2007 KLR650 Impressions - Ride Report

2007 Kawasaki KLR650 Impressions - Ride Report

I have owned my 2007 Kawasaki KLR650 Black for almost one month now. I only have 700 miles on her but I must say, I really enjoy riding this bike. My indoctrination to this bike was my 300 plus mile ride from the mountain of New York to the corn fields of Maryland. OK, the corn fields are now really housing developments. The bike is fun to ride. Period.

I sold my Kawasaki ZZR1200 and bought the KLR650. These bikes are obviously at both ends of the spectrum. The KLR650 is so much lighter that I feel alot of buffetting when at speed around 70mph on the highway. Being near big rigs definitely makes the ride very turbulent. But the point is, that the bike can go 70mph comfortably. This makes it suitable for the commuter.

I test rode a 2007 BMR R1200GS Enduro. I liked that bike, but the damn thing cost $15000. This is three times what the KLR650 cost. In my honest opinion, the KLR650, compares right up there with the BMW R1200 GS. Sure it is lighter, but hell it only costs $5000. I could not justify paying the additional $10,000 for the BMS logo. That is just pure stupid. Now, have you noticed that I am comparing a little Japanes 650 CC to a big German 1200cc. Yes, the KLR is that good. My days of riding a sport bike at 100 + mph are done, the KLR is a great switch. The best bang for the buck.

I think what I really love about the bike is that it is so simple. It is a simple frame, motor, riding position, etc. None of the plastic, high-end fuel injection, shaft drives, chrome, etc. This bike is about as pure as it gets. I love it.

I installed all the Kawasaki luggage accessories. In my opinion, this makes the bike even better. You can carry so much gear and supplies. Makes doing errands great as well. The dudes at work are even looking to sell their R1's and get them a piece of the KLR650 experience.

ok, you get the hint, I love this bike. BMW move over, here I come on my KLR650. I will use the $10,000 I saved for my kid's college fund.

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