Just some thoughts about the bikes that you are comparing. I have a modded KLX-331 in the garage that is plated and a KTM 690. So close to the bikes that you are comparing.

The 690 is on another planet in the horsepower department compared to the 331. Everytime I go somewhere the 331 sits in the garage and I ride the 690 its just that simple. IF I need to ride pure single track I have a KTM-200 in the garage.

I spent gobs of money on my KLX and it is still the same platform with a lot of mods! I have the KK 331 kit, TM36-68, 2004 KX-500 Forks, Stroker rear linkage and shock, etc... With all of that said I ride the 690.

So if I was you I would find a really good deal on the 610 or whatever you want to purchase. If you want a lighter dual-sport than go with the KLX, WR-250, DRZ-400 etc...

Just my .02 cents.

 

I haven't checked any specs but are you saying the 610 weighs more than a DRZ or WRR? (they pretty much weigh the same)

 

Umm... not to be "that guy" but theres about a $6000 price difference between a KTM 690 and a KLX250.

If you would have put 6 grand into the KLX it would probably be a monster....

 

Probably true but I don't think there's much $ difference between used klx with all the mods and a used 610.
Nothing to argue over, just good conversation.

 

Honestly if a used 610 is the same price as a modded KLX (around $3-3.5K) that kind of resale value does not speak to highly of the quality and logevity of the product. IMO


*edit*

Sorry, i didn't realize that the 610 was that old a bike. So the price makes sense now.

 

I am not saying that the price difference is not unavoidable. I found a nice used KTM 690 for 7300.00. A nicely farkled KLX-250 is 3000.00 By the time you spend money on a big bore from BB, carb, suspension work, etc... It is still a KLX. On the other hand my KLX is still in the garage for some reason!! :-)

I think if I did not have to deal with a lot of freeway in the Las Vegas/Death Valley area my KLX would have been an awesome DS weapon but it is out of place on the freeway for "me".

Dennis