[vinson1213]

Hey,
I just wanted to get everyones opinion. I am looking at buying a KLR and have heard really good things about the 2008+ models. However, I seem to be finding some cheaper deals with people advertising their 2006/2007 models. I think I am looking to do a lot of highway (70% or so), with a mix of gravel and dirt roads on occassion.

Is the new change worth the investment?
and/or what are the major advantages for either style (old vs new)?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Paper]

Better brakes on the Generation 2, but also more plastic to break if you're doing a lot of off roading..

I think the new ones look better, but that's a personal opinion, and I still ride a 2002 KLR..

I don't think there's much for engine changes??

 

[vinson1213]

Another question

I had another question as well....
What can I expect for average highway speed and MPG for either generation?

 

[Paper]

Stock gearing on my 02' is good for a comfortable 70 or more, all day long. A touch taller gearing increases this very cheaply..

Mileage is typically 45-50mpg.. For some, a bit more, and others, a bit less.. I average 48mpg and I'm not easy on the throttle..

Might I ask what other bikes you've considered? I'm hoping you're also looking into the Wee Strom.. Better highway orientation, but more of a handful off road.

 

[btburn]

My 09 gets almost exactly 50 MPG with everything stock except IDS2 muffler.

 

[klr4evr]

Okay these are just my opinions. Given the choice between a 2007 or a 2008 I would take the 2007 every day of the week. Ya they made some improvements on the bike but for me the biggest issue is the oil usage on the 2008's. There are a bunch of them for sale around my area and I've caught a few sellers tripping over their tongues when asked about oil consumption. I'd rather have an older bike that didn't consume oil at the rate the new ones do.

 

[Extrooper]

My two cents worth. Generation two has a different swing arm, larger forks with different spring rates, larger spokes and better lighting with a larger output alternator, better wind protrction etc. Overall the bike was given a pretty good update in 08. Given all of that, my brother in law on his 06 and I on my 09 ride the same trails and ride the same highways. He seems to have a slight advantage in the dirt and I am more comfortable on the highway but since we don't do any rugged off road it does'nt matter. Buy what ever you can get the best price on and have fun. There is an 06 near where I live for $2900 with 2400 miles. If I were in the market, I would not hesitate to jump on it. Besides, the money saved on the purshase can be spent on accessories. My milage is 52-53mpg in town and 56-58mpg highway.

Greg

 

[ridgerunner]

I own both

I own and ride both. I love both bikes. The 2007 is better for anything tech in the dirt. Really, IMO the 2007 does everything better besides the freeway. Like someone else already said - the 2009 has better lighting, more power, and better brakes which makes it more enjoyable in the more open stuff (higher speed). I prefer tight canyon riding and dirt, so seem to end up on the 2007 more than not. But, like I said I love both bikes. Can't beat the KLR.

 

[vinson1213]

Any advice on this buy?

Thanks for all of the feedback so far...
I saw this one on craigslist today. Does anyone know if exhaust mods (FMF Exhaust) will affect the gas mileage?
Here is the ad:
"This is a very nice 2008 KLR 650. It has 4800 miles on it and has been meticulously maintained. It has many extras and runs perfect. It needs nothing and I just changed the oil and filter.

Extras include:
-FMF exhaust
-UNI airfilter
-New Kenda dualsport tires
-Protaper fat handlebars with adapters/risers
-KTM anit-vibration mirrors
-Wolfman rear pack
-Mini stalk blinkers
-extra 14T front sprocket
-12 volt adapter

$3750 "
Any advice on this buy?

 

[Paper]

Doesn't look like a bad deal.. The only thing that the FMF might do for the bike is to make it louder than you might like.. Worth a look, for sure!!

 

[vinson1213]

Hey Paper,
On that FMF Exhaust. Does it seem to do anything bad to gas mileage?
Or any benefits to anything?

Lots questions.. sorry... Just wanna make sure I invest the money to something that fits my needs/wants/desires

 

[Paper]

Truthfully, I don't know if it will hurt or help mileage. Maybe someone with a Gen 2 bike who has changed out exhaust can "pipe" in??

I've only ridden a couple KLR's with aftermarket exhaust.. I felt a bit more grunt on the lower end, but hated the extra noise. Just not something I would want to listen to while riding for extended periods..

I would think that there are some barely used stock systems out there for sale on eBay if you wanted to change back to stock, if it's too loud for you or if it does hurt the overall mileage.

 

[CraigES]

I just bought a 2008 with 800 miles. It was listed on craigslist as well. Came with side bags and a tank bag. Other than that stock. It was listed for $4000. I offered him $3800 and he took it. Sounds like the bike you found, could be a good deal with all those upgrades.

 

[Buildit]

Not sure how wide spread it is but I've know of two 08+ KLRs with serious issues that Kaw would not cure. 1 was a cooked head due to oil consumption, "according to the owner". 2. Was an electrical issue resulting in missfires and low gas millage, Kaw said diagnostics show nothing and it could not be reproduced before warenty expired.
As for the FMF exhaust, I've never seen it make a big problem but ask the seller if he had the back preasure checked after adding the aftermarket exhaust. Also ask if it has had the valves checked yet. Most KLR valves wear like titanium but this is purely based on the pre 08' KLRs. IMHO ask the seller to come down to at least $3500 since it is two years old and a new one only costs another $1250 above his asking price on average.

Me I'll stick with the design that won hearts and minds for 25 years. Let them work the bugs out of the new design for another ten before I jump in. lol

 

[Bowhog1]

Vinson...your going to average 50mpg. Gas is fast approaching $5.00. If you don't buy it ,it wont last long. The new owner will park his car and ride every where with a smile. You will be paying $125.00 a fill-up crying about how this guy bought YOUR bike. Don't wait another day.:46: