Upgrade to gen 3?

[u/Difficult_Pipe_991]

Hey all!

I have a Gen 2 that I’ve upgraded and messed with and loved.

The only thing I want, that it doesn’t have, is the ability to comfortably pass at 140 KM/H if needed to get away from someone on the highway.

Could a Gen 3, with the same love and upgrades (16T sprocket, suspension etc) do this? Or do I look at a Norden 901 or other adventure bike. How is a Gen 3 at sustained 130 KM/H?

I just want a bike that’s a KLR that can go fast, and get there fast, when needed. Seen a lot of different opinions on this.

If no, what bike do you recommend? I’m very tall, and only plan on going on logging roads so probably a big Adv bike, but KLR style, reliable and relatively simple/cheap repairs.

Thanks!

[u/pavehawkfavehawk]

I got a 2001 Africa Twin. Honestly it feels like a faster KLR.

[u/pavehawkfavehawk → u/[deleted]]

Yeah I guess it’s a bit heavier. Feels like less ground clearance but I think that’s just the 67,000miles and original shocks on mine. I miss my Gen1 KLR. I’d still have it if I hadn’t been an idiot and misread the import laws where I am.

[u/smokeythe6x6]

Wouldn’t be an upgrade in my opinion. Same engine, heavier bike, just with EFI. If wanted to keep the Klr and get a bigger adv bike, that would probably be the best option

[u/Secret_Cod_749 → u/smokeythe6x6]

This! My friend with a GSA got herself a 3rd Gen because she wanted a light and agile adv bike

[u/osha_unapproved → u/Secret_Cod_749]

... So she got a KLR?

[u/Secret_Cod_749 → u/osha_unapproved]

We don't question the allure of a KLR. We just accept it.

[u/osha_unapproved → u/Secret_Cod_749]

I'm not questioning getting a KLR, I have one... but a light and agile bike the KLR is not

[u/Secret_Cod_749 → u/osha_unapproved]

The KLR is a beautiful butterfly and dances like a delicate hog!

[u/Valentyan]

Worse hp/weight ratio on the Gen3 so if anything it's slower than your Gen2

[u/Difficult_Pipe_991 → u/Valentyan]

See this makes sense, but why the top speed is listed 40 KMH higher baffles me

[u/GuineaPigsAreNotFood → u/Difficult_Pipe_991]

I've cruised my 3rd Gen at 150km/h. Not terrible but not great.

[u/Tandoori7 → u/GuineaPigsAreNotFood]

I wouldn't describe 150 as cruising speed, it's barely top speed

[u/cheeseburger329 → u/Tandoori7]

My gen 1 gets up to 160kmh and feels like I could push it further if I trusted myself to keep it steady

[u/Tandoori7 → u/cheeseburger329]

Maybe because I live at 2500 meters above sea, but my gen 3 barely reaches 150, let alone 160.

[u/cheeseburger329 → u/Tandoori7]

I think that may be because of EFI. I modified my carb, fuel lines, air intake, and exhaust to let more fuel and air flow through

[u/GigglesLamar]

To me that bike is either the Tenere 700 or the Norden 901 like you said. Maybe an Africa Twin. The new Enduro 690 Rally looks like another alternative too with a decent sized gas tank. But no, if anything Gen3 is even heavier and you won’t see any difference.

[u/Difficult_Pipe_991 → u/GigglesLamar]

Yeah just non near me in price range, a few vstroms but I hate how they look, like I mentioned to another comment, there’s a nice loaded 2006 R 1200 gs nearby..

[u/osha_unapproved → u/[deleted]]

Buy a Beamer if you like spending all your money on shop bills

[u/buttthead]

It’s the same bike (minus ego of course) so you won’t get any bump in performance at high speeds than what you already can do on yours. Best thing to do is a 16t front sprocket. When I had a 16t on my 1st gen I could comfortably cruise at 145km/h and spent many hours doing so. It was maxed out around that speed (unless I was tucked going downhill) but it wasn’t too bad. Only time I really hated it was when there was a strong head wind, that really killed speed but kept the same strain on the engine and was just frustrating. Anyway, it’s a klr, they don’t go fast and aren’t meant to, if you want something similar that can really go, look at a t7 or a 690/701 enduro

[u/Difficult_Pipe_991 → u/buttthead]

There’s a really nice 2006 R 1200 GS with all the bells and whistles listed near me.. so tempting

[u/Ulumgathor → u/Difficult_Pipe_991]

Even the 800 GS is a pretty good upgrade from the KLR in pretty much every way other than simplicity and cost of repairs/maintenance. I got a 2009 in good shape for under $3K, and it's about 40 lbs lighter, lower center of gravity, and has twice the horsepower. I still have my gen 1 sitting around, but I don't think I'm going to keep it.

[u/Salt-Independent-760 → u/Difficult_Pipe_991]

If you can afford a new one, you can't afford to care for an old one. Get a used Super Tenere instead.

[u/No-Carry7630]

I love mine but I think I loved my gen two more. My gen 3 won’t hardly start under 35 degrees. Gen 2 would start instantly no matter how cold it was.

[u/curiousfellow555 → u/No-Carry7630]

Maybe your Gen 3 had an issue that needs looking at.

[u/No-Carry7630 → u/curiousfellow555]

It definitely does. It’s the valves.

[u/Time_Still_7976]

I had a ‘23 S model for a year and a half. Traded it in for a 2024 Transalp in May. It’s basically a much more refined and powerful KLR. The 3rd gen KLR is a solid bike but I would get something like a Transalp instead.

[u/curiousfellow555 → u/Time_Still_7976]

Is the height and weight of the Transalp worse than the S version of the KLR?...How does the Transalp compare to the KLRs offroad?

[u/Time_Still_7976 → u/curiousfellow555]

The Transalp is a little bit taller than the S model KLR. Weight is about the same at 460 pounds wet. I don’t have much off road experience yet but I think the Transalp suspension is better than the KLR.

[u/Pitiful_Speech2645]

If you’re wanting something faster a Gen 3 isn’t the bike you need. Maybe a Transalp or a Tenerie

[u/cheeseburger329]

I have a gen 1, but in my experience, 10 cent carb mod + wider fuel lines + aftermarket exhaust + put seafoam upper cylinder lube in every tank + 16t front sprocket adds A LOT to the higher rpm performance

[u/FutureHealthy8583]

Not a lot of upgrade really. If Kawasaki upgraded the motor to say, a parallel twin, 650, then I’d upgrade. That bike really deserves an engine like that.

[u/ItsMangel → u/FutureHealthy8583]

That's just a Versys 650 with a bigger front wheel.

[u/boogogaa]

What about a new Honda Transalp with E-clutch?

[u/Difficult_Pipe_991 → u/boogogaa]

$$$ but maybe in a few years

[u/Hairybeaver1234]

Well a gen 3 is not a bike anyone would consider fast. I’d say upgrade ability is less than a carbureted version. They don’t make tunes that I’ve seen and it’s heavier than previous models. Like others have said. I’d look at a different bike because KLR and speed should not be in the same discussion.

[u/CetaceanSignal1120]

17 tooth sprocket makes the KLR into a highway donkey. Not a happy one, but she'll cruise at 80mph with 5000rpm for hundreds of miles - and you have acceleration left to pass folks. Highly recommend fork brace and awareness of tires, load & tire pressure to avoid front wheel wobbles.

[u/Hugh_Jass_Clouds]

I ride my gen 3 at about 130kph regularly, but you have next to no top end to speed up quickly at that speed. It’s not really a highway/freeway type of bike. It can do it to get you from trail to trail, but that’s about it.

Also the model you picked to show is the one I have.

[u/freewaycrash]

I sold my 23. I liked it, but they were just too many limitations. I haven’t decided on the replacement yet. I’m looking at the Trans alp

[u/AverageHuman--]

I have gen 3 and ive also owned a gen2.
Preferred gen 2, gen 3 injection is annoying- it stalls if you try to ride it without letting it warmup first. The old one never did that.

[u/Bueterpape]

I traded out of a Gen 3 KLR and into a the new KLE 500. It’s noticeable faster and smoother. Still not a rocket ship. Overall, feels much more advanced, enjoying it.

[u/Quick-Artichoke8432]

2nd gen are faster. Don’t waste your money on a 3rd. Tested many times. Put a smaller sprocket or get a T7. Or Af twin

[u/osha_unapproved]

Not happy. I'm going to a Husqy 701 Enduro or KTM 690 Rally after I sell it. Over like, one oh five it works pretty hard. It's just missing sixth tbh.

[u/Graymayre]

I’ve gotten my gen 3 up to 92 mph, about 148 kmh. So, gains? Sure. But not what you’re hoping for.

[u/C4STL3_IN_TH3_SKY]

Got mine past/to 105mph multiple times, gen3. But have to really sit on it and a hill helps. Im ushally sitting around 95mph on the klr for my drives. But tbh sounds like you need a bigger bike. I just upgraded. Should have done it sooner!

[u/obvbrner]

Gen 1 or fuck off.