help me decide on an 02 r1150rt

DSN_KLR650
Arden Kysely
Posts: 1578
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2001 8:18 am

hello all thinking about buying a klr

Post by Arden Kysely » Thu Dec 07, 2006 12:50 pm

Riding with bags at 60mph into a headwind while trying to pass trucks on a two-lane highways the KLR feels mightily underpowered. It's fine for most riding, but there are times when the ponies that Kawi left in the barn would be nice to have under the saddle. __Arden --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Peplinski" wrote:
> > Same here. I've never felt the KLR is underpowered unless I'm with
a more
> powerful bike. My buddy with a Honda 600 RR insists on showing off
which
> makes me feel like I've got a Briggs and Straton. Otherwise it's no
problem
> at all. Next time I'll take nim down the back roads. Cruising at 70
is fine
> with enough on tap to pass but not much more. I to feel 65 is more > comfortable than 70. The KLR seems to consume measurably more oil
if I
> cruise regularly at 70 than if I hold it to 65. I'm adding about a
quart and
> a half per 1500 miles over 70 and well under a quart if I hold it
down. I
> think power is relative. Seems that if you have 20 you will want
25. The guy
> with the 600R just moved up to a 100R. He says the 600 just didn't
have
> enough power. I'll stick with my KLR, cruise at 65-70 and turn down
any
> gravel or dirt road I can find all the while getting 55 MPG. > >

Douglas Bouley
Posts: 155
Joined: Sat Dec 24, 2005 2:15 pm

hello all thinking about buying a klr

Post by Douglas Bouley » Thu Dec 07, 2006 12:56 pm

Ditto here. I would just add that, even though I am not small, my particular 06 is quite comfy at +/- 80 mph on the highway. The freeway traffic around here almost demands that to keep at least some of the SUVs outta my Givi. It will still pass at that speed, but it needs a lot of room to do so. Wouldn't want to try to execute an 80 mph pass on a two-lane road! That could make for very soiled undergarments. So far, I have not felt at a loss, in terms of power, despite coming to the KLR from mid-sized multis with far more horsepower. But a lot has to do with expectations, for sure. Just be sure you don't mind a little wrenching. It ain't an "appliance bike" by any stretch! doug in dc --- Mike Peplinski wrote:
> Same here. I've never felt the KLR is underpowered > unless I'm with a more > powerful bike. My buddy with a Honda 600 RR insists > on showing off which > makes me feel like I've got a Briggs and Straton. > Otherwise it's no problem > at all. Next time I'll take nim down the back roads. > Cruising at 70 is fine > with enough on tap to pass but not much more. I to > feel 65 is more > comfortable than 70. The KLR seems to consume > measurably more oil if I > cruise regularly at 70 than if I hold it to 65. I'm > adding about a quart and > a half per 1500 miles over 70 and well under a quart > if I hold it down. I > think power is relative. Seems that if you have 20 > you will want 25. The guy > with the 600R just moved up to a 100R. He says the > 600 just didn't have > enough power. I'll stick with my KLR, cruise at > 65-70 and turn down any > gravel or dirt road I can find all the while getting > 55 MPG.

Arden Kysely
Posts: 1578
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2001 8:18 am

hello all thinking about buying a klr

Post by Arden Kysely » Thu Dec 07, 2006 1:08 pm

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Don Bittle" wrote:
> > It's a jack of all trades but able to do nothing well except keep
running with minimal fuss. For me, I've GOT to be able to go down that rutted road, climb that single lane lose gravel hill, cross that creek, or take a 4wd shortcut, right in the middle of a long distance, bagged tour. Name another bike that meets my requirements and I'll buy it.
> '45 don > '03 klr > '00 voyager
Don: KTM Adventure DR650 DR-Z400S R1200GS F650GS XR650L You might find a reason not to buy any one of them, but they'll all do what you're asking. I hope you have a big garage 8~) __Arden

Bogdan Swider
Posts: 2759
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2000 2:04 pm

hello all thinking about buying a klr

Post by Bogdan Swider » Thu Dec 07, 2006 2:28 pm

> > > > > Riding with bags at 60mph into a headwind while trying to pass trucks > on a two-lane highways the KLR feels mightily underpowered. It's fine > for most riding, but there are times when the ponies that Kawi left > in the barn would be nice to have under the saddle. > > __Arden >
On flat two lane roads I m fine in most passing situations. A headwind and a long incline, however, do highlight that I m only running with 35 ponies. I wonder if the new and improved head will make a significant increase in power. Isn t the ignition supposed to be improved also ? Still the old carb not EFI but at least that s familiar. Bogdan [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Mike Peplinski
Posts: 782
Joined: Wed Jun 09, 2004 8:55 pm

hello all thinking about buying a klr

Post by Mike Peplinski » Thu Dec 07, 2006 2:32 pm

I'll agree on the "headwind" thing. having spent most of my youth driving vehicles like 40HP volkswagens, 55Hp Chevettes (diesel) and 140Hp Chevy vans the KLR feels just fine. I guess its just relative. My other ride is a BMW airhead with about 70 ponies. With the extra weight and drive train loss it doesn't feel any more powerful than the KLR but is far more resistant to those headwinds, hills and passenger loads.
>From: "Arden Kysely" >To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com >Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: hello all thinking about buying a klr >Date: Thu, 07 Dec 2006 18:47:52 -0000 > >Riding with bags at 60mph into a headwind while trying to pass trucks >on a two-lane highways the KLR feels mightily underpowered. It's fine >for most riding, but there are times when the ponies that Kawi left >in the barn would be nice to have under the saddle. > >__Arden > >--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Peplinski" >wrote: > > > > Same here. I've never felt the KLR is underpowered unless I'm with >a more > > powerful bike. My buddy with a Honda 600 RR insists on showing off >which > > makes me feel like I've got a Briggs and Straton. Otherwise it's no >problem > > at all. Next time I'll take nim down the back roads. Cruising at 70 >is fine > > with enough on tap to pass but not much more. I to feel 65 is more > > comfortable than 70. The KLR seems to consume measurably more oil >if I > > cruise regularly at 70 than if I hold it to 65. I'm adding about a >quart and > > a half per 1500 miles over 70 and well under a quart if I hold it >down. I > > think power is relative. Seems that if you have 20 you will want >25. The guy > > with the 600R just moved up to a 100R. He says the 600 just didn't >have > > enough power. I'll stick with my KLR, cruise at 65-70 and turn down >any > > gravel or dirt road I can find all the while getting 55 MPG. > > > > > > > >Archive Quicksearch at: >http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html >List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com >List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html >Member Map at: http://www.frappr.com/dsnklr650 >Yahoo! Groups Links > > >
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Mike Peplinski
Posts: 782
Joined: Wed Jun 09, 2004 8:55 pm

hello all thinking about buying a klr

Post by Mike Peplinski » Thu Dec 07, 2006 2:39 pm

That "wrenching" is what bonds u s to our KLRs. An "appliance bike" is a bit like phone sex. The words are there, but it just ain't the same.
>From: Douglas Bouley >Reply-To: djbouley@... >To: Mike Peplinski , dbittle@..., >DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, lo@... >Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Re: hello all thinking about buying a klr >Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2006 10:51:45 -0800 (PST) > >Ditto here. > >I would just add that, even though I am not small, my >particular 06 is quite comfy at +/- 80 mph on the >highway. The freeway traffic around here almost >demands that to keep at least some of the SUVs outta >my Givi. It will still pass at that speed, but it >needs a lot of room to do so. Wouldn't want to try to >execute an 80 mph pass on a two-lane road! That could >make for very soiled undergarments. > >So far, I have not felt at a loss, in terms of power, >despite coming to the KLR from mid-sized multis with >far more horsepower. But a lot has to do with >expectations, for sure. > >Just be sure you don't mind a little wrenching. It >ain't an "appliance bike" by any stretch! > >doug in dc > >--- Mike Peplinski wrote: > > > Same here. I've never felt the KLR is underpowered > > unless I'm with a more > > powerful bike. My buddy with a Honda 600 RR insists > > on showing off which > > makes me feel like I've got a Briggs and Straton. > > Otherwise it's no problem > > at all. Next time I'll take nim down the back roads. > > Cruising at 70 is fine > > with enough on tap to pass but not much more. I to > > feel 65 is more > > comfortable than 70. The KLR seems to consume > > measurably more oil if I > > cruise regularly at 70 than if I hold it to 65. I'm > > adding about a quart and > > a half per 1500 miles over 70 and well under a quart > > if I hold it down. I > > think power is relative. Seems that if you have 20 > > you will want 25. The guy > > with the 600R just moved up to a 100R. He says the > > 600 just didn't have > > enough power. I'll stick with my KLR, cruise at > > 65-70 and turn down any > > gravel or dirt road I can find all the while getting > > 55 MPG. >
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thomas breedlove
Posts: 16
Joined: Sun Oct 15, 2006 7:20 pm

hello all thinking about buying a klr

Post by thomas breedlove » Thu Dec 07, 2006 3:59 pm

The KLR is indeed like having a jeep. Like a jeep, it keeps a decent resale value and the thing will go anywhere. I'm new to this site and my 2000 KLR. It's a fun and quick way to get around town or run two lanes and back roads. I'm an old dirt rider. I stopped riding a 2003 KDX last year, so I'm familiar with good suspension and nimble off road handling. In my opinion, the KLR is just fine for non-technical single track. I would never trail ride it in soft conditions. I have two fully faired bikes for the freeway. I would suggest getting a well kept KLR and owning something to satisfy the need for speed. If you take your time, you can find one at a very reasonable price. A lot of owners have no clue as to how good these bikes are. Good Luck and Cheer's. Tom Central IL. --------------------------------- Want to start your own business? Learn how on Yahoo! Small Business. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Harry Seifert
Posts: 604
Joined: Tue Nov 05, 2002 7:38 pm

hello all thinking about buying a klr

Post by Harry Seifert » Thu Dec 07, 2006 6:09 pm

Actually, the KLR is the FJ40/FJ60 Landcruiser of motorcycles. Much more durable than a Jeep. FJ's are built like rocks, to take hard knocks, It's the Jeeps that cause the grief. And I own a Jeep and two Landcruisers. CJ 5 is on its second motor in less than 100,000 miles, FJ60 is on 241,000 on original motor and drive train. New 'Cruiser only at 963 miles. Harry Seifert bseifert71@...
> [Original Message] > From: Me > To: rambus_24 ; DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> > Date: 12/7/2006 3:06:06 AM > Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] hello all thinking about buying a klr > > I chose the KLR because I've been a jeep owner for many > years ant the KLR is the Jeep of motorcyles. I have never > been disappointed in the power (except when riding with my > buddies who have hayabusas and I couldn't keep up). > > On road it's super agile and gets up to speed fast enough > for me. I've had to brake very hard a few times, even > locking up the wheels and was suprised at how straight the > bike stayed. > > I haven't done the doo yet, but probably will for peace of > mind. It's not a lot of money. I just have to find a tech > weekend in Michigan since I'm not even close to being a > mechanic. > > I can say that I have never been sorry for gettin my KLR. I > don't think you will either. > > > --- rambus_24 wrote: > > > Hi i have been thinking about getting a klr.I have been > > riding most of > > my life,i had dirt bike when i was a kid,and cruiser's as > > an adult. > > Just moved to south west florida from up state ny,i towed > > down my > > cruiser and found out rather quickly that it wasnt the > > bike for this > > area ,SAND,SAND,OO YA MORE SAND.Anyway would like to know > > some info > > such as i hear mixed reviews on the power it has,i figure > > how bad can > > it be it a 650, the people who say its a dog on power > > 1100 riders > > or is there a real promblem with the power.well thats the > > main thing > > i read alot about them and some of there issue's like the > > aka doohikey > > thing lol,front brake not the best,littel things like > > that dont bother > > me much ,i just would like to know if the bike is capable > > of passing > > other cars,i need some power to pass these's old people > > down here lol > > thanks alot vic > > > > > > > > > > > test'; "> > > > >
____________________________________________________________________________ ________
> Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know. > Ask your question on www.Answers.yahoo.com > > > Archive Quicksearch at:
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html
> List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Member Map at: http://www.frappr.com/dsnklr650 > Yahoo! Groups Links > > >

Don S
Posts: 425
Joined: Sun Apr 16, 2006 9:27 pm

hello all thinking about buying a klr

Post by Don S » Thu Dec 07, 2006 6:09 pm

Hey Mike: That sounds like a lot of oil being consumed. I continuously run at 65 mph and my '06 doesn't use any oil at all. I go oil change to oil change every 2000 miles without any noticeable consumption. The bike only has 10500 kms (6500 miles) on it. The mileage is maybe 60/40 pavement/gravel on very hilly and curvy terrain. Is your bike older with much more mileage on it? Just curious. Don Mike Peplinski wrote: Same here. I've never felt the KLR is underpowered unless I'm with a more powerful bike. My buddy with a Honda 600 RR insists on showing off which makes me feel like I've got a Briggs and Straton. Otherwise it's no problem at all. Next time I'll take nim down the back roads. Cruising at 70 is fine with enough on tap to pass but not much more. I to feel 65 is more comfortable than 70. The KLR seems to consume measurably more oil if I cruise regularly at 70 than if I hold it to 65. I'm adding about a quart and a half per 1500 miles over 70 and well under a quart if I hold it down. I think power is relative. Seems that if you have 20 you will want 25. The guy with the 600R just moved up to a 100R. He says the 600 just didn't have enough power. I'll stick with my KLR, cruise at 65-70 and turn down any gravel or dirt road I can find all the while getting 55 MPG.
>From: "Don Bittle" >To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>,"wiselp" >Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Re: hello all thinking about buying a klr >Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2006 10:22:25 -0600 > >If you switch to a 14 tooth countershaft sproket, you'll have lots more >feeling of power 90% of the time. If you try to run the interstate with >this, you'll be slightly more limited in your cruising speed, unless you're > comfortable pushing the engine to a higher rpm. For $20, it's worth a >try. I've had mine installed for a year since I rarely hit 70mph . >don >a17 > ----- Original Message ----- > From: wiselp > To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2006 9:19 AM > Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: hello all thinking about buying a klr > > > I have had my A18 for a couple of months. It is my first bike, so I > don't have anything to compare it with (outside of a few test rides on > a BMW F-650) but I love it. I don't find it to be underpowered (I am > 195 lbs.) at all. Of course, I don't have a need for speed or to show > off, either. It can got out of the way when I need to and I can > cruise at 70 mph, although it seems a little happier at 65. I do find > myself detouring all over the place, up little gravel or dirt roads > and stuff, so don't get this bike if you don't have a little spare time! > > Lauren, Asheville,NC > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "bj" wrote: > > > > It is a god bike if ya know its limits or weaknesses. It is heavy as > > off road bikes go. It doesnt like sft stuff, sand loose rock and so > > on. The seating postion doesnt allow the rides full weight on the > > front in faster turns, so on gravel roads it may wash out on ya. As > > the power goes, it is not gunna win a hill climb, but i regularly > > cruise mine at 80-85 on the freeway. I also use it with the search > > and rescue service i work with. it will go anywhere, just sometimes > > it takes a bit longer. It is a very reliable machine, can take alot > > of abuse. and it is a very fun bike all around > > > > BJ > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "rambus_24" wrote: > > > > > > Hi i have been thinking about getting a klr.I have been riding > > most of > > > my life,i had dirt bike when i was a kid,and cruiser's as an adult. > > > Just moved to south west florida from up state ny,i towed down my > > > cruiser and found out rather quickly that it wasnt the bike for > > this > > > area ,SAND,SAND,OO YA MORE SAND.Anyway would like to know some info > > > such as i hear mixed reviews on the power it has,i figure how bad > > can > > > it be it a 650, the people who say its a dog on power 1100 riders > > > or is there a real promblem with the power.well thats the main > > thing > > > i read alot about them and some of there issue's like the aka > > doohikey > > > thing lol,front brake not the best,littel things like that dont > > bother > > > me much ,i just would like to know if the bike is capable of > > passing > > > other cars,i need some power to pass these's old people down here > > lol > > > thanks alot vic > > > > > > > > > > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > >Archive Quicksearch at: >http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html >List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com >List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html >Member Map at: http://www.frappr.com/dsnklr650 >Yahoo! Groups Links > > >
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Don S
Posts: 425
Joined: Sun Apr 16, 2006 9:27 pm

hello all thinking about buying a klr

Post by Don S » Thu Dec 07, 2006 6:40 pm

Hi Harry. It's about time someone made that distinction. I've owned Toyotas and North American makes for the last thirty years. It was a never ending routine of my wife picking me up in her Toyota while my North American p.o.s. was in the shop. Time after time after time. Now that Toyota makes bigger trucks, I've run nothing but Toyotas for the last ten years. Life is good with Toyotas. You pay a little more up front but it's worth every cent just in not having to run them into the shop on a more than regular basis. Don Harry Seifert wrote: Actually, the KLR is the FJ40/FJ60 Landcruiser of motorcycles. Much more durable than a Jeep. FJ's are built like rocks, to take hard knocks, It's the Jeeps that cause the grief. And I own a Jeep and two Landcruisers. CJ 5 is on its second motor in less than 100,000 miles, FJ60 is on 241,000 on original motor and drive train. New 'Cruiser only at 963 miles. Harry Seifert bseifert71@...
> [Original Message] > From: Me > To: rambus_24 ; DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> > Date: 12/7/2006 3:06:06 AM > Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] hello all thinking about buying a klr > > I chose the KLR because I've been a jeep owner for many > years ant the KLR is the Jeep of motorcyles. I have never > been disappointed in the power (except when riding with my > buddies who have hayabusas and I couldn't keep up). > > On road it's super agile and gets up to speed fast enough > for me. I've had to brake very hard a few times, even > locking up the wheels and was suprised at how straight the > bike stayed. > > I haven't done the doo yet, but probably will for peace of > mind. It's not a lot of money. I just have to find a tech > weekend in Michigan since I'm not even close to being a > mechanic. > > I can say that I have never been sorry for gettin my KLR. I > don't think you will either. > > > --- rambus_24 wrote: > > > Hi i have been thinking about getting a klr.I have been > > riding most of > > my life,i had dirt bike when i was a kid,and cruiser's as > > an adult. > > Just moved to south west florida from up state ny,i towed > > down my > > cruiser and found out rather quickly that it wasnt the > > bike for this > > area ,SAND,SAND,OO YA MORE SAND.Anyway would like to know > > some info > > such as i hear mixed reviews on the power it has,i figure > > how bad can > > it be it a 650, the people who say its a dog on power > > 1100 riders > > or is there a real promblem with the power.well thats the > > main thing > > i read alot about them and some of there issue's like the > > aka doohikey > > thing lol,front brake not the best,littel things like > > that dont bother > > me much ,i just would like to know if the bike is capable > > of passing > > other cars,i need some power to pass these's old people > > down here lol > > thanks alot vic > > > > > > > > > > > test'; "> > > > >
__________________________________________________________ ________
> Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know. > Ask your question on www.Answers.yahoo.com > > > Archive Quicksearch at:
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> List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Member Map at: http://www.frappr.com/dsnklr650 > Yahoo! Groups Links > > >
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