Goodbye KiLaR!

[TheIglu]

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.

[capitalcrew]

I rode one home from Charlotte last month.

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

[Chippertheripper]

The milk crate industry is next to fold.

[csmutty]

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

[breakdirt916]

Dammit

Never actually rode one tho

[loudbeard]

Dammit

Never actually rode one tho

Did you all of a sudden become in danger of buying a new motorcycle?

[nhbubba]

I kind of want one

[csmutty]

I had one.

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

[Gixxer]

I want one too!

[TwelveGaugeSage]

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.

[capitalcrew]

I had one.

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

Can confirm.

[Gixxer]

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?

[ducatirdr]

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.

[TheIglu]

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.

[capitalcrew]

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

[Chippertheripper]

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.

[TheIglu]

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.

[ducatirdr]

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

[capitalcrew]

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.

[Chippertheripper]

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.

[TheIglu]

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.

[Chippertheripper]

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.

[nhbubba]

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.

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?

[feralchimp]

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.

[Gixxer]

Wherever you read that did it mention anything about a replacement?

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.