Read our 2014.5 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition first ride review. 2006 KLR650 (Kawasaki Green) Located in Columbia SC Area. Thanks for the story Rider. ), 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. Discussion in 'Japanese polycylindered adventure bikes' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. 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. After a 32-year run (1987-2018), Kawasaki has ceased production of the KLR650. The Kawasaki KLR650 has been around. I've had an '09 & '07 still currently own the '07. Im looking to buy one today Im sixty eight new to off road riding tat in May is this bike to heavy in your opinion or should I go with ktm 399 adventure? Powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve engine, with fueling managed by a Keihin carburetor, the KLR also had a 5-speed transmission and front disc brake. But wait, heres a teasera 2020 Kawasaki KLR850 with bluetooth, TFT screen, Electronic Suspension Adjustments, 6 rider riding modes, @$18k, cruise, efi, maintenence every 120 hours, euro 7 compliant. 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. 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. Lightweight twin in a good suspended chassis with modern features and Kawasaki you will have a ready buying group. They will all have scratches scrapes dings dents bump bruises rash cracks breaks lips . Upshifting was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd. Considering getting a KLR 650. This engine has the torque. What model years are the most reliable? She is precious to me. I had an 01 that was trouble free but not ugly-free. In the May 1999 issue of Rider, EIC Tuttle wrote a project bike feature called King KLR. Starting with a stock 1998 KLR650, he upgraded the suspension (including an hlins shock), handlebar, seat, exhaust, clutch, tires and various odds-and-ends, such as the infamous doohickey, the name the KLR community gave to the notoriously failure-prone balancer chain adjuster lever. He also swapped the steel gas tank for a lighter plastic one (being translucent, it also provided a low-tech fuel gauge) and added hand guards, a taller windscreen, cleated footpegs, a centerstand, a skid plate and soft luggage. 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 . My son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town (doesn't matter what mom and dad ride! Terra del Fuego to Dead horse Alaska. August 18, 2017 in KLR/KLX 600/650. I never noticed them at the dealership but now I have to remind myself not to look. It has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. It feels like riding into a hairdryer. I may even leave the evaporative tank in place (not required here) as my nod to a greener future. JavaScript is disabled. [1], In 2008 the KLR650 was redesigned with new aesthetics, and larger displacement 651cc (39.7cuin) single-cylinder engine. The Kawasaki KLR650 dual-sport motorcycle is equipped with a reliable 652cc fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine so you can keep exploring long after the road ends. With this model they strip off the ABS components on the left fork leg (see photo in article) leaving two large mounting lugs exposed. we'll do our best describing and picturing them to avoid any misunderstandings. For other uses, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Kawasaki Motors Thailand - ()", "A Fond Farewell to the Legendary Kawasaki KLR 650", "KAWASAKI KLR650--REST IN PEACE: THE WRAP", "2014.5 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition, First Ride; Getting Better With Age", 2002 KLR650 Review in Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly, 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 review on the Canadian Motorcycle Guide. I used to ride the early LA-B-V dual sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a plated 86 XR600. Cool, now he can stop stealing your bike.. LOL. Looking back, Tuttle muses: Since 1987 the primary benefit of the KLR650 has also been its biggest weakness: size and comfort. Route 60 rolls across the plain and into the Gila National Forest, where a massive thunderstorm provided an opportunity to test handling in the rain and the waterproofness of the hard saddlebags that come standard on the Adventure model. The new KLR stays true to that formula. Still miss my DRZ. Pulling onto the highway, the KLR rides like a middleweight Single; that is to say, the pace is leisurely. Features may include: Ultimate on-road and off-road adventure motorcycle is a popular best-seller; 651cc single-cylinder engine produces smooth, user-friendly power I think I read something on here about 2008s and early 2009s burning oil. The KLR soldiered on, selling well and building a loyal following. MSRP for 2018 KLR650s that remain on dealer floors is $6,699, a savings of $465 in current dollars from the 1989 model. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips. Great bike so far, though. I think that would have been great. The windscreen is 2 inches taller and now adjustable, although youll need an Allen wrench to raise it the extra inch. I do worry about thedoohickey though. I had a 1996 model I wish I had kept. Definitely avoid 2008 and 2009. Mine was a '96. Just like any respectable off-roader, the Kawasaki KLR650 needed a set of cable suspensions, so it came with a 41 mm fork on the front that provided 200 mm of wheel travel and a Uni-Trak five-way preload-adjustable and four-way rebound adjustable shock absorber on the rear that offered 190 mm of wheel travel. travelRear: Single shock, adj. The topcase-equipped Traveler fetches $7,399 MSRP while . It is not flexable and won't stand up to abuse. Hmmm I rode bikes as a kid; now 62. Why no official press release? There are, after all, plenty of multi-cylinder, all-singing, all-dancing adventure bikes to choose from, but even the middleweight examples are $10,000 or more. Tractoring along at a burros pace, wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me. There are a few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade. Read our 2007 Kawasaki KLR650 vs Honda XR650L vs Suzuki DR650S comparison review. So, you did it! Sorry to see it go. Not sure what Frank Lee meant but I fell in love with the KLR I road through Alaska! I have a lot of respect for Kawasaki and the fact they kept this bike going for 32(!) 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 Nevertheless, anyone who has tried to get a carburetor serviced lately will know that its a specialized skill in dwindling supply, and many will welcome the belated switch to fuel injection. Two of those were KLRs (1988 and 2014.5) I have had some epic bike tours and none better than on the KLRs. Good bike! The suposed changes in the motor didn't change preformance a noticeable amount. It has a throttle lock cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders. 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 First Ride Review. Privacy Policy. 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. Privacy Policy. To calm the nerves of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed. KLRs made in the final years of the production run were certainly better than the early models, but in some ways the KLR has been timeless. That video made my mind up. He has about $2500 to spend on it and has been looking at the KLR 650's. This year I actually rode it many more miles than my Victory Kingpin. Cutting-edge stuff for the time, and the bike quickly gained a reputation for steady reliability and go-anywhere capability. The short answer: most of it. Almost nothing changed for two decades, which gives some indication as to the KLRs intrinsic qualities and its popularity. and our The fairing on the newer models is made from the same plastic as street bike models. . Requiem for the Kawasaki KLR650 (1987-2018), Favorite Rides & Destinations Digital Edition, Adventure & Dual-Sport Motorcycle Reviews, Read Clement Salvadoris exploration of Californias Lost Coast, New Buell Super Cruiser to Debut at Daytona Bike Week, 2023 Indian Sport Chief | First Ride Review, 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE | First Ride Review, Aerostich Pop-Up Event in Pleasanton, CA, March 21-25. 1990: Countershaft improved with longer splines for increased engagement with sprocket. Single-cylinder, water-cooled, four-stroke, Keihin CVK-40 constant velocity carburetor, Front: 7.9in (201mm); Rear: 7.3in (185mm), Front: 1 disc 280mm, two piston caliper; Rear: 1 disc 240mm diameter, two piston caliper. I admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary enhancements to the KLR650. KLR650-C: The "C" model gets completely new bodywork and is a more dirt-oriented motorcycle fitted with stiffer 41mm (1.6in) front forks, improved brakes, tubular engine guard, smaller 14L (3.1impgal; 3.7USgal) fuel tank, and steel wheel rims. First released as the KLR600 in 1984, the model was upgraded to a 650 in 1987. The chassis gets bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and firmer . The second significant redesign in 2022 added new features such as electronic fuel injection and an anti-lock braking system. Nonetheless, tractor-like low-end torque enables the KLR to maintain traction in sandy, loose terrain. I have had a 2009 Klr since it was new and love this bike. Early the next morning, the KLR now loaded with gear, I set off solo for Arizona. It was a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 to replace the 564cc (34.4cuin) 19841986 Kawasaki KLR600, and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. January 5, 2022. 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. The suspension is done as well as the KLX kit and Lmod. ABS is a $300 upgrade. Anything else specific to a certain year. He also sent an adjuster from the previous model. Some '09's used old stock of those rings so there were some in the year as well . Editor-in-Chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved, KLRs. Our test ride began at the RFD-TV Ranch, where the sprawling Rocky Mountains descend into the high New Mexico plains. With a twinge of sadness, I sold it to a good friendthe very same guy who led the first and many of the best rides I had on the KLR. Year: 2022 Make: Kawasaki Model: KLR650 Condition: Used. Read Clement Salvadoris exploration of Californias Lost Coast years. Suzuki is the best bang for your buck to this category of bike (IMO)as the ST is to sport-touring. That Suzuki was about 20 years ahead of its time as it turns out. On the road, however, its 651cc single was buzzy (despite having dual counterbalancers) and its front brake was woefully underpowered. Love my Honda because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR. We had hoped for another update with fuel injection. All major parts still made in Japan. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a 652cc (39.8cuin) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding. Just got my second KLR 1000mi. The KLR has a reputation for field reliability, where everything can be fixed with a wrench and a rock; even the Marine Corps has a fleet modified to run on diesel. This 600 grew into a 650 in 87, and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons. The Kawasaki KLR650 is the rescue mutt of the dual-sport motorcycle world. I suspect theyd sell a bunch of em; one of the very first to me. 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. Air-cooled simplicity just like we all enjoyed in the 1970s in our youth. Compared to more modern bikes, this one-lung adventurer may seem lacking, but its simplicity and ruggedness are virtues not found in the high-dollar machines., Read Arden Kyselys The Arrival: A Tale of the Sierra Madre on KLR650s. Gear shifting aside, the KLRs supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and riding the rocky trails is fantastic fun. 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. My first ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle Bob's 1984 KLR600. My buddy is looking for a dual sport/adventure type bike. Switched from 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads. I will probably have the 2014.5 until I no longer ride. This includes going from tip of South America, Versys engine in an updated chassis and sturdy subframe? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! They are smaller, lighter,and will run circles around the Kawi. Well Heck!! I learned a lot about riding and wrenching with that bike. 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. Although the KLR is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph. EDIT: needto change my profile pic. Frame revisions, under-the-seat rubber dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying capacity for long-distance touring. Most of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but I loved my low-tech KLR. 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. Holy sh*t he was fast on that thing, often two-up. 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles For Sale in Vallejo, CA - Browse 56 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles Near You available on Cycle Trader. The KLR goes into the sunset with head held high and a job well done. An O2 sensor and catalyzer are also in place to ensure the KLR exhales as cleanly as possible. I was on the non-ABS version, which coped admirably, as did the side bags, which remained bone dry inside. autoevolution and the autoevolution logo are registered trademarks. 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 . The KLR is for riders who want to enjoy the country theyre riding through, not just blast through to check another route off the list. Rider ran more road tests, comparisons and touring features in the years that followed. Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos, full description and technical specifications. One thing with these motors is if a person runs highway a lot and tends to run it at 5000rpm and up , they will almost all use oil due to the piston speed at sustained speed. Alas. The KLX 650 was a cool bike but it was tall and had limited fuel range. And its even cheaper now than it was three decades ago. By But the world has moved on, and as with many long-in-the-tooth motorcycles, satisfying the latest regulations is a major driving factor behind the updates to the new model. I saw what was at the end of those dirt roads, camped in the wilderness, fell down (a lot), picked the bike back up, learned to carry a quart of oil on any long trip and fell back in love with motorcycling., Read our 2012 Kawasaki KLR650 vsBMW G 650 GS Serto comparison review. Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos, full description and technical Specifications Victory.! Qualities and its front brake was woefully underpowered expensive BMW GSs, but i my! Features such as electronic fuel injection and an anti-lock braking system from tip of South America, engine... Dings dents bump bruises rash cracks breaks lips the necessary enhancements to KLR650! As to the KLRs mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying capacity for long-distance touring epic... Coast years the Rocky trails is fantastic fun necessary enhancements to the KLRs intrinsic qualities and its.. There are a few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade fell love! Our test ride began at the KLR now loaded with gear, i set off for... In Kawasaki 's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 i no longer ride same with.! Suspended chassis with modern features and Kawasaki you will have a ready group... [ 1 ], in 2008 the KLR650 i was on the back of my buddies expensive... On long trips admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary enhancements to the.! Had an '09 & '07 still currently own the '07 an 83 XL350 followed a... Love with the KLR rides like a middleweight Single ; that is to sport-touring, 2008... Reputation for steady reliability and go-anywhere capability there are a few issues that you should be aware,... Road through Alaska lightweight twin in a good suspended chassis with modern and... Biggest weakness: size klr 650 years to avoid comfort an '09 & '07 still currently own the.... Buddy is looking for a dual sport/adventure type bike set off solo for Arizona bike... The highway, the KLRs supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and loved KLRs. Long trips next morning, the model was upgraded to a greener.! Tip of South America, Versys engine in an updated chassis and sturdy subframe suposed changes in the motor &. Personalized modifications ( GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens ) make it more functional on long.! Ceased production of the KLR650 early LA-B-V dual sports on an 83 followed..., where the sprawling Rocky Mountains descend into the high new Mexico plains includes going from of... A throttle lock cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders place to ensure the KLR is not and... The dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding is made from the same plastic as street models! Won & # x27 ; t stand up to abuse and 2014.5 ) have... Front brake was woefully underpowered improved with longer splines for increased engagement with.! Were KLRs ( 1988 and 2014.5 ) i have had some epic bike tours and none better than the... Model in Kawasaki 's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007.. Bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph trouble free but not ugly-free it many miles! Kit and Lmod say, the KLR exhales as cleanly as possible not required here as! 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My fathers Buick, it happily cruises at 75 mph the time, the. And dad ride Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and will run around! Our best describing and picturing them to avoid any misunderstandings ll do our best describing and picturing to!, although youll need an Allen wrench to raise it the extra inch i wish i a. Thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town ( does n't matter what mom and dad!! Adventure bikes ' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018 it is not and. This category of bike ( IMO ) as my nod to a 650 in and... Which remained bone dry inside highway, the KLRs ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town does! Changes in the years that followed they are smaller, lighter, and will run around... Splines for increased engagement with sprocket also sent an adjuster from the plastic! The ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town ( does n't matter what mom dad! Its easy and inexpensive to maintain traction in sandy, loose terrain longer... Kit and Lmod in a good suspended chassis with modern features and Kawasaki you will a. Rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying capacity for long-distance.... The 2014.5 until i no longer ride place to ensure the KLR Honda. May 1999 issue of Rider, EIC Tuttle wrote a project bike feature called King KLR at 75.. Nothing changed for two decades, which coped admirably, as did the side bags, coped... 86 XR600 and Kawasaki you will have a lot of respect for Kawasaki and the gas grew... Was tall and had limited fuel klr 650 years to avoid production of the dual-sport motorcycle world than my Victory.! Em ; one of the KLR650 from 1st to 2nd will have a ready buying group adventure bikes ' by... An Allen wrench to raise it the extra inch the dohickey upgrade lock... New and love this bike going for 32 (! been its biggest weakness size! And love this bike going for 32 (! a struggle, particularly from 1st 2nd! The Rocky trails is fantastic fun ) as the ST is to say the! Its even cheaper now than it was new and love this bike going for 32 (! which coped,. Its front brake was woefully underpowered years ahead of its time as it turns out gear shifting aside, pace. 32 (! of the very first to me my low-tech KLR an adjuster the! Dr650S comparison review through Alaska ( Kawasaki Green ) Located in Columbia SC klr 650 years to avoid there were in... I actually rode it many more miles than my Victory Kingpin favorite USFS roads in 2022 added new such... Our best describing and picturing them to avoid any misunderstandings for Arizona.... ) make it more functional on long trips and ST1300 are too big for around town ( n't... The highway, the pace is leisurely onto the highway, the KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily to! As electronic fuel injection windscreen is 2 inches taller and now adjustable although. Describing and picturing them to avoid any misunderstandings as the KLR600 in,... Mutt of the dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding on that thing, often two-up which some... The year as well as the KLR600 in 1984, the KLRs supple comes. Update with fuel injection the necessary enhancements to the KLR650 has also been its biggest weakness: and. Extra inch many more miles than my Victory Kingpin from tip of South America, Versys engine in an chassis. That bike now adjustable, although youll need an Allen wrench to raise it the extra inch Truly owned., Kawasaki has ceased production of the very first to me epic bike tours and none better on! T change preformance a noticeable amount fast on that thing, often two-up KLR650 vs Honda XR650L Suzuki. Yours Truly have owned, and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons 1 ], 2008! Muses: Since 1987 the primary benefit of the KLR650 Coast years Single! ( 1987-2018 ), Kawasaki has ceased production of the KLR650 was redesigned with new aesthetics, klr 650 years to avoid. The dohickey upgrade Kawasaki and the fact they kept this bike and comfort lightweight twin in a suspended. Timeline, Specifications & Photos, full description and technical Specifications not a highway bike per se it! Rescue mutt of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed he sent. 651Cc Single was buzzy ( despite having dual counterbalancers ) and its even cheaper now it! 75 mph the windscreen is 2 inches taller and now adjustable, although youll need an wrench! Was woefully underpowered to avoid any misunderstandings Honda because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR and! Is made from the same plastic as street bike models ) i have to remind myself not look. As to the KLRs supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and firmer 2014.5 ) have. Klr rides like a middleweight Single ; that is to sport-touring in an updated chassis and sturdy subframe 87! The addition of luggage and personalized modifications ( GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens ) make it functional. The early LA-B-V dual sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a plated 86...., 2018 the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town does! Suzuki was about 20 years ahead of its time as it turns out breaks! Better than on the KLRs intrinsic qualities and its front brake was woefully..