tremor38,

To make sure I get it right, do you mind to tell me which brand 15T sprocket you used? I sent you a pm, too. Thanks again.

Sarah

 

Go and ride a Drz.
Whilst I agree that a 6th gear would be nice, even with 5 its OK.
IMO they are at least as comfortable as my KLX300 with mods on the road.
You can always go up a tooth on that bike as well and its got the torque to still give you heaps down low.

 

I would agree... the KLX is great on backroads and trails, but the freeway makes me anxious, and I've got 150K miles on various streetbikes. To me it feels like it's always on the verge of doing a tank slapper. It never has, but the front end is very very skittish at 60+. Don't know if it's the tires or the geometry, but it's pretty scary.

 

I have ridden my 351 many times at 70 mph. I'm using the 15T front sprocket. I only use the 351engine, mine has stock carb and the stock pipe. With the usual reworks.
The stock tires on my '07 were not meant for that kind of riding. Actually, I didn't care for them for any kind of work. What I'm getting at is, if the bike is going to be used for long trips that include dirt roads and some trail riding, look carefully at the tire choice. That could make the difference in riding 70 with confidence, or not enjoying the cruise speed at all. The '09's look to be fitted with better tires.
But, yes, the 351 will pull the 15T easily. We fight terrible wind out here year round, and even then, cruising 70 isn't an issue. The bike still has acceleration above that. The 6th is taller, as I understand it, on the '06 and '07, and the taller ratios are not a problem.

 

To me, it isn't a terribly strong thing, but in high crosswinds, I've sometimes felt this.
My '07 is lowered 2", and I don't think it helped or hurt this "feel". I changed the front fender to a narrower UFO, thinking the front was hunting around because it's so wide. No change. It is a light weight bike, and because the rider is sitting bolt upright, the aerodynamics aren't real spiffy at speed.
I do know when I used the WER steering damper, I could tune that completely out of the bike, so there is an answer for that. It certainly isn't the first bike that might feel twitchy and had it's manners corrected with a steering damper.
Does anyone ride an '09 and report this same thing? I'd be curious if it does or doesn't, as clues to the definition of this might lie in the different tires.

 

I have taken my 09 up to speeds of 80mph and haven't had a problem unless I am getting a strong crosswind by a semi on the freeway. I do have the SM wheels mounted though running 15/39. I don't remember feeling it with the stock tires though either, not sure how fast I got it up to, the speedo was broken then.

 

Drop the forks in the yokes 10 mm and get the correct front springs for your weight.

 

Thanks everybody, I appreciate hearing your thoughts. And thanks again tremor38 for the pm with the sprocket info.

I've noted the unsettled front end on Roger's '09 on the interstate while passing or being passed by a semi. This was with a half worn Cheng Shin C858. I questioned him regarding his front tire pressure, he said no, the bike has always done that with trucks. As someone said, it may very well be a dual-sport thing as I've read some folks complaining of the same issues with the DR.

I'd test ride a DRZ if only I could find one with a seat height I could manage, same with a Yamaha WR250R. Roger's KLX is lowered with Kouba links and the forks dropped, I can manage it easily.

Sarah

 

Sarah, just to clarify. The Sprocket Specialists front sprockets that fit the KLX250S are for the KLX650C-1 and range from 13T to 17T. PN is 514XK-13/14/15/16 or 17 depending upon how many teeth you want.

Just thought I'd mention that, since there is a KLX650C and also an 'R' model.

 

I hear you Sarah.
The DRZ and the WR are tall.
And I find that the DRZ does carry its weight up high as well.
Thats the reason I opted for a KLX.
I've had it lowered another 40mm front and rear as well.
I'm sure I'll get the 351 kit at some point.

Good luck.