Sold the KLX, picked up an XR400R
 

And I couldn't be happier!:D

Sold the KLX for 3200, the plastics for 200, and the exhaust for 300.

3700.

bought this super clean, low hours, plated XR400 for 2400 cash! I have lots a room left for upgrades:p
(http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ant...336439013.html if its still up)

The bike weighs 30 pounds less than my KLX. I found that hard to believe when I did my research.. I figured the weight would be distributed atleast differently and not feel as easy to handle as the KLX, but I was wrong. The bike feels much lighter, has so much more power, and it is the sets the standard for reliability. I will probably hold on to this bike for the rest of my life and only have to change the top end once. Stoked because this is exactly what I've been looking for! Something as light as the KLX, faster than than the DRZ-S. Feels too much like a 351'd KLX, but plenty more torque. Must say I do miss the radiator... but these things never overheat!

So now I've dropped about a G in an hour, first thing on the list was a Pumper carb from XRs only, (first kick 95% and never floods) and an upgraded spark plug for 99% first kick, keyed ignition, clarke 3.8 tank, fender eliminator, grippy seat, Polisport rear fender, front fender, bars, side panels, grips, mirrors, Vapor kit, small blinkers, and still have about 600 dollars left over!

So that being said, my KLX reign is over. I continue to be a huge fan of the KLX... it is one of the best dual sports on the market. The 2 of them I had within the past 6 months have taught me a whole lot and made me a better rider. It is one of the best bikes to start on.

Now it's time for something with some more power, cheaper parts, and super reliability. I set my sights on the XR. The reason being that myself and 7 others will be doing the TAT next May and I need to get a bike ready now to go cross country. My last KLX I just sold had 2500 miles on it, was my commuter, and was pratically brand new.. I couldn't get myself to ride it hard enough, and it just lacked the power that I always wished I had as I ran the piss out of the thing (Don't get me wrong.. the KLX is a blast and I absolutely loved riding the guts out of it). So it had to go! My FMF Q4 and Megabomb now belongs to maxslack, and the Black plastics to BillMoore.

Wish me luck as I start building on this thing Monday!

Congrats on the new ride. My experiences with the XR's in my riding were over heating issues with it back firing and such. I would have to re-jet at that time for the altitude during the ride. But yes, it proved to be a durable ride.

Nice ride lots of power cheap parts very reliable what more could you ask . Just too tall and big for me lol . Post pics

Worst thing about the XR400R was that Honda lacked the foresight to actually make an XR400L version for the street in the U.S. It was virtually the perfect off road serious play bike for a few decades. What a shame they never actually were made with the TRX electric start (which I understand could be fitted) or at least the wiring and electrics from an XR650L. I'd love one.

No estart and not factory street legal. That's why I sold my xr400r that I had ridden and raced hard for nearly a decade. It was a very dependable bike but the kicker was lame. Also pretty outdated suspension but better brakes and transmission than the KLX. Same fuel economy but way more power with the XR, and tractor like low end power.

I dropped the XR to get the KLX and am still happy. The XR weighed 300 lbs, I put it on the scale myself. Haven't done that with the KLX to compare. They feel similar in weight.

Easier carb and air filter access with the XR. You don't need a fancy pumper carb, just tune the simple OEM carb and learn how to kickstart a thumper.

Wouldn't mind one with Sumo rims ;)

That's exactly what kept me from buying a really nice one last year. Even if it's my dream bike since my younger days, I want one that can haul my butt everywhere I need too, from highway to tight trails. It's a shame it can't be "street legalised" here.

pumper carb = no flooding and 95% first kick... oyu can fit an e-star twith a TRX, only adding a few pounds. Don't know why i'm getting attacked! well, I guess this isa KLX forum!

What does factory street legal matter when this XR's plated? some re-gearing and good tires and it makes just as good of a dual sport as the KLX.

The XR will beat the KLX in the dirt by miles and miles Highbeam, you know this!

No one's attacking you. I think they're questioning Honda for not turning it into a factory dualsport. I believe an XR is still pretty perfect in that role as long as you don't mind kicking, which I don't.

It can't be up here. It's an off road bike from factory, and will never be allowed to be used on the road (plated), even if one put flasher, mirrors and stuff. :(

You can still buy one plated in another state, they pop up even all the way in FLorida

Ya, sure you can buy it. Doesn't mean your home state will let you take it onroad though. Then you might be left with a heavy dirtbike with lights. It IS intimidating to put on your turn signal after you pass a guy on the trail.

Sorry mate, I should have mentioned before that I live in Canada, more precisely in Quebec.

lol ....

An XR400 forum is probably the best place to extol the virtues of your bike, then............

Congrats on the new bike. I grew up riding Xr's and would love to have an xr400r for a purely offroad bike.

'''lol

Post a pic

I would trade my klx for a honda in a heartbeat. I've seen a trx400ex engine swap and then your bike would have a reverse gear which can come in handy.

The XR400R was a great bike. I had 4 XR250R's between '84-'90. Still, for my true DS bike that will be required to be on some decent lengths of pavement occasionally, yet be very competent off road, the KLX is hard to beat. Plus, after a lifetime of kicking my off road bikes, I'm through with that little activity, which can turn into a small torture test sometimes after a crash. IMO the true off road model XR series bikes can be found in large numbers and for a cheap price. You don't have to license them or pay yearly taxes, so maybe just get one for pure off roading and keep the KLX for those split personaity rides and conditions. However, I ain't kicking any bike anymore...except maybe a KDX200 or KTM200.:D

Appreciate it guys. I will be missing my radiator most certainly.. it's a shame that there isn't a KLX400, and by that I mean.. not the re-badged DRZ from 2002-2003. An e-start is somehwere down the road.. I have dropped some serious aftermarket into this bike to make it the most ideal and practical bike for my needs.

It's all good man, it really doesn't matter what we all ride, as long as we just ride!!! :)

IDIOT!!!!! You're supposed to signal *BEFORE* you pass... :D:D

Not so fast. The factory suspension, especially the forks, on the XR are pretty crappy. I recognized that in the first desert race on the KLX. The KLX can absorb the bumps better. Other than that and the kicker, the XR is superior as an off road only machine. The lack of radiators is a good thing, less to bend and break when you go skipping through the desert on your head.

Never needed a new carb, the XR just works. Adjust valves with regular feeler gauges and a hand tools, no shims.

Way better transmission shifting.

Who cares if this guy sold his damn KLX so what. Good for him, have fun with the XR I plan on doing the TAT myself and I'm trying to decide between the KLX or a KLR for this. But we'll see....

Are we supposed to care what you're doing? :D

I think the most important thing to remember here is


Deej bought a freaking touring bike ! And now he's got Blackheart getting something similar, i mean.... how lame is that ?!!

yeah, and deej is a blonde nut with the song as well. "I touch myself" Is this a Pacific thing? lol

I cannot stop cracking up. Nicely done!!

awwwsht

Whip,

Dont know if your still kicking around but want your honest opinion on the XR now you have had it a few weeks. Is it still all you mentioned.

The reason being, I am at the "do I throw a bucketload more cash at the KLX by Big Boring it" or "sell the KLX and buy the mint condition XR440 complete with off road and supermoto wheels whilst having loads of money left over" crossroads and want some advice.

Never ridden an XR400 and dont just want to jump in head 1st.

If I were you I would not think twice and buy that sweet XR400.