was 08klr purchase - how to get better gas milage

[D Critchley]

I got back yesterday from a trip to Hyder, AK, trip mileage 2990 km, and the 08 "none street" bike showed up well. As a registered Old Fart I ran my A13 for 82600 km and enjoyed nearly all of them. When change time finally arrived, and having some latitude on choices, I went for the 08 and I am very pleased all round. On 16Jun08 I am taking off for Ucuelet on Vancouver Island, thence to St Johns' Nfld, then home. The Hyder trip was a shakedown cruise and very helpful. The KLR is not everyones choice for everything, but for a Swiss Army Knife, she ain't bad. DC OGC3804 E.L. Green wrote:

> > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com > , Michael Nelson > wrote: > > > > If I were riding 100% street I would MUCH rather have a Vstrom than > a KLR. > > Except that a Vstrom has a much shorter peg to seat top ratio and the > pegs are further back, meaning that if you have knee problems or are > simply *old* you will be unable to walk at the end of the day. I > certainly prefer the Vstrom's power plant and 6 speed transmission, > >

[Arden Kysely]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "E.L. Green" wrote: snipp... > > Sure, when you get into the hills > > > you realize the engine is utterly gutless as you start having to row > > > the shiftlever to keep up forward progress, but hey, do you want to > > > get there [i]comfortably[/i] or do you want to get there > > [i]fast[/i]? > > > > Both--that's why I like the F800GS. > > Which will be here in 2009, maybe. Until then, I have no idea what its > seat-to-pegs distance will be, or whether I can make it as comfortable > as a KLR for long distance travel (which also includes my highway pegs > -- those are an important part of what makes my KLR so comfortable). > The F800GS looks good on paper, but so do a number of things that > don't work out in reality. We'll see. > > -E > Think of a KLR with real suspension and passing power and that's the F800GS. I've ridden one and they perform as intended. UK owners are getting great mileage as well, 50-60 mpg. Should be in US dealerships in September, but unless you've put down a deposit you're probably SOL till next year. Gives you time to $ave 8~) __Arden

[mikeypep]

As long as we are talking about KLR alternatives, what about the Versys. This bike sure looks good on paper, and on the showroom floor. --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Arden Kysely" wrote:

> > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "E.L. Green" wrote: > snipp... > > > Sure, when you get into the hills > > > > you realize the engine is utterly gutless as you start having > to row > > > > the shiftlever to keep up forward progress, but hey, do you > want to > > > > get there [i]comfortably[/i] or do you want to get there > > > [i]fast[/i]? > > > > > > Both--that's why I like the F800GS. > > > > > > Which will be here in 2009, maybe. Until then, I have no idea

what

> its > > seat-to-pegs distance will be, or whether I can make it as > comfortable > > as a KLR for long distance travel (which also includes my highway > pegs > > -- those are an important part of what makes my KLR so

comfortable).

> > The F800GS looks good on paper, but so do a number of things that > > don't work out in reality. We'll see. > > > > -E > > > > Think of a KLR with real suspension and passing power and that's

the

> F800GS. I've ridden one and they perform as intended. UK owners are > getting great mileage as well, 50-60 mpg. Should be in US

dealerships

> in September, but unless you've put down a deposit you're probably > SOL till next year. Gives you time to $ave 8~) > > __Arden >

[Arden Kysely]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "mikeypep" wrote:

> > As long as we are talking about KLR alternatives, what about the > Versys. This bike sure looks good on paper, and on the showroom

floor.

> >

Looks like a nice bike, but too streety to do what the KLR or F800GS will. That motor in an updated KLR-ish chassis would be very desireable, and much cheaper than the GS. __Arden

[Jim Douglas]

Arden Kysely wrote:

> > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com > , "E.L. Green" wrote: > > > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com > , "mikeypep" wrote: > snipp...> > > I find the KLR to be the most comfortable street bike that I have > ever > > ridden. snipp... > Sure, when you get into the hills > > you realize the engine is utterly gutless as you start having to row > > the shiftlever to keep up forward progress, but hey, do you want to > > get there [i]comfortably[/i] or do you want to get there > [i]fast[/i]? > > Both--that's why I like the F800GS. > > > I'm thinking about getting an '08 mostly because of the much better > > headlights. I'll probably make the decision around the time that the > > '09s hit the street though . > > > > -E > > > > Wait till '09 and hope they fix the oil burning issue. > > __Arden > >

Keep hearing about the burning oil issue, anyone here have it? I am trying to burn oil in mine to no avail, just kidding, my 08 has never had the problem, but also only has 4500 miles so far. Also, recently picked up oil at local Kawasaki dealer and asked the service manager if he had heard of it and it was a no, but also indicated to me that KLR folks rarely if ever come back, only reason I pay extra for stuff there is I want to do my best to keep the local dealer local and the extra few dollars for everything is not hurting me, yet!

[Jeff Saline]

On Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:07:06 -0500 Jim Douglas writes:

> Keep hearing about the burning oil issue, anyone here have it? I am > trying > to burn oil in mine to no avail, just kidding, my 08 has never had > the > problem, but also only has 4500 miles so far. Also, > recently picked up oil at local Kawasaki dealer and asked the > service > manager if he had heard of it and it was a no, but also indicated to > me > that KLR folks rarely if ever come back, only reason I pay extra > for > stuff there is I want to do my best to keep the local dealer local > and > the extra few dollars for everything is not hurting me, yet!

<><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><> Jim, I too have heard about the oil burning issue but haven't encountered a rider with this problem yet. Two local riders with 08s both report excellent performance with their bikes. I had a good talk with the service manager at the local dealership two weeks ago. I asked him some pointed questions about 08 issues. He has not yet seen any of them. All the KLRs he's had go through the shop so far have been just fine. - No oil burning. - No temperature sender wire melted near the head. - No sparkplug wire chafing. - No broken turn signal mounts. (He did say he'd try to cover that under warranty if he encountered it after I told him of reports that others had them covered) - No torn seat seams. Just no problems at all yet. This service manager is pretty sharp and my limited encounters with him have all been very positive. He's knowledgeable about the stuff he services and mechanics in general. The sales guys have also told me they have trouble keeping a KLR (new or used) on the floor. I like your attitude about keeping the local dealer local. I do the same thing with the local BMW dealer in Sturgis. Best, Jeff Saline ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal Airheads Beemer Club www.airheads.org The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT ____________________________________________________________ Get the Best Credit Offers - Apply Now! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3m2HXqrwAkuctv9giNBXKXF57j8LQHOrBeqmvqu5iv4CQQzq/

[Jon Neet]

I'm another that actually uses my KLR as a street bike only, and finds it to be a very competent and comfortable ride.As a 54 year old rider of over 45 years and owner of about 22 different street legal motorcycles in that time, I think my opinion has some value. I don't think much of my KLR as a two-up motorcycle.My wife has been spoiled by some of my other motorcycles.As a solo machine I rate it highly.I have two other motorcycle;a 2007 Yamaha XT225 and a 2007 Royal Enfield 500 Bullet Classic (does this make me a crackpot??).My KLR is getting 59 miles per US gallon these days and I ride it every day-rain/shine/cold etc here in western Wa. State.I work at an HD/Buell dealership, and though my KLR is an "off brand", I still get respect because I'm one of the few that rides every day. jon [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[C&W Burner]

Try welding on the side case if you really want to see some oil burning issues :>) Just modified a six pack rack off an old Honda to fit my KLR. I also had to make some spacers to reattatch the stock directionals and grab bars. A little cutting , a little welding, six spacers cut and drilled on the metal lathe, and Taa Daa , nice sturdy rack. I'm thinking it would look better painted black, rather than the chrome it is now....looks like bling. Wayne(rice)Burner A NH bottom feeder [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Mike Hilton]

Jeff, I'm just in the break in stage on my 08 with 1200 miles. Those were put on in three weeks. Had my first service at 1000 and had not added any oil. Don't appear to be an issue on my 08... Hope it stays that way. Mike H.

----- Original Message ----- From: Jeff Saline To: james.douglas@... Cc: arden646@... ; DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2008 5:22 PM Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Re: 08KLR Purchase On Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:07:06 -0500 Jim Douglas writes: > Keep hearing about the burning oil issue, anyone here have it? I am > trying > to burn oil in mine to no avail, just kidding, my 08 has never had > the > problem, but also only has 4500 miles so far. Also, > recently picked up oil at local Kawasaki dealer and asked the > service > manager if he had heard of it and it was a no, but also indicated to > me > that KLR folks rarely if ever come back, only reason I pay extra > for > stuff there is I want to do my best to keep the local dealer local > and > the extra few dollars for everything is not hurting me, yet! <><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><> Jim, I too have heard about the oil burning issue but haven't encountered a rider with this problem yet. Two local riders with 08s both report excellent performance with their bikes. I had a good talk with the service manager at the local dealership two weeks ago. I asked him some pointed questions about 08 issues. He has not yet seen any of them. All the KLRs he's had go through the shop so far have been just fine. - No oil burning. - No temperature sender wire melted near the head. - No sparkplug wire chafing. - No broken turn signal mounts. (He did say he'd try to cover that under warranty if he encountered it after I told him of reports that others had them covered) - No torn seat seams. Just no problems at all yet. This service manager is pretty sharp and my limited encounters with him have all been very positive. He's knowledgeable about the stuff he services and mechanics in general. The sales guys have also told me they have trouble keeping a KLR (new or used) on the floor. I like your attitude about keeping the local dealer local. I do the same thing with the local BMW dealer in Sturgis. Best, Jeff Saline ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal Airheads Beemer Club www.airheads.org The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT __________________________________________________________ Get the Best Credit Offers - Apply Now! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3m2HXqrwAkuctv9giNBXKXF57j8LQHOrBeqmvqu5iv4CQQzq/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[nakedwaterskier]

The riding position is great but the handlebars are too wide for splitting lanes. Also, even after adding mirror dampners, the mirrors still shake too much from the 1 cylinder thumping. Jeffrey Now hold on there Jeffrey. Not a street bike??? I am a 100% street rider, and can't think of a better bike than the KLR. The riding position puts me at a much better height on the freeway and in traffic than any street bike. The single is plenty competent up to 75 MPH (and maybe more) plus the handling is great. I have an airhead BMW and a Concours and both are going up for sale. I find all my miles (all on- road)go to the KLR.