I was all set to buy a new KLR 650 last weekend. Then I did several hours of reading the archives on threads of KLR 650 vs. DR650.<?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o> <o></o> A few threads had said that the DR 650 has the following items that the KLR does not:<o></o> Balancer shaft in the engine that makes the DR650 engine run smoother with less vibration compared to the KLR 650<o></o> Rubber mounts in the foot pegs to eliminate vibration in the pegs.<o></o> Rubber in the triple clamp to eliminate vibration in the handle bars.<o></o> I owned a 2007 DR650 for a year and liked it a lot. The reason I was wanting to get the KLR this time is because while I enjoyed the DR650 road manners I initially got the impression from reading this forum that the KLR 650 would be even smoother on the road than the DR650. Although I won't ever ride more than 50 miles in a day I want the KLR IF it will be a smoother and less fatiguing ride on the road.<o></o> <o></o> Now after reading the vibration factors enumerated above it seems like the KLR 650 would have more vibration and thus a less enjoyable ride with more fatigue. Vibration and smoothness are clearly very important factors for me. <o></o> <o></o> It has been said that the KLR is likely a better adventure bike than the DR 650 but I won't be going on any long rides so adventure capability is not an important factor for me.<o></o> <o></o> <o></o> Is it really true that based on the items enumerated above that the KLR 650 will have more vibration than the KLR?<o></o> <o></o> Is the DR650 a smoother and less fatiguing ride on the road than the KLR 650?<o></o> <o></o> Are there other factors than come in to play for easier road riding for these two bikes?<o></o> <o></o> Thank you very much for your insight and experience. It is greatly appreciated.<o></o> <o> </o>
You've had a DR,I have a DR currently,the rubber mounts work fine,vibration is minimal,for some any vibration is too much. In about a minute a KLR rider will jump in and swear up and down KLR's are better then ever,better then anything,0 vibration on his. The ones Ive ridden shook pretty good compared to my DR. If your looking for something truly smooth try a 650 Strom or most any recently designed twin.
Once you ride an LC4 (625 or 640), it'll make the DR and KLR feel like they are powered by electric sewing machine engines
I had a KLR, now own a DR, and the DR650 has far less vibration than the KLR. I would say stock for stock, the road going comfort of both bikes is equal. The KLR has a more relaxed riding position and some wind protection. The DR has low bars and high pegs giving a cramped riding position and no wind protection. That kind of cancels out the lower level of vibration in my opinion. You can put lower pegs, higher bars and a windshield on the DR. Reports indicate that a 685cc piston kit cures the vibration on the KLR. YRMV
Im familiar with that beast as well,one trip to Cabo San Lucas on an Lc4 sticks in my mind. Jackhammering footpegs,whole bike buzzing at speed. I was amazed no parts fell off. DR has never so much as blurred the mirrors.
Jeff Good on you for doing your research. The DR is kind of like the state of Idaho. Way under reported for being a great place to be. ______ I ve never ridden a KLR, but once I Researched that the DR was smoother at highway speeds, It completly took the KLR off the short list. The DR is a field stripped 2nd KLR. It depends on what you need. The wind protection Cargo capacity Bigger seat Fuel cell Just to name a few things is what makes the 1st generation a ADVrider a hall of fame MC. The 2nd gen although doing really well iss not for me.
I owned a KLR for a short time, now have a DR. KLR comes with a bigger tank yeah but you can get one for the DR. Wind protection is better on the KLR, another thing that can be easily fixed. Everything else about the DR is better. Actually after getting the DR it's hard for me to believe they can actually sell a KLR. :huh
Ive done all that to my DR,it cruises the hiway at 80mph easy,doesnt vibrate,gets great mileage,never has burned oil,makes decent passing power,I have yet to fix a single thing in 28,000 miles. That goofy giant fairing on the KLR might be great on road,but looking at one in person,the whole bike is huge,too many breakable parts,too heavy,too slow for some street riding.
Do you use stock 15/42 sprockets for the 80 mph freeway cruising? That would be about 5,500 rpm. Thanks for all the feedback guys.
The pros of the KLR are that it has better space for a large rider or for toting a passenger, and it has more standard equipment for people who want to pay to take their bike to a shop for any mods/upgrades rather than mod/upgrade it themselves with items like a huge tank, a windscreen, or a tailrack. If the DR is spacious enough for you, or can be easily made spacious enough, and you don't mind installing your own add-ons, the DR is often a better base dual-purpose bike to build from. Not only does it vibe less, it is also known for burning less oil, is known for not being as prone to overheating/heat issues, is simpler to adjust valves on, is lighter and more flickable for offroad, seems to have better brakes (stock OR upgraded), has slightly wider gearspread, and seems to be peppier with its similar engine output. The KLR used to have a clear advantage in aftermarket support, but the DR now has everything available that one could want for it, thanks to vendors like Kientech, Procycle, Warp9, and the like. Check out www.procycle.us to see some of the items that are now available for the DR. I've never seen a dyno graph for a KLR making 50+WHP. I've never seen a video of a KLR running away from an RM450 on a dirt track. I've now seen these things for upgraded DRs. Don't expect a DR to ever be a race-ready MX or enduro bike, but it can be a darn nice dual-purpose bike these days.
well said kommando, the only thing to add from your original post is the wind creates more fatigue than you think. IMHO You can get the klr to cover like a goldwing with the madstad shield. I suppose thats why folks consider it more of an adventure bike. If I was just doing 50 mile runs I would choose the DR too. 50 mile radius?? I would be just starting to swap over to the KLR. Good luck!
a stock klr, especially if it's new, it a viby. a klr with a 685/688/705 kit is at least as smooth as a dr. there are other simple mods that help too.
DR - modded with wind protection - and added Vibranators - a vendor here on ADV. Very nice. No experience with KLR.
DR's gear driven balancer has GOT to be smoother than the KLR's chain driven tensioner. But keep the KLR's tensioner properly adjusted (and get the EM torsion spring and lever, you're good) and it isn't too bad. Both bikes have their advantages and disadvantages compared to the other. Get the one that fits you best and make it your own. But if 50 miles is all the further you'll be riding on the road, I bet the DR will suit you just fine, even without any additional wind protection. You could always go for a nice brittannia composites fairing. Gives you better lighting, too. But $$$, which is why I don't have one on my KLR Get yourself an atv seat pad from wally world and you should be good to go.
I have never ridden a DR. I own a KLR. That being said, if I was to go more than a couple hundred road miles, I probably wouldn't want to ride either. That's where the multiple cylinder bikes start to get attractive. I don't find the KLR to vibrate so much that I really notice it. What I do notice is the front fender hats the wind, the hand guards have an interesting take on wind sometimes, and the windshield doesn't do a whole lot. So if you were going to buy one of them to take a trip on, the only benefit to the KLR off the floor is the massive tank IHMO.
Its a matter of perspective,Ive ridden single cylinder bikes on road that literally shook the pilot till he was numb and begging to get off,Ive ridden a DR650 600 miles at a sitting at well above legal speeds and was a little buzzed out when I was done,but its doable. I also have a 1250 Bandit that is as smooth and quiet as a really fast sewing machine,has full luggage,easy to put miles on it. But yeah,riding a bike like a DR or KLR takes some getting used to on long paved rides,they arent full on streetbikes after all.
I have a 2007 KLR. It is a nice bike, but on the road the vibration into my forearms almost makes me want to sell the bike. I have just installed rubber mounted handlebars (new upper triple clamp) and fat bars which are supposed to reduce the vibration. I have not had an opportunity to ride much since the install but am hoping it works. My next modification will be a big bore kit which is supposed to reduce vibration. It is still cheaper than buying a new bike. The KLR is a decent bike but the vibration on the road for me is a killer.
Guys, I ride a KTM 640 Adventuture and it vibrates but that said I can ride it with the best of the KLR and DR riders. I can out accelerate them corner to corner. In the dirt it will hold it's own. Vibration is a funny thing. The 640's vibs don't put your hands, feet or arms to sleep, in the end it's like a massage(sort of). At the end of the day I don't stagger off my machine, I'm as fresh as others and I'll bet you a nickel my KTM will win the drag race between the 3 mc's if we gear the same. My Adventure weights 400 lbs running on the scale with Touratech bag mounts and a couple of gallons of fuel. The range with the OEM tank is around 300 miles. It has two headlights. The stock suspension is world's stronger and will do a RTW trip without a rebuild. The cam followers and water pump shaft will need service between 15-20K miles. bill
Every individual has a different response to vibration. I have a 96 KLR and a 2005 DR to compare to. My KLR has always vibrated to the point that I don't ride it more than about 150 miles at a time and most of that off highway. The DR is much smoother, lighter, and with the FCR carb a much better performer. Like others have said, it will cruise down the highway with almost no vibration. I've upgraded the suspension front and rear on both over the years and have taken the DR places off road where I wouldn't think of taking the KLR. That said, I have a good friend who has about 30k on his Gen I KLR who several years ago put the smaller big bore kit in. He's said that it is much smoother than before.