STAGE 1: XR650 vs. KLR650

[@DeaconLucas1]

I’m so glad you guys are doing more videos about the XR650L. Thanks!

[@JedediahSmith342]

I hear ya dude 😎🇺🇸✌🏽

[@alecboswell5527]

I love dyno tuning. Real data! You guys rock!

[@scottm7341]

I have an 05 XR650R. Bone stock it made 46hp at the wheel. With the factory off road jetting kit, XR's Only choke plate, vented airbox, intake restrictors removed, and a modified stock pipe, it jumped to 52. There was a huge improvement in the midrange and it was still pretty quiet. The cycle shop even gave me an old street tire to put on for the testing.

[@DZ4295DBW]

Now get the head ported and get the hot cams stage 2 cam. It'll get you close to Johnny Campbells bike

[@dougderby9454]

Had an 04 KLR650 new. Put it through the ringer as a dual sport. Big Gun exhaust and jet kit. Really is the VW beetle of the dual sport world. There many reasons riders choose them for worldly adventure trips. Simplicity and reliability. The 08 and up. Not so much. Another forgotten choice is the DR650. Solid.

[@jessemacneil2723]

Ya man . All good bikes

[@ayliniemi]

What happened after 08? I want to get a klr some day.

[@dougderby9454]

They lowered the suspension and chassis somewhat. Whole bike seemed to be built of lesser quality materials. 08 had a problem with using oil. Like a lot of oil. Not all the engines but more than enough did. As far as off road ability or ruggedness. Would take the pre 08 KLR any day.

[@INORBET]

@@dougderby9454 why did they smoke? Ring spacing or valves ?

[@davidroeder7299]

More 4 stroke dual sport tuning please!

[@specialse]

brilliant idea showing the dyno shoot outs , i could watch them for hours , at last seeing true figures , would love to see some low mileage classics tested , just to sort out the myths and legends ie Vmax , GSXR 750 slab side , RD500 , XT 500 , Z900 , CB750 SOHC , XS650 any evo Harley , T120R etc hell, anything !! , keep the legends alive , love your commitment ,

[@johnmeurer4780]

I want to see a xl600r or xr600r with the duel carbs on the dyno

[@AsantePE]

Can't find gaskets for those dual carbs drives me nuts !

[@rfvc600r]

@@AsantePE ebay Baby! 4 into 1 moto has a decent complete rebuild kit for about 20 bucks

[@rkdev1]

I did the same to a 97 XR650L FMF power Core. Great info in this video. One day I would love to visit you guys. Keep up the great work

[@blueovaldude]

What most people commenting do not seem to understand is that every dyno will test different, Can be adjusted incorrectly (Read high or low) or even when run, a different day can skew the results. It is a fantastic tool for tuning or comparing parts. Do not be surprised when the peak numbers are different than your dyno numbers. 👍

[@billcharlene1450]

Had an 05 klr loved it...traded for softail 15 years ago but missed the dualsport life so bought a 19 xr650. Klr was great for toolin around, xr is great for acting like a kid with a can stuck between his forks.

[@stmboat]

Proper. Glad you are back.🙏🙏🙏

[@billcharlene1450]

@@stmboat 😁👍

[@bobdog4379]

I have an 87' klr tengai( desert racer) for hooning around my local country roads..lanky and fast for a dirt bike at over a ton..so reliable and strong Kawasaki built a diesel version for the Austrian army... getting rare now too .

[@danstevens2204]

This bloke is a legend 👍

[@daveyt4802]

My first street bike was a 1985 Yamaha XT600. Put 45,000 miles on that thing and rode it into the ground.

[@sheasaxon7219]

Very interesting, the sience side of things. I’ve got an XR400 and I’ve got to get it checked out on the Dyno. Like Geoff said “ by the seat of your pants “ that’s how I’ve always done it and probably way out.

[@dannydepino3874]

The Dyno rocks and is a must when modifying for peak performance awesome job fellas great video.

[@garrettblaster]

I remember riding wheelies on my old Klr and I would be in first and have to really rev the thing and dump the clutch to get it up, and if you had a full tank it was a lot harder

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

Can't wait to see the XR after it's built.

[@augustreil]

I usually just jump to stage 17 and blow the thing up ! lol. Great video as always guys, thumbs up .

[@2strokecarbtuningportingin187]

Great job. Air mix / fuel mix screw determans pilot jet size zero to 1/4 throttle. Needle 1/4 to 3/4 throttle. Main jet 3/4 to wide open. Keep up the great helpful information with the Dyno runs

[@edfeten4724]

Both of those bikes sound bitchen! What a cool video. These days I commute on a 2006 KLR 650. My favorite bike of all time was an XR600R.

[@waxmanvids5015]

just learned alot more about proper 13:1 burn and jetting! awesome job guys!!!!

[@2strokecarbtuningportingin187]

kzbin.info/aero/PLyTjGWYBzynCsVTGTCDpJIzsz3seMRYRZ

[@2strokecarbtuningportingin187]

Left you some carb information how to tune and each circuits function.

[@ih8momjokes1]

what about the jet settings i would like to copy them :(

[@seather863]

The Dyno videos are fun to watch, keepup the great work guys!

[@badgerbait8351]

Nice! Made the same upgrades to my XR! This answered a few questions...thanks!

[@franzneubauer890]

You have to Test a KTM 690 SMC-R.The most powerfull Single.

[@7x779]

I dynoed a stock made in Italy European Yamaha TT 600, Early nineties model Kickstart only, It just had a slip on and possibly was jetted. 40 horsepower at the wheel. I think the dry weight was around 300, It had olen's suspension and brembo brakes, Yamaha but made an Italy. They should have brought those here.

[@shinysideup2134]

I got one my self. TT 600R is the name. Made in the Belgarda factory in Italy. Doesnt even got a battery and as you say only kickstart. Deltabox aluminium swingarm, Öhlins rear shock, Paioli fork, Takasago(excel) Wheels and Tomaselli handlebar. An amazing machine.

[@7x779]

@@shinysideup2134 I agree, it's amazing you here so little about them. They were never available in the states

[@oliverscorsim]

Although I agree a Dyno is a great tool I'm old school for a young guy. I like seat of the pants and I also made an Arduino based data logger for my turbo xr200 based 155cc drag bike. I like that better especially with boost the load in is more real. I will say iv built lots of these into some animals and especially the xr650l is under carburatored big time. I say throw an hsr42/44 on it without the filter and jet it to that so we can see what the stock stuff can actually make when you support it. Adjusting the cam timing makes a big difference on the xr. Doesn't really need valves anytime soon port already flows more than the stock carb will allow then the cam is the next too small thing. Found grinding the basecircle down on a crank grinder (stock timing/duration/ramp rates) made a massive difference hard to remember but I think we shot for .450 lift at the valve. Did it on a weekend. Ceramics help lots too with the heat recommend doing the chamber dome and ex port big oil temp difference and some more power. Stock ignition timing is also super conservative. We always bump it on the xr's just a few degrees helps alot.

[@2strokecarbtuningportingin187]

Again love the Dyno posts the B's stopes here kinda suprized klr made more than I expected

[@owensbama1923]

I would love to have one of these XR650R Hondas

[@ChrisG1392]

What about an XR650R?

[@jonwoodworker]

Ok, if your going to do the XR and the KLR, you have to include the DR. Thanks.

[@dustin9035]

I like these videos where you show the dyno results and hear from the mechanic wheelie guy.

[@jnljnl8485]

Had the last year of the xr500r and the secound year of the xr600r. I think the old dual carb bikes may have more top end power than the newer single carb bikes. That 500 was no joke either. It had larger carbs than the 6 honey.

[@seanbucktrout593]

Love that XRL 650 the really only 4 stroke road and trail bike I like. Reminds me of my XR 200R I use to tear around on back in high school🇦🇺👍

[@jimbo4203]

I had a 81 xr 200 , it was a great trail bike for sure

[@superwilcox9026]

Dr650.

[@seanbucktrout593]

Yeah mine was a 81 as well haha👍

[@marvinheemeyer9768]

Sold off a rental house back in 05, paid off my own place and left with just under 2k to buy an enduro. KLR was the only thing I could find within a 150 miles. Thing was admittedly fun to ride on the street but was the worst thing I'd rode in the dirt possibly since my low pipe 250 Elsinore. The front end would knife under in the dirt with zero warning despite having new progressive fork springs. Later on purchased a 650L and even a DRZ400S, owning all at the same time evaluating them. That pig iron KLR was the first to be sold, it'd get high centered and stuck crossing railroad tracks (in a no crossing point). Ended up keeping the 650L for a spell with the DRZ. But that lil DRZ would feel like a real dirt bike and seemingly run circles around the 650L. The Honda was better taking on the highway to the next town over, but the DRZ was way more like a dirt bike, taking the back gravel roads. Even took DRZ 14K feet elevation out in Colorado with dozen plus of dirt bikes (mostly KTM's) on an outing, mine the only one being full street (license plate), electric start and cooling fan. Still own 2 today (street converted E models). Thanks for the great content guys!

[@deepbludude4697]

Damn that dyno is an awesome tool!

[@mhiletpetway3139]

Top of the day. Can you PLEASE do a comparison with the 1986 HONDA XL600R to the XR650L on the DYNO? Since you currently have them both there in your shop.

[@7x779]

By the way, I recently learned that the reason the XR650 and DR650 are virtually unchanged since the 1980s is because they were grandfathered in to the emissions laws. Has anyone else heard of that?

[@danielrelph2092]

I have heard that too, plus the tooling for these machines has long since been paid for pure profit for the manufacturers

[@7x779]

@@danielrelph2092 also it seems that there's really nothing else available like them. If you want a simple reliable Bulletproof air-cooled big single dual sport, what else is there but Suzuki and honda? I'll never get why the Kawasaki is even considered, have you seen the weight of the newest one? If I'm not mistaken it weighs more than many twin cylinder Adventure bikes. But makes half the power. The only one I've ever driven was a late 80s or early 90s, and I hated it. It was heavy, cutlass, had no personality, could barely keep up with traffic on the freeway, about the only thing I would consider it for is thinking of it is some kind of a scooter to do local errands not too far from the house

[@llecki]

Do a Xr650r that is uncorked and has the HRC kit in it. Xr650r is a beast. I wonder what the hp and torque would be🤔

[@jimmyboggess6534]

this new xrl 650 content is getti g me excited about my pig again thanks guys

[@rustytanks]

My 05' Klr650, 22cent mod 145 main jet 2.5 turns on a/f mixture screw, L airbox mod, UNI air filter, Leo Vince exhaust, 16-42 sprockets....46hp on dyno

[@OldDirtBikes]

I’ve started using Those tyres on my xr’s just awesome very stable on the road and still plenty of traction off road enough for hobby ridding 😀

[@tylermears480]

Finally get a honest opinion of the klr everyone seems to bash it and not give it q chance. I can power wheelie standing in 3rd on my klr and ride it like a dirtbike in the woods. Very capable

[@aircooled2068]

Great video! Duel sport 650s are so much fun,after a little tweeks they run real good My 30 year old Suzuki dr650r came from the factory rated at 45hp,and even for an old bike, it was corked up real good Would love to get in on the dyno after my jetting the carb, & junking the huge restrictive exhaust! It hauls the mail now,huge fun on and off road😁 If you can get your hands on an early kick start DR,they were fast out of the box

[@jonwoodworker]

The only thing left to do on my DR650 dream list is a Lectron carb. Then when I turn 80 yrs old, a Recluse clutch...lol

[@twe73jr]

I had a hard time deciding whether to go Honda or Kawasaki back when I got mine. I went with the Honda but the Kawasaki is a super nice bike.. cool video

[@paulgrogan8032]

I've allways thought that the one thing that the 20 year KLR could have improved on was a 6th gear to bring that rpm and oil consumption down on the freeway.

[@sevendyseven4090]

I think (Know) that ALL Dirt bikes SHOULD have a minum of 6 speed trany's !!!

[@hvalour1]

Awesome video Ken. I have a klr as well and it was nice seeing that bad boy on the dyno!

[@christopherchapman7453]

Very cool to see the comparison 👍. I put 25,000 miles on my xr650. The xr runs great in the winter time here in the desert southwest but long freeway jaunts in 110 degree heat and that motor starts pinging and is not happy lol. 250+ degree oil temps regularly

[@oh-qn6ht]

Have you tried an external oil cooler? One of my 650's has had one put on. The temp gauge is broken so I haven't been able to see how much it helps. It also has had the taller 5th gear gear put in it from i believe the nx650 so cruising at 85mph is a breeze. My other bike is humming pretty hard by 65mph with the trail gearing on it.

[@disyokerr]

KLR only Enduro thing is the fenders...is a street bike. XR is a Enduro trail sport bike

[@danielrelph2092]

I have an Xr 650l I did all mine at xrs only in Hesperia ca wossner piston smog delete twin air filter stainless valves Tokyo mods fc 41 carb xrs only full exhaust Dunlop d606s bigger tank ,it’s ok maybe 40 horsepower by seat of the pants , but the real beauty of this bike is that it can go 3500 miles between oil changes and the valves ha I’ve never touched em the thing runs good enough. This bike will never be a fire breather so I’m content with a happy medium . I am actually surprised how decent the stock suspension is . Rocks ha no problem when my front wheel hits them rocks explode ,sand however no bueno.

[@markkus1134]

I wish I could have had my XR680l dynoed it was a al baker model with ported head flat side carb big fin kit awesome bike

[@barryblack5562]

Great stuff guys I used to play with main and idle jets and needles seat heights etc on my Suzuki GT250 and Yamaha RD 350's and a 400 and sometimes id be so convinced after 1 ride that I had it purring then later I'd wrap on the throttle and feel it starved or be doing top speed stuff and having it not running right etc. But I spent hours every few months doing this stuff in the end I got pretty good at it but when it comes little differences in performance you could never be 100% sure. The Dyno sure is a great time saver and argument finalizer. Another great video. Cheers 🦘🦘🦘🐊🐊🐊

[@danhurley6152]

Ken you got to get yourself a late model husaberg 650

[@lejacksmc]

59 rwhp Stock 💪

[@7x779]

How about dyno the husky 701

[@danhurley6152]

It's the tourqe with the bergs, also they weigh less than a modern crf 450 ;)

[@lejacksmc]

@@7x779 i don't know about this bike but probably around 60rwhp but heavier than hsb (112 vs 150kg)

[@darrinwoodward14]

Awsome video Ken! Especially after our discussion this morning.had my brp put on a dyno when I did my stage 1 on it,and after I got it jetted correctly,it put out 36.2 hp.but the thing about those engines is the tourqe they produce! At least,that's how I ride mine.they like to b short shifted!!

[@JedediahSmith342]

Thanks a lot Kaplan sharing the Dyno stuff 😎🇺🇸✌🏽

[@tmfg395]

if you wanna compare similar engine try the KLR650 and xr650r since they are both liquid cooled and the xr has a restricter plate in the car

[@303HOBO]

My first bike was a 2011 KLR650 and it was nice but a little too heavy for me to feel comfortable riding any tight technical trails. I put almost 20,000 miles on it and never had any issues it was always reliable and fun to ride. I acquired a 2000 XR650 L with 14,000 miles on it but was still in great shape and ran perfectly. It’s much lighter and easier to throw around which gives me the comfort to ride where I wouldn’t with the KLR. I didn’t need or have the room for both so after thinking about it for some time I decided to sell the KLR. I don’t regret it one bit and absolutely luv my XR!!

[@Spartansrule118]

What year is this KLR?

[@303HOBO]

@@Spartansrule118 Sr’s is a 2004 I believe

[@Spartansrule118]

@@303HOBO thanks

[@mikegunn3152]

Awesome information thank you. I live in Idaho and would love to bring a XR640l to you guys and have built. I am waiting on mine to arrive. Hopefully soon. Being an old school MX racer i definitely need/want more than stock.... FYI Following.

[@My_internet_persona33]

I would love to know exactly what you're doing to your xr650l carb so I can copy you. Thanks for the kickass content.

[@evangarbison1576]

Same here! I can’t get mine dialed in

[@sevendyseven4090]

I could watch videos like this all dang day until the Rapture! Soooo interesting from Kaplan & Jeff comments to Dyno stuff..this video is just LIKE the 3D version of reading 80's Dirtbike magzines!!

[@hectorbermudez2372]

Hey guys thanks for the show its great!

[@matthewjohnson2495]

I’ve had a KLR 650 and a XR 650 and there is nothing comparable about the both of them besides they both have two wheels and when I had problems with the KLR I had several mechanics looked at it and none could figure out the problem so I called a Kawasaki dealership and they said the best advice they could give me was get rid of it cause they had not heard anything good about them and didn’t want any dealings with you if they could avoid it

[@ayliniemi]

There would be buyers

[@willmartin4477]

Great video. Thanks guys. Just wondering in your opinion which is the best offroad based duel sport.

[@harleyrider9640]

That dyno is the cat's ass for dialing in your bikes..seat of the pants tuning kinda works until the barometer changes..Kaplan cycles kick's ass!!

[@dualsportrider3221]

I love the 2 stroke rev when u guy rode the 650s in at the begining

[@tomaspoljansky833]

Super vid. guys,.....PLS next compare KLR 650 VS XR 650 water cooled model.....That was awesome BIG one piston engine duel...

[@roimir55]

Which main jet you put on it Xr650l Parts list ? @KLAPANAMERICA

[@crypticreality8484]

Kaplan breathes this shit man! Respect

[@nikhayes3396]

with the Gen 2 KLR did you put the 16 tooth sprocket on the front to cruise 85 mph on the interstate 2 up? My Gen 3 will do 85 but not so comfortable pretty wrapped out. Also bone stock because I am still within my "warranty" so of course being a sensible guy you wait until the factory warranty is up and then you do all your upgrades.

[@IRON_D]

That Black Beauty is nice looking!!! Wonder if it doesn’t wheelie as good because its is longer wheelbase…?

[@mountainmancaraway6431]

What main and pilot jet were y'all running in the xr650l on these dyno runs? I have mine setup nearly identical to this but don't have access to a dyno. I'm running a 55 pilot and a 162 main, just curious about what you guys think about my stoichiometry. I'm usually riding at between 500 and 1200 ft elevation

[@bush600r2]

More on the XR's I love them! 👍

[@Spartansrule118]

What year is that KLR?

[@stephtraveler7378]

great work guys!

[@travislivengood2744]

Having put nearly 30000 miles on a KLR. From stock to well modded, no KLR likes doing 85mph for long periods of times. They'll do it begrudgingly.

[@CoachSteve4u]

How do you like your XR650L off road compared to the KLR? And why dont you like the XR very much for on road compared to the KLR?

[@ayyblyat9450]

You gotta get a xr650R on that dyno!

[@95Sn95]

But I love the Dyno videos I'd love to see more bikes on it, like you said there's a lot of claims out there always neat to see what stuff really makes.

[@wendyheller8916]

Yes. Every bike. Lol's

[@Mr10usdad]

Can you dyno at 90s CR250 or tell us results you have previously gotten?

[@johnfinnerty6662]

Great video. Why does he wear brass knuckles?

[@WarmPudgy]

i would love to see another video when yall get that 650L tuned!

[@martycech5844]

Top shelf info and video right here!!!

[@bolholmj]

Awesome video... Can't wait to see JR's beast!!! We spent hours messing with jetting and needle settings on my stock carb...It still sucks...right now I'm running a jet that we drilled out.. It is bigger than a 200 ok...Ridiculous....I have to sacrifice the power it has right now and move the needle back so it's not running lean..It pulls hard and quick but I get a lean pop about mid throttle in 2nd & 3rd gear..... So, I have a stage 1 cam, Slip on exhaust, k&n, smog delete... I feel like I'm pushing the limits of the stock carb and just need to upgrade...Ive seen guys put the 650R carburetor on and get good results...Or maybe I should just get the carb you are using on JR's bike? Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@mr.m325]

without a dyno you can check the mixture with a "Plug chop"

[@sevendyseven4090]

I would absolutely love to see Ken of an Red-white-Blue Honda African Twin..

[@dusanpavlik8947]

Všetky sú krásavice 👍👍👍💪💪💪❤️

[@mgwgeneral6467]

Man! Awesome schooling here! I would like to see what you would do for a Honda Falcon 400cc . It’s the popular bike down here in Brazil if you got your act together

[@davelambardo6464]

I would love to find a dyno local to do some carb tuning on my 650l I recently ditched the factory CV carb for a 39mm kiehin fcr carb. And I have had it near perfect. But it seems finicky with a temperature change or anything. Anyway reading the spark plug isn't really an exact science like a dyno

[@_Bryant.R]

I love my XR650L. Bulletproof.

[@_Bryant.R]

One thing I'll say is put a fritzco front sprocket or something similar to keep your countershaft in good shape.

[@raphihuberclimbing8730]

Better comparison would've been with the KLX 650 R

[@mikestowe6136]

theres only one problem with the klr its a heavy tank compared to the xr

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I thought about a pipe for my new to me, 940 original mile (!) 2001 KLR 650. After hearing these I will just ride it as is.

[@dyanetti]

i did a "stage 1" mod to a '96 and it made a little over 36 HP... but I used a supertrapp slip-on with an extra pack of disks and it was a major contributor to my now chronic tinnitus.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

@@dyanetti In a moment of weakness (and a reduced price through a friend) I ended up buying a DG slip on, K&N air filter, and DynoJet kit. Yes, it was OBNOXIOUSLY LOUD!! Rung inside my helmet. I bought DG's DB Killer which got it out of my helmet. Not sure about the power but it now runs like I would have expected to stock. I had to remove the airbox cover but it now has a noticeably harder pull from 3500-7500rpms. Prior to the mods it just flattened out and surged a bit at 3500. I am pleased with it now.

[@toddi2367]

Wizard and Jeff are top notch!

[@ericdebisz9458]

"this is science" not that science they talk about in the news hahahah

[@cheddarshredder6572]

Reporting Fake news isn't science

[@sandwichbar8226]

BASED!

[@adambatchelder4121]

Should test a ktm 690 in the mix just to see whats going on with the them.

[@henrycole8705]

I have the last production year 2000 XR600r in near perfect condition

[@15brucet]

Does this guy have a shop for tuning or is this your guys dyno? Would love to get a few machines tuned but haven't found options for us local to nh? Thanks for any info guys love the vids!

[@pablocespedes5880]

The best video yet!

[@jaybray4901]

My 82 XR 500 has 48 hp guaranteed. Kidding. I am surprised at how low HP the 650 L has.

[@MrColdwatercanyon]

We love riding double on our enduro

[@Wasagoodyear-qf8wj]

I like Jeff, he's a cool dude. I would love to sit by a fire a have a few beers with him and Ken. I bet the dudes have some stories to tell from younger and wilder days.....and what's better than old guys doing smooth ass wheelies down the street👍. Love and respect from a fellow old dirtbike guy in the UK, trying to ignore my age and the abuse that I've put my body through in the name of having fun and wild times over the years! Why doesn't this channel and the the Wheels Through Time channel/museum have a million subscribers? Come on America and dirtbikers of the world, these dudes are working hard preserving dirtbike, motorcycle and old architectural history, not just for money, but mainly for the love. You can tell the difference with these guys when you watch, and also learn a little on the way. They deserve more support. Thanks for sharing your activities at Kaplan America and Kaplan cycles. You don't get this sort of stuff much in the UK. Sammy Miller museum, Brooklands museum and the National Motorcycle museum is the best we got here.

[@jeffcastine2494]

Thanks for the nice comments. If you ever get to the U.S. come see us I will make sure the fire and beers takes place thanks Jeff

[@Wasagoodyear-qf8wj]

@@jeffcastine2494 Appreciate that Jeff👍. That's motivating. I'll make it there one day if the covid fear dies down. I don't know about you guys, but I'm not down with the vaccine and the current fearmongering in the UK so travel is difficult. I will make it one day and the beers will be on me! I would love to hear some old stories from the Evel Knievel era. I always have been a big fan of Evel since i was a kid and learnt more about him as i got older. He sure was a character, and he sure hung out with some characters from what i have read over the years. I bet you have seen or done some wild shit when you was young if you grew up with his troop!