KLR650 Only Thread......

Friendly here, not knocking any bikes. Just out of curiosity. Any of you who have taken a DR650 for a ride, what are you thoughts about it? What makes you more of a KLR fan?

Just wondering, that is all. Reason for my choice was it seemed the DR made a better woods bike, but that was just my thought at the time. I'm extremely happy with it, but I couldn't help but come here and ask.

Hello fellow Klr riders,

I've been looking on this form for quite a while but finally decided to post something. First of all here's my setup:

2002 Klr650
Big Gun Full Exhaust
Uni Air Filter
KLX needle - Clip on 2nd from bottom
All stock Jets
"L Mod" done to Airbox
Fuel screw 2.75 turns out
Desert fuel tank
Manual petcock conversion

Now for the problem. About six months ago my carburetor got gummed up and ripped the diaphragm. I originally thought it was from the poor quality gas that I had been using it so I switched to Chevron premium. And have been using it ever since. Fast forward to two nights ago and it happened again. I tore the carburetor apart and it was covered in orange-ish varnish. And again it ripped my diaphragm. It's almost like it makes the rubber of the diaphragm really thin and it tears really easily and turns it into Swiss cheese. For the life of me I can't figure out what's causing this. I have done tons of searches and have come up with a million different possibilities but nothing solid. So I wanted to ask all of you if anybody has had similar problems. Here are the things that I thought it might be:

1. Ethanol in the gas I use. There aren't any ethanol free gas stations anywhere close so that's not an option.

2. A piece of rubber from the gas cap broke off and fell into the tank. It was about a month before I noticed it so maybe the gas deteriorated and put the crap into the carb.

3. Too much air filter oil on the filter. Although I put the same amount on my other bikes and haven't had a problem with them.

4. I've heard that Uni air filters are not compatible with no toil filter oil so it could be delaminating the air filter and putting the crap into the carb.

5. My bike hates me.

*Note: A friend of mine has a 2004 KLR650 and uses the regular generic brand gas and hasn't had a problem. Which is making me think it's not the gas that's the issue.

I'm completely stumped on this one so any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Here's a picture of my carb. Sorry it's so big, I can't figure out how to resize it on my phone.

Thank you for your genuine curiosity. That is refreshing.

1. Water cooled. I have a Oilhead Beemer so understand the air/oil cooled.
2. Valves that very rarely need adjustment. Adjusted at 2 k now at 64K still in tolerance. Very reliable motor.
3. Gen 2 has good aero protection for the rider. I do a lot of long distance so that is important. 4K plus in a week is typical at least 2X a year.
4. It is Ok off road, but that is to be expected for its size and weight and I have no need to single track and 'wheelie'. 5 off-road trips to Mexico and it did great.
5. Great space for gear for extended touring and camping.
6. Stock gas tank is a good size.

I have ridden a DR several times. A nice bike for shorter trips in stock form. Can be made comfortable. Concerns about the 3-5 th gears, NSU screw, counter sprocket seal, frame cracking and read hub rubbers all of which like the doo in the KLR that can be easily fixed. And yes, I read DR posts on their sites and the likes of Bergdonk in AUS so understand the fix needs.

It comes down to what ever bike you like. Both are simple and very capable.

DR is definitely a better woods bike, given lower CoG and lighter weight.

The draw back for me is the smaller size. The cockpit is simply too cramped for me, but I am not particularly tall (5'10"), but I have long legs...I just don't fit the DR. I've tried.

Better fuel range stock...with an IMS, I don't need to worry about fuel for 300 miles...room to move on those long days in the saddle, too.

Funny, I was just having a convo with a fellow rider about this and I told him that I would like to have a DR and a KLR, with my KLR being converted more to a road bike with some off-road abilities and the DR more of a hard core DS bike.

Thanks! That all makes a lot of sense now. So the KLR is market more as an adventure bike then basically from what I'm getting here.

I guess if I had to pick 1 adventure bike it would be the KLR, there are so many adventure bikes that seem cool, like the KTMs or the new Safari Twin. But weight is always a big issue with me, and I would just assume (haven't checked) that the KLR would be one of the lightest. Not only that its been around forever.

There is no comparison between a KLR or KTM in weight, power, etc., but I would still go with a KLR over a KTM due to ease of field repairs, cost, etc.

Yup,
I had a DRZ and loved it but now I am more into distance and packing crap with me. This bike definitely is too big and heavy for the technical stuff (though some tough guys will beg to differ). I also have no need to go balls to the wall anymore and would rather be able to pack for a month and bring my fishing gear on something bullet proof. Doing the IDBR backwards starting July 5th for 9 days and were looking at a good 2000 miles easy starting at Glacier National Park before we even head to the border to start. That wider seat and the ability to bring the kitchen sink pays off there. I'd love another DRZ or DR for local day trippin rides. I'm 36 now and so i'm not too old for a dirt bike I just get more out of travel than trail now.
Fun times

I have 2 suggestions
1. Check the bottom of the airbox above the exhaust header pipe...out of 4 klrs ive had 2 melt this area of the airbox and it allows gunk directly into the carb.

B. Startron fuel additive..the stuff is amazing at mitigating the ethanol problems. I run it in all carbuerated eng8nes.

I'm kind of the opposite of most here , I don't do long trips( still work full time and just no time yet) so I like short trip bikes and overall weight,and where it is located is what I looked for. After 2 years with my klr I sold it to get a DR (also a KLX),much nicer for my offroading, trail riding, and zipping around . My number one issue with the klr was the top heavy feeling, it tipped over 4 times on me , (sometimes with me on it), and a few close calls, when it simply shouldn't have, once it starts down, it went no stopping it . Haven't had any of my other bikes tip over yet(at least not when it isn't expected) and I had the klr the shortest time. Never really had an issue with it otherwise .

If you like dirt bikes, you'll really like the Klx



.

Excited to find this thread. Before moving to Central Texas from Western Montana two years ago, I sold my EXC and DRZ and have not had a chance to ride since. This week I purchased a new KLR and am excited about this thread. So much great information shared here. After a long break from adv its nice to be back!

Thanks for the reply! I will definitely check out the airbox. since it's aftermarket exhaust, I know for a fact it's real close.

I go long distance and I go deep into the woods for long periods of time. But I'm a backpacker, I grab my hiking backpack and I have everything I need, guns, poles, tackle, food, shelter. I can see how a bigger bike would be nice. NO OFFENSE but I can see how I would be more into the idea of bigger bike when I get older. The KLR is a dream to ride for long distance, and I could pack more. Until then Ill be young and dumb and bounce around while I still can lol Maybe if I get a girlfriend that can ride I can add a KLR sooner

My last bike was a DR650..I threw a lot of money at it , everything money could buy and I loved it . But it would murder you riding any amount of distance .
The KLR is great for distance , easy maintenance and the perfect bike for me . I really wish I could have 2 bikes , I did love that DR

If you have not seen this, you will find it helpful.
The missing oil filter tube, and other items are covered here:
The original KLR FAQ list.
http://www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html

Heh he he

Any recommendations for new set of pegs

I have the SW Motech pegs on my KLR. Can be installed at stock height or 15mm lower. Wide platform. Top surface is many blunt X that grip but aren't so sharp they tear up boots. I have the rubber inserts but my KLR just doesn't vibrate enough for me to use them.

Pivot Pegs also have many fans although I have no experience with them. Some complain about them tearing up boots.

Now that is an old post. Full Power hasn't been on a KLR in a few years.

Rings for an '87... Is there a no machining required drop in aftermarket set? Called the dealer and the oem is discontinued. Older posts indicate total seal didn't have oil control ring that fit sans machining...