Anyone ridden a DR650??

[dazza67]

 It's just that i read soo many threads on various forums about how the DR is much better than the KLR in every way,usually written by people who ride DR's,seems they take any opportunity to s---can the KLR.
 Are they that much better?
 I'm very happy with the KLR as it fits me perfect & does what i want but i know it's limitations,(no tripple jumping etc).I think the DR maybe a bit cramped for me i think as i'm quite tall.
 I am curious as to any KLR owners who have ridden or actually owned a DR & then gone the KLR way?

[Whitebread117]

Rode the DR after purchasing a KLR.  Impressions:

Better setup stock for woods work.  Def feel lighter (it is).  Easy/cheap to uncork for significant power gains.  Overall similar to KLR just a little more dirtbike feeling.  Oil cooling means one less possible problem area.  It's by all accounts an extremely reliable motor but I've not seen 100,000 mile+ lifespans on stock motor like I have for KLR.  Not saying they're not out there, just haven't seen any.

Cons:  Stock seat is horrid.  KLR seat isn't perfect but DR seat is brutal.  Doesn't feel as planted at highway speeds - again more dirtbike feeling, gets blown around a little bit easier.  Smaller fuel tank = less range.  I'm 6'3" and DR felt slightly more cramped for me.  Not bad but slightly more compact.  However I've had 1" bar risers on my KLR for as long as I've owned it so I don't know what a true stock KLR feels like.

2 variations on the same theme.  Stock for stock KLR is a bit more road friendly and DR is a bit more dirt friendly.  Mod either and the differences blur.

I bought the KLR planning to long distance commute and play in the woods as I get time.  For that role it works great.  Now I've switched jobs and only have a short commute.  I'm modding the KLR for woods work but for my current uses the DR would've been better stock.  Either will get the job done cheaply and effectively.  Though I am jealous of my DR ridin friend who's in the 40+hp range with just basic airbox, exhaust, and jetting mods.

[leeman]

I agree with Whitebread, I tested both the DR and KLR before buying and decided that the KLR best suited my needs.
The DR is a more nimble and powerful bike that would definitely handle tracks better. However the 80% road, 20% dirt riding and 400km a week I do for work, I'm glad I chose the KLR for comfort.
With the right mods both bikes can achieve better capabilities but the real positive  for me lied in the price tag. 

[macca]

Bet they dont mention 2nd gear.
My old mate didn't when he was trying to convince me to buy a DR and not the KLR.
It was not untill someone mentioned his gear problem on ADV that he admitted the failure.Must be a taboo subject 
A very very expensive problem compared to our DOO dramas.Not as common as the doo but when it happens its a bit catastrophic

[Cole]

When most people compare the two they don't do apples to apples comparison.

The KLR Has a bigger tank, more wind protection, a rack, and water cooling. These are the things that make it heavier.

By the time you add the windscreen, bigger tank and rack to a DR it is almost the same weight as the KLR.  ...and starts to feel more KLRish on the trail.