Should I?
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 39
From: Waxhaw, NC
Should I?
- pull the trigger on an 06 KLX250s with 9k miles on it. I would like to get another DS bike, but as it is, I can only have one bike. I have a beautiful 96 VFR750 which would have to go. I have only had it for a month, but have put on 1000 miles. It is soo smooth. I will use theKLX to commute to work 2-3 times a week which is 35 miles, with 13 of it on the interstate, and hit some local trails. I am afraid I will miss the smoothness of the VFR. BTW, what kind of range with the stock tank? Help me decide.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Land of Sun, Sand and Thorns - AZ
RE: Should I?
Tough call slip - especially when you can only have one bike and you want it to do almost everything. Since you have a VFR and are use to some power and speed the KLX250 might not cut it. Personally if I was you I would get something in the 400 to 650cc range for a DS. Driving on the interstate on the KLX is okay but make sure and bring a change of underwear with you (especially if it's windy). The stock tank on the KLX is only 1.9 gallons and with the carb and exhaust mods you'll be filling up all the time (unless you go with an aftermarket tank). Even after all the mods including the 331cc kit you'll always wonder if you should have just gone with a bigger bike... Man, I'm going to get hammered on this post.
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RE: Should I?
well, since you'll be on the hot seat I'll join you. the KLX is not a good "main" bike. it is very underpowered and not a good road bike because the wind blows it all over. but, it is a good trail bike which really is what it is built to do. but I wouldn't buy one with 9000 miles on it, no way. on ebay right now, there is one with 400 miles with a buy it now of $3400. you can mod the KLX, but really it doesn't extract enough power to improve it on an empirical level. I sold my '06 KLX 250S and bought a new DRZ400SM. Now, this bike has some power and torque. It's not the best road bike either as it only has 5 gears, but it at least has enough power to get out of it's own way when called upon. If you want a DS bike that will be a good road bike as well, check into the new KLR650, it was just updated and really is a neat bike if you can get past it's ugliness and realize it's not a street legal mid '90's KX like the KLX is. find a used KLX for $3000 or so and keep your Honda.
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RE: Should I?
Keep the VFR and get a cheap used dirt bike. Since it sounds like you have a car or truck, use a motorcycle carrier to get the dirt bike to the trails. However, if you have to ride to the trails then get the KLX as it is the best dual-sport bike on trails. The KLX sucks on the interstate though so be warned.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,484
From: Land of Sun, Sand and Thorns - AZ
RE: Should I?
I'll probably regret it later but I'll have to go with Iowaguy on this one. I also have a KLR650 and made the mistake of driving my friends DR650 - nice bike! Heavy, but nice.
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RE: Should I?
13 miles of interstate is alot for the KLX. If your 35 miles is one way plan on gettign gas everday, if it round trip, every other day. If you can only have one bike Id keep the VFR or get a KLR but thats proabably not much better in the dirst than the VFR.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: southern maine
RE: Should I?
I have to admit the same as IG and klx250s-rider,the klx is a total blast to ride but on the highway your being blown all over the lanes and hanging on for dear life ,but for regular around town stuff it's a blast.The fuel mpg can be fixed with a tank upgrade as the stocker gives you about 90 to 110 before reserve.
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Member
1st Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 39
From: Waxhaw, NC
RE: Should I?
Not to much worse than my ZRX1200. I hit reserve with that bike at about 120. I was only thinking about taking the bike to work maybe 2 times a week. But I don't know now, after hearing the feedback. I can go 200 on the VFR before the warning light comes on.[&o]
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Joined: Feb 2006
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RE: Should I?
Find a way to keep both. I found the KLX just wasn't comfortable enough for longer hauls. Despite riding it frequently, I only put 2300 miles on it in 16 months before trading in mine. I think the long ride will get a little tiring after a while, but fun maybe once a week.
A good compromise might be the new KLR650. The Buell Ulysses has gotten great reviews and might fill the gap of both bikes... except it can't dotrails, only gravel roads.
A good compromise might be the new KLR650. The Buell Ulysses has gotten great reviews and might fill the gap of both bikes... except it can't dotrails, only gravel roads.
