2011 Kawasaki KLR 650

With only 8300 mile on my klr the engine began to rattle and lost power. I took a look at the motor before taking it to a local dealer and discovered the valve cover came loose, whereby leaking the oil. Kawasaki did not stand by the warranty, however, they did pay for the parts. I argued that the ... engine had not been put together correctly, but to no avail. I had to pay $700 for labor cost for a bad engine. .. Mot hapy one bit with Kawasaki and Mathew's Fun Machine in Mathews NC.

I have owned several types of bikes. Cruisers, sport, sport touring and finally the KLR. Overall I love the klr. The seat could use a rethink. There is enough power to get me where I'm want to go. Does use some oil at highway speeds but its a thumper and they all do it. There are more than enough ... aftermarket parts to customize the bike. It is a true around the world bike. It can be fixed on the road or at any garage. No special tools are required. Just a hint. Try to fix it with the tool kit provided. It can be done. It's good practice if you have a break down on the road and you forgot to bring along your 200 lb toolbox. Not a real two up bike. I like to use the space behind my butt as a place to strap more stuff when I travel. The doohickey is still a problem even if the dealer tells you that it has been fixed by the company and you don't have to worry about it anymore. It is true I that there are more advanced adventure bikes out there but the price and the complexity of fixing them on the road drive me away from them. Again overall the KLR is a great all round driveable bike. Long live the KLR.

I've had 20 bikes in the last 15 years (still have 6) from sport bikes to cruisers to enduros. While I love my bmws and my victory vision, the klr 650 is the most complete bike and the best on/off road bike I have ever ridden. For the money their is no better bike on the planet. 75-80 on highway ... is very smooth - off road is just as good and very nimble. A taller windshield and choices of a lot of aftermarket accessories make it even better. I've always wondered why they didn't make a klr 1200 to put the big boys to shame. No matter the klr 650 is fantastic!

Mark Hoyle Dallas TX