KLR650 Or DR650 Or XR650L

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HYPERR · #11 Unread post by **HYPERR** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 2:19 pm

paul246 wrote: I think Kawasaki and Suzuki also carry some small DS bikes as well.

Kawasaki does make a DP 250, the KLX250S which I own. However the seat height on that is about the same as the KLR at 35". Suzuki's DR200 is junk and their DRZ400S has a 37" seat height.

Hondagirl · Tue Aug 05, 2008 11:59 pm

I have a Honda 230 - I'm 5" 4 ish and an inch or two shorter would be no problem at all to flat foot, and it's a very cool and fun bike too :happybikeday:

HYPERR · #13 Unread post by **HYPERR** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 4:48 am

Hondagirl wrote:I have a Honda 230 - I'm 5" 4 ish and an inch or two shorter would be no problem at all to flat foot, and it's a very cool and fun bike too

Hi Sweetie!

The CRF230L was reviewed in this month's Cycle World and it averaged a whopping 93 miles per gallon!!! They were so amazed that they tried for a max mpg to see what they could achieve and they achieved 113 mpg!

follow · #14 Unread post by **follow** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 4:47 pm

Paul246,
That's what my husband wants to do, ride up to Alaska and if we see a place we want to adventure off then so be it. Also we live in Colorado which has plenty of places to adventure around.
I think he wants me to stay in the 650 class because of Interstate speed. Also I get pretty competive, he says I am hard on bikes.

paul246 · #15 Unread post by **paul246** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 11:15 am

Too bad about the interstate idea, IMHO the super slab is a total waste of any motorcycle, better to take the less used and more enjoyable secondary roads.

If you plan on riding all the way to Alaska and back you may wish to look at a BMW 650GS, much better seat than a typical dual sport. The BMW is OK if all you plan to tackle are fire roads and easy trails.

Another option to consider is going with smaller dual sports, but hauling them in the back of a truck or on a trailer. Not purist but certainly practical, and you'll have more fun on the smaller machines off road, plus enjoy their benefits around town when you are back in Colorado.

MTexile · #16 Unread post by **MTexile** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 3:07 pm

Was going to start a new one but since this one covers the same topic...
Am also looking at getting a DS for a second bike. In my early teens I rode a friends Honda 90 cc trail bike, that was about 30 years ago and have the same DR650/KLR650/XR650 quandry. I would like to consider a BMW 650 GS, but the nearest dealer is 50+ miles away, Triumph has turned the Tiger into a street bike, and KTM's seem very pricey. Am 5'8" and figure will have to lower what I buy at least a inch or get a aftermarket seat.
Want a 650 because I plan on riding on the highway to get to various areas (Northern PA, the Sheandoah Valley, etc.). Figure 40% asphalt/60% dirt. Will be carrying tent, sleeping bag, 2-3 days food, etc...Have looked at all three bikes, am leaning towards the KLR, but not by much. suggestions?

paul246 · #17 Unread post by **paul246** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 1:38 am

MTexile wrote:Was going to start a new one but since this one covers the same topic...
Am also looking at getting a DS for a second bike. In my early teens I rode a friends Honda 90 cc trail bike, that was about 30 years ago and have the same DR650/KLR650/XR650 quandry. I would like to consider a BMW 650 GS, but the nearest dealer is 50+ miles away, Triumph has turned the Tiger into a street bike, and KTM's seem very pricey. Am 5'8" and figure will have to lower what I buy at least a inch or get a aftermarket seat.
Want a 650 because I plan on riding on the highway to get to various areas (Northern PA, the Sheandoah Valley, etc.). Figure 40% asphalt/60% dirt. Will be carrying tent, sleeping bag, 2-3 days food, etc...Have looked at all three bikes, am leaning towards the KLR, but not by much. suggestions?

OK, 40 % asphalt is easy to define. We need to clarify what you mean by 60% dirt. Is it gravel, hard pack, loose dirt, mud, sand?

Right from the get-go you can rule out the BMW GS, it isn't made for true off-road riding. But they have other models that are more capable.

HYPERR · #18 Unread post by **HYPERR** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 3:14 am

paul246 wrote:
OK, 40 % asphalt is easy to define. We need to clarify what you mean by 60% dirt. Is it gravel, hard pack, loose dirt, mud, sand?

Yep exactly.

Hard pack is nothing. You could do that with any bike. Gravel is a little tougher but it would be a total piece of cake for the KLR, DR, or the XR.
Mud and Deep Sugar Sand are two of the toughest types of terrain but it also has a lot to do with rider skill, experience and tires.
If you are planning to do lots of tight technical trails, all of these bikes may be a little too big.

I personally think unless you have the necessary inseam or good skills, the XR is too tall. It really boils down to which is more important and which you are willing to sacrifice less. The highway ride to get to the trails or the trails themselves. If the former is more important, then get the KLR. If it's the latter, then the DR.

MTexile · #19 Unread post by **MTexile** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 8:43 am

As far as dirt goes, most likely I'll be on dirt roads, some gravel and mud. No sand and am not planning to ride deep into the boonies, but I might go up a fire/skid trail if my GPS and maps will give me a short cut.
Thanks for the quick responses also!

paul246 · #20 Unread post by **paul246** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 3:55 am

MTexile wrote:As far as dirt goes, most likely I'll be on dirt roads, some gravel and mud. No sand and am not planning to ride deep into the boonies, but I might go up a fire/skid trail if my GPS and maps will give me a short cut.
Thanks for the quick responses also!

In that case I would recommend the KLR, its the best for comfort on the highway and will do everything you want for your proposed applications.