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Xr400 Vs. Klx300
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Posted by: Tomdes---------------------
Does anyone have riding time on both these bikes for comparison. I own a 98 XR400. Its getting a little long in the tooth so i was looking to buy a new bike. I love the XR's engine, i think its almost perfect for woods riding.My only complaint is the weight, handling and starting.I thought maybe the KLX300 would eliminate the weight and handling issues,if it handles anything like the KDX that is.Any opinions?
Posted by: BPracer---------------------
I currently ride a 01 KLX and have put a little time on my friend's 97 XR400. I'm only 5'7", so the height of the XR was a big issue for me. Besides that I think the KLX is way more nimble in the tight stuff and the lighter weight is much nicer. Power wise the XR pulls like a tank, but with the free mods (planetklx.com) the KLX comes alive .
I also put on the Stroker headpipe which made a huge difference.
I ride with the XR a lot and my KLX can definately hold its own on trails and in the desert. IMHO I say go with the KLX. 
Posted by: rosshh---------------------
I would keep the xr. Ya the klx has cooler features like being water cooled, usd forks, lighter etc but the xr has the advantage of being bombproof. Throw a coouple mods on your xr4 like the src fork brace, maybe a revalve and respring, change the oil every once and awhile and check the valves and your set. I like riding more than wrenching and thats the main reason why I would choose the xr. Also the xr has no radiators to break when you fall, which I do alot. :D
Posted by: snaggleXR4---------------------
Hey,
See your other post about XR400 mods. I replied to it this morning.
Somewhere out on the web there is a review of the XR vs. KLX. Do an internet search, you should be able to find it pretty easy. I've never ridden a KLX, but I've heard that it handles great. I have no idea how much the KLX weighs, but I know it's not considered a light bike. Power and torque is definitely down compared to the 400 but I think it revs out alot better than the stumpy XR's.
As for the handling on your XR, a little bit of suspension work will go a long way. The front is soft and the back is hard, balancing the bike out with the correct springs for your weight will help dramatically. You can also do the revalve stuff, but I just can't see myself shipping off my forks/shock for weeks. The proper springs, and a little tweaking is alot cheaper than buying a new bike.
As for the starting. The 98+ XR4's are jetted lean stock. Any mods to the airbox or exhaust will lean it out even more. With a lean pilot she will have a hard time getting fuel into the cylinder on cold starts, even with the choke. Before I got my pumper carb, I had a somewhat lean pilot. She was a bear to start cold, but ran like a champ afterwards and started easily when hot. I found that tipping the bike over on it's side, and holding it there for a few seconds helps to flood the carb, and allows you to get fuel to the cylinder quickly under cold starting conditions. You still have to choke it, but it's 2-3 kicks instead of 8 or more. The proper jetting will solve alot of your issues.
I can't say anything bad about KLX's except for a few minor issue that I've heard people mention. If XR's never existed, I would probably be riding a KLX right now. I'm just an XR freak. Either way, look for that review on the XR vs. KLX and also search in these forums for tips etc... Finally, go back to your post from the other day and read my response on mods. I've had great luck with my bike, she runs very strong, starts easy and is very reliable. I'm working on the handling, but I'm not unhappy with her until I'm going really fast over rough terrain. Good luck.
Posted by: JimmyD2---------------------
Quote:
Originally posted by snaggleXR4
Somewhere out on the web there is a review of the XR vs. KLX.
|
Here is the link. It is from 97, but neither bike has changed so it's still relevant...
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/klxvsxr.html
Posted by: Bliz---------------------
I've owned a 96 XR400 and a 97klx. KLX strong points , light feeling, good handling. Bad points, soft suspension, very low foot peg clearance, can be hard to start when hot, power is not nearly as good as an XR400. XR has better suspension, a lot more power, easier to start, and more ground clearance. I liked the XR a lot better than the KLX.
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