KLR650s make fine road bikes. They can be optimised with road tires, better lights more comfy seat, etc. Did a few multistate roadtrips on mine. It's really too heavy and underpowered to be a good dirtbike.
I agree. The KLR650's time is done, much as I loved mine. Decidedly "old school". I am looking forward to seeing the new KL?550. My guess is no carb, due to the envirogeeks wanting "lower carbon footprint", lighter than the mighty KLR, hopefuljy retaining the wide soft seat and tall stance, but not too optimised for only dirt or only street. And please, Kawasaki, keep it under eight grand in price!! A couple times there were attempts to create a diesel KKR650, similar to the modified USMC recon KLRs, but that approximate $12,000 to $18,000 price tag sunk it. The KLRs whole genre is cheap fun and rocky steady reliability. Hope the new bike retains those factors.
I've got a Candy Muse Red 1981 Honda GL500I Silverwing Interstate, bought it in 2001 for $200. Now needs a fairing and TLC after a storm tossed her around. I wish I had more money to restore her to Showroom condition or better.
