okay, the question is in the klr series of bikes how much do the engine differ between say a 650 and a 250?

im not asking about power but technical, like is the doohickey junk on both?

Not sure what you mean, as far as junk.

The 650 has basically been around forever, and is quite reliable. 30-40k miles is not uncommon

The new 250 is a great bike, and I'm sure with proper maintenence it also will last a long time, for a 250.....

The KLR 250 doesn't have a "doohickey". It is a water cooled, kick start 250. The Sherpa 250 is an air cooled, electric start 250.

What do you want to know about the KLR 650 motor?

As far as I know, there are no common parts (or design) between the KLR 650 and the KLR 250. There were a few common parts between the old KLR 600 and the KLR 250.

etofun said:

I'm sorry, but that question is FAR to technical for this forum. Please refer to the Doh-doo-hickey-tenis forum.

I'm not sure if the 250 has the doohickey problem but I heard of other valve issues with the 250. Both bikes have a proven history but it's ashame that for 20 years Kawasaki did nothing to fix the doohickey problem. I heard on the newer 08 and 09 KLR 650 they had oil consumption problems due to the cooling system causing uneven cylinder tempatures making the cylinder oval out. I really like some of the Kawasaki products but the company doesn't do much to fix any problems. They had other issues on the ZX-6 during the 90's that they did nothing about. While I wouldn't hesitate to buy a KLR250, KLX250, KLR650, etc. It would be good to do your homework because the issues they do have seem to end up in complete engine failure, not some oil leak issues that can at least get you home. Good luck.

There is a 685 piston kit available for a little over $250 that is said to address the oil consumption issue. (real in my experience) and there is a stout aftermarket doohickey as well. I think those are the only real issues. I've got over 9000 miles on my '08 and haven't done anything but change the oil (a bunch at break-in, every 2000 miles since) and adjust the valves at 1000 miles. I would expect to get 40k miles out of the motorcycle easily. (knock wood).

My brother has an older (01' ?? or something) KLR250 completely stock and it's an absolute guttless wonder. I'm sure if you put a pipe on it and maybe jetting it would pep up significantly but stock it sounds like a sewing machine.
If Kawasaki was smart they would've held on to the klx650 dualsport models that they had for a few short years. In the US I believe it was
93' - 96' that they had the klx650C (ds) and 650R off-road models. I had
a 94' and finally sold it in 2007 with 38000 miles and still running strong.
Great bike!!! IMO, if Kawasaki had continued to market and develope the
KLX650 instead of the KLR they'd have the same type of cult following the
Honda XR650 guys do if not more. That's not to diminish the cult following that the KLR650 has because I know there's a lot of KLR guys out there and
they love their KLR's as they should. It's a very good all around commuter,
fire road, adventure bike. It's done very well and obviously there's a lot
of guys who use it for just that. Just think, though, if they decided to go
the other route and try and get some of the XR type's and now KTM and Husky types, meaning guys that want the plated dirt bike, they could have
a good thing going. IMO, of course. KLR owners are probably going well...?
......nah, I know... to each his own. At least Kawi got on board with the
whole watercooled idea years ago. Hell my 94'KLX650 was watercooled, if
I'm not mistaken the XRL's and DR650's are still air cooled. I could be wrong as I haven't been keeping up to date on the newest models but
damn... mix in a radiator and an update or two.........Jerry OUT !

thanks thats what i wanted to know, if say the 259 was exacly the same as a 650 cept smaller.

sorry for the confusing question im a complete newb:banghead: