Kawasaki KLX650????

[manxie]

Hi fella`s. I was offered a 94 KLX650 Kawasaki today but I don`t know anything about them? I`ve done a little research and it turns out parts availability isn`t great as totally different to the KLE ? I`m also a short a** and feel it would also be too tall for me? I believe one model was a kick start only and another was electric only...this one is electric. Does anyone have any experience with these bikes, or had one? Thanks 

[timbo]

All I know is the KLE was a 500 twin. I think the KLX was called a Tengai? As usual, there were loads of these bikes sold on the continent. Sounds interesting though, if its cheap 

[xbr500f]

I think my pal bought one of these when new, or a model very similar. I think the gearbox wasn't the greatest and the bike was plagued with electrical faults, mainly caused by corroded contacts.

Most other bikes he owned were kept. The Kawa didn't stay for long.

Good luck.

[manxie]

Thanks for the replies fella`s..... I may pass on the KLX, I`m not hearing / reading very good things about them? They look the part and should go well but maybe not for me. A nice XBR (had two and sold them  ) SR500 or maybe an MZ would be better suited.......once my Guzzi`s sold 

[Smithy]

Sounds like your list of alternative bikes is a better bet than a KLX. I too had an XBR and have regretted selling it for years. If the SR500 is as good as my SR400, with more power and torque, that would be another excellent choice.

Enjoy the hunt.

[iansoady]

My brother had an SR500 and I didn't like it at all for some reason. The handling always felt a bit weird.

[SteveC#222]

The XBR is probably the best all round package - good  handling, brakes, lights, not too tall, reliable, no real major problems, cheap avaliable (mostly) spares, cheap to insure and still enough power and performance to be fun AND you can still get them for a reasonable price ( Not the £3K ones on ebay!!). Ok I have one so I may be bias but they are a very good bike.

[manxie]

I had an SR500 but it was a project bike so I never got to ride it, love it`s styling though....especially the BSA SR500. Loved both my XBR`s, the first one I had was the "spoked" wheeled version, loved both of them but had to sell  We`ll see what happens when / if the Guzzi goes 

[timbo]

Yes, the XBR is a great alround package. To the best of my knowledge, the Thumper Club/Forum was originally started by XBR and SRX owners/fans?