| Author | Message | ||
     Chrisrogers3 |
So many of you probably already know I sold my Uly a few weeks back, and have definitely regretted it ever since. Im going to get back into another dual sport/adventure sport or alike. But now I am starting to weight my options. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED my Uly, but I do have my reservations on buying another one....Well the only real reservations are the price hikes and discontinued parts from Hardley i.e. the frame pucks ( I mean seriously why discontinue those things)? So I have been looking around, I love the looks of the GS series but find them to be extremely overpriced and I refuse to pay that. So I decided to take a KLR 650 out and it seems to be a great bike for the price. I think it needs a second cylinder BUT 5 grand gets you a brand new leftover 09. Im able to trade my 1125r pretty much even up for a new KLR 650....Should I do it (why or why not)... Also are there any other bikes I should look at? Keep in mind I only do MAYBE 10% off road riding, but I love having the option. Which was a huge draw to the Uly. Anyway, let me know what you guys/gals think! Chris | ||
| Rwven |
Kawasaki Versys, much more streetable than the KLR and as all roads capable as the ULY from the reports I've read. I've read very little negative about it anywhere. | ||
| Dynasport |
For me, I wouldn't trade an 1125 for a KLR650 if only 10% of my riding was off-road. I believe I would enjoy the 90% stree riding much more on an 1125 than I would a KLR. I think I would either trade the 1125 for a Uly, or save until I could keep the 1125 and then get an off-road worthy bike, maybe something even more off-road worthy than an 1125. But then that is just me. | ||
| Froggy |
My understanding it was accidental and a case of HD being retarded. (Business as usual) | ||
| Ogre_fl |
I have owned 2 KLR's and wont own another until they fix its awful gear box ratios, flexi-flyer chassis and generally bad build quality. I would look seriously at the Versys if your mostly street and the 650 Strom if you think you want to play in the dirt more. Yes it is cosmetically challenged but the 650 Strom is my personal favorite and regret selling mine to buy a Uly. With a few add-ons and TKC tires it can truly do almost anything and go almost anywhere. Oh and nearly NOTHING ever breaks or fails on it.....EVER.    (Message edited by ogre_fl on June 11, 2010) | ||
| Sprintex |
Just buy a used KLR (I have a 2001), they can be had for$1000 to $3000, if you get lucky you can get one that the owner dump a ton of money into it on farkels. And keep the R. | ||
| Badrap |
I had the dual sport KLX 650, which is the more dirt oriented version or the bloated KLR and there is no way I would change any good street bike whether it’s the 1125 or Uly for a KLR. The motors are the same in both the KLX & KLR and aren’t the best for hwy use. Dual sport/Adventure bikes are all the rage now so I would look at some of the other new offerings on the market before I got a KLR. If I were to do a dual sport again it would be a dirt bike conversion or one of the new Husqvarna TE630. If I spent all of my time blasting around the city I would like to have a Supermotar style bike. That’s my 2 cents worth. | ||
| Smac |
My good friend had a KLR 650...rode it a few times. It's a good machine if you want something to get ya around town cheap. If you plan on using it for a 90% street riding, the single disk brake is NOT up to par and front suspension "dive" under hard braking takes a little getting used to. Even with the added "big brake" kit, it's just not the stopping power I'm used to on a street bike. But hey, these "issues" are wait make the KLR versatile and off-road capable. My friend sold the KLR and purchased a KTM Adventure. They are a little pricey, but not like a GS. I love my Uly, but if I were to buy a different bike, it would be the KTM Adventure or the V-Strom 1000. If you want a little more edgy-ness, go for the KTM. If you want the smooth, "just change the oil & ride" style, take a look at the V-Strom 1000. (Message edited by smac on June 11, 2010) | ||
| Jespo_m2 |
For real dual sporting... I use a 2002 Suzuki DRZ400s. It's as good as any other thumper on the road but it is exceptional in the dirt. Makes dirt riding fun rather and a nerve racking chore. Whether its open fire roads or knarly trails... the Dizzer is a blast to ride. I paid $2500 for mine back in 2007... and I use my Uly for adventure road riding with occasional fireroad work. | ||
| Tocramed |
How about another Uly?  | ||
| Whisperstealth |
I have a KLR 650. It was my first bike and I still love it. You can do lots and lots of mods, and changes. Easy to swap sprockets. But there are a lot of things you NEED to do to it. The DooHickey being the most important. That said, DO NOT sell/trade your 1125. Buy a Verseys, they have excellent reviews and will work as a 90/10 bike. If not Verseys get a WeeStrom. Should have kept the Uly.... Good Luck! | ||
| Tocramed |
Got one for sale...only 20 minutes away! | ||
| Matchanu |
KLR blows for long distance riding with gear. Going up hill you be lucky to hit 60 mph. It's a great around the town bike with mild off roading ability. It's a very agile bike, very capable in the twisties. Seat is horrible, I did a 750 mile trip and the last 20 or were all standing on the pegs. The VStrom was a strong contender before I got the Uly, it's a great bike. Nothing is going to replace your Uly. | ||
| Khelton |
KLR will run forever because it has no horsepower, look at the suspension, rear shock spring looks like it came out of a BIC pen..handles that way too...go with the Versys, much closer to a ULY and handles much better than the KLR, at least on the road.. | ||
| Blasterd |
+1 on the Versys! I have done several demos on one and it is a fantastic bike. After that I would look for a weestrom, bulletproof motor. my opinion.... | ||
| Chrisrogers3 |
Thanks for the replies guys. The KLR seems like a decent bike but I really dont think its for me. Im looking at a TT tomorrow which I will probably get but Im not too sure if I really want a TT. I love the hardbag setup on Ulys and Im sure I can get some for the TT, but I really dont want to screw around fabricating brackets. Tocramed- can you beat the price of 4900? Thats what I was offered the TT at. Im not at all against buying another Buell, You guys know me well enough to know that I have owned more than my fair share of them and I love every last one of them. I just dont like fact that Harley can charge us whatever they want for parts and some much needed parts are not obsolete. | ||
| Blasterd |
Chris, I've ridden a bunch of different bikes- I demo everything twice a year in Daytona, and I have to say the TT is the best handling bike I have ever ridden in my opinion. It's the bike I really wanted but with my wife and daughters riding the Uly was a better fit. I will pick one up at a later time and if I could snag one for 4900 I would jump on it right now.... There are enough fine people here that can and will help with any issues if need be, this I know because I have received tons of support over my 10 years of Buell ownership. The TT will do all you want it to off the slab and will impress you on it, honestly it is a more fun bike than the Uly in my opinion but again the Uly is a better all rounder for me. If I didn't get the TT then I would head straight for the Kawi dealer for the Versys, very similar to the TT in alot of ways. The Versys is a very, very good bike as well.. | ||
| Windrider |
No | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I sat on the Versys and found that when I stood up the rider's footpegs were in the way. Shocks look second rate at best. Pretty cheap feeling compared to the ULY. | ||
| Reepicheep |
If it makes you feel better, my experience with Kawasaki is that they make Harley look like saints (which they ain't) when it comes to pricing OEM parts. The factory Kawasaki parts prices really are outrageous. | ||
| Slash6 |
I traded an 08 KLR for the Uly - not in the least sorry - the Uly is fantastic. The 08 up KLRs have stability problems in high winds at highway speeds, not to mention other problems. Look at this forum: http://www.klr650.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=10 9. Prior to that I had a 1000 strom, put 34,000 miles on it without a problem - not a pretty bike but solid. The 650 is supposed to be good. Rode a Versys and liked it ok - a lot better handling and more go than the KLR. Don't know about the KTM but I understand the maintenance costs are serious - a riding buddy had one and got rid of it because of problems. | ||
| Windrider |
I have owned 2 KLRs. Since you say 90% Road 10% dirt KLR is a bad choice. KLR would be better for 30% or more dirt. | ||
| Jphish |
Hey Chris, Still got my 08' Uly - (which Im keeping) & 650KLR - which is my Baja / Death valley, "dont care if I scratch it up" off road machine - keeping it too. Recently aquired an 06' 955 Tiger - a number of low mile, well farkled, later model "Girlies" out there for $5-6K. Good, reliable, powerful, comfortable adventure tourer. Has better tire selection than the Uly & very capable on dirt gravel roads, but still too heavy for single track or gnarly stuff. Or if you prefer something closer to the uly's 17" tires, adjustable showa suspension, ergo's, looks & handling, with some moderate dirt road capabilities - consider the 1050 Tiger. lots of 07 & 08s for $6-7K. I like the Versys - pretty solid machine, but its a bit more diminutive - & compared to a Tiger or Uly, grunt is just less than I want for uphill semi passing. Good luck in your next adventure! j | ||
| Jphish |
Oh yeah, PS - also the 'Strom' family - come in 2 flavors, wee & VEE. Pretty solid. My brothers got 50K on his 1000 & only minor issues. Borrowed a wee a few years back, @ 650cc is a good capable machine, but a bit underpowered on hwy, loaded down with all my camping / fishing gear - particularly 2 up. But certainly better "all arounder" than the KLR. But the 'pig', 'mule' (KLR) is very good for what it does - but if I was only going for 10% dirt, & could only have 1 bike - KLR would NOT be my choice. 50% dirt? or TAT...I would have different opinion. j | ||
| Ronmold |
My '08 KLR650 went away last spring to make room for my Uly, lost big on it, never buy one new. Could not do 2-up well on the KLR but they are a great commuter bike, maybe that's their best use. It was a great bike for a dual sport but seriously lacking in grin factor. I agree that the DRZ400 is likely the best 50/50 true dual sport out there, inexpensive & dependable. | ||
| Pso |
Last fall I needed to take spousal units Wee strom (DL650)on my annual 10 day MC adventure. Very impressed with bike. Needed to down shift 1 time in Mt.s in NY. Top gear good for hiway next lower great for other roads. I am keeping my eyes open fo an 07 or later Wee. forums look like they are indestructable. One fellow was complainging that now with 100K on the bike he had a burned out light. Also vlves just do not seem to ever eed adjustment. If I could aford it I would also look at KTM MS-T (I think that is the model, with the bags). | ||
| Sharkguy |
I have an 01 KLR and it rarely gets ridden anymore. The ergonomics are terrible,at least for me. The seat especially sucks. rear shock is marginal. terrible in crosswinds or behind big trucks. It is dead on reliable however, and makes a great commuter bike. Consistently gets 50+ mpg, and is easy to work on. The 08s and up may be a bit more ergonomic but I can't attest to that as I haven't ridden the newer model. I don't think I'd trade the uly for one. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
My buddy has an 09 KLR, and the more I ride with him, the more I like that bike. If I could have 2 more bikes, one would be an 08+ KLR. | ||
| Florida_lime |
If I could afford it I would also look at KTM MS-T (I think that is the model, with the bags). KTM SMT http://hellforleathermagazine.com/images/2009--KTM -SMT-post.jpg | ||
| Yjsrule |
I had a KLR for about two months. There is no way I would ever consider trading one for a uly, maybe three but only if I thought I could sell them and make money. The suspension is awful, it feels about as heavy as a uly as well as underpowered. The grin factor isn't there either. With that being said, there are many people who really like them.  |
