There's a 2006 KLR650 with 10,000 miles for sale here for $2,100. 2006 KLR 650

I know a bunch of you here on the forum own, or have owned, similar bikes. What are your thoughts? What do I need to look out for (oil burn, for example). I know the 2006 model is 'old school' and the newer version (2008+ I believe) has a number of improvements.

My interest is getting a bike that I can ride easier on the freeway/highway and for longer distance multiple day trips where a little more gear makes the trip a bit more comfortable.

Thanks!

 

I think that seems a fair price.....considering I just bought a 1996 for 3200 CAN with the same amount of mileage. But I knew the owner/bike and it was well looked after.

Do your research and you'll find some "must" upgrades to be done. "Doohickey" is one definite. If ya don't know--- you will find out. Sub-frame bolt upgrade is another must by most. All this was already done on mine. So I didn't mind paying a bit extra.

New models improved? Not sure, depends on who ya ask. They definitely have extra fairing...good for highway....but also more to break. Opinions will vary.

All th

 

I agree. Good price, assuming the bike has been taken care of. I have an 06, and can recommend RICOR Intiminators for the front suspension. The rear shock can get the job done, but, the front upgrade will take the dive out of it on hard braking, and it corners SO MUCH better...especially off-road. If you find you're really riding off-road a lot, either the MOAB rear (from Cogent) or the RICOR IAS Rear (I've had them both, and prefer the RICOR...testing shows me heartrate and lap times were lower with RICOR IAS technology) will help make the rear grip better, too.

Subframe bolts, Balancer lever, SS Brakelines, Vibranators or other vibration-reducing technology in aluminum bars, rejetting (especially if you have cruising surge), valve check/adjustment, converting all fuses to solid-type, enricher mechanism plastic connector changed to aluminum (Steadman Engineering), Thermobob (also made for the KLX250...I have one on each bike), Petcock modification to manual (the vacuum-operated one gives fits sometimes), skidplate (if you ride off-road...I didn't notice if the one in the ad had one), WIRING HARNESS RE-WRAP where the wires cross over the upper rear motor mount (you won't be sorry if you check this out), "Low-buck exhaust modification (I used an HMF tip and installed an additional spark arrestor), and...well, that's what comes to my mind right off the bat. I prefer the pre-08 models. If you replace the tank with an IMS, you lose the shrouds, and the bike can take a pretty good beating without breaking the shroulds or the radiator.

IF I had to have only one bike, as much as I love the KLX, I'd have to keep the KLR...it can go ALMOST anywhere the KLX can, and the KLR is much happier on pavement. An all-day adventure out in the desert is much easier to do on the KLR. Technical stuff...the KLR can do most of it...it's just a big load!

 

good stuff guys. keep it coming.
I've seen a few forums. Any that stand on top (like this one...for the KLX)?

Looked at the bike tonight. Will be back tomorrow am .
Sounds nice. Started right up (it was 34F out, and it had not been warmed up prior). Looks well maintained. But the guy only put maybe 750 of the 10K miles on it, it's his first bike, and he describes POs that knew what they were doing (a harley mechanic -- really? and a KLR fan original), but who knows. It's not beat, but it has been layed down or put into a wall at least once (bent brake lever with a scuff on the end). Hasn't been off road much at all, or if it was, very careful. No skid plate. Didn't burn oil in the past 750 miles, and I didn't see any puffs coming out. Came from MN. No ThermoBob (have one on my KLX), and no Krieger. I'll be taking it off road, so want to make it worthy.

 

Scott, I had 4 of those in various configurations over the years. I'm not into them anymore, but the KLR is nothing if not just a really solid, reliable bike. You wouldn't want to or maybe even be able to ride it in some of the places we rode last May around Moab, but for what you're describing they really do well.

Despite all the stories about the doohickey issues, oil burning, and other such things, there really isn't a huge issue with most of these bikes of all years. I did the doohickey fix...the balancer chain tension device...on my last KLR, but the other 3 are still running around in ignorance and without issue. I think the chronic oil burning issue is also somewhat overblown, at least in regards to total number of bikes out there. On the cam chain issue like with our KLX's, I've not heard of any pattern of trouble with the KLR, and I certainly didn't have any. I don't think you'll need to be concerned with anything out of the ordinary other than what you'd be on the lookout for on any prospective purchase...like noticeable oil burning, smoking, unusual noises, wreck damage, and such. Good luck with it. It sounds like a decent deal.

 

TNC
Thanks for your perspective! I know you've been into several of these. But hard to trust your advise when we all know you beat your machines into oblivion

I'm looking for a commuter to save on knobbies, get groceries, and rack up long mileage days. There's a lot of miles around here that I've found need covered. Some are best for the KLX. Sadly, some aren't.

I figure maybe 25% or so of the mile I put on in Moab would be rideable, and a fraction of those enjoyable, on the KLR beast. KLX for Moab, no doubt.

You know, those little motorized mountain bikes we saw on Fins would kick butt for many of the trails.



But then again, there was that Crown Vic on Hells we saw when I think you were off afternoon napping...

disclaimer: this was not our vid...but he was there when we were
Crown Vic on Hell's Revenge- Moab, Utah - YouTube
.

 

I have an '08 that I bought used with 2,100 miles in December '09 for $3,200. Currently the bike has over 15,000 miles and will use oil when I cruise at highway speeds 70 - 80 mph. I replaced the doohickey with Eagle Mike's kit right after I bought the bike. I replaced the stock skid plate after it cracked while I was in Big Bend. Your interest or reason in getting one is a valid one. The KLR is better on the highway and is more comfortable.

 

Thanks guys.
It's home now .
Bought it yesterday am, then went for a good ride on the KLX to make sure she didn't feel left out.

 

Nice! I would love to have a 650....but it would have to be green not only to match the KLX but cause green is faster right?

 

Deej - you're right. It was very tough for me to go red. VERY tough. Have been looking for a green one for a while now. Couldn't pass this deal up, and the itch was getting bad...it really needed scratched. Maybe I can find someone to trade plastics with...or just get out the paint cans.
(green envy)