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Whether you have a KLR, XR, DR or DRZ, they are all great inexpensive bikes that are all capable of big adventures. The only limiting factor is you.

@johnnyturbo8460

4 жыл бұрын

Very true.. i LOVE my DR650

@flipped68

2 жыл бұрын

I sold my XR650L earlier this year and purchased an crf450l…truth be told I’ll be buying an Xr650l again. I put just over 12k miles on my last bike all offroad and adventuring. Surely miss it

Excellent video. I've been subbed for a while, love your channel. This video touches big feels for me. In September of 2022, while riding in downtown Nashville on my expensive BMW GS, I was forced off the road and into a guard rail by an aggressive driver who never stopped. The BMW was wadded up like tin foil and I suffered life-threatening injuries. Now, a year later, I can walk and work again, and I decided it was time to get back on an ADV bike. Like serendipity, a pristine 2002 KLR650 appeared on Craigslist, only a few miles away, and for a price that was shockingly affordable. The test ride was like the day I retired from the military; terrifying, liberating, and exhilarating. I'm picking up the bike today, and it's pouring rain, but I don't care. With hospital bills and inflation driving prices of bikes into the stratosphere, I thought I'd never ride again. I survived combat service and I survived this crash. I'll take my first-gen KLR and ride Route 66 end-to-end. This will be my walkabout. Watching this video today is an affirmation for me. Thank you.

A great tribute. My first adventure bike was a 2013 KLR650. It currently has 14,000 miles with a large portion of those miles offroad. I did Jimmy Lewis Taste of Dakar on it, the White Rim Trail 3 times, and thousands of miles of riding in Moab and the Uintah Mountain range in Utah. Despite having a BMW1200GS A, the KLR is my go to bike for riding alone because I can pick it up when I drop it. I was going to sell a few weeks ago, and had a lot of guys waiting to come over and buy it, but I love her so much I couldn’t sell her. We have had too many memories, and this bike if well cared for will go 100,000 miles. Its like an old friend and the only part I replaced in 14,000 miles was the radiator and a head light bulb. I appreciate your tribute to the mighty KLR650. It bothers my friends when I take her on adventure rides and they are on their much more expensive rides like a KTM790R, a T7, another guy on a BMW1200. I stay right with them and often they are dropping their bikes while the KLR tractors up pretty much everything and goes everywhere they go and more. I just can’t go , quite as as fast even with a suspension upgrade. Fine by me, cause I like seeing the sights. Ride it within its speed envelope and its just pure joy. It is the bike of the proletariat and has taken more people on adventures than any other bike. I’ll never sell mine, and I just loved your review, ...Captain KLR650.

Been riding for 48 years, and have had many bikes, but my 1988 KLR650 that I bought new and still have is my favorite !!!

@WcWGoldbergWcW

4 жыл бұрын

How many miles you got on that bad boy?

My Gen 1 has been outdoors for over 18 years......Rain, snow, whatever.....I ride year round......My KLR has only failed me once....The battery died........ She's ugly but she loves me.........

Awesome that you have a quart of oil, duct tape and zip ties sitting next to the KLR!! Great video Ian!

That was quite emotional... Thanks for sharing your vast experience on the KLR mate.

Enjoyed your tribute! It's the true swiss army knife of motorcycles.

I've seen several of your videos and reviews over the years he do an absolutely fantastic and thorough job. Thanks so much. I'm actually contemplating getting a KLR again now.

@BigRockMoto

4 жыл бұрын

thanks!

the most important part of my early motorcycling life , I love this bike and I own one soon again, thanks for this review!!

I was shopping for a KLR650 last summer...searching Craigslist found and bought a 07 R1200GSA for $5000. Enjoyed dirt so much bought (added) a 17 DR650 in December. There is no unicorn!

What a cool video! I really like the music and the old pictures. I found your channel a year ago when I wanted to get back on a bike after a bad wreck in 2010. I bought a ‘22 KLR ADV non-abs and have started taking it to places to collect my own bike pictures again. Some day when all we can ride is a nursing home wheelchair I hope we all have pictures and memories aplenty. Thanks for all of your amazing videos and what you do for the sport. Keep the greasy side down!

that ending had me tearing up, Ian. viva la KLR!

@evenstevenmotodrone735

4 жыл бұрын

Viva 🏍🇨🇷

Check your oil EVERY day before starting up, either in your car or on your bike. Words of wisdom from my Dad.

@BigRockMoto

4 жыл бұрын

Agree but NO ONE does that anymore! It's a lost art.

@HiroNguy

4 жыл бұрын

@@BigRockMoto I actually saw a YT vid by some wanker claiming BMW's idea of no more dipsticks on their cars is a good thing 'cause "the computer checks the oil level 100 times per second." Yeah. Right. Like tire pressure sensors *never* fail. Now let's take an electrical level sensor and surround it with hot oil in a vibrating engine. What could possibly go wrong!

@danmanthe9335

4 жыл бұрын

@@HiroNguy sensors never fail! Now let me take some air out of my truck tires, they all went up to 254 psi overnight ...

Owned a green 2013 KLR650. Really loved that bike and agree with your assessment perfectly.

Road a 2009 klr from seattle to Tierra del Fuego and back from 2015 to 2017, 33,000 miles. Sold it with 45,000 miles.

I own a 2013 KLR and you hit it spot on with your review. There is something to be said, to know that you could get on one of these bikes and and ride across any continent without giving the reliability a second thought. Legends Never Die!

You could not be more wrong. I have an 06 klr AND i own a 77 kz650 that makes my klr feel like a ZX10. I love how i tower over cars. The KLR is unbelievably reliable and its qualified for just about anything. At the track with litter bikes? Fine. At the dirt track with dirt bikes? Fine. Weekend fetch missions? Fine. Riad adventure from Maryland to the southern tip of Argentina? Fine. Dank nooners? All day long. KLR 650 is a fine motorcycle indeed.

Hi from Australia, just want you to know I really enjoy your work and reviews, I just bought another KLR650 2022 due to your video, I had one before but was unimpressed with it. But in hindsight as is normally the case I missed it, I currently ride a Honda Crf300 rally. Many thanks for your honesty which is why I support you. David

These reviews are fun. I'm old school. I used to take my 1978 Honda CB 750 on many many miles of rough dirt roads. I did it because there were places I wanted to see and the 750 was all I had.

Greetings from Costa Rica! Great review! I'll keep mine forever🏍🇨🇷

I just picked up a 2000 with 14000 miles. I LOVE it!! I may install a 16 T front sprocket for lower revs on the highway but that's about it.

I have one of the last year KLR 650s in yellow/black. Like one of the other comments I was after a Honda AT or a KTM 690 when I came across the KLR and my local Kawasaki dealer was closing shop. Made me a great deal. I have an Ultra Classic and a ZZR 1200 in the garage, the KLR fills the voids that a total road bike leaves.

Excellent, if I may say, real world review of the KLR's capabilities. I have ridden a KLR from England to Bosnia before, and still own two of them. It's got it's obvious weight limitations, (or extremities!), but for all that, as a 6'2" person it has all the worth that has always been known of it, it's the low budget, and fairly bullet proof, round the world can-do bike. Thanks for your review

@garystremel4366

4 жыл бұрын

Agree. Great all around hike.

Got the 2018 model. The range of after market accessories is phenomenal.

Best ergonomics of any bike I have ever owned or ridden. Far superior ergos to the DR and XL

And nearly forgot to mention, they're just fun! Good bob-around-on happy ridding

Beautiful intro..true,its swiss army.. Kawasaki will rebirth one soon..hope so..

Dude.. great video. Different and that is cool. Long love the OG KLR. Probably will always have mine in the garage. I, like you have just about every other bike and still end up back on the KLR.

Great, Honest Assessment of the KLR!!! I actually was in the process of buying an AfricaTwin when I learned of the KLR's demise...so I changed course and bought a KLR. I wanted one for all the reasons you mentioned in your story...swiss army knife is a great analogy....yeah, I still plan on getting an AT sometime, but my KLR will always be in the garage "just in case"....thanks for the video!

@gutofilipe3555

4 жыл бұрын

Danny Spencer I have a 2009 KLR with a big bore kit from eagle mike. I purchased an African Twin and was going to sell my KLR but I just can’t do it. I still enjoy riding it to much!

Just watched this video for the first time, now that I own a brand new 2022 KLR650ABS. After I install my Thermabob kit, I'll take it out and start enjoying it as I break in the engine. Then I'll have someone install the Eagle Mike doohickey and be set to ride anywhere! Thanks for your great videos!

Great video! Second time watching! Anyhow, the opening pic for the video draws me in! Definitely imperial county somewhere! Buttercup?

@BigRockMoto

4 жыл бұрын

Actually, Big Dune outside Beatty, NV

Electric start. That is what set it apart back in the day. On roaders loved it, off-roaders thought peed electrolyte after a crash.

never going to let my 2011 KLR go, i got a 2017 versys 1000 but always seem to still reach for the trusty old steed. also got a 05 electra glide setting in the stable. still still enjoy riding the KLR

I've had 5 and can relate...I keep coming back to them..

@pietervanbreda4360

3 жыл бұрын

Stays part of you.

I bought a new klr last July. It’s currently sitting at 8700 miles. I’ve owned quite a few bikes (drz400, klx300, tw200, a bunch of dirt bikes and a couple harleys.) the klr is the best bike I’ve ever owned, more comfortable than the Harley and I can do all kinds of fun stuff off-road.

You’re the Savage Geese of motorcycle reviews. And that’s a good thing!

@BigRockMoto

2 жыл бұрын

Best thing I've heard all day

My 1st bike was a 2002 KLR. I owned 2 more after that. Wish I still had the last one.

I have a 2013 KLR, they were originally a trail dualsport, the oil burning only occurs in the Gen1, the aftermarket is so important to them( for better engineered parts)and the DR650, going to the BMW, KTM or Triumphs brings high cost that not everyone can afford. Kawasaki don't seem to care about the ADV market now, the KLX450 is their only good offering left, but needs a lot of setup for ADV, they need a 700twin(rework the 650 Versys engine) and a 1000 twin to get back in the game.

@BigRockMoto

3 жыл бұрын

i think it's the gen 2 with the oil burning, mostly

Thanks for no music Swanky. Great video to hear that thumper.

@techydog7854

4 жыл бұрын

Uh, wrong channel....

Excellent video with basically the same conclusions I have come to after 11 years with an 09 I bought new and after doing 65,000+ miles. The only thing missing here are two of the biggest reasons I bought the bike - it has one of the best forums for getting advice and new info about the bike and my main reason is that this is a bike I can do 90% of the work on it myself. I've had help mostly at Eagle Mike's Tech days but this bike has never seen a dealer since it left one in 09. I'm no mechanic but with the FSM, Eagle Mike and the Forum's help it's kept on ticking.

Man. nice I have a deposit down on a new 2022 KLR, never had one before !

bought a new klr in 2006..rode the hell out if it..sold it at 17,000 miles..never an issue..change the oil ..keep the air filter clean..lube the chain..picked up a 2014 gen2.5 klr..special edition.. its better on the street..fire roads..ect..does the job..BUT..it has limits offroad.. my DR650 is better offroad..lighter smaller.. the small gas tank does not have the range as the KLR.. bang for the buck..? yep..both DR or KLR work.. define your mission..Craigslist..I see them all over the place..thanks for the vid BIG ROCK ADV.. you nailed it :0)

I found a 2018 with 120 miles for $4800.00 For a new bike I think that this price point is within reach for most. You will need to spend ~$500-$1000 to get it more off-road focused. (Crash bars, skid plate, metal pegs, stiffer front springs, knobby tires)

I decided this weekend that I will get a KLR650 after I'm done paying for my Bonneville T120. Somethign to use and abuse and learn on. Can't wait. Will be the best sub-$3k purchase ever :)

Just picked up a lightly used 2009. Only 2,000 miles on the odometer. Took the cover off and checked out the doohickey, the spring had no tension on it. So I agree with everything I've read and what you said, it's a real issue and instead of burying your head in the sand you should just suck it up and do the job. It looks scary but really step by step it's no big deal. Also KLR riders should seriously consider the thermal Bob radiator bypass. It's possible that the old burning problems are caused by the cylinder head getting too hot then too cold then too hot then too cold. Thermal Bob radiator bypass eliminates this. Love all your videos keep up the good work

@BigRockMoto

2 жыл бұрын

thanks

every KLR 650 lover needs to contact kawasaki and get them to continue this bike, fix the doohickey and spring properly, fix the oil ring, give the bike fuel injection and cruise control and maybe even a fuel gauge, then this bike will be perfect. what on earth are kawasaki thinking.. killing this bike instead of making it better is a horrible move by kawasaki!! what other adventure tourer do they have thats as good as the KLR? im not buying a versys.. i want an updated KLR without them ruining what the bike already is..

@pinkiewerewolf

4 жыл бұрын

That is what I told Kawasaki when they sent me a survey, directly asking me questions about the direction they should take on an ADV/Dual Sport bike. I said the same thing, fuel injection, 6 speed gear box, we can figure out the rest. In all honesty the Yamaha T-7 would be the bike they will shoot for. Not a ton of electronics or high end suspension. At least thats where my bet would be placed.

@4x4junkie86

4 жыл бұрын

@@pinkiewerewolf nice. hopefully kawasaki dont ask the same price as the T-7 tho, 17-18k for that in australia is ridiculous. if kawasaki can take on the T-7 and keep the price 10k or under then surely thats a winner.

@pinkiewerewolf

4 жыл бұрын

@@4x4junkie86 I agree. The KLR's sales had traditionally helped fuel the R&D for other Kawasaki bikes, I'd think Kaw would understand that keeping changes minimal and the cost low would help them and their customers. I think the T-7 is supposed to go for just under $10K here in the states, when it is released later in the year. If Kawasaki can undercut that price by $1K with an improved KLR, they'd have a winner.

@4x4junkie86

4 жыл бұрын

@@pinkiewerewolf if the T-7 was 10 or just under in australia id seriously consider one but at nearly 20k here i wont be touching it. not sure why bikes are stupidly expensive here, i think the government puts a hefty tax on anything over a 250 then they wonder why bike sales are declining..

@pinkiewerewolf

4 жыл бұрын

@@4x4junkie86 They must be taking notes from the SE Asian countries where bikes under 250cc are king.

Awesome video brother

Great story & review.

Bike in the thumbnail looks exactly like my klr. Drz400 mirrors and everything!

Enjoyed the video

I bought my first KLR yesterday. A gen 1 from 1987 with 30k km. She’s not pretty but I’m very pleased with her.

@BigRockMoto

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome

My 2008 KLR would go through the oil if I did lots of highway above 5000 rpm. I changed the sprocket at the front just one tooth down and dropped the rpm maybe 500 but oil consumption seemed to be not bad (@56,000 km traded for F800GS). I got an Eagle Mike doohickey kit put in at 44,000 km.

Great overview! What rear tire and size are you riding? The bike looks great!

@BigRockMoto

4 жыл бұрын

Tusk deport 130/90 17

Def get the Gen 2.5 if you are going Gen 2. Seat makes a massive difference.

KLR hung on a lot longer than other bikes have............... some models, long gone!,......... the Kawasaki Land Rover, Stood the test of decades to quietly go into the light.......🌟 Job well done Kawasaki.......!!😎👍✌️👏🇨🇦

I think this bike was never a big seller outside of North and South America. It was huge in the States and that was about it. The DR650 was the big seller in Oz, maybe the XR too, Europe, its only really been France and Scandinavia that loved the big off road single and Yamaha owned that. Good vid, enjoyed it.

It's back for 2022!

Whats your opinion on a KLR650 "Military" version with a diesel motor? Are they a good motor for the extra money you might spend? Also at 17:55. what year and version is the KLR650 in that photo? I like it. Thanks Rick (owned 2! A 1994 and 1995)

I have a klr650 C model same engine as the A i have ridden a lot of bikes to 50cc to125's to 250 to 600 like the yamaha xt and i must say this bike is powerful now the American navies are using it because it is hardcore and what makes it more special riding and gearing down and holding the clutch in the bike goes into ghost mode completely quiet i guess because of the balancer mechanism

no excuse for running out of oil with a sight glass just saying check it when you fuel stand it up strait look at the sight glass very convenient and a no brainer great content

@TraveladvRajanSRai

12 күн бұрын

Unless it cracks there

Dude spot on

Love my KLR

great video

2012 owner here, love the bike. What is the front fender you have on that bike? tfs.

On my second 2007 KLR. Front brake with a steel braided line is fine. Headlight does suck, but I almost never ride in the dark. Front suspension also sucks. If I ever get a new bike it'll be an RE Himalayan, i.e. the lighter KLR replacement.

@guitarman376

3 жыл бұрын

First thing I did after getting my 2006 was upgrade the front brake. I like good brakes, not fine brakes.

@TraveladvRajanSRai

12 күн бұрын

Nm lighter

@TraveladvRajanSRai

12 күн бұрын

2nd en better brakes n susp. 2015 stiffer

Great video, Thanks! What seat is on the blue KLR in this video the host is standing behind while sharing his thoughts? Anyone have feedback on comfort for this sear. Love my 2010 KLR, long live the KLR.

@BigRockMoto

4 жыл бұрын

Seat concepts low. Super comfortable.

@duanedunlap852

4 жыл бұрын

@@BigRockMoto Thank you!

I have a 1997 and Love it

Do a Suzuki DR650 review ... the newest one you can get your hands on. *Legend* Do you plan on having and merchandise (shirts, hats etc) any time soon? I would be happy to buy a shirt to help support your growing channel

@BigRockMoto

4 жыл бұрын

I will think about it, but more likely I will start a Patreon.

@johnnyturbo8460

4 жыл бұрын

@@BigRockMoto 😭 You have a good logo for the front of the shirt.. just need something for the back.. at least a large version of your logo on the back. Start simple

Good review overall, thanks. I had 2014 KLR-650 for few years (was new) and found to be difficult on interstate cruising where speeds are 75+ mph. This model should have been updated decade ago with EFI, cruise control, better windshield etc.

Long live the KLR!

And.....I bought a 2018 engine out of a crashed bike...967 miles on the odo.......paid dearly for it!! KLR 650 till I can't walk/ride anymore..........

@WcWGoldbergWcW

4 жыл бұрын

How much?

AT this moment I still have a 2016 in the garage below me, but it must sell in ~

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the 2022 model.

@BigRockMoto

3 жыл бұрын

Sure I'll do a video soon

that 2011 vintage looks perfectly sized to me

I'm looking at a 2000 klr with 43000 miles it's in great shape what do you think of the high mileage?

its not gone 2021 klr 650 fuel injected abs coming to australia anyway my mate ownes a kawasaki dealer he said thats what is coming next year and we still get klr 2020 modles here

What tires has the klr seen in the review?

Can still buy them new in Australia :)

@clayjones2370

4 жыл бұрын

US, too. I"m confused. It's still on Kawasaki's web page.

@mal-wx6tu

3 жыл бұрын

They are 2018 runout bikes that when their gone their gone.

@clayjones2370

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Mal. Curious to see the folliw-up bike!

Not.dead.yet! :)

Not dead to me, I have brand new spanking 2018 Camo with a little over 600 mile. My question is when do start to worry about the Doo hickey or do I ??

@BigRockMoto

4 жыл бұрын

I'd do it just for peace of mind. But you could probably wait until 10k.

@MrPepper312

4 жыл бұрын

@@BigRockMoto Thx

KLR650 is still for sale. Is it going away?

It’s almost like Honda and Suzuki and Kawasaki coordinated on this, the XR 650 L is the more dirt bike but street legal with reasonable gearing Perron Road, the DR Suzuki is still off-road but tamed much better for street and for riding long distances and the killer went to the street favoring a side of it all and less focus on off-road. They all do it all but Hondas more dirt Suzuki‘s more middle of the road and the Kawasaki was even more street worthy. I think those are the bikes we have to compare it to, they also set the precedent, the other Bikes sort of took that premise and brought it up into the more high-tech market. I like the newer bikes but these old thumpers were so dependable. If you have a KLR or a DR or an XR 650 L with 85,000 miles on it and your friend says hey let’s drive to the top of Alaska this summer you just go. If you have a KTM or a lot of the newer bikes you have to start thinking about service intervals and everything else. These old bikes weren’t as high-tech but they were so dependable and reliable, if you want to take that bike in front of you and drive to the top of Alaska you might change your oil or air filter come out and that you’re good to go and there’s nothing else to think about except the price of gas and what snacks you’re going to bring. If you’ve got a KTM you have to factor in your service intervals and maybe make appointments with your dealer and deal with all of the headaches and crap that go along with it. Honestly I don’t think a lot of the tech is enough to warrant that for me. The CRF 450 L is a much better bike than an XR 650 L but I’ll take the XR all day long because I could just drive it forever do you have a minute to myself and it’s easy and it’s always going to work, by the time I drive a brand new 450 L to the top of Alaska and back I’m looking at major maintenance and potential rebuild, I think they recommend 20,000 miles which is ridiculous, a killer will go 60,000 before you have to do anything major Other than the Doohickey and may be a valve adjustment. I like the BMW but it’s huge and expensive and a lot of people can’t afford that but the killer is going to go pretty much anywhere the BMW is going to go for a whole lot less money and if you do break it or crash it it’s super cheap to fix and you can get it done pretty much anywhere. If you got tons of money and time to deal with that stuff then yeah the new bikes are awesome but for most people this is going to be more than enough and for most people this could be a forever bike. I got a new KLR I don’t think I could ever wear it out in my lifetime, I’ve got maybe 30 years of riding left, I could wear out a whole Lotta KTM‘s and other bikes. I’m not knocking those bikes but the reliability and simplicity and ease of ownership and ability to do the work yourself easily is a huge selling point for me, it’s just such an easy bike to own You just get on and ride and it’s not perfect but those advantages make it worthwhile, it also leaves enough money to go buy a dirt specific bike or a more off-road worthy, I can get this and DRC 400 for what I’m going to pay for some of the bigger bikes and if you’re talking about a BMW Or some of the more expensive ones I could buy three bikes and a trailer so for a lot of people that’s a huge factor

May the KLR rest in peace but not in pieces.

Was the Yamaha XT 500, 550, 600, 660 not the Godfather of this genre?

Those BMW and KTM bikes mentioned are very capable but don't they break down more than the KLR? And if it does break down, isn't it much more expensive to fix?

ugh i seriously hope this isnt the end of the KLR 650(at least for australia). i cant think of a better adventure tourer. i absolutely love this bike. i really dont care about the africa twin, the ktm's etc. the KLR is the best of them all imo. this is the only adventure tourer i will ever want or need.

@techydog7854

4 жыл бұрын

Australia is in the same boat as everyone else. Kawasaki stopped production. 2018 is the last of them sorry to say.

@4x4junkie86

4 жыл бұрын

@@techydog7854 this year is last year in aus but im not sure im going to grab one before the end of the year like i planned now. as much as i like the klr650 i might just put up with my little klr250 until im unrestricted then look at getting a new bike with all the newer tech.

Even the inherent weaknesses and things that make it a questionable choice are part of the heritage and charm. Addressing these items is what helped build the cult following and incredible support community, anchored by people like Eagle Mike Cowlishaw.

What Brand of crash bars ?

Is this bike okay to ride down the interstate? How does it keep up interstate speeds?

@mulehead3697

4 жыл бұрын

Neal Garrison thanks for the great info

I have a95 model , wouldn’t trade it for anything

Wow, this video made me really hate Kawasaki's guts. Great content though.

KTM makes "continues improvements" to their cycles only the service costs arms and legs, is complicated and darn you miss the exact timing on the service intervals you may end up spoiling your engine through and through...where's outpus there's problems in the KTM.

2022 comming

Dry weight 337 w gas 380

there where no Adventure Motorcycles in1987? Are you serios? the Yamaha Tenere 600? 600 cc, 160 kg (320 Punds) with a full 30 Liter Tank (7.5 Gallons) and a very good Suspension for the time (far better than the KLR). And then there where the one Cylinder Hondas (XR and Dominator) the two Cylinders (Transalp and Africa Twin) and last but not least the Suzuki DRs. Most of all those Bikes where better than a KLR......

I have owned 12........13 if you count the 84 KL600. I will hang on to my 18' cammo..

@BigRockMoto

4 жыл бұрын

I think you set a new record. Thanks for making me feel less guilty!

Kawasaki is known to burn oil regardless of the model.

6 of 7 klr maar geen een was goed