KLR650 vs DR650 vs XR650L : Ultimate Buyer's Guide / Affordable 650cc Dual Sports!

KLR650 vs DR650 vs XR650L : Ultimate Buyer's Guide to Affordable 650cc Japanese Dual Sports
If you are looking for an affordable and reliable 650 class dual sport there are really these three choices. We don't cover the european stuff in this comparison that is for another video.
What are the key differences between the KLR, DR and XR? Which is right for you? What are common issues to look out for on each bike? That's what this video is here to provide for you.
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[@BigRockMoto]

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[@tomyoung1739]

Forget the bikes,this bloke is by far the best I have encountered on bike reviews.Why is this so?He knows what he is talking about,has massive knowledge,does not play favourites,and it appears he actually rides bikes.Every other reviewer I have encountered has the same problem,they are all a bunch of wankers.Whoever you are,bloody good job.Thank you

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks!

[@treytheriot]

He loves what he does I could watch em talk about bikes for hours as I am doing right now 😆

[@markcrum5895]

I kinda believe his " massive knowledge" comes from Google unfortunately.

[@michiganmoto7687]

@@markcrum5895 guess again. He has ridden just about every bike out there and has owned more than I could ever hope to. Don’t make assumptions about people you know nothing about.

[@markcrum5895]

@@michiganmoto7687 didn't think I did. But it does seem you are making assumptions about someone you don't know!

[@sheepdog819]

Just bought me a DR650. GLAD I did.

[@samuelbowlin8338]

I have a suzuki dr650se with 790 big bore and cam with headers .what a bush hog

[@johnnyturbo8460]

Suzuki DR650 here.. and i LOVE IT! FUN... reliable, huge aftermarket for it, AMAZING bang for the buck, especially when buying used

[@badgerbait8351]

Currently own a YZ250X, Betta Xtrainer and my second XR650L. The L is ridiculously reliable and relaxing.

[@user-gc3yi3xq2k]

Honestly, you have the best motorcycle review channel out there. Keep up the great work. 🙏

[@unclequack5445]

I have a KLR 650 out of the 40 something bikes Ive owned It rates as one of the best most flexible bikes Ive owned.

[@freehuman480]

How about for off road

[@unclequack5445]

@@freehuman480 Its a big bike it's heavy in tight technical stuff.

[@putitupinya]

I've ridden some really technical, Rocky terrain on a klr. It's a heavy bike, but it also tractors thru damn near anything you point it at.

[@tarzaan2603]

Very well done video! Accurate and plentiful info and accurate opinions! No rambling and great comparisons THANKS!!

[@Speedytrip]

Great comparison, as always. One of the few youtubers I don't have to skip through half of it to get to the information.

[@benlees9713]

I have a customer who went from these bikes to KTM and had nothing but a bad experience. He said the whole bike was too sensitive to temp, keep in mind he has raced motocross for enduro for 25 years. He said these old school dual sports are the bikes to get for almost everyone. Unless you are doing legitimate cross country touring there is no need for anything else.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Ktm is a performance company. You will have issues and they have auch higher maintinance and repair schedual. Great company great products but they want to win races with low weight and high performance and innovation. If you want a machine that will be easy to maintain for 30 years that will last longer these kawasaki klr dr650 and honda xr are the most durable most simple. They will not be as finicky and picky.

[@JuanHoya]

Spot on review, nicely put together and straight to the point(s). Thanks for sharing!

[@landenedwards2729]

I bought an XR650 when I was 18 and let me tell you, those things are indestructible. I rode that thing for a little over a year (used as a daily) an the only thing I ever did to it was add oil when I thought most of the old stuff burnt up😂😂. So of you want a idiot proof bike that's tons of fun the XR is the way to go

[@cameronsnow2691]

Great comparison. Thanks for taking the time to do it - lots of good info

[@citizendualsport8743]

enjoyed your vid - all these bikes are great in their own right but they do have their unique properties, you did a good job speaking to all the nuances

[@scottroberts3131]

As a photographer and not a videographer, I never quite got focus breathing until this video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on these bikes. Very useful.

[@livewire..]

New DR650's have been an excellent buy in Canada over the last few months. $500 price rebate + $500 Visa Cash Card + 5 year warranty.

[@paulmontagner6360]

Ive got a dr 650 nice to ride its stock only 4950 km brought it second hand very low usage love it

[@rogerjolly1063]

Best comparison info ever. Thanks man, it makes it easier to choose one. As a novice dirt rider who wants a decent capacity that can handle touring and road, I appreciate the balanced comparo

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks

[@acrazedtanker1550]

I've wanted an XR for awhile but the screw adjustable valves just sells it, plus everything else it has going. Great video

[@RKmndo]

DR can be stripped to 320lb curb, pumped to 50+WHP, fitted with 400+ miles of fuel range, made all-day comfy, and suspended with fully-adjustable boingers. DOT knobs make it ride like a chunky dirtbike.

[@cavscout62]

Exactly.

[@TheJaxsonjack]

"DOT knobs"???

[@RKmndo]

​@@TheJaxsonjackKnobby tires that are approved for use on public roads by the Department Of Transportation.

[@TheJaxsonjack]

@@RKmndo Oh, yeah, huh ... lol thanks!

[@MM-cr7dq]

Great information - a bit off topic but I had a 1991 DR650R Dakar, loved it. A mate of mine had a KLR from a similar year. Living in a very isolated desert area it was great to get out on reliable machinery (I thought the DR was a bit simpler than the KLR) - carry extra fuel and water all the time!

[@sc9041]

I have the xr650l. As you said, I added the bigger gas tank for longer range. I am riding more dirt then road but it being a 94 it has been good to me. I'm slowly updating it and finding that mostly all the parts I put on the bike make it look and feel much better. Even with upgrades I'm still well under 2000. Cost, reliably and look I would have to say that I'm very happy with it and strongly recommend it to anyone that is working on a budget. Great review and ride safe brothers and sisters!!!

[@nicholasbaker2904]

How's the xr these days?

[@sc9041]

@Nicholas Baker holding up well. Taking it down to AZ soon to go ride the desert. I have cr250r now as well. The only thing I have had to buy since I get back in shape is the tires. You looking at getting one?

[@nicholasbaker2904]

@@sc9041 yes. I'm considering a few bikes used for my first. The reliability and honestly simple guages make me like it alot. Also considering drz 400 and klr 650 gen 1. Really whatever I can get for lowest miles deal on marketplace.

[@mikeisland7382]

Great job on an un-biased comparison. I've owned all three and loved bits about all of them.

[@pablomaximilianosantana2402]

DR... TIMELESS ....END

[@chrisb3822]

Another great video. I must have missed this upload a few weeks ago. I ride a KLR

[@2Timone7]

Outstanding video! Thanks for sharing.

[@markphils1941]

DR650 ALL THE WAY😃😃😃😃

[@michaelhayward7572]

Watched a couple of your vids now. Informative and enjoyable, thanx. Regards from NE Thailand. Subscribed.

[@SkateEverythingProject]

Love this, super helpful and concise! Thanks!

[@chrisd4283]

New to your channel but have been truly enjoying your vids. 2nd time XR owner who knew he was riding 99% off-road. I bought the 1200 GS/A to satisfy my road miles with Forest roads for MC camping. I rode the XR for the Palmdale>Vegas and while not a KTM or other modern bike, it held it's own, albeit towards the back, but the bike is literally indestructible. Easy to maintain and I would trust it anywhere (except a UT Interstate with a 80mph speed limit). Keep up the great work.

[@diamondmidnightgardener]

Great vid, great desk, great house and great location!

[@edfeten4724]

Just watched your video. I'm happy to see that somebody is still talking about these 3 bikes. I currently have a Gen1 KLR650. I enjoy taking it on long day rides. I do a fair amount of dirt riding on it. Just easy fire roads and power line roads and jeep roads. I put a Cogent Dynamics rear shock on it and race tech for emulators up front. It came with some stiffer progressive springs in the forks when I bought it. The suspension upgrades were expensive but worth it. It handles wayyyy better than stock. I hope to one day take the KLR on a multi-day adventure ride. Regarding the DR650. I have never ridden one but would like to. One of my co-workers used to commute to work on a DR650. He put 60,000 miles on the first one. I think something happened to the transmission at 60k. He retired it and bought another DR650. He continued to commute on it until 30,000 miles when something happened to the top end. I could not believe that he got 60,000 miles out of the 1st DR. This guy is approximately 270 lbs. His commute was from Lake Elizabeth CA to Moorpark CA every day, 124 miles round trip. I asked him what RPM he was revving it to. He didn't know since the DR does not have a tachometer but he said that on many sections of the commute he held the throttle wide open and would do 80+ mph. Haha, that DR went thru hell. I think they are very rugged bikes. Regarding the XR650L. I have never rode one but I had a plated xr600 for years. I didn't ride it much on the street. It was setup for dirt riding. I put about 13,000 miles on it, about 12,000 of those were in the dirt. It was a great bike. I'm happy Honda is still making the XR650L but I'm sure the end is near for it and the DR. By the way. I have watched several of your reviews. I am trying to guess where you live. It looks like Wrightwood CA, but I am guessing maybe Big Bear? Anyways, good job on the reviews. I think the first video of yours that I watched was the KTM690. I would really like to try that bike. Have you ever owned the KTM 640 Adventure? I would like to try one of those, even though they are getting old now. I heard they vibrate pretty good as well.

[@tristanbeauchamp]

Ed Feten I have a Gen1 KLR with stiffer springs and racetech emulators too, and you are right this is a completely new bike! Before I would bottom out in trails and everytime I went airborn I was concern about the landing haha now has 65 000 km on it and still running strong

[@quidestnunc9238]

I submit to each of you that the XR650L does Not, repeat, Not require suspension mods (and, dare I repeat myself, it's a Honda).

[@patrickcowan8701]

Just picked up a 2006 klr with tons of aftermarket parts,skidplate, exhaust,hard bags,full wind screen for a grand off my friend, going to do the schnitz 685 kit and look into the spings,he just bought himself a new KTM 690

[@AshHalls]

@@quidestnunc9238 Everything needs mods because, because.

[@desert4seat]

@@quidestnunc9238 I put 30,000 on an L (99.9% of it dirt), it definitely needs suspension mods. 100%.

[@randallbair5860]

Xr lightest most parts and coolest Honda’s run forever

[@rvsam4u]

You make excellent videos! Thanks, very informative.

[@patrkbukly4240]

Good video thank you. Thorough overview.

[@jackcraigaptos]

i am still lovin & ridin my big red pig, although with some number of mods,.. new in 2016, great vid!!

[@steveacevedo820]

Love my DR650 and agree it's the perfect 50/50 bike and you'll want to replace the stock seat with a more comfortable one if you plan on riding anything over a hundred miles in one day.

[@eduardoolivaresp.6497]

We resolved it with a gel cushion and memory foam. It may not look aesthetic but as a pilot you love it on long trips. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3momXx-l96Kn7c

[@davidcarper5411]

DR can be pushed off road, I rode a stock 2014 dr650 from Silverton to Lake City Colorado in 1 hour and 20 minutes

[@RKmndo]

I've done 1000+ miles in a day on a stock DR seat...and a shaved one.

[@johnnyturbo8460]

Such a well done video.. i wanted it when it 1st came out... and I'm now watching it again and i am still intrigued and catching new things i missed the 1st time

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnnyturbo8460]

@@BigRockMoto great channel brother

[@tangledline]

Owned em all...KLR/DR/XR/KTM and went back to the DR650. It just works all around....Heck I tried the big ADVs...if you drop it...aint gonna be easy on flat or angled terrain-DR650 you can drop and pick up all day. Aussies LOVE the DR!

[@estebanod]

why the DR? it doesn't seem like it has any advantages, worse for off road than the xr and the klr is more adapted to touring/highways

[@tangledline]

@@estebanod You just gave the answer. Its the perfect balanced bike without breaking the bank. I am just going on actual owner experience...not youtube experience.

[@mmmasterscross7915]

Great Video very interesting and informative! Thanks for sharing this video review!

[@rjeepster8640]

As always great content! Great comparison

[@androidemulator6952]

Sealed the deal for me... the DR650 it is.

[@johnburke2285]

Very well done comparison. Kudos.

[@ericgoodrich593]

Great video. Thank you for all the information.

[@alphawolf2993]

Mostly dirt? Xr650L. Mostly street? KLR 650. Dont know? Dr650 + mods

[@ryanlynch2259]

Priceless

[@apostate4apostate494]

DR650 is the best motorcycle ever made hands down

[@mvjoshi]

Perhaps THE best single line review of the three bikes by themselves and in a group.👍🏼

[@majorlee1]

Perfect explanation

[@PrimoStracciatella]

I had a XR and a DR which I never took offroad. I liked the light weight, the high seating position which lets you look over the roofs of cars in traffic, the wide handle bars that give you control in any situation, the slim shape of the bikes, the power to weight ratio and of course the feeling of a big single. I put Pirelli MT60s on them and have to say that I grinned the whole time while riding them. I guess a supermoto would be my kind of bike! Interestingly way back the French put on 17" wheels with street rubber and started the supermoto/supermotard craze. The DR was their favorite. I preferred the Suzuki because of the engine, it made more torque down low and midrange while the Honda made more power the more you open the throttle. Even though I think the Honda is the better-looking bike (most Suzukis are challenged in the look department) I sold it and kept the DR.

[@matticusmac6452]

I appreciate all your work, ive owned a lot of bikes, loved my XR650R, way diff from the L! Great reviews and info!

[@danielhristov6175]

Apples and bananas

[@briancannamore8494]

Awesome reviews !!! Keep up the great work.👏

[@GPatrolUte]

Hey I’ve just subscribed as a 2015 Susie 650SE I bought new. I’m especially appreciative of your comment on the upper chain roller delete comment you made and had a look at mine. This bike has only done 4230km so I don’t use it much but the roller was trashed. I’ve removed it. Thank you.

[@SkydiveHake]

Great video! Very informative, first hand information!

[@bryancornell6949]

I think that you are spot on. I have owned a 2014 XR650L and currently own a 2012 KLR650. The KLR requires a lot of tinkering (head pipe, KLX carb needle and richer pilot jet, air box modification to breathe better & exhaust) just to feel the same snap as the XR has from the factory. However the KLR is a better mini adventure bike than you could ever make the Honda into because of its road manners especially at speed. I do a lot of dirt riding (finding and discovering deep woods fishing spots and enjoying getting away from people) as well as jumping and road hooliganism. Therefore the XR is a better throw around wheelie bike. Really nice job on the video!

[@natural9743]

DR 650 HANDS DOWN BEST BIKE FOR EVERYTHING PLUS IF YOU WANT TO MODIFY IT -YOU CAN EASILY WITH GREAT AFTERMARKET PARTS

[@AshHalls]

The KLR sounds like the perfect bike for me 80:20 towards road use. BUT the DR just seems like a nicer bike. Was planning to get a KLR gen 1, don’t like the look of the gen 2.

[@sc9079]

Great info all in one video, thanks

[@stube49]

Great comparison video! And yes, the KLRs are now being sold again in the US.

[@izatizatruachhakodesh3069]

Top of the DAY. Great VIDEO

[@androidemulator6952]

Great video.. thanks for the review.

[@DGETHIS01]

dr650 because it doesnt weight 450 pounds and you can actually ride single track at a decent pace with mods. the only benefit i had on the KLR was a bigger gas tank and more wind protection. The klr was awful in mud up in alaska. the DR650 is the bike you want if you actually like to hit some challenging trails and still be able to cruise at 70 mph comfortably

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

Why would you choose the DR over the XR? Just curious

[@ridenm7748]

@@2wheels.are.better.than4 Oil cooler, cush hub, low seat height. Its a better street bike basically.. without being heavy like a KLR.

[@danilocapellan1316]

Very professional review thanks. 👍🏼

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@detch5307]

I second that (tom young). This was a great review. Thank you Big Rock Moto.

[@tombeckett4340]

I had my Suzuki a have over 100,000 ks on it and still runs great. Thanks

[@kenbrownlee4170]

A no nonsense review Excellent review my friend

[@bobclapper2672]

Thank YOU , OUTSTANDING INFO !

[@villiamo3861]

Very good & informative vid. Thanks.

[@jamjw1]

Great video! Thank you

[@LevelUpSimRacing]

Just what I was looking for thank you

[@daveg.4862]

Own the DR650, great info thank you. As an old guy riding a Harley, i hop on my DR and im back at 16 on my CR125 (ok not really) but its a great trail bike and getting to the trail at 65 is no prob. Easy to put in a pick up truck, and lots of fun. Bullet proof engine (love them in Aus and SAmerica) when parts are weeks away. A few hundred bucks for a FMF pipe and jet kit gives another 15lbs of T , and a much better off roader.

[@billdennis2993]

Thx BRADV for informative video I'm waiting for your euro version as I have only ridden those in last 30yrs on my 5th KTM including 3 RFSs. 1 thing I've I earned in 55yrs of riding dirt and street no one bike can do it all as their all compromises.

[@mototoad1242]

The three of these are great bikes. The klr is a lil too bulky and heavy for my liking but honestly can't go wrong either way

[@jamesdaple9951]

Nice spread! And thanks

[@scoutsout_aroundtheworld1015]

This is one of the most thorough reviews man, thank you! I’ve been thinking of another bike so I Think I’m leaning towards the dr650! I already have a bmw 800gs. So it seems logical to lean more on the dirt side of things.

[@BigRockMoto]

My pleasure!

[@telcobilly]

I had the 2003 DR650 which I did a few upgrades on.. I'm torn between another one of the XR650L

[@805gregg]

I've had KLR and DR, DR is hands down better both on and off road, and the god thing with the DR is fr $850 you can get a 790 kit, so in my case I bought a $1900 '96 DR and put a 790 kit on it, so for $2750 I have a 55 hp 790 that weighs 365# and will run 90,000 miles

[@adamrichards2072]

Do you find you get more vibration with the big bore kit? I have a pumper carb, full exhaust system and have done the air box mod. Has significant gains but doesn't run nearly a smoothly as my mate's stock DR.

[@sqalston]

@@adamrichards2072 what are you riding bro

[@adamrichards2072]

@@sqalston DR650

[@RKmndo]

@@adamrichards2072 The 790 piston weighs pretty close to the stock DR650 piston. Compression is a bit higher with the 790 though, but most ppl report minimal change in vibes. The rubber-mounted pegs, bars, seat, and rear hub make the DR pretty smooth for a big thumper, regardless of stock, high-comp, or big-bore piston. The gear-driven counter-balancer works pretty well too. Opening the intake made my DRs feel more "visceral". Snorkeled DRs are ridiculously quiet and smooth. Just removing the snorkel makes them feel and sound more "thumpy". I actually replaced a cut airbox to reduce intake noise on one of my DRs. With stock exhaust, performance near sea level is pretty comparable with just a snorkelectomy, an adjustable overseas needle, and an extended idle-mix screw. A freeflowing exhaust may better utilize a cut airbox and a larger main jet, but most aftermarket muffs are harshly loud and require frequent repacking if you slab long trips.

[@davida1679]

Great video with lots of details, thank you. DR all the way!

[@ryannafe9252]

So, once again, Suzuki knocks it out of the park with a simple, reliable, and thoroughly-competent machine. It’s an extremely functional motorcycle, with none of the compromises that it’s two competitors have.

[@pilotdane1]

BINGO !!!!

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Kawasaki gas got a better seat a bigger tank and a windscreen

[@ryannafe9252]

Indeed it does, and the trade-off is more overall weight and a higher center of gravity, meaning lower performance both on and off road over the lighter and lower CoG of the Suzuki.

[@mmeste5218]

@@ryannafe9252it is carbed though. I feel like a fuel injected engine is such an easy way to ride.

[@user-fk2mp5xh4s]

​@@mmeste5218How about valve adjustments?😂

[@deltaskyhawk]

Another great review!

[@BudFox559]

This is an excellent comparison

[@zachariahrager1306]

What a great video, thank you for this

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kevinbeilby1495]

Hi man. I enjoy your vids. Well done. Where do you live with that view out of your window? Cool man

[@sfixx]

The static backgrounds are distracting me.

[@thomasrice4078]

Nice review, enjoyed it.

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@LegendaryJim]

nice to see real analysis rather than a focus on delivering pretty videos.

[@RobRidesCarolina]

Good Overview!

[@petevicente9236]

Great review. Thank You

[@toecutter1547]

as ive grown older to near 60 im on my 3rd xr 650l. since they came out in 93. they are bullet proof and more for the offroad. The after market is supportive and they are really easy to work on. Im sold!

[@Dansk55]

After a few years or searching, I always come back to the DR650 even after getting a new MT10 this year. Definitely will be picking one up this summer for adv rides.

[@CameronLittlesustainablecam]

Great review again!

[@BigRockMoto]

I appreciate that

[@emfl4437]

Really enjoy your videos and to the point information. I have a DRZ400E , but would like a DR650 or XR650 for the longer road trips that mix in off-road. I usually end up trailering the DRZ within 50-60 miles of my destination.

[@brianhoward9217]

This guy is one of the VERY BEST reviewers for bikes on YT. Absolute legend and I trust his advice completely. BTW, He has fantastic reviews on the new Africa Twin and Kawasaki 1600 KTL 6cyl - fascinating - check 'em out! I have a 2005 DR650 (yellow model) and it is still near new - 3K on the clock and I HAVE to start riding more 🙂. I was really surprised to see the XR has those oil-cooler-less specs and the rear cushion hub omission - seems totally NON-Honda like. I'm a Honda luvva from way back, really wanted an XR but simply HAD to choose the DR on specs and feel when ridden. I'm a shorty at 167cm (5'6"). The special lowering link for DR had me SOLD!! Flat footer now! I'm happy with my DR and BigRockMoto man has re-affirmed myu decision all those years back - I bought NEW after riding each bike. Cheers to all from Sydney Australia!

[@Onedayilbeok]

I really like that desk

[@josipprgomet994]

Just what I needed. Tnx

[@sdrake74]

very good review !!!!

[@Maxpower4908]

Great video! It’s important to note that the stock power ratings are deceptive. The big bore carbureted singles had to be incredibly lean from the factory in order to pass emissions. I have experience with the Honda specifically. For $20 in jets, you can increase the horsepower by about 10%. The smog equipment can go bye bye as well for increased power. The richer jetting also lowers your cylinder temp, and by extension, your oil temps. The gearing is also something that needs to be addressed on the Honda. Unless you spend most of your time cruising the freeway at 80, you can gear it down A LOT. With jetting changes, smog equipment removal, and lower gearing, you will think you are riding a different bike. The XR pulls like a tractor. The DR and KLR are great bikes too. It is sad that these big bore thumpers are going away. A smooth parallel twin engine can’t replace the character of a big single.

[@jonathanmustain4048]

I've got a 650L added a lowering link and a fritzco sprocket. I mainly ride off road trails, its a beast in the dirt for a dual sport. And handles on the road. Definitely not amazing on road but serves my purpose.

[@6226superhurricane]

same for the dr650 a few free mods you can do to increase power over stock and you can put a 790cc big bore kit on.

[@thealvaco]

I really like these videos🙂 The dr 650 is older than you said btw. My friend has a 1993 model.

[@johnnylongstroke7413]

So do I. Back then they were kick start only.

[@MegaMrDanne]

I have the '92 model 🙂

[@MM-cr7dq]

I had a 1991 DR650R Dakar one of the best bikes I had - I lived in a desert area

[@nobodyspecial9035]

IMO, Those almost three extra gallons of fuel, the 400lbs total cargo capacity, and the ability to do 90-95 mph 24/7 on the highway makes the KLR unmatchable for a camping, adventure rider who plans on crossing international borders or crisscrossing the USA.

[@jessISaRicePrincess]

Klr is more an adv bike than dual sports imo and that's what i like about it

[@jabo8350]

Doohickey

[@shill9315]

Creeps like you. 95 on the highway? You don't own the highway.

[@glenndanzigg712]

2014.5 KLR, some of the best times of my life on this machine. Got me to work on a 100 mile round trip for 3 years

[@darrenpinto902]

Gas Mileage ?

[@oscarfasci769]

About 50 mpg

[@FlyingMonkeyAdventureRiders]

Nice background!

[@virtualmachine1853]

Great job! What about a comparison between the BMW F650 GS and the Kawa KLR or the Versys...would be interesting..

[@scottminshall6420]

Great video comparison, I went through all of this research a couple of years ago when looking to purchase a dual sport. I found that the DR won due to weight and the fact that to me it seemed the aftermarket support for the DR far out did the Honda and Kawasaki. I do like all of the bikes and they all have pros and cons. The deal killer on the KLR was liquid cooling, it was just one more system to worry about out in the wilderness should something go wrong. I had a liquid cooled CR 250 that blew a radiator on a ride and I had walk the bike half way home, so that soured me on liquid cooled dirt bikes. Now most likely that was a one off scenario, but I'm still hesitant to this day. I also found that out of all of the bikes the Suzuki was best bang for the buck, sad part was where i live at i spent a year looking for a decent used bike that was asking new prices. Did not find one used, but one of the local dealers had a previous years model you on clearance and I grabbed it. Very happy with DR so far and a big pile of modification parts in the corner on the garage to install at some point. The biggest draw back to all of these bikes is the fact you could pay for two by the time you get done putting on of the cool aftermarket parts on one!

[@quidestnunc9238]

Spend some time on the XR650L out in the boonies with new, recently-manufactured Continental TKC 80 or, even 70, tires And with the sag set accurately by a knowledgeable Honda Moto Service Department...then report back to us. [Yes, that pale, Tomato-red color that Honda uses is off-putting; my 2018 CRF250L Rally is not much better with the black-green-white colors. Honda Dealers--heck, All Moto dealers, could get a clue and offer a 3M wrap or powder Coating or paint service.]

[@quidestnunc9238]

I owned a 2008 DR-Z400SM purchased second-hand [archaic expression] from a KTM dealer outside Columbus, Ohio. Gearing was W-A-Y too high and the vibration, despite a counterbalancer, rattled loose my fillings--along with the Throttle lock (and left-side offset weight): a good argument for bar snakes and Rox elastomer Risers as well as a Sixth year. When it comes to 6 gears and stainless, braided brake lines, the European Moto Manufacturers positively Embarass the Japanese.

[@quidestnunc9238]

Regarding the Suzi + aftermarket parts = Second (Additional) bike: Motorcycle Consumer News [R.I.P] about Ten Years ago had an Editor who bought a DR650 and wrote a multi-part series of articles detailing the numerous (and I DO mean Numerous) upgrades and modifications. Someone (actually, many more than one) wrote in stating that the Editor Should Have Simply Purchased A KTM to begin with because he would have saved time And Money (all of which the Editor acknowledged, then pointed out that Far More Folks Owned DR650's than KTM EXC-F 500's/400 's, et cetera AND folks could buy the aftermarket parts out of ordinary cash flow).

[@TrancerideR6]

Dr650 is the ONLY winner here to me!

[@lw8447]

great vid thx

[@GiuseppeSimonetti]

I just had a 2008 KLR650 I traded for a Ford Ranger, it really wasn't as heavy as you think. It was well balanced and bullet proof. The XR650L is my favorite. The DR650 is really fun and feels like it makes the most power. The KLR650 believe it or not for me did just as good off road as the DR650 because my KLR was stripped down with no fairings or anything. The KLR was a heavy bike but you pop the clutch and you can wheelie it. Lol I almost 12' it by accident. Also my subframe bolts and suspension were my only problems on the KLR.

[@BreathingFire]

5 years ago I bought used KLR650 '89. Front/rear tyres MITAS E-07. Changed stock doohicky in to made by Eagle Mike (USA). Month ago changed front fork seals. I closest future have a plan to make an engine guard from metal plate instead of original plastic/fiber one, maybe I will do a video. Water cooled engine is a great, I fill red SP12 Kroon Oil cooling liquid, it will last for 10 years.

[@socaladventuresdavidt2557]

In 2017 bought a new XR650L and KTM 690R enduro (1st got 500exc got stolen 3ed day) 2 years later sold the KTM 690R since has no big gas tank upgrade. The lc4 is great but XR650L is a beast off road and great on road.