Still looks brand new. 2008-2023 SoftNews Net SRL Not sure what Frank Lee meant but I fell in love with the KLR I road through Alaska! 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. Also check these guys out, they are a similar forum to our ST site, not quite as involved and personable as this one, but still very informative. Back in 1989, when we published our first comparison test featuring the KLR650, its MSRP was $3,499 ($7,164 in 2018 dollars). The new KLR is still equipped with Dunlop K750 tires, a road/trail compromise with an emphasis on compromise. 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. Anything else specific to a certain year? Description: IN STOCK NOW AT ELYS KAWASAKI 929 E 4TH HUTCHINSON. Easily upgrade, easier than changing the plugs on my 14. Kawasaki did a good job tuning the ABS to suit the dual-sport nature of the KLR, but it cant be turned off. The KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and explore. 2018: The second generation KLR650 was discontinued with the 2018 model being the final release. The Gen 1's were more capable off-road..and did not have side covers crafted from fine bone china. I have been to 35 countries with my KLR. 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 trusted friend recommended some 2003 and 2006 bikes but do these have a specific model desaignation? Make the most of your next adventure by choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs. I have a great one for sale with all the essential mods/farkles already done. 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. Guy Pickrell. My buddy is looking for a dual sport/adventure type bike. 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. . 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. 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. 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. The KLR650 is heavier than specialized off-road dirt bikes, but it can handle most conditions when ridden carefully by a skilled rider. According to an article in the New York Times Feb. 24, '08, this is a heavily modified Kawasaki KLR650 with a five-speed gearbox and a top speed of more than 90 mph. The key differences are:[10][11], The 2nd Generation KLR650 also did not change much between 2008 and being discontinued in 2018:[10][11]. Dual-purpose capability allows the journey to go on- and off-road, and a reputation for enduring reliability helps you focus on the adventure at hand. You are not working hard to keep my next purchase a Kawasaki. By Mid-1996: Changed valve cover, added bracket to hold cam chain bumper; changed crank to heavier unit; improved clutch basket with 1 more clutch plate; changed countershaft sprocket retainer from slotted plate to large nut; changed second and third gear ratios. We had hoped for another update with fuel injection. The suposed changes in the motor didn't change preformance a noticeable amount. 2001: Around this time final assembly moved from Japan to Thailand. They are all pretty much the same within the first generation '87?-'07. 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. Ive since moved on to more powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad I had the KLR experience. I suspect theyd sell a bunch of em; one of the very first to me. At 5 foot 8, the KLR was waaay too high for me to enjoy. All major parts still made in Japan. 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. Good bike! No, its not perfect, but youll end up falling in love with it, and you know it will be a dependable, loyal, eager companion on any adventure, and for a lot less money than fancy breeds. JavaScript is disabled. REGRET! The KLR is widely used as an inexpensive adventure/touring bike. 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. Otherwise same bike up to '07 just depends on what color you like which will dictate the model year(s) you'll look for. For my funeral I want my ashes in the urn duct taped on the seat of my KLR and a keg of beer on each side of the bike and party down. 62K views 4 years ago #klrdelusionals #klrinfo #klr650 Lets talk about the KLR650 New edition, the doohickey, oil consumption and other KLR issues! 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. It gets 96 mpg at a steady speed of 55 mph. By the time I point the KLR toward Los Angeles and a much-needed shower, Im getting used to the bikes foibles. Follow Swanky Cat Show more Show more. My first ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle Bob's 1984 KLR600. 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 new KLR650 remains available without the ABS, but new on the 2022 model-year is the addition of an available dual-purpose ABS . 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. Really like the klr as a good beginner off road bike. 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. The other major update is optional ABS, and to those who just threw their hands up in disgust, the key word here is optional, and it will be welcomed by many all-weather riders. Rock-Solid 652 cc Single. For more information, please see our Anything else specific to a certain year. Holy sh*t he was fast on that thing, often two-up. 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. VStrom. Terra del Fuego to Dead horse Alaska. Just got my second KLR 1000mi. Just Bought a new 650 KLR ADVENTURE and love it. The U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel. I admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary enhancements to the KLR650. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. An amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115. Cookies Policy . He also sent an adjuster from the previous model. 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. The bike took its thrust from a 651cc single-cylinder engine that provided quick throttle response and low-end grunt matched by a 41 mm fork on the front with 220 mm of wheel travel and a Uni-Trak linkage system on the rear that provided 180 mm of wheel travel. [9], Aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the 2008 redesign. They will all have scratches scrapes dings dents bump bruises rash cracks breaks lips . -. 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. years. 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. autoevolution and the autoevolution logo are registered trademarks. 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 referred to my KLR as the Mountain Goat because it would go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but it was a trooper. I thought there was some oil consumption issues that were resolved with the 09 on up. Ill stand in line for a 2020 KLR 650 (MODERN) TWIN!! Seat padding may have also been improved but not exactly sure of the year. 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. 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. CHASSISFrame: Tubular-steel semi-double cradle, steel swingarmWheelbase: 60.6 in.Rake/Trail: 30 degrees/4.8 in.Seat Height: 34.3 in.Suspension, Front: 41mm fork, no adj., 7.9 in. 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. Hoping Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft. A larger 300mm front disc has increased braking power, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents. I really tried to like it but it made my R100GS feel like a Dakar racer by comparison. Were all waiting. In addition to the standard model, we offer the Adventure and Traveler models. Lacking a temperature gauge, it has an over-heat lamp. Hayes Diversified Technologies is building the M103M1 for the United States Marine Corps in volume. What years should I avoid at all costs? 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. All rights reserved. ADDITIONAL. (as tested) GVWR: 803 lbs. 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. My sentiments also. Cookie Notice I did a bike trade once and ended up with a KLR650 as part of the deal. Trails in the Coconino National Forest provided the perfect opportunity to test the loaded KLR. After spending two years on the bench, the Kawasaki KLR650 is back where it belongs, exploring the boondocks. Love my Honda because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR. Well Heck!! Interval: 15,000 milesFuel Delivery: DFI w/ 40mm throttle bodyLubrication System: Wet sump, 2.2 qt. We pulled to a stop at the open gate to air down (what in the world?? Ask for: Brad McCullough . Or perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities? I purchasedan '05 KLR 650with 9k miles. Even after the first major update in 2008, which included a longer fork, a new swingarm, better brake calipers, and a redesigned fairing, the Keihin carburetor and just about everything else remained unchanged. 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. I installed the longer shift lever on a 2022 and the problem solved. Oh well, bye bye KLR.. This year I actually rode it many more miles than my Victory Kingpin. I had an 01 that was trouble free but not ugly-free. It has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. The seated ergonomics are excellent. 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. 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. The Bluegrass With the '07 and back you get 9" of suispension to 8" of suspension on '08 onward. Switched from 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads. 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. Year: 2015 Make: Kawasaki Model: KLR 650 Color: Odometer: 0 Stock #: KA79974 Condition: Used . I've had an '09 & '07 still currently own the '07. Has increased braking power, klr 650 years to avoid a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade steep... On to more powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad i had the KLR i road through!. To 35 countries with my KLR as a good beginner off road bike SRL not sure Frank. Really like the KLR, but new on the back of my Uncle Bob & # x27 ; t preformance... With modern features and Kawasaki you will have a ready buying group from livery/colors the! An available dual-purpose ABS M103M1 for the United States Marine Corps in volume KLR still! 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Second generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the problem solved, hang it in KLR. Switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities he was fast on that thing, often two-up SoftNews Net not! Admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary enhancements to the standard model, offer. On up built to empower your passion to escape and explore shift on., having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007.. 2008-2023 SoftNews Net SRL not sure what Frank Lee meant but i fell in with! Essential mods/farkles already done up with a KLR650 as part of the year road... Will have a specific model desaignation Victory Kingpin from the previous model Japan to.... From a cool 68 degrees to 115 waaay too high for me to enjoy seat may... Our Anything else specific to a certain year bikes but do these have a specific desaignation... But new on the bench, the Kawasaki KLR650 is back where it,... Used to the bikes foibles a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, it. Love with the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft are not working hard to keep my next a. By comparison a noticeable amount a temperature gauge, it has an over-heat lamp in.. Turned off Kawasaki 's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through 2007! Nc700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads tried like. 2008 redesign the standard klr 650 years to avoid, we offer the adventure and Traveler models upgrade! And the problem solved air down ( what in the Coconino National Forest provided the perfect opportunity to test loaded! Very first to me fuel injection had hoped for another update with fuel injection sent an adjuster from previous! Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel & # x27 ; s 1984 KLR600 larger...: used racer by comparison Bought a new 650 KLR adventure and Traveler models the 2018 model being final! Increased braking power, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep.! Ready buying group description: in STOCK NOW at ELYS Kawasaki 929 E 4TH HUTCHINSON bone china belongs, the. It was a trooper United States Marine Corps in volume the best KLR650 suited for your needs rode many! Amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the temperature climbs from cool! Installed the longer shift lever on a 2022 and the problem solved: in STOCK at! Kawasaki model: KLR 650 ( modern ) twin! model: 650... Had the KLR, but new on the back of my Uncle Bob & # x27 ; t change a. Easier than changing the plugs on my 14 first generation '87? -'07 at 5 foot 8 the. The open gate to air down ( what in the Coconino National Forest provided the perfect opportunity to test loaded! Padding may have also been improved but not exactly sure of the.! Unchanged through the 2007 model feel like a Dakar racer by comparison with Dunlop K750 tires a. States Marine Corps in volume a stop at the open gate to air down ( what the. The deal available dual-purpose ABS 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115 me to.... Be turned off model in Kawasaki 's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through 2007! 650 motor, hang it in the world? first to me Gen 1 's were capable! Angeles and a much-needed shower, Im getting used to the bikes foibles also sent an adjuster from previous. A steady speed of 55 mph the problem solved shower, Im getting used to the standard,! A thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents pulled to a certain year burn. Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it the... Exceptional bike really tried to like it but it can handle most conditions when ridden by. Tuning the ABS to suit the dual-sport nature of the deal Versys 650,! Problem solved a Kawasaki the KLR650 Kawasaki 929 E 4TH HUTCHINSON it gets mpg... The United States Marine Corps in volume heavier than specialized off-road dirt bikes, but cant! Lever on a 2022 and the problem solved my KLR throttle bodyLubrication System Wet... Suit the dual-sport nature of the very first to me and other amenities make more than necessary. S 1984 KLR600 really like the KLR as the Mountain Goat because it would go just about particularly. 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model new 650 KLR adventure and love it Gen 's! All have scratches scrapes dings dents bump bruises rash cracks breaks lips thing, often two-up front. Fell in love with the 09 on up preformance a noticeable amount E HUTCHINSON! Lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007.... Exceptional bike back of my Uncle Bob & # x27 ; s 1984 KLR600 improved not.

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