KLX as an adventure tourer? '06-07' vs +'09?
I've been pondering what bike to purchase to fit out for an Alaska-to-Argentina trip this year. I'm a small light guy with a travel-light ethos so something like a KLR650 seems totally excessive (although a friend riding one will join me as far as Mexico).
As far as newish 250 dual sports go, the KLX seems quite plentiful on the used market, and I like that I have the option of the big bore if I decide it's too slow (from what I've read, at least of the steel sleeved kits, they're very reliable? No?) My question is if I'm better off with a 2006-2007 model (with the square headlight), or one of the +2009 models (with the fancy headlight). Is there any consensus on which is better? (especially as far as reliability goes). There's a 3.7 Acerbis tank available for the earlier ones, whereas the biggest tank I'm seeing for the +2009 models is 3 gallons. However other parts (notably racks) seem much easier to come by for the newer ones. |
They are the same bike, with the 09+ models being a little lower, with less suspension travel. I've owned both. The 06/07 are better for off road riding because of the suspension. I think the later ones look better. Those are the only functional differences.
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At the least the tank, seat, and subframe seem to be different, since parts that fit one type don't fit the other. Although I guess you're saying it's a wash?
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If I was going to take my klx for a many mile ride the only thing I'd add besides racks is a good seat. The stock seat kills me after a 30 minute street commute to work!
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Originally Posted by stewacide
(Post 526691)
At the least the tank, seat, and subframe seem to be different, since parts that fit one type don't fit the other. Although I guess you're saying it's a wash?
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Originally Posted by toomanytoys84
(Post 526692)
If I was going to take my klx for a many mile ride the only thing I'd add besides racks is a good seat. The stock seat kills me after a 30 minute street commute to work!
I am a little worried about the strength of the rear subframe, but I suppose I could reinforce it if it looks iffy. Are there any reports on here of people doing long trips on a KLX? I've seen a few on the internets of people doing long trips on air-cooled smaller dual sports (DR350s, XT225s/250s, Sherpas) but I'm not having much luck finding a lower-miles version of one of those at a good price, while there are loads of KLXs (I'm shopping in Alberta). Aftermarket looks better on the KLX also. |
I've ridden to S. Carolina from New Hampshire twice(2500mi round trip). Bike did fine, except on the return trip when I was loaded and riding back into the mountains into a headwind. It doesn't really have highway legs but it can go 70mph, just don't expect to have power to pass.
But as an adv tourer where roads are probably not 4 lane highways and some are off-road, it'd be great. BTW, the Acerbis tank will fit the newer model, it just has an ugly gap between seat and tank. |
Originally Posted by stewacide
(Post 526711)
Are there any reports on here of people doing long trips on a KLX? I've seen a few on the internets of people doing long trips on air-cooled smaller dual sports (DR350s, XT225s/250s, Sherpas) but I'm not having much luck finding a lower-miles version of one of those at a good price,
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The 3.7 gallon Acerbis will fit the 2009+. There's a little bit of cosmetic issue but functionality is fine.
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06/07 vs 09+...it doesn't really matter. Solid, reliable bikes. Just find a well maintained one and be happy.
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