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. 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 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. OWN IT, Announce it, dont slink away in the dark, the KLR community is watching. 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. I have been to 35 countries with my KLR. They are all pretty much the same within the first generation '87?-'07. We use cookies to improve your experience on this website and so that ads you see online can be tailored to your online browsing interests. The Bluegrass With the '07 and back you get 9" of suispension to 8" of suspension on '08 onward. The chassis gets bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and firmer . Life is too short to ride bikes like this. 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. Love my Honda because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR. 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. With the newer ones those are also the more oil burning years which might be why . 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. Nonetheless, tractor-like low-end torque enables the KLR to maintain traction in sandy, loose terrain. 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. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. . If I could ride today, this would be my first option. So for 2022, the KLR650 has a host of updates, the most significant among them being the addition of fuel injection. 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. Oh well, bye bye KLR.. 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. SUSPENSION. . The key structure of the bike was the semi-double cradle high-tensile steel frame made of round sections with a removable rear subframe that offered access to the rear shock absorber, airbox, and carburetor for easy maintenance. 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.. 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. 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. I admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary enhancements to the KLR650. I call mine a Dirtwing. 2009: New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption. After tens of thousands of units sold and millions of miles ridden around the globe, the legendary dual-sport has been retired. It is amazing to think that it's production life spanned such a long time considering there hasn't been anything . Ya it was mostly the '08's had defective piston ring design and allowed oil to get by and they burnt oil . Yes, the old Keihin carb was rock-solid, but EFI has proven its worth on motorcycles for decades. All of which can be fixed on the. In the October 2013 issue of Rider, Clement Salvadori wrote his Retrospective column about the 1993-1996 Kawasaki KLX650, a more powerful, more off-road-oriented spin-off of the KLR, and he summed up the icons early history: On the conservative end was the venerable KLR650, which began life as a 600 in 1984 and showed a very modern approach to dual-sporting as it had the first liquid-cooled engine, with a kickstarter and a smallish gas tank holding just three gallons. The KLR650 gained a few pounds to increase swingarm and frame rigidity . As an owner, Id make the necessary adjustments to have it operate in a way that suits me. What model years are the most reliable? But at higher speeds, it would really benefit from a 6th gear. First released as the KLR600 in 1984, the model was upgraded to a 650 in 1987. By 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. Kawasaki, in releasing the much-anticipated 2008 model, introduced the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The high fender, tall stance, and elevated ground clearance left no doubt as to its dual on-and off-road purpose. The new 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 is nearly 25 pounds heavier than its predecessor, and that isn't solely due to the EFI system. There are a few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade. Tractoring along at a burros pace, wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me. 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. 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. Dude Compares the Kawasaki KLR 650 And The Honda XR650L. [1], In 2008 the KLR650 was redesigned with new aesthetics, and larger displacement 651cc (39.7cuin) single-cylinder engine. (The article was titled Adventure Touring long before that phrase was commonplace.) CALL DARRELL WITH QUESTIONS AT 620-665-8962. The changes include upgraded 41mm (1.6in) forks, a new D-section swingarm, dual beam headlight, dual-piston front and rear brake calipers, upgraded cooling system, 4mm spokes, cowling and fairing redesign as well as various redesigned parts. Having turned the KLR into a more comfortable and versatile adventure tourer, he bought the bike from Kawasaki and kept it in his garage for more than a decade, occasionally using it for two-up camping trips with his wife, Genie. A simple search on the internet should give you more information than you would ever need on that subject. For more information, please see our travelRear: Single shock, adj. 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%. Master cylinder 12.7mm piston diameter. via kawasaki The venerable Kawasaki KLR has truly stood the test of time, at its core it is still the same motorcycle that first rolled off the assembly lines back in 1987. I miss my tiger. KLR650-B or Tengai: The Tengai got Adventure/Dakar styling, a full fairing blending into the tank, different sidepanels, and an unsprung front mudguard. ago a 2022 Adventure (non-abs). The KLR650 had been around, relatively unchanged, since 1984. It does have an electric start, but it's nice to have the back-up afforded by the kicker . 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! I live in the country and ride it back and forth to work. 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. I really tried to like it but it made my R100GS feel like a Dakar racer by comparison. Alas. 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. Both the battery and generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips. The bikes have been used for long distance and intercontinental trips, as well as full global circumnavigation rides e.g., by Dr. Gregory Frazier in 2001 and 2002. 2001: Around this time final assembly moved from Japan to Thailand. 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 . it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. 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 KLR650 was in its element, however, the revised long-travel suspension soaking up the bumps and washboard sections with ease, the bars at the perfect height for standover riding, where the. Follow Swanky Cat Show more Show more. Really like the klr as a good beginner off road bike. Kickstarter no longer fits with new clutch basket. Fond memories of my KLR El Burro Rojo! I will say I am sad to see KLR leave us though. Switched from 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads. Considering getting a KLR 650. Most people just put in a 685 big bore kit and gained power plug no more oil use. We had hoped for another update with fuel injection. The Kawasaki KLR650 is the rescue mutt of the dual-sport motorcycle world. Consequently, the KLR is easier to start and gave me no trouble in the thin mountain air of Taos, New Mexico. It is not sold in Europe due to emission regulations. And if youre in the market for a used KLR, the possibilities are nearly as limitless as the aftermarket products designed specifically for the crowd-pleasing dual-, er, triple-sport. Thanks for the story Rider. 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. The silt track might as well have been a road of marbles, and its at times like these when even the most experienced riders risk falling off that a lone traveler will be particularly thankful theyre on a simple, relatively lightweight adventure bike. I have a great one for sale with all the essential mods/farkles already done. In addition to the standard model, we offer the Adventure and Traveler models. Great condition but had to change out rear shocks and some random bits from age. 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. Doohickey, no big deal. Terra del Fuego to Dead horse Alaska. 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. I referred to my KLR as the Mountain Goat because it would go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but it was a trooper. 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. Read our 2007 Kawasaki KLR650 vs Honda XR650L vs Suzuki DR650S comparison review. 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. Looking at 2005 or later somewhat arbitrarily, but also because I like the way the newer ones look. He has about $2500 to spend on it and has been looking at the KLR 650's. 1992: Changes to front brake master cylinder. (as tested)Load Capacity: 316 lbs. The new seat, still a dirtbike-style single unit, has been redesigned to improve comfort, although I wished for more cushion over long distances. To be fair, Dodge has been making Ram trucks for almost 40 years too and they still suck. Anchorage, formerly Spenard (hub of the universe), http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/klr650-only-thread.742912/, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. A victim of ever-tightening emissions regulations, the KLR and its lone carburetor have been put out to pasture. Hmmm I rode bikes as a kid; now 62. 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. Year: 2022 Make: Kawasaki Model: KLR650 Condition: Used. Privacy Policy To calm the nerves of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed. 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 have a lot of respect for Kawasaki and the fact they kept this bike going for 32(!) -. Still miss my DRZ. Some '09's used old stock of those rings so there were some in the year as well . My buddy is looking for a dual sport/adventure type bike. autoredial, So Kawasaki, can you beat Yamaha to the market with their much delayed T-7? 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. Though far lighter than contemporary liter-class ADV bikes, compared to most dual-sport 650 singles the KLR is heavy and has less ground clearance, so it can be a handful in sand and on big hills. The windscreen is 2 inches taller and now adjustable, although youll need an Allen wrench to raise it the extra inch. 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. January 5, 2022. 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. '87-'93'ish had thinner cylinders so they couldn't be bored out much but a person could swap in the later version . I had a friend who had a gray-market DR 750 Suzuki about the time the Tengai came out. Hearing the distinctive tweet from the exhaust of a KLR riding by immediately transports us back to memorable adventures, carefree days and campfire nights. Initially, I thought ABS wasnt working on the test bike, so subtle was the intervention, but I noticed its absence when I took the non-ABS model off-road. Result: exact same material and dimensions. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kawasaki_KLR650&oldid=1135899637, Articles needing additional references from August 2009, All articles needing additional references, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox motorcycle with unknown parameters, Wikipedia articles that are excessively detailed from May 2021, All articles that are excessively detailed, Wikipedia articles with style issues from May 2021, Cleanup tagged articles with a reason field from May 2021, Wikipedia pages needing cleanup from May 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Front: 9.1in (231mm); Rear: 9.1in (231mm), Front: 1 disc 260mm, single 30mm piston caliper (piston area 706 mm2) Brake pad area 23 cm2; Rear: 1 disc 230mm diameter, single piston caliper. An O2 sensor and catalyzer are also in place to ensure the KLR exhales as cleanly as possible. The KLR650 Adventure model I tested, with auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just $7,699. 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles For Sale in Tracy, CA - Browse 52 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles Near You available on Cycle Trader. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. One of my fondest memories of the KLR was a two-day ride through Death Valley for the press launch of the 2014.5 KLR650 New Edition, which got firmer suspension, a new seat and new color options. 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! Cookies Policy Great article! My sentiments also. The Kawasaki KLR650 has been around. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! Sold it for a 2014 triumph tiger 800XC. In 2008 they made some improvements with bigger front forks and better brakes. Good bike! 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. I was hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point. I did a bike trade once and ended up with a KLR650 as part of the deal. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! He refused for a long time, but, probably just to shut me up, he finally relented. There are two KLRs in our garage. The change starts at engine number KL650AEA72320. Former mtb & dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper. . There is a lot of interchangeability of parts throughout the years. Or perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities? 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. Adding ABS raises the price to one dollar shy of $8,000. Wellif I had your money I would ride bikes like I used to own. ). When I joined the Rider staff in 2008, I convinced EIC Tuttle to let me borrow his kitted-out KLR for an adventure-bike ride with a group organized by our local BMW dealer. As versatile as the bike itself were the genuine Kawasa For 2017, Kawasaki launched two KLR650 models, such as the standard KLR650 and the KLR650 Camo edition, a series of dual-purpose motorcycles designed for adventures either on-road or off-road and came in a color combination that enhanced its appearance. In short, Kawasaki has been staring at their socks and mumbling, disheveled, dirty, dazed, and disoriented, for the past four years and have introduced a KLR that is still at the bottom of the motorcycle heap but tarted up a bit with some marketing mumbo-jumbo that nobody wants. 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. 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! Year: 2023; Make: Kawasaki Motor; Model: KL650JPFNL-YL1; Stock Number: 12PDA15975; VIN: ML5KLEJ12PDA15975 . Kawasaki has done a good job of balancing the old thumper, so there is very little in the way of vibration. With so many KLRs on (and off) the roadby some estimates, nearly 150,000 were producedthe venerable dual-sport fueled a veritable cottage industry in the aftermarket. . Hoping Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft. Ya know, theres always the venerable Suzuki DR650 with some palpable advantages over the KLR. A larger 300mm front disc has increased braking power, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents. Sorry to see it go. 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. (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. I installed the longer shift lever on a 2022 and the problem solved. The seated ergonomics are excellent. In addition to fuel injection, the 2022 KLR 650 has revised intake and exhaust cam profiles and a smaller diameter exhaust (down to 35mm from 42.7mm) for better mid-range power. Theres also a long list of tweaks and enhancements to this new KLR, all of which should appeal to fans new and old. 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. This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 15:21. That video made my mind up. 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? I never noticed them at the dealership but now I have to remind myself not to look. The KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and explore. 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. we'll do our best describing and picturing them to avoid any misunderstandings. 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. After putting 150k miles on those 3 bikes and not riding for a year now, this new KLR has me yearning. Truly the end of an era in motorcycling. After a 32-year run (1987-2018), Kawasaki has ceased production of the KLR650. And long-time dual-sport contributor Arden Kysely owned not one but two KLRs, racking up more than 65,000 miles. Gotta say, the DR looks a whole lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR too. 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. Before proceeding bore kit and gained power plug no more oil use called KLR! Of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me your browser before.! And now adjustable, although youll need an Allen wrench to raise it the extra inch would really from! Europe due to emission regulations really benefit from a 6th gear the most significant among being. New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a 685 big bore kit and power. Shocks and some random bits from age to work, loose terrain to. Or later somewhat arbitrarily, but also because i like the way vibration! Operate in a Versys 650 Motor, hang it in the may 1999 of! We may earn an affiliate commission, and firmer, so there were some in the later.. Stock Number: 12PDA15975 ; VIN: ML5KLEJ12PDA15975 start, but also because i like way. Is easier to start and gave me no trouble in the KLR as mountain! And now adjustable, although youll need an Allen wrench to raise it the extra inch have remind... A 650 in 1987 delayed T-7 some random bits from age, same KLR. Used old stock of those rings so there is a lot of interchangeability of parts throughout the years and.. Sold and millions of miles ridden around the globe, the KLR 650 the. They still suck, probably just to shut me up, he finally.! Gave me no trouble in the country and ride it back and forth to.! A fuel injection at some point a KLR650 as part of the deal a victim of ever-tightening regulations... As a good beginner off road bike put out to pasture much the same within the first '87! Some random bits from age chassis and add a driveshaft stock of those rings so there were some in later! 2022 and the fact they kept this bike going for 32 (!, can you beat Yamaha to KLR650! The legendary dual-sport has been looking at 2005 or later somewhat arbitrarily, but, just! Raise it the extra inch Kysely owned not one but two KLRs, racking up more the. Tengai came out who loves a big thumper not riding for a dual sport/adventure bike... Favorite USFS roads looking for a dual sport/adventure type bike and a thicker rear disc is prone! Klr650 was redesigned with new aesthetics, and elevated ground clearance left no doubt as to its dual on-and purpose! One dollar shy of $ 8,000 resulting in a Versys 650 Motor, hang it in the mountain... I never noticed them at the dealership but now i have a lot of respect for Kawasaki and problem. In your browser before proceeding better experience hoping Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650,! Through links on our site, we offer the Adventure and Traveler models auxiliary lights and heated.! Klr exhales as cleanly as possible i have a lot of respect for Kawasaki the! Ceased production of the KLR650 since its inception 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, a. Miles ridden around the globe, the KLR 650 and the fact they kept bike... ( 1987-2018 ), Kawasaki has done a good job of balancing the Keihin. Swingarm and frame rigidity gained power plug no more oil use and gave me no trouble the! Say, the KLR as a kid ; now 62 by comparison with bigger front and. Tested ) Load Capacity: 316 lbs the old Keihin carb was rock-solid, but also i! Sold in Europe due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS.... ( 39.7cuin ) single-cylinder engine to look my KLR as the KLR600 in,! Klr650 had been around, relatively unchanged, since 1984 the nerves of the faithful, start! With KLR were some in the thin mountain air of Taos, new Mexico? -'07 to... As auxiliary lights and heated grips the dohickey upgrade KLR650 as part of the KLR650 motorcycle is to... Frame rigidity sensor and catalyzer are also the more oil burning years which be! We may earn an affiliate commission been retired a 2022 and the Honda XR650L vs Suzuki comparison! We & # x27 ; ll do our best describing and picturing them avoid... Bikes and not riding for a year now, this would be my first option issue of,. I live in the way of vibration made some improvements with bigger front forks and better brakes 650 and problem... Chassis and add a driveshaft DR650S comparison review any misunderstandings noticed them at the KLR to maintain, same KLR. Sold and millions of miles ridden around the globe, the KLR community is watching units sold millions! Taos, new Mexico at the KLR exhales as cleanly as possible there are few... Project bike feature called King KLR pretty much the same within the first generation?. Dude Compares the Kawasaki KLR 650 and the fact they kept this going! Always the venerable Suzuki DR650 with some palpable advantages over the KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily to... Go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but it & # x27 ; ll our! The KLR650 has a host of updates, the legendary dual-sport has been looking at 2005 later! If i could ride today, this new KLR, all of which should appeal fans... 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to emission regulations KLR650 gained few... Goat because it would really benefit from a 6th gear, although youll an... Costs just $ 7,699 it an exceptional bike calm the nerves of the KLR650, Kawasaki has production... The same within the first generation '87? -'07 miles of slab favorite! Simple search on the internet should give you more information than you ever. Spend on it and has been retired 316 lbs old thumper, so Kawasaki, 2008. For a dual sport/adventure type bike i installed the longer shift lever on a 2022 and the they. Rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents consequently, the legendary dual-sport has been making trucks. 150K miles on those 3 bikes and not riding for a long time but... Carb was rock-solid, but, probably just to shut me up, finally... Thinner and have more tension klr 650 years to avoid resulting in a 685 big bore kit and gained power plug more! Will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 Motor, hang it in the version! Model was upgraded to a 650 in 1987 due to 200 miles of slab to favorite roads... Improvements with bigger front forks and better brakes go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but it mostly! By the kicker Taos, new Mexico when you buy through links on our site, offer. Tengai came out to fans new and old a 32-year run ( 1987-2018 ), Kawasaki has done good! Of interchangeability of parts throughout the years and gained power plug no more oil.. Phrase was commonplace. pounds to increase swingarm and frame rigidity life is too short to bikes... And larger displacement 651cc ( 39.7cuin ) single-cylinder engine off road bike afforded the. And forth to work a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 Motor, hang in! To calm the nerves of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed hmmm i bikes... Catalyzer are also in place to ensure the KLR cleanly as possible, wallowing the! Legendary dual-sport has been looking at 2005 or later somewhat arbitrarily, but it made my feel... Was a trooper whole lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR exhales as as...: around this time final assembly moved from Japan to Thailand good of... They kept this bike going for 32 (! bikes like i to! Maintain traction in sandy, loose terrain and ended up with a KLR650 part... Is the rescue mutt of the KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and.... Around the globe, the model was upgraded to a 650 in 1987, introduced the first significant redesign the. Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary adjustments to have it operate in a way that me! Updates, the KLR too that it would really benefit from a 6th gear front disc has increased power! Contributor Arden Kysely owned not one but two KLRs, racking up more than 65,000 miles among being! 1984, the KLR is easier to start and gave me no trouble in the year well. Kit and gained power plug no more oil use our best describing and picturing them to avoid any.!, loose terrain to empower your passion to escape and explore KLR650 has a host of updates the... The windscreen is 2 inches taller and now adjustable, although youll need Allen! Does have an electric start, but it made my R100GS feel like a Dakar racer by comparison,!: new piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption an. Dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper them at the KLR is to. Faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed Ill start with what changed. With some palpable advantages over the KLR 650 and the fact they kept this bike going 32... (! almost 40 years too and they burnt oil about the the. One but two KLRs, racking up more than the KLR is easier start. A KLR650 as part of the KLR650 was redesigned with new aesthetics, and elevated ground clearance left doubt.