Yes, as long as you can actually touch bare metal not just paint.

 

Well, thank you guys for all of your tips and encouragement, but I just went down to the sellers place for a test ride and I had to pass. He turned out to be the second owner, so he hadn't paid full price. The engine ran fine and everything, but the tires were totally gone and needed replaced right away and he wouldn't move on the price. Even when I went cold fish and started looking like I would walk away, and even when I did.

Tires were 6 year old oem, **** was basically gone from rear, and rubber was losing its suppleness and getting hard. I couldn't fork over $3600 and then turn right around and cough up another $300 for tires and tubes.

I have to say it was worth it for the test ride, though. I was positively impressed with the engines power, it was no rocketship but it would accelerate on a grade and never seemed labored. The vibration wasn't as bad as what I thought after reading a lot of complaints. In an effort to be more British, the W650 I had had a 360 degree crank with both pistons rising and falling together, and that thing throbbed like a sportster. The vibes were there on the KLR, but subtle.

It also had the tall windshield and was way, wayyy more comfortable at highway speeds than the little KLX, definite road trip potential.

It strengthened my resolve, I am going to get a KLR, when the right one comes up. It's a cool bike, and just what I need.

 

At least you got to confirm that you're on the right track. Wait a week or so, then call to see if he's willing to lower the price yet. If the dust is getting thick on the bike the price may drop. Already farkled is worth something but most are farkled to some degree. Good luck on your quest. Post up when you get your KLR.

 

I agree. If the price drops, great. If not, no problem....it's not the only good KLR650 for sale!

 

There are just so many KLR650 bikes out there that there is a never ending trickle of them on Craigslist. Just your eyes open and you'll find one for a good price that is lightly used.

 

Don't just limit yourself to looking at klr's

Both dr and xr's are very comparable in different ways. Have you even considered a ktm lc4 or adventure? I got this 01 Adventure with luggage for $3,600 and only 6k miles after shopping for several months.

The day I picked her up.



Couple years later playing with the klx...50 hp, no luggage and set up suspension will really put a smile on your face.




They come up on the adv site quite often....just do a fly n ride

 

Funny you should mention DR650, Suzuki is discounting '09's and offering cheap financing, and there's a dealer an hour's drive away that I'm visiting this wed. that has a DR on the floor...

 

BTW, I can see why Blackheart suggested suspention work. The KLR I rode had stock suspention and I'm pretty sure the fork tubes were filled with marshmallows.