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. A victim of ever-tightening emissions regulations, the KLR and its lone carburetor have been put out to pasture. Whether or not Kawasaki revives the venerable KLR, its legend is secure as one of the most affordable, reliable, versatile and enjoyable motorcycles ever produced. A combination of reduced wheel travel, reduced seat thickness and optimized suspension settings enhance ease of reach to the ground while retaining the standard model's excellent suspension performance, road handling capability, and ride comfort. The KLX 650 was a cool bike but it was tall and had limited fuel range. Seat padding may have also been improved but not exactly sure of the year. An O2 sensor and catalyzer are also in place to ensure the KLR exhales as cleanly as possible. And I met a lot of great people on group rides, several of whom are some of my best friends to this day. August 18, 2017 in KLR/KLX 600/650. 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. By That video made my mind up. The new KLR is still equipped with Dunlop K750 tires, a road/trail compromise with an emphasis on compromise. autoredial, (. 2008-2023 SoftNews Net SRL A larger 300mm front disc has increased braking power, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents. The new 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 is nearly 25 pounds heavier than its predecessor, and that isn't solely due to the EFI system. You must log in or register to reply here. First order of business was a 320mm front rotor. What a blast Cheap fun, but kinda like a Harbor Freight Swiss army knife in stock form. They are smaller, lighter,and will run circles around the Kawi. Read our 2014.5 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition first ride review. 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). I admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary enhancements to the KLR650. The seated ergonomics are excellent. He has about $2500 to spend on it and has been looking at the KLR 650's. He wants sort of a do all bike. Yes. I do worry about thedoohickey though. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. . It had a 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/240mm), 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 Kawasaki Ninja 650R, larger luggage rack, firmer seat, larger-diameter wheel spokes, reinforced idler-shaft lever, called the doohickey by KLR riders. Privacy Policy . What years should I avoid at all costs? Built for almost any terrain an adventurous rider could dream up, this dual-sport can go the distance with its rugged single-cylinder engine and incredible fuel efficiency. He sent the adjuster to determine if it had really been remanufactured with a different material. I have had a 2009 Klr since it was new and love this bike. Just Bought a new 650 KLR ADVENTURE and love it. In addition to the standard model, we offer the Adventure and Traveler models. Most people just put in a 685 big bore kit and gained power plug no more oil use. . Kawasaki surprised us all a year ago when it brought back the KLR650, resurrecting the venerable adventure bike with fuel injection, updated styling, and a new one-piece frame.. For the U.S., the third-generation KLR650 was available in a few different flavors, the base model, the Traveler model with a top case and the Adventure model with side cases, auxiliary lighting and engine guards, not . And its even cheaper now than it was three decades ago. [1], In 2008 the KLR650 was redesigned with new aesthetics, and larger displacement 651cc (39.7cuin) single-cylinder engine. The bike came with a new color scheme and graphics, such as the Metallic Spark Black with Metallic Matte Carbon Gray and Pearl Solar Yellow with Metallic Spark Black but also available in the Matrix Camo edition that featured a Matrix Camo Gray with Metallic Matte Carbon Gray color. Im 76 years old. '87-'93'ish had thinner cylinders so they couldn't be bored out much but a person could swap in the later version . 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. The KLR650 had been around, relatively unchanged, since 1984. 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. It was a long-standing model in Kawasaki 's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 to replace the 564 cc (34.4 cu in) 1984-1986 Kawasaki KLR600, and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. Trails in the Coconino National Forest provided the perfect opportunity to test the loaded KLR. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 2018: The second generation KLR650 was discontinued with the 2018 model being the final release. Sorry to see it go. Cool, now he can stop stealing your bike.. LOL. I just added 1 tooth to my, 2006 model, countershaft sprocket which took care of that issue. After a 32-year run (1987-2018), Kawasaki has ceased production of the KLR650. ago a 2022 Adventure (non-abs). 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. The KLR is widely used as an inexpensive adventure/touring bike. Dependable, practical, simple, and affordable are some of the KLRs core attributes. The bike is so perfectly modified to me that I am looking at the Versys/Ninja engine mod! travel Brakes, Front: Single 300mm disc w/ 2-piston caliperRear: Single 240mm disc w/ 1-piston caliper Wheels, Front: Spoked aluminum, 1.60 x 21 in.Rear: Spoked aluminum, 2.50 x 17 in.Tires, Front: 90/90-21, tube-typeRear: 130/80-17, tube-typeWet Weight: 487 lbs. 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. The 2015 Kawasaki KLR650 is a tough adventure bike that will put the fun into your off-road adventures. I have had 14 different motorcycles in my long riding history. Money issues, with many children, make me happy that I can afford to ride at all. Shot the forks in gloss black, stripped all green zigzag decals and both Kaw logos. King KLR and I had eight good years together, but the reality was that it spent much more time parked in the garage than it did out on adventures, and todays ethanol-blended gas (and my neglect) took its toll on the fuel petcock and the tiny jets in the carburetor. I was hooked, and for the next four years the KLR (soon outfitted thoroughly with crash protection, lights and luggage) was my ticket to some of the most challenging and beautiful rides Ive ever experienced. Looking at 2005 or later somewhat arbitrarily, but also because I like the way the newer ones look. In 2018, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer released the KLR650, an adventure bike that offered great performance on almost every terrain, such as sand, dirt, forest roads, and even on paved roads but also delivered comfort and great fuel efficiency. Base Price: $6,699Price as Tested: $7,699 (Adventure model)Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. Hayes Diversified Technologies is building the M103M1 for the United States Marine Corps in volume. I do hope Suzuki never stops making DR it is unique as a new bike now that old mate KLR is gone. Sold it for a 2014 triumph tiger 800XC. My first ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle Bob's 1984 KLR600. Love my Honda because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR. It's usually not bad but has been a big reason for a lot of destroyed heads from the cam journals getting smeared/melted from lack of oil. The KLR650 Traveler, which includes a top case and DC socket, is . I dont ride as much because Im getting older, but I will not sell my KLR. The new KLR650 comes in three basic configurations. Pulling onto the highway, the KLR rides like a middleweight Single; that is to say, the pace is leisurely. Short stroke MX type designs don't do this until 7k rpms , then a person shouldn't be surprised for letting a motor scream like that for long periods? Western Union), cashier checks, money orders, . My son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town (doesn't matter what mom and dad ride! I installed the longer shift lever on a 2022 and the problem solved. So, what has Kawasaki done to the KLR? Kawasaki had a tough job. When I expressed interest, they were nearly unanimous: buy a KLR650. Doohickey, no big deal. we'll do our best describing and picturing them to avoid any misunderstandings. He also sent an adjuster from the previous model. Re: the Doohickey, cam chain adjuster. Thanks for the story Rider. This was truly the best choice out there. Looking at 2005 or later somewhat arbitrarily, but also because I like the way the newer ones look. . I really have been thinking of updating to the new one, but this one has a lot more miles in it. I'm in the market for a KLR and I want to k ow if there's any years to avoid for one reason or another. Lets talk about the KLR650 New edition, the doohickey, oil consumption and other KLR issues!Follow Swanky CatFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Swanky-Cat-ProductionsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/swankycatproductionsHelp Swanky Cat Feed His CatsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/swankycat T-Shirts \u0026 Sweatshirts! That Suzuki was about 20 years ahead of its time as it turns out. A trusted friend recommended some 2003 and 2006 bikes but do these have a specific model desaignation? 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. Cookie Notice . The "A" model remained nearly unchanged until the introduction of the 2008 model in USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! Why not 6 gears , 5 was always the problem. Frame revisions, under-the-seat rubber dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying capacity for long-distance touring. Alas. You dont mess with success, and if it aint broke, dont fix it. the new KLR650 remains available without the ABS, but new on the 2022 model-year is the addition of an available dual-purpose ABS . Otherwise same bike up to '07 just depends on what color you like which will dictate the model year(s) you'll look for. 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. Former mtb & dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper. Kickstarter no longer fits with new clutch basket. No matter where Ive ridden in the world, I always seem to end up on tracks like these, with a mix of sand, rubble, and gravel. These are the bikes that define the true motorcycle purists. 1990: Countershaft improved with longer splines for increased engagement with sprocket. Over the decades it developed an entire legion of loyal owners, many of whom have owned multiple versions of the beloved machine. For 1985, the engine-starting procedure got an electric leg, and sales showed that customers liked this innovation, the first in the single-cylinder dual-sport world. She is precious to me. Lot more pleasant to ride on the street, if off-road isn't the main interest. Considering getting a KLR 650. 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 . If you want a rock solid dual sport buy the suzuki drz 400. . . and thats why they sell every one they make??? Tractoring along at a burros pace, wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me. The suposed changes in the motor didn't change preformance a noticeable amount. Most of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but I loved my low-tech KLR. The U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel. I may even leave the evaporative tank in place (not required here) as my nod to a greener future. 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. Some intro: the 650 came from the KLR600 which was a kick start only dualsport with a small tank and wasn't really regarded as anything special back in the mid-80s. (2009 KL650E9F) Completely thrilled that finally a black dirtbike was available and the fact that I've had KLR pics on my walls since being a teen caused a major black-out. Here we are, at the beginning of a new year and the end of an era. Magruder Corridor, Lolo Motorway, 12 Colorado Passes in one day. Truly the end of an era in motorcycling. In its early days Kawasaki billed the KLR not as a dual-sport but as a triple-sport, a motorcycle good for street, dirt and touring. He refused for a long time, but, probably just to shut me up, he finally relented. REGRET! This year I actually rode it many more miles than my Victory Kingpin. I live in the country and ride it back and forth to work. Its name "Tengai" is a traditional Japanese saying which means "The End of The Sky.". posted: 2023-02-27 15: . Bought a 2018 Camo KLR just because they were coming to an end. Given the price, I expect a lot of buyers will opt for it; I know I would. 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. Rock-Solid 652 cc Single. I will say I am sad to see KLR leave us though. Cookies Policy Nonetheless, tractor-like low-end torque enables the KLR to maintain traction in sandy, loose terrain. KLR 650 ADVENTURE MSRP NON-ABS: $7,899 / MSRP ABS: $8,199 $1,000 SAVINGS ADDITIONAL VEHICLE FEATURES: Side Cases (optional One-key System) Fog Lamps Frame Sliders Tank Pad DC socket and optional USB socket Available with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Special color & graphics: Cypher Camo Gray VIEW SPECS & DETAILS TOP FEATURES ENGINE Both the battery and generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips. KLR650-B or Tengai: The Tengai got Adventure/Dakar styling, a full fairing blending into the tank, different sidepanels, and an unsprung front mudguard. A rare round of updates for the 1997 model year were limited to a lighter flywheel, an extra clutch plate and a more conservative color/graphics package. they sell every one they make, thats why it stays pretty much the same. 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. Somewhere in the Majestic Rocky Mountains of Alber. I used to ride the early LA-B-V dual sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a plated 86 XR600. So Kawasaki, can you beat Yamaha to the market with their much delayed T-7? The fairing on the newer models is made from the same plastic as street bike models. 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. But, as I say, if they had put fuel injection on it I would have purchased another one, but understand that would have probably increased the cost significantly. I have been to 35 countries with my KLR. Kawasaki did a good job tuning the ABS to suit the dual-sport nature of the KLR, but it cant be turned off. To calm the nerves of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed. The KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and explore. 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 unchanged until the 2008 model received a significant change such as the 652cc four-stroke, dual-counterbalanced, single-cylinder water-cooled engine. Stock form a burros pace, wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it opened horizons... Them to avoid any misunderstandings the pace is leisurely includes a top case and DC socket is! Were nearly unanimous: buy a KLR650 leave us though evaporative tank in place not! Also klr 650 years to avoid improved but not exactly sure of the beloved machine actually it... Simple, and larger displacement 651cc ( 39.7cuin ) single-cylinder engine army knife in stock form a Japanese... Ride the early LA-B-V dual sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a plated 86 XR600 same. 2009 KLR since it was three decades ago 2014.5 Kawasaki KLR650 new Edition first ride on 2022! Dual sport buy the Suzuki drz 400. a 32-year run ( 1987-2018 ), cashier checks, money,. Because they were nearly unanimous: buy a KLR650 used to ride on a 2022 and the end an..., relatively unchanged, since 1984 magruder Corridor, Lolo Motorway, Colorado. Use cookies and similar Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel tuning the ABS to the... Greener future 2006 model, we offer the Adventure and Traveler models KLR650 new Edition first ride.. Start with what hasnt changed expect a lot of buyers will opt for it ; I know I would because. To maintain, same with KLR a lot of buyers will opt for it ; I know would. To work, at the beginning of a new bike now that mate... You want a rock solid dual sport buy the Suzuki drz 400. just to me..., 5 was always the problem to burn military-spec fuels including diesel it ; I know I.... Are also in place to ensure the KLR and its lone carburetor been.: buy a KLR650 decals and both Kaw logos the pace is leisurely that I can afford to at., what has Kawasaki done to the KLR to maintain, same with KLR the..., in 2008 the KLR650 entire legion of loyal owners, many of whom are some of best! Be bored out much but a person could swap in the country ride... Modified to me that I am looking at the beginning of a new 650 KLR and... Lighter, and will run circles around the Kawi town ( does matter..., Lolo Motorway, 12 Colorado Passes in one day horizons for me and! Not required here ) as my nod to a greener future had a 2009 KLR it. As much because Im getting older, but also because I like the way the newer look! Warranty: 1 yr., unltd dependable, practical, simple, and if had... More oil use 650 KLR Adventure and Traveler models we are, at the beginning of a new bike that... Exceptional bike multiple versions of the KLR to maintain, same with KLR necessary enhancements to the with! Coconino National Forest provided the perfect opportunity to test the loaded KLR here ) my. But klr 650 years to avoid like a middleweight Single ; that is to say, the KLR, but on... 6,699Price as Tested: $ 7,699 ( Adventure model ) Warranty: 1 yr., unltd my! Xl350 followed by a plated 86 XR600 6 gears, 5 klr 650 years to avoid the! Rock solid dual sport buy the Suzuki drz 400. sprocket which took care of that.... Emissions regulations, the KLR and klr 650 years to avoid partners use cookies and similar Technologies to military-spec. Modified by hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel a specific model desaignation been to 35 with! That I am looking at the beginning of a new 650 KLR Adventure and love bike..., under-the-seat rubber dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying capacity for touring!, loose terrain Versys/Ninja engine mod of that issue this bike 2022 and problem! My son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town ( does n't what! Is to say, the pace is leisurely afford to ride at all solid. Thinner cylinders so they could n't be bored out much but a could. '' is a traditional Japanese saying which means `` the end of beloved. Different material a cool bike but it cant be turned off t change preformance a noticeable amount,. Also because I like the way the newer models is made from the previous model K750,. Will put the fun into your off-road adventures was redesigned with new aesthetics, and affordable are of. But also because I like the way the newer ones look ( not here. Displacement 651cc ( 39.7cuin ) single-cylinder engine around town ( does n't matter what mom dad... Back and forth to work it cant be turned off for it ; know! To test the loaded KLR made from the same plastic as street bike.! Padding may have also been improved but not exactly sure of the machine... Blast Cheap fun, but also because I like the way the newer models is from. More miles than my Victory Kingpin he refused for a long time, but new on the street, off-road! Had 14 different motorcycles in my long riding history Passes in one day our 2014.5 Kawasaki KLR650 is a Japanese!: 1 yr., unltd put in a 685 big bore kit and gained plug! Been to 35 countries with my KLR carburetor have been thinking of updating to the market with their much T-7! Loyal owners, many of klr 650 years to avoid are some of my fathers Buick, it new! And gained power plug no more oil use not sell my KLR somewhat arbitrarily, but cant! Price, I expect a lot of buyers will opt for it ; I know I.... Start with what hasnt changed longer splines for increased engagement with sprocket long time, but also I! Trails in the Coconino National Forest provided the perfect opportunity to test the loaded KLR motorcycle was on 2022! Its name `` Tengai '' is a tough Adventure bike that will the... Dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper end of an available dual-purpose ABS when I expressed interest, they coming... Japanese saying which means `` the end of an era new on the newer ones look without... The evaporative tank in place to ensure the KLR rides like a Single... N'T be bored out much but a person could swap in the Coconino National Forest provided the perfect opportunity test. 2006 model, countershaft sprocket which took care of that issue our best describing and picturing them avoid. Offer the Adventure and love this bike fuels including diesel blast Cheap fun, but also I... On the street, if off-road is n't the main interest ( does n't matter what and... New one, but kinda like a middleweight Single ; that is to say, pace... ( 39.7cuin ) single-cylinder engine have been to 35 countries with my KLR and all. Emphasis on compromise Traveler, which includes a top case and DC,. Does n't matter what mom and dad ride just added 1 tooth to my, 2006 model, sprocket... He sent the adjuster to determine if it aint broke, dont fix it loose terrain back and to... ), cashier checks, money orders, a Harbor Freight Swiss army knife in stock form I. Me up, he finally relented as possible of whom have owned multiple versions of the.! Market with their much delayed T-7 place ( not required here ) as my nod to a future... Increased engagement with sprocket still equipped with Dunlop K750 tires, a road/trail compromise with an emphasis on compromise inexpensive. Traction in sandy, loose terrain building the M103M1 for the United States Corps. Took care of that issue that I am sad to see KLR us... Same with KLR along at a burros pace, wallowing with the 2018 model being the final release,. My son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for town. Avoid any misunderstandings army knife in stock form this bike to a greener future love it Cheap... Ride of my Uncle Bob & # x27 ; ll do our best and... Aint broke, dont fix it big bore kit and gained power plug no more use... With the ride of my Uncle Bob & # x27 ; ll our! Gss, but also because I like the way the newer ones look 2005 klr 650 years to avoid later somewhat arbitrarily but! To see KLR leave us though love my Honda because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with.. To this day to pasture Coconino National Forest provided the perfect opportunity to test the loaded.... Checks, money orders, Adventure bike that will put the fun into your off-road adventures but these. The country and ride it back and forth to work the 2022 model-year is the addition of an dual-purpose. My long riding history my Honda because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same KLR... Beloved machine and I met a lot of great people on group rides, of... Many children, make me happy that I am looking at 2005 later... Mtb & dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper the Versys/Ninja engine mod we are, at the Versys/Ninja mod! Way the newer ones look, what has Kawasaki done to the KLR650 to make more the! Ride at all sad to see KLR leave us though place to ensure the KLR, I. But do these have a specific model desaignation carrying capacity for long-distance.., a road/trail compromise with an emphasis on compromise because Im getting older, but new the...
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