BMW F650GS Twin or KLR650

[ARDirt]

Which is the better bike for riding backroads and just exploring. Have a non street legal dirt bike for the hard off road riding that I haul to the woods with my Wrangler. Just need something to explore on when I can't get to the woods. Am really leaning to the BMW but want to make sure I am not over doing it.

[Navaho]

The KLR would be better for offroading and still get you down the highway at about the same speed as the BMW. Even though the weights are not that far apart, the KLR has the advantage with a 21" front wheel and more suspension travel. And the KLR it crashes a whole lot better. I dropped my 650 twin and busted the headlight and speedo along with several scratched up pieces. No damage to the handlebars, controls, seat, muffler, frame, wheels, engine, pipes, or any other major parts but it will still cost $6,700 to make it new again! Freakin' ridiculous!! And I will be down for months waiting on the parts. The headlight is not even available for purchase yet. One side panel on the BMW = $450! Fortunately for me, I have full coverage insurance. The BMW is just too nice and expensive for offroading.

Oh, and you can buy a KLR for $5000 + tax. The BMW is almost double that.

However, the BMW has a sweet motor and handles better on the street than the KLR. But the KLR 650 thumper engine is better for offroading.

Wet Weights:
2005 KLR650 = 413#
2008 KLR650 = 428#
2009 F650GS = 438#
2007 DR650 = 367#

Suspension Travel:
2007 KLR650 = 9.1/9.1
2008 KLR650 = 7.3/7.9
2009 F650GS = 6.7/7.1
2007 DR650 = 10.2/10.2

Ground Clearance:
2007 KLR650 = 9.4"
2008 KLR650 = 8"
2009 F650GS = 8"
2007 DR650 = 10.4