KLR 650 Ride to Virginia City

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Big, BIG round of applause for what you did there with that KLR! A real pleasure to watch someone riding on some pretty sketchy terrain using a relatively simple and largely unmodified machine. Excellent microphone setting: you can properly hear the bike's engine (I usually watch this sort of stuff on my home cinema set-up) whilst still being able to listen comfortably to the very focused commentary. Arguably one of the best of the KZbin "reviews" of the KLR because it tells you just about as much as you'll ever need to know about the bike's capabilities.

[@NatetheAceOfficial]

This single video has more info on the bike than any review I've seen. Actually showing the capabilities, limitations, and struggles that you could face with the bike is incredible. Thanks so much.

[@lincolnscott5547]

Finger nail polish, works great on light bolts like that. It's cheap and a the bolt is more likely to be easily removed again, if needed.

[@williamrae9954]

Thanks for the tip...finger tip 😂

[@tysonsmith4699]

finally someone who rides these things as hard as i do great video nice riding!

[@roadglide1142]

Best KLR real world experience on KZbin! Thanks 🙏

[@SpaceFactsS]

I just love how modest you are with it. You layed it down, big deal, it is a heavy bike. Beginner riders and light trails I think are where the KLR shines. But those are some pretty technical trails you were on. Props to how well you handle that.

[@fastdude2002]

You took your KLR on some pretty challenging terrain there, much respect. People don’t always realize the camera flattens out the terrain and it’s hard to appreciate what you just rode up. Toughest trail I have personally seen anyone take their KLX, good job!

[@zspence77]

Bro, you and the klr650 were frickin dominated that hill going up to the road! That was awesome! I have a 2018 klr650 and have it all deck out! I just love that bike. We have been on some local adventure together! I have 3 other bikes as well and they all do their purposely built jobs very well and so does the mighty klr650! Well done!

[@stuartoates424]

Great to see you riding a lot of the trails around Virginia City, my old stomping ground. Have oened 4 KLR 650s over the years, great bikes, never left me stranded over a ton of miles.

[@oosteveo315]

Good ride man! Def pushing that thing to its limits. I own 2 older ones and an 890. When I watch you go through that stuff, I have flash backs lol. The KLR rides you, you don't ride it hahaha. The 890 feels like a giant 450. It's so much more fun in the gnarly stuff. Still love my KLR!

[@SupRBeeADV]

Dude, you are a KLR riding rock star.. Those are some Knarley routes you did, ROCK GARDEN city.. I would of bailed out big time..

[@steves6614]

DR650 rider here. Enjoy your videos! I from and live in Maine but lived in Reno/Sparks back in the late 80s. Great seeing the old stomping ground!

[@beomsukim3929]

You are a very strong and brave rider. This isn't easy at all. I had tried similar riding in Big Bend last year. I want to go back there.

[@rhllnm]

Pretty gnarly trail for a KLR. I'm impressed.

[@OlmanEg]

14 tooth front 52 rear is my favorite gearing on my KLR. Bike still will run 95mph, but is way way more manageable in the woods. I am considered an advanced rider. Tried a ton of gearing over the last 15 years on the same bike. 14/52 Awesome👍😁

[@haycreek]

My gen2 runs an honest (gps) 48 mph at 4000 rpm with a 14/47 sprocket ratio. Gives the bike the real first gear it should have had but annoying above 60 mph.

[@GratefulOverlander]

KLR may run 95mph, going downhill with a good tail wind

[@OlmanEg]

@@GratefulOverlander lmao no sir! You must be to old to actually open it all the way. I do 90 fully loaded around semi's. That wind resistance is a bitch, but she does it.

[@SUPERDeluxeME]

What’s your mph at 5000rpms? Whats your rpms at 95mph?

[@OlmanEg]

@@SUPERDeluxeME do not own a tachometer.

[@daymianlehrer5995]

I was debating on getting either a ninja 400 or a klr and Im definitely leaning torwards the klr now

[@GratefulOverlander]

There is absolutely no comparison between the 2 bikes you mentioned

[@linguinatorschwartz9309]

@GratefulOverlander It's obvious he was still deciding on what KIND of riding he was going to do.

[@nathanbanks7091]

I've ridden a first gen KLR 30k miles. Lots of stuff like youre riding. Respect. It is a lot of work to ride a KLR in that type of terrain. Those mileage numbers are surprisingly bad. My 04 KLR averages 55 mpg. I did mod the airbox, add a twin air filter, and an exhaust that is obnoxiously loud. The jetting is just right as well. I expected the EFI engine to use less fuel than my old carbureted engine.

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

way to ride !!!! thinking of getting a KLR myself !

[@elvisbullets7382]

Excellent review...Thanks for putting in the work lol.

[@michaelbyrnes4936]

You have skills John , that's not an easy ride

[@jimdoolan2277]

Enjoy that look pretty had riding but good alrounder if need be just ordered a heap of happy trails gear for my bike see it's going to take awhile before I get it upper crash bars skid plate and exhaust as I got the adventure model down here in new Zealand also got the C D cycle windshield the middle one it's great love the stock seat best seat ever 😀 Cheers looked like a cool little town would be nice to see inside were you had lunch Thanks for the video Cheers 🍻

[@janneb71]

Thanks, great video! Regards from Sweden🇸🇪

[@eminiscalperpro9729]

Love the KLR's. Sold my 22 about a year ago now and getting ready to get a new one for the early fall riding season. Only issue is that I've found some good deals on the first gen Triumph Tiger 900's 2020-2023, so I'm in the decision process, I know the tiger is better overall, but the KLR really is good and half the price.

[@kawabungah20]

Thanks for the nice tour around Virginia City! You showed us how it's done. Looking forward to more from you.

[@chrisunderhill8853]

Heck ya doing it right. LOL i droped mine in my drive way at 0 mph haha when she goes she goes she a bit heavy on top is right but like you I am in the age i just want some nice solid trails i dont mind rocks here and there and a small bit of loose sand but give me a nice fire trail i can ride them all day long.

[@doublex632]

Picked up a 22 Traveler, it is way better on the highway compared to the other suspects. Seems to be less footage on right footpeg standing cause the brake pedal. And weirdly I can see better out of right mirror than left. So far love it though, thanks

[@geoffgreenleaf]

Second time I’m watching this. Great riding.

[@Thepig-wm5hq]

Ad soon as I got mine last week lucky I noticed all those little bolts were loose as hell. Locktighted every one of them

[@Heartlanddualsport]

11:56, it looks like you hit the kill switch to shut the bike off, Just going to share something with you that happened to me on a trail a few years back. The amount of rain I find myself in is abundant, so I dont now if my issue was from water and riding in the rain, or just from cleaning my last bike, however, here is what happened, the contacts inside the switch got a little bit of corrosion and I couldn't get the bike to start back up on the trial after using the kill switch, i pulled it apart, cleaned it off, but since there, i always just use the key. Great riding, nice to see you on this trial, I hope you didnt hurt your knee on the dismount when the bike when down, i am sure it probably felt awful, nice to see the plastics held up and didnt crack, so good job there. Did you get the oil leak fixed, what was the issue there? Red dog Saloon. How fun is that, The town I grew up around, back in Oklahoma has a red dog saloon, it is a gentelemens club if you will. Haven't heard that name in a while, so it was fun to hear you mentioned it in this video. Have a blessed weekend my friend. Dale

[@johnbutler9012]

I do use the kill switch to kill and start/kill the bike. Thanks for the tip, I will keep an eye on it. I didn't hurt my knee...just bruised up my calf. I did get the oil leak fixed. I was just really careful when putting the cap back in place and making sure it was torqued properly

[@mikebetts1934]

Haha, I've been to the Red Dog Saloon in OKC. Nice!

[@Heartlanddualsport]

@@mikebetts1934 hahah, Yeah, last time I went there I was 18 full beard and as I was pulling up, the police surrounded the place and I looked at my buddy and said, I do not think this is a good idea, we left hahahah.

[@wsl5585]

Broke it in and got it dirty. Nice to see how this stock 650 does in the dirt.

[@kyjelly5524]

What’s up dude? I have a drz and I live in Reno. I’m down for riding if you are. Always looking for cool people to ride with. Be safe bro ride safe. Just subbed.

[@leogrigio]

A lot of great info for someone thinking of getting a KLR like myself. Thanks!

[@klrnomad]

I've had my 2022 KLR on forest roads and the stock tires felt really sketchy. They don't seem to bother you, though. Great ride.

[@sputters2000]

Yeah and they wear supppper fast, I put 2,000 miles on mine and they were gone. Motoz GPS rear and Motoz Rallz on front for me now

[@exposingthetruth3821]

Yeah crap stock tires for sure. Kept the takeoffs for the zombie apocalypse though, never know maybe trade em for a case of ramen on a trail somewhere.

[@klrnomad]

@@exposingthetruth3821 I ended up using Tusk Dsports. Great off-road, but very noisy and a little twitchy on-road.

[@exposingthetruth3821]

@@klrnomad I hear so many mixed reviews on them. I figure for the price if they are better than stock I'm good with them. May do them for rears but then use a high end 60 40 front

[@michaeljude8931]

John thanks for showing us a real-world example of the KLR performance on/off the road. The way it bogged out and slipped on that Rocky Hill says a lot.. sure the tires might not be the best.. but also the engine is a real thumper. It's helping me steer toward the KTM 890 or Ducati Desert X. That is not to say the KLR isn't right for some people. I'm sure it's the perfect bike from some rider's perspective. thanks again.

[@bobjohnson9597]

Dont forget about us with budgets that jingle jingle and does not fold, Just got a slightly used KLR abs for $5,500 with not a speck of mud on the underside...YET... what did you end up getting and do you plan on making a video to show it off a little?

[@billcotton1551]

Damn .that was a great KLR ride!

[@klaric1]

Seeing you ride through that sandy single track gives me anxiety. Hell I'm having trouble with hardpack dirt roads that have an inch or so of sand/gravel on them.

[@larrylund1138]

I have a new KLR like yours. So far I've installed IMS Pro foot pegs, Happy Trails bash plate, Bark Busters, some cheap break away mirrors, an Eagle Mikes fork brace and Bridgestone AX 41 tires. The tires actually work very well but the sharp rocks will take a toll on them. The fork brace helped the front a lot and I like the 14 tooth counter shaft sprocket for hills as I can get into 2nd gear instead of riding so much in 1st but I can't go as fast on highways so I usually use the stock 15 tooth for all around riding. Try the stiffest setting on the rear spring and add some rebound to soot to keep the rear end from bouncing around. Above all we all have to realize that the KLR isn't a great trail bike but a very good all around Adv Tour motorcycle. What you were riding definitely is the upper limit and then it gets to be way to much work. Good Vid. I'm from Central Coast Ca but love the Carson Valley area. Perfect place for maybe the best dual sport riding anywhere.

[@richardramos9799]

Always stand up going thru rocks.

[@peterjones7935]

Once you've got the first drop done and out of the way it becomes a bit less traumatuc the subsequent times.

[@seisamigos397]

Never seen someone ride a KLR that well through terrain like that! My hat's off to you!!

[@briangorecki2799]

I agree, I would have spilled the bike way before John.

[@NoahWyka]

That's my preferred terrain for my KLR! I live close to a lot of sand, but I really like the technical, rocky kind of stuff.

[@exposingthetruth3821]

Go check out 'on the back wheel'channel. That guy takes a 22 klr650 into some insane stuff.

[@Slong970]

I agree 100% with @exposingthetruth back wheel lives in Australia and takes his klr through INSANE terrain/conditions. Take a little peak at his YT channel! You are the American version of backwheel and backwheel is the Australian version of you hahaha

[@michiganborn8303]

I've been seriously deciding between the KLR Adventure and the KTM 390 Adventure. The KLR-A comes with bags and LED driving lights but from what I hear is not much fun over 70 MPH. Fir around the same price I can get the KTM but I'm not too familiar with the brand and not sure of the long term reliability but I seen videos where it doesn't have a problem doing 85+ mph. Also the 390 only has a 3.8 gallon tank where the KLR I believe is over 6. BTW been to Virginia City 2017, 18, 19 and 21 during the Street Vibrations and that back highway you mention is correct. Very scary. The Mustang Ranch steakhouse closed un Virginia City so that's disappointing.

[@randallcarlton4562]

Nice ride...my backyard. I have a 2022 KLR too.

[@williamquick1326]

Big Bad John! Great job.

[@johnmitchell8925]

I bought the first year of the second generation and had lots of issues with it. oil leaks were covered under warranty the first few months, turn singles started falling off one by one the dealer laughed at me and said somebody must be breaking them off . After a year i finally got reimbursed for the turnsingles . One more thing the dealer wouldnt cover was the mirrors started getting spider web type lines inside the glass on both sides , after dealing with Kawasaki service for a couple days they called the dealer i bought it from an told the to replace the mirrors under waranty Thats the last kawasaki ive owned since 08 and don't get me started about the idler chain rattling under warranty and the dealer stated they couldn't hear any noise.I ended up replacing the broken spring spring myself

[@bluezhawg2104]

I have the same bike and have no such issues, I am also a professional motorcycle technician. I do not advise loctite on those cowling fasteners as you’ll never get them out afterwards. As they are well nuts. As for your side panel bolts falling out you likely didn’t have the collars fully seated when you tightened them. Now for the leak my guess is you nicked the o ring. Good luck on getting proficient in tech work .

[@bigjimcountryboy]

when them cheap A$$ tires were out at 3000 miles upgrade to endoro tires it will tide better off road and on road. the stock tires are just $hi# ! I have a 2022 klr fuel pump died I changed it NOTE red wire on the pump motor in side the sending unit was lose, I didn't try it do to the labor timr I decided just to put the new pump in and criped the red wire to make it tight. fuel pump was $60 on amozon comes with new fuel filter the old filter was bad at 3300 mils dirt in it looked like paint over spray from when they painted the tank. off road my $2000 x-pro templar m 250cc ripps . I put on a smaller rear sprocket upgraded kick stand the one it came with bent like hot lead lost the scid plate 9 loc tight loc tight loc tight ) they should sell loc tight in 5 gal pals sadle bags rank bag upgraded headlight fixed wiring harness was just taped connections from new all bolts need loc tight added seat cushion replaced key witch and starter button upgrade carb so I could adjust carb to get the exhaust to stop glowing red replaced rear shock upgraded spark plug rapped glug wire to stop it from melting on the head speed O liyes by 5 mph your doing 5 under what it reads like the KLR also it is a 2023 with now 400 miles on it. I think I got the bugs worked out now, I road it 85 miles on road the other day like I stole it my son followed me on the kLr Both bikes got 48 mpg the @50cc would get better cruising Remember I ran it all out 9.5k rpm for 85 mile taering out after every stop.

[@chillgaming3197]

Very cool trail riding

[@gregferris9378]

I'd like to ride that trail on a KLX 300. My KRL Adventure is to heavy for me to ride that route.

[@JP1970]

Hi John...how do you like that exhaust? Oh man, I need to do the loc tite too! She just wants to rattle apart--haha! What pegs are those? What the heck with the oil??? You live in Reno area?? I agree with you about 2nd gear and about the rocks---oh no! Glad you weren't hurt. Come on KLR....you can do it! 👽Fun to see Virginia City again--I was there last year on my Gold Wing and a couple of friends on their BMW 800's. Bet you were happy to be back on the pavement--I was happy for you! Thanks again--watched the whole thing, man!

[@zapman2100]

if its the tusk low profile bolt make sure to check it for cracks often

[@johnbutler9012]

thanks for the tip

[@leroyjenkins4123]

As in, check the plug for cracks?

[@zapman2100]

@@leroyjenkins4123 the tusk bolts fail often just do a search for it. ive had 2 fail on the trail.

[@leroyjenkins4123]

@@zapman2100 yikes. Thanks.

[@leroyjenkins4123]

@@zapman2100 what brand plug did you go with?

[@AR-eg4we]

Worth checking out the filter cap seal. I wonder if it’s pinched.

[@johngambit356]

I had the same problem after changing my oil. I was frustrated and cleaned the oil off,waited a couple of days and it sealed itself when I performed a test ride to find the area of the oil leak. I hope this is not a chronic problem/

[@TheWilburinthehouse]

What fun! Thanks for sharing a straight up pig ride vid.

[@richardmorrison2686]

45 mpg. ,is about what you can expect from the 650 , I have a 650 Versys parallel twin I get 58 mpg

[@chrisunderhill8853]

oh and i totaly agree with every one here the stock tires are perfect to get it home :) first thing i did was change them out.

[@zerotheklr650]

Stock tyres too

[@ccryder7083]

Got a place in Sparks and hoping to be there full time by mid next year. What city you in? Picking up a new KLR in the next few weeks so you might see another one in the area

[@kyjelly5524]

Nv hills are brutal! Dry,steep, loose rocks. Oh yeah and next to a cliff.

[@kvl505]

Great Job.. You are doing very well handling the KLR. Dam good effort..

[@rollingstone3017]

Yup. That was real. I hate how when I first fall my adrenaline is just pumping.

[@crispinleslie]

Well ridden mate👍. You could have made life easier for yourself if you had aired you tires down- but you did well.

[@michaelcharest1869]

When you installed the exhaust did you have to modify of buy additional parts or bolts , I seen one of the KZbinrs (swanky cat installation video) had to when he installed his, just wondering if they fixed that problem

[@robinsonmorel3294]

Great video and makes me want to get a Klein. Can you please share that track. Thanks

[@johnbutler9012]

Not sure what you're asking

[@robinsonmorel3294]

@@johnbutler9012 good afternoon Sir, I was asking if you could share the gpx Route or track and I was thinking of getting a KLR as a mid size bike. I currently have a Ktm 350 and bmw 1200 gsa

[@johnbutler9012]

@@robinsonmorel3294 sorry I didn’t take a GPS track. Best I can do is say just jump on the trails behind Dayton and then on the trails about halfway up 6 mile canyon

[@robinsonmorel3294]

@@johnbutler9012 thankss

[@craigcook1571]

What was the temperature on that ride, it looked like you were in short sleeves when riding by that snow. Never mind, you answered it right after I typed it😬

[@scottmonroe5259]

If you own a klr, you will need loctite. Super easy bike to work on and parts are inexpensive. Still loving my 2017(bought new) and will never get ride of her.

[@kong3]

I rub grease lightly on the o ring and use a tooyjbrush on the grove. try it

[@slickrick6396]

I was trying to see if your Garmin was on in the trials? Was it in trail mode

[@12lionwhelps71]

Next time you make that trip through the desert, make sure equip yourself with supply's. Water, flashlight, firestarter/emergency blanket, and a knife/gun. God for bid, the bike goes down, and cracks it's engine case, and you find yourself stuck. But pretty BadAZZ of you to ride through the desert to visit a saloon on the other side!! "Like a cow boy..on a steel horse I ride, wanted dead or alive".

[@wscottald]

Looks like your having fun! I went dual sport back in the 90's with a 1998 Suzuki DR350. I raced enduros and did the Reno 200 a few times. I have family in the Reno area. Mind if I ask where you are located? I love riding the desert, especially around the Reno/Tahoe area.

[@johnbutler9012]

I'm in Fernley

[@robmata474]

Dropped mine the first day in my yard putting it in the basement. No damage to the bike cracked the left side box. 😢what was the solution to your oil leak??.

[@nathanbanks7091]

Some brands of oil filters come with a new O-ring.

[@2tallnegrito7cmn55]

How do you find this roads?

[@Garland77]

Looks like a great place to ride! I don’t know how you are able to remember where each trail goes, though. I know that here I can see the forest service roads and trails on my gps, are these desert trails on a map or does everyone rely on memory?

[@dustdeviltaz]

I sure couldn't use a GPS while riding these trails. Stop at the top of the hill and look around. This riding requires total commitment.

[@gladegoodrich2297]

Lifetime rider and racer! Bought a new KLR and rode it 5000+ miles in a couple of years. At 500 pounds I just never felt comfortable on it. Hated it off road. Now riding my 43 year old Yamaha XT 500.

[@jason.couture7177]

What type of emergency gear do you carry with you in the event you are injured and cant get back out?

[@playitforwardlive9022]

What kind of adventure boots did you go with, and do you like them?

[@johnbutler9012]

I have the Alpinestars Corozal boots. So far so good. No complaints

[@theorthobiker]

So, I am looking at the KLR as a potential suspect for a second bike. I currently ride a sportster, but want to do some light off-roading and learn some of tha ADV life ( I live in the Ozarks of North Central Arkansas). Is the KLR a good bike to learn on or cut my teeth with?

[@patrickcobb4483]

Yes it is. You will never ride the sportster again. I came from a cruiser & the klr made me realize the cruiser was half the bike & useless to me

[@theorthobiker]

@@patrickcobb4483 I love my sporty though. I have put so much work into this to customize it. I want the KLR for the touring with the option to go offroad, but I am sure I will keep riding the sporty to work. It will be a few years before I can afford a KLR though. Gotta pay this consolidation loan off.

[@thexrs7062]

We should ride this looks fun

[@ColoradoBigfoot]

KLR is great Can not hang with the XR though ;0

[@paullavergne2477]

Hey now every said that bikes bullet proof lol👍👍

[@Juergen732]

I'm good taking the paved business loop..

[@KiLleR249]

U hate rocks because K750 tires DO TOO...😄. I hope by now u've upgraded to something in Dunlop's D600 series.

[@nathan00campbell]

I just picked up a brand new 23 model and I got to say the rear tire is somewhat livable like it's surprisingly decent off-road for what it is. But that front tire wants to wash out on literally everything that isn't dry pavement. I was watching your riding and seeing the front try to come out from under you a couple of times. Mine's not even good on a damn dirt road. That front tire has to go

[@geoffgreenleaf]

It’s my number one concern

[@nathan00campbell]

@@geoffgreenleaf Motoz Tractionator Desert ht specifically in 90/100-21 is the answer to that problem completely. That specific size comes with a unique tread pattern and compound and it's absolutely amazing on and off-road

[@Thewarhorse47]

38 mpg? Yikes. I have a 2003, I weigh over 220 and I get mid 40's at 75-80 mph and between 49 and 55 mpg at 60-65 mph.

[@filippocorti6760]

I'm wondering if 10 or 20 more horsepower would have meant no crash. John; I hope you are ok.

[@johnbutler9012]

More horsepower would probably make it a bit more susceptible to crashing. Just a bruise, won't be the last

[@DVKESILVER]

Was that a TACP sticker I spotted?

[@johnbutler9012]

The strong shall stand, the weak will fall by the wayside

[@billcotton1551]

Just curious ,when you did your oil change ,did you replace the gasket on the filter cap?

[@johnbutler9012]

I'm assuming you mean that O-ring? I did not, never have on previous bikes with no issues. So far it looks like the oil leak is gone. I think I will end up just replacing it in the future whenever I change my oil

[@kenhowells339]

I have a 23 klr650, I'll ride with you

[@ddaattrroonn]

Sounds like a lot of operator error, I recommend a new mechanic.

[@MrPepper312]

Did you have to flash the ECM for the new exaust.

[@johnbutler9012]

I didn't do anything to it. Just put on new exhaust and pulled the snorkel

[@COM70]

Wow how can you ride at 80mph without a proper fairing ? It must be very fatiguing ? Nice job BTW. Also I was wondering about the weight of that bike ?

[@bluezhawg2104]

The KLR has great wind protection.

[@gailmaplesden7380]

I can see why they call it the mule . It sounds like a tote goat with that single cylinder thumper . I can see why the military likes these for urban and rural areas because of their multi-purpose use .

[@397coney7]

I swear I live on the wrong side of the country. You guys have way more places to ride off road.

[@johnmitchell8925]

OH and thats a heavy bike to pick up especially in loose sand with a tank full of gas

[@hstapes]

TACP represent!

[@jiajia2006]

这路 好爽啊

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

Stock tiers? Put some decent tires on it, world of difference.

[@stephen8618]

Impressive riding skills, considering the bike you're riding. I never felt comfortable riding either of my KLRs on single tracks. Too heavy.

[@chadkline4268]

Somebody ought to clear those trails with a bulldozer.

[@mechcavandy986]

@9:40, you need to get in shape man! Those lose rocks were killing you. Exercise!