Welcome to NESR! Most features of this site require registration, including replying to threads, sending private messages, starting new threads, and uploading files. Click here to register.

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 63

Goodbye KiLaR!

  1. #1
    Super Moderator TheIglu's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    Royalston, MA
    Age
    43
    Posts
    21,761

    Goodbye KiLaR!

    Just saw in a moto news e-rag that the KLR650 has officially been dropped.

    What a good run she had! 1987-2018. 31 years, and only one real half-assed refresh.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    2021 KTM Duke 890 R
    2016 BMW S1000XR
    1982 Honda CB750F Super Sport

  2. #2
    Lifer capitalcrew's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Albany NY
    Posts
    1,242

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    I rode one home from Charlotte last month.

    I can't wait to reg it in the spring.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  3. #3
    Lifer Chippertheripper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    the fairest of havens
    Age
    44
    Posts
    13,897

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    The milk crate industry is next to fold.

    6 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Cliff's Cycles KTM
    NETRA enduro B-vet
    Close your eyes, look deep in your soul, step outside yourself and let your mind go.

  4. #4
    Your Father csmutty's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Pomfret Center, CT
    Age
    32
    Posts
    11,809

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    I'm gonna buy up all the NOS doohickey's.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    -Christian LRRS/CCS HasBeen ECK Racing
    2011 Pit Bike Race CHAMPION!

  5. #5

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    Dammit

    Never actually rode one tho

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    FREE $10 UBER CREDIT W' PROMO CODE --> PON41
    1994 Yamaha YZ250 CA Street Legal 2-smoke :smoke:

  6. #6
    Wizard loudbeard's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Rehoboth MA
    Age
    41
    Posts
    5,432

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    Quote Originally Posted by breakdirt916 View Post
    Dammit

    Never actually rode one tho
    Did you all of a sudden become in danger of buying a new motorcycle?

    2 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    I went to MMI I know what Im doing here chief

  7. #7
    Lifer
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Posts
    16,509

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    I kind of want one

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  8. #8
    Your Father csmutty's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Pomfret Center, CT
    Age
    32
    Posts
    11,809

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    I had one.

    Most boring and practical bike that I've ever owned.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    -Christian LRRS/CCS HasBeen ECK Racing
    2011 Pit Bike Race CHAMPION!

  9. #9
    Lifer
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    UNITED States!
    Posts
    3,652

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    I want one too!

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Your park avenue leads to..

  10. #10
    Senior Member TwelveGaugeSage's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Palmer, MA
    Posts
    465

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    First motorcycle I ever rode. I don't know how many times I had to pick that poor thing up in the parking lot that first day. I hope they make a modernized version of it. Lighter, more powerful, and fuel injected.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  11. #11
    Lifer capitalcrew's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Albany NY
    Posts
    1,242

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    Quote Originally Posted by csmutty View Post
    I had one.

    Most boring and practical bike that I've ever owned.
    Can confirm.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  12. #12
    Lifer
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    UNITED States!
    Posts
    3,652

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    Does riding a bike like the klr on the highway reduce its engine life? Not that I think it would be much fun on the highway, but say Boston, route one, 95, then off in groveland and back roads to NH?

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Your park avenue leads to..

  13. #13
    Senior Member ducatirdr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Sutton
    Age
    61
    Posts
    473

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    I've never owned a practical bike. I've owned a lot of motorcycles and all of them were about passion. Oh Wait.... I did own a BMW RT. Sewing machine boring. I got rid of it after two seasons. This brings me to the KLR. While I always thought they looked the part, we all know they are a compromise of performance, weight and capabilities for passionless, utilitarian, function with an under-stressed motor and iron frame that can be rebuilt by a trunk monkey with a welder in Siberia.

    I do find the KLR owners to have much more character than their bike. Typically a fringe player in the motorcycling tribe where you hear terms like "bang for buck", "rode all Winter" and "I repaired it myself". They can quote the output of each generations stater output. Discuss in detail the tools you need to carry with you. They tend to love build it yourself racks and panniers. Yes they are an awesome breed that scoffs at men and their need to ride Ducati's and Harley's. "I got this new off the showroom as a 2 year old leftover", they shout as they pull away like a tug boat leaving a mooring.

    5 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Last edited by ducatirdr; 10-25-18 at 07:35 AM.
    Send cash... I need a track day

  14. #14
    Super Moderator TheIglu's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    Royalston, MA
    Age
    43
    Posts
    21,761

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    It was a hilarious bike to ride fast.

    We passed my '93 around to everyone at Deal's Gap one year. NOBODY came off it without a huge shit eating grin.

    With the proper gearing, it would do highway all day long. I used to commute from Natick to Westminster with mine.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    2021 KTM Duke 890 R
    2016 BMW S1000XR
    1982 Honda CB750F Super Sport

  15. #15
    Lifer capitalcrew's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Albany NY
    Posts
    1,242

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    Quote Originally Posted by Gixxer View Post
    Does riding a bike like the klr on the highway reduce its engine life? Not that I think it would be much fun on the highway, but say Boston, route one, 95, then off in groveland and back roads to NH?
    I wouldn't expect it would.. depending on how fast you run it. 70-75 seems reasonable.

    Might make it burn a little oil though lol

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  16. #16
    Lifer Chippertheripper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    the fairest of havens
    Age
    44
    Posts
    13,897

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    Throw an extra tooth up front it’ll happily cruise at 75 without any drama.
    I’ve always kinda wanted one, but only to exceed its design capabilities in front of forum dudes that put it down and still can’t ride their much fancier orange bikes without outriggers and posting pics of “naps”.
    I realize that makes me a horrible person, which is why I’m being so honest about it: so I can move past it.

    2 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Last edited by Chippertheripper; 10-25-18 at 08:45 AM.
    Cliff's Cycles KTM
    NETRA enduro B-vet
    Close your eyes, look deep in your soul, step outside yourself and let your mind go.

  17. #17
    Super Moderator TheIglu's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    Royalston, MA
    Age
    43
    Posts
    21,761

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    If it had real front brakes/suspension, it would be such a great bike, even with only 36hp.

    I've surprised quite a few people on an enthusiastic "sportbike" street ride.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    2021 KTM Duke 890 R
    2016 BMW S1000XR
    1982 Honda CB750F Super Sport

  18. #18
    Senior Member ducatirdr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Sutton
    Age
    61
    Posts
    473

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    HA HA I think we should all pitch in an get one and do a Turkey Run with you Chip.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Send cash... I need a track day

  19. #19
    Lifer capitalcrew's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Albany NY
    Posts
    1,242

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    Quote Originally Posted by TheIglu View Post
    If it had real front brakes/suspension, it would be such a great bike, even with only 36hp.

    I've surprised quite a few people on an enthusiastic "sportbike" street ride.
    The front brake is dismal. Before I even got home with it I was trying to think of what might bolt on in its place.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  20. #20
    Lifer Chippertheripper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    the fairest of havens
    Age
    44
    Posts
    13,897

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    Quote Originally Posted by ducatirdr View Post
    HA HA I think we should all pitch in an get one and do a Turkey Run with you Chip.
    Hah, it’s not the netra crowd that I’m talking about.
    I get the feeling you know the type.

    1 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Cliff's Cycles KTM
    NETRA enduro B-vet
    Close your eyes, look deep in your soul, step outside yourself and let your mind go.

  21. #21
    Super Moderator TheIglu's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    Royalston, MA
    Age
    43
    Posts
    21,761

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    Quote Originally Posted by capitalcrew View Post
    The front brake is dismal. Before I even got home with it I was trying to think of what might bolt on in its place.
    I would just keep a boat anchor on a rope in the milk crate strapped to the tail rack and toss that out instead. Opening a large sail or parachute could also help.

    I did better pads and a braided front line, but the more power you have at that lever, the more the spaghetti forks twist on braking. It's marginally better, but opens a new can of worms at the same time.

    2 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    2021 KTM Duke 890 R
    2016 BMW S1000XR
    1982 Honda CB750F Super Sport

  22. #22
    Lifer Chippertheripper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    the fairest of havens
    Age
    44
    Posts
    13,897

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    On a side note, there’s 2 new Bonnie scramblers publicized today...
    That look fucking awesome!!!
    Xe with 9.8” of travel at 456lbs and looks like a 70’s Brit standard. Color me way intrigued.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Cliff's Cycles KTM
    NETRA enduro B-vet
    Close your eyes, look deep in your soul, step outside yourself and let your mind go.

  23. #23
    Lifer
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Posts
    16,509

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    Quote Originally Posted by ducatirdr View Post
    I do find the KLR owners to have much more character than their bike. Typically a fringe player in the motorcycling tribe where you hear terms like "bang for buck", "rode all Winter" and "I repaired it myself". They can quote the output of each generations stater output. Discuss in detail the tools you need to carry with you. They tend to love build it yourself racks and panniers. Yes they are an awesome breed that scoffs at men and their need to ride Ducati's and Harley's. "I got this new off the showroom as a 2 year old leftover", they shout as they pull away like a tug boat leaving a mooring.
    Ah, yes, my people.

    I'm somewhat taken back that "I repaired it myself" is considered a "fringe" element trait.

    Ironically I bought my Harley for reasons similar to what you cite. I love how simple and analog it is. KLRs hold similar appeal.

    Quote Originally Posted by Chippertheripper View Post
    On a side note, there’s 2 new Bonnie scramblers publicized today...
    That look fucking awesome!!!
    Xe with 9.8” of travel at 456lbs and looks like a 70’s Brit standard. Color me way intrigued.
    Agreed. Had to google.. returned impressed.
    456.4 lbs dry
    From a 1200cc twin.. neat. That's a lot of motor.. but what the hell, right?

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  24. #24
    no can kneedown feralchimp's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Somerville MA
    Age
    46
    Posts
    917

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    Quote Originally Posted by Chippertheripper View Post
    Xe with 9.8” of travel at 456lbs and looks like a 70’s Brit standard.
    Bonnie Desert Sled. Would love to ride someone else's.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    -Jared
    ZX-4RR, Hyperstrada 821, ZX-6R (FS!), 701 E/SM (FS!)

  25. #25
    Lifer
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    UNITED States!
    Posts
    3,652

    Re: Goodbye KiLaR!

    Wherever you read that did it mention anything about a replacement?
    Quote Originally Posted by TheIglu View Post
    Just saw in a moto news e-rag that the KLR650 has officially been dropped.

    What a good run she had! 1987-2018. 31 years, and only one real half-assed refresh.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Your park avenue leads to..

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Said goodbye...
    By Kenn157 in forum General Bike Related
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 04-25-22, 12:12 AM
  2. Goodbye and Hello
    By jamesbernatchez in forum General Bike Related
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 07-02-10, 11:43 AM
  3. Goodbye OCC
    By Karaya One in forum General Bike Related
    Replies: 73
    Last Post: 02-22-10, 11:19 AM
  4. Hello and Goodbye
    By Maverick in forum Welcome and Intro
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 08-02-09, 11:28 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •