exactly my point. thx

I've listed these "functional improvements" several times. One that comes to mind is the headlight and gauge cluster. But there are numerous others like the enlarged rear brake, thicker stronger spokes, larger improved radiators, petal brake rotors which offer improved bite and heat dissipation, more rigid swingarm, better front brake line routing, etc. You do the research. These are the little things that were improved but like I said earlier, I didn't expect owners such as yourself to come out and admit it. And you pretty much proved my point. You wouldn't want these on your bike? Yeah right, deep down you know you do- that's all.

 

The '06-'07 KLR is a series of tweaks. Yes, they are more extensive and far-reaching than on the KLX. No, it is nothing like a different, or new, bike. The changes between the two run a parallel. Theeffective outcome of the change(s)between the two lines are quite similar. A smoother, sharper, more modern looking, running, and handling bike, but w/very much the same core. Thus, a parallel.

If you're going to correct me, at least be accurate and, well...correct when you do so. If I need input on what I'm thinking in the future, I'll be sure to ask you for clarification ahead of time. Thanks just the same.

 

I've been thinking about getting a KLX250 ever since they were first announced. I thought about the bike often, and read anything I could find about it, trying to learn more. Then, as I was beginning to get serious about getting a new bike, (I was considering the KLX250 and the DRZ400S) Kawasaki announced the '09 KLX and Yamaha the WR250R. Since '07 KLX's were still available, I now had four bikes to choose between. I think they are all good bikes, and I would have been happy with any of the four, but I still had to choose one. I chose the '07 KLX for several reasons, but, while I wanted a street legal bike, I was focusing on which bike would be the easiest to handle on the rutted, steep and slippery trails we have around here. I know this is just an opinion, but I like the way the '07 looks over the others. I wanted six gears and was interested in the lightest weight, so I ruled out the DRZ. I do like the idea of fuel injection on the WR, but worried about the added expense and complexity of swapping fuel tanks and richening the mixture should I want install an aftermarket exhaust. Also, the WR starts out $1000 more than the KLX, so I ruled it out.

So, I was down to choosing between the '07 and the '09 KLX. I had plenty of time to examine the upgrades on the '09, but I personally didn't see any that would help me out on those tight, steep trails. I like the luggage rack on the '07, and I also knew that aftermarket fuel tanks were available for the '07, and I wasn't sure how long before the '09 would have that option. There are things that I like about the '09. I like the digital dash, the new swingarm looks cool, as does the petal rotor. For the type of riding I do, I don't think I need any of these things on my bike, the current swingarm and rotor are working quite well. I don't care so much for the look of the new fenders, and the new headlight doesn't get me too excited. The gear ratios between 5th and 6th ( on the '07) seem just right to me, although I know you disagree with that. As far as the spokes go, I won't really know unless I somehow taco or collapse a wheel, but I doubt that's going to happen given how I ride (I like gnarly trails, but I ride pretty mellow).

I think it's fair to say I have put my money where my mouth is on this issue. I'm not saying the upgrades aren't going make the '09 a better all around motorcycle for you, but not necessarily for me. I just don't think it's accurate of you to say that deep down I want the features of the '09, since I clearly could have had them and chose not to get them.

 

I forgot the radiators and the front brake line routing. I can't seem to find any mention anywhere, of anyone having problems with either of these items on the '06/07. Bigger radiators aren't a bad thing, but I don't have any reason to think I need them.

As for the brake line routing, look at pictures of the '09 routing. The brake line now crosses the lower fork leg about six inches up from the axle, on the outside. Is this better, or just different?

 

There is this particular bike that I really like and by God you had better as well..........but you don't have to..............but can we at least talk this subject to death some more?

Without anybody posting a response, if there were an 06 an 07 and an 09 KLX250S sitting at the dealership (all for about the same price) which bike do you think would be chosen by the majority?

 

the old routing hangs the line way down below the caliper. there have been many people here who have modded the routing as it is prone to getting hit on ruts and other protruding obstacles.

glad to hear you like your '07 so much. I also liked my '06, but the new '09 has cool features as well as looks more up to date imo. I'll have one of them. The beef I have with the '06-'07 is it dates back to 1994 or so. the angled rear fender dates back to early '80's KDX's. I'm just saying the new bike has some cool upgrades that you yourself just said you liked. That was my point....nothing else. Anytime something new comes out that replaces something old, it's just human nature to tell yourself that you still like what you have even though subconsciously you really would like to get new. It's just the way people are. But most will never admit it aloud that they're feeling that way if they're not planning on upgrading in the first place.

 

Most likely the 09, just because its "the" newer model. Personally after riding my 06' for almost a year now. I would stick with the 06' & 07' model. Just because I like the look better and I have already worked the suspension on the backwood's trails.

Now if Kawasaki offered the KLR650 in a FI. I would be dead set for the KLR650. Thou a $1,000 in the KLX would 2x its power. Ah, the love of choices. I wish my head would stop hurting because of my diliemas.

 

That routing eliminates the exposure from below, but presents a new exposure from the side that wasn't there before. I think they have the right idea, but poor implementation. A simple low-side or brushing up against some rocks or logs along the trail looks like it might do that one in. Most off-road bikes route the line to the inside of the fork instead which provides the most protection.

The good news is that it should be easy to fix, just remove the caliper, swing it around to the inside and remount.

 

Iowa, who on this forum have modded the routing of the front brake line..... only thing I can recall is some folks buying or fabbing a breakline guard?

I just looked at the new breakline routing and compared it to my klx...... I like the old design better......no exposed soft hoses to get caught on Palmetto Bushes....unlike the speedo....see

New design



Old design....well used and never a problem....and the only exposed part is SS. Could it be better you betcha.....but the above design is not better.



Note the sand an mud I went riding today. lol

 

Man, how did you know I've always had a thing for those KDX's (ever since the early eighties)?!?! I happen to love the way they look, and the '06/'07 KLX reminds me of a KDX220 (without the expansion chamber and groovy premix exhaust smell.)




"Anytime"? New doesn't always equate to better. Sometimes yes, sometimes no, it depends on the person. Say you had a '57 T-bird, it was a fun car, you loved it, but now you're getting older and uh larger, and now you've got a wife and kids, You just have different needs. No more sporty Sunday drives in the country, just back and forth to work, dropping the kids off at school, taking the wife to Fondue parties and Macrame classes. Then Ford comes out with the "Big Bird" and you are stoked!