Can't decide!

C

CoastalDefender

Explorer
Okay, I can't decide between the V Strom 650 and the KLR650...

My riding will be 90/10 one/two up, 90/10 tarmac/log roads. I would like it as a commuter for the nicer days.

V Strom seems like it will be a better fit for the highway, but it looks like I can't go wrong when I hit dirt if I have the KLR650 under me.

I'm not a fast driver anymore, profession and age have cured me of that, so I don't see myself feeling the need to tempt fate at anything faster than 70mph. How does the KLR handle at those speeds? Comparable to the V Strom?

Decisions, decisions, more and more research...
 
Last edited:
scarysharkface

scarysharkface

Explorer
Wife has a V-Strom 650 and I've got a KLR 650. I like the KLR more everywhere except the Interstate. She doesn't like the top-heavy feel of the KLR. For log roads, the KLR is head and shoulders more fun than the V-Strom, with better low-end torque. The V-Strom is better 2-up and on the highway.

John

CoastalDefender said:
Okay, I can't decide between the V Strom 650 and the KLR650...

My riding will be 90/10 one/two up, 90/10 tarmac/log roads. I would like it as a commuter for the nicer days.

V Strom seems like it will be a better fit for the highway, but it looks like I can't go wrong when I hit dirt if I have the KLR650 under me.

I'm not a fast driver anymore, profession and age have cured me of that, so I don't see myself feeling the need to tempt fate at anything faster than 70mph. How does the KLR handle at those speeds? Comparable to the V Strom?

Decisions, decisions, more and more research...
Click to expand...
 
rcintx

rcintx

Adventurer
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.
 
C

CoastalDefender

Explorer
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?
Click to expand...

This is what I am hearing too. However, the V Strom will out power the KLR on the highway. Appealing to me since 90% of riding will be on road.
 
robert

robert

Expedition Leader
The Strom will eat the KLR up on the road- the KLR will eat the Strom off road. They really are two different bikes; I use my Strom almost exclusively on the road as it's a pig in the dirt. I know there are far better riders than me who put knobbies on it and do all sorts of things I couldn't do even on a dirt bike, but for me the Strom is not fun on anything rougher than a gravel road and even then the ABS makes it exciting at times. The Strom is an excellent bike for most road riding though. It pulls well up to around 90mph (never had mine over 95 but supposedly it runs out of steam around 124), the fuel injection is awesome (readily cranks in all weather and is ready to go no matter the altitude), gets good gas mileage, handles better than you'd think especially if you dial the suspension in and add cartridge emulators, etc. On the down side, the stock seat sucks and it can be a little buzzy (it's a twin after all); I added a Givi windshield as the stock was a little low for my tatste. It's a Suzuki too so you shouldn't have any issues.

I have a couple of friends who either have or have had KLRs so I have some saddle time in them too and for general commuting they aren't bad. All motorcycles are compromises though; I ended up buying the DRZ for short commuting and playing with (had it out today riding trails and jumping it. :bike_rider: ) but it's not great at highway speeds and it's cold natured.
 
scarysharkface

scarysharkface

Explorer
When I got my first KLR, I had had my sights set on an old Suzuki beater GS550L rat bike for commuting. I had no intention of any kind of off-road riding whatsoever. I ended up getting the KLR for a variety of reasons that had nothing to do with it being a dual-sport (it was simply a deal I couldn't pass up on a nearly new bike). Of course, within about a month I was looking for places to take it off-road. My point being that if you get a KLR you'll be looking for places to ride it off-road, and if you get a V-Strom you probably won't be.

I guess I really have nothing to offer whatsoever. :snorkel:

All bikes are fun.

John
 
scarysharkface

scarysharkface

Explorer
Actually, a valid question would be how far do you think you'll be riding? That might be your deciding factor. If you're commuting an hour at high speed, then the 'strom is the answer. If not, I find the KLR much more fun to ride around town.

John
 
MarcFJ60

MarcFJ60

Adventurer
I haven't ridden either, but I sat on a new (08+) KLR at a dealer. It felt so big, I remember thinking to myself that I would rather just get a VStrom if I was going to get a bike that big. Keep in mind I'm only 5'8" so the KLR probably won't feel as big to those 6' and over. I know there are people who do some amazing things on their KLRs, but I know it is too big of a bike for me to take on any aggressive roads.

I am also done with carbs (unless I were to buy an old beater bike). You just can't beat EFI in my mind.

But it also sounds like YOU like the KLR. I think you're better off getting the bike you're longing for rather than the one you analyzed as the correct choice.
 
RHINO

RHINO

Expedition Leader
the decision factor for me is really the two up,,, if you plan on it regularly the wee is the choice, otherwise I would be happier with the KLR.
 
C

CoastalDefender

Explorer
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...
 
R

rctr03

Adventurer
i love my 09 klr, great all around bike. if i spent more time on the road i would have invested in the vstrom.
jimmy
 
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