v strom vs klr comparison
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:59 pm
Given the recent V Strom references, just thought I'd chime in.
After 33K smiles, I sold my KLR 2 weeks ago, and picked up a used
DL1K the next day. Got really lucky and found a 2007 that was
purchased 26 days earlier, and promptly traded in as the PO couldn't
handle the seat height. Having put about 1000 miles on it in the
last week and a half, here are some impressions. Do with them what
you want.
First impression is of course the power. Yes, more than double the
HP over a KLR, and yes it's awesome. What I really like, though, is
how similar the power delivery is off idle to the KLR. I have
ridden many bikes, none impressed me as much as my KLR for off idle
throttle response. The DL is very similar as low as 2000 rpm's,
it pulls nicely. I have ridden many other bikes that just don't
come alive as quickly. The DL is very similar to the KLR in this
regard. Higher RPM's, of course the DL keeps making power and the
smile factor increases right up to the posted speed limit.
Second impression was ergonomics. My favorite attribute of the KLR
was the seating position. I thought my next bike was going to be a
Ulysses, until I rode one for 200 miles (rental) and absolutely
hated the riding position. The DL is almost identical to the KLR in
this respect. If I close my eyes, and stretch out my arms the
bars are exactly where they should be. One gentleman made mention
of "sport bike" seat to peg configuration. I have a VF750, and let
me assure you the DL does not have sport bike ergos. Again, almost
identical to the KLR.
Next impression would be the brakes. I was in the minority in that
I never had an issue with the KLR's brakes. The DL are much more
powerful, but I never considered it a weakness on the KLR.
One area that really stands out is the lighting. I went through
several upgrades on the KLR, ending with a 80/100 bulb and upgraded
wiring. Still absolutely no comparison to the DL (or any other
newer reflector design). As was said before, I think the rectangle
shape of the reflector really limits the lighting on the KLR.
Off road is obviously going to give the nod to the KLR. I will say
that I took the DL on about 50 miles of dirt roads, and one half
mile section of single track (I got lost) on my 3rd day of
ownership. While no where near as comfortable as the KLR on the
loose stuff, it really was fine so long as I didn't hammer the gas.
I didn't drop it, and didn't want to.
Fun factor yes, I miss my KLR, and will undoubtedly be looking for
one once the DL is paid for. The Strom is still a fun bike in its
own right. I don't get as many waves from kids (hey, look at the
dirt bike!) or laughs from the women (hey, look at the old man on
the dirt bike!), but it's still plenty flickable enough to forget
all that in the curves.
So bottom line, I find it amazing how similar the two bikes are on
the whole. Each has their plusses and minuses, but I can't think of
two bikes I'd rather own.
Jon Hunter
07 DLK
03 A17 (gone but surely missed)
83 V45 Interceptor
71 CL450