I too learned on the KLX and am now trying to sell it. I've had it 4 years now and have done about all the mods. It is a nice bike but there is only so much room in the garage. My last couple rides kinda sealed it. It is great on the dirt but when you want to make tracks home on the pavement it lacks. I know it isn't made for long highway tours but I need something that'll keep me from getting passed by a Prius. I'm looking toward an XR650L. Chris, were you able to sell yours? Did ya get a reasonable price?

Congrats on the new purchase. I want to upgrade to a bigger bike too. I've been leaning towards a KLR. I like to looks of that Suzuki too.

Fantastic motor in the Vstrom, prefer the Versys as a bike. Each to their own.

I traded it in on the new bike. Definitely got more on it than I expected but I was playing hardball with them, and they seem to have a booming used bike business there as well.

The Versys was definitely on the short list as well but it seemed a tad small for two-up and Kawasaki hasn't done any demos around this area in years so I couldn't test ride one. Also considered the Tiger 800, the Triumph dealer was nice enough to let me take that for a spin, it was incredible. Had I went with my heart vs my head I'd be on that bike today, but I couldn't justify the extra cost.

As much as i like the Versys, given the choice & budget it would have to be a KTM 690 Duke!! One hell of a ride.....

KLX and KLR650 perfect stable.

+1 to that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zibj7KnjClk

+1 to that.


Which Dual Sport Motorcycle is right for you? - YouTube

The Suzuki does have a great motor, but it's the motor in the Versys and Ninja 650R that I'm really impressed with. In an era when a vertical twin is considered "old school", Kawasaki did a remarkable thing with this motor. And the potential in this engine is evident at the extreme performance end as evidenced by what Bill Werner did with the engine in an AMA level dirt track racer.

Bill Werner - Changing the Face of Dirt Track - Sport Rider Magazine

Also, the 650 Kawasaki engine is a torquey design whereas the Suzuki is more of a high rpm design. Both are really good bikes and definitely better than a sharp stick in the eye anyway you look at it.