New Rider/ KLR owner

[TORQUER]

Okay guys, been lurking awhile. I have posted a few things here and there. I really need your advice now.

Ive had my heart set on buying a 2009 KLR. However after watching craigslist for awhile I have found that I can purchase a 05-07 with 2000 miles or under for $3500 or so. Or I can find a 05-07 with 10,000 miles or more for $3000 and under. I just can't justify spending the additional $1000 for the newer style KLR with the same amount of mileage or so.......

Now here is the thing. At what mileage do these KLR's start needing more attention than just routine oil changes and the other typical stuff. I can buy a 10,000+ KLR for pretty cheap, but is it a better idea to go with the lower mileage bike and spend the extra $500 or so? Without having intimate knowledge of the level of maintenance / time involved in keeping a KLR in tune I am having a bit of a quandery on what bike to buy.

Is there any good reason why I SHOULD buy a 2008+ model and stay away from the 07 down? Thanks for any advice.

[Chuck B]

Originally Posted by TORQUER

Okay guys, been lurking awhile. I have posted a few things here and there. I really need your advice now.

Ive had my heart set on buying a 2009 KLR. However after watching craigslist for awhile I have found that I can purchase a 05-07 with 2000 miles or under for $3500 or so. Or I can find a 05-07 with 10,000 miles or more for $3000 and under. I just can't justify spending the additional $1000 for the newer style KLR with the same amount of mileage or so.......

Now here is the thing. At what mileage do these KLR's start needing more attention than just routine oil changes and the other typical stuff. I can buy a 10,000+ KLR for pretty cheap, but is it a better idea to go with the lower mileage bike and spend the extra $500 or so? Without having intimate knowledge of the level of maintenance / time involved in keeping a KLR in tune I am having a bit of a quandery on what bike to buy.

Is there any good reason why I SHOULD buy a 2008+ model and stay away from the 07 down? Thanks for any advice.

Engine wise I wouldn't even raise an eyebrow with anything under 50K. 30K+ along with good maintenance record/Doo swap etc would be best value. Granted you'll certainly want to go through suspension/steering bearings and plan on dropping a bit of money replacing normal wear items. KLR is one of the easiest to maintain/work motorcycle.

While the GenII look like a major revamped/updated bike the frame/engine are essentially unchanged. Kawa did do some nice upgrades notably electrical, brakes, rims and the obvious far more street biased with wind management and beefier lower suspension. If you like the looks then GenII is the way to go and in my opinion the 08 being one of the best. Why? Because of the reputation (justified) of problems such as electrical and oil burning. All easily fixed in a average backyard mechanics garage.

[willys]

Agree totally with Chuck above!!!

Unless you need that thrill of the first drop and swearing moment and then the explaination to the wife on how you now have a nice scratch or need to replace a piece of plastic if it's that bad.......and recieve the verbal beating you will get from her after spending thousands more on a newer machine if not brand new......then I would go a good used machine with low mileage if possible BUT always look for the good maintenance record or loo at how the owner keeps himself and his other possessions. That is an easy sign on how he had treated the bike you are about to buy.

Search well and buy smart.

[Blackheart]

If you're only on-road, buy a used 08 or newer. If you're off-road, either get an 07 or older, or, consider switching the tank to an IMS (I prefer IMS tank on the older models, too, since that tank's "wings" somewhat protects the radiator in a fall). For me, it would be very hard to beat an 07 with very low mileage, in the lower 3000.00 range. My 06 only has 10,000 miles on it, and has everything done to it that I want, and I doubt I could get 3000.00 for it...in spite of about 800.00 of suspension upgrades, IMS tank, different fender, different bars with antivibration technology, balancer lever change to Eagle Mike's torsion spring version, glass fuses changed to solid fuses, swingarm greased, steel brake line, 0.22 modification, valves checked, oil changed about every 1250 miles, new chain, new tires, bashplate, low profile magnetic drain plug, Hotfoot Moto lower chain guide, rear rack, enricher lever relocate, etc.

All those upgrades just don't hold value, but, they are desirable to have...in fact, I'd never own a KLR without suspension upgrades; just yesterday, I was the only bike out of the group that could climb a loose-rock, long, steep hill...it wasn't because I was a better rider or had a better off-road bike, it was because I wasn't getting knocked off-line, and the rear traction was much better than anyone else's (no matter that the others were on Husaburgs, Huskys, or KTMs). But, if you'll look, you can find bikes with a lot of this work already done, and pay pennies on the dollar for the upgrades.

A properly massaged KLR650 really is a remarkable bike, and remarkably inexpensive compared to many other choices. Best of wishes in your search!

[wansfel]

For pre '08s the value seems to be more relaed to mileage/condition than age. Many good bargains out there. If you just want to get on and ride locally and commute, go newer.

If you want to stretch your limits and expand your horizons, you will be adding the goodies mentioned by others in either case. The right goodies will put the KLR up in a whole new class of capabilities and reliability. In that case, go with a GOOD low milage pre '08 and spend the extra $1,000 on the goodies and you will never look back. You will have a machine that will take you to the ends of the earth, and better yet, back again.

[SkiBumBrian]

For sure there are older bikes out there that were well taken care of. Mine for example is an '05 and I bought it with 3K on it, it was kept in a heated garage and looked like it came off the showroom floor, not even any paint wear on the shifter or casings. I brought it home and chopped it up to my liking! I have never gotten used to the '08+ changes but to each his own... I would look at the care of the bike, higher miles and the doo not done I would be concerned about chain slap and possible premature wear of the balancer system from miles of no tension. I say find a good deal on any year and spend the money you saved personalizing it, because you WILL!!

[TORQUER]

Originally Posted by willys

Agree totally with Chuck above!!!

Unless you need that thrill of the first drop and swearing moment and then the explaination to the wife on how you now have a nice scratch or need to replace a piece of plastic if it's that bad.......and recieve the verbal beating you will get from her after spending thousands more on a newer machine if not brand new......then I would go a good used machine with low mileage if possible BUT always look for the good maintenance record or loo at how the owner keeps himself and his other possessions. That is an easy sign on how he had treated the bike you are about to buy.

Search well and buy smart.

Willys, I think the above mentioned bike has been dropped enough for me not to worry so much about it if I drop it. Im going to be commuting and going offroad. I like the looks of the 08+ but I think I am starting to like the 07pre better now. I really like the green/black. Since its going to be my first bike i like the idea of being more visible with the brike kawasaki green.

My buddy also mentioned he thought the chain hadn't been lubed enough and thought it had a slight bit of wear but assured me it would last 10,000 miles or so. he said his street bike has 20,000 miles on one chain but he lubes it every 200-500 miles.

[racer214]

I bought my 2009 as few months ago as a leftover model for $4K out the door. Dealers all across the country have these new leftover bikes sitting on the floor gathering dust and they are motivated to move them. If you are looking at 08+ models you may want to consider this option instead of a used bike. Full disclosure: I had to drive about 300 miles away to get this deal but I think it was worth it.

[willys]

Up here in Canada that bike would easily get his asking price and wouldn't last a day if advertised! So, my answer would be to buy it if you can get it for that price before someone else gets it out from under you!

I tell everyone the same thing.....If YOU are HAPPY with the price YOU are WILLING to pay for a bike, then DON NOT TELL ANYONE WHAT YOU PAID FOR IT AS THERE WILL ALWAYS SOME DIPSHIT WHO WILL SAY YOU GOT SUCKERED!!!

If you are happy and you are happy with what your buddy is telling you regarding the condition of that bike...BUY IT AND MOM's THE WORD!!!

It sounds to me like a good deal and I would buy it!
Handle bars are cheap, if it doesn't have barck busters you will want them also along with a DOO and torsion spring, also when funds allow buy some nerf bars(tank and rad crash bars) to protect the vital parts.

BUT, first the minute you have made the deal, go get a helmet and jacket, boots and a pair of gloves. Because road rash HURTS!!!! Yep...ask me how I know!..you will scream too when the nurse scrubs the gravel out of the wounds with a scrubbing brush!!!


Have you bought it yet?????


Really....why not????

[TORQUER]

I told the guy I will take it. However we made an agreement. I only have $1500 in the savings account from selling a gun. I just sold my second gun for $1500 at auction. So once I get the funds from it I will take another $500 out of the checking and go get it. I should have it by the end of the week. He agreed to take it off the internet and hold it for 2 weeks for me.

I think I will be happy with it. I REALLY like the color. I think I like the old style better than the new. I like the more "dirtbike" look it has. I wanted to find a bike where I could do the "doo" mod myself so I know its done right. Im not so worried about the dent or little scuffs on the hand gaurds. Thats stuff I can change easily. and it sort of adds character. I really don't care to have a flawless bike because i know I will drop it eventually. I don't plan on being "nice" to it anyways. Maintenance will be spot on, but i plan to take her off road and play some. It'll probably get more dents in the tank hahaha.

Well, unless this guy sells it out from under me I will have a 06 kawasaki Green KLR within the next week or so!!! i will post up pics whenever i get it in the garage.

edit: Willys, I have the jacket and gloves. All I need is the helmet and aerostich pants. Im going to have hernia surgery next week so I wont be riding much anyways. I still need to take the MSF course and get my moto license too. One step at a time.