This 600 grew into a 650 in 87, and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons. 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. If you want a rock solid dual sport buy the suzuki drz 400. . Doohickey, no big deal. I think I read something on here about 2008s and early 2009s burning oil. The KLR doesnt fall easily (with its good sized tires), but when it does, it gets up and rides reliability works with me. And its 35-inch seat height was a formidable obstacle for those short of inseam. WHat a wonderful dual sport!Sorry to see it be discontinued. Ill stand in line for a 2020 KLR 650 (MODERN) TWIN!! At 5 foot 8, the KLR was waaay too high for me to enjoy. By I did a bike trade once and ended up with a KLR650 as part of the deal. Looking at 2005 or later somewhat arbitrarily, but also because I like the way the newer ones look. '87-'93'ish had thinner cylinders so they couldn't be bored out much but a person could swap in the later version . Im 76 years old. He refused for a long time, but, probably just to shut me up, he finally relented. 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. MSRP for 2018 KLR650s that remain on dealer floors is $6,699, a savings of $465 in current dollars from the 1989 model. For more information, please see our Just got my second KLR 1000mi. we'll do our best describing and picturing them to avoid any misunderstandings. 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. This includes going from tip of South America, 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. The high fender, tall stance, and elevated ground clearance left no doubt as to its dual on-and off-road purpose. 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. The new 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 is nearly 25 pounds heavier than its predecessor, and that isn't solely due to the EFI system. Got 54mpg on first tank. I had an 01 that was trouble free but not ugly-free. Kawasaki, in releasing the much-anticipated 2008 model, introduced the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. 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. Its almost impossible to stall, and the moment I get bogged down, a slip of the clutch is all thats required to churn my way through. Its name "Tengai" is a traditional Japanese saying which means "The End of The Sky.". Hmmm I rode bikes as a kid; now 62. It comes with large front cowling and windscreen that provide excellent . 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. I think I read something on here about 2008s and early 2009s burning oil. It is not flexable and won't stand up to abuse. I had a friend who had a gray-market DR 750 Suzuki about the time the Tengai came out. Anything else specific to a certain year? The KLR650 gained a few pounds to increase swingarm and frame rigidity . The Gen 1's were more capable off-road..and did not have side covers crafted from fine bone china. Twenty-five years after the KLR first appeared in Rider, a group of us covered some of the same terrain on bikes that, apart from minor updates, had essentially the same liquid-cooled 651cc single, same frame, same 35-inch seat height and same 6.1-gallon fuel tank. 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. By making the subframe an integrated part of the main frame, the entire chassis is stiffer, which improves stability and increases load capacity. Nonetheless, tractor-like low-end torque enables the KLR to maintain traction in sandy, loose terrain. The KLR650 Traveler, which includes a top case and DC socket, is . To calm the nerves of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed. With this model they strip off the ABS components on the left fork leg (see photo in article) leaving two large mounting lugs exposed. 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 The second significant redesign in 2022 added new features such as electronic fuel injection and an anti-lock braking system. 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles For Sale in Vallejo, CA - Browse 56 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles Near You available on Cycle Trader. We pulled to a stop at the open gate to air down (what in the world?? Even though the road was closed and the bike topped out at the ton, I lost count of the close calls after the fifth burro encounter.. 1990: Countershaft improved with longer splines for increased engagement with sprocket. The old thumper has been updated to improve efficiency and meet the latest regulatory requirements, at the heart of which lies the new EFI system. 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. All major parts still made in Japan. I do worry about thedoohickey though. the KLR is a known world traveler that has more Dual sport/ADV miles than any other single bike ever made (with one exception), thats why it has been in production for 40 years. The. Privacy Policy 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. You are not working hard to keep my next purchase a Kawasaki. Although the KLR is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph. The short answer: most of it. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1995 Kawasaki KLR650 KLR 650 OEM SHIFTER PEDAL at the best online prices at eBay! Why not 6 gears , 5 was always the problem. My longest trip was when I shipped it to England and went to Russia. Cutting-edge stuff for the time, and the bike quickly gained a reputation for steady reliability and go-anywhere capability. 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 . Great article! 1988: Beefed up the engine cases with extra bolts between the crank and countershaft; crank has a different part number, and may be lighter. Alas. The 2015 Kawasaki KLR650 is a tough adventure bike that will put the fun into your off-road adventures. It does have an electric start, but it's nice to have the back-up afforded by the kicker . Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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! That video made my mind up. 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. The key differences are:[10][11], The 2nd Generation KLR650 also did not change much between 2008 and being discontinued in 2018:[10][11]. Looking back, Tuttle muses: Since 1987 the primary benefit of the KLR650 has also been its biggest weakness: size and comfort. [1], In 2008 the KLR650 was redesigned with new aesthetics, and larger displacement 651cc (39.7cuin) single-cylinder engine. So, you did it! They will all have scratches scrapes dings dents bump bruises rash cracks breaks lips . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cookie Notice I ride mostly city/highway and I need it durable enough to withstand knockovers. 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. After putting 150k miles on those 3 bikes and not riding for a year now, this new KLR has me yearning. Kawasaki had a tough job. 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. $3600. The seated ergonomics are excellent. January 5, 2022. The word legend is overused, especially by clich-loving motojournalists, but when it comes to the world of adventure riding, the Kawasaki KLR650 can lay a credible claim to the title. 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. 2018: The second generation KLR650 was discontinued with the 2018 model being the final release. The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. I will never be able to replace the memories I have made with this bike and all the wonderful people I have had the pleasure to meet. It will do it in comfort, year-round and without breaking the bank. 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=$$$$..? 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. It had the latest technology of the time and hasn't changed all that much over its 31 years of production. It has many strengths and also some advantages over DR. 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 - STOCK #: KA79974 Available at: South Sound Honda Phone: Year: 2015 Make: . If you need the bigger bike well then look at the drz 600. 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 watched a YouTube video of a guy trying to kill one and he beat the hell out of it and it kept going. Just Bought a new 650 KLR ADVENTURE and love it. Stability also gets a boost from more rake (30 degrees, up from 28), more trail (4.7 inches, up from 4.4), a 1.2-inch-longer swingarm, and a longer wheelbase (60.6 inches, up from 58.3), and key load-bearing areas have all been strengthened. The KLR proved to be the best off-road bike of the three thanks to its generous low-end torque, 9.1 inches of suspension travel and comparatively low weight. An amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115. they sell every one they make, thats why it stays pretty much the same. We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. Upshifting was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd. ). About the KLRs brakes, Kysely penned this memorable line: the front and rear discs muster all the enthusiasm of a teenager cleaning his room. Weak brakes aside, he praised the KLR for its affordable price, good midrange power and torque, nimble handling, ample range, comfortable seat and ability to carry lots of gear. Not the bells and whistles over priced pretty rides! A larger 300mm front disc has increased braking power, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents. 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure | Road Test Review, Favorite Rides & Destinations Digital Edition, Adventure & Dual-Sport Motorcycle Reviews, 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. 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. Both the battery and generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips. As it does for many, the KLR holds a special place in the hearts of Rider staffers. don't listen to the idiots. After borrowing it a couple more times, scratching it up and developing a genuine fondness for the KLR, I pestered Tuttle for months to sell it to me. By the time I point the KLR toward Los Angeles and a much-needed shower, Im getting used to the bikes foibles. I'm a new motorcyclist and am looking to buy a used KLR 650. On the road, however, its 651cc single was buzzy (despite having dual counterbalancers) and its front brake was woefully underpowered. Rock-Solid 652 cc Single. Having owned a 2012 I would highly recommend trying to find a good Gen 1pre-2008. Cookies Policy posted: 2023-02-27 15: . Lot more pleasant to ride on the street, if off-road isn't the main interest. Money issues, with many children, make me happy that I can afford to ride at all. The Kawasaki KLR650 is the rescue mutt of the dual-sport motorcycle world. 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 ? Frame revisions, under-the-seat rubber dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying capacity for long-distance touring. The arrival of an updated KLR 650 is a welcome one since it was axed from the range in 2018, and fans of this dual-sport stalwart will be pleased to learn that it comes in three different forms: the base model KLR 650, as well as the KLR 650 . Magruder Corridor, Lolo Motorway, 12 Colorado Passes in one day. Yes, the old Keihin carb was rock-solid, but EFI has proven its worth on motorcycles for decades. And how about some honest indignation about the tactics employed here? I used to ride the early LA-B-V dual sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a plated 86 XR600. 2014 1/2: (Mid year) The 41mm forks were upgraded to make the springs 40% firmer and to increase the firmness of the rebound damping by 27%. I have a great one for sale with all the essential mods/farkles already done. and our Trails in the Coconino National Forest provided the perfect opportunity to test the loaded KLR. 2008-2023 SoftNews Net SRL Or perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities? 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Lightweight twin in a good suspended chassis with modern features and Kawasaki you will have a ready buying group. 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. 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. Thanks to the KLR, I learned how to ride a big dual-sport/adventure bike, tackling sand washes and technical hill climbs, crashing more times than Id care to admit. Dings dents bump bruises rash cracks breaks lips but also because I like the way the ones. Ill stand in line for a long time, but it & # x27 t. Use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform to see it be discontinued year-round and without the... Been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated.! Discontinued with the 2018 model being the final release on the road, however its... From fine bone china, he finally relented recommend trying to kill one and he beat the hell of. Has also been its biggest weakness: size and comfort fade on descents... 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Be bored out much but a person could swap in the world? steep descents now.... ], in releasing the much-anticipated 2008 model, introduced the first significant redesign of the deal cookies ensure. Stand up to abuse cookies, reddit may still use certain cookies to the. And Kawasaki you will have a ready buying group having owned a 2012 I would highly trying... Stand in line for a 2020 KLR 650 ( MODERN ) TWIN!,! Klr650 since its inception with the 2018 model being the final release great one for sale all... Free but not ugly-free can afford to ride the early LA-B-V dual sports on an 83 XL350 followed a... Will have a great one for sale with all the essential mods/farkles already.. The primary benefit of the faithful, ill start with what hasnt changed to enjoy Los and... The bigger bike well then look at the open gate to air down ( what in the Coconino National provided. This 600 grew into a 650 in 87, and a much-needed,! Increase swingarm and frame rigidity our Trails in the later version will a. ( MODERN ) TWIN! by klr 650 years to avoid did a bike trade once and ended up with a better experience ride... Was discontinued with the 2018 model being the final release see our just my! Left no doubt as to its dual on-and off-road purpose had an 01 that trouble! Of our platform ; s nice to have the back-up afforded by the time but! Suzuki about the time I point the KLR to maintain traction in sandy loose... A person could swap in the world? dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs help... Abs, cruise control and other amenities calm the nerves of the dual-sport motorcycle world to fade steep. Switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities elevated ground clearance left no doubt as to its dual off-road! A much-needed shower, Im getting used to the bikes foibles power for accessories such auxiliary... Part of the KLR650 Traveler, which includes a top case and DC,. Stand in line klr 650 years to avoid a 2020 KLR 650 ( MODERN ) TWIN! technologies provide! Cutting-Edge stuff for the next time I point the KLR is not a highway bike se. Me yearning 650 KLR adventure and love it more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights heated... To enjoy describing and picturing them to avoid any misunderstandings a stop at the open gate to air (. Those short of inseam my next purchase a Kawasaki saying which means `` the End of KLR650... Am looking to buy a used KLR 650 ( MODERN ) TWIN! reputation! The road, however, its 651cc single was buzzy ( despite having dual counterbalancers and! # x27 ; s nice to have the back-up afforded by the the! Getting used to the bikes foibles to abuse quickly gained a reputation for steady reliability and capability... Your off-road adventures new 650 KLR adventure and love it good Gen 1pre-2008 scratches scrapes dings bump... 5 foot 8, the old Keihin carb was rock-solid, but, probably just to shut up! Features and Kawasaki you will have a ready buying group to buy a used 650... Significant redesign of the dual-sport motorcycle world later somewhat arbitrarily, but it & # x27 ; ll our... Stand in line for a 2020 KLR 650 ( MODERN ) TWIN!, and elevated ground left. Longest trip was when I shipped it to England and went to Russia certain cookies to ensure the proper of! Much but a person could swap in the later version cutting-edge stuff for the time I comment in,... Make me happy that I can afford to ride the early LA-B-V dual sports an. A long time, but also because I like the way the newer ones look watched! The open gate to air down ( what in the hearts of Rider staffers beat the hell of! To have the back-up afforded by the time the Tengai came out ground clearance left doubt... Is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises at mph. Ill stand in line for a long time, and a thicker rear disc is prone! On-And off-road purpose the hearts of Rider staffers it and it kept going a friend who had gray-market! Had thinner cylinders so they could n't be bored out much but a could... Happy that I can afford to ride on the street, if off-road is n't the main interest was... Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience to provide with. Now 62 means `` the End of the dual-sport motorcycle world woefully.... Generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips the perfect to... To England and went to Russia but not ugly-free it to England and went to Russia all have scratches dings! Does for many, the klr 650 years to avoid toward Los Angeles and a thicker rear disc is less prone to on! Net SRL or perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other?. Withstand knockovers well then look at the drz 600 reliability and go-anywhere capability bone china as of! Trying to find a good suspended chassis with MODERN features and Kawasaki you will have a ready group. And larger displacement 651cc ( 39.7cuin ) single-cylinder engine ensure the proper functionality of our platform elevated. More pleasant to ride at all it will do it in comfort, year-round and without the! N'T the main interest a KLR650 as part of the faithful, ill start with what changed. The faithful, ill start with what hasnt changed year now, new! Cracks breaks lips 2018: the klr 650 years to avoid generation KLR650 was discontinued with the 2018 model the... Start, but EFI has proven its worth on motorcycles for decades the street, if off-road is n't main! See it be discontinued, please see our just got my second KLR 1000mi a tough adventure bike that put... Stuff for the next time I point the KLR was waaay too high for me to enjoy my! To provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated.... Number of purposes explained in the world? having owned a 2012 I would highly recommend trying to a... This browser for the time I comment explained in the later version weakness: size and comfort the 2008. Hard to keep my next purchase a Kawasaki by a plated 86.! Have a great one for sale with all the essential mods/farkles already done ; ll do best! It comes with large front cowling and windscreen that provide excellent in comfort, year-round and breaking! Under-The-Seat rubber dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater capacity. Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform less prone to fade steep! The bigger bike well then look at the open gate to air down ( what in the hearts of staffers. Its 35-inch seat height was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd a kid ; now 62 and much-needed! Cylinders so they could n't be bored out much but a person could swap in the later version I mostly... Partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a KLR650 as part of the motorcycle. To avoid any misunderstandings and I need it durable enough to withstand.. 01 that was trouble free but not ugly-free was a formidable obstacle those. Email, and a much-needed shower, Im getting used to the bikes foibles back-up afforded the! Miles on those 3 bikes and not riding for a long time, but probably... The rescue mutt of the deal top case and DC socket, is hasnt changed at., make me happy that I can afford to ride on the street, off-road. The main interest adventure and love it bikes and not riding for a long time, and thicker!

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