Wilsons Sandbox

The DR650's seat height is lower than the KLR-650. I think that the DR can be lowered as bought (not sure about earlier models) to 33". This is only about 1/2" higher than the Kawasaki 250 Super Sherpa, which my 5'5" wife sits flat footed on. I'm also interested in hearing comparisons from people who have some experience with the DR, since my above mentioned riding partner has started to talk about "something with more go than the 250". I've heard good things about the DR, nothing bad. Worst thing said is "The KLR is more comfortable than the DR" My (trusted) local Kawasaki / Suzuki / BMW dealer says that the DR650 is an excellent bike, but they hardly sell any because everyone wants the KLR instead. $1800 for a 1994 sounds fair if you've seen it and it is in good condition. rgely40207 wrote:

>I have a chance to buy a used DR650, (1994 approx 5k miles) locally. >My questions are as follows: >1) Are there any aftermarket "low" seats available like the Corbin is >for the KLR? (I'm inseam challenged) >2) Besides the obvious water cooling, what are the differences >between the KLR and the DR? >3) asking price of the DR is 1800 (supposedly highway miles, good >condition). Any feedback on the price? > >Thanks > >p.s. I did post this also at the DR site > > > > > >Archive Quicksearch at: http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html >List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com >List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > >Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > > > >

I ride with a friend with an '04 DR650 and he loves it for what he uses it for - 60-80% gravel/dirt. I would take the DR places I wouldn't want to take the KLR. But I have no idea what changes were made in 10 years that would make yours different from his, so it's smart to check with that group. Upsides: it's a bit lighter, feels more balanced & has more guts than a KLR. The performance can easily be increased still more with a jet kit & good aftermarket pipe (he has). Air cooling means less damage to worry about if you crash in rocky places. The out-of-the-box suspension seems more dirt-worthy than the KLR too. Downsides: smaller tank, less comfortable seat, air cooling might be a negative consideration if you ride in slow, technical places in the summer. Not as much after-market support available (maybe you consider that good?). Pat M

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "rgely40207" wrote: > > I have a chance to buy a used DR650, (1994 approx 5k miles) locally. > My questions are as follows: > 1) Are there any aftermarket "low" seats available like the Corbin is > for the KLR? (I'm inseam challenged) > 2) Besides the obvious water cooling, what are the differences > between the KLR and the DR? > 3) asking price of the DR is 1800 (supposedly highway miles, good > condition). Any feedback on the price? > > Thanks > > p.s. I did post this also at the DR site >

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "rgely40207" wrote:

> > I have a chance to buy a used DR650, (1994 approx 5k miles) locally. > My questions are as follows: > 1) Are there any aftermarket "low" seats available like the Corbin is > for the KLR? (I'm inseam challenged) > 2) Besides the obvious water cooling, what are the differences > between the KLR and the DR? > 3) asking price of the DR is 1800 (supposedly highway miles, good > condition). Any feedback on the price?

I know there is a Corbin available for the post-'97 DRs; couldn't say about the earlier ones, but I would expect so. I have heard that the Corbin for the later DRs does not fit with the stock tank; you need an Acerbis or IMS tank. In general, the DR has better suspension than the KLR, and is better off-road, although still unwieldy for singletrack. The KLR has roomier ergos, a better stock seat (faint praise) and longer range on the stock tank. If I had to load one up and ride it to Utah, I would pick the KLR. For DS riding that gets at all technical, I pick the DR. However, there is a lot of overlap in function, and the DR can be set up to travel very well. I am not sure when the DR acquired electric start. My '90 didn't have it, my '97 does. Don't leave home without it. The DR underwent a number of changes in '97 (or could it have been '96?) I have a vague sense that I would prefer to own one after that date, but not sure I can tell you why. The price doesn't seem too bad. You would pay a lot more for a later model. My quick reaction is, I would want to buy it cheaper than that, but isn't that always the case?

On 10/20/05, rgely40207 wrote:

> I have a chance to buy a used DR650, (1994 approx 5k miles) locally. > My questions are as follows: > 1) Are there any aftermarket "low" seats available like the Corbin is > for the KLR? (I'm inseam challenged) > 2) Besides the obvious water cooling, what are the differences > between the KLR and the DR? > 3) asking price of the DR is 1800 (supposedly highway miles, good > condition). Any feedback on the price?

$1800 seems a bit high for a bike that is averaging under 500 miles/year , I purchased a 93 KLR650 with 4600 miles for $1400 nearly two years ago. Good luck. I would aim closer to $1,000 depending on condition and maintenance. JF

Good article thanks, but now I have a headache. FWIW I used green in my first change on my KLR without incident then changed out to Toyota red the next change again no problems. --Jim A-15

> http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=2419&location_id=2910 > > FWIW > > Jim A17 >

Good move. I'm not first hand familiar with t he DR but have read that it too has a stellare reputation. A bit more of an off road bike than the KLR, slightly lighter but pretty tough. LIke the "Killer" it has its strengths and weaknesses. If I'm not mistaken this is the closest DS to a KLR in most aspects. The air vs liquid cooling is a big deal to some and means little to others. I ride a KLR so obviously that is the best choice. Would I have a DR second bike? You bet.

>From: "rgely40207" >To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com >Subject: [DSN_KLR650] KLR vs. DR ?? >Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2005 21:16:19 -0000 > >I have a chance to buy a used DR650, (1994 approx 5k miles) locally. >My questions are as follows: >1) Are there any aftermarket "low" seats available like the Corbin is >for the KLR? (I'm inseam challenged) >2) Besides the obvious water cooling, what are the differences >between the KLR and the DR? >3) asking price of the DR is 1800 (supposedly highway miles, good >condition). Any feedback on the price? > >Thanks > >p.s. I did post this also at the DR site > > > > > >Archive Quicksearch at: >http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html >List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com >List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > >Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > >

I want to hear what the DR guys say. Hope we get a report! Mike Peplinski wrote:

>Good move. I'm not first hand familiar with t he DR but have read that it >too has a stellare reputation. A bit more of an off road bike than the KLR, >slightly lighter but pretty tough. LIke the "Killer" it has its strengths >and weaknesses. If I'm not mistaken this is the closest DS to a KLR in most >aspects. The air vs liquid cooling is a big deal to some and means little to >others. I ride a KLR so obviously that is the best choice. Would I have a DR >second bike? You bet. > > > > >