'08 KLR 650

[motomac]

Well, I'm almost ready for the big trip to the NW!!! I have to get the doohickey done yet, but the rest of the farkling is done. Here she is ready for the big trip. I may have a couple of bags mounted on the panniers, haven't got the packing arrangements done yet.

[Ironheadziggy76]

That is Sweet!!! The boxes look awesome. Get some miles on her and tell me how comfy she is over the long haul.

[motomac]

That is Sweet!!! The boxes look awesome. Get some miles on her and tell me how comfy she is over the long haul.
Ain't nobody as anxious to get some miles on her as I am. I did get out Sunday for a few, but my right glove wasn't heating and the temp was in the low 20's, so I cut the ride short. Tomorrow we're scheduled for 3-5" of white stuff!!!

[Trekker]

Mac..... drool, drool, drool.....

[mongo]

Looking good Mac, you are setting up much more permanent than I am.

[mongo]

That is Sweet!!! The boxes look awesome. Get some miles on her and tell me how comfy she is over the long haul.

I took off last sunday on the 08 klr to check out my cousins new 08 GS ADV in Johnson City TN. 310 round trip miles (nothing for the ST), and I was very happy with the divided highway experience. Enough power to be happy in traffic and I had no comfort issues, even with the stock seat. This bike is turning out to be more than I thought it would.

[Ironheadziggy76]

I took off last sunday on the 08 klr to check out my cousins new 08 GS ADV in Johnson City TN. 310 round trip miles (nothing for the ST), and I was very happy with the divided highway experience. Enough power to be happy in traffic and I had no comfort issues, even with the stock seat. This bike is turning out to be more than I thought it would.

Keep it up and I will be getting a KLR instead of a 650 V-Strom. Will it cruise comfortably at about 80-85? How about 75? That is the only real issue I have with the single over the V-Twin. The money I would save on purchase price would almost by all the gear I would need to get it farkled up.

[motomac]

Keep it up and I will be getting a KLR instead of a 650 V-Strom. Will it cruise comfortably at about 80-85? How about 75? That is the only real issue I have with the single over the V-Twin. The money I would save on purchase price would almost by all the gear I would need to get it farkled up.
I ran mine up to 85, but I wouldn't run it all day at that speed. I can run 75 as long as I want, but I won't do it once I get into Canada. Most roads up there the speed limits are 100 KM. That's about 62 MPH. Most roads in Alaska are 55 MPH. And the roads I intend to explore are not governed by limits, more like guts and skill.

[braindead0]

Wow, looks like a pretty light setup....

[Ironheadziggy76]

I ran mine up to 85, but I wouldn't run it all day at that speed. I can run 75 as long as I want, but I won't do it once I get into Canada. Most roads up there the speed limits are 100 KM. That's about 62 MPH. Most roads in Alaska are 55 MPH. And the roads I intend to explore are not governed by limits, more like guts and skill.

motomac, you and Guy seem to have the Thumpers dialed in. I originally was looking at a KLR or DR until I test rode a 650 Strom. The last KLR I have ridden was one of the older "Barbie" models, I'm sure they are like night and day with the 08 model. I was going to demo one at Daytona last year but time ran out and they were all booked up.

The Corbin seat that Happy-Trail carries for the 08 KLR sure looks like a road sofa. I am going to try to test ride one locally if I can. I am going to have to buy something this summer, the wife can get all bowed up if she wants but I will need time to farkle. :D

[Mr. Guy]

Hi Steve,

Like I've posted before, I ran my DR at 90 for about an hour once, from Rogers, Ar south to I-40, just to see how it would handle it. It did just fine, but I don't like to ride like that. However 75 to 80 down the interstate all day long shouldn't be a problem for either a DR or KLR. But one thing to think about is I normaly get 45 to 50 MPG, but that stretch at 90 I got about 32, so fuel economy will suffer with speed.

Guy

[sandman]

Nice looking rig, Mac.

[mongo]

Hi Steve,

Like I've posted before, I ran my DR at 90 for about an hour once, from Rogers, Ar south to I-40, just to see how it would handle it. It did just fine, but I don't like to ride like that. However 75 to 80 down the interstate all day long shouldn't be a problem for either a DR or KLR. But one thing to think about is I normaly get 45 to 50 MPG, but that stretch at 90 I got about 32, so fuel economy will suffer with speed.

Guy

I have to agree with Mr. Guy. I live 67 miles from work 50 or so divided highway, I can keep it at 80 with no issues and very little vibration. Gas mileage drops from 50 (55-60mph) to mid 30's at 80mph.

[mongo]

Keep it up and I will be getting a KLR instead of a 650 V-Strom. Will it cruise comfortably at about 80-85? How about 75? That is the only real issue I have with the single over the V-Twin. The money I would save on purchase price would almost by all the gear I would need to get it farkled up.

It would all depend on what type of roads I was going to ride after the Alaska trip. I really don't think you can go wrong with DR, KLR or the DL. I went with the KLR because of all of the upgrades and water cooling for engine longetivity. If you wanted to meet up somewhere after the weather breaks you can test ride my KLR, you probably won't get a dealer to let you try one out.

[braindead0]

I have to agree with Mr. Guy. I live 67 miles from work 50 or so divided highway, I can keep it at 80 with no issues and very little vibration. Gas mileage drops from 50 (55-60mph) to mid 30's at 80mph.What.. yours isn't burning oil at those speeds? Mine hasn't shown signs of it either, but I don't generally ride at 80mph (wife's XT wouldn't like that much). Just curious...lots of people are reporting oil burning to the tune of 1/2qt in 500 miles at 75+MPH.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Mongo thanks for the offer but I think I will stick with the DL for now. I may consider trading after I get back, I am hoping to travel down through Mexico and into Central America in a few years. I have to admit I like the fuel injection and being able to plug tires with the cast wheels on the DL.

Guy, maybe you will be ready to trade in a few years, and then I can buy your DR.

[Mr. Guy]

Hi Braindead0,

My DR has never burned a drop of oil, I always carry a small bottle with me, but have never needed it. I change oil about every 2000 to 2250, and use plain old castrol gtx 10w-40 from wal-mart. Never a bit low at change time.

Hi Ironhead,

When I bought my DR I thought that maybe I would trade up in a few years, but the more I ride it the more I like it. So I doubt that by the time I'm ready to move on it will still be running. It should be all used up and I'll be buying another DR. Sorry.

Guy

[Trailace]

Mac
The bike looks great and I like your set up. How much weight did the Happy-Trail bags add?

[motomac]

Mac
The bike looks great and I like your set up. How much weight did the Happy-Trail bags add?
Thanks Rick. You can bet before I leave for Alaska I will have a new gel battery in it!!!Shipping weight was 55 pounds. Actual weight I have no idea, don't own a scale. The bags and top box are aluminum, so they don't weigh a lot. The racks probably weigh more than the bags.

[swandog]

Keep it up and I will be getting a KLR instead of a 650 V-Strom. Will it cruise comfortably at about 80-85? How about 75? That is the only real issue I have with the single over the V-Twin. The money I would save on purchase price would almost by all the gear I would need to get it farkled up.

touring on a v strom is much cheaper than on a klr , the rear tire on a klr will be bald at 4- 5000 klm a v stroms tire will last 4x that . also chains and sprockets last 4x as long on a v strom . after 50,000 miles on a honda xlr 650 i bought the v strom because the cost per mile is so much less

[Mr. Guy]

I haven't had that much trouble with my DR650. 5000 Miles on a rear tire and 14,000 miles on the last chain. What is that in kilometers?

Guy

[swandog]

5,000 miles is 8,000 klm . i must admit my friends dr was easyer on tires than the honda . could be that i was useing knobby tires ,

[Mr. Guy]

Thats probably it, I usually run adventure touring type of tires. The few sets of knobbies I've had didn't last near as long.

Guy

[Ironheadziggy76]

touring on a v strom is much cheaper than on a klr , the rear tire on a klr will be bald at 4- 5000 klm a v stroms tire will last 4x that . also chains and sprockets last 4x as long on a v strom . after 50,000 miles on a honda xlr 650 i bought the v strom because the cost per mile is so much less

swandog the wife is hoping it will be cheaper. :p What brand of chain and sprockets do you use? Mine has a 16t countershaft sprocket on it now, but I am going back to stock gearing for the trip to AK with AK Dreamer this summer. With the slower speed limits and all the stuff I'll be carrying I think it will work out better. I'm guessing it has the stock DID chainset on it now but I'm going to put on a new set before I go, along with a new battery.