[llbearclaw]

Then you don't kno

Nope, that sounds like a KLR to me. More "chuga chuga chuga" and not so much "Umph".... 😁
Your not really "overtaking" much on a KLR.....sorry.
[/QUOTE

Nope, that sounds like a KLR to me. More "chuga chuga chuga" and not so much "Umph".... 😁
Your not really "overtaking" much on a KLR.....sorry.

Really ?? I dusted the doors on a big truck with a hefty stack of logs uphill last week !! He never stood a chance

Well you must not know how to ride because I dust cars and bike of the line on my klr, and I've only owned it for 4 months. Berrap!

 

[shapemaster1961]

I knew I wanted a Klr so I didn’t test ride it. Was that a huge mistake? So bought a new 2023 Klr650 ABS as a second bike for commuting and light off road fun. I took the back roads home so we’re talking 35mph roads for about 20 miles. It was snowing so I was taking it easy but I just never felt the torque I expected. I felt like I had to do a lot of downshifting to get a jump on traffic. I plan on breaking it in before I do any major mods like sprockets or exhaust. I hate not seeing a tachometer so that’s prolly the first think I will attempt to do. So internet is it me expecting too much or just riding it wrong?

Warm regards from frosty Michigan!

That torque comes on up in the REV range not in the first few gears while riding slowly. I felt around 4500 to 5500 was a sweet spot for my KLR however it was a new 2016 without fuel injection.

 

[Rob15]

I enjoy my 23. You're going to thump along on your thumper and not win any races but it's under 8k for new..a damn tank and you can't kill it. Have fun.

 

[Gen3piglet]

Then you don't kno



Well you must not know how to ride because I dust cars and bike of the line on my klr, and I've only owned it for 4 months. Berrap!

Nope. Still learning to ride. Hopefully by summer I can take my training wheels off.

 

[Itserb]

Ok, cool just gotta temper my expectations a bit. Not like I’m gonna be hopping over logs on the way into work. I just need to let it find its groove. It is a nice comfy ride…maybe I’ll concentrate more on the scenery than passing the vehicle in front of me. . Thank you for the replies!

I rode mine (22') to work on the freeway all summer last year a 40 mile round trip. You have to keep it at 70-75 or you get run over and its not much fun. I went to taking the 2 lane back roads and leave a little early. I bought a 2005 BMW GS1200 as a second bike this winter and rode it to work today for the first time,, wow what a difference" I feel much safer on the freeway because I can get out of the way of trouble in a hurry. For all the great things about the KLR,, especially these gen 3s, they are not a very good freeway bike. I still love it though and dont plan on parting with it 'EVER...lol

 

[Ivan fossen]

I knew I wanted a Klr so I didn’t test ride it. Was that a huge mistake? So bought a new 2023 Klr650 ABS as a second bike for commuting and light off road fun. I took the back roads home so we’re talking 35mph roads for about 20 miles. It was snowing so I was taking it easy but I just never felt the torque I expected. I felt like I had to do a lot of downshifting to get a jump on traffic. I plan on breaking it in before I do any major mods like sprockets or exhaust. I hate not seeing a tachometer so that’s prolly the first think I will attempt to do. So internet is it me expecting too much or just riding it wrong?

Warm regards from frosty Michigan!

 

[MN Willie]

The Baggers are a support race for the Daytona 200. I suspect they would not last 200 miles in the premier race. Last support race that I personally was on track for the Daytona 200 was in 2009, running my '72 Honda CB 750/850 SOHC in AHRMA's Formula 750..But I digress. This years premier 200 race was "Herrin's victory on the Ducati Panigale V2 was the Italian marque's second win in the 200 with Jason DiSalvo winning on a Team Latus Ducati 848 EVO."

Oh, and I just asked Wes what he knows about TTS Master Tune & the H-D Screamin' Eagle Tuners.... OLD vs NEW style/type!

And?

Willie

 

[Whitehuntsman]

Curious, what speeds are you really doing on the freeways over there in America?
I have no issues doing 110kmh and overtaking. Twist the throttle and doing 130kmh before I say Yoshimura.
Here in Australia we do 110kmh on the freeway. 100kmh on the highway.
Back roads can twist open the throttle more as there is zero traffic and nice straight roads, though narrow one lane bituman, plus have to head onto the dirt on the side to over take farmers.
Back on the freeway, cops in thier big v8 supercharged patrol cars are ruthless and will pick up an speeding bikes.
Dare I say it, are you riding your KLR like a sports bike expecting that power and speed?
From memory, never saw many cops on the freeway over there.

 

[Whitehuntsman]

I rode mine (22') to work on the freeway all summer last year a 40 mile round trip. You have to keep it at 70-75 or you get run over and its not much fun. I went to taking the 2 lane back roads and leave a little early. I bought a 2005 BMW GS1200 as a second bike this winter and rode it to work today for the first time,, wow what a difference" I feel much safer on the freeway because I can get out of the way of trouble in a hurry. For all the great things about the KLR,, especially these gen 3s, they are not a very good freeway bike. I still love it though and dont plan on parting with it 'EVER...lol

You are comparing a German made 1200cc bike to a 650cc? Yeah there will be huge difference. Also dare I ask, for a 2005, would still be more expensive then a new KLR know they are here.
That is the biggest complaint everyone always says, it doesn't compare to this bike or that bike.
That is the thing though.... it doesn't compare. That is why we love them. What they do is everything, not perfect, but well enough
Also, the price. Cant beat the price. There is a brillant F9 video. Compares the KLR to the T7. It is half the price.... half the price. Is it half the capability, no, no chance. Can do everything the T7 does, just slower.
With the KLR, which I tell everyone, it can and will do everthing other adventure bikes do, just slower. If you want fast, go something else. Simple. Want to go everywhere and anywhere, bring the on the KLR.

 

[MN Willie]

Curious, what speeds are you really doing on the freeways over there in America?
I have no issues doing 110kmh and overtaking. Twist the throttle and doing 130kmh before I say Yoshimura.
Here in Australia we do 110kmh on the freeway. 100kmh on the highway.
Back roads can twist open the throttle more as there is zero traffic and nice straight roads, though narrow one lane bituman, plus have to head onto the dirt on the side to over take farmers.
Back on the freeway, cops in thier big v8 supercharged patrol cars are ruthless and will pick up an speeding bikes.
Dare I say it, are you riding your KLR like a sports bike expecting that power and speed?
From memory, never saw many cops on the freeway over there.

Highway Speeds vary from 55hpm (88kph) to about 80mph (129kph) (Posted). That being said, in some areas of the Country, if you are not doing 10 (16kph) to 20mph (32kph) OVER the limit, you WILL get run over!

There's NO shortage of good old "John Law" over here! Difference is..... where you are. Some places will chase to a point, if they have a runner they'll stop. Others make it a blood sport.

I've found the "proper" application of "speed" and a respect/understanding of the Law Enforcement will get you far in your Fun Factor! Many Officers Ride too! Not all of them are bad or trying to get us! Just like we are not bad when we.... Twist the Wick to High and let our KLR Freak Flag Fly!

Willie

 

[Whitehuntsman]

Highway Speeds vary from 55hpm (88kph) to about 80mph (129kph) (Posted). That being said, in some areas of the Country, if you are not doing 10 (16kph) to 20mph (32kph) OVER the limit, you WILL get run over!

There's NO shortage of good old "John Law" over here! Difference is..... where you are. Some places will chase to a point, if they have a runner they'll stop. Others make it a blood sport.

I've found the "proper" application of "speed" and a respect/understanding of the Law Enforcement will get you far in your Fun Factor! Many Officers Ride too! Not all of them are bad or trying to get us! Just like we are not bad when we.... Twist the Wick to High and let our KLR Freak Flag Fly!

Willie

that is why I don't mind the freeway here, Yes officer, just a routine check of course no worries, nothing to drink today, no I was not speeding.......here anyway....don't follow me when I turn off onto the back roads.
A lot of trucks here are also speed limited to 90kph. Which makes it a lot safer for riders. you wont find many 250cc on the Freeway and if there is then there is a L plate on the back.

 

[badlandstom]

Thanks for your honest first impressions. I've got a younger friend just like you who has his mind made up on a new KLR. He's used to own and ride sport bikes in his younger days. I've encouraged him to take my KLR out and ride one first because of what you've mentioned. I used to be like him and enjoyed riding from time to time like my hair was on fire. None of my KLR's have given me that feeling on the road. It just isnt able to twist the odometer way up into the triple digits the way a lot of bikes can. We've also invited him with for a weekend of camping and trail riding on a borrowed KLR. On those rare occasions I still feel the need for speed I point the KLR down our gravel road and ring it through the gears until the wheel spin stops and that's just the shot of adrenalin I was hoping for. You bought the bike so now, as the old saying goes, learn it- love it- and live it! Oh yeah, and have fun.

 

[OCL]

Curious, what speeds are you really doing on the freeways over there in America?
I have no issues doing 110kmh and overtaking. Twist the throttle and doing 130kmh before I say Yoshimura.
Here in Australia we do 110kmh on the freeway. 100kmh on the highway.
Back roads can twist open the throttle more as there is zero traffic and nice straight roads, though narrow one lane bituman, plus have to head onto the dirt on the side to over take farmers.
Back on the freeway, cops in thier big v8 supercharged patrol cars are ruthless and will pick up an speeding bikes.
Dare I say it, are you riding your KLR like a sports bike expecting that power and speed?
From memory, never saw many cops on the freeway over there.

I'm in the Western part of the USA. There's freeways, then there's Interstates. Interstates are usually the ones that go far away from cities and connect to other states. Freeways are the ones that go in and out of and connect cities. Nevertheless, some freeways here normally move between 75-85 mph (120-136 kph), with the flow being around 78 mph (126 kph). When I say "the flow", that is when you and your KLR are keeping pace with 75% of all vehicles around you, excluding big commercial trucks. In the Interstates, the flow will be about the same. The speed limit in the interstates here are between 70-75 mph (115-120 kph). So it seems a bit faster in the Western USA than Australia, and the extra speed is right at the limit of the KLR's comfort zone, which is 75 mph (120 kph). Yeah, the bike will easily accelerate to 90 mph (144 kph) to pass. But 85-90 mph (136-144 kph) is not a speed the KLR's engine wants to be in for prolonged periods.

All that being said, the KLR is just fine, and has no trouble at all. One just has to be more patient. You can't just roll the power on and be the leader of the pack doing 90+ mph for long distances. Even doing 85-90 mph for long periods will surely get you pulled over and receive a very expensive speeding citation. Also, cruising along at 85+ will require you to be weaving in and out of gaps on the road. Not really a fun way to ride. It's very tiring.

 

[Whitehuntsman]

I'm in the Western part of the USA. There's freeways, then there's Interstates. Interstates are usually the ones that go far away from cities and connect to other states. Freeways are the ones that go in and out of and connect cities. Nevertheless, some freeways here normally move between 75-85 mph (120-136 kph), with the flow being around 78 mph (126 kph). When I say "the flow", that is when you and your KLR are keeping pace with 75% of all vehicles around you, excluding big commercial trucks. In the Interstates, the flow will be about the same. The speed limit in the interstates here are between 70-75 mph (115-120 kph). So it seems a bit faster in the Western USA than Australia, and the extra speed is right at the limit of the KLR's comfort zone, which is 75 mph (120 kph). Yeah, the bike will easily accelerate to 90 mph (144 kph) to pass. But 85-90 mph (136-144 kph) is not a speed the KLR's engine wants to be in for prolonged periods.

All that being said, the KLR is just fine, and has no trouble at all. One just has to be more patient. You can't just roll the power on and be the leader of the pack doing 90+ mph for long distances. Even doing 85-90 mph for long periods will surely get you pulled over and receive a very expensive speeding citation. Also, cruising along at 85+ will require you to be weaving in and out of gaps on the road. Not really a fun way to ride. It's very tiring.

Can't do those speeds on a stock Gen3. Definitely need modification and upgrades.
Definitely faster speeds then our roads down under. Those speeds, can see why so many complain about the speed restrictions of the KLR.
However in saying that, the KLR is not designed for those sustained high speeds. As you said 120kmh is ideal for the KLR. can cruise comfy there with a bit in reserve for over taking. Want to go faster and cruise faster you have the wrong bike.
In saying all this, yes those speeds is awesome to do, but honestly, I stay off the freeway a lot. Give me the back roads, twisty roads and more scenic roads. Freeways are straight and boring full of trucks. The back roads is where the KLR shines and can cruise all day everyday.

 

[ymracing]

And?

Willie

Wes said, "Yea the guy who does TTS used to do the Screamin' Eagle tuners. I think there is some bad blood there now..."

That's all he said.

 

[MN Willie]

Wes said, "Yea the guy who does TTS used to do the Screamin' Eagle tuners. I think there is some bad blood there now..."

That's all he said.

TTS was making a Tuner "The People" wanted! It was VERY adjustable! When they made the Screamin' Eagle Tuner for H-D, the adjustability was the same!

Well.... the EPA got it's undies in a bunch about the ability to dial up the Fun Factor and went after H-D! H-D LOST!!! TTS would NOT DE-TUNE its Tuner for H-D's Screamin' Eagle Tuner! The HATE part of the Love/Hate relationship happened.

That's my Story and I'm stickin' to it!

Willie

 

[banditcilik]

that is why I don't mind the freeway here, Yes officer, just a routine check of course no worries, nothing to drink today, no I was not speeding.......here anyway....don't follow me when I turn off onto the back roads.
A lot of trucks here are also speed limited to 90kph. Which makes it a lot safer for riders. you wont find many 250cc on the Freeway and if there is then there is a L plate on the back.

KLR is more suitable for the right (slowest) lane here but most drivers entering the freeways act like other drivers have to yield while they are checking their phone and merging as slow as possible. The left (fast) lane is treated like autobahn and they do 85-90 mph (130-140 kph). Middle lane is used as swerving lane whenever the autobahn drivers stuck behind another driver coasting at 60 mph. So really there is no safe lane for KLR And no anti-hooning law either.

 

[Whitehuntsman]

KLR is more suitable for the right (slowest) lane here but most drivers entering the freeways act like other drivers have to yield while they are checking their phone and merging as slow as possible. The left (fast) lane is treated like autobahn and they do 85-90 mph (130-140 kph). Middle lane is used as swerving lane whenever the autobahn drivers stuck behind another driver coasting at 60 mph. So really there is no safe lane for KLR And no anti-hooning law either.

Simple, ride on the edge of the highway it is either dirt or grass or perhaps bituman as well. It is a KLR, ride over anything on everything. Have the right tyres on it and will fly over anything.
We have something called lane splitting here down under. If traffic is under 30kph or stopped we can ride between cars and split the lanes. At traffic lights works well as it gets you to the front of the lights to take off fast.

 

[Hawkerjet]

I knew I wanted a Klr so I didn’t test ride it. Was that a huge mistake? So bought a new 2023 Klr650 ABS as a second bike for commuting and light off road fun. I took the back roads home so we’re talking 35mph roads for about 20 miles. It was snowing so I was taking it easy but I just never felt the torque I expected. I felt like I had to do a lot of downshifting to get a jump on traffic. I plan on breaking it in before I do any major mods like sprockets or exhaust. I hate not seeing a tachometer so that’s prolly the first think I will attempt to do. So internet is it me expecting too much or just riding it wrong?

Warm regards from frosty Michigan!

I actually bought mine to slow things down a bit. Started riding dirt bikes way back in the 60's. Raced scrambles and flat track very successfully. Early on I learned how to go fast and not crash.

Most of my riding career has been done on the fast side of things. From dirt to the street I would put myself in the adrenalin junkie category.

Now enter the KLR era. At age 70 II bought a used KLR as my only motorcycle. I really like this green and black John Deere and in the twisties I can easily keep up with friends on much faster bikes.

And much to my delight, It's amazing how much more of the world you see when you slow things down by about 40 mph.

Just ride it and enjoy cuz it will put bugs in your teeth for a whole lot less cash than the higher priced spreads.

 

[MN Willie]

I actually bought mine to slow things down a bit. Started riding dirt bikes way back in the 60's. Raced scrambles and flat track very successfully. Early on I learned how to go fast and not crash.

Most of my riding career has been done on the fast side of things. From dirt to the street I would put myself in the adrenalin junkie category.

Now enter the KLR era. At age 70 II bought a used KLR as my only motorcycle. I really like this green and black John Deere and in the twisties I can easily keep up with friends on much faster bikes.

And much to my delight, It's amazing how much more of the world you see when you slow things down by about 40 mph.

Just ride it and enjoy cuz it will put bugs in your teeth for a whole lot less cash than the higher priced spreads.

What did you run on the Flat Track? I LOVE me some Flat Track Racing!!!

I worked with Billy Hoffmeister as a Kid for awhile!

Willie