good start? There are a couple of BMW's for around 5, but I want the best bang for my buck. Thoughts?
04' KLR for 2900??
- Thread starter sparksgarrett45
- Start date
HenryJ
Expedition Leader
How many miles on it? Got a picture? What accessories does it have?
I paid $1400 for a rough looking 2k model three years ago. Last year I picked up a 2002 KLR650 nicely outfitted with under 7k miles for $3k
Best quotes I have heard are: "The KLR650 is the Swiss Army knife of bikes." and referring to its performance as a highway shredder and dirt bike: "The KLR650 does nothing really well...but does everything pretty darn good."
I paid $1400 for a rough looking 2k model three years ago. Last year I picked up a 2002 KLR650 nicely outfitted with under 7k miles for $3k
Best quotes I have heard are: "The KLR650 is the Swiss Army knife of bikes." and referring to its performance as a highway shredder and dirt bike: "The KLR650 does nothing really well...but does everything pretty darn good."
Vicreo A Legarreta
Vicreo
you are right on that one I have a 95 for 8 year now and counting
Cole
Expedition Leader
We have two of them and love the. My wife and I used them as our dedicated travel bikes. A few years ago we rode them away from home, got to our destination and stored them, hopped on a plane and flew home. Now every 2-3 months we fly out to wherever we left the bikes last and ride them somewhere else.
Great bike for adventure. The black and red one is mine and an 04. Has about 50k on it and runs great!:wings: The blue 1998 is the wife's. Picture is from an article in Mōtum Magazine.
Great bike for adventure. The black and red one is mine and an 04. Has about 50k on it and runs great!:wings: The blue 1998 is the wife's. Picture is from an article in Mōtum Magazine.
Cabrito
I come in Peace
I'm another KLR rider who thinks they are great bikes.
$2900 for an '04 seems a little high to me, but if it has some good maintenance records or low miles, and or is already nicely kitted out it might be a good deal.
Parts and knowledge for, and about the KLR are plentiful. Parts are cheap.
$2900 for an '04 seems a little high to me, but if it has some good maintenance records or low miles, and or is already nicely kitted out it might be a good deal.
Parts and knowledge for, and about the KLR are plentiful. Parts are cheap.
FAW3
Adventurer
If I was looking at used bikes, and I defined "do just about everything" as: interstate capable, forest road & off pavement great fun, and can do light/mod single track ok...and I had at least 30" of inseam...
I would be hawking Craigslist, e-bay and all other local sources for: KLR650's, DR650's, DRZ 400, Honda 650, WR250R (and there are others) that had some reasonable use and care, perhaps some nice additions, and were offered at a reasonable price. Keep an open mind...all these common mid range adventure bikes offer what you want...some of the emphasis changes and these changes can matter a lot or a little. Examples: as sold stock: fuel range and wind protection are "more" on the KLR. Weight is less on the DR...but you can add a bigger tank and some faring/windshield to a DR. The WR250R is also an option...some are put off by the engine size...but if you want to see what it can do check out "Bigdogadventures.com"
If you are going to ride and challenge yourself...get something used that you will not cry over when it takes a dirt/rock nap on you. I like a simple bike with good parts availability...all of these have that.
Last thing...check owners forums for the common "how too's"...what is involved to change oil, adjust valves...etc. Keep it simple.
Jump on it soon...spring is here and the market is going to heat up. Get your $$ ready, see one, go look and decide...you wait...it's going to be gone.
(disclaimer: I have a KLR and a DR200 - love them both...and have had a DR650 and loved it too)
I would be hawking Craigslist, e-bay and all other local sources for: KLR650's, DR650's, DRZ 400, Honda 650, WR250R (and there are others) that had some reasonable use and care, perhaps some nice additions, and were offered at a reasonable price. Keep an open mind...all these common mid range adventure bikes offer what you want...some of the emphasis changes and these changes can matter a lot or a little. Examples: as sold stock: fuel range and wind protection are "more" on the KLR. Weight is less on the DR...but you can add a bigger tank and some faring/windshield to a DR. The WR250R is also an option...some are put off by the engine size...but if you want to see what it can do check out "Bigdogadventures.com"
If you are going to ride and challenge yourself...get something used that you will not cry over when it takes a dirt/rock nap on you. I like a simple bike with good parts availability...all of these have that.
Last thing...check owners forums for the common "how too's"...what is involved to change oil, adjust valves...etc. Keep it simple.
Jump on it soon...spring is here and the market is going to heat up. Get your $$ ready, see one, go look and decide...you wait...it's going to be gone.
(disclaimer: I have a KLR and a DR200 - love them both...and have had a DR650 and loved it too)
TravelinLight
Observer
Glad to have search for this thread. I am in the same boat as looking for my first dual sport and the difference between new and used in not that different in my area. I thought the CL ads seemed high and know better now.
I am probably looking at the KLR instead of the XR 650.
Mostly fire roads and light trips within the US for now and the foreseeable future.
I am probably looking at the KLR instead of the XR 650.
Mostly fire roads and light trips within the US for now and the foreseeable future.
Frank
Explorer
This is an awesome idea!
Cabrito
I come in Peace
2nd Gen's have upgraded brakes, headlights, and different styling. Forks might also be upgraded. I think the suspension is overall better on the second Gen.
Many parts are interchangeable, but many are not. Second Gen 08's and 09's are notorious oil burners, but then an older KLR might also have oil consumption issue's depending on the care and maintenance history.
Many parts are interchangeable, but many are not. Second Gen 08's and 09's are notorious oil burners, but then an older KLR might also have oil consumption issue's depending on the care and maintenance history.
Maverick1701
Adventurer
I payed $2200 for my 2003 model with some mods and 15K miles....maybe that will give you some comparison?
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
KLRs are one of those bikes that you either love, or you don't.
If you like them - you'll find them generally reliable, capable, easy to ride, easy to repair (lots of info out there), and parts easy to come by.
If you don't like them - then you don't like them.
Find what you like & can afford - then go ride it.
If you like them - you'll find them generally reliable, capable, easy to ride, easy to repair (lots of info out there), and parts easy to come by.
If you don't like them - then you don't like them.
Find what you like & can afford - then go ride it.
Cabrito
I come in Peace
This.