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Trade the SV for a Kawasaki KLR 650?

7623 Views 30 Replies 22 Participants Last post by  nyc rugby
Last night I put up a feeler ad on CL, trade my SV for a dual sport. I honestly wasn't expecting any serious replies. I don't know about anywhere else but Boston CL is a joke for trying to sell things. Out of 15 replies one seemed decent. This guy has an '03 KLR 650 he was willing to trade for the SV.

What does an 03 klr go for?
I read a few online reviews and they all praise it with the exception of a weak balancer setup. Does anybody have any real seat time info on the bike? I would be using it for riding on the beach/daily driver/commuting/ and some trail/mud riding. Does the KLR sound like a fit, is it worth the trade if the KLR is in good condition?
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I just got another KLR offer. this one's an 05 w/ 14k miles
The KLR is a great bike. I've ridden my uncles quite a few times and it is really comfortable and has plenty of power for commuting. I haven't taken it on the trails but I'm sure it is plenty good for them.
talk to the guys and look around http://www.advrider.com great site possible put your ad on there as well.
thanks guys. I'll go check out advrider and lkr650.net
I've owned an XR650L which is more dirt oriented, and it was a blast. I do have to say I wouldn't make the trade though, the SV is much faster and in my opinion a much better bike. But, alot of this is opinion and you know what they say about opinions....
bummer..advrider is not currently accepting new member registrations? WTF? can't post there
Depending on the condition of your SV, it's probably worth more than the KLR. At least around here, I barely-used KLRs going for way less than decent SVs :p
I like the KLR too, but have you considered the DR?



Cycle World's David Edwards commented a while back about how every time he gets off of one, he wonders why he doesn't own one.

Probably harder to find than the KLR, but no "doohickey" issues to be concerned with.....and a bit less gimmicky styling in my opinion.

I'll take one of each please.....

;)
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I have seen a few 03 KLR's for sale locally and on advrider and they seem to go in the $2500-$3000 range.
My neighbor has an 08 KLR. We sometimes trade off while out riding and I love the bike. There's a bit of a HP difference between my SV1k and the KLR but for practical purposes the KLR is the way to go. Very comfortable. However I can barely reach the ground even on tippy toes. Some my say I'm a bit vertically challenged at 5'8".
+1 on the DR650, but both are decent for what they are. The KLR will do some dirt and quite a bit in capable hands, does pretty well on the road and would make a great commuter. I'd say for what you want it for it would work great. Try to trade for a newer KLR or trade + cash for your SV, depending on what vintage SV you have, condition, and mods. Look on CL or EBay at completed listings to see what they are really going for esp. in this buyers market.
the DR is "cleaner" in its lines and If someone offered one for trade I'd take the DR over the KLR...i think. The fact that the marines ride KLRs in battle is pretty bada$$. The marines know a good piece of machinery when they see it. But its looks remind me of the dirtbike chuck norris rode in delta force w/ all the rockets and shat on it, lol if thats what you meant by the KLRs styling being gimmicky?
p.s. it's almost like another language is spoken over at klr650.net. talking about doohickeys and farkles and whatnot...
I am sure the reference to gimmicky styling is in reference to the new body style KLRs.




versus


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I own an 03 Dr650 and a 2000 SV650. I like both very much, My DR has 17" wheels and is set up for street/supermoto style riding. It is a great bike for around town. The SV feels like a real street bike compared to the DR. Much heavier feeling when riding.

I looked at the KLRs and DRs when buying a dual sport bike. I went with the DR and am very glad I did. There are plenty of mods available: suspension, carb, airbox, handlebars, controls, etc. Read about the DR at http://thumpertalk.com/forum/
I own an 03 Dr650 and a 2000 SV650. I like both very much, My DR has 17" wheels and is set up for street/supermoto style riding. It is a great bike for around town.
Dude, pics of the sumo beast please!
I had a 2003 KLR and put 25,000 miles on it commuting into and out of the NY city from Long Island.. They are fun bikes. Not great on the highway but very confortable around town and fun bikes to play on. Mine had an 18 inch excel front wheel,( they come with21"stock rim) doohickey done and mich anakee tires. The DR650 is a better bike if you are under 5'10" and it's air oil cooled. I'm on a 2003 SV650 for my commute now. The SV is a nice bike and better overall for my current riding style...Tom
I am sure the reference to gimmicky styling is in reference to the new body style KLRs.
I agree, I may be in the minority, but I prefer the older style KLR to the new one.
bummer..advrider is not currently accepting new member registrations? WTF? can't post there

The servers are at maximum capacity right now. They disabled being able to host pics too. They are going to upgrade to flash servers then open it back up. It is a great site. I'd stick with your SV unless you find yourself wanting to ride some fireroads/easy trails. The KLR is too big to be singletracking (and keeping it fun). Goodluck.
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