I did not know they stopped producing the KLR 250, oh well may as well get the 650 then.
My friend already has The 650 so I guess interchangeable parts would be a plus on an adventure ride.
Does your friend have the old style or the new style KLR 650? In 2008 they had an update and overhaul and not all the parts will swap. It was mostly cosmetic but some engine changes were made as well to make for a better ride on road.
The KLR650 is a beast and will serve you well in any adventure ride you may wish to take. I don't know a more dedicated group of riders than the KLR crowd (except the BMW riders but we won't go there). One of my customers bought a new KLR650 and rode it to Alaska came home had a service done then rode to Mexico. Awesome bikes for true adventure riders.