[rastaman]

You may remember from my last post that I have been teaching my wife to ride on a lowered TW. She is now ready to do some extended road riding. I have been looking for another TW for myself and have found a couple that are interesting however they are a little more than I care to pay,and have a little higher miles than I would like. So for the money they are asking I started looking around at the KLR's which I have seen going for same $$$. 250 and 650's.

I dont know what I really want. Other than I would like a bike that is comfortable to ride at her pace..slow. I have a Vstrom which would be chugging 2nd all day...not ideal. Plus the fact that as she gains experience. I see us doing some forest service type roads in the future. Obviously a TW is the perfect match. HOWEVER for the money would a little more HP (klr 250) give me more options. I have never ridden a KLR and know nothing about them, and reliability and cheap mainteniace is a big factor for me.



Open to ideas and opinions.....

 

[Rhodetrip]

I have a KLR650 that I enjoy very much:

I bought it and then I lowered my TW200 for my wife to ride. But I found that

I didn't enjoy riding it at the slower pace that she likes on the TW.

So I bought another TW200 for me, and I think that's great.

Much more comfortable riding with similar gearing and power.

Not to say it wouldn't work, but I think it will depend on the rider as well. I used to ride my TW200 with friends on KLRs and I could keep up fine (not on the highway, but otherwise) but I would be riding far more aggresively than the Mrs. is ever going to do.

 

[RodneyReed]

The 250 is worth considering, although I don't know much about them. The 650, IMHO, would be frustrating at slow speeds.



I do know that it's best to get the bike you want, the first time, regardless to price, because every time you buy/sell, you are going to lose money.



I bought a bike a couple of years ago, and I had an option between a $6000 Husqvarna 510 and a $9000 KTM 530, both brand new. I wanted to save the 3 grand, but at the same time, I knew the KTM better fit my style of riding. So I gritted my teeth and spent the extra money.

 

[rastaman]

I have a KLR650 that I enjoy very much:

I bought it and then I lowered my TW200 for my wife to ride. But I found that

I didn't enjoy riding it at the slower pace that she likes on the TW.

So I bought another TW200 for me, and I think that's great.

Much more comfortable riding with similar gearing and power.

Not to say it wouldn't work, but I think it will depend on the rider as well. I used to ride my TW200 with friends on KLRs and I could keep up fine (not on the highway, but otherwise) but I would be riding far more aggresively than the Mrs. is ever going to do.

You were obviously in the same position I am in now. and it is reassuring to know that your answer was another TW. same bikes with same power would be ideal. and not being an aggressive rider myself, I guess it would work fine. I was just seeing myself becoming inpatient with the TW, when riding alone, doing some distance trying to get to a nice off pavement riding location. The places I can think of riding right now I would have to trailer the TW to get there, which is fine if the wife is coming along. However if I am going by myself I would love to just ride the bike. If you know what I mean.....

 

[rastaman]

The 250 is worth considering, although I don't know much about them. The 650, IMHO, would be frustrating at slow speeds.



I do know that it's best to get the bike you want, the first time, regardless to price, because every time you buy/sell, you are going to lose money.



I bought a bike a couple of years ago, and I had an option between a $6000 Husqvarna 510 and a $9000 KTM 530, both brand new. I wanted to save the 3 grand, but at the same time, I knew the KTM better fit my style of riding. So I gritted my teeth and spent the extra money.

And therein lies the problem....I dont know what I want...I already have my 'ideal' bike...the Vstrom. This decision is mainly for riding with the wife when she wants to ride her bike. as I said in an earlier post I am just concerned of becoming impatient in the roads while riding alone trying to get to a 'spot' for some off pavement.....thanks

 

[GlassAnkles]

i put 2500 miles on a 09 klr650. they do great on dirt roads, stays really stable even with the stock tires. highway is really annoying to me, not much power up top with all the extra weight. id rather wring out my TW



ever consider a bmw F650? ive seen some good prices lately



Edit: f650 Dakar to be more specific, spoked wheels are better offroad





glass

 

[RodneyReed]

And therein lies the problem....I dont know what I want...I already have my 'ideal' bike...the Vstrom. This decision is mainly for riding with the wife when she wants to ride her bike. as I said in an earlier post I am just concerned of becoming impatient in the roads while riding alone trying to get to a 'spot' for some off pavement.....thanks

That makes the choice much easier:



KLR 650 - Too similar to the V-Strom. Will still struggle in the slow going trails.

KLR 250 - Too similar to the T-Tub. Will still struggle on open road.

DRZ 400s - Can easily putt along slow with the TW, and will handle the open road with no problem. Win-Win.

 

[Xracer]

I've got both. The KLR-650 is a fine all around bike but does have a tall seat and gearing.If you have long legs it's not a problem and there are lowering links if it is.Gearing is a matter of choice but I've found mines not happy poking around with the stock setup.Again it's an easy fix.If you look into it you will find it's a good idea to replace the DOOHICKEY with a better part. Again not a hard job and some people don't bother. It's your choice. I wanted a good stable mate for the Dub and have been happy with my choice. Simple to work on and easy to get parts and farkles!!

 

[elime]

Look for a low mileage '94 or later street legal DR350. Air cooled, 6 speed, electric start (prior to '94 kick start) easy to ride. It might be what you are looking for.

 

[John]

I currently own a '99 KLR 250 and can give you some information from my experience.



I have my KLR250 geared lower than stock for the trails, from my experience you really need to lower the gearing to make it trailworthy. with this gearing it redlines on the highway (9.5k) at 75mph but will pull past redline to about 82-84mph at 65 mph it rides comfortably. the speedometer was checked against a honda reflex 250 and as far as i know it is accurate. With stock gearing it will pull 80-85 mph before redline and doesnt have much after redline.



The stock suspension is excellent for me at 185#. I am 5'7" tall and my feet almost touch flat on the ground (but not quite). I have never felt it bottom out hard and it is plush. i dont ride hard but have rode some difficult trails at hatfield mccoy in WV and it handled them well.



The bike does seem overweight and underpowered for a 250 it will NOT pull the front end up without some good clutch/throttle action but WILL pull a steep hill like a tractor (with lower gearing). there are mods if you want to get into that. the klr250 was used by the us military and also police forces around the world. in my opinion it has proven itself to be rock solid. Valve adjustments on this bike are important.



The bike is watercooled and has a temp guage on the instrument cluster. I've ridden off road during hot weather (85-90f) and it has never reached the red "hot" area.



in my opinion, its a very nice street and trail bike. if you plan on mostly trail riding with some highway and backroad use- it is great. if you plan on a few extended road trips or with a passenger - go with a 350.

 

[qwerty]

As I understand it, you want to ride with your wife, who pokes along on a TW. However, you don't want to poke along on the TW on the street when you ride alone. The obvious answer is a TW and a WR250X. Duuh.

 

[dieselwolf78]

IMO it does not make sense to get a KLR650 if you want to pair it with the TW200. Too similar to the V-Storm. I got a TW200 and use it on the dirt and local roads. My husband had the KLR650 and it was VERY heavy on the trails, bad in the sand and not fun on the road to go slow with me.. He traded the KLR for the KLX250 and he is very happy. It does highway if it has to - but you have a bike for that anyway. So if you want to do off pavement and roads with your wife, either the KLX or the TW will do. There is more power in the KLX, the brakes are better, more suspension travel and a bit more ground clearance though. Seems to be as reliable as the TW200. The TW200 does start much easier in the winter or when we don't use them for two weeks but that's about it. (And next year she will want a bigger bike for the road/highway - don't ask, how I know).

 

[rastaman]

IMO it does not make sense to get a KLR650 if you want to pair it with the TW200. Too similar to the V-Storm. I got a TW200 and use it on the dirt and local roads. My husband had the KLR650 and it was VERY heavy on the trails, bad in the sand and not fun on the road to go slow with me.. He traded the KLR for the KLX250 and he is very happy. It does highway if it has to - but you have a bike for that anyway. So if you want to do off pavement and roads with your wife, either the KLX or the TW will do. There is more power in the KLX, the brakes are better, more suspension travel and a bit more ground clearance though. Seems to be as reliable as the TW200. The TW200 does start much easier in the winter or when we don't use them for two weeks but that's about it. (And next year she will want a bigger bike for the road/highway - don't ask, how I know).

Haha...ok I wont ask, however as short as she is,its going to be hard for her to move up, plus we are pushing high 50's at this age, she doesnt really have any desire to do a lot of highway stuff...at least not at this time...like you say things may change...I am not familiar with a lot of the bikes being suggested, but from the photos they all seem to have that radical hard core dirt bike look, I dont plan on doing any real hard core stuff, just want to cruise of the beaten path on mild trails...I really dont like the extreme dirt bike look. Thats what attracted me to the TW in the first place...with the fat rear tire it looked tame....yes I agree the KLR650 or anything in that range is going to be too cumbersome and heavy for what I want...

The way its looking I am leaning towards the TW, but am still considering others, I appreciate all the input..keep it coming.

 

[rastaman]

That makes the choice much easier:



KLR 650 - Too similar to the V-Strom. Will still struggle in the slow going trails.

KLR 250 - Too similar to the T-Tub. Will still struggle on open road.

DRZ 400s - Can easily putt along slow with the TW, and will handle the open road with no problem. Win-Win.

Rodney...I kinda like how tha drz400 looks. havent found any for sale on craigs list to get an idea of price...do you have any experience with this bike?

 

[rastaman]

As I understand it, you want to ride with your wife, who pokes along on a TW. However, you don't want to poke along on the TW on the street when you ride alone. The obvious answer is a TW and a WR250X. Duuh.

I looked at that bike...not bad looking...all the ones I saw have a high $ on them...more than I paid for my Vstrom...no way....I dont know if I mentioned that price is a big Issue...as I already have a total of 3 bikes...but thanks I will keep an eye out

 

[dieselwolf78]

Haha...ok I wont ask, however as short as she is,its going to be hard for her to move up, plus we are pushing high 50's at this age, she doesnt really have any desire to do a lot of highway stuff...at least not at this time...like you say things may change...I am not familiar with a lot of the bikes being suggested, but from the photos they all seem to have that radical hard core dirt bike look, I dont plan on doing any real hard core stuff, just want to cruise of the beaten path on mild trails...I really dont like the extreme dirt bike look. Thats what attracted me to the TW in the first place...with the fat rear tire it looked tame....yes I agree the KLR650 or anything in that range is going to be too cumbersome and heavy for what I want...

The way its looking I am leaning towards the TW, but am still considering others, I appreciate all the input..keep it coming.

All right. So cruising off the beaten path, the TW200 and KLX will be better than the KLR, since they are much lighter. In case you drop it.. The seat is much narrower on the KLX, the TW200 seat is better. Should look at ebay, we got the new KLX from a dealer last summer for 3999 OTD. My TW200 is lowered too as I'm only 5'2"..

 

[MrDNA]

If the main thing is going to putting around with your wife on her TW, then I'd suggest another TW. You already know the maintenance procedures and the parts, if you have to dig into one, you'll know what you're up against on the other, and you can always swap parts between the two to always have at least one bike on the road. With two bikes, you have to learn different parts, different mods and different maintenance, so consider your time as well. You will have a new learning curve with a different bike for sure.

 

[Malkop]

I have been searching in vain for another decent TW at a decent price so that my son or wife and I can ride together. Am off today to look at a low mileage 1984 XL 250 which is not as user friendly as the TW but should be around $500 and is all original and a classic since Honda was the first to bring out the 4 valve single cylinder that inspired all the thumpers that followed. I want an 80s XT 500 like mine that got stolen, but they are in such demand that they go for as much as a newish TW. They are not user friendly at all but like a kick mule, their orneryness to the uninitiated is part of their charm.



Malcolm

 

[RodneyReed]

Rodney...I kinda like how tha drz400 looks. havent found any for sale on craigs list to get an idea of price...do you have any experience with this bike?

I bought one new in 2000 and sold it just a couple of years ago for $1600. It's a true do it all bike. I raced it in a few motocross races, cruised it up and down the interstate, and everything in between. I took it to Deal's Gap (the dragon) a few times as well. It's excellent for low speed work, because it has a fan, although I must say that it rarely needed the fan as long has the pace was greater than 5 mph.

 

[rastaman]

If the main thing is going to putting around with your wife on her TW, then I'd suggest another TW. You already know the maintenance procedures and the parts, if you have to dig into one, you'll know what you're up against on the other, and you can always swap parts between the two to always have at least one bike on the road. With two bikes, you have to learn different parts, different mods and different maintenance, so consider your time as well. You will have a new learning curve with a different bike for sure.

Good points...I have thought about that too...