KLR - Almost Decided, But........ - KLR650.NET Forums - Your Kawasaki KLR650 Resource!

dannyg · 09-14-2003, 10:25 AM

I want to thank everyone for replying to my questions about which bike to buy. I really like the KLR better than the Honda cause it seems more "street friendly". Last few questions I have are..... I do plan to ocasionally go off road. Does the KLR handle pretty well on dirt trails ? I know it probably wont be as good as the Honda, but is it that "front heavy" that it would prevent me from ocassionaly jumping a hill, or tearing through a flat trail? Also, I have read a lot ofposts on the board here about issues with the "doohickey", bolts loosening, a few overheating problems, and the ocasional motor locking up. I'm not a very hard rider, and never "whine" out my bikes, I really like the KLR over the Honda for comfort, fuel tank size, but I never owned a Kawasaki, and I get really scared to but the KLR when I see posts about the problems, especially with the bikes being only 2-3 years old.

Thanks

Attilla · 09-14-2003, 02:18 PM

The KLR handles off-road very well. It is just not as nimble as an all-out motocrosser, but it is pretty darned good. I have ridden mine right with the all-out dirt bikes through very crappy trails. They were a bit faster than me, but mostly due to rider skill and confidence.

To tell you the truth, the only times I have dropped my bike or had any problems is when I lost confidence and tried to stop and turn around on the trail. Them, I have dropped it a few times while trying to muscle it around on uneven, rocky, terrain. Otherwise, it seems to just keep going where you point it as long as you keep moving, no matter how bad or steep the trail is.

Flat trails, dirt roads, gravel roads are NO PROBLEM AT ALL.

When I was searching for a dual-purpose, I chose the KLR precisely because of its reputation for reliability. Having some experience with other bikes, sports equipment, high-tech equip., etc, i suspect that many issues get blown completely out of proportion on internet discussion boards. I never have any problem with any of them. I am sure the posters are telling the truth, but I think that problems that affect only a statistically miniscule fraction get discussed widely as if they were big problems. (...just my impression. If my doohickey fails I will be screaming !)

If you notice, most of the overheating "problems" are easily rectified by FILLING THE COOLANT TANLK !

Good Luck !

09-14-2003, 10:25 AM	#1
dannyg A Regular Super Cool Since: Sep 2003 Postings: 90	KLR - Almost Decided, But........ I want to thank everyone for replying to my questions about which bike to buy. I really like the KLR better than the Honda cause it seems more "street friendly". Last few questions I have are..... I do plan to ocasionally go off road. Does the KLR handle pretty well on dirt trails ? I know it probably wont be as good as the Honda, but is it that "front heavy" that it would prevent me from ocassionaly jumping a hill, or tearing through a flat trail? Also, I have read a lot ofposts on the board here about issues with the "doohickey", bolts loosening, a few overheating problems, and the ocasional motor locking up. I'm not a very hard rider, and never "whine" out my bikes, I really like the KLR over the Honda for comfort, fuel tank size, but I never owned a Kawasaki, and I get really scared to but the KLR when I see posts about the problems, especially with the bikes being only 2-3 years old. Thanks

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09-14-2003, 02:18 PM	#2
Attilla KLR Enthusiast Super Cool Since: Jul 2003 Locale: Utah Postings: 790	The KLR handles off-road very well. It is just not as nimble as an all-out motocrosser, but it is pretty darned good. I have ridden mine right with the all-out dirt bikes through very crappy trails. They were a bit faster than me, but mostly due to rider skill and confidence. To tell you the truth, the only times I have dropped my bike or had any problems is when I lost confidence and tried to stop and turn around on the trail. Them, I have dropped it a few times while trying to muscle it around on uneven, rocky, terrain. Otherwise, it seems to just keep going where you point it as long as you keep moving, no matter how bad or steep the trail is. Flat trails, dirt roads, gravel roads are NO PROBLEM AT ALL. When I was searching for a dual-purpose, I chose the KLR precisely because of its reputation for reliability. Having some experience with other bikes, sports equipment, high-tech equip., etc, i suspect that many issues get blown completely out of proportion on internet discussion boards. I never have any problem with any of them. I am sure the posters are telling the truth, but I think that problems that affect only a statistically miniscule fraction get discussed widely as if they were big problems. (...just my impression. If my doohickey fails I will be screaming !) If you notice, most of the overheating "problems" are easily rectified by FILLING THE COOLANT TANLK ! Good Luck !

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