klr650 versus xr650l
Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2002 6:24 pm
Well, I've had enough of PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrom). I
figure that getting a dual sport bike will allow me to extend my
riding season AND do sme offroad riding. I already have street
bikes that I'll use with better weather so I want something that I
can ride hard and put away wet (as it were).
I'll want to do some commuting (only 14 miles one way) but come
nicer weather I'll want to head out to the local Fire Roads and cut
lines and a bit of single track. I realize that if I "really" want
to ride offroad then I should be getting an offroad bike but, I want
something I can ride there, ride around with everyone else in the
muck and mire (blast past the 4 wheelers) and so forth.
With my research so far, folks that sell both bikes seem to agree
that the Honda is a fair bit better off road. So, I need to know
from folks who ride KLRs if that's the case. How is the KLR when
riding a seismic line in the mountains?
I like lots about the KLR (liquid cooled, larger tank,
windscreen, less expensive) but I'm also a bit concerned because
I've heard that (brakes are a bit weak, the bike "feels heavier",
less suspension travel and a few other "nits").
So, bottom line, how is the KLR in the dirt and any other input
would be appreciated.
BC Don dbmartin@...
'00 VFR800 (BlueBerry)
'01 GL1800 (LadyBug)
New tires coming
for me soon.
If your goal is to mimic an MX'er then you might want to go with the
XR650L. But if you are going to do trail riding, then the KLR is up
to it.
David King