I first experienced the joy of riding in the rain on my V-Star 650 Bobber, and it wasn't too bad, a little annoying without a front fender, but you figure it out. As soon as I got my got CB750 Chopper, I quickly realized I didn't want to be riding around in the rain. I have velocity stacks on my carbs, and the bike doesn't run the smoothest in certain rainy conditions, plus no one wants to ride their 40 year old motorcycle in the rain. I had to figure something out quick so I could get to work everyday, so I did some research and came to the conclusion I needed a KLR-650. After doing a little asking around, I found a buddy that was selling a 2004 KLR for a friend, so we worked it out and we're able to get me on the bike right away.
The Kawasaki KLR-650 has been around since '87, and went virtually unchanged for 11 years until 2008. This is probably the first reason I chose to pursue the KLR over other dual-sport models, knowing parts would be affordable and easily accessible. I've had trouble finding the number of units sold between '87 and '07, but with no major changes in design, you can imagine how many parts are out there for this bike. A desirable quality in a motorcycle, when choosing something you're planning to use as a commuter, and an adventure machine. The second reason I chose the KLR-650A model, was because it was still carbureted, so the average joe can still perform general maintenance on the bike, avoiding unwanted shop service fees.
I got the bike with the idea of riding it to work everyday, and hitting some trails up from time to time. As soon as I went for my first ride to the dunes at Triangle Beach in Richmond BC, I was hooked on the dirt biking aspect of riding again. It was 15 minutes from my place and I started riding there every day, but I didn't really fall in love with the dirt again until I discovered the seemingly never ending network of logging/service roads and trails just outside of the city of Vancouver area. It wasn't just the dirt I loved. We would rip around the back alleys of Van, finding random concrete pads and lips to jump. We'd ride around empty parking lots practicing or wheelies all the time, probably the most fun I've ever had in my life. That bike could move me around just great, and I'm a pretty big boy at 6'2'' 240.
The common attitude towards the KLR-650 is that it's heavy and there's not enough power. I disagree. Most specs you can find on this bike will tell you it has 42 horsepower at the rear wheel, but if you do a little research you'll see that the bike actually produces about 35HP at the rear wheel, which is really not that bad. I'm 240lbs and did wheelies on this thing every day I rode it. With a wet weight of 400lbs (fully loaded with fluids) combined with me and a pack, I'd say that's not too bad at all for 35HP. I also never had a problem keeping up with any bike I rode with, ever. Husqvarna, KTM, and XT's included.
When you consider the weight of the KLR-650A (370lbs dry), up against the 2014 KTM 1190 Adventure (Approx 470lbs dry), one of the top selling dual-sport's in today's market with rave reviews for it's off-road capabilities, you see the KLR is really quite light in comparison. Granted there is a considerable difference in horsepower between the two bikes, I still don't agree there is a lack of power in the KLR. There were definitely many times I had been stuck in an awkward position I had to get myself out of with the bike, and I wished I could have just kicked it over and hopped on an XT and rode away, but the weight really wasn't bad once I got used to it.
The only small complaint I had about the KLR, which seems to be a common point riders make about the bike, is that the suspension is fairly weak if you're anything over 200lbs. The problem can be taken care of with progressive fork springs in the front, and an adjustable high performance shock in the rear, and this is about the only modification you need to make to this bike, unless you want to get into a jet kit, which I've read mixed reviews on.
I can honestly say, if you're deciding on an affordable dual-sport to get into, that can be easily maintained, the KLR-650A is a great bike. I ended up selling my KLR to fund a cross country trip I did this summer on my 1973 CB750 Chopper, but after some time spent thinking about the next dual-sport I am going to get on, I keep coming back to the idea of getting another KLR-650, that's how much I loved this bike.
Cory - The Great North ---- Currently listening to: BARONESS - Wanderlust
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