Im looking into geting a klr 650. From 2003 to present which years models have inherant problems? Are some years better than others? At about how many miles do the bikes start having problems? Any other problems i should be aware of?

TLAMB -

Welcome to the forum, and feel free to ask any questions you like.

In a nutshell, the pre '08 models are known as Gen1 bikes. In '08 there was a rather significant redesign of the bike, and we call them Gen2.

The Gen1 are usually considered to be somewhat more dirt oriented, while the Gen2 have better 'road manners'.

The Gen1 bikes are more prone to issues with broken balancer chain adjusting levers (with attendant engine damage) though the actual incidence is really quite low, while the Gen2 bikes are known for consuming oil.

All KLRs are generally bullet proof and exceptionally reliable. As to mileage - try 50K miles, easy. Even if you beat it like a rented mule.

KLRs are known for doing nothing exceptionally well, but doing everything well enough.

T

thanks for the input.

Tom has a way with words and a lot of wisdom! I liked the looks of the 08+, but I might have been better off with the 07- the way I have been off road beating my "08 rented mule"! I haven't beat it too bad, just more off road than on! It's doing ok with that, this far...

Oh...BTW, Welcome...

Welcome. Tom summed it up. When I bought my 08 I could have bought a leftover 07 for a lot less. I still don't know if I made the right choice, but I think I did. For me. I like buying oil, see?

I have a new 2010. As soon as I know, I will post my own experiences. I believe that the ratio of bikes sold to bikes with issues is quite low for ot Gen 1 and Gen 2. However, if each series has issues, gen1 will have a doohickey issue and gen2 will have oil burning issues. Keep in mind also that $100 plus labor cures the Gen 1 bugaboo if done before it causes problems. The Gen2 fix is a 685 kit for less than $300 plus labor. That increases displacement and power. The guys above know their stuff. Just don't be scared off by the worst case scenario. If you are a long legged guy, this is one comfortable bike. ( after a seat change) It is also shockingly agile yet stable on the road. Buy one, if you don't like it, you won't lose much if anything. These things are so low priced to start that the market is fairly monetarily compressed. Mid Nineties models still go for as much as $2500. If you pay $3500 - $4500 for an '05 to '10, you be able to sell it if you do not like it. It holds value better than a Rebel. As far as problems, the things are simple enough the they can be gone over relatively inexpensively. It is a single cylinder motor. It is one carb. It is a simple electrical system. Simple, but it is more than the sum of it's parts. There just may be a reason that these have been in continuous production for almost 25 years now.

efigalaxie, did ANY KLR650's, other than some '08 models, have "oil burning issues?"

Please elaborate.

Damocles,

Look at the first response to the OP. I have to build upon the experiences of those more senior than me. From what I have read on the numerous KLR forums, those are the generational tendencies. If you read the entire post again, you will see where I have minimized the risk and the expense of these two issues.

No rabid fan nor consummate apologist for Kawaski and for KLR's, I, efigalaxie!

The company and its products are not immune to "issues."

I was unaware of any systemic excessive oil consumption, save in some '08 models; did not know the deficiency persisted into '09, '10, and now, '11 models.

No contradiction nor offense intended; appreciate your sharing your experience, knowledge and opinion.

Just borrowed consensus. Better if is hasn't persisted! I believe that I had read about a 2009 or two on one foe the forums, but that bike may have been subjected to anything.

I do know this. I bought the extended warranty. I am going to follow Kawasaki's maintenance schedule and recommendations. That way, if it burns oil.....they are going to fix it. I can be a real PITA when I am right and someone is trying to screw me!