Can't decide!

Dave Bennett

Dave Bennett

Adventurist
CoastalDefender said:
Well, after reading and reading and reading and reading reviews, suggestions, and outright lies all over the internet (even paid attention to you guys a little too), I think I am going to try to convince the wife the V is worth the extra $1.5k over the KLR...

Farlke market seems less, but similar, and I can get knobbies later and get more out of it offroad. But for commuting and small usage offroad, I think the V will work out well for me.

Now to find a good price on one...
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Good choice. I love my KLR but am longing for fuel injection (cold morning starts suck with the KLR/carb) and V power for the highway.

And, 2 up on the KLR is no bueno... trust me.

That being said, the KLR is FUN to ride everywhere but the super slab :bike_rider:

I may sell mine and get a V-Strom 650 eventually but right now I'm still having fun with my KLR.
 
C

CoastalDefender

Explorer
TACODOC said:
Good choice. I love my KLR but am longing for fuel injection (cold morning starts suck with the KLR/carb) and V power for the highway.

And, 2 up on the KLR is no bueno... trust me.

That being said, the KLR is FUN to ride everywhere but the super slab :bike_rider:

I may sell mine and get a V-Strom 650 eventually but right now I'm still having fun with my KLR.
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EFI is really appealing to me in this area.

I wonder though, if the V will be big enough for guys like you and I? I'm 6'3", 220, so I"m worried my long legs and ape arms will be too long.
 
Cabrito

Cabrito

I come in Peace
CoastalDefender said:
EFI is really appealing to me in this area.

I wonder though, if the V will be big enough for guys like you and I? I'm 6'3", 220, so I"m worried my long legs and ape arms will be too long.
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If I were a big guy like you I'd be all over the 1100 Vstrom or a KTM 950 adventure.

I'm all of 5'6 at 150lbs and loved my KLR's on and off the pavement. Never had a problem with passengers and thought the KLR was super nimble in the canyons of San Francisco to the canyons of Death Valley. I used to bomb to LA from SF when I was dating a girl in LA, and thought it was great on the freeway. Only complaint with the KLR was the seat. Of course the KLR is way too big for me and is one reason I don't think I would get another one. The Wee strom is on my current wish list.
 
efuentes

efuentes

Explorer
Have you considered a less trail-worthy dual sport like a BMW 650 GS?, maybe it will be a better compromise.
 
scarysharkface

scarysharkface

Explorer
TACODOC said:
(cold morning starts suck with the KLR/carb)
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With the fuel-enricher full-on, plug the exhaust with your (gloved) finger when you crank it over. I generally have to do that in the morning when it's below freezing out..

After less than 30 seconds it runs fine without the enricher (~600' asl, stock jetting).

John
 
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dirtysouth

dirtysouth

Adventurer
rcintx said:
I've been weighing this as well. From everything i have read, the KLR will keep up with the V Strom on the highway, but the KLR will be much better in the dirt.

Can anyone confirm this?

The cruiser is currently up for sale, and will be replaced with the KLR, unless someone says something that changes my mind.
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Having owned both the KLR and the DL650 (weestrom), the answer is negative. The KLR is nothing compared to the DL650 on the road. It is a single cylinder bike compared to a 90 degree twin cylinder. If you're wanting a bike for 90/10 road to dirt road split, do yourself a favor and go with the DL if it is in your price range. The DL has more HP, Torque, smoother, and better protection from the elements. It has a 6th gear which is essentially an OD on the hwy. Range will lean in the KLR's favor somewhat but not by much. If it's just you, the KLR will haul you down the hwy at any legal speed. If you're loaded down or throw someone on the back, you'll know it. The DL gives up a little weight and suspension travel to the KLR but that's it. I had my DL set up with semi aggressive tires, and a skidplate and never had an issue keeping up with the bigger thumpers on the forest service roads. If you want to do any serious offroad, you're looking at the wrong 2 bikes.

802794905_TL5YM-M.jpg
 
dirtysouth

dirtysouth

Adventurer
Another option to consider possibly is a Tiger. It's a whole lot more bike motor-wise and more comfortable 2 up, but yet you can still hit the dirt and get good deals on them. Or maybe pick up a Dakar. It's still a single cylinder 650 and you have more tire options for the dirt, plus it is in between the KLR and DL650 power-wise. I owned the 2 bikes in the picture but let a buddy or mine ride the Dakar for a weekend trip up to TN.

399315824_hRoqL-M-1.jpg
 
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