11-24-2014, 09:31 AM
(11-24-2014, 08:31 AM)Rboe_imp Wrote: I'm biased as I own the XR650L, with two sets of rims, one with knobbies, one with dual sport tires. Weighs about 80-100lbs less than the KLR 650, does not have a chain driven counter balancer (really? seems to me a gear driven one would have been the way to go). Better in the dirt than the KLR, not too shabby on the slab; but the mileage ain't nothin' to write about.
I added an oil cooler (this is AZ after all), wolfman side racks, 5.8gal gas tank, real bark busters, and some armour on the side cases. Kinda of a step child in my kit now, but is so fun in the twisty bits, I still envision some touring on it.
It does not get the love of the KLR; perhaps if I rode a KLR I'd see why. But I can't get over all that extra weight.
By the way, a buddy has a GROM and has been putting stupid money into to get it to perform like a 350 (or 250). But he's a bit shorter and has a blast on the darn thing as well as getting a ton of ribbing from me.
I do admit it would be fun to have if I didn't have the 650L already. But I think a real 250 would make more sense. Especially with my 36"+ inseam.
In stock form, the KLR is a much better highway mount than the 650L. Obviously, you can alter either bike to move it closer or further away from it's respective on or off road bias. I love the 650L, but It isn't enough of a highway cruiser for me.
Ironically, the 250 offers none of the advantages of either 650, but it is more useful than the Grom...which isn't saying much. I still want it, though.