Well, my son and I rode up to see Mt. St. Helens yesterday since we had a rare 2-day window of sunny weather in the Pathetic NorthWet. He rode my 2013 KLR and I rode my Electraglide. We cruised 25 miles up I-5 at 80 MPH, no problem. I wouldn’t want to ride all day at that speed because the wind beats you, but the bike will do it.

 

...I rode my Electraglide. We cruised 25 miles up I-5 at 80 MPH, no problem. I wouldn’t want to ride all day at that speed because the wind beats you, but the bike will do it.

It is surprising that an Electraglide could do 80mph, let alone for 25 miles. I did not know they could do that. Most of them never go more than 55mph and seldom range more than 8 or 10 miles at a time, bars usually being close together. Odd you got beat up on it by the wind, though. Them things is a bargain on a $/lb basis, and they ain't cheap.

 

I am looking for KLR owners who have owned the KLX/DRZ 400...thanks!

 

I'm confused; you are wanting a DRZ for more ON-road and the KLR for more OFFroad? If so, you've got them backwards - the DRZ/KLX is much better offroad - weight, suspension and ergonomics......and all those things that make it better offroad make it worse on-road. I don't recall ever trying the DRZ at a sustained 80mph+ ......to be honest, I don't like the KLR at those speed either. I'm sure for short bursts, 80mph would be fine.....no idea about doing it for hours at a time.

DRZ/KLX is quicker; 39hp and 26ft lbs compared to the KLR's 34/37.....but it's about 100 lbs lighter than a Gen2 KLR. The extra torque and lower rpm nature of the KLR allows more comfortable highway cruising (both are 5spds) with the right gearing.

2 cents,
Dave

 

I'm confused; you are wanting a DRZ for more ON-road and the KLR for more OFFroad? If so, you've got them backwards - the DRZ/KLX is much better offroad - weight, suspension and ergonomics......and all those things that make it better offroad make it worse on-road. I don't recall ever trying the DRZ at a sustained 80mph+ ......to be honest, I don't like the KLR at those speed either. I'm sure for short bursts, 80mph would be fine.....no idea about doing it for hours at a time.

DRZ/KLX is quicker; 39hp and 26ft lbs compared to the KLR's 34/37.....but it's about 100 lbs lighter than a Gen2 KLR. The extra torque and lower rpm nature of the KLR allows more comfortable highway cruising (both are 5spds) with the right gearing.

2 cents,
Dave

I've drag raced my KLR650 against an early 2000's DRZ400R, the Dirt model, modified for a license plate. Ridden by my buddy who has owned an 87, 2000 and a 2009 685 KLR, who used to race KX500 in B to V and other So.Cal. events.

I beat that DRZ400R, 3 for 3 on asphalt! And its rider was only 50 pounds heavier than I.

 

Sorry, my mistake by not being specific, KLX/DRZ400-SM

 

Let me throw this out, I only have 800.00 in my KLR plus ~400 in parts to repair it after by buddies crash.

Should I consider buying a 17" wheelset and go from there?

 

Ok, My error. Suzuki 2003 Motorcycle OEM Parts, Babbitts Suzuki Partshouse
Sorry.

Do you have snow on the ground in Kelowna?

 

Ok, My error. Suzuki 2003 Motorcycle OEM Parts, Babbitts Suzuki Partshouse
Sorry.

Do you have snow on the ground in Kelowna?

I've had to plow three of four times over the holidays but it's +6 deg. C here and everything has been melting.....not a ton left which doesn't hurt my feelings! LOL