KLR / DR(Z) / XR 650, or what?

(Update-got a KLR)KLR/DR(Z)/XR 650,or what?

I'm 5' 7", 160, and need a single bike for the freeway, around town, and limited 'off-road' riding.

Fire roads, Jeep trails, camping etc. are what I have in mind, pretty much the kind of place you'd take a stock 4WD. And getting there by riding, rather than hauling the bike there (though at some later point it would be nice to fit an XR650 and whatever I get into a pickup if that's possible.

I expect I need one of the 650's, and prefer a 4-stroke. Having taken a 1,500 mile trip on a 300, I know I need more poop than that.

Can do most maintenance myself.

Though there are dealers nearby, I think I will have to buy used from a private party, due to limited budget ($3K or less) The BMW's and KTM's cost too much. :(

I did look at a low-mileage KLR, but it reportedly sold for a few hundred over KBB before I could have a more experienced rider check-ride it.

Frankly, I wasn't too disappointed since it had admittedly been in an accident that left a sharp, rusted dent in the tank, handlebars & some plastic had been replaced, but there were other pieces remaining that took damage, AND the frame had paint on the neck that didn't look stock to me.

I couldn't ride it at the time, so there was no way to see if it tracked & handled OK. Consequently I didn't jump at it, thinking just maybe the wreck was worse than described and explained why the mileage was so low.

I will not be racing what I buy. I recently got re-licensed for riding, all my miles are years back.

So what suggestions can I get from you guys on make & model?

Also, any tips on what to look for on the test ride, spotting proneness to wobbles, mechanical issues (general & particular year-model) to check for before riding, etc.?

Is water-cooled going to be that much superior to oil & air cooling?

Finally, these 650's seem to be a little high for my stature How much do the lowering kits effect the steering & suspension? And while I understand you can shave the seat foam, how much can you do before you make the seat uncomfortable on long or bumpy rides? I don't want to have to be taking too many breaks due to too much trimming!

Thanks a lot for whatever advice you can give.



Timberguy

Finally got my bike!!

I put money on a KLR650 back in May and picked it up just a couple of weeks ago. I knew it was going to be a long wait - guy had lost his title without ever getting it reissued after paying off the loan. Part of the delay was due to him at first not believing all that he had to do to get it cleared and into my name

Anyway, it's a '98 and fairly low miles - around 3K - and real clean. Now I'm getting used to riding again, especially since this one is a lot higher in the seat than the old Honda was.