Which would you choose and why- water or air cooled?

[kletzenklueffer]

In comparing to very similar bikes, the KLR650 and DR650, while I hear the DR is a bit better off road and the KLR a bit better on road, much of the rest seems a toss up. Both have similar levels of aftermarket support and simplicity in the engine. The main difference I see is the air cooled DR vs the water cooled KLR. I read that the DR heats up when sitting still and the KLR has a vulnerable radiator.

If you had to choose for expedition, which would you choose? If climate is a factor, the bike would typically be used between 0 degrees F and 90 F in woodland riding with a balanced mix of temps. mostly forest riding, and it light to no traffic on the way.

I have heard that the DR is about worn out by 30K miles whereas the KLR keeps going far beyond this.

Anyone care to comment? Is more info needed?

 

[Hltoppr]

I'd pick the KLR...but not because of the cooling. For travel use, it's gonna be more comfortable than the DR.

My XRL was air cooled, much like the DR, and I never really had any issues with cooling, even when running pinned at 70mph in 110 degree heat.

My BMW is air/oil cooled, and I'll notice that it will start to heat up on stop and go traffic in Phoenix in the summer, but I've never sat around long enough for there to be issues...Even on the XR I'd hit the shoulder and keep moving.

HTH

-H-

 

[Quasimoto]

Definatly go with the KLR. The DR is a capable touring bike but you will enjoy yourself alot more aboard the KLR.

I have had both, the DR is great to burn from home out to the back roads for day trips. The KLR is what got me into enjoying week trips. Now I ride a BMW Dakar TT39 and traveling a month or two is really enjoyable.:wings:

After 39,000 km

 

[Curtis in Texas]

It's a known fact that a water cooled engine will outlast an air cooled on under the same conditions.
That said, I have friends who go everywhere I go on their DR's that I go on my KLR.
I have 38 K on my KLR and it runs great. But, don't be fooled, it's highly modified. Just cause I can't leave well enough alone.
Itr's obvious I live in Texas and it's hot here, so go with what fits your butt and budget. You can get IMS tanks for long range on either the KLR or DR.
Here's my KLR in Missouri.

Quasi, I love the Blue Beemer!
Looks like a great ride.

 

[RHINO]

water cooled. they seem to be more reliable and longer lived in the grand scheme of things. i put over 80k on my old KLR 650 during the 90's with minimal downtime.

 

[scarysharkface]

KLR. It's much quieter too, thanks to the water jacketed cylinder.

 

[Dave Bennett]

KLR :victory:

Now, that is one nice BMW!!!

 

[kletzenklueffer]

Thanks guy! This just reconfirms what I've been thinking and goes well with my search for a bike. I'm selling a truck to fund it this weekend and then I'm on the prowl.