For those new to MAD TV I'd encourage you to look around the channel, we have international adventures, bike reviews and and Chris Birch extreme videos and other stuff and most recently some great films from Nick Sanders. Occasionally we go live for some fun. Here are some links to help you find the good stuff. International Adventure ua-cam.com/play/PLkM9-Vs7Ynzi55gvgbVg2Xcy_rp0vqA_R.html Thorough bike reviews ua-cam.com/play/PLkM9-Vs7YnzjtGNKHELsYYQRwCQPOEp5j.html Chris Birch extreme KTM1190 videos ua-cam.com/play/PLkM9-Vs7YnzithyN05N74-yoitRsGNwI5.html
I was very hesitant to watch a "KLR Review" that was more than one hour long. But, this was the most comprehensive review I have seen regarding the new 2022 KLR. Lots of questions were answered and your coverage of the ABS brakes on downhill gravel was great. Thanks.
You and me both, I thought it was a bit long and then I added the subscriber's questions, but the viewing stats indicate people are watching it to the end.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV your a smart fellow Dave. keep it up. your living the Aussie dream. who wants to be a millionaire with a job like yours. would you still do it if?.
Thanks guys! I grew up on bikes and at 33 could finally afford my own new bike. Just bought the adventure edition and I love it! And it looks so badass! Grateful to finally have a bike :)
Thanks for the great review. I waffle between this and a T7. I really love that the T7 is built to a much higher performance standard, but the problem is that I'm not built to high performance standard 😆. A man's got to know his limitations. I just want to ride around and see cool stuff. As long as it can handle the odd highway run, I think the KLR will do just fine for me.
i have a 2015 that i bum around on all the backroads / fire trails / service roads and sometimes gravel pits with and it has done fine with all of them. Im fairly new to off road so im not trying to do super pro stuff but it chuggs along just fine : )
Just got the 22. I've been all over southern California from palos verdes peninsula to the top of saddleback mountain and getting there was a very pleasant, comfortable experience. The only mods I've made so far were to replace the hand guards, the stock footpegs (which are like standing on to soggy burritos) shift pedal and I removed the snorkel from the airbox. I'll worry about the "doohickey" and getting the thermo-bob (allows more consistent engine temperature so you burn less oil) after the warranty is up. Let the good times roll!
I have the T7 and I love it. It can do everything and do it pretty competently. The KLR can do everything but nothing well. Perhaps that’s fine for off road and what u plan to do (no shame in that) but on the highway a single cylinder, 5 gears and 40 hp is going to suck and don’t let anyone kid u otherwise. Also it’s just going to plod along in town as opposed to the T7 which is pretty peppy and fun. The T7 doesn’t have a lot of “fluff” so the 3k difference is really going towards a better engine, build quality, brakes and suspension, which are things I’m happy to pay for. The KLR would probably resale pretty well but my Tenere I could sell it for 2k more than I bought it for probably….at least here in the US.
@@martin4819 i disagree. The klr does just fine on the highway, Is it as peppy as a sport bike no but still has enough get up and go to over take and ride just fine. My miata / 240sx / gen 2 probe also only had a 5 speed transmissions and never had any complaints with them either. Can it be better sure but its not bad either. I also disagree with "plod along" Not all of us use our throttles like an on off switch. It also does just fine and is plenty peppy around town.
I used to do the dirt bikes and hardened Enduros,,,but I'm older now and my tastes have changed. I love to trail ride or just explore jeep trails. The KLR is a trail runner. If you want a trail/highway bike, spend the extra $ and get one. If you want a GOOD, inexpensive, reliable trail runner that is very street worthy, get the KLR. It's simply realizing what kind of riding you want to do with it. I have no regrets having the KLR and will always have one,,,but I have a few other bikes for different types of rides. But the KLR is ridden more than the others.
Mad TV affected my adv moto philosophy positively , i can't imagine the life without this youtube videos. Dave&nugget you are the best ✌🏼 Greetings from north africa
I only came looking for more High Country videos but stayed for the KLR review. I love my series 2 KLR and have done the high country (and going again in 10 days). You absolutely nailed the review. Well done
Thank you for the honest review of the KLR. Both you and Cubby were dead on in my opinion being a KLR owner. I replaced the foot pegs immediately along with the gear shifter, oil drain plug, bash plate and added bark busters along with double take mirrors. I removed the panniers and replaced with soft. I am now waiting on upper crash bars to protect a fragile fairing that will break in a heartbeat. I love you his bike when all said and done. My wife and I ride two up on it on curvy asphalt and some gravel. Love your channel!
I haven't ridden since 1991. I am considering a KLR to begin riding again. At least I am 31 years older now and I hope I have sense enough to start slow then move up.
The questions at the end were brilliant, informative quick straight forward answers and a good chuckle to some of the answers too 👍 would love to see that added to future bike reviews.
Took mine off road here in Alabama. Great ride, right up until the stock tires met wet Alabama grey clay. The clay sticks like glue, and erases the tread of the stock tires, and turns them into slicks. Had to twig the treads out to carry on. Also when I went down in a deep clay filled tractor rut; the side box popped clean off. No damage to it, and I popped it right back on, but… At least it didn’t break. Great fun so far!
I bought one of these about 2 weeks ago this is a very accurate review. 326 miles so far I live in southern Ohio I'm a little over 6' this bike favors a tall rider .
Gotta love the KLR. Best value for money adventure bike. They have been around for a long, long time. I love my 2012 model. No problems with engine oil usage, and has original dohicky.
I am 110 KG and 183cm. I have never had a motorcycle before, and this KLR 650 is exactly what I have been looking for. I went to a dealership today, and in February, I will have one. I appreciated this video and review on the KLR 650
About the best motorcycle video I've seen. I've been riding since 5th grade and am 58 now. I'd love to get on a KLR and just explore. Maybe I'll get it on someday, but now I'll just keep watching your videos.
Snowbound here in Canada. Loved this review. Few reviewers have as much credibility as you guys. Job well done. I would love to see a review of the RE Himalayan in the context of "value for money" like this KLR review. Thanks again.
There's a new Himalayan that will be launched soon. It shows 40hp on the ad. That would be much better than the current model which only has 22hp. Let's hope the bike is as good as the current one.
I had a 1992 when I first got it I road in the rain wearing sneakers. I stop up and both feet slipped off the pegs scaring the crap out of me. I ordered rally pegs skid plate crash bars and seat concept seat as soon as I got home. Later I did the hole saw exhaust mod giving it bark when you gave it gas. It didn’t help the performance but it made it sound good. This was my first 650 I could ride off paved road. I had a lot of fun on it.
Thanks Guys, Good Vlog. I have a 2022 KLR 650 standard model with ABS. You can remove the ABS fuse and I agree with your review. For me I have foot pegs on order and Bark Busters and will replace the tires soon but haven't decided yet which ones to go for. So many choices. Possible muffler change later on and will save maybe 8 lbs too. I already replaced the skid plate with an aluminum version. Happy Trails here in the States makes a good one. I might also install some heavier fork springs too just to help a bit on those bigger hits.
Best bike review I ever watched. I had 100+ questions about the new 2022 KLR and you answered 95% of those, plus another 50% more I never even thought about. Of my unanswered questions, you just said you did not know the answer, and big thumbs up on that last point. I think you did am amazing job of respectfully acknowledging the KLR legend, but staying out of the fray and focusing only on your first hand experience. I am an original owner of 2017 KLR650 with 20k miles and was wondering if I should upgrade. I could not learn in 100 hours of research what I got from your 1 hour video. New subscriber and big fan. Keep it coming!
Looking at picking one of these up for a tour of New Zealand. Your issues with the downhill offload remind me of driving a large truck and trailer. You don't wait until you find yourself going too fast before trying to slow down. You anticipate the downhill just like you did in the video.
Hi Guys Lots of People haven't got endless money to buy expensive gear. KLR 650 is great for a new comer to start riding away & go exploring. Thanks Dave
Great review and kawi did a awesome job updating their bike and offering a cheap adventure bike to the market, that pretty much no one else has shown interest in doing. I have always laughed at the marketing of so many bikes that show the bike in 90% of an off road environment to help sell excitement but then, as you mention, they come with horrible street tires mounted up. If I ever get lucky enough to travel around the world on a bike with out a question this klr checks every box for that kind of an adventure for me.
From what I’ve heard the doohickey isn’t fixed because of the weak spring. I have a 2018 KLR 650, a 2021 KLX 300 dual sport, and a first batch Pan America. All three bikes are good at what the other isn’t. Of the three bikes I’ve mentioned the KLR is the bike I could take out of the equation and do any riding scenario that my 56 year old body should be able to accomplish. Or just leave me the KLR and I’ll do everything except the super tight single track, and I’ll do it nice and slow.
Excellent review! There was no mention of changing sprockets. A very popular change here in the U.S. is to swap the OEM 15 tooth front sprocket out with a 14 tooth. It very slightly affects mpg, but makes a nice difference in "pep" and especially for hill climbs and descents. You mentioned the beefed up rear subframe. Does that mean they used better quality bolts and fasteners as well? Another common upgrade on the older KLRs was to swap out the rear subframe bits with high strength stainless bits. I have seen several rear subframes come off the bike, including my own, during trips. The way the pegs attach to the frame was a problem on the old KLRs as well. Basically, there is a small metal box with a nut welded to the inside of the wall of the box for the bolts that hold on the pegs. All edges of the box are welded to the frame so you cannot access the nut to replace it without cutting off the boxes and rewelding. Like the subframe bolts, these welded nuts weren't exactly high grade material and are known for stripping out. Mine had to be heli coiled. I also lost a foot peg when the center stand bottomed out during a rocky descent. The stand mounts using longer foot peg bolts and tabs sitting sandwiched between the peg and the little box. It sheared the foot peg bolts like a hot knife through hot butter... Finishing the descent without being able to stand up was dicey to say the least! With longer pegs, I'd be worried about whether or not those little welded nuts could handle the extra load out on the ends of the pegs!? Braking on the older KLRs was always "soft". A very popular upgrade was to install braided stainless lines. The original rubber hoses would expand and absorb a good amount of your braking power from the lever. Going to the stainless lines and a better grade of pads made a BIG difference! With the addition of the fuel injection, did they also upgrade the stator to put out more power? The older KLRs didn't have a lot of extra power to spare for running multiple accessories. I watched a LOT of KLR riders dump a LOT of money into their bikes trying to make them like other "better" bikes. I think they really missed the point of the bike, which is to be okay at many things but not great at anything. I think this is what has made it so successful for so many years. I rode mine in extreme desert conditions, extreme mountain conditions, on super twisty paved roads, and much more. Sure, in the extremes there were other bikes with me that had it a little easier, but they had their own short comings depending on conditions as well, like limited fuel range, limited to no comfort while sitting, zero weather protection, and so on.
I''ve had 4 KLR's over the years, and this new one seems to be the best one by far. Your review is an incredibly honest and accurate assessment in my opinion. I would like to ask two questions: 1) If you were to buy one....would you replace the doohickey and install a Thermo-bob ? It's just hard for me to believe that a big company like Kawasaki with a bike with this legacy ....would need those two things.....and that they are definitely aware of it. 2) No one has had anything good to say about the panniers and their mounting bracket. "Throw away" comes to mind. Were they full during this test? 3) What would you install for tires? Thanks!
1.) No. 2.) Panniers will most likely break if used in the tough stuff, but the pannier racks are excellent for my soft panniers. 3. There's a range of tyres depending the types of terrain.
I wish I could hear your bud when he had his helmet. I missed what he was saying. But I really enjoyed your review. For I'm going to start riding. An its been 40yrs since I've been on one. Working on getting some lessons.
Great review. I had nicely modified 2016. Eagle Mike has some good things for KLR'S. I changed to flush mount drain plug. Lowered the foot pegs with a JNS lowering kit and added wide gripping pegs. Changed the gearing by dropping 1 tooth up front and adding for the rear. Makes it so much easier too get through the technical stuff at a slower speed keep up the rpm. That helps also with going dow hill. TRex racing makes a full crash cage system including bssh plate. Plus a Madstad adjustable wind screen made it easy to switch the position. It would be super easy to wire s switch in to disable the abs. I miss mine as it was totaled from a auto driver.
Great review guys! I started ADV riding 10yrs ago - got my Ls bought a KLR went touring with my mates before buying a GS. You could buy one of these, learn to ride whilst on your Ls and sell it 3yrs later for about $3k less. That’s cheap fun touring!
Thank you for thinking of us Americans 🇺🇸 when talking about fuel economy. I sure do enjoy these videos and your adventures. Can't wait to see more about the T7 too!
One issue I have, is the heat that comes out from the radiator on the left side. it really cooks your leg. I'm in far north Queensland and it's mostly in the mid to high 30's here. so the radiator blows out hot air all the time making it uncomfortable on the left side. As for the bike itself. At first I wanted more power, but then realised that that's not how the bike is built and once you know and accept it's limits, it really does take you to your adventure. The 2022 KLR650 Adventure is somewhat a lazy adventure bike but a very comfortable and able one at that. It'll get you where you want to go in it's own casual way. I've done over a 1000 k's in the first week with mine and have enjoyed every bit of it. Awesome Review Guys.
@@leroyjenkins4123 the break in service was done at the shop. They said nothing wrong with it. I've had the bike for a year now, only done 2000 kilometers and the bikes in the shop for it's 4th time. It's a lemon. The heat cooks the fuel tank, yes boils the fuel in the tank. Extremely dangerous. The fuel pump failed so I had to get it transported to the shop. Once it comes out of the shop, I'm trading it in on another bike. Definitely not a KLR and definitely not from Kawasaki. This was my first adventure bike. I won't be getting another. At first it seemed good but after a few rides, It failed miserably. Hopefully mine is the only lemon around.
@@wotokowotoko5260 call kawasaki and insist that they extend your warranty another year at least and that it's transferable. It will help the value for when you sell or trade. They did it for me. Good luck.
PS: For me, the bars are perfect for riding while standing on the pegs, which is most of what I do. The bike handles much better this way than it does while seated. I rode it over Trail Ridge Road (look it up) today entirely standing up and going 30-50mph. I sit down to go fast through canyons on asphalt, but stand through almost anything offroad. The pegs are small, but adequate. I am 6’1” 200 lbs (91kg, 1.85m), and rode standing in my Harley boots (no shanks to make it easier, like ADV boots).
Great review Guys!! What a ride though! That is such an amazing area. As a Victorian, that has ridden the High Country a few times, it won't disappoint any Rider on any Adventure Motorcycle. Great video again Dave! 👍😁
Wow exciting times MAD TV is gaining a heap of traction with lots of bikes to be tested in 2022. Looking forward to the Aprilia & Norden reviews and as always the scenery & banter
What is it with you people and wanting more, perfection is the enemy of good enough, the bike is not, and never was designed as a dirt bike, it was designed to get out and ride the dirt roads not as an off road trail bike, and as such it does the job it was designed to do, what more can you realistically ask of any bike than that it does the job that it was supposed to do.
I’ve the predecessor to the KLR650, a ‘93 KLR600. The bash plate doesn’t extend all the way but it’s metal on the 600 so I bought a flush fitting magnetic oil plug. I’ve the doohickey and thermo-bob fixes done for peace of mind.
Minus all the travel gear, I had a Kawasaki 175 back in the 70's that w/out much difficult you could convert into a more road bike or more trail bike. I road more on trail, but it still had to be street legal to get it to the trail. Took off the turn signals and some other stuff, added a big knobby tire on back and it wasn't too bad. (Keeping in mind I was a teenager w/out much $$.) It cost $700 right off the showroom floor. Great memories ! They weren't bad little Enduro bikes w/some mods but my cousins (who did race, I was a bit too young but still rode on the Highway) rode mostly KTMs and Huskys.
Six years back you did three short vids on the Honda CB500X. That bike seems like a natural competitor to the KLR and I'd be really interested in seeing a new review of the Honda with comparisons to the KLR. Another great film, thanks Dave!
Klr is cheap, reliable smiles. With a few upgrades and brass balls they'll make people say " how'd you do that on a KLR650?" Great ride and excellent review guys!
Supposedly really easy to wire in a switch for the ABs shut off. I have done most of my riding on a dirtbike, so I played around on my trails with the abs for a while and after I got used to the way it works, I actually really like the ABS it will lock up the rear just enough to start getting sideways but lets go before you slide out. it is fairly obvious that a new pipe / air filter / snorkel removal will give you a lot more power.
Really like my 22 KLR non abs model. No reason to have ABS on these bikes, the brakes are good stock, but not overwhelming and it would have to an extremely slippery surface on which you are going a good clip and really apply the brakes full force for them to be even moderately affective. Great bike for it's intended purpose and a banging bargain.
I bought the NON-ABS Adventure model, United States dealers in my area are not ordering the ABS model, don't want the extra weight of ABS, don't want something we can't turn off, if you been riding KLR enough, you never had it to begin with, and don't need it. My only beef with the bike is the increasing weight, and the steering death wobble was moved from 72 MPH to 82MPH with the new steering geometry, Kawasaki needs to stiffen up the rear to reduce squat at speed, as the bike rolls back on its rear end, leaning forward or adding front end weight Paris Dakar bars tends to eliminate this, I'd Rather ditch the added weight of the PD bars and engine brackets in favor of better-tuned suspension. It won't be long before the aftermarket guys catch up with Progressive cartridge fork inserts and better rear shocks, to improve handling on top of an already improved ride comfort. The KLR was not intended to be the likes of a KTM, Husky, it has decent comfort, reasonable speed and handling, and will take you anywhere in the world you want to go, like all bikes within the limits of it design. This limit is not a bad thing, it's all relative to any bike design, the KTM, Husky will run circles around the KLR In the dirt, the 501 husky only weighs 250 pounds compared to my 2022 KLR Adventure at 487 pounds, the rolls reverse on the highway and backcountry paved rodes, where the extra weight converts to comfort for the KLR.
I can't believe i am watching this after 2 years... I bought brand new klr in 2013 ,first adventure bike,love it ,before that i had zx1400 which i bought in 2008 new.. on zx i was pulled over by cops once a month,some gave me ticket,some just want to talk...klr makes you invisible,it takes pressure to ride it hard,its nice and honest bike for bloke who was lucky to survive silly rides ond powerful bikes
Not likely too but if I was going to buy this bike this review would be just what I needed to see. Given our lack of wild open spaces here in the UK not the bike for me.
Great review, with only one issue. The doohickey has not been fixed. The issue with the design is that it uses a regular spring to tension the chain, and initial chain stretch uses almost all the travel. The proper fix is to replace the coil spring with a torsion spring, like in a watch. Big Rock Moto did an entire episode on the issue, the parts needed o fix it, and a how-to by the guy who makes the replacement parts. Thanks again for making such an in depth real world review!
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Then watch the video I referenced or the one by Rocky Mountain ATV MC and make up your own mind. Your review stated that you believed the issue to be fixed, and now you say you don't know. I watch your videos for your opinions, based on extended riding, and you deliver that very well. I was just trying to clarify what appeared to be a misstatement.
@@davidc1961utube It's not a misstatement. You're being a bit too clever. Kawasaki made modificaions to those parts that it is implied SHOULD fix the problem. SHOULD. Others have said it's not a problem. You say it is a problem. We rode brand new bikes,, there were no problems. My next question is have any 2022s broken down with this problem? Which comes back to my response to you, "I don't know". Or do we, as is the most likely case, have to wait a while for miles to get up, before it becomes a problem. I don't know, we'll see. But let's be clear there are some riders that don't believe it is a problem
I love my 23 Adventure, but my 03 Sportster and 93 FXR both have higher ground clearance and can go anywhere the KLR can. Of course, on the Harley’s, you have to manage your speed and choose your route carefully. On the KLR, I get the feeling I can just power straight through, carefree. Of course, to really go almost anywhere, I’d need a KLX400 (basically a DRZ400E). Add a good carb, pipes, and better suspension and not only will that baby go anywhere in Colorado, but tour ok on backroad asphalt and dirt, as well.
I've been working on my own bikes for over 45 years and trust myself implicitly...the dealerships on the other hand..let me say that on inspection post delivery , both the fork axle clamps were completely loose. Not good. As for warranty claims I've never had one in over 30 new bikes . More likely to have issues letting dealers tamper with it lol. I would look into the validity of those claims tho as an oil change isn't rocket science and apart from balancer chain adjustment the rest is straightforward.
Great video guys! You both seemed to condemn the ABS brakes in the first half of the video but seem to change your mind about the 36 minute mark. I was never a big fan of them either at first but like them now. You do lose the ability to lock the rear up on a corner but once you know what the bike can do, you adjust your riding technique.
One of these days I'm gonna dig through years of archive footage and do a montage of Dave demonstrating - as he always does - exactly where the wind hits him on the helmet. 😀. Wonder what music I should set that to? Check 09:49 for this one.
Tusk sells a “low profile” sump plug. The foot pegs are also rubber mounted, which is probably what gives you the feeling they are drooping. Obviously there are aftermarket pegs too. Its no Africa Twin, but its certainly a lot of bike for the money in my opinion.
I’ve gotten as much as 65mpg on my 2008, but as little as 35mpg with an average of 50mpg. With these bikes being fairly low on power and not exactly what one would call “aerodynamic” I find that conditions make a massive difference to effective fuel economy. The same is very true for top speed: In tailwind conditions I can easily hit over 100mph, while in headwind conditions I can barely hold 65mph.
Love the review. Own a 1990 one and glad that I don't need to upgrade! 😄 That ABS sounds like nuisance compared to plain ol brakes, hope there is a fuse you can wire up to the handlebar 😋
I also was a 1992 KLR650 tengai owner, just loved it. Kawasaki has added 50kilos of gadgetry you don't need. This bike was brilliant, no stress at road works, grass, gravel or rain. I ran Barum tyres, they were brilliant. It's an all round fun bike.
EXCELLENT REVIEW MATE, A WAY AROUND THE ABS IS JUST TO TURN OFF THE BIKE (IGNITION OFF) AND THE ABS WILL NOT INTEFERE DURING THE DESCEND, OR JUST TURN OFF THE ENGINE LEAVE THE BIKE IN GEAR AND USE THE CLUTCH TO DESCEND THE HILL..
Brilliant review and objective comparison, for a new rider it’s important to develop skills and any assistance to allow to learn is a great thing. Found your channel and love your in Oz 👍
The Tenere XT660Z comment. There’s 660’s approaching ten+ years old advertised not much less than brand new KLR’s. I liked my 660 but no way are they worth the prices people are asking! Brand new KLR would make more sense to a 660. Good review/film
Excellent review. The greatest sheep herders mount ever. they run forever, drudge their way through almost anything, and now they are fuel injected, what more can you ask for if you aren't in a hurry. Well done Gents.
Hi, great review. Could you please further explain what your ideal strategy/technique would be to descend the steep trail section (~6:00 - 8:00) and in what way did the ABS interfere with that strategy? Also, do you think you would be able to comfortably control a KLR on that steep section if it did not have ABS? Thank you.
Standing stance, braking heavy front bias, very heavy front bias, because that it where the traction is. I would be happier with no ABS on slippery down hils.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Thanks for the reply. I guess I am still wondering how the ABS induces the double sphincter moment (something I would like to avoid ;). I am under the assumption that you have to lock up a wheel before the ABS will interfere, so is locking up either wheel (maybe the rear?) is part of the down-slope technique? If not, does that mean that the ABS activates *_before_* a wheel is fully locked, releasing the brakes, and causing the bike to accelerate downhill which in turn will increase the likelihood of activating the ABS system and further accelerating,? Meaning you cannot fully stop with the brakes if the trail is steep enough? Or am I way off base? Thanks again.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV I almost get it and have a few more questions if you don't mind answering. I thank you for your patience . 1) Were you trying to lock up the rear to maintain control (scrub speed and slide laterally)? 2) Which brake(s) activated the ABS and which brake(s) did the ABS release:: (a) rear activated / rear released (b) rear activated / both released (c) front/front (d) front/both (e) both/both? Q3) In your opinion, how big of a role did the street oriented tires play in the reduced control on the steep section, meaning would the bike have handled the steep section with out concern had it been shod with quality off road tires?
@@foobar7838 I think you need to ride one and see for yourself. You can bench race and analyse this all day with written prose. As I said in the video I strongly urge purchases to try it in the dirt and get their heads around it. Of course tyres play a part, but I took that into consideration although things would be improved with dirt biases tyres.
When you are sheltering in your tent in the middle of nowhere as the rain hammers down on your motorcycle outside you will sleep better knowing it's a KLR !!
I currently have a Honda CRF300L Rally which I’m loving for what it is. I don’t do any single track but do like a bit of touring and dirt roads. Having ridden both do you think I would be happier in my current or a KLR650 Adventure?
For those new to MAD TV I'd encourage you to look around the channel, we have international adventures, bike reviews and and Chris Birch extreme videos and other stuff and most recently some great films from Nick Sanders. Occasionally we go live for some fun. Here are some links to help you find the good stuff.
International Adventure
ua-cam.com/play/PLkM9-Vs7Ynzi55gvgbVg2Xcy_rp0vqA_R.html
Thorough bike reviews
ua-cam.com/play/PLkM9-Vs7YnzjtGNKHELsYYQRwCQPOEp5j.html
Chris Birch extreme KTM1190 videos
ua-cam.com/play/PLkM9-Vs7YnzithyN05N74-yoitRsGNwI5.html
Can you guys tell us if it's gonna launch in India someday ??? If you know
The blue collar adventure motorcycle. Goes anywhere in comfort, just not that quickly. Thanks for the review, guys.
Our pleasure!
The love child of a tank and a tractor.
I was very hesitant to watch a "KLR Review" that was more than one hour long. But, this was the most comprehensive review I have seen regarding the new 2022 KLR. Lots of questions were answered and your coverage of the ABS brakes on downhill gravel was great. Thanks.
You and me both, I thought it was a bit long and then I added the subscriber's questions, but the viewing stats indicate people are watching it to the end.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV your a smart fellow Dave. keep it up. your living the Aussie dream. who wants to be a millionaire with a job like yours. would you still do it if?.
Thanks guys! I grew up on bikes and at 33 could finally afford my own new bike. Just bought the adventure edition and I love it! And it looks so badass! Grateful to finally have a bike :)
Great to hear!
Congratulations! Let the good times roll!
Thanks for the great review. I waffle between this and a T7. I really love that the T7 is built to a much higher performance standard, but the problem is that I'm not built to high performance standard 😆. A man's got to know his limitations. I just want to ride around and see cool stuff. As long as it can handle the odd highway run, I think the KLR will do just fine for me.
Totally agree
i have a 2015 that i bum around on all the backroads / fire trails / service roads and sometimes gravel pits with and it has done fine with all of them. Im fairly new to off road so im not trying to do super pro stuff but it chuggs along just fine : )
Just got the 22. I've been all over southern California from palos verdes peninsula to the top of saddleback mountain and getting there was a very pleasant, comfortable experience. The only mods I've made so far were to replace the hand guards, the stock footpegs (which are like standing on to soggy burritos) shift pedal and I removed the snorkel from the airbox. I'll worry about the "doohickey" and getting the thermo-bob (allows more consistent engine temperature so you burn less oil) after the warranty is up. Let the good times roll!
I have the T7 and I love it. It can do everything and do it pretty competently. The KLR can do everything but nothing well. Perhaps that’s fine for off road and what u plan to do (no shame in that) but on the highway a single cylinder, 5 gears and 40 hp is going to suck and don’t let anyone kid u otherwise. Also it’s just going to plod along in town as opposed to the T7 which is pretty peppy and fun. The T7 doesn’t have a lot of “fluff” so the 3k difference is really going towards a better engine, build quality, brakes and suspension, which are things I’m happy to pay for. The KLR would probably resale pretty well but my Tenere I could sell it for 2k more than I bought it for probably….at least here in the US.
@@martin4819 i disagree. The klr does just fine on the highway, Is it as peppy as a sport bike no but still has enough get up and go to over take and ride just fine. My miata / 240sx / gen 2 probe also only had a 5 speed transmissions and never had any complaints with them either. Can it be better sure but its not bad either. I also disagree with "plod along" Not all of us use our throttles like an on off switch. It also does just fine and is plenty peppy around town.
I used to do the dirt bikes and hardened Enduros,,,but I'm older now and my tastes have changed. I love to trail ride or just explore jeep trails. The KLR is a trail runner. If you want a trail/highway bike, spend the extra $ and get one. If you want a GOOD, inexpensive, reliable trail runner that is very street worthy, get the KLR. It's simply realizing what kind of riding you want to do with it. I have no regrets having the KLR and will always have one,,,but I have a few other bikes for different types of rides. But the KLR is ridden more than the others.
I love riding them.
Mad TV affected my adv moto philosophy positively , i can't imagine the life without this youtube videos. Dave&nugget you are the best ✌🏼
Greetings from north africa
Thank you
Great review. I went from a Gen 2 to the 2022 Adventure and I’m telling you true, it is a big improvement. I went with non- ABS. I love it.
Thanks for sharing!
I got the 23 Adventure with ABS, but I’m installung a lockable toggle switch to disable it for hard offroad.
I only came looking for more High Country videos but stayed for the KLR review. I love my series 2 KLR and have done the high country (and going again in 10 days). You absolutely nailed the review. Well done
Thank you.
Thank you for the honest review of the KLR. Both you and Cubby were dead on in my opinion being a KLR owner. I replaced the foot pegs immediately along with the gear shifter, oil drain plug, bash plate and added bark busters along with double take mirrors.
I removed the panniers and replaced with soft. I am now waiting on upper crash bars to protect a fragile fairing that will break in a heartbeat. I love you his bike when all said and done.
My wife and I ride two up on it on curvy asphalt and some gravel.
Love your channel!
Thanks Michael.
I haven't ridden since 1991. I am considering a KLR to begin riding again. At least I am 31 years older now and I hope I have sense enough to start slow then move up.
This is the bike for you Joe.
Same here, glad I did
The questions at the end were brilliant, informative quick straight forward answers and a good chuckle to some of the answers too 👍 would love to see that added to future bike reviews.
Yeah, it seemed to hold the audience so we might do it again.
Took mine off road here in Alabama. Great ride, right up until the stock tires met wet Alabama grey clay. The clay sticks like glue, and erases the tread of the stock tires, and turns them into slicks. Had to twig the treads out to carry on. Also when I went down in a deep clay filled tractor rut; the side box popped clean off. No damage to it, and I popped it right back on, but… At least it didn’t break. Great fun so far!
I think you're going to have good fun on this bike.
I bought one of these about 2 weeks ago this is a very accurate review. 326 miles so far I live in southern Ohio I'm a little over 6' this bike favors a tall rider .
Great to hear!
Did you bring yours in for the break-in oil change/maintenance or do it yourself?
Gotta love the KLR. Best value for money adventure bike. They have been around for a long, long time. I love my 2012 model. No problems with engine oil usage, and has original dohicky.
Good choice!
Never underestimate a KLR. More trans continental and round the world trips done on KLR’s than any other bike.
I don't under estimate it. It's a reliable work horse.
I am 110 KG and 183cm. I have never had a motorcycle before, and this KLR 650 is exactly what I have been looking for.
I went to a dealership today, and in February, I will have one.
I appreciated this video and review on the KLR 650
It’s a great bike!
About the best motorcycle video I've seen. I've been riding since 5th grade and am 58 now. I'd love to get on a KLR and just explore. Maybe I'll get it on someday, but now I'll just keep watching your videos.
Thank you. Tons to watch.
Snowbound here in Canada. Loved this review. Few reviewers have as much credibility as you guys. Job well done. I would love to see a review of the RE Himalayan in the context of "value for money" like this KLR review. Thanks again.
It's coming, but I just don't know when.
There's a new Himalayan that will be launched soon. It shows 40hp on the ad. That would be much better than the current model which only has 22hp. Let's hope the bike is as good as the current one.
I had a 1992 when I first got it I road in the rain wearing sneakers. I stop up and both feet slipped off the pegs scaring the crap out of me. I ordered rally pegs skid plate crash bars and seat concept seat as soon as I got home. Later I did the hole saw exhaust mod giving it bark when you gave it gas. It didn’t help the performance but it made it sound good. This was my first 650 I could ride off paved road. I had a lot of fun on it.
A great bike.
Anyone who thinks they do motorcycle reviews should measure theirs to this one. This is one of the most thorough reviews on the internet!!!
Thanks Kurt. We spend a lot of kilometres on the bikes, unlike many reviewers who drive them around the block!
Thanks for the video. You know a bike is good when there are several long format reviews on youtube
Glad you liked it! The bike does the job.
Thanks Guys, Good Vlog. I have a 2022 KLR 650 standard model with ABS. You can remove the ABS fuse and I agree with your review. For me I have foot pegs on order and Bark Busters and will replace the tires soon but haven't decided yet which ones to go for. So many choices. Possible muffler change later on and will save maybe 8 lbs too. I already replaced the skid plate with an aluminum version. Happy Trails here in the States makes a good one. I might also install some heavier fork springs too just to help a bit on those bigger hits.
Thanks for posting your setup.
Best bike review I ever watched. I had 100+ questions about the new 2022 KLR and you answered 95% of those, plus another 50% more I never even thought about. Of my unanswered questions, you just said you did not know the answer, and big thumbs up on that last point. I think you did am amazing job of respectfully acknowledging the KLR legend, but staying out of the fray and focusing only on your first hand experience. I am an original owner of 2017 KLR650 with 20k miles and was wondering if I should upgrade. I could not learn in 100 hours of research what I got from your 1 hour video. New subscriber and big fan. Keep it coming!
We tried to give it a fair go.
Looking at picking one of these up for a tour of New Zealand.
Your issues with the downhill offload remind me of driving a large truck and trailer. You don't wait until you find yourself going too fast before trying to slow down. You anticipate the downhill just like you did in the video.
It’s a good bike for touring.
Hi Guys
Lots of People haven't got endless money to buy expensive gear.
KLR 650 is great for a new comer to start riding away & go exploring.
Thanks Dave
We agree!
Good on you Dave, stay safe
Thanks
I just sold my KLR this summer before a big move. This video seriously makes me miss it, so much I am now thinking of buying another this spring.
A solid plodder that does things well.
Gee you guys do a great test. Thanks Dave, fantastic work, really enjoyed that.
Our pleasure!
Great review and kawi did a awesome job updating their bike and offering a cheap adventure bike to the market, that pretty much no one else has shown interest in doing. I have always laughed at the marketing of so many bikes that show the bike in 90% of an off road environment to help sell excitement but then, as you mention, they come with horrible street tires mounted up. If I ever get lucky enough to travel around the world on a bike with out a question this klr checks every box for that kind of an adventure for me.
Yeah I can see it being a no fuss round the worlder.
From what I’ve heard the doohickey isn’t fixed because of the weak spring.
I have a 2018 KLR 650, a 2021 KLX 300 dual sport, and a first batch Pan America.
All three bikes are good at what the other isn’t. Of the three bikes I’ve mentioned the KLR is the bike I could take out of the equation and do any riding scenario that my 56 year old body should be able to accomplish.
Or just leave me the KLR and I’ll do everything except the super tight single track, and I’ll do it nice and slow.
Agree. And there is an army of you out there just doing that.
Excellent review!
There was no mention of changing sprockets. A very popular change here in the U.S. is to swap the OEM 15 tooth front sprocket out with a 14 tooth. It very slightly affects mpg, but makes a nice difference in "pep" and especially for hill climbs and descents.
You mentioned the beefed up rear subframe. Does that mean they used better quality bolts and fasteners as well? Another common upgrade on the older KLRs was to swap out the rear subframe bits with high strength stainless bits. I have seen several rear subframes come off the bike, including my own, during trips.
The way the pegs attach to the frame was a problem on the old KLRs as well. Basically, there is a small metal box with a nut welded to the inside of the wall of the box for the bolts that hold on the pegs. All edges of the box are welded to the frame so you cannot access the nut to replace it without cutting off the boxes and rewelding. Like the subframe bolts, these welded nuts weren't exactly high grade material and are known for stripping out. Mine had to be heli coiled. I also lost a foot peg when the center stand bottomed out during a rocky descent. The stand mounts using longer foot peg bolts and tabs sitting sandwiched between the peg and the little box. It sheared the foot peg bolts like a hot knife through hot butter... Finishing the descent without being able to stand up was dicey to say the least! With longer pegs, I'd be worried about whether or not those little welded nuts could handle the extra load out on the ends of the pegs!?
Braking on the older KLRs was always "soft". A very popular upgrade was to install braided stainless lines. The original rubber hoses would expand and absorb a good amount of your braking power from the lever. Going to the stainless lines and a better grade of pads made a BIG difference!
With the addition of the fuel injection, did they also upgrade the stator to put out more power? The older KLRs didn't have a lot of extra power to spare for running multiple accessories.
I watched a LOT of KLR riders dump a LOT of money into their bikes trying to make them like other "better" bikes. I think they really missed the point of the bike, which is to be okay at many things but not great at anything. I think this is what has made it so successful for so many years. I rode mine in extreme desert conditions, extreme mountain conditions, on super twisty paved roads, and much more. Sure, in the extremes there were other bikes with me that had it a little easier, but they had their own short comings depending on conditions as well, like limited fuel range, limited to no comfort while sitting, zero weather protection, and so on.
Thanks for your contribution and insight.
Tourmeister, the subframe is now one piece, is what I’ve read. 🌞
Man you missed many things about 22 KLR model...wake up
I''ve had 4 KLR's over the years, and this new one seems to be the best one by far. Your review is an incredibly honest and accurate assessment in my opinion. I would like to ask two questions: 1) If you were to buy one....would you replace the doohickey and install a Thermo-bob ? It's just hard for me to believe that a big company like Kawasaki with a bike with this legacy ....would need those two things.....and that they are definitely aware of it. 2) No one has had anything good to say about the panniers and their mounting bracket. "Throw away" comes to mind. Were they full during this test? 3) What would you install for tires? Thanks!
1.) No. 2.) Panniers will most likely break if used in the tough stuff, but the pannier racks are excellent for my soft panniers. 3. There's a range of tyres depending the types of terrain.
Ask Eagle 🦅🤣🤣🤣🤣👉👌
Excellent job gentlemen! Cheers from America!
Thank you kindly!
Great job with this one guys! Honest, informative, and entertaining.
Thanks
I wish I could hear your bud when he had his helmet. I missed what he was saying. But I really enjoyed your review. For I'm going to start riding. An its been 40yrs since I've been on one. Working on getting some lessons.
Thanks for watching!
Great review. I had nicely modified 2016. Eagle Mike has some good things for KLR'S. I changed to flush mount drain plug. Lowered the foot pegs with a JNS lowering kit and added wide gripping pegs. Changed the gearing by dropping 1 tooth up front and adding for the rear. Makes it so much easier too get through the technical stuff at a slower speed keep up the rpm. That helps also with going dow hill. TRex racing makes a full crash cage system including bssh plate. Plus a Madstad adjustable wind screen made it easy to switch the position. It would be super easy to wire s switch in to disable the abs. I miss mine as it was totaled from a auto driver.
Thank you for your contribution
🦅 has a good life because of mugs....
Fantastic review and video! The Highlands were awesome, thanks guys!
Our pleasure!
Great review guys! I started ADV riding 10yrs ago - got my Ls bought a KLR went touring with my mates before buying a GS. You could buy one of these, learn to ride whilst on your Ls and sell it 3yrs later for about $3k less. That’s cheap fun touring!
Right on! That's what we think.
Well, boys, ya can't beat their review, can ya! Thanks, you two!
We spent a lot of time on it
It is basically a good travel bike boys - remember the days exploring on XT500’s 😎
Agree
Thank you for thinking of us Americans 🇺🇸 when talking about fuel economy. I sure do enjoy these videos and your adventures. Can't wait to see more about the T7 too!
Yeah, there is some stuff coming up on the T700. Suspension mods, light bar addition and a couple of other things.
One issue I have, is the heat that comes out from the radiator on the left side. it really cooks your leg. I'm in far north Queensland and it's mostly in the mid to high 30's here. so the radiator blows out hot air all the time making it uncomfortable on the left side.
As for the bike itself. At first I wanted more power, but then realised that that's not how the bike is built and once you know and accept it's limits, it really does take you to your adventure.
The 2022 KLR650 Adventure is somewhat a lazy adventure bike but a very comfortable and able one at that. It'll get you where you want to go in it's own casual way. I've done over a 1000 k's in the first week with mine and have enjoyed every bit of it.
Awesome Review Guys.
Yep we agree
Did you bring yours in for the break-in oil change/maintenance or do it yourself?
@@leroyjenkins4123 the break in service was done at the shop. They said nothing wrong with it. I've had the bike for a year now, only done 2000 kilometers and the bikes in the shop for it's 4th time. It's a lemon.
The heat cooks the fuel tank, yes boils the fuel in the tank. Extremely dangerous. The fuel pump failed so I had to get it transported to the shop.
Once it comes out of the shop, I'm trading it in on another bike. Definitely not a KLR and definitely not from Kawasaki.
This was my first adventure bike. I won't be getting another. At first it seemed good but after a few rides, It failed miserably.
Hopefully mine is the only lemon around.
@@wotokowotoko5260 man that sucks, sorry to hear that.
@@wotokowotoko5260 call kawasaki and insist that they extend your warranty another year at least and that it's transferable. It will help the value for when you sell or trade. They did it for me. Good luck.
PS: For me, the bars are perfect for riding while standing on the pegs, which is most of what I do. The bike handles much better this way than it does while seated. I rode it over Trail Ridge Road (look it up) today entirely standing up and going 30-50mph. I sit down to go fast through canyons on asphalt, but stand through almost anything offroad. The pegs are small, but adequate. I am 6’1” 200 lbs (91kg, 1.85m), and rode standing in my Harley boots (no shanks to make it easier, like ADV boots).
Thanks for posting
A tailored review, which was entertaining and informative. Showed the bike in its targeted environment. Liked the final Q&A session.
Yeah the final Q & A was successful.
My mate has the same new one your testing and has done 5000 kms, and loves it.
They are a fun bike to ride.
Great review Guys!! What a ride though! That is such an amazing area. As a Victorian, that has ridden the High Country a few times, it won't disappoint any Rider on any Adventure Motorcycle. Great video again Dave! 👍😁
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes you have a great country.
Jeez...that hill was steep on a GoPro so you know it was a cliff in real life. You guys do the best bike offroad reviews hands down.
Thanks. More to come!
Wow exciting times MAD TV is gaining a heap of traction with lots of bikes to be tested in 2022.
Looking forward to the Aprilia & Norden reviews and as always the scenery & banter
Thank you
What is it with you people and wanting more, perfection is the enemy of good enough, the bike is not, and never was designed as a dirt bike, it was designed to get out and ride the dirt roads not as an off road trail bike, and as such it does the job it was designed to do, what more can you realistically ask of any bike than that it does the job that it was supposed to do.
spoken like a true green machine lover. The trouble with that approach is you limit your horizons.
I think it was designed first as a trail bike and then made more roadable .
I’ve the predecessor to the KLR650, a ‘93 KLR600. The bash plate doesn’t extend all the way but it’s metal on the 600 so I bought a flush fitting magnetic oil plug. I’ve the doohickey and thermo-bob fixes done for peace of mind.
Great idea buying a flush fitting oil plug.
🦅 loves you so much ...
Great review of the klr. And I wish I were Australian. The people and country are something to behold.
We are very fortunate. Glad you like the vid. There's lots more good stuff on MAD TV.
Minus all the travel gear, I had a Kawasaki 175 back in the 70's that w/out much difficult you could convert into a more road bike or more trail bike. I road more on trail, but it still had to be street legal to get it to the trail. Took off the turn signals and some other stuff, added a big knobby tire on back and it wasn't too bad. (Keeping in mind I was a teenager w/out much $$.) It cost $700 right off the showroom floor. Great memories ! They weren't bad little Enduro bikes w/some mods but my cousins (who did race, I was a bit too young but still rode on the Highway) rode mostly KTMs and Huskys.
Great little bikes.
Yeah the KE175 was a heck of a bike.
Six years back you did three short vids on the Honda CB500X. That bike seems like a natural competitor to the KLR and I'd be really interested in seeing a new review of the Honda with comparisons to the KLR. Another great film, thanks Dave!
Thanks Ian. The Honda has changed a little since then. Bigger wheels etc. It's a more road oriented option.
Klr is cheap, reliable smiles. With a few upgrades and brass balls they'll make people say " how'd you do that on a KLR650?"
Great ride and excellent review guys!
Thank you.
First video I've seen from this channel, did not expect to watch the whole thing but it was a good watch the entire way.
Los to see on this channel.
Supposedly really easy to wire in a switch for the ABs shut off. I have done most of my riding on a dirtbike, so I played around on my trails with the abs for a while and after I got used to the way it works, I actually really like the ABS it will lock up the rear just enough to start getting sideways but lets go before you slide out. it is fairly obvious that a new pipe / air filter / snorkel removal will give you a lot more power.
You haven't won me over with ABS
Is it possible to share the map of where you went? Love the review and your videos are better than Hollywood imho.
We have never shared maps, but we do provide hints in the video that if you do your research you'll find some good stuff in the vicinity.
Really like my 22 KLR non abs model. No reason to have ABS on these bikes, the brakes are good stock, but not overwhelming and it would have to an extremely slippery surface on which you are going a good clip and really apply the brakes full force for them to be even moderately affective. Great bike for it's intended purpose and a banging bargain.
I strongly agree. In Australia they were made to put ABS on the front.
Outstanding job guys. Keep up the excellent work!
Thanks! Will do!
That was simply ...... BLOODY WELL DONE. Great review.
Glad you liked it Dale. WE do try.
Exceptional informative clear video. Thank you for posting. Greetings and respect to all from Durango Mexico 🇲🇽
Thank you very much!
I bought the NON-ABS Adventure model, United States dealers in my area are not ordering the ABS model, don't want the extra weight of ABS, don't want something we can't turn off, if you been riding KLR enough, you never had it to begin with, and don't need it. My only beef with the bike is the increasing weight, and the steering death wobble was moved from 72 MPH to 82MPH with the new steering geometry, Kawasaki needs to stiffen up the rear to reduce squat at speed, as the bike rolls back on its rear end, leaning forward or adding front end weight Paris Dakar bars tends to eliminate this, I'd Rather ditch the added weight of the PD bars and engine brackets in favor of better-tuned suspension. It won't be long before the aftermarket guys catch up with Progressive cartridge fork inserts and better rear shocks, to improve handling on top of an already improved ride comfort. The KLR was not intended to be the likes of a KTM, Husky, it has decent comfort, reasonable speed and handling, and will take you anywhere in the world you want to go, like all bikes within the limits of it design. This limit is not a bad thing, it's all relative to any bike design, the KTM, Husky will run circles around the KLR In the dirt, the 501 husky only weighs 250 pounds compared to my 2022 KLR Adventure at 487 pounds, the rolls reverse on the highway and backcountry paved rodes, where the extra weight converts to comfort for the KLR.
Thanks for you comment
Love the mouth organ, suits the bike! Miss my 08 KLR 650! Shouldve kept it!
I liked riding it
I can't believe i am watching this after 2 years... I bought brand new klr in 2013 ,first adventure bike,love it ,before that i had zx1400 which i bought in 2008 new.. on zx i was pulled over by cops once a month,some gave me ticket,some just want to talk...klr makes you invisible,it takes pressure to ride it hard,its nice and honest bike for bloke who was lucky to survive silly rides ond powerful bikes
Agree. As I said in the review. I could go round Australia tomorrow on it almost straight out of the show room floor.
Not likely too but if I was going to buy this bike this review would be just what I needed to see. Given our lack of wild open spaces here in the UK not the bike for me.
A one hour review of a bike with 3 total changes in what? 40 years? That's impressive.
Took a lot of effort.
Great review, with only one issue. The doohickey has not been fixed.
The issue with the design is that it uses a regular spring to tension the chain, and initial chain stretch uses almost all the travel. The proper fix is to replace the coil spring with a torsion spring, like in a watch. Big Rock Moto did an entire episode on the issue, the parts needed o fix it, and a how-to by the guy who makes the replacement parts.
Thanks again for making such an in depth real world review!
There is disagreement on this issue.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Well, You disagree. LOL.
@@davidc1961utube Not me, I don't know, but others.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Then watch the video I referenced or the one by Rocky Mountain ATV MC and make up your own mind. Your review stated that you believed the issue to be fixed, and now you say you don't know.
I watch your videos for your opinions, based on extended riding, and you deliver that very well. I was just trying to clarify what appeared to be a misstatement.
@@davidc1961utube It's not a misstatement. You're being a bit too clever. Kawasaki made modificaions to those parts that it is implied SHOULD fix the problem. SHOULD. Others have said it's not a problem. You say it is a problem. We rode brand new bikes,, there were no problems. My next question is have any 2022s broken down with this problem? Which comes back to my response to you, "I don't know". Or do we, as is the most likely case, have to wait a while for miles to get up, before it becomes a problem. I don't know, we'll see. But let's be clear there are some riders that don't believe it is a problem
I love my 23 Adventure, but my 03 Sportster and 93 FXR both have higher ground clearance and can go anywhere the KLR can. Of course, on the Harley’s, you have to manage your speed and choose your route carefully. On the KLR, I get the feeling I can just power straight through, carefree. Of course, to really go almost anywhere, I’d need a KLX400 (basically a DRZ400E). Add a good carb, pipes, and better suspension and not only will that baby go anywhere in Colorado, but tour ok on backroad asphalt and dirt, as well.
I think they are a great bike. As I said in the review I wouldn't do anything to it. Just ride it.
I bought one and picked it up today. Great review thankyou , it made the decision for me.
Glad I could help
Did you bring yours in for the break-in oil change/maintenance or do it yourself?
Did it myself.
@@schelty9233 I think the dealership lied to me. They said they had to do the first one or it would void the warranty.
Anyone heard of such?
I've been working on my own bikes for over 45 years and trust myself implicitly...the dealerships on the other hand..let me say that on inspection post delivery , both the fork axle clamps were completely loose. Not good. As for warranty claims I've never had one in over 30 new bikes . More likely to have issues letting dealers tamper with it lol. I would look into the validity of those claims tho as an oil change isn't rocket science and apart from balancer chain adjustment the rest is straightforward.
Great video guys! You both seemed to condemn the ABS brakes in the first half of the video but seem to change your mind about the 36 minute mark. I was never a big fan of them either at first but like them now. You do lose the ability to lock the rear up on a corner but once you know what the bike can do, you adjust your riding technique.
Nope we never changed our view.
Seems like you enjoyed it, it did the job for you, and didn't let you down. Seems pretty good to me and probably a fine first ADV bike to own.
Agree.
One of these days I'm gonna dig through years of archive footage and do a montage of Dave demonstrating - as he always does - exactly where the wind hits him on the helmet. 😀. Wonder what music I should set that to? Check 09:49 for this one.
I like my helmet punches :)
Tusk sells a “low profile” sump plug. The foot pegs are also rubber mounted, which is probably what gives you the feeling they are drooping. Obviously there are aftermarket pegs too. Its no Africa Twin, but its certainly a lot of bike for the money in my opinion.
I agree.
You can buy a flat sump plug from Rocky Mountain atv I’m sure others do it.
Yeah, I thought there would be one.
I good 1h review love it perfect first clip for the day haha. Soo nice views. Thanks guys.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I agree the stock footpegs are total garbage, but overall I'm loving mine!
There is a lot to love.
I’ve gotten as much as 65mpg on my 2008, but as little as 35mpg with an average of 50mpg.
With these bikes being fairly low on power and not exactly what one would call “aerodynamic” I find that conditions make a massive difference to effective fuel economy.
The same is very true for top speed: In tailwind conditions I can easily hit over 100mph, while in headwind conditions I can barely hold 65mph.
Love the review. Own a 1990 one and glad that I don't need to upgrade! 😄 That ABS sounds like nuisance compared to plain ol brakes, hope there is a fuse you can wire up to the handlebar 😋
Totally agree!
I also was a 1992 KLR650 tengai owner, just loved it. Kawasaki has added 50kilos of gadgetry you don't need. This bike was brilliant, no stress at road works, grass, gravel or rain. I ran Barum tyres, they were brilliant. It's an all round fun bike.
I have 20k miles on my KLR love it.. bought a pan America last year.. it’s like a KLR on steroids 😊
Pivot pegs are the answer to those stock pegs. I have pivot pegs on the Klr and standing up is so much more enjoyable.
A lot of people love pivot pegs.
It gives those people on a budget to be able to join others on their adventures without breaking the bank.As always,thanks.
Yes I agree.
Perfect review! I now know what I am buying now! Thank you
Glad it was helpful! I think they are a good bike.
me parece muy agradable la forma de hablar estoy en proceso de aprendiendo ingles.
Tratamos de hablar claramente y para ayudar tenemos el discurso traducido, al inglés, al español, a muchos idiomas diferentes.
EXCELLENT REVIEW MATE, A WAY AROUND THE ABS IS JUST TO TURN OFF THE BIKE (IGNITION OFF) AND THE ABS WILL NOT INTEFERE DURING THE DESCEND, OR JUST TURN OFF THE ENGINE LEAVE THE BIKE IN GEAR AND USE THE CLUTCH TO DESCEND THE HILL..
Yes.
I honestly enjoyed every minute of this long review. Fantastic..:)
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for the great video on this bike.
A great bike for adventure.
Best video for buying a Yamaha T
Brilliant review and objective comparison, for a new rider it’s important to develop skills and any assistance to allow to learn is a great thing.
Found your channel and love your in Oz 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Leyenda!!! Por siempre🇦🇷❤
Thanks a lot gents! Great test, look fwd to the next one! Enjoy!
Thank you
Great review but you missed out the front fork bellows keeping the dirt out and prolonging fork seal life thus cutting costs🌝 Fabulous scenery, guys🕊
Yes, you're right!
Enjoyed the review and the beautiful area you guys get to ride in.
Glad you enjoyed it
The Tenere XT660Z comment. There’s 660’s approaching ten+ years old advertised not much less than brand new KLR’s. I liked my 660 but no way are they worth the prices people are asking! Brand new KLR would make more sense to a 660. Good review/film
Yep we're with you.
Excellent review. The greatest sheep herders mount ever. they run forever, drudge their way through almost anything, and now they are fuel injected, what more can you ask for if you aren't in a hurry. Well done Gents.
Thank you
Old carby KLR s will run without a battery - don't think the fuel injection one's will !!
Another great vid, top marks guys
Thank you
Hi, great review. Could you please further explain what your ideal strategy/technique would be to descend the steep trail section (~6:00 - 8:00) and in what way did the ABS interfere with that strategy? Also, do you think you would be able to comfortably control a KLR on that steep section if it did not have ABS? Thank you.
Standing stance, braking heavy front bias, very heavy front bias, because that it where the traction is. I would be happier with no ABS on slippery down hils.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Thanks for the reply. I guess I am still wondering how the ABS induces the double sphincter moment (something I would like to avoid ;). I am under the assumption that you have to lock up a wheel before the ABS will interfere, so is locking up either wheel (maybe the rear?) is part of the down-slope technique? If not, does that mean that the ABS activates *_before_* a wheel is fully locked, releasing the brakes, and causing the bike to accelerate downhill which in turn will increase the likelihood of activating the ABS system and further accelerating,? Meaning you cannot fully stop with the brakes if the trail is steep enough? Or am I way off base? Thanks again.
@@foobar7838 In slippery gravel, particularly on a very steep hill the rear rolls through and you have little control
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV I almost get it and have a few more questions if you don't mind answering. I thank you for your patience . 1) Were you trying to lock up the rear to maintain control (scrub speed and slide laterally)? 2) Which brake(s) activated the ABS and which brake(s) did the ABS release:: (a) rear activated / rear released (b) rear activated / both released (c) front/front (d) front/both (e) both/both? Q3) In your opinion, how big of a role did the street oriented tires play in the reduced control on the steep section, meaning would the bike have handled the steep section with out concern had it been shod with quality off road tires?
@@foobar7838 I think you need to ride one and see for yourself. You can bench race and analyse this all day with written prose. As I said in the video I strongly urge purchases to try it in the dirt and get their heads around it. Of course tyres play a part, but I took that into consideration although things would be improved with dirt biases tyres.
Great review! Can't wait to bring one home!
Hope you enjoy it! It's a good bike and I think this review is realistic.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV yes best thoroughly done review I've seen!
When you are sheltering in your tent in the middle of nowhere as the rain hammers down on your motorcycle outside you will sleep better knowing it's a KLR !!
Very good point
I currently have a Honda CRF300L Rally which I’m loving for what it is. I don’t do any single track but do like a bit of touring and dirt roads. Having ridden both do you think I would be happier in my current or a KLR650 Adventure?
Nope
I only use the abs on my adv1190r on the road. Glad it can shut off at least
Not on this one in Australia.