for sale givi

[Jonathan Sykes (SWUS)]

http://www.f650.com/messageboard/viewmessage.cfm?catagory=54262&date=0&thread=0

[rkeith1084]

What do y'all think about a Kawasaki KLR 650 versus a BMW F650? I'd have to buy a used/older F650 to have approx the same money as in a new/slightly used KLR 650. All comments appreciated.

[Mark Sampson]

What do y'all think about a Kawasaki KLR 650 versus a BMW F650? I'd have to buy a used/older F650 to have approx the same money as in a new/slightly used KLR 650. All comments appreciated. Having put hard and many miles on both----I like them both. Bottom line--the Beemer is a much better road and back road bike---and in my opinion will probably last longer. It does two up very nice--even packing camping gear. Will run 90--100 mph all day long without a wimper-----not something I want to do on any bike. The tougher it gets the more the KLR shines---until you get down into the "Shoulda rode your dirtbike" trail. And as far as two up----I won't do it on a KLR---others do I know--I won't. Mark Sampson www.bigdogadventures.com

[Chris]

Price aside as my used KLR was still less than half a used GS/Dakar. The KLR is simpler to work on IMO, in my eyes like comparing a lawnmower to my truck. My truck has all sorts of electronics on it, ABS etc., crap I can't work on by myself. One of my cheapskate requirements was for a bike I could fix myself. The price of the BMW starts pushing it into some hefty territory. You can get a new 650 VStrom and have money left over or buy the 1000 for about the same and have a lot more bike for long trips. At the price level, I'd want the money for more dirt capability in a thumper e.g. KTM 640 or go with much more road comfort like the Wee Strom has. Mebbe just me, but I use the bang for the buck argument to keep myself sane all the time. With nearly a fetish for BMW big twins, I've never been able to justify one, saving me a lot of cash.

[rkeith1084]

Thanks, Chris and Mark for your replies. Mark, two-up is not a consideration; however, the majority of my riding will be on the street. I don't cruise at 90-100, though. Too old and cautious for that.

> The KLR is simpler to work on IMO, in my eyes like comparing a > lawnmower to my truck. My truck has all sorts of electronics on it, > ABS etc., crap I can't work on by myself. > > One of my cheapskate requirements was for a bike I could fix myself.

So, Chris, I take it that the KLR *is* easy to work on? I have seen that there is a video for adjusting the valves, but I couldn't tell how complicated it is. Then there is the doohickey replacement... which doesn't look terribly difficult. I have heard that if you have a flat on a KLR you cuss a little and that if you have a flat on the F650 you cuss a LOT... something about the rims not having much lip or something. BTW, those big BMW twins are quite affordable if you buy one old enough. I love 'em, and I'll buy another one some day... Keith

[Chris]

There's tons of info with regard to the different bikes and the fanatic owners' opinions of them here. http://www.advrider.com/ In the main forums index there is a Thumpers section that would cover these two bikes and the rest of the singles too. You'll find after a bunch of digging, owners that have owned pretty much all of the bikes in the class and what they have thought about them. You can find a nice thread about how our own CA Stu just spanked a good six figures worth of fancier machines on a desert run after having ridden his KLR to the event and then again to get home. Doing KLR valves isn't as easy as the BMW twins, but it isn't that bad either, and really after the first few, they don't need to be adjusted very often. Big plusses are that you don't have a computer control module on a KLR, no ABS, no servo brakes. It's basic tech. You can fix a bike like this in most any backwoods shop and there are Kawasaki dealers all over to figure out parts. The fit and finish isn't the best and the bike has a cheap feel compared to some, but the few 'mandatory' fixes aren't very expensive and again are easy to do. Once you get the bike buttoned up, it just plain runs. I paid $2300 for mine used, combined with riding gear for a few seasons and offroad use as well, Givi bags, racks for them, and bash plates and guards, I'm still around $4k. Truth is, at least for me, I've got a bike that will do anything and go anywhere I'm capable of so far. The biggest weakness of my KLR is the rider and the lack of time I spend on the bike. It could take me to Alaska tomorrow, it's waiting on ME, the weak link. Nothing about the more expensive bikes would fix that and I'm glad I went with the KLR.

[GW De Lacey]

On Sun, 16 Oct 2005 17:17:22 -0000, you wrote:

>What do y'all think about a Kawasaki KLR 650 versus a BMW F650? I'd >have to buy a used/older F650 to have approx the same money as in a >new/slightly used KLR 650. All comments appreciated.

My impressions after a 2 day course on the F650: Off road, there seems to be very little difference in performance and handling. If anything, the KLR is balanced a bit better (impressions of a lower C of G), but really there is nothing in it. On tarmac, you notice the extra power but handling is to all extents and purposes identical. The BMW is heavier, and this might be a problem off-road. Certainly, I'd rather lift a dropped KLR. Don't ask me how I know The BMW build quality shows, and the fuel injection is magic. The BMW appears to be bullet-proof, but then, so is the KLR. Is the Beemer worth nearly double the money? I think not, but others might opt for build quality and FI as their selection criteria. That being the case, there is no contest. I own a Beemer tourer (R1200RT), and would not trade it for anything. Same applies to the KLR, although I might become a turncoat if someone from KTM made an offer I couldn't refuse HTH -- GW

[klrjim]

3 Givi Monokey e36 hard bags black with keys and happy trails S.U.luggage racks for klr 650 like new $325.00 also tank panniers never used $50.00 you pay shipping i can email pictures if interested contact me @ jharbin1@...