a little klrin' (long)

[ddickca@yahoo.ca]

Has anyone ever towed trailers with the KLR650? If so, what sort of setup would you recommend?

[Murray Dochstader]

Listers: Friday a.m., my KTM riding friend and I trucked our bikes about 70 miles to the Town of Clinton near the mighty Fraser River in British Columbia, and hit the double-track! Two days and 600 miles later we arrived back @ the truck - we found 5-mile-long-switchback hills, traction ferries, Indian fishing camps, fabulous "characters", wilderness single-and-double-track, beautiful, glacier-fed lakes, and some of the largest ranches in the world up in the "Chilcotin" country. A feast for the senses in every respect! At a later date, I'll post a more detailed trip report, but I thought you might be interested in how my '99 KLR fared against the KTM 620. Firstly, the Kaw was only marginally affected by major altitude changes, while the KTM seemed to really hate them. The Kaw did not vibrate enough to need a carb reassembly on day two. The Kaw never went on reserve - the KTM (aftermarket tank) was on reserve @ every gas stop. My buns were never uncomfortable, my friend's were. Engine performance was virtually identical - the KTM was a tad quicker out of the corners, but the KLR had quite a bit more top speed (stock gearing). On tight, loose gravel corners, the KTM turned quicker, but if I "set up" properly, the KLR could get to the next corner first. On really gnarly single-track, the KTM was easier to ride (and quicker) because it weighs about 300 lb; the new L/R Progressive suspension on the KLR worked fabulously, but the beast still weighs at least 350 lb. I can see the appeal of the KTM, but at twice the price, with poor dealer support (locally), almost no aftermarket, and dismal comfort, I'll take the KLR "Jap Crap" in a heartbeat! If I have to go stupid fast off-road, I have a Husky WR 360 that weighs approx. 220lb, and has about the same horse power as the KLR! Oh, and did I mention kick-start versus electric start? Murray Dochhstader B.C. Canada. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]