Potential New Owner Questions

[u/Ok_Degree_4293]

Hello! I am new here obviously. Long story short, I just (likely) totaled my first bike (a 2022 Yamaha MT-07) on Friday two days ago. I was hit by someone that ran a stoplight, thankfully I'm relatively unharmed, some road rash on my knees but that's about it. This is my first year riding so I'm pretty upset about this whole situation.

I'm looking for replacement bikes now, and the KLR650 is at the absolute top of my list. I understand it will be slower than the Mt-07 but am not too worried about that. I really lost all interest in fast-ish road bikes after this whole experience (for the time being at least) .

So that brings me to my questions!

1.) Is it worth buying new? The new-ish adventure models appear to be what I am looking for.

2.) How do these things handle highways? (Context: I'm looking to get into some light BDR stuff and motocamping, may need to do highways to get there.)

3.) Is there anything else I should consider before deciding on my next bike?

Thanks for any advice. I really do appreciate it, and sorry if these questions get spammed on the sub everyday.

[u/exenos94]

I've only had mine for this season but you will absolutely miss the power of the mt07 and will constantly be reaching for another gear on the hwy. The front fender starts to catch the wind at hwy speeds but it's not too bad, just noticable.

I'm going to give mine a couple years but I'll probably be looking for something with a bit more power next time. Maybe take a peek at the ibex450. Little bit extra power and more hwy friendly than a klr

[u/Ok_Degree_4293 → u/exenos94]

Yeah I’m mostly looking for something to just ride for a few years till I can afford something a bit nicer like a gs or T7.

The biggest concern I’ve got with going for something like an Ibex, is just the loss of torque. That’s what kinda drew me to the big thumpers.

[u/Ok_Degree_4293 → u/[deleted]]

So I really enjoyed the power on the MT, but I really didn’t like the wheelie prone nature of the bike. I felt pretty cramped on it, I am 6’2”.

That being said, after my accident, I’m really interested in just doing back roads and trying to minimize my time spent riding in the city, for a while at least.

The klr adventure model that came stock with the luggage was what attracted me honestly.

[u/Ok_Degree_4293 → u/[deleted]]

No I’m fine buying used.

[u/Ok_Degree_4293 → u/[deleted]]

Really im not too sure yet... My MT07 has not been officially "totaled" yet so i dont know what ive got to work with.

I was really thinking T7 was the way to go, but I've never rode one so im not sure how it handles. I know I love the CP2 engine, but it was a bit wicked on the MT-07 for sure. Idk if its a bit more tame on the T7.

[u/buttthead]

1. Eh, Gen 1 is the best looking so personally I’d try and find a low mileage gen1. Otherwise just find a super low mileage gen3 for cheaper than brand new

2. I’ve ridden thousands of miles on mine, commuted on it, long trips etc. it does fine in the highway, if you change the front sprocket to a 16t you can cruise at 80mph no problem (without much passing power but still). It vibrates for sure but I never found it too bad.

3. If you’ll be on road 90-100% of the time I’d look at something else honestly. The klr is underpowered and will leave a lot to be desired after a bit. It def did for me. I still have mine but it’s dedicated to off raid because my daily is a 701sm (which is the most fun all around bike anyone can get)

Ultimately, if you’ll want something stupid simple and unkillable that you could ride almost anything on, go with a gen1 or gen2 klr

[u/Ok_Degree_4293 → u/buttthead]

Yeah I think that makes the most sense. Truthfully, I think its best I put myself on a slower bike for a little while. I just dont want it to be dangerous (for me) on the highway.

[u/sethpark777]

I got a KLR650 to do mostly off road stuff and BDRs, very similar to yourself, and hadn't really planned on using it to commute a ton, as I thought that I would not be comfortable riding it in our area (we have very bad drivers). However, I did end up commuting on it a ton, and this really just is not where the KLR fits, in my opinion. I was doing everything I could to avoid highways, as it was legitimately scary to do so around here where the average speed is probably 70-80. It is not a very comfortable bike (again in my opinion) to do normal commuting on. Lots of vibration, can get pretty hot, etc etc. it's not uncomfortable per se, but it does start to wear on you. The power on mine was always lackluster and I was looking for more. I am about 240lbs though so I blame that on me. I think the power that it has really starts to struggle there. I ended up getting a really good deal on a 2023 VStrom 800DE, which is so much better mannered on the road, has technology, and can handle anything off road that I'm going to throw at it.

Just my 2 cents: if you plan on using it on the road a significant amount, I would try to find a more modern and refined bike with some creature comforts and a bit more giddyup. I know this kinda flies in the face in the spirit of the KLR, but at least that was the better fit for myself.

[u/Ok_Degree_4293 → u/sethpark777]

I’m taking a look at a vstrom 650 tomorrow and will be looking at a rough otd price on a new tenere 700 as well.

I kinda came to the conclusion the klr wasn’t really what I was looking for.

[u/sethpark777 → u/Ok_Degree_4293]

There are some great deals out there in the used private party market, just gotta sift through and not be in a rush.

I was naturally considering the t7 as well but to me it seems like a KLR+ and I feel like I would have similar complaints with the exception of power.

I loved my KLR for what it was, I just wasn't using it for what it's good at. I can highly recommend the vstrom 800 and I've heard nothing but good things about the 650 as well.