Dual Sport Suggestions

[adoliver]

yea, 35mpg isn't really what I"m hoping for. I noticed the klr and xrl seem to do significantly better than that. Those seem to be where I'm leaning. After looking that xrr power does come with a hefty fuel economy hit. And this is mostly a commuter bike. I'll have to try one and see how I feel about the oomf. In case that's not enough and I feel like waiting longer *groan* what would be the next step up? Because these seem 'almost' there for what I was hoping for, only thing making me second guess will be how well they accelerate.

So what would the next step up models be?

 

[slackmeyer]

If you want a good commuter, take a look at the suzuki v-strom (650) good gas mileage, reliable, ok with some dirt roads now and again. The KLR and the DR-650 are good solid choices (the XRL is a good bike too, but I think you give up quite a bit of streetability).

Or look for an older BMW F650- great fuel mileage, comfortable on the street, reliable, about as off road worthy as the klr.

 

[OldFatGuy]

So I take it that compression ratio is making all the difference in the world. Didn't think 1.7 difference would be so much. Has anyone ever just stuck a xr650 engine into the xr650L frame to get the best of both worlds? besides the heavier XR650L frame of course.


XR650L:

Cooling system: Air


XR650R:

Cooling system: Liquid

Totally different engine.

 

[HiggyB]

Plated XR650R SM FTMFW!

Oh wait, I'm off-topic...


The fellas above have great info, heed what they're sayin'!

 

[CockyRooster]

If you have the energy then the ticket for the XRL is a bigger piston, cam, and carb. It will never be a ripper, but it does wake it up.

 

[adoliver]

If you want a good commuter, take a look at the suzuki v-strom (650) good gas mileage, reliable, ok with some dirt roads now and again. The KLR and the DR-650 are good solid choices (the XRL is a good bike too, but I think you give up quite a bit of streetability).

Or look for an older BMW F650- great fuel mileage, comfortable on the street, reliable, about as off road worthy as the klr.

Yea, I started looking a little more at the klr650. It looks like the krl has better gearing for the freeway and so I'll probably be leaning that way since that'll be where I'll see the most use. I don't want to wear out my bike winding out the engine on long slab trips.

Turns out a family friend of a friend has a DR650 that I can probably get on and take out a bit. Since it's pretty close to the klr I'll know if these bikes will satisfy my desire for something that can take off when I turn the throttle.

 

[slackmeyer]

If you read some threads on this over at ADVrider, you'll see that a lot of folks prefer the DR- better at dirt without being much different on the street. But it doesn't come with the big gas tank or the (relatively) comfortable seat of the KLR.
I love my DRZ-400, but the transmission is pretty close ratio for long sections on the highway. The DRZ is much lighter and has much better suspension than the 650s.

 

[adoliver]

If you read some threads on this over at ADVrider, you'll see that a lot of folks prefer the DR- better at dirt without being much different on the street. But it doesn't come with the big gas tank or the (relatively) comfortable seat of the KLR.
I love my DRZ-400, but the transmission is pretty close ratio for long sections on the highway. The DRZ is much lighter and has much better suspension than the 650s.

My understanding is that even though the DR is pretty much the same on the street, the klr engine will cruise at 70mph without complaint where the DR is straining more. Since I will be doing lots of long slab trips I don't wnat to needlessly wear out the engine. I want to have a bike I can start experimenting with dirt riding, but I'm going to be about 70-30 street to dirt. I will often be making a 3.5hr round trip to stockton and back. So I need a bike who's engine will cruise on the slab nicely.

 

[luckett]

The DR will cruise all day long at 80. I beat the shit out of mine and it's coming up on 50K miles. These things are solid.

 

[rean1mator]

he does beat the shit out of his and it still runs super strong.
i've got an '09 dr with 10K+ miles already. commute 60 miles a day on it and it's a great commuter.

add a safari tank and you'll be getting 400 miles per fillup.

The DR will cruise all day long at 80. I beat the shit out of mine and it's coming up on 50K miles. These things are solid.

 

[mrmoto444]

Just to mix it up a bit....

Option a: buy a klr, don't look back. Much better on the street, where you said u would be using it most.

Option b: Rather than trying to make it faster, spend money on luggage, lights and suspension. If you want performace, find a Ktm lc4 sxc or exc or e model. Money sounds tight, so I think klr is best bet.

Option c: such it up for a year, buy a Ktm 640 adventure next year.

Maybe I'm biased. Kool aid anybody? I've got orange flavor!

 

[GeekVenture]

Save up your $ my friend and buy the bike with the ability to do it all!
1997, 1998 or 1999 (your price range ~$3000)
KTM 640 Adventure:thumbup
This is an old review of my bike...mind you...it's a 1997/98!


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I'm 6'3", 200lbs...this bike is really hard to ride if you aren't at least 5'10".

Check out some pics I've collected over the years here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/e-s-p/sets/72157618981076719/

-Tons-O-Power
Blazes down the interstate at 80mph (top speed ~100) with no problem....when I was at Metcalf Motorcycle County Park, this 230lbs guy ran out of gas and I had to give him a ride back to the office. He was a big guy and I had to go up some hard core hills that were extremely rocky and bumpy as hell! :rip

-WP Extreme Suspension
Means you can go anywhere you want go...I even jump mine on some motorcross tracks!

-Huge tank!
This bike was designed to win the Paris Dakar Rally races in the desert with it's 8gal gas tank (3 pet cocks...2 reserve tanks!)
Contrary to the article, I actually get 38MPG, and I ride really hard...all the time!
Basically...this bike takes the cake stock off the shelf, you can work on it yourself and you wont need to spend the $1000+ to modify the other bikes mentioned just to get them where the Adventure starts at

 

[boney]

Save up your $ my friend and buy the bike with the ability to do it all!

I can tell... you really like your bike.

BUT, if you're going to get a 640 Adventure and you want "turn key" adventure, get an '03 or newer or one that has been upgraded in several areas. Deals can be had on the older ones, but the ball-bearing tranmission mainshaft bearing is a dealbreaker ( 2002 and older ). If it's hasn't been upgraded and you're not into doing yourself, find a different bike.

 

[GeekVenture]

I can tell... you really like your bike.

BUT, if you're going to get a 640 Adventure and you want "turn key" adventure, get an '03 or newer or one that has been upgraded in several areas. Deals can be had on the older ones, but the ball-bearing tranmission mainshaft bearing is a dealbreaker ( 2002 and older ). If it's hasn't been upgraded and you're not into doing yourself, find a different bike.

Yeah...I know...it's way obvious :love

As for the bearing, I have heard of the failure issue too, but some people say the percentages are low. It seems like it happens to those who run the motor near redline on the highway for long periods of time.

Nevertheless, it's is a know issue!
Here is the info on the do it yourself fix if anyone is interested...

LC4 Roller Bearing Upgrade: How To

 

[CockyRooster]

Um...Geekventure - a link would've been adequate and a little bit of cheer leading is always welcome, but posting chapters of an encyclopedia makes reading the thread tiresome for the rest of us.

-Thanks

 

[luckett]

Um...Geekventure - a link would've been adequate and a little bit of cheer leading is always welcome, but posting chapters of an encyclopedia makes reading the thread tiresome for the rest of us.

-Thanks

+1

 

[HiggyB]

+1

+2, thanks.

 

[ScottRNelson]

Can anyone explain what makes a KLR650 or DR650 better for street riding than an XR650L?

I seriously want to know. I bought my XR650L last December mainly because I wanted the bike that was better in the dirt. I was surprised at how well it does on twisty roads and other street riding, especially with the dual sport tires that I have on it. I have no problem dealing with freeway traffic either. I'll accept that the other two probably have better seats for distance riding, but what else makes them better on the street?

 

[luckett]

The KLR has a bit more wind protection (especially the 08+) and a much wider seat. DR has a slightly wider seat. Both have cush drive hubs.

 

[CockyRooster]

The KLR has a bit more wind protection (especially the 08+) and a much wider seat. DR has a slightly wider seat. Both have cush drive hubs.

I've never ridden one but from what I understand it has softer suspension, more relaxed frame geometry (kinda like a cruiser), and a huge gas tank also.

The people who have one and use it for transcontinental trips, like through South America, love those things. Reliable, and can run on crap for gas.