I was on the non-ABS version, which coped admirably, as did the side bags, which remained bone dry inside. . I've had an '09 & '07 still currently own the '07. After spending two years on the bench, the Kawasaki KLR650 is back where it belongs, exploring the boondocks. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Otherwise same bike up to '07 just depends on what color you like which will dictate the model year(s) you'll look for. You must log in or register to reply here. 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. Privacy Policy (. 1988: Beefed up the engine cases with extra bolts between the crank and countershaft; crank has a different part number, and may be lighter. Kawasaki did a good job tuning the ABS to suit the dual-sport nature of the KLR, but it cant be turned off. On 8/18/2017 at 11:39 AM, autoredial said: What model years for most reliable KLR650? 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. 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) The KLR goes into the sunset with head held high and a job well done. Air-cooled simplicity just like we all enjoyed in the 1970s in our youth. The. Then, over time, the batcycle evolved with more black stuff in gloss, flat, and satin 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. Hearing the distinctive tweet from the exhaust of a KLR riding by immediately transports us back to memorable adventures, carefree days and campfire nights. For other uses, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Kawasaki Motors Thailand - ()", "A Fond Farewell to the Legendary Kawasaki KLR 650", "KAWASAKI KLR650--REST IN PEACE: THE WRAP", "2014.5 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition, First Ride; Getting Better With Age", 2002 KLR650 Review in Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly, 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 review on the Canadian Motorcycle Guide. Guy Pickrell. don't listen to the idiots. All major parts still made in Japan. 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. At the bottom of the list is the base-model 2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 non-ABS costs $6,699 with an ABS version for just three Benjamins more. 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. Adding ABS raises the price to one dollar shy of $8,000. And I met a lot of great people on group rides, several of whom are some of my best friends to this day. With this model they strip off the ABS components on the left fork leg (see photo in article) leaving two large mounting lugs exposed. Doohickey, no big deal. This year I actually rode it many more miles than my Victory Kingpin. Yes, the old Keihin carb was rock-solid, but EFI has proven its worth on motorcycles for decades. Read our 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 road test review, Managing Editor Jenny Smith, who joined the Rider staff in 2016, owned a second-gen KLR: As a dedicated sport rider, dual-sport motorcycles were never on my radaruntil I moved to Colorado. 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. $3600. Base Price: $6,699Price as Tested: $7,699 (Adventure model)Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. I added an ATV lounge to the back and I made my own dash and windshield. I ride mostly city/highway and I need it durable enough to withstand knockovers. I found a bone-stock, low-mileage 2009 at the local dealership and will never forget my first foray off-pavement. Both the battery and generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips. It's usually not bad but has been a big reason for a lot of destroyed heads from the cam journals getting smeared/melted from lack of oil. 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. The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. Oh well, bye bye KLR.. 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. I referred to my KLR as the Mountain Goat because it would go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but it was a trooper. They are smaller, lighter,and will run circles around the Kawi. 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. 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.. 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. I suspect theyd sell a bunch of em; one of the very first to me. 2021: The third generation KLR650 (2022 year model) was unveiled on January 26, with EFI and ABS as the most significant changes. So for 2022, the KLR650 has a host of updates, the most significant among them being the addition of fuel injection. We had hoped for another update with fuel injection. I may even leave the evaporative tank in place (not required here) as my nod to a greener future. The new KLR stays true to that formula. ). Or what I should do first when I buy one. The "A" model remained nearly unchanged until the introduction of the 2008 model in USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa. Sold it for a 2014 triumph tiger 800XC. 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. Handguards and skid plate and that's about it. Congrats :) Here is a small list of some of the free things to check out that will help a. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a dual-purpose motorcycle intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads. That Suzuki was about 20 years ahead of its time as it turns out. posted: 2023-02-27 15: . My body position is upright with a comfortable bend at the knee and arm, but standing up, the peg position is a little too far forward, bringing the handlebar too close to my body. Privacy Policy. PERFORMANCEHorsepower: 36.5 hp @ 6,100 rpm (rear-wheel dyno)Torque: 35.2 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm (rear-wheel dyno)Fuel Capacity: 6.1 gals.Fuel Consumption: 47 mpgEstimated Range: 287 miles. The KLR650 Traveler, which includes a top case and DC socket, is . Thanks for the story Rider. KLR650-B or Tengai: The Tengai got Adventure/Dakar styling, a full fairing blending into the tank, different sidepanels, and an unsprung front mudguard. My sentiments also. Nonetheless, tractor-like low-end torque enables the KLR to maintain traction in sandy, loose terrain. Cookie Notice 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. 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)? By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies. 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 The semi-knobby tires squirm a bit on pavement, but the bike is composed when accelerating through tight corners. Back in 1989, when we published our first comparison test featuring the KLR650, its MSRP was $3,499 ($7,164 in 2018 dollars). REGRET! I miss my 2012 KLR. Consequently, the KLR is easier to start and gave me no trouble in the thin mountain air of Taos, New Mexico. You bought a "new to you" Kawasaki KLR 650. My buddy is looking for a dual sport/adventure type bike. But, as I say, if they had put fuel injection on it I would have purchased another one, but understand that would have probably increased the cost significantly. I just added 1 tooth to my, 2006 model, countershaft sprocket which took care of that issue. The KLR650 is heavier than specialized off-road dirt bikes, but it can handle most conditions when ridden carefully by a skilled rider. Terms of Use Although the KLR is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph. It was sold in the US starting 1990 and in other countries for two years afterward - this could be classified as a separate model in its own right as the others are more trail bike orientated. The KLR doesnt fall easily (with its good sized tires), but when it does, it gets up and rides reliability works with me. rebound & spring preload, 7.3 in. Life is too short to ride bikes like this. The Kawasaki KLR650 is the rescue mutt of the dual-sport motorcycle world. . and thats why they sell every one they make??? Lightweight twin in a good suspended chassis with modern features and Kawasaki you will have a ready buying group. and our While the KLR soldiers on without complaint, I stop at the nearest air-conditioned restaurant for a break. So that's one thing to keep an eye on when traveling . You dont mess with success, and if it aint broke, dont fix it. I do worry about thedoohickey though. Great article! 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 . The suspension is done as well as the KLX kit and Lmod. It is not flexable and won't stand up to abuse. The bike is so perfectly modified to me that I am looking at the Versys/Ninja engine mod! The short answer: most of it. 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. 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