I bought the KLR after two years of researching bikes. I had never owned a bike, and actually only rode one once, 18 years before. I knew what I was looking for in a bike, but I had no idea which bikes on the market offered what features.
I finally found the KLR 650. My choice was based on several points: [] Size (650 was a perfect size starter bike)
[] Maintenance (no other bike is easier to work on or parts easy to find in its class)
[] Aftermarket products (No other bike has as many options, PERIOD)
[] Dependability (being nearly unchanged after almost 20 years and having a legion of satisfied owners says something)
[] Reputation (see above, as well as it being the toughest bike of its kind; the US military eats these bikes up)
After buying the bike in August '05 (used, 1,110 miles on it), it now sits at 14,000+, with a trip around the country under it's belt, and one lay down (riders fault).
PERFORMANCE: Rode beautifully throughout the entire 7-week trip. Highlight was riding the Blue Ridge Parkway in Tennessee, fully loaded down with all my gear; I was achieving the lean I had been craving. Performs amazingly, for what kind of bike it is.
