So after 2 years of owning my '13 KLX, 13,000 KM later, a billion fun rides, I think it's time for me to upgrade. I like the KLX to death, but I dislike how for long highway rides it's not suitable. Obviously, I knew it would have the issue when I bought it new, but at the time it was my first (clutch) bike and I did not think I would enjoy the highway as much.

None the less, I put my bike up on Kijiji to see what I would get and a guy wanted to trade his 2010 KLR650 for my KLX, trade for trade no money nothing. Just thinking if this is a good deal, or not.

My bike : '13 klx250s, 13,000 km, full fmf (pc4+megabomb), dynojet kit, UNI air filter, new front and rear tire, 200 KM on both front and rear sprocket, PT CR high bend handle bars, 80/100W lightbulb upgrade, new oring chain, new oil every 2000 KM and new filters, DNQ sticker kit.

His bike : '10 KLR650, all bone stock but has PMR racks and has 8000 KM. Right side plastics are a bit scratched up.

Just out of your mind what would you guys choose? I'd like to stick with Kawasaki because of their reliability.. plus it's the only shop in town we got.

Thanks

 

Look up book values on NADA or KBB. Unfortunately, you rarely get anything additional for added modifications. Some 2008 and 2009 KLRs are oil burners. Pre-2008 KLRs (Gen I) are a bit more dirt worthy than 2008+ (Gen II) models, with Gen II models being more street oriented.

That may not be a bad trade.

 

I'd buy a bigger bike before trading my klx for one, ever been down a nasty single track with a 650? Not fun, and cruising highways and logging roads get boring quick...for me at least. Good luck

 

I had a KLR650 for 16 years and the only thing I miss is its ability to go down the Interstate fairly comfortably.

Adding to Matty's comment, picking up the KLR, especially loaded down with camping gear isn't much fun either.

 

I will add it is totally up to you. If you do a lot of road and almost no off road the KLR would be nice. It will never be what the KLX is off road, nor will it be as quick handling - aka flickable. You have to decide what you want.

I personally have both a KLX650 and 250, each having its purpose in my riding.

 

KLR650
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85VErvTqgWc#t=153

 

If you do it, make sure the doohickey has been done.
I'd keep the KLX and get a used Versys. Way better on the road than the KLR and you'd still have a dirty bike when wanted.

 

2 bikes are always better than 1!

 

Ran a DR650 dual sport chasing buddies on 300's &450's single track gravel roads etc. got tired of picking up 400lbs. Couldn't give it up for long distance back road camping etc so bought a KLX.
Keep your KLX if you can and pick up a big thumper KLR neither one can really do it all well. Best of both worlds I wouldn't have it any other way now.

 

I say go for it, if you desire more power, better cold protection, and more carrying capacity. I know I did (vstrom 650). However that comes with a caveat. picking up a 400-500 pound bike more than a few times becomes REALLY tiring. REALLY fast. It takes a special kind of rider to ride these bikes in difficult off road conditions without dumping them constantly.

However if you get tired of picking it up take a break, enjoy the scenery, with a huge bike like this, its not a race.. That being said....


https://www.youtube.com/user/cugarfed

This guy rides his klr off road like a mad man