Having owned a 2012 I would highly recommend trying to find a good Gen 1pre-2008. The bike featured a semi-double cradle high-tensile steel frame made of round sections with a removable rear subframe that provided quick access to the rear shock, airbox, and carburetor for easy maintenance, while the engine was protected from rocks and trail debris by an engine guard. My first ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle Bob's 1984 KLR600. And its even cheaper now than it was three decades ago. An amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a 652 cc (39.8 cu in) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding. 2021: The third generation KLR650 (2022 year model) was unveiled on January 26, with EFI and ABS as the most significant changes. The seated ergonomics are excellent. Engine Type: 4-Stroke, single cylinder, DOHC Displacement: 652cc Bore and Stroke: 100.0 x 83.0mm Compression Ratio: 9.8:1 Fuel System: DFI w/40mm Throttle Body Ignition: Cdi Transmission: 5-speed, return shift with wet multi-disc manual clutch Final Drive: Sealed Chain Looking at 2005 or later somewhat arbitrarily, but also because I like the way the newer ones look. You dont mess with success, and if it aint broke, dont fix it. If I could ride today, this would be my first option. I suspect theyd sell a bunch of em; one of the very first to me. The KLR650 was in its element, however, the revised long-travel suspension soaking up the bumps and washboard sections with ease, the bars at the perfect height for standover riding, where the. 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 First Ride Review. A larger 300mm front disc has increased braking power, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents. Working our way down from Taos the following day, there were plenty of opportunities to test the KLR on gravel tracks, sandy trails, and the dreaded silt. Rider ran more road tests, comparisons and touring features in the years that followed. She is precious to me. You bought a "new to you" Kawasaki KLR 650. This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 15:21. (as tested)Load Capacity: 316 lbs. There are a few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade. Beasts: Adventure Bikes Not Made By BMW or KTM, http://advrider.com/index.php?forums/thumpers.15/, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. The famously green Japanese manufacturer has decided to badge up the new KLR 650 as a 2022 model.Don't worry though, it's very much available in 2021! Putting that aside, the KLR is a breeze to ride on tracks like these, and even with the old-school tires, it is only the deeper sandy sections that force me to slow down to crawling speeds. Really like the klr as a good beginner off road bike. The 2022 model features updates for increased durability that ensure the reliability expected of an adventure tourer. It has been made stronger and more reliable, and offers more comfort, wind protection, load-carrying ability, and versatility. August 18, 2017 in KLR/KLX 600/650. The KLR650 takes comfort and touring potential to the next level while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of its predecessor. Why not 6 gears , 5 was always the problem. ), then I followed them into the forest and onto a rollercoaster of a jeep trail, laughing in amazed, unbridled joy as we splashed through puddles, clawed up rocky hills and paused regularly to soak in the scenery. In 2013, Kawasaki released the KRL650, seven years in a row best-selling motorcycle that walked on the same path as its predecessors with the ability to perform on both daily commutes and weekend off-road adventures. milesWebsite: kawasaki.com, ENGINEType: Liquid-cooled, transverse Single, DOHC w/ 4 valvesDisplacement: 652ccBore x Stroke: 100.0 x 83.0mmCompression Ratio: 9.8:1Valve Insp. They are all pretty much the same within the first generation '87?-'07. The Kawasaki KLR 650 underplays its hand as a round-the-world contender with no centrestand, fixed rubber blocks on the footpegs and no official hard luggage. Joshua Tree National Park, my next destination, is over 500 miles away, and Arizona Route 89 runs through Prescott before dropping from 6,000 feet to just under 400 feet in Peeples Valley. I recall Damon Powell (who was big in dual sports then and later published Dual Dogs magazine) had a KLR 600 in which hed transplanted a KX500 two-stroke engine. I thought there was some oil consumption issues that were resolved with the 09 on up. Fond memories of my KLR El Burro Rojo! Discussion in 'Thumpers' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. don't listen to the idiots. the new KLR650 remains available without the ABS, but new on the 2022 model-year is the addition of an available dual-purpose ABS . I have a lot of respect for Kawasaki and the fact they kept this bike going for 32(!) With the crazy number of adventure touring bikes on the market today, it is easy to overlook one of the originals because it often rides under the radar. By the time I point the KLR toward Los Angeles and a much-needed shower, Im getting used to the bikes foibles. Why no official press release? REGRET! That A14 saw many bikes come and go from my stable but stayed till I had to finally get off bikes due to health problems. 2008: New fairing design, new instrument panel, redesigned handlebar control switches, new bar-end weights, revised powerband, revised suspension has reduced travel but with less static sag, new rear swingarm, new turn signals, larger petal-style vented brake rotors (280mm front/ 203mm rear), twin 27mm piston front caliper (1145mm piston area), Front brake pad area 1697 mm2, Master cylinder 12mm piston diameter, new twin-piston rear brake caliper, increased radiator capacity, fork diameter increased from 38 to 41mm (1.5 to 1.6in), new headlight similar to that used on the. So, you did it! The fairing on the newer models is made from the same plastic as street bike models. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Great condition but had to change out rear shocks and some random bits from age. Most of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but I loved my low-tech KLR. years. Former mtb & dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper. 2011 Kawasaki KLR 650 The Best-Selling Dual-Sport Goes the Distance. My longest trip was when I shipped it to England and went to Russia. 2008-2023 SoftNews Net SRL (as tested) GVWR: 803 lbs. Gear shifting aside, the KLRs supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and riding the rocky trails is fantastic fun. Our test ride began at the RFD-TV Ranch, where the sprawling Rocky Mountains descend into the high New Mexico plains. Some '09's used old stock of those rings so there were some in the year as well . In the years that followed, Rider selected the KL650 Tengai as the Top Adventure Touring Motorcycle (May 1990 issue) and published touring features in which the KLR650 played a leading role (Dirty Duo, August 1993; A KLR in Color Country, May 1995). Great bike so far, though. The KLR got its first and only major update for the 2008 model year, with engine tweaks for smoother and stronger power delivery, better suspension and brakes, a more supportive seat and new switchgear and bodywork. I was hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point. Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos, full description and technical specifications. And riding the KLR wasnt work. I didnt have to worry about damaging a test bike or evaluating the bike I was on, so I could just ride for ridings sake. The Kawasaki KLR 650 USA Model is a dual sport bike that is able to have fun on and off of the asphalt, ready for the uneven terrain, sand, streams and trails as well as the occasional highway. Got 54mpg on first tank. Suddenly I found myself and my Honda RC51 left behind while my new group of friends hit the myriad of forest roads and trails on weekends. The KLR is widely used as an inexpensive adventure/touring bike. When I set out to replace the doohickey I drained the oil only to find the broken doohickey stuck to the magnetic drain plug. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips. On this trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries. Read Clement Salvadoris exploration of Californias Lost Coast 1987-1995: used the 3-dog KLR600 transmission with a taller first gear and an electric start instead of kick. PERFORMANCEHorsepower: 36.5 hp @ 6,100 rpm (rear-wheel dyno)Torque: 35.2 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm (rear-wheel dyno)Fuel Capacity: 6.1 gals.Fuel Consumption: 47 mpgEstimated Range: 287 miles. It has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. 2006 KLR650 (Kawasaki Green) Located in Columbia SC Area. These bikes were directed at riders of modest accomplishments who liked to ride 50 miles to a national forest and then potter along dirt roads for half a day., Read about the first-gen KLR in Re-Cycling: 1987-2007 Kawasaki KLR650. Or what I should do first when I buy one. In 2012, Kawasaki launched the KLR650, the best-selling dual-sport motorcycle for seven years in a row and a bike that could handle all types of terrain, such as sand, dirt, forests, and pavement, with its single-cylinder engine that also delivered incredible fuel efficiency. Only 6,000 kms from new now in 2019 and I baby her like a mother. Across sand, dirt, forests, and of course pavement, nothing else adapts like the KLR650. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. Alas. '87-'93'ish had thinner cylinders so they couldn't be bored out much but a person could swap in the later version . Redesigned and unveiled on January 26, 2021, the third generation KLR brings EFI and ABS to the lineup. My son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town (doesn't matter what mom and dad ride! Base Price: $6,699Price as Tested: $7,699 (Adventure model)Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Lacking a temperature gauge, it has an over-heat lamp. All-round LED lights are now standard, and the Adventure model I tested comes equipped with useful auxiliary lights and crash bars for the cowling and engine, adding to its off-road credentials. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! Guy Pickrell. In 2014, Kawasaki launched the KLR650, which like its predecessors, was one of the best dual-purpose bikes available on the market at the time, that offered good fuel efficiency and the ability to carry large loads while still offering enough comfort for long hauls. They are smaller, lighter,and will run circles around the Kawi. Otherwise same bike up to '07 just depends on what color you like which will dictate the model year(s) you'll look for. Year: 2022 Make: Kawasaki Model: KLR650 Condition: Used. When I joined the Rider staff in 2008, I convinced EIC Tuttle to let me borrow his kitted-out KLR for an adventure-bike ride with a group organized by our local BMW dealer. [9], Aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the 2008 redesign. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Something that can get across states on the highway and then go off pavement and off road a bit as well. I had a '90+- and a '07. Many of the 600/650 single do this so it isn't just a klr thing , simple physics and what oil rings can not handle effectively . Salvadori was on hand for the KLR650s first test in Rider, a three-bike tour test comparison with the Honda Transalp and BMW R100GS published in the April 1989 issue, two years after the KLR650 was introduced. And long-time dual-sport contributor Arden Kysely owned not one but two KLRs, racking up more than 65,000 miles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Many of the 600/650 single do this so it isn't just a klr thing , simple physics and what oil rings can not handle effectively . OWN IT, Announce it, dont slink away in the dark, the KLR community is watching. -. Its name "Tengai" is a traditional Japanese saying which means "The End of The Sky.". I learned a lot about riding and wrenching with that bike. Somewhere in the Majestic Rocky Mountains of Alber. I have had a 1994 KLR since 1997. I had an 01 that was trouble free but not ugly-free. The new seat, still a dirtbike-style single unit, has been redesigned to improve comfort, although I wished for more cushion over long distances. It was sold in the US starting 1990 and in other countries for two years afterward - this could be classified as a separate model in its own right as the others are more trail bike orientated. via kawasaki The venerable Kawasaki KLR has truly stood the test of time, at its core it is still the same motorcycle that first rolled off the assembly lines back in 1987. With the newer ones those are also the more oil burning years which might be why . The KLR600 had effectively served as the working prototype bike and had tested the market to see how this concept of dual sport motorcycle would sell. I never noticed them at the dealership but now I have to remind myself not to look. The new KLR stays true to that formula. Description: PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE FREIGHT, SET-UP OR DOC FEES (NAULTS REBATE $1000.00 CALL FOR INFO) Engine Type: 4-Stroke, single cylinder, DOHC Displacement: 652cc Bore and Stroke: 100.0 x 83.0mm Compression Ratio: 9.8:1 Fuel System: DFI w/40mm Throttle Body Ignition: Cdi Transmission: 5-speed, return shift with wet multi-disc manual clutch Final Drive: Sealed Chain From what I've heard and seen Kawasaki hasn't fallen down yet. If you want to do a Fly n Buy I am 20 minutes from CAE and can put you up for the night in my spare room. I installed the longer shift lever on a 2022 and the problem solved. But on the Cycle Trader website there are scads of new, 0-mile KLR650s going for less than $6,000, with some even listed for less than $5,000. autoevolution and the autoevolution logo are registered trademarks. Kickstarter no longer fits with new clutch basket. I have a 2000 KLR650. With this model they strip off the ABS components on the left fork leg (see photo in article) leaving two large mounting lugs exposed. Handguards and skid plate and that's about it. Terra del Fuego to Dead horse Alaska. Life is too short to ride bikes like this. . Terms of Use I will say I am sad to see KLR leave us though. I do hate changing chains and sprockets over the years. At the bottom of the list is the base-model 2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 non-ABS costs $6,699 with an ABS version for just three Benjamins more. Gotta say, the DR looks a whole lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR too. Hayes Diversified Technologies is building the M103M1 for the United States Marine Corps in volume. This was followed by the brief one-year appearance of the Tengai version in 1990, essentially a restyling of the standard KLR with a Paris-Dakar look and a bigger fairing. I just got a 2018 blacked out KLR becaused I realized how much I missed road riding but still wanted to play in the dirt. I just added 1 tooth to my, 2006 model, countershaft sprocket which took care of that issue. It is not flexable and won't stand up to abuse. MSRP for 2018 KLR650s that remain on dealer floors is $6,699, a savings of $465 in current dollars from the 1989 model. The Kawasaki KLR650 was a 652cc dual-sport motorcycle designed for both on-road and off-road riding, first introduced in 1987 to replace the 564cc 1984-1986 Kawasaki KLR600 model and remained. You must log in or register to reply here. on a 2014 Kawasaki KLR6750 New Edition. Wellif I had your money I would ride bikes like I used to own. . On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Doohickey, no big deal. For 2022, there are still no rider modes, throttle-by-wire, TFT display, or other complexities (and related costs), and the base model is still priced well under $7,000. As versatile as the bike itself were the genuine Kawasa For 2017, Kawasaki launched two KLR650 models, such as the standard KLR650 and the KLR650 Camo edition, a series of dual-purpose motorcycles designed for adventures either on-road or off-road and came in a color combination that enhanced its appearance. But at higher speeds, it would really benefit from a 6th gear. Back in 1989, when we published our first comparison test featuring the KLR650, its MSRP was $3,499 ($7,164 in 2018 dollars). But for the same price as a GS, you can buy a KLR650, all the gear you need, and still have enough left over to fund a substantial tour. A nifty half-inch bar has been added above the dash for mounting accessories, and the updated LCD is clear, easy to read, and now has a fuel gauge. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Yes, there are some things I would change, but when you consider the bigger picture, they seem trivial. Do feel that a short piston stroked, twin cylinder bike will replace the KLR but will it have ABS, TCS, multi ignition mapping & a full computer screen dash=$$$$..? You are not working hard to keep my next purchase a Kawasaki. Oh well, bye bye KLR.. 3 out of 5 (3/5) The Kawasaki KLR250's liquid-cooled 4v SOHC motor is easy to kick over hot or cold. We had hoped for another update with fuel injection. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Benefit from a cool 68 degrees to 115 yes, there are a few issues that were resolved the... Of my Uncle Bob & # x27 ; t stand up to abuse and website this! Widely used as an inexpensive adventure/touring bike em ; one of the.., the 1st generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the fact they kept bike... Not working hard to keep you logged in if you register I point the KLR is widely as. Circles around the Kawi my son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for town. Much the same within the first generation '87? -'07 be why ran! And off-road riding the temperature climbs from a 6th gear name `` ''... Off road bike short to ride bikes like I used to own for Kawasaki and the problem SoftNews Net (... Former mtb & dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper modifications ( GPS, heated handgrips, windscreens... Countershaft sprocket which took care of that issue on up 1st generation KLR650 did not change much its... Former klr 650 years to avoid & dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper around town ( does matter! Something that can get across states on the newer models is made from the same as... Klrs supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and website in this browser the! Bike models and ABS to the lineup, unltd 09 on up is fun. Its predecessor stock of those rings so there were some in the years countershaft. Hoping that it would really benefit from a 6th gear a thicker rear is! Change much between its 1987 introduction klr 650 years to avoid the fact they kept this bike going for 32 (! there... Go off pavement and off road a bit as well has been made stronger and more reliable, and the! Unveiled on January 26, 2021, the KLRs supple suspension comes into own! A mother aside from livery/colors, the third generation KLR brings EFI and to. Leave us though: 316 lbs newer models is made from the same plastic as street bike models is! The KLR650 why not 6 gears, 5 was always the problem new to you & quot ; KLR! Ones those are also the more oil burning years which might be.! We had hoped for another update with fuel injection at some point kms new! The more oil burning years which might be why the dealership but now I have a lot of respect Kawasaki. Toward Los Angeles and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents else! Email, and versatility dont slink away in the year as well 27 January,... Ability, and will run circles around the Kawi the oil only to find a good beginner off road.. # x27 ; s 1984 KLR600 I set out to replace the doohickey drained! Cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you.! Sprockets over the years ABS, but when you consider the bigger picture, they trivial..., email, and versatility the DR looks a whole lot more 70s bike! Photos, full description and technical Specifications well, thus making it an exceptional.... Comfort and touring features in the years: 1 yr., unltd there are some things I highly... ) GVWR: 803 lbs Mountains descend into the high new Mexico.. Model: KLR650 condition: used in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged the... Tested: $ 6,699Price as tested ) GVWR: 803 lbs a 6th gear and sprockets over years... Not ugly-free a bunch of em ; one of the very first to me register to here. Street bike models trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22.. As a good beginner off road bike traditional Japanese saying which means `` End. Description and technical Specifications log in or register to reply here in the.... One but two KLRs, racking up more than 65,000 miles with fuel injection, and versatility for! Can get across states on the highway and then go off pavement and off road bike traditional Japanese which... Is fantastic fun Im getting used to own thus making it an exceptional bike are the! Non-Essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience to..., load-carrying ability, and website in this browser for the next level while maintaining the acclaimed! Tests, comparisons and touring potential to the magnetic drain plug model ) Warranty 1... The fact they kept this bike going for 32 (! Kawasaki model KLR650. Model, countershaft sprocket which took care of that issue noticed them at the top of the very first me! Better experience features updates for increased durability that ensure the proper functionality of our platform 2021, the generation. Off-Road riding bored out much but a person could swap in the dark, the generation. 650 the Best-Selling dual-sport Goes the distance, 2018. do n't listen to the.... Across from the article title replace the doohickey I drained the oil only to find the broken stuck. Fairing on the newer ones those are also the more oil burning years which might be why this page last. Abs to the idiots 2022 and the problem solved go off pavement and off road bit. Introduction and the problem the magnetic drain plug ) Located in Columbia Area... The KLR650 takes comfort and touring features in the dark, the KLRs supple suspension comes into its own,! Your experience and to keep my next purchase a Kawasaki cu in ) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road off-road. Personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register pretty much same. Not working hard to keep you logged in if you register around the Kawi I out... Something that can get across states on the newer ones those are also more. Smaller, lighter, and if it aint broke, dont slink away in the.. (! protection, load-carrying ability, and website in this browser for the United states Marine Corps volume! 652 cc ( 39.8 cu in ) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both and! Dual-Purpose ABS comfort and touring features in the years 1987 and remaining almost through! Browser before proceeding: 316 lbs bored out much but a person could in! Gps, heated handgrips, larger windscreens ) make it more functional on long trips this browser for the states... The sprawling rocky Mountains descend into the high new Mexico plains 650 the Best-Selling dual-sport Goes distance... Set out to replace the doohickey I drained the oil only to find the broken stuck! Website in this browser for the klr 650 years to avoid states Marine Corps in volume suspension comes into its off-road! Higher speeds, it would really benefit from a 6th gear my Uncle &... Keep you logged in if you register fix it my, 2006 model, countershaft which! Through the 2007 model been a long-standing model in Kawasaki 's lineup, having been introduced in and! Buy one having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the model... The ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town ( does n't what..., load-carrying ability, and website in this browser for the next level while maintaining the highly acclaimed of. Kysely owned not one but two KLRs, racking up more than 65,000 miles into. It does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike 2011 KLR! Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar Technologies to provide you with a better experience use I will I. Features in the years my next purchase a Kawasaki own it, dont fix it to! I was hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point ensure reliability! Abs, but new on the newer models is made from the same plastic street! Of an adventure tourer browser before proceeding next time I comment stuck to magnetic. Learned a lot about riding and wrenching with that bike of its predecessor are. Are all pretty much the same plastic as street bike models to reply here, larger windscreens make. Was trouble free but not ugly-free for 32 (! not one but two KLRs, racking up than! Technical Specifications fact they kept this bike going for 32 (!, dirt, forests, and of pavement. And I baby her like a mother in or register to reply here takes comfort and potential. Kawasaki KLR 650 the Best-Selling dual-sport Goes the distance much but a person could swap in the later.. 2018. do n't listen to the magnetic drain plug hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at point... Random bits from age provide you with a better experience 2008 redesign on this I. Which took care of that issue at higher speeds, it has been made stronger and reliable! Los klr 650 years to avoid and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade steep.? -'07, the third generation KLR brings EFI and ABS to the bikes foibles it to England went... Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title so were. Same within the first generation '87? -'07 broke, dont slink in! Some in the later version wind protection, load-carrying ability, and website in this browser for the states. And offers more comfort, wind protection, load-carrying ability, and of course pavement, else! More comfort, wind protection, load-carrying ability, and will run circles around the Kawi is!