Yes, there are some things I would change, but when you consider the bigger picture, they seem trivial. The KLR650-A was unveiled in 1987, replacing the smaller KLR600 and becoming the monster of the Japanese dual sports. That video made my mind up. Lacking a temperature gauge, it has an over-heat lamp. Upshifting was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd. 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. Tractoring along at a burros pace, wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me. By making the subframe an integrated part of the main frame, the entire chassis is stiffer, which improves stability and increases load capacity. Master cylinder 12.7mm piston diameter. I had a friend who had a gray-market DR 750 Suzuki about the time the Tengai came out. on a 2014 Kawasaki KLR6750 New Edition. A larger 300mm front disc has increased braking power, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents. Pulling onto the highway, the KLR rides like a middleweight Single; that is to say, the pace is leisurely. It is not sold in Europe due to emission regulations. Why no official press release? On this trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries. Our test ride began at the RFD-TV Ranch, where the sprawling Rocky Mountains descend into the high New Mexico plains. Shot the forks in gloss black, stripped all green zigzag decals and both Kaw logos. Great bike so far, though. 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. 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles For Sale in Tracy, CA - Browse 52 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles Near You available on Cycle Trader. 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. 2006 KLR650 (Kawasaki Green) Located in Columbia SC Area. (as tested)Load Capacity: 316 lbs. I miss my 2012 KLR. The KLR650 Adventure model I tested, with auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just $7,699. 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 First Ride Review. The KLR doesnt fall easily (with its good sized tires), but when it does, it gets up and rides reliability works with me. The KLR is for riders who want to enjoy the country theyre riding through, not just blast through to check another route off the list. The standard KLR650 is available with ABS for $6,999, or without for $6,699. Having gotten the formula right out of the gate, the KLR underwent few changes during its first two decades. travelRear: Single shock, adj. 1988: Beefed up the engine cases with extra bolts between the crank and countershaft; crank has a different part number, and may be lighter. I ride mostly city/highway and I need it durable enough to withstand knockovers. 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. In 2008 they made some improvements with bigger front forks and better brakes. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a 652 cc (39.8 cu in) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding. 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. Mine was a '96. . If you want a rock solid dual sport buy the suzuki drz 400. 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. The Kawasaki KLR 650 underplays its hand as a round-the-world contender with no centrestand, fixed rubber blocks on the footpegs and no official hard luggage. 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles For Sale in Vallejo, CA - Browse 56 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles Near You available on Cycle Trader. I was hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Cookie Notice I thought there was some oil consumption issues that were resolved with the 09 on up. 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. years. 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. ). 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. My son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town (doesn't matter what mom and dad ride! Doohickey, no big deal. 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. But the world has moved on, and as with many long-in-the-tooth motorcycles, satisfying the latest regulations is a major driving factor behind the updates to the new model. Redesigned and unveiled on January 26, 2021, the third generation KLR brings EFI and ABS to the lineup. Read our 2014.5 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition first ride review. 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 Hearing the distinctive tweet from the exhaust of a KLR riding by immediately transports us back to memorable adventures, carefree days and campfire nights. I used to ride the early LA-B-V dual sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a plated 86 XR600. 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. The front suspension has been adjusted to accommodate frame updates and a 28-pound increase in curb weight, while the rear shock is now adjustable for rebound in addition to spring preload. Single-cylinder, water-cooled, four-stroke, Keihin CVK-40 constant velocity carburetor, Front: 7.9in (201mm); Rear: 7.3in (185mm), Front: 1 disc 280mm, two piston caliper; Rear: 1 disc 240mm diameter, two piston caliper. 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. Follow Swanky Cat Show more Show more. To calm the nerves of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed. It comes with large front cowling and windscreen that provide excellent . Editor-in-Chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved, KLRs. 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. Kawasaki has done a good job of balancing the old thumper, so there is very little in the way of vibration. 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. NEW Lower seat height than the KLR650 (32.1 inches vs. 34.3 inches) NEW Seat with optimized urethane for improved comfort; Available with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Or perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities? When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Rider ran more road tests, comparisons and touring features in the years that followed. As an owner, Id make the necessary adjustments to have it operate in a way that suits me. An amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115. If youre in a hurry, buy an airplane ticket Scenery is too good to ride faster bikes, I started with the 600 a long time ago, then later in life a 92 which was my only bike for 3 yrs and about 50K miles then an A14 2000 model in 2000 to add to my 4 bike stable. KLR650-B or Tengai: The Tengai got Adventure/Dakar styling, a full fairing blending into the tank, different sidepanels, and an unsprung front mudguard. 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. 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? Interval: 15,000 milesFuel Delivery: DFI w/ 40mm throttle bodyLubrication System: Wet sump, 2.2 qt. 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. At 5 foot 8, the KLR was waaay too high for me to enjoy. Ive done long-distance adventure tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 GS in several countries. Alas. 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 . For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Were all waiting. With the newer ones those are also the more oil burning years which might be why . Rock-Solid 652 cc Single. Had an 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey. The new seat, still a dirtbike-style single unit, has been redesigned to improve comfort, although I wished for more cushion over long distances. I can deliver within a few hundred miles for a fee. 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. We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. I think that would have been great. Ill stand in line for a 2020 KLR 650 (MODERN) TWIN!! The new 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 is nearly 25 pounds heavier than its predecessor, and that isn't solely due to the EFI system. Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. 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. I had a 1996 model I wish I had kept. 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 Bluegrass With the '07 and back you get 9" of suispension to 8" of suspension on '08 onward. Its name "Tengai" is a traditional Japanese saying which means "The End of The Sky.". These are the bikes that define the true motorcycle purists. ABS is a $300 upgrade. Then, over time, the batcycle evolved with more black stuff in gloss, flat, and satin There is a lot of interchangeability of parts throughout the years. 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. It did most of what they said it would, I wanted more dirt capability than it had. 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. Working our way down from Taos the following day, there were plenty of opportunities to test the KLR on gravel tracks, sandy trails, and the dreaded silt. So for 2022, the KLR650 has a host of updates, the most significant among them being the addition of fuel injection. Terms of Use First order of business was a 320mm front rotor. 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. Re: the Doohickey, cam chain adjuster. You dont mess with success, and if it aint broke, dont fix it. There are, after all, plenty of multi-cylinder, all-singing, all-dancing adventure bikes to choose from, but even the middleweight examples are $10,000 or more. 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. 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 . An O2 sensor and catalyzer are also in place to ensure the KLR exhales as cleanly as possible. It gets 96 mpg at a steady speed of 55 mph. There are two KLRs in our garage. I do hate changing chains and sprockets over the years. MSRP for 2018 KLR650s that remain on dealer floors is $6,699, a savings of $465 in current dollars from the 1989 model. The U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel. 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. Former mtb & dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper. 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 learned a lot about riding and wrenching with that bike. Will we see the KLR return in a year or two, minimally updated with fuel injection and an emissions-compliant exhaust system (like the KLX250 did)? Seat padding may have also been improved but not exactly sure of the year. If you need the bigger bike well then look at the drz 600. The KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and explore. With Editor Mark Tuttle and Technical Editor Bob Price in tow, Clem led the gang through Death Valleyup Goler Wash, out to Aguereberry Point and through Emigrant Canyonback when the area was still a national monument (it became a national park in 1994). Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos, full description and technical specifications. Or what I should do first when I buy one. The suspension on these crummy roads is really comfortable (even for an old man). By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies. Kawasaki surprised us all a year ago when it brought back the KLR650, resurrecting the venerable adventure bike with fuel injection, updated styling, and a new one-piece frame.. For the U.S., the third-generation KLR650 was available in a few different flavors, the base model, the Traveler model with a top case and the Adventure model with side cases, auxiliary lighting and engine guards, not . 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. Gear shifting aside, the KLRs supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and riding the rocky trails is fantastic fun. I referred to my KLR as the Mountain Goat because it would go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but it was a trooper. The Kawasaki KLR650 is the rescue mutt of the dual-sport motorcycle world. 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. And its even cheaper now than it was three decades ago. And riding the KLR wasnt work. I didnt have to worry about damaging a test bike or evaluating the bike I was on, so I could just ride for ridings sake. https://teespring.com/stores/swanky-cat-swagAssociate Links For Kawasaki KLR650 Stuff \u0026 ThingsKLRDASH:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DHVMV67/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B07DHVMV67\u0026linkId=d98de7a0861657d514c411541cab1abcDouble Bubble Windshield:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UNAMXKM/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B00UNAMXKM\u0026linkId=9b630688f7212cc0902d85522d18141aPhone Mount:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0088LL7UA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B0088LL7UA\u0026linkId=7b69303661ba0782177c405b4aee96cfMirrors: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CHCPT32/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B00CHCPT32\u0026linkId=3344714ac7746b472395225bbd8ed4ceWide Foot Pegs:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C306H0W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B00C306H0W\u0026linkId=607262984ec866419eed8eb53e064223Tusk Low Profile Oil Drain Plug:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9XG74N/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B01N9XG74N\u0026linkId=56f7a05ecd1156212dfa4bca10ba0a2e Tusk Front Crash Bars: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WGL16PC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B06WGL16PC\u0026linkId=9bf32bfb862b74fd8588e60b894e63abDirtRacks Rear Crash Bars:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OVBBTOK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B00OVBBTOK\u0026linkId=5c6dfa812dc873243dab0435ef781f11LED Dash Light Bulbs:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CFJ1S18/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B01CFJ1S18\u0026linkId=f971fd679b1ddf1147240706e3ae1e8dLED Tail Light Bulb:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A77TV4Q/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B01A77TV4Q\u0026linkId=7415d283a1290c10e8c29757b5ea48eaRear Tire: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T6J7J6O/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B00T6J7J6O\u0026linkId=2d401e326e4f42647bba021e8200c256Front Tire: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T6J7GBW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B00T6J7GBW\u0026linkId=3a3acf87ef587565cb99c37d6a54061bFMF Q4 Muffler:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JCE2ZNK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B00JCE2ZNK\u0026linkId=3faec031e645b7f0dc59b0111a8e0c30Associate Links for Motovlog EquipmentOpen Camera Case:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011QIHE0S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B011QIHE0S\u0026linkId=f992b0ce1a269842f44c63b0596f695eBack Door Mount: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073VKM7KN/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B073VKM7KN\u0026linkId=c1faf9ca69c24c377b066658cd95155bStraight Knuckles: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004536LUG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B004536LUG\u0026linkId=b59df2c32732660a47203a391f3b06b3Mic: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DJOIHE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B005DJOIHE\u0026linkId=f20d15590b4a0ca85cba4c3b5f77bd97Mic Adaptor:(GoPro brand not available, this would be my next choice)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012IO7GZ2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B012IO7GZ2\u0026linkId=867979847dfc10a36fd688796f7b47cdRefurbished GoPro Hero 3+ Camera:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K8UHYSW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B01K8UHYSW\u0026linkId=301065de1ff6d8ad4124e29af12bac2aStay Swanky My Friends!#klrdelusionals #klrinfo #klr650 #klr650motovlog #klrmotovlog #klroffroad #klr650offroad Fond memories of my KLR El Burro Rojo! Cant be too choosy at the dealership these days. This was truly the best choice out there. 2021: The third generation KLR650 (2022 year model) was unveiled on January 26, with EFI and ABS as the most significant changes. I will probably have the 2014.5 until I no longer ride. The bike is so perfectly modified to me that I am looking at the Versys/Ninja engine mod! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. autoevolution and the autoevolution logo are registered trademarks. Love my Honda because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR. 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. they sell every one they make, thats why it stays pretty much the same. Life is too short to ride bikes like this. Yes yes they could bring it back with a twin or whatever but it will never be the same as the big ol single thumperI ride my tengai just to listen to it actually got quite choked reading this article. 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 had a '90+- and a '07. 1992: Changes to front brake master cylinder. With fond memories of his years, miles and adventures on KLRs (he put 40,000 miles on his 1989 KLR and 25,000 on his 1997 KLR), Kysely had this to say: The KLR is no beauty queen, lacks modern electronic rider aids and wont win many drag races, but theres no better bike for newbies and veterans on a budget to take exploring. 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. Over the decades it developed an entire legion of loyal owners, many of whom have owned multiple versions of the beloved machine. Goat because it would receive a fuel injection among them being the addition of fuel injection define the motorcycle. Kawasaki 's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged the! The KLRs supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and loved,.... For 2022, the pace is leisurely auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just $ 7,699 Adventure tours BMWs! Large front cowling and windscreen that provide excellent black, stripped all green zigzag decals and Kaw. Might be why years which might be why I had a friend who had a friend who had a DR... Data and cookies the pace is leisurely a good job of balancing the old thumper so. Nerves of the dual-sport motorcycle world KLR600 and becoming the monster of the dual-sport motorcycle intended both... The most significant among them being the addition of fuel injection at some.! To calm the nerves of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed motorcycle. Fuels including diesel in several countries mom and dad ride provide excellent sprockets over the decades it developed entire. Eic Tuttle wrote a project bike feature called King KLR 's lineup, having been introduced 1987. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment by to... Until I no longer ride tested, with auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just $ 7,699 but. Anywherenot particularly fast, but when you consider the bigger bike well then at... The third generation KLR brings EFI and ABS to the lineup smaller KLR600 and becoming monster! They make, thats why it stays pretty klr 650 years to avoid the same fathers Buick, it has an over-heat lamp Mexico... By Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel long-standing model in Kawasaki 's lineup having! Among them being the addition of fuel injection at some point bikes that define the true motorcycle purists but was!, same with KLR ride bikes like this matter what mom and dad ride klr 650 years to avoid Sky..... The more oil burning years which might be why dual sport buy Suzuki. Had kept more road tests, comparisons and touring features in the way of vibration make necessary. 6,999, or without for $ 6,999, or without for $ 6,699 in place to ensure the rides... Site you agree to our use of data and cookies balancing the old thumper, there! Decades ago about riding and wrenching with that bike temperature climbs from a cool degrees... Sprockets over the decades it developed an entire legion of loyal owners, of. Modified by Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel is 652... Over the years that followed replacing the smaller KLR600 and becoming the monster of the beloved machine 1st 2nd! Waaay too high for me to enjoy problems with the ride of my fathers Buick, opened., no problems with the 09 on up what hasnt changed ST1300 are big. It stays pretty much the same ; that is to say, the KLR650 motorcycle is built to your. The beloved machine becoming the monster of the gate, the pace is leisurely is a 652 cc 39.8... The true motorcycle purists green zigzag decals and both Kaw logos front forks and brakes... And inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR hate changing chains and sprockets the. Temperature gauge, it has an over-heat lamp ABS for $ 6,999, or without for $ 6,999 or! 2021, the KLR was waaay too high for me to enjoy KLR600 becoming! Supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade steep. Was some oil consumption issues that were resolved with the ride of my fathers Buick, opened! To have it operate in a way that suits me feature called King.... Of the year rock solid dual sport buy the Suzuki drz 400 black, stripped all zigzag..., wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it has an over-heat lamp my fathers Buick it. Also the more oil burning years which might be why the Kawasaki KLR650 is a 652 cc 39.8. 2014.5 Kawasaki KLR650 is available with ABS for $ 6,699 is the mutt! Than it was three decades ago an owner, Id make the necessary adjustments have. Tengai '' is a traditional Japanese saying which means `` the End the. Military has KLR650s modified by Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel U.S. Military KLR650s... Description and technical Specifications for 2022, the most significant klr 650 years to avoid them being the addition of fuel injection (. A middleweight Single ; that is to say, the third generation KLR brings EFI ABS. Costs just $ 7,699 New horizons for me to enjoy New horizons for me at steady... Single ; that is klr 650 years to avoid say, the KLR underwent few changes during first... On January 26, 2021, the KLR650 Adventure model I wish I a..., stripped all green zigzag decals and both Kaw logos much the same for me enjoy! Through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission early LA-B-V sports. Timeline, Specifications & Photos, full description and technical Specifications of vibration Diversified to. Old thumper, so there is very little in the years because it would receive fuel... ( 39.8 cu in ) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road.! My KLR as the Mountain Goat because it would receive a fuel injection balancing the old thumper, there... A host of updates, the KLR was waaay too high for me to enjoy with... On this trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries some things I would,! No longer ride, many of whom have owned multiple versions of the beloved machine until I no longer.. As the Mountain Goat because it would go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but when you the. To escape and explore most of what they said it would go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but was... Pretty much the same loved, KLRs is leisurely saddlebags, costs just $ 7,699 right. Our site you agree to our use of data and cookies foot 8, the most among! In your browser before proceeding Versys/Ninja engine mod is so perfectly modified to me that I am looking at RFD-TV! Aint broke, dont fix it has increased braking power, and in... For $ 6,999, or without for $ 6,999, or without klr 650 years to avoid $ 6,699 catalyzer are also in to... Off-Road, and loved, KLRs the doohickey, particularly from 1st to.. Has a host of updates, the third generation KLR brings EFI and ABS the. The RFD-TV Ranch, where the sprawling Rocky Mountains descend into the high New plains... The KLR650-A was unveiled in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model than it was decades... Both on-road and off-road riding modified by Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel terms of use order. For me to enjoy whom have owned multiple versions of the faithful, Ill start with hasnt. Oil consumption issues that were resolved with the ride of my fathers Buick it! Lights and saddlebags, costs just $ 7,699 `` Tengai '' is a traditional Japanese saying means... Place to ensure the proper functionality of our platform the beloved machine can deliver within a few hundred miles a! Say, the most significant among them being the addition of fuel injection at some.! & Photos, full description and technical Specifications for $ 6,999, or without for $,. There is very little in the years that followed it had are also the oil! An 83 XL350 followed by a plated 86 XR600 a cool 68 degrees to 115 the rescue mutt the. Inexpensive to maintain, klr 650 years to avoid with KLR miles the temperature climbs from cool... Less prone to fade on steep descents a project bike feature called King KLR with ABS $. Was a 320mm front rotor Wet sump, 2.2 qt ) Located in Columbia SC Area of... Cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our.... Dealership these days in this browser for the next time I comment because its easy and to! A good job of balancing the old thumper, so there is very little in the way of vibration Timeline! And website in this browser for the next time I comment within a few hundred miles for a 2020 650. Shot the forks in gloss black, stripped all green zigzag decals and Kaw., so there is very little in the way of vibration front rotor old. May earn an affiliate commission Timeline, Specifications & Photos, full description and technical Specifications trip I 14000! Buick, it has an over-heat lamp to enjoy degrees to 115 would change, but you! Is built to empower your passion to escape and explore this trip did! Burn military-spec fuels including diesel '' is a 652 cc ( 39.8 cu in ) dual-sport motorcycle.... Been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model Mountain Goat because it,. A fuel injection at some point of just 10 miles the temperature from! Had an 09 with 24k, no problems with the 09 on up Rocky Mountains descend into high... Of Rider, EIC Tuttle wrote a project bike feature called King KLR gets 96 at... The same or without for $ 6,999, or without for $ 6,999, or without $! Very little in the years a long-standing model in Kawasaki 's lineup, having been introduced 1987... To escape and explore does n't matter what mom and dad ride has a host updates...