Which Big Bore Thumper Is Best for Highway Travel? XR650, DR650, 701 Enduro or KLR650
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- Опубліковано 18 вер 2024
- While the big bore thumpers on todays market are not match for the newer midweight adventure bikes, they are a great option for those who want to be able to run single track trails, but still need to put on hundreds of highway miles. But which one of the four I've owned is best? Let's find out!
Sources:
Husqvarna 701 Enduro: www.husqvarna-...
Honda XR650L: powersports.ho...
Suzuki DR650: suzukicycles.c...
KLR650: www.kawasaki.c...
Affiliate Links to my gear, tools & parts!
(Click an affiliate link, make ANY purchase, & SWANKY CAT will make a small commission)
701 Stuff
Tires: www.rockymount...
Seat: www.rockymount...
Bar Risers: amzn.to/447yftD
Small Tank Bag: www.rockymount...
XS Tail Bag: www.rockymount...
Kickstand Foot: www.rockymount...
XR650/DR650 Stuff
Carpuride W702 Pro Version: carpuride.com/...
Carpuride W702 Regular Version: Carplay Unit: carpuride.com/...
XR Tires: www.rockymount...
DR Tires: www.rockymount...
XR/DR 14 Tooth Sprocket: www.rockymount...
XR/DR Large Tank Bag: www.rockymount...
Chub Bars (XR-Moto Bend, DR-KTM Bend): www.rockymount...
XR Bar Risers: www.rockymount...
DR Bar Risers: www.rockymount...
DR Windshield for 7/8 handlebar: amzn.to/3z010yT
XR/DR Large Tank Bag: www.rockymount...
DR Seat: www.rockymount...
Riding Gear
ADV Helmet: www.rockymount...
Xplorer Coat: www.rockymount...
Xplorer Pants: www.rockymount...
Gloves (new version): www.rockymount...
Boots: www.rockymount...
Hey guys! Thanks for checking out this comparison! Here's a list of links to the parts I'm using on these bikes that'll help support more videos like this!
Affiliate Links to my gear, tools & parts!
(Click an affiliate link, make ANY purchase, & SWANKY CAT will make a small commission)
701 Stuff
Tires: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/tires-and-wheels/tusk-dsport%C2%AE-adventure-tire-p?ref=1042&
Seat: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/seat-concepts-complete-seat-p?ref=1042&
Bar Risers: amzn.to/447yftD
Small Tank Bag: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-olympus-tank-bag-p?ref=1042&
XS Tail Bag: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-side-load-dry-duffel-bag-p?ref=1042&
Kickstand Foot: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-billet-side-stand-foot-p?ref=1042&
XR650/DR650 Stuff
Carpuride W702 Pro Version: carpuride.com/products/carpuride-w702-pro-wireless-portable-upgraded-dual-bluetooth-waterproof-ip67-motorcycle-stereo-with-intercom-function-compass-barometer?ref=pcoxoocl
Carpuride W702 Regular Version: Carplay Unit: carpuride.com/products/carpuride-w702-wireless-portable-dual-bluetooth-waterproof-ip67-motorcycle-stereo?ref=pcoxoocl
XR Tires: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/tires-and-wheels/tusk-waypoint-adventure-tire-p?ref=1042&
DR Tires: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/tires-and-wheels/tusk-dsport%C2%AE-adventure-tire-p?ref=1042&
XR/DR 14 Tooth Sprocket: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/primary-drive-front-sprocket-upgrade-p?ref=1042&
XR/DR Large Tank Bag: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-olympus-tank-bag-p?ref=1042&
Chub Bars (XR-Moto Bend, DR-KTM Bend): www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-chub-1-1-8%22-big-bar-p?ref=1042&
XR Bar Risers: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-universal-big-bar-clamp-kit-p?ref=1042&
DR Bar Risers: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/rox-speed-fx-pro-offset-elite-block-risers-p?ref=1042&
DR Windshield for 7/8 handlebar: amzn.to/3z010yT
XR/DR Large Tank Bag: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-olympus-tank-bag-p?ref=1042&
DR Seat: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/seat-concepts-complete-seat-p?ref=1042&
Klr is the best highway bike out the box
True!!!
For the pricepoint for sure. Lack of cruise control kinda sucks though
@@diraltmcallister3523 want cruise control drive your car.
Thank you Swanky for the shout out! 🤘Well made and thorough explanation!
No problem man! Thanks for the comment!!!
I love my 2024 KLR650. Added set of Acerbis handgaurds (ditched the stock soup bowls) and aggresive footpegs. I can ride this bike comfortably all day, mixing in tarmac and dirt.
The dr650 truly the best motorcycle made
KLR650
It's a pretty hard bike to beat!
Dude I have followed you and watched all your videos but I have an observation that I'd like to hear your reply on.......! You in essence have taken the dr650 and the xr650 and geared them both down.....which takes away their highway manners and cruise ability, you lowered the xr650 which takes its advantage away it has over other 650cc bikes. So my question is why do you say a drz400 is not necessarily highway friendly and it's more of a dirtbike....but couldn't you gear the drz up to make it highway cruising friendly and still able to do single track. The motor of a drz is quicker reving and builds as much as either 650. The drz suspension in stock form is absolutely superior to either of those big pigs and it is light and more geared towards a race bike. The aftermarket for the drz is arguably better than either of your 650's. So....why man? How do you come to your conclusion that the drz isn't as capable of a small adventure bike?
In my mind you have basically made both of those bikes into not as good wanna be drz's. Not throwing any shade toward you as I think you're a super nice genuine guy and I am more looking for your input rather than start an argument. Regardless I'm still watching your videos and DO like both builds.
Well said. Excellent points!!
Hey man! No worries, I love getting comments like this!
I still need to get out and put in some long hours on both the DR & XR on they highway with the 14 tooth sprockets to see how much I degraded the their highway capabilities. That being said, from the bit of county road riding I've done on them both around 60mph, I'd say they still feel like they're more fun than my DRZ was. As you mentioned, the DRZ certainly revs faster, but I think the extra torque and wider range gear box on the 650s is what makes the difference. A different sprocket on the DRZ may help at high speeds, but then your loosing power on the low end, which I don't think I'd like... but it's hard to say without trying it. Speaking of which, I'm actually planning on making a comparison video between the DR & DRZ, to see how it does. If it seems like a topic people are interested in, I may very well buy another DRZ to build and compare. I've wanted to for a long time, actually. Just not sure it's the right move. But we'll see!
@@SwankyCatProductions That is a great idea. Quite a bit of work to pull off but would benefit many people.
DRZ lacks torque down low. It has to be revved and then becomes buzzy. The DRZ struggles at HWY speed as many have said and gearing up would drastically take away from slow technical single track. I think Swank is correct on this point.
Hello, broke 20 something year old who bought a DRZ, fun thing to rip around in the dirt! However bought it hoping I could go traveling, and in stock form isn't really that comfortable on the highway doing 65+.
I haven't yet changed out sprockets on the DRZ for highway gearing, but will be doing this, in hopes of comfortabling going on longer highway treks.
The DRZ's shortcomings on the highway are what led me to research the DR650, so these videos and comparisons are awesome!
I just want an affordable, bike to go out and go camping! Thanks again man!
I'm going to get hammered on this one, but I think the Gen2 KLR was the best , most versatile big thumper ever made. Had more fun ,and more adventures on my 2013 ,than any other bike that I've owned.
I think that's fair. Especially right out of the box. That's actually exactly why I bought mine back in the day!
So much fun to customize. You can get anything for it.
1st gen Klr with a few mods would be my first choice for any serious hwy use.
Forgot to add, the upgrades you do to your bikes are awesome.
Thank you!!! Glad to hear you like them!
Thanks for answering my question from your last video with your new content idea on this video:) now I know which you’d ride to Florida;)
I didn’t know that the service interval for the XR was so short. The valve check intervals on the XR and DR might be short but screw and locknut valve adjustments are easy. It’s funny though, everything about the KLR says it should be the better highway machine. Maybe it’s better in the sense that it forces you to slow down given the unpleasantness of riding over 65 😂. Maybe it’s just the bikes I’ve owned but I really don’t like riding at high speeds anyway, and some bikes get you there without realizing it.
Very true! I'd much rather check the valves a hand full of times on either, before ever checking them on a KLR! I 100% agree with you on the high speed riding. Anything over 55-60 just isn't enjoyable for me. I'd much rather cruise at 45-50 all day!
Nice vid man. Great comparison. And I'm telling you as a community we are overlooking an obvious comfort mod that is obvious on other platforms. Highway pegs! Added to low forward crash bars is an overlooked, underestimate, and immediately rewarding comfort mod to add to the dr, xr, and klr platforms. To be able to stretch out ur legs on long road miles is soooo nice! And a good folding pair that's designed to fit and blend into crash bars still folds out of the way and invisible when you go off road. Get back to the pavement and bam comfort is a folding foot peg away for the long way home.
Good stuff man. You can see the quality that comes with experience raising in these vids man.
Thank you! And thank you for noticing! I watch and rewatch just about every one in order to see where I could've improved. So I'm really glad to hear it's been helping!!!
I wouldn't hate owning any of these but im not selling my xr650r for any of them.
Haha yeah the XR-R must be a really fun ride!
I still dig the 701 Enduro the most! But then again, I don't do a lick of on-road riding b/c it's just too dangerous down here in overcrowded TB, FL.
It's a pretty sweet ride! I don't blame you! I spend as little time on the road as I can these days...
I like them all, the Husky is definitely powerful for just about everything.
Personally, if I had an XR or a DR, I'd usually stay on the backroads. Yet it's good to know they can do freeway work.
Exactly! I'm really pretty impressed with all of them on the freeway. Yet I'd much prefer a few long hours riding at 55mph over really any amount of time on the highway. Just much more enjoyable, regardless of what I'm on!
XR650R, definitely a high-speed bike.
You should do a video.
“Which covered wagon is best to go out west in”
All these bikes suck on the Highway.
If you just bought an XR, especially if you are a new rider, by all means lower it. Absolutely. What’s the alternative? Stop riding? Sell the bike? Hell no. Lower it for sure. You’re not going to be needing all of that suspension for a long time and by then you will be an experienced rider and you still might like it lower. It’s tall. I lowered my T-7 and it made a huge difference in slow traffic and stop and go. I could barely touch and the slightest depression in the road could me too much and it’s easily dropped. Not easily picked up.
Huh... I wonder if I'd have liked the T7 more if I'd have lowered it... Interesting!
@@SwankyCatProductions I know you would if you like that XR better lowered. When you cannot touch the ground at a stop then you really don't have much of a choice.
Not trading in my Honda Dominator (nx650) just yet :) Nice comparison though.
Thanks! Yeah, I'll bet that's an awesome bike!
@@SwankyCatProductions Yes, it is quite old by now, but probably very comparable to the dr650 RSE edition, but a bit lighter depending on the year. Sold in Europe up until the year 2000 or something.
Cool Brother! Love all these bikes but it's the Husky for me.
Thanks! Yeah, the 701 is like nothing else! (Except the 690 & Gas Gas 700, ha-ha)
Our highway cruise are on 80 mph, not 60...
Its depends on location of course.
I had a bike that would wobble just like that at 17:50. 2 shops said neck bearings were fine, had them replaced and it was magically gone. No play or any way to notice it without taking it apart. The bearing sat loose for a while then got damaged.
Miss my ol' DR650 sometimes, but my KLR fits *where* I ride better.
Finding the right bike for you and where you ride is key to a great motorcycle experience!
890 Adventure R. Simple. With Motoz skids.
On my CRF 300l Rally, the recommended oil change intervals in the manual are measured in years. Needless to say ,I change it a lot more often.
Really??? Haha!
No, it specifies mileage. 600 for the break in, and every 8k thereafter.
@@airadaimagery692 my average riding season is about 4k miles-2 years
The one that vibrates the least at 70 mph.
Indeed
KLR 650!
It's definitely a good ride!
KLR 650
My Gen 3 KLR is OK on the highway under 70mph.
It's marginal/semi-decent ish off road.
Yeah, there's nothing wrong with a KLR. Definitely a more comfortable ride than any of my dirt bikes!
Bravo. fantastic .
Thank you!!!
Klr650 all day.
It definitely gets the job done! Best way to get into real adv type riding under 10k... I am interested to see how the new smaller adv bikes like the Himalayan 450 feel in comparison though.
@SwankyCatProductions
I've been riding since the 60s and I will tell you the KLR is one exceptional bike you don't need all the high-tech or special Rider modes because when you hit the ground you hit the ground and when you ride you ride those things will not help you at all. I test Road the Himalayan 450. It's a nice bike, but I dislike Rider modes 100%.
My favorite bike was a 74 honda 250 Enduro.
What seat do you use on the XR?
F650/g650gs
So you're saying the 701 is not the clear winner?🤔
What is the brand of the windshield bar and windshield that you installed on the dr650? Not in your list above. thx
Thanks for letting me know! Here's an affiliate link: amzn.to/3z010yT
Dr 650 mine is lightened a whole lot so its prolly in the 250 lbs maybe a hair more or less,and it is scary fast on highway and single track its almost to much for thw woods
There's no way it's under 300lbs let alone 250 bud. That's just impossible. I have done a ton to lighten mine, but I have added armor and carrying capacity.
120lbs of weight reduction?! That's A LOT!
The DR650 and XR650 valves can both be adjusted quickly and easily. The other bikes require camshaft removal if the valve clearance is out of specs. Free at home for any half skilled mechanic vs. hundreds of dollars at a shop or a more educated mechanic with time.
Yep! I'm not sure why, but for some reason I thought the DR was a bucket and shim design. Glad it's not!
@@SwankyCatProductionsyou may be remembering your DRZ, those definitely have a shim under bucket valve adjustment system.
Highway use.. 701, others don't have remotely close to the same power to pass or accelerate out of a situation at highway speed when fully loaded with multi day loadouts.
I haven't had my XR or DR loaded down yet, but I'd believe it. My 701 felt really capable yet when I took it camping last year.
Klr is horrible for highway. Vibrates like crazy . I had an 08 klr 650 bored out and i sold it cuz it sucked. Now i have an xt225 and i love it
😂. Glad to hear you're enjoying your new ride!
@SwankyCatProductions believe it or not that thing goes up to 70 and yeah both of them are not really for the highway but the xt is so much more fun
N ice comparison
Thanks man!
You cant pick the DR over the KLR, I mean cmon? just because you bought it? cmon
It's pretty surprising to me too, but with the D-Sports on them both at least, the DR definitely feels much more comfortable at highway speeds. The motor definitely feels happier too. KLR is still impossible to beat out of the box though and is a better choice for those who don't want to venture as far off the road as I like too.
I like your content but I just can't deal with the choppy voice delivery. Half the time you put your thoughts to speech very naturally. The other half is choppy and deliberate with too much time spent between words.
KLR650