New KLR650?

Question

I just bought a new KLR 650 and dont know much about bikes, but someone told me that because its a 650 cc single cylinder that i shouldnt be riding at speeds of more than 100 for long periods of time because a single cylinder isnt that balanced and will wear out the engine. Is this true? most of the roads I ride are have the speed limit at 110, and most people do around 125, do I have to worry about keeping the bike at 110?

Answer 1

I don't know why a company would make a one cylinder bike because any odd arrangement of cylinders is unbalanced. But I don't see it being a problem because it's engineered to be one cylinder and the faster the engine revs the smoother it will become.

Answer 2

BS. theres no problem with riding it harder than that, won't condone breaking the law but if your talking KPH then you can keep pushing it. There is nothing wrong with Thumpers (single cylinders) and odd numbers of cylinders are NOT unbalanced.

Most early bikes were singles and EVERY company still makes them. Every honda dirt bike is a single. Yamaha, kawi, suzuki, KTM, they all have singles, so does everyone else.

Answer 3

Let me tell you, whom ever gave you this information does not know what they are talking about.  People run the KLR's on the highway every day.  I am talking running on United States Interstate Highways.  The KLRs will run all day at 65 to 75 mph.  That is miles per hour.  My experience is with the slightly older KLR.  I added a Staintune exhaust and a UNI air filter.  I opened up the air box and rejetted the carb.  To take advantage of the new power, I slightly upped the gearing.  

Stock 15/43.  Changed to 16/45.  Helps lower the rpm's on the highway.  If I keep the bike next year I will have the cylinder bored out for a 685 kit.  Then I will be able to run a 16/43 on the highway.  

There have been many KLR's used for 'round the world trips.  One is described below.