Clash of Titans - Himalayan vs KLR650
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- Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
- A quick ride out with John Pearson, owner of a Kawasaki KLR650, to see what he made of my 2018 model Himalayan. Not a conclusive verdict, just hopefully gives people a bit more food for thought.
"We've been riding all day. Well, not all day, may be an hour and half"
🙏
This seems like the best assessment of the Himalayan on YT so far. A straight muddy + road British comparison between the bike everyone ‘says’ we should have and the RE. Thank you. Good stuff. Les
Moto Geo did a nice ride with the Himalayan in Spain. Nathan's videos have definitely put the Himalayan in the forefront, I like his comparisons against the other bikes... and I'm a new KLR rider.
Nicely done, gentlemen. Swapping bikes and obtaining off-the-cuff, real-time perspective is surely useful to a lot of viewers.
Wanting up to 10% more engine power? it enhances fuel-quality. make sure to get the M-size fuelsaver because the S (for small) is for bikes up to 180cc. I use one and it´s pretty effective. be-fuelsaver.us/index.php/products (BTW I don´t earn any comission from them at all!)
I agree @KARMAkaze! Been waiting for something like this to help me decide. These are the two bikes I'm considering now and I've gotta make a choice. Big factor is weather it'll be more on road or off road used. Comfort is another.
I love your videos on the Himalayan, very comprehensive. I'm seriously thinking of buying one in the future. I would only recommend that you raise the volume on your videos a bit.
Cool video and a question I've been wanting answered for quite a while. Perhaps of all the bikes that I've owned I loved the KLR the most. Simple, dependable, strong are words that describe that bike. I never worried about taking it anywhere, as I trusted it's dependability completely. I rode it hard, too hard really, and it always started back up. It was quite dog eared when it left, thanks to my son parking it in a bad location, and I still miss that bike today. I'm always looking for another one to add back to my collection. When I do I'll do the following out of the box to greatly improve the bike (IMO)
1. Racetech Gold emulators in the forks. This is a mod you can do at home and it quite literally transforms the handling. Front end wash out on fast switchbacks greatly diminished and it just feels so much more complaint overall.
2. Seat Concepts seat foam/cover. The stock seat gets too painful after a couple hours for me because it's too narrow and sloped. These guys make a wide flat seat that fits the stock seat pan and a new cover for it. Sub $200 well worth the time and money.
3. After market front fender for pre-07 bikes. The stock front fender it so large that in high cross wind conditions it will really screw with the handling. Lots of better solutions out there.
4. KLX carb needle. The stock KLR carb needle is not tapered very much and has a big step at the end to dump fuel at wide open throttle. The KLX needle is nicely tapered and so is a better overall transition. This coupled with the "2 cent mod" really wakes up the bike.
5. 14 tooth front sprocket. This overall gearing reduction really helps in off road situations where you are trying to walk the bike without burning up your clutch. It makes for jumping logs easy to as roll on wheelies are much easier. Downside it lowers your top end by 10-15 MPH.
These changes allowed me it to become an all day, multi-day, pretty-much-anywhere bike for me.
Very nicely done video Nathan & John. I'm a long time road rider but I recently added a 2018 (last of the 2nd Gen KLR 650) to my small stable of bikes and I quite love the bike here in Nor-Cal. While appreciating the Himalayan since it's release, I wanted an Africa Twin or the upcoming 790 KTM (You know the romance of those bikes, I'm going to take my gal and we'll ride Alaska, Canada, and Baja. The reality would probably be something like, we'll truck the bike to Alaska, Canada, Baja, and ride loops from a base.) but in the end I had to think that the KLR would do everything that I needed a bike to do and the simplicity really started to grab me. If I didn't have a Harley or sport tourer in the garage then I would have gotten the AT.
Luckily here in the US there is a HUGE aftermarket for the KLR650, both generations, so I think the bike will carry me for the next 15 yers or so. My ZZR 1200 hasn't been made since 2006 and it carried me on Iron Butt worthy rides as recently as last Summer with over 60K on it's clock.
Great vid, I have to say, I was recently in the market for a Himalayan. I ended up riding a Himalayan back-to-back with a near new DR650. They were a similar price (DR slightly cheaper) and I ended up buying the DR650 (but would have even at the same price). I also rode 2 KLR650s because they are incredible value for money in NZ (Tons of second-hand ones around, low ks, super cheap, most fully kitted out with all the aftermarket goodies). Ultimately, I purchased the DR. If the DR hadn't been available, I would definitely have bought the Himalayan over the KLR. The key reason was that the soggy forks, high CofG, and spongy brakes just eroded too much confidence in the KLR. Obviously, if you owned one you'd get used to it. But anyway that is my tuppence worth. Great vid, just needed onboard footage and this would be as professional as a lot of stuff on here. Cheers, Campbell
Great video, helped me make a decision. I really wanted the Himalayan, partly because of my short height. I ended up getting a KLR because I can find them for half the price. And I can even get a DR650 for about $1,500 less, and it's lighter, and more powerful.
Himalayan has got an excellent chasis......hope it will get the new 650 cc parallel twin engine in the near future..
It has in classic.
No, that'll ruin it. More moving parts, heavier, poorer mileage. Make it lighter not heavier.
I just bought a 2022 KLR650. Love it!
Probably one of the most sensible reviews I've seen
Good video. Glad I found this channel. I like both bikes.
the KLR is an AWESOME machine, I have owned 2 of them here in the states and put thousands of miles on them, with no problems, I also owned an 06 BMW GSA 1150 at the same time, I loved the simplicity of the KLR with one spark plug and one carb. and sold the BMW after 4 months of ownership, if I had to choose which bike, the bmw or the KLR to travel around the world on it would have been the KLR for its simplicity, I dig the Royal Enfield, seems even more simple in the fact that it has NO RADIATOR or waterpump which is a big plus for me, I love the fact that it has one simple carb. as well, I also like the simple valve train and valve adjustment on the Enfield, . I cant wait to try out the enfield for myself, older now and dont think I really need a higher seat or ride clearance, Looking foreward to the Royal Enfield for sure, have you seen itchy boots here on youtube and her take on the enfield, around the world perspective is amazing! she is on another trip now on an enfield, Patagonia to Alaska, unfortunately poor gal is stuck in Peru Corona lockdown .....you can still take your pick of low mile KLR's here in the states, tons of them on craigslist and ebay,
I had a Himalayan 410 bs4. And its very good bike the suspension and low end power ,,, amazing
Great video. It is very crear to me that they know what they are talking about
Great video guys. In the states, we need to consider our heft and 2 up as well as getting to the trial on the highway. The klr650 seem like a better bike with that in mind. However, the RE Himalayan is perfect of you live close to your riding site.
Both great bikes , there are a couple of decent bigger trail/road bikes about because I'm loving the Yamaha xt660z tenere but in the last year they've shot up in price , I went to buy a Himalayan but test road a classic that day too and loved the classic.. hardly the tenere I was thinking of haha but I love a challenge so this year I'm touring on my new classic army 500 dug dug dug dug B roads for me now but I love it, it's the journey and not the destination. Great vid .
I've wanted to turn one of those into a scrambler for years. Long before the current scrambler craze. RE used to sell a scrambler kit, I should have jumped on it then.
@@pinkiewerewolf they r making a scrambler version maybe u will get it this year
@@rajendertkr That would be awesome! I recently bought a KLR, my dealer is going out of business so he made me an awesome deal on the bike.
@@pinkiewerewolf cool bro congratulations ride safe
@@rajendertkr Thanks, ride safe too my friend.
Thanks for the video but I was chuckling when your camera dipped down to compare the ground clearance of an unladen KLR on it's side stand to a Himalayan with a flat footed six footed bloke sittin' on it!
You made my day Nathan, thx!
BTW what do you think about Himalayan vs Superdual? just asking..
Here in Canada you can pick up a used KLR 2010 and up for around $3500 Canadian and there are loads of them to be had with really low km,s. The Himalayan on the other hand is a rare sight and I,ve never seen one on the roads either here or in the States. Seems like Enfield dealers are few and far between so I went with the KLR and its just about perfect for what I want. The newer Kawasakis have a bigger fairing on them and stiffer suspension which makes them better road bikes but not as good as the older ones like in your video off road. So far its been very reliable and I would recommend one to anyone looking for as cheap dependable work horse which can handle just about anything and you can fix most things yourself.
Alaskan chap riding up through BC ua-cam.com/channels/90zqRtXw2W1PfXdsLBfFrA.html
@@therealunclevanya Canadian chap riding a 2nd Gen KLR. ;) ua-cam.com/video/Le5VlkSiUnE/v-deo.html
I'm in the US and I'm debating the KLR 650, Verseys 300X, and the Himalayan and I'm leaning towards the KLR for all the reasons you leaned towards the Himalayan. That and the KLR has just been dominating the roads and trails here for years.
whats top speed that klr can reach (old as it is), and how much miles it got?
You'll get KLR parts for ever because every man and his dog has one.
Never seen any riding about or at rallys?
nice video, loved it. Cheers
It's funny because I have neither bike but I'm looking at them both. Here states side KLR parts are everywhere though and RE parts are rare. I'm leaning towards a $4000 used KLR instead of a $6000 RE...but man that RE is beautiful.
Well done and yes, subtitles are helpful... 😉
Just suggestion, have you looked at the Coopers suspension lift? 50mm at the front and not sure about the back. That might solve one of its minor issues. Also their new cam to give the old girl a little bit more grunt
Thanks for this. As a prospective Himalayan buyer, I'm also considering used bikes like the KLR and F650GS but I've never once been interested by the new Kawasaki Versys or BMW G 310 GS. In my area, a well-maintained KLR is only selling for around $1000 less and a BMW F650GS is about the same as the Himalayan.
I look forward to your next video, cheers!
The kawasaki versey's is so wide and heavy now (217kg) 17" cast wheels. Really just a taller heavier ninja 650. The f650gs is not to big or heavy is that a twin? Has a single front disc maybe a 800cc despite the name.
Go for the Himalayan then buddy!
@@chrisredfield3240 They speking of the Versys 300x. Plus is appears the U.S. version of the KLR650 is called the KLX650c.
@@mudejartrainingnaturalscie6938 in the UK we had the klr650 and the Klx650 the klx was a fair bit more expensive had more power less weight and USD forks. After the klx stopped being sold the klr650 carried on for a few more years it was not much more expensive new than a kmx125
@@chrisredfield3240 your klr doesn't look like ours
What replacement tyres would you recommend on the Himalayan?
Honest review, adequate describes the bike just right! Ride the Himalayan in the Indian Himalayas with us #ridingrootsadventure
The KLR is a fantastic machine but as always must be ridden within the envelope it was designed for. I believe the Suzuki DR650 is a better bike overall but this new RE is truly a gem. Watch Itchy Boots going through all the "stans" on the RE.
I have to agree that the DR650>KLR650. I have a 2009 DR, and that thing is unstoppable. My brother has a Himalayan, and it's a great bike as well - and it's more pleasant to ride than my DR650, but part of that is owed to the fact that his Himalayan is a year old with 3,000 or so miles, and my DR650 is ten years old with 30,000 miles, during which time it has had the shit beaten out of it.
I own a klr. It doesn't do anything even close to acceptable (smiles excepted} . It's an antiquated piece of motoring rubbish. But damn it's so fun to ride, costs nothing, never breaks down, and is just awesome to rip on!
Nice review.
I wish klr was available in india.. but i heard it got discontinued.. anyways drz and wr is missed on this video
Nice chat, gents. Next time bring a mate with a DR650 !
Kawasaki products are damn expensive in India...
Their 300cc adv bike versys cost 6400 pounds
&
On other hand RE Himalayan costs 2200 pounds...😅
U can get urself Himalayan + RE 650( interceptor or GT) at price of one versys 300...
In Texas there is only about 500 dollar difference between the two bikes.
@@plotholedetective4166 luckily KTM launched their 390 adventure in india last month @ price tag of around 4600USD with all bells & whistles..
& now people who were planning for RE himalayan before are more then happy to shell out 1600USD more over himalayan for KTM adv 390..
&
Those who were planning for BMW GS310 which cost 6000USD are already cancelled their bookings..
Meanwhile kawasaki versys 300 with price tag of 8000USD is sitting ducks at its showroom
@@8080408729a lol no were not... Nobody buys ktm in Texas we buy things that work and stay working. Ktm is a sucky bike why would you waste more of your money on a brand that isn't even the best out of its own factory? If your going to buy something from a ktm factory it should be a husqvarna.
@@plotholedetective4166 well... dont know about europe or states but KTM is doing pretty well in india when it comes to pricing... aftersales & maintenance cost
@@8080408729a yeah well if I wanted a project bike that required constant upkeep to keep it moving I would get a Harley or cheap china bike lol. How can you defend a bike brand that doesn't even make the best bike out of their own factory? Ktm is a joke brand especially their "off road" bikes, I would race any ktm down a single trail on foot and win everytime when they break down half way.
Good vid!
Love the red klr650 probably got the most hp it ever had seemed to get de tuned every year down to 37hp in the end due to emissions. Has it had the shock and forks re built makes the world of difference i remember seeing these brand new around 1997 i had a test ride on a klx650 at the time. The klr looked like a bargain at the time think it was only just over £4k imagine that! Just keep the klr that thing is Lush.
Always liked the look of the klr but was told getting parts here in the UK was hard.
I'v only ever seen one riding about the UK either, my mate tried to fix a klr for someone & gave up calling it a lump of sh#t!
Glad I got the RE himalayan.
Which motorcycle has better reliability?
I had 2 klr’s and you basically have to replace most of the bike to make it anywhere near decent. I also have a new Himalayan and really enjoy it. Out of the box it’s a much better bike.
Nice chilled review. Tyres aside I think what it calls out is the we sadly don’t have any new proper dual sport bikes in the U.K. now. Sure the Enfield is no doubt far better off road than a pure road bike like my NC750X but it’s way off the capabilities of the KLR/DR bikes of old and it’s a damn shame they died out imho.
?? Both the KLR650 and The DRZ400 are offered in 2022
@@hazcat640 not in the U.K. or anywhere else in Europe as far as I’m aware.
Good fair Bike appraisal....👍😘
Nathan, is it a good or bad sign that you are not wearing the Oxford Mondial Advanced jacket that you bought recently?
Good spot. I'll update on the Oxford jacket as soon as I can
Waiting for Himalayan 650 cc
It’s always been a shame that the KLR was not available in the UK, the closest equivalent is perhaps the Honda XL series. The Himalayan has already proven itself in just 12 months since release here. I still wonder if I shouldn’t have gone for one over the CRF Rally!
No, no, still a good bike the CRF Rally. Maybe the next video could be Himalayan vs CRF rally?
@@nathanthepostman yes please! Make it happen
Do you mean available recently? I think they used to sell it in the UK until the early 2000's. They definitely need to update it & bring one out.
@@stumpy250 I'm not sure of the exact sale window but I'm led to believe it was very short and possibly of a different model code KLR. The Tengai was it? I'm sure a KLR afficionado will know for certain.
@@nathanthepostman www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/kawasaki/klr650/1987/ Hi mate, they were on sale, pretty much unchanged apart from graphics & other small bits from the mid 80's as I remember. They were never as popular as the Honda or Yamaha sold better due to the Dakar connection with the other pair. The Tengai was their attempt to take on the Honda Dominator etc. As you can probably tell I'm a bit of a Kawasaki geek.
Good real world comparison.
Interesting, isn't it? Buying and running a bike is a hell of a lot more than spec sheet comparisons. And if you've owned one for more than 2 yrs, say, then knowledge of its quirks and being familiar with how it rides are a massive part of the experience.
Guy, thanks for your video, is great! I own an Hymalayan in Mexico, I have a question for you and all other Hyma owners around here. I feel that my back suspension is rather stiff than firm. As a daily commuter bike and in Mexican roads I was expecting a more shock absorbent suspension, mine feels stiff, I can feel all my spine every small dent on the road, It feels like my old Sportster. Should I claim warranty? is there a set up on the preload that I can try? I´m about 5´6 weight 75 kilos, 165 pounds... or there is an aftermarket spring or shock that I should consider? Would be a great help thanks in advance
@Gerardo Gomez , some one from thailand suggested this upgrade to "itchy boots " , have a look
yss.co.th/downloads/ROYAL_ENFIELD_HIMALAYAN_LEAFLET_EN.pdf
Quite soft suspension on the Himalayan
@@RidingRootsAdventure so... actually something is rung with my back suspension... I have tried several preload settings and no change at all.
What's "No Fly Tipping"?
No illegal dumping of rubbish. Unfortunately a problem in the uk
Fly tippers should be shot or made to clear up fly tip sites around the country. I hate seeing the rivers & ditches full of fly tipped rubbish by cowboy builders and the like.
Thumbs up just for the disclaimer.
how much money you got, the humbleayan
Hitchcock 460 big bore kit anyone?
I just don't understand Kawasaki's logic here, why didn't they sell the KLR650 here in the U.K.?
Why don't they build a modern version of the bike if it is so popular? The old adage comes to mind "if it aint broke, don't fix it".
Royal Enfield have come a long way with the Himalayan and will also do well with the Interceptor 650.
Emissions mainly I'd suspect. I'm not sure the KLR was Euro 3 let alone Euro 4. Plus from what I now gather it was here for a while but never really sold. And I think it's interesting with Royal Enfield and the Himalayan. RE has said that they will only build bikes that will sell in big volume in India, which is why I'm not convinced they'll ever be a 650 Himalayan as I just don't think there's desire for one ub India. Financially it probably doesn't make sense for Kawasaki to develop or re-develop a KLR650 when the numbers for it are so tiny, comparatively, even to say a Versys 300 which is probably doing decent numbers in the Asian market.
@@nathanthepostman it was around in the uk when everyone was buying sports bikes. Even the tdm850 and trx850 never sold well. Duel sports were only bought as a winter bike. We had an obsession with big horsepower. And getting a big bike as soon as possible.
Illuminati. 🤣🤘
@@nathanthepostman here in India the price difference between the Himalayan ABS and the starting models of the interceptors is roughly around Rs 30-40k, which isn't that big of a difference. I along with a lot of others are waiting for the 650 Himalayan. Pretty sure it'll sell well if launched. Hopefully soon although I have a friend who works in RE who hints that a 650 Himalayan isn't currently in the pipeline.
Fingers crossed.
@@hagarthehorrible1391 yeah I wouldn't hold your breath for the 650 version. Could be a long time coming, if ever. Something will come though
I just spent 3 weeks on a Himalayan riding around the Himalayas. I would not describe it as a "titan". I enjoyed every minute, but the bike was an anemic, rattle box.
👍
Try it cross country next time 🎉
Hey Nathan ,I see you are runnin knoblys,, I still using stock Pirilles,, and today offroad in the wet,,OMG down I went!!! damaged the gearlever,,,such is life!!!
Don't sweat it, we all have our offs! Good thing about that gear lever is it's old fashioned steel so you can bend it back into shape. Mine's been straightened a few times now and stiff ok. I've just put some Mitas E09s on mine so that should help keep things upright
The real comparison would be the himalayan vs the dr650
the Himalayan against anything Japanese is just a joke. Just look at the itchy boots videos, she rode two different Himalayan's and ending up buying a honda CB500x and says the Honda does everything better
the klr is twice the bike as the R E. Ground clearance ,power, reliability, aftermarket support, top speed, maintenance , its not even close .
I disagree but we're all entitled to our opinion
I take it Jeff that you have not owned the Himalayan? I had 2 klr`s and also the Himalayan. Both of my klr`s were to say the least were junk. Both new. I am loving my Himalayan to say the least. It's not as fast but I don't care.
Check our Noraly’s Itchyboots channel who takes the Himalayan across the world.
Yes, I think every man and his dog knows all about Noraly. Great trip she's on.
IF YOU THINK THAT CLEARANCE IS AN ISSUE THEN REMEMBER THAT BASH PLATE OF HIMALYAN CAN PLAOUGH FIELD FOR REAL
my next bike's gonna be an himalayan
You will not regret it.
When RE launches Himalayan 650 with 40+ hp, it would become the cheapest mid range, reliable off/on road bike and we could then see himalayan everywhere rode by people to wander the world😅
always a bonus if your KLR starts. lol usa !!!!!!!!!!!!
They ALWAYS start.
Their Klr650 is the called klx650c in the USA.
Watch ichey boots if your serious this green lane mud puddle not it
If the Himalayan is around twenty years from now with the same engine then it'd be a fair comparison. Until then, KLR all the way. As an owner of a 2017 KLR this comment might be a bit biased.
650 himalayan will be coming i predict.
My dealer says no
I hope not - that'll ruin it.
More like david and goliath
Hmm soon Himalayan 650 gonna release maybe at the end of this year that will make a good competition I think over there
I don't think so because India's emission laws are getting stricter it will transition from bs4/euro4 to bs6 / euro 6 in April 2020 so real will launch it in mid 2020 this will also give re time to test and quality check the bike so that they don't mess up like they did with Himalayan bs3..
No, don't go to McDonalds, please.
Not sure you get 25 yrs out of the Himalayan
Well that's an impossible statement to argue for or against. Because who knows? It's a simple bike with simple tech. If it's looked after and serviced then I don't see any reason why it wouldn't. I recently rode across the US with a guy on a KLR that was nothing but trouble. Nothing's infallible.
@@nathanthepostman Well said Mr Postman. I own a Himalayan here in Australia and its been anywhere and everywhere. Keep up the services and i can see these bikes going the distance and beyond. As all modern bikes are prone to having issues I came across a BMW rider stranded with fuel pump problems out bush and it took us two days of towing, dragging and pushing his $25,000 monstrosity back out to the highway. All hail my $5,000 Mule of a Himalayan ( Carburettor model ). Don't like fuel injection on off road touring bikes because when they stop pumping your stuck. With a carby at least your got a much better chance of fixing any fuel issues. Cheers Keep on Riding.
@@nathanthepostman they just launched this RE bike here in Brazil. I wonder if the engine will resist the equatorial climate without any air wings to help cool the cylinder-head.
That's the point. I don't mind the looks etc...but I want a reliable bike that brings me always from a to b without hassle or headache. And I seriously doubt if the H is able to do it in 2025 years. I've 2 bikes, bought both New, an mz etz 250, 320000 km and visited 5 continents. And a Mz baghira, 90000 km, daily commuter. Both never failed
No you won't because they are working on banning all petrol anythings in the next 10 years!
Bit more content of the bikes riding and close ups next time .. alot of talking not much bike footage..
Itchy boots.
I'm not sure she's ridden a klr or not