7 Reasons To Buy A KLR 650 Over A Tenere 700 (From Someone Who Owns Both)

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PAID PROMOTION NOTICE: The SWANKY CAT channel regularly accepts, uses, tests, & reviews promotional products in or content. After owning both a Tenere 700 and a KLR 650 I share my experiences and six reasons you might like the KLR 650 better.
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[@calcut09]

Right now in Australia a new KLR is about $10,500 and a new Tenere 700 is about $19,500, that was one of the reasons I got a Gen 3 KLR.

[@bigez1134]

🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺😳😳😳😳😳 that is all I have to say

[@MrCombfoot]

Was recently checking adv prices in Perth WA and can confirm these really are the prices. Tenere really doesn't seem like a viable option, when you can buy a klr and 9k of upgrades, gear and petrol =/

[@brucemcpherson4805]

@@MrCombfoot you ride a Tenere you will change your mind its a whole new ball game compared to a KLR I know i own both too a 2018 650 & just got a 22 Tenere its a way better bike to me! I just paid just under $12,000 out the door for mine in Michigan they are very hard to get though there's a waiting list just to order one i got lucky a guy backed out last minute my dealer told me about it i was down same day put money on it!

[@kristofergobbe4838]

I'm picking up a 2018 klr today. $8000. 5700kms crash bars, bark busters and luggage. Pics can be deceiving but I can't see a scratch on it. Next week I presume it Will have some though.

[@ComfyDadShoes]

Is the $10,500 in Australian currency value?

[@aajawo]

I just sold my Tenere 700 and bought a Gen 3 KLR650. I loved the T7. It, surprisingly, is much more of just a big dirt bike than the KLR. I did the NEBDR last summer on the T7, and I was amazed how it does offroad for a 450ish lb bike. I could just totally rip on it. But I have a KTM 350 XCF-W for full-on single track riding. So I've got my offroad fix covered. For adventure travels and commuting, I prefer the KLR for a number, of mostly practical, reasons: high exhaust (T7 hanger gets bent with any right side tip over), high front fender with single front brake caliper (much easier to pull front wheel to fix a flat or maintenance), big comfy seat, big stock tail rack, ~300 mile range (vs ~220 miles), available in non-ABS, simple single cylinder engine that is easy to work on, massive community and aftermarket support, and more As for engine performance, clearly on paper the 70ish hp of the T7 is better than the 40ish hp of the KLR. Yet, with the low down torque of the KLR, I rarely wish I had more power (exception is high speed interstate runs on high elevation roads like I-70 going thru Colorado). What really separates the T7 and KLR is the suspension when off-roading - the T7 wins and it isn't even close. If you really want offroad capability, get the T7. If you want to do adventure touring and general exploring, like say running down the Baja peninsula to Los Cabos or the Transamerica trail, get the KLR. (The KLR is also a fantastic commuter.) I only wish Kawi had kept the helmet lock on the tail rack. I also wish they still offered the semi-rigid bags - that was an inexpensive and highly functionally setup. And the saddlebags rested against the rear panels, keeping the width nice and narrow. On the emotional side, the KLR has some intangible thing going on that just makes it fun to ride.

[@jonr3891]

🙌

[@markjacobs3956]

The t7 has a heart but the KLR has a soul. Only real bike guys would understand.

[@fallinginthed33p]

How about comparing the KLR against the DR650? Both big thumpers.

[@aajawo]

@@fallinginthed33p Me? Well, I've never owned a DR650. I did ride one once, but only for about 15 minutes. The thing I always liked about the DR650 is that is air/oil cooled. I'm sure it is substantially lighter than the new KLR too. The DR650, and the Honda XR650L, are much more on the true dual sport end of the spectrum.

[@donniebunkerboi9975]

Ish ish ish isshhh isshhh

[@0HARE]

I have to agree with you about the KLR. I have a 2006, generation one KLR. Bought it with about 3,000 miles on it in 2007. Been riding it almost daily for fifteen years now. 74,000+ miles on the odo, and she’s still going strong. I rarely drive it over 60 mph, and I think that’s helped to prolong its life. It’s almost impossible to kill this beast/tractor of a motorcycle. Rock On

[@jgeph2.4]

That’s impressive! Did yours ever have the doohickey thing done ?

[@motorcyclelad]

Wow! That’s a lot of miles. Good for you.

[@2talltimadventures]

The coolness to me is that you can do so much with so little on these bikes. The fact that you can hit the road, freeway or trail in just about any capacity on these is just cool.

[@yup949]

I have a gen 1 KLR, wouldn't trade it for anything. I would love to have a T7, but im happy with my flying pig.

[@JeremyKroeker]

Yup! Love (and sometimes hate, but mostly love) my KLR.

[@elcheekoful]

If I had the 1st or 2nd gen KLR650. ID Never get rid of it. They run forever.

[@TheRumbles13]

Couldn't agree more! Minty 2006 here

[@RW-of3pn]

I have a 2016 KLR and it's probably the only bike I would be comfortable buying used with decent mileage on it. There's really not much that can go wrong on it, and anything that does go wrong is pretty cheap and easy to fix.

[@dannkain1784]

I have both. 2009 KLR with 63,000 miles; 2022 T7 I've only had about a month. Love them both. The Pig has all the miles and memories. Has NEVER failed me. I'll never get rid of it.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice. It took me a while to bond with my Tenere like I did my KLR but I think it finally happened!

[@mkramsauer]

Couldn't agree more brother 👊 I really want one of the new fancy bikes but my KLR is just getting it done. Keep up the great work always enjoy your videos

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks Mike! Hey if it ain't broke, right???

[@mkramsauer]

@@SwankyCatProductions so true but either way your videos are awesome 👊

[@UNoBugMe1]

Just turned 1k on my gen 3 and I absolutely love it. I commute 6 miles to work in a smaller town with it when I can. Having not riding for 30 years, this is the perfect bike for getting back onto the road. Probably the last bike I’ll have to purchase.

[@unclebadger597]

Had a gen2 KLR and now a gen3. I've really fallen in love with it. If i could only have 1 bike it would be the KLR!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

What else do you have?

[@brucemcpherson4805]

just sold my 2018 KLR 650 was a great bike for cruising around back roads not good for off road to heavy lacks power and suspension (I got a 2016 Husky 501 for that) but i never had a single problem with it! I sold my KLR because i just got a 22 Tenere and its amazing one of the funnest bikes i ever rode! good power, clutch, suspension, brakes I like everything about it better than the KLR only thing is the KLR had a more comfy seat and was better on gas mileage in my opinion there's no comparison Tenere is a way better bike!

[@xXB.FunkXx]

I put a FMF power core on my KLR and it made a substantial difference in vibration from stock exhaust. I also had hi flow air filter at the same time so that probably helped. Roughly 400 miles per tank 50 a gal for normal ridding. 🤜Long live the KLR!!!🤛🤙

[@dustinmitchell381]

Watching this video as I'm researching the KLR, The Yamaha hasn't been on my radar because of the cost. I'd start researching it a bit more if it was comparable. Here in Australia the KLR is 10-12k. The Tenere starts at 20k.

[@94SexyStang]

I really feel sorry for people, because the 650 Thumper is an AMAZINGLY fun motor!!.......I have a DRZ400 now, smaller thumper. But I used to have a 650 Thumper with gutted muffler, and it literally sounded like a bomber plane going down the highway, LOL......so much fun.

[@marklawrence4596]

The history of the KLR and price point is what sold me on the KLR. Both my brothers '03) and my dad ('07) have owned one and had no problems. Sadly, the Tenere 700 is just not available in the New England right now. A friend of mine had the Tenere in mind, bought an Africa Twin instead because he found one nearby. And he got the last AT expected to arrive in western Massachusetts for a while. KLRs are available at 3 local dealerships!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I don't know how Kawasaki pulled it off but I'm really impressed with the rollout of the KLR. Seems like Yamaha needs some new leadership or a time management class haha.

[@dasboot9471]

It’s really not much better than the KLR, save your money

[@DBrentMiller]

Hey, Swanky Cat! What is it about the KLR that few words can describe? It is soulful. It just resonates with one's character and spirit. AND, it's fun. It makes you slow down and enjoy the moment in the environment you are in--road or gravel or dirt. The only motorcycle I have ever regretted moving along was my 2018 KLR 650 when I traded it for something bigger, faster and more powerful. Now, I'm looking to get another KLR. Thanks for the video.

[@dongeorgio2936]

ditto

[@solrosenberg3587]

You ask why? Because “In the end it will be cockroaches and KLR’s!”

[@chrisunderhill8853]

and Twinkies ! Egon Spengler : ...let's say this Twinkie represents the normal amount of psychokinetic energy in the New York area. According to this morning's sample, it would be a twinkie... 35 feet long and weighing approximately 600 pounds. Winston Zeddemore : That's a big Twinkie.

[@hokkaidorider4296]

Love the shoutout to the KLR community. You’re right. It’s one of the secret best points of the bike and isn’t highlighted enough.

[@steveh1510]

Regarding mileage, when the light comes on with the Tenere there's another gallon and a quarter left. I'm at altitude and get 60 miles to the gallon on that bike. It's a 4.2 gallon tank. Mileage may vary but I know I can count on 50 to 60 per gallon here in Vail Colorado depending on how much I twist the throttle. So that's easily over 200 miles per tank. So at 50 miles to the gallon the T7 goes over 200 miles a per tank according to your numbers.

[@MeerkatADV]

The reserve is 1.1 gallons. I've pushed that a couple times but am glad I did the Camel tank.

[@buddyringo21]

Having just paid of my ‘03 Harley Softail I purchased a 2020 Moto Guzzi V85 tt Adventure with only 129 miles on it , all the while wanting the KLR 650 . I’m supper happy with this adventure bike but now I’m really “chomping at the bit” to buy the KLR ! Having a motorcycle for each type of riding that I like doing is a dream and I’m fixing to make this my reality. Thanks to honest reviews like yours and many others I’ve seen and the fact the bang for the buck on this $7K motorcycle is an excellent deal , I’m sold ! Next week I’m going down to my dealer and see what up 😜😁✌️🇺🇸

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That's awesome, I'm glad to hear it. With the right expectations I think this is the best all around bike for the money. T7 is also a very good deal, if you can find one, for around 11k. But for 7k it's hard to go wrong with everything the KLR can do.

[@buddyringo21]

@@SwankyCatProductions yeah , the $7K price is the real deal maker ! I’m seeing these bike used and 10+ years old selling for $5K so buying one new and the use I will get out of it and the fact they hold good value it’s a no brainer. When I apply for the loan I’m sure my bank rep is gonna roll her eyes and say “ … really? , you need another motorcycle?? … wonder why you’re single! “ 😝😜🤣🤣🤣

[@paulgordon6016]

Was looking online and found a T7 advertised for 23k ! I picked up my new 2022 KLR for 11k Australian dollars…now there is a difference. New from the dealer they are around 20k

[@rickdunbar2319]

Coming off an xr650r I rode the klr,a few different sizes of ktm and ended up buying the t7,put about 6k into it and couldn't be happier.

[@M9A1MAN]

I got my 2022 ADV with tons of upgrades for 5K used. Only 4,100 miles. Was in perfect condition.

[@verlinswarey507]

I liked that these last two videos helped us to understand your own feelings about these two bikes. I was afraid maybe you had regretted buying the KLR since the T7 is “better”!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'm glad to hear that! The Tenere is an awesome bike but I feel like I've bonded with the KLR much faster. Both good bikes!

[@oosteveo315]

Straight up spot on - from a guy that will smoke most people on an adv bike. I own 2 KLRs and an 890.

[@oosteveo315]

My dad has the T7. He had to ride the klr out of some muddy back roads cuz he didn't have the skill to do it on his T7. The T7 is a handful for slower riders. I however, shred, soooo yeah LOL give me the T7!

[@RVAMotorsports]

Price was the deciding factor for me. I bought the 2022 KLR650 and the extended warranty, paid cash, and ride it worry free. I've been very happy with it and it's done everything I've asked it to do.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nothing wrong with that!

[@jason.couture7177]

The 2022 T7 has been very slow getting to a lot of dealers (supply chain issues) thus driving the price up to as high as 14k.

[@majormassenspektrometer]

No problems here. Got the 2022 Tenere for 10200€.

[@bobkelly2447]

I got hooked on "Thumpers" at an early age... in my teen years and I have always loved thumpers because of the FEEL of them I made the mistake and bought a RX4 from CSC motorcycles, a chinese bike but it was a great machine for when I was 30 years younger , it's weight would not have bothered me ! but now that I am 70 years old weight means alot to me I considered a KLR for a long time but the weight put me off.... I happened on a XR650L and I fell in love with it... it is the lightest 650 "Thumper" out there albeit the Tallest seat height as well..... I made short work of that problem by changing the lowering link which dropped it about 3" and then I cut out 2.5" of foam out of the seat.... lowered the tripple trees and now I can flat foot the 2001 XR650L !!!! it has the power I wanted... it will wheelie on throttle up and cruise at 70+ MPH..... and I can pick it up if I drop it ! I had to make a ging-pole for the RX4 because it was so heavy ! I have the best bike for me on the plannet right now it does what ever I want to do.....

[@fireye0889]

New KLR in Michigan are being discounted to $6600. I know it’s not as capable in many ways as a T7, but 30 years ago this bike woulda been amazing…If you don’t think about what don’t have/can’t afford you will enjoy. I’ve ridden a new KLR and they are fun to throw around. Just getting off-road to ride on any bike is incredible. You can always upgrade later…don’t waste a riding season not riding because you can’t get your dream bike. That time isn’t ever coming back…

[@Second.Nature.Lawn.Michigan]

Hearing people say it's 10-13k just floors me. They're still under 7k here

[@kawabungah20]

Thank you for another thorough, informative and fun evaluation. The Kawasaki service manual is very good, but I sure would like to have a Clymer's service manual for my 2022 KLR. Do you think they'll ever publish a manual for the Gen 3? In the mean time, the on-line KLR forum AND your great "what I did to my KLR" videos have been fantastic for newbee KLR owners like me. Again, Thank you!!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks man I appreciate that! I would assume they will make one?

[@michaeln7373]

Yet another great review. Thank you.

[@dcjr1053]

Thanks for this video. I've been missing my 08 KLR ever since I traded it for a Versys. With the $1K rebate happening now, along with this video, I think I've talked myself into picking up a new gen 3.

[@billcotton1551]

The last time I was in my local dealer ,they had 5 KLRs in stock. All 3 versions available.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! Yeah pretty cool they have there stuff together and got some on showroom floors.

[@garykentner7557]

I have an 09 KLR650 with about 20k. It always gets at least 50 mpg It has a bunch of farkels that improved it. It is a pig but so am I 6'4" 255 I absolutely love this machine. Its so reliable its like the tractor of my dreams I run D606 front and rear as my style of riding is alot of dirt rocks sand mud hwy clay sandy loam lava rocks just everything. I like the agressive tires as they save my 58 year old butt alot off road wether im cruizing down old washouts of in sand is where most of the wash outs happen and get you injured. Im a believer in OVERKILL ALWAYS COVERS THE PERIMETERS... So traction up front on one of the PIGS is a must even though the tire is wore out at 4k . usually two D606 fronts to one Rear D606. The compromise is safety and you cant put a price in safety. Ive has alot of orthopedic and broken legs on dirtbikes trying to be a show off. Now I like Sport Utility 4x4 and My Tractor KLR It does every thing well. You just cant beat this thing. It really runs awesome but Fuel Injection seems pretty good but to be honest I dont need it. I would rather just put on more farlkels like a new Seat Concept seat ahhh. My sone has one and its amazing on long rides. anyway anyone out there want a great machine, any KLR of any year is a grear machine. Gen 2 is cheap and amazing especially the front fairing and a tall windsheild is amazing on the road. Gen 1 is cheap and I think a bit better on single track they are all great .... Cheers and great video Swanky

[@twotiretirade4624]

The only thing that could make the KLR Cooler is an old school kick start.... Love my KLR because it runs hard like a tree sloth on crack, its reliable and its paid for!!!!!!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Lmao true and nice!

[@DaveZee01]

Love this different take on reviewing these 2 bikes!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks Dave!

[@abide_the_dude5375]

I’m buying this as my first owned bike next month. Super excited

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That's awesome!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Another brilliant video on these two bikes, thanks! :)

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thank you!

[@EGACIE-ji6zi]

I agree 100%, I have a KLR650 gen1 of 2003 AND a KTM 790 adventure ! I love the single cylinder ...

[@mizzclaireelizabeth]

just looked at each brands Canadian website. the KLR is $7,499 CAD the Tenere is $12,799 CAD. I want a Tenere but I was able to find a gen 2 KLR fully moded with better skid plate's, luggage rack, and aftermarket suspension for only 5K CAD.

[@chrisunderhill8853]

If i could add on to what you are saying, I would like to say the thing that sold me on getting a KLR aside from the fact that they have been Proven as a build hence they been around for ever. The fact like you said they have a huge Economy parts galore, both factory replacement and aftermarket. the fact that company's are still updating and building new crash bars and other things says alot about a bike. especially because its been around for so long. I think the DOo is proly the most controversial but If you look at it from Kawasaki stand point They are standing behind people Like Eagle Mike, and keeping his business thriving. That says alot about a company that stands behind there product.

[@johnniewade6504]

I want a good used XT 500 1979 to 1982 I had a 1979 when I was 15 I was wheelie king of my county awe the Good Ole days. Where have all the times gone keep it swanky

[@codycarter9372]

Thank you for the video I’m looking at getting a KLR 650

[@bryanp8010]

The second I sat on the klr I said no way. I wasn’t interested in a T7 but their reliability is top notch so I took one out and fell in love instantly. I just hate the seat so got a custom Corbin for long rides. Only paid $8900 new and couldn’t be happier

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Wow, that's an awesome deal!

[@popeyesailor2191]

Great video and I like watching all of your videos. You are very informative and practical thinker. Do you only ride dual sport bikes or do you also ride any type of street bike just curious

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks! I started out on street bikes and rode them for years but now I only have dual sports. That might change in the future though!

[@tebos11]

The "cool" factor to me is the make do attitude it delivers. I can get around, weight her down, lean in turns, and drop into some dirt and let out the clutch to putt putt out of trouble. You cant buy a do it all vehicle brand new for 7000 anymore but the klr proves you can. When you see a fellow klr rider you know they are making it work

[@ZmanAdventurez88]

Thank you for clearing this up and telling both sides of the argument

[@anthonymalfino1]

As always great vid man

[@advridertim]

KLR is the Jeep of motorcycles, except its way more dependable than a jeep, and lots faster....

[@Largetalons]

A bike that tops out at 90mph isn't going to be much faster than anything.

[@gsxrkz]

So what you really meant to say it's the Toyota Tacoma of motorcycle because it has the reliability.

[@MontanaDirtRoads]

The klr is like chuck Norris, you don't need to be told he is a badass, you just know he's a badass

[@rjgrant1]

That was a great summation from your point of view regarding the KLR 650. Are you ever going to play the old outrageous jingle that has that cool jazzy lyrics "Swanky Cat moto vlog....yeah...?"

[@ComfyDadShoes]

I’m interested in seeing which bike you go with next. I recently got a dr650 and was hyped to see it on your potential list

[@elcheekoful]

Every person ive ever met with a KLR has been very kind.

[@larrytucker1945]

For me the KLR makes it about the ride not about the Bike.

[@chrisunderhill8853]

i agree 100%

[@doublex632]

I've had most all brands of dual sports, have the 22 Traveler and man this thing is just comfortable and a pleasure to ride, if you like to just tool around doing like 45-50 its actually amazing, thanks

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Definitely! It can certainly do hwy riding but 50mph is the absolute sweet spot for this bike.

[@seatime674]

I had fun with my '07 KLR I went up 1 tooth on the front sprocket and dropped 5 on the back dropped my rpms 900 and there was my 6th gear all KLR owners dreamed of on the freeway, total caddilac less vibration 😂

[@harleyryder1498]

I bought a used 06 for $2800 and you cant beat the fun you have for the price!

[@Eds_PanAm]

weird, the other day i was looking at KLR's oline, i have a HD cruiser and want a adv bike for a 2nd bike, watched this and enjoyed and pretty much summed up what i have been reading, i'm 54yrs old and it looks like something that i could atleast get to fit me since i'm 5'7 on a good day lol subbed and i will be checking out your other videos!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Glad you found it helpful! The gen3 is a little on the tall side but with my 31 inch inseam and the rear spring cranked up a click or two from stock, I can get one foot flat no problem. Plus you really only need to put your feet down when stopped and that's not the fun part of riding anyway!

[@queenslander954]

Some blokes race T700’s at the Ersberg Rodeo & win their class , but if you rocked up on a KLR .. probably be laughed out of the place.

[@jasonrichardwatts]

Not if you rocked up with a spooling turbo hung out the side and tuned MX suspension. Now you’ve got me thinking…

[@Stefan_trekkie]

Sadly, there is no KLRs in Europe. I love the model and looking to buy one from the 3rd gen. I will be waiting for some imports.

[@enricorattalino8174]

Waiting for the arrival of the KLR in Europe, I bought a very funny Royal Enfield Himalayan

[@Stefan_trekkie]

@@enricorattalino8174 It is OK bike.. I was in to Himalayan too.. I was on test rides with Himalayan and CRF 300 Rally too.. But from the RE, I like the Classics the most .. So I am riding maxi scooter for few years now.. And will not be buying new bike to the end of the war.

[@kloppskalli]

i recommend to change the 15 teeth sprocket to 17 teeth.With slightly taller gearing one can stay in 2nd or 3rd more often and doesn't need 4th. on the highway she revs over 5000rpm at 100km/h with that 15 teeth sprocket - not good for fuel consumption

[@writehandman2833]

Hey! I recognize that guy at the 9:50 mark! That was a fun ride that day. Still love my KLR too!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

It was! We should try to plan another ride this year!

[@jakerook6248]

It's Moxy. That's the word I would use to describe what makes it so damn cool 😎

[@mborski8721]

And again....another great video!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks!

[@jackh3522]

Love the tenere, especially extreme or world raid editions which are not available in usa, base model is also not in stock and dealer quoted close to 14 k with tax and setup, past bikes 3 klrs dr650 dr400 gs800 vstrom650 versys650 crf250rally and currently klx300

[@jason.couture7177]

That seventh thing. I would describe it as uniquely awesome.

[@hazcat640]

My son picked up a T7 last fall for MSRP. Spent about 4 weeks on a list. Florida

[@plowhand5591]

My KLR is cheap, uncomplicated, reliable, comfortable, has great range, good wind protection, etc, etc, etc. Did I mention it’s very affordable? Though not a competent woods machine it will do it grudgingly. I use my WR250R for that. And put a milk crate on it and laugh at the Orange bike brigade catch their hair on fire. Hehe.

[@WhiskeySavage-pn4lm]

U.S.A. Wisconsin one dealership had a KLR for $7,680 out the door and another had it at $9,500. While I’ve seen the T7 at $12,000-$15,000.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Good video :)

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks!

[@thecaptain6994]

Why do you suppose Kawasaki is so reluctant to put a sixth gear on these or fix the doohickey? I had a 2008 KLR 650 and sold it. I miss it every day!

[@chrispekel5709]

Believe it or not, another gear is a massive redesign which adds to cost. It sounds silly but it's true. If it still sells with a 5 speed it stays 5 speed

[@seatime674]

Go up 1 tooth on the front sprocket will drop rpms almost 500

[@tracey38999]

I’m not gonna lie. I would rather have the 700 but the budget don’t cut it!!!

[@G8rquest]

My '07 Kawi Land Rover has over 100k mi and if you learn to carry momentum it's a hoot. I got a T7 for the extra kick and I like to reach out and explore so reliability is now a factor, not that my KLR is threatening me. Yeah, the cool factor of the KLR is that it's like a good buddy who is not trying to push you to do foolish things or spend all your money just for kicks, and in these times that means something...and it's perfect for the farm roads and humpy twisties here in central PA. Learn to lean.

[@tomservo5347]

Dude, a KLR and Led Zeppelin t-shirt! Seriously though the KLR has been built for 30 years; there isn't one piece on it you can't replace, modify, or upgrade a million and one ways. After begging the boss (wife) for one I found a 2018 with only 5k for $4200 at a dealership. She hates it, I love it. She calls it a 'dirt bike' that's slow, rather clunky, and not very graceful looking. I look at it as one of those rare specimens where functionality came first, aesthetics a far second.

[@willmcgregor7184]

KLR Swiss Army 🏍

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Indeed.

[@JeremyKroeker]

I have owned four of these bikes (KLR’s). And I love them. Maybe I’ll get another. 😎

[@6982chad]

I get it. it's not fast, its not pretty, it's not "nice" but for some reason that I can't really explain my gen 2 is one of my favorite bikes I've ever owned. I always have a blast on it whether I'm out getting it ridiculously buried in mud in the middle of nowhere or just cruising to the store.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yep 100%

[@Ringwolf1]

Over the time I own 3 KLR and many more other bikes, I cannot say that any of the Kawa had a problem but there was always something missing when driving hard off-road or even on the race track therefore if I go for a new bike I would go for the Tenere I have a pretty good idea what the Yamaha Tenere is capable since I also own the Transalp and African Twin 🙂

[@dasboot9471]

Yeah, it’s heavier with less suspension travel than the KLR..it’s not as capable offroad

[@jessISaRicePrincess]

Why do you have 2 adv though? Isn't that a little overkill?

[@PeterErikson-rd5tj]

KLR JUST NEEDS HIGHER COMPRESSION SINGLE , BUMP THE HP UP TO. 65. HP, STIFFER FRONT FORKS, KEEEP IT OTHERWISE SIMPLE AND TOUGH AND PRICE THE SAME.

[@microcolonel]

Still loving my Gen 3 KLR, huge long road trip, lots of trail time... sand, grass...

[@chuckspeer2163]

Thanks good info , SWANKY CAT

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks!

[@IRLtrolls]

I’m in Houston Texas and right now I’m seeing new KLRs on the floor for under 6k at the dealer. Meanwhile you can’t even find a T7 at a dealer but the used markets are 12-13k So it’s literally half the price.

[@markjacobs3956]

So the t7 literally weighs just a few pounds less than my tiger 900 rally Pro. What a laugh. I sold my gen 2 KLR years ago and wish I had it back not to replace my tiger but just out of pure Nostalgia and reliability with all the memories I had on it over 50,000 miles.

[@zelph1844]

T7 is ridiculously hard to find here in the SLC area. When they do pop up, the markup makes it about 50% more than a KLR, which is relatively easy to find.

[@chrispekel5709]

Here in Australia they are double the price!

[@constpegasus]

I like the revenge of the KLR quote.

[@Re-Booter]

Does it count that I still ride a thumper from the 80's? I gotta give it to Honda and their 1983 XL600R.....I think they got it mostly right away. I just love to have 45Hp that is aircooled and simple and can still reach 100mph, kickstart only and reliable as hell.

[@danielthatcher5345]

Great review... respects.

[@Scantcity]

Great job, new sub! I'm 5' 9.5" looking at the new KLR650s model, we are about the same size. You think the lower seat would work better?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks! It would be better yes, but if you plan on doing a lot of harder off road riding and think you can handle it, I'd go for the standard height model. Just got the extra ground clearance.

[@Scantcity]

@@SwankyCatProductions Thanks, nothing hard core, its an inch less ground clearance, but 2" less seat height. I think the 650s would be better in general not being over 6' tall, stay safe!

[@elcheekoful]

Wow. Thank you so much. That was my main question. I knew the Yamaha would be better offroad. But the highway use was my BIG question. Subscribed!

[@Kingofthepnwdorks]

Been considering both these bikes as a replacement for my Himalayan to bump up into the “medium size” adv segment. 60/40 on off road for me and as not my only bike I liked the feel of the KLR and it didn’t feel like too much of a change from what I’m currently riding, just bigger. Love my Himalayan but the KLR just seems like a bit better for my size at 5’11 and 160 pounds. The T7 was an obvious upgrade but I don’t need it to be fast. And at double the price of the KLR and waiting on it to be available, the KLR adventure will probably be my choice in the next 6 months

[@wubanizer]

Don't forget to consider the DR650

[@carsthatlast441]

Just my two cents...im a newer rider and when looking for my first bike i was interested in the Himalayan. I went with a vstrom first and now a 2022 klr. Just for fun i test drove a Himalayan this summer. That was nice, but small, cramped, and not much power. Im 5 10 " and love the klr. Glad i went with a bigger bike that i can grow into.

[@wubanizer]

@@carsthatlast441 from all the reddit comments I've read lots of people describe the himalayan as underpowered. Seems like an ok first bike If you don't mind replacing it soon

[@carsthatlast441]

@@wubanizer agreed. Im just glad i didnt buy one because id already be upgrading. They do have good resale value though.

[@Openguy23]

Hey love your video’s, I’m from Australia too and Yamaha t700 is too dear for me ,even second hand. So It looks like the klr 650 is the one I can afford. Calcut09 is right about the prices.

[@6806goats1]

Looking for content on the 2023 KLR 650, Candy Lime green and wondering what it takes to get it to the Adventure spec. Doesn't look like the adventure comes in lime green, not sure what items to buy that are better aftermarket. Crash bars, lighting, pannier mounts and bags etc. Doubt it would be better to buy the Adventure and then swap out body panels to get the lime green. I was gonna take a 2022 Adventure and paint it lime green, now since it's available in a lower spec model, I'm trying to figure the best gear that would make a base spec better than the adventure for the same cost or close to it. More reasons? tractors are cool, valve adjustment is easier but maybe the time between adjustments is less on the T7, not sure. Trying to come up with different reasons since I don't own one yet. 705 cc piston kit? I'd kinda like to that and cams right away.

[@spencersullivan4437]

I am 6 foot 6, 220 pounds looking for my first adventure bike. Is the klr650 a solid fun first bike? I know it will probably be the most comfy out of all them, I just don’t know if the horsepower will satisfy me enough. Could I be tripping and the klr is a perfect bike for cruising and being comfy for the right price?

[@brucemcpherson4805]

to me they are under powered? good for cruising but you won't win any drag races with it..haha not the best for off road either but i had a XR650R years ago i'm comparing it to that? I just sold my 2018 KLR got a new 22 Tenere i love it lots of power smooth handles great i love everything about it! 1 of the funnest bikes i ever rode!

[@spencersullivan4437]

@@brucemcpherson4805 thanks man I’ve been looking at the 700 tenere as well it’s a little more pricey but you get what you pay for and man does it look sweet with a little more horsepower and torque I think I’d be willing to pay more for the better bike.

[@thecaptain6994]

I think you will like it. I had one and sold it for a Versys 300X. I thought the Versys would be more nimble off road. It wasn’t. I wish I had my KLR back. They burn a little oil particularly at highway speeds so keep an eye on it. Have fun. You won’t regret buying one.

[@jasonrichardwatts]

It’s an AWESOME first adventure bike and an awesome final adventure bike.

[@Propelled]

I wish for a KLX 450 with big tank, pannier racks and cruise control.

[@robbieandbeckie]

Did you put Progressive fork springs in the KLR yet? It makes a world of differnce on my Gen1. I do wish the brakes were better, I sure like the brakes on my Honda AT. Saved me from being a hood ornament today. What I really like about my KLR, DR, and my new AT, they run on cbeap 87 E10 gas. You can't really say that about most of the other new machines. If you stop and put 2 or 3 gallons of premium in your high compression wonder bike, how much of it is premium vs what the cheapskate in front of yout filled up with?

[@jackstrawfromwitchita5978]

Ive had both, I put enough money in the KLR to try and make it hang that I could of bought the T7 right off the bat.... The T7 is much more bike as far as capability as a touring machine. The KLR has improver over the years but it is still 1980s vs 2000s..........

[@markgiles8527]

In my part of the World the KLR is a lot cheaper than the Tenere, a lot cheaper. And a BMW GS is about 3 times more expensive than the KLR.

[@chrispekel5709]

Oz?

[@DirtRider22a]

Wonder if the gen3 wheelies as good as the gen2 did…heard it has a longer swingarm

[@darrenjack2]

Thank you for your time and information. I have a question. What happens if you change both sprockets to 16/ 40 for highway

[@darkscorpion6534]

Here in Australia a brand new KLR650 Adventure Model is about $11,800 whereas a T700 is about $22k. $26K if its the World Raid Version...