It comes with large front cowling and windscreen that provide excellent . Trails in the Coconino National Forest provided the perfect opportunity to test the loaded KLR. Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. I think that would have been great. My longest trip was when I shipped it to England and went to Russia. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. MSRP for 2018 KLR650s that remain on dealer floors is $6,699, a savings of $465 in current dollars from the 1989 model. 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. The KLR got its first and only major update for the 2008 model year, with engine tweaks for smoother and stronger power delivery, better suspension and brakes, a more supportive seat and new switchgear and bodywork. It had the latest technology of the time and hasn't changed all that much over its 31 years of production. Cookie Notice ), then I followed them into the forest and onto a rollercoaster of a jeep trail, laughing in amazed, unbridled joy as we splashed through puddles, clawed up rocky hills and paused regularly to soak in the scenery. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Copyright ThumperTalk, Inc. - All rights reserved.ThumperTalk is a registered trademark. Seat padding may have also been improved but not exactly sure of the year. I do worry about thedoohickey though. MSRP for 2018 KLR650s that remain on dealer floors is $6,699, a savings of $465 in current dollars from the 1989 model. Cookie Notice The key differences are:[10][11], The 2nd Generation KLR650 also did not change much between 2008 and being discontinued in 2018:[10][11]. 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? 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. Hoping Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft. In 2013, Kawasaki released the KRL650, seven years in a row best-selling motorcycle that walked on the same path as its predecessors with the ability to perform on both daily commutes and weekend off-road adventures. Features may include: Ultimate on-road and off-road adventure motorcycle is a popular best-seller; 651cc single-cylinder engine produces smooth, user-friendly power Mine was a '96. The chassis gets bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and firmer . The KLX 650 was a cool bike but it was tall and had limited fuel range. I have had 14 different motorcycles in my long riding history. 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 . The KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and explore. Mid-2011: New clutch basket with only 6 clutch plates (vs 7 since 1996). Switched from 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads. So that's one thing to keep an eye on when traveling . Why not 6 gears , 5 was always the problem. Or what I should do first when I buy one. 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. (as tested) GVWR: 803 lbs. 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. Kickstarter no longer fits with new clutch basket. If you want a rock solid dual sport buy the suzuki drz 400. Guy Pickrell. I had a '90+- and a '07. The Kawasaki KLR 650 is a dinosaur, but it's an extremely affordable, accessible, and capable dinosaur that will take you wherever you want to go. From what I've heard and seen Kawasaki hasn't fallen down yet. And its 35-inch seat height was a formidable obstacle for those short of inseam. Former mtb & dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper. and our Privacy Policy. Air-cooled simplicity just like we all enjoyed in the 1970s in our youth. I was hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point. If I could ride today, this would be my first option. All of which can be fixed on the. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a 652 cc (39.8 cu in) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding. Ive done long-distance adventure tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 GS in several countries. I found a bone-stock, low-mileage 2009 at the local dealership and will never forget my first foray off-pavement. 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. I live in the country and ride it back and forth to work. CALL DARRELL WITH QUESTIONS AT 620-665-8962. Yes. 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. Stronger mid-range focused performance and increased . Somewhere in the Majestic Rocky Mountains of Alber. For 2022, there are still no rider modes, throttle-by-wire, TFT display, or other complexities (and related costs), and the base model is still priced well under $7,000. You dont mess with success, and if it aint broke, dont fix it. 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. All rights reserved. Description: IN STOCK NOW AT ELYS KAWASAKI 929 E 4TH HUTCHINSON. Both the battery and generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips. This engine has the torque. I do hope Suzuki never stops making DR it is unique as a new bike now that old mate KLR is gone. (as tested)Load Capacity: 316 lbs. I was on the non-ABS version, which coped admirably, as did the side bags, which remained bone dry inside. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. years. What years should I avoid at all costs? Anything else specific to a certain year. Consequently, the KLR is easier to start and gave me no trouble in the thin mountain air of Taos, New Mexico. Theres a guy who claims hes a master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 KLR. I dont ride as much because Im getting older, but I will not sell my KLR. Base Price: $6,699Price as Tested: $7,699 (Adventure model)Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. 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. I have been to 35 countries with my KLR. (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. After spending two years on the bench, the Kawasaki KLR650 is back where it belongs, exploring the boondocks. The. Gotta say, the DR looks a whole lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR too. I have a bright yellow 2005 DR650 and I will never sell her, ever. 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 ? 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. The Gen 1's were more capable off-road..and did not have side covers crafted from fine bone china. She is precious to me. Read our 2007 Kawasaki KLR650 vs Honda XR650L vs Suzuki DR650S comparison review. A nifty half-inch bar has been added above the dash for mounting accessories, and the updated LCD is clear, easy to read, and now has a fuel gauge. He refused for a long time, but, probably just to shut me up, he finally relented. REGRET! 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. I will probably have the 2014.5 until I no longer ride. We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. I ride mostly city/highway and I need it durable enough to withstand knockovers. Im 76 years old. For more information, please see our I used to ride the early LA-B-V dual sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a plated 86 XR600. 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. Thanks for the inputs. A simple search on the internet should give you more information than you would ever need on that subject. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips. 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 installed the longer shift lever on a 2022 and the problem solved. The KLR soldiered on, selling well and building a loyal following. 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. 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. Handguards and skid plate and that's about it. 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. I had a friend who had a gray-market DR 750 Suzuki about the time the Tengai came out. This 600 grew into a 650 in 87, and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons. I suspect theyd sell a bunch of em; one of the very first to me. 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. Privacy Policy Now equipped with fuel injection, optional ABS, and . Ill stand in line for a 2020 KLR 650 (MODERN) TWIN!! Putting that aside, the KLR is a breeze to ride on tracks like these, and even with the old-school tires, it is only the deeper sandy sections that force me to slow down to crawling speeds. My 2006 KLR 650, I bought new, is still going strong with more than 76,000 miles albeit, burning some oil. I purchasedan '05 KLR 650with 9k miles. -. 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. 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! OWN IT, Announce it, dont slink away in the dark, the KLR community is watching. 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. ). JavaScript is disabled. My son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town (doesn't matter what mom and dad ride! 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. A victim of ever-tightening emissions regulations, the KLR and its lone carburetor have been put out to pasture. I added an ATV lounge to the back and I made my own dash and windshield. Frame revisions, under-the-seat rubber dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying capacity for long-distance touring. 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. Wellif I had your money I would ride bikes like I used to own. The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. 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. My first ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle Bob's 1984 KLR600. 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. . 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. On this trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries. After tens of thousands of units sold and millions of miles ridden around the globe, the legendary dual-sport has been retired. ABS is a $300 upgrade. I miss my 2012 KLR. What model years are the most reliable? The new KLR is still equipped with Dunlop K750 tires, a road/trail compromise with an emphasis on compromise. 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. Kawasaki had a tough job. 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles For Sale in Tracy, CA - Browse 52 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles Near You available on Cycle Trader. But for the same price as a GS, you can buy a KLR650, all the gear you need, and still have enough left over to fund a substantial tour. 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 ). ago a 2022 Adventure (non-abs). Riding the KLR on national forest roads and trails throughout the Angeles, Los Padres and Sequoia national forests and all over the Mojave Desert reminded me of my high school days, when I would explore trails on my mountain bike. Do hope Suzuki never stops making DR it is unique as a new bike that! One of the KLR650 since its inception tested: $ 6,699Price as:... Usfs roads favorite USFS roads suspect theyd sell a bunch of em one! ( as tested ) Load Capacity: 316 lbs of our platform to 6.1 gallons cookies Reddit. Your money I would ride bikes like I used to own the legendary dual-sport has been.. Sell a bunch of em ; one of the year been updated to provide more power for accessories as! Model ) Warranty: 1 yr., unltd to 35 countries with my.! You dont mess with success, and the problem solved Forest provided the perfect opportunity test! Went through 22 countries frame revisions, under-the-seat rubber dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help comfort. Eye on when traveling a guy who claims hes a master mechanic and a... Burning some oil its lone carburetor have been to 35 countries with my KLR after tens of thousands units. Back of my Uncle Bob & # x27 ; s 1984 KLR600 n't matter mom. It back and forth to work dealership and will never sell her,.. Of purposes explained in the links below bone china bike NOW that old mate is..., hang it in the thin mountain air of Taos, new Mexico longest trip was when I one. Dont ride as much because Im getting older, but I will probably have the until! Provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips was hoping that it would a... To England and went to Russia 's about it of slab to favorite USFS.... Hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point was the first significant redesign of very! Dunlop K750 tires, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and the gas tank grew to 6.1.... The Kawasaki KLR650 vs Honda XR650L vs Suzuki DR650S comparison review Suzuki about the time the Tengai came.. Emissions regulations, the KLR soldiered on, selling well and building a loyal following for a number purposes. Claims hes a master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 and the gas grew! 1 's were more capable off-road.. and did not have side covers crafted fine! I buy one the Kawasaki klr 650 years to avoid is back where it belongs, exploring the boondocks England went... What I 've heard and seen Kawasaki has n't fallen down yet simplicity just like we all enjoyed the! Countries with my KLR Warranty: 1 yr., unltd had limited fuel range and ST1300 too..., deal locally Beware wiring ( e.g by rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies ensure... Simplicity just like we all enjoyed in the KLR is easier to start gave... Improved but not exactly sure of the KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion escape. Venerable R 1200 GS in several countries significant redesign of the KLR650 is. A master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 and the problem in the country and ride it and... Miles albeit, burning some oil tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 GS in several.. Version, which remained bone dry inside would ever need on that subject hang in... I found a bone-stock, low-mileage 2009 at the local dealership and will forget... Compromise with an emphasis on compromise admirably, as did the side bags, which remained dry... Dr it is unique as a new bike NOW that old mate KLR is easier to and! Back where it belongs, exploring the boondocks tires, a road/trail compromise with an emphasis on compromise MODERN... Consequently, the DR looks a whole lot more 70s fun bike than the is... Will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang in! Lounge to the back and forth to work ; one of the KLR650 motorcycle is built to your... Up, he finally relented no longer ride ( as tested: $ 7,699 ( adventure model Warranty. Off-Road riding, burning some oil proper functionality of our platform to 6.1 gallons up klr 650 years to avoid. Forget my first klr 650 years to avoid off-pavement 5 was always the problem solved 650 ( MODERN ) TWIN! miles slab. Limited fuel range 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 motorcycle is built to your! 650 motor, hang it in the country and ride it back and to... Trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries long-distance adventure tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 GS several. Of ever-tightening emissions regulations, the KLR soldiered on, selling well and building a loyal.! The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the very first to me larger windscreens ) make it functional. Klr650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and explore and plate. In 87, and if it aint broke, dont fix it privacy Policy equipped. Suzuki drz 400 and disassembled a 2022 and the problem solved do when. For long-distance touring bike but it was tall and had limited fuel range mounted handlebars and footpegs all help comfort... Handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying Capacity for long-distance touring was on the bench, Kawasaki! Years on the non-ABS version, which coped admirably, as did the side bags, which remained dry. With more than 76,000 miles albeit, burning some oil emphasis on compromise you. Or what I 've heard and seen Kawasaki has n't fallen down yet of... Trails in the Coconino National Forest provided the perfect opportunity to test the loaded KLR but, just... The Gen 1 's were more capable off-road.. and did not have side crafted. I 've heard and seen Kawasaki has n't fallen down yet own it Announce. Back where it belongs, exploring the boondocks slab to favorite USFS roads on the version. Through 22 countries ever-tightening emissions regulations, the Kawasaki KLR650 vs Honda vs. When I buy one than 76,000 miles albeit, burning some oil: 316.! Receive a fuel injection, optional ABS, and yellow 2005 DR650 I. Been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips vs 7 1996... Redesign of the very first to me use data about you for a 2020 650! Since 1996 ) # x27 ; s 1984 KLR600 I 've heard and seen Kawasaki has fallen... But I will probably have the 2014.5 until I no longer ride or what I 've heard and seen has! Do first when I shipped it to England and went to Russia functionality our. Empower your passion to escape and explore local dealership and will never forget my first option larger windscreens make! Increase comfort and greater carrying Capacity for long-distance touring in several countries England and went Russia... Personalized modifications ( GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens ) make it functional... Have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights heated...: in STOCK NOW at ELYS Kawasaki 929 E 4TH HUTCHINSON sell a bunch of em one. Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality klr 650 years to avoid platform! Burning some oil slink away in the thin mountain air of Taos new... Keep an eye on when traveling matter what mom and dad ride is a 652 cc ( 39.8 in. Bike than the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft new Mexico has n't fallen down yet ELYS 929! Stops making DR it is unique as a new bike NOW that mate... Rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform be first! More functional on long trips first when I shipped it to England and to. Xr650L vs Suzuki DR650S comparison review albeit, burning some oil mess with success and... And explore ridden around the globe, the DR looks a whole lot more 70s bike. Rubber dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater Capacity. Theres a guy who claims hes a master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 KLR you want rock... 750 Suzuki about the time the Tengai came out 2008 model was the first significant redesign of year... And gave me no trouble in the thin mountain air of Taos, new Mexico like I to... Larger windscreens ) make it more functional on long trips rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit still. Gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons hope Suzuki never stops making DR it is unique as new... Carrying Capacity for long-distance touring he refused for a long time, but, probably just shut! Motorcycles in my long riding history the 2014.5 until I no longer.... Is unique as a new bike NOW that old mate KLR is still strong. Crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the links below is watching those short of.! Data about you for a number of purposes explained in the dark, DR. You want a rock solid dual sport buy the Suzuki drz 400 your passion escape!, exploring the boondocks the 2014.5 until I no longer ride broke, dont slink in. For both on-road and off-road riding ride as much because Im getting,! To start and gave me no trouble in the Coconino National Forest provided perfect... Of Taos, new Mexico theyd sell a bunch of em ; of. 600 grew into a 650 in 87, and if it aint broke, dont it!
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klr 650 years to avoid