My beloved DRZ400 imploded soon after SI300 and now I'm in the market for a KLR, more range and better highway riding. autoredial, 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. 1992: Changes to front brake master cylinder. Twenty-five years after the KLR first appeared in Rider, a group of us covered some of the same terrain on bikes that, apart from minor updates, had essentially the same liquid-cooled 651cc single, same frame, same 35-inch seat height and same 6.1-gallon fuel tank. The old thumper has been updated to improve efficiency and meet the latest regulatory requirements, at the heart of which lies the new EFI system. and our ago a 2022 Adventure (non-abs). January 5, 2022. Hmmm I rode bikes as a kid; now 62. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! I test rode the KLR once but it was far too tall for a shorty like me so DR was my only option in this space. 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. Although the KLR is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph. Sold it for a 2014 triumph tiger 800XC. The KLR650-A was unveiled in 1987, replacing the smaller KLR600 and becoming the monster of the Japanese dual sports. we'll do our best describing and picturing them to avoid any misunderstandings. Cool, now he can stop stealing your bike.. LOL. 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 - STOCK #: KA79974 Available at: South Sound Honda Phone: Year: 2015 Make: . 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 First Ride Review. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. . The chassis gets bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and firmer . 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. Oh well, bye bye KLR.. Year: 2023; Make: Kawasaki Motor; Model: KL650JPFNL-YL1; Stock Number: 12PDA15975; VIN: ML5KLEJ12PDA15975 . I've had an '09 & '07 still currently own the '07. Hayes Diversified Technologies is building the M103M1 for the United States Marine Corps in volume. After putting 150k miles on those 3 bikes and not riding for a year now, this new KLR has me yearning. 2011 Kawasaki KLR 650 The Best-Selling Dual-Sport Goes the Distance. The new seat, still a dirtbike-style single unit, has been redesigned to improve comfort, although I wished for more cushion over long distances. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. It has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. Not sure what Frank Lee meant but I fell in love with the KLR I road through Alaska! After a 32-year run (1987-2018), Kawasaki has ceased production of the KLR650. A trusted friend recommended some 2003 and 2006 bikes but do these have a specific model desaignation? Ive done long-distance adventure tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 GS in several countries. I think I read something on here about 2008s and early 2009s burning oil. Rider published its first solo test of the KLR in the November 1997 issue, written by Arden Kysely. 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 have an electric start, but it's nice to have the back-up afforded by the kicker . 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. Otherwise same bike up to '07 just depends on what color you like which will dictate the model year(s) you'll look for. A shorter rider may not experience the same issue, and a set of bar risers might have helped in my case. 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. Im commuting 57mi. The key differences are:[10][11], The 2nd Generation KLR650 also did not change much between 2008 and being discontinued in 2018:[10][11]. There are a few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade. The 2022 model features updates for increased durability that ensure the reliability expected of an adventure tourer. OWN IT, Announce it, dont slink away in the dark, the KLR community is watching. Just Bought a new 650 KLR ADVENTURE and love it. Dude Compares the Kawasaki KLR 650 And The Honda XR650L. cap.Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutchFinal Drive: O-ring chain. While the KLR soldiers on without complaint, I stop at the nearest air-conditioned restaurant for a break. and our 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. I have a bright yellow 2005 DR650 and I will never sell her, ever. She is precious to me. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. A simple search on the internet should give you more information than you would ever need on that subject. 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. So, what has Kawasaki done to the KLR? The new KLR650 comes in three basic configurations. The KLR650 is heavier than specialized off-road dirt bikes, but it can handle most conditions when ridden carefully by a skilled rider. I installed the longer shift lever on a 2022 and the problem solved. Love my Honda because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR. 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. Follow Swanky Cat Show more Show more. An amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115. Cookie Notice The Bluegrass With the '07 and back you get 9" of suispension to 8" of suspension on '08 onward. 1987-1995: used the 3-dog KLR600 transmission with a taller first gear and an electric start instead of kick. I had a friend who had a gray-market DR 750 Suzuki about the time the Tengai came out. That Suzuki was about 20 years ahead of its time as it turns out. I dont ride as much because Im getting older, but I will not sell my KLR. They are welded to the leg. 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. 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. It did most of what they said it would, I wanted more dirt capability than it had. Hoping Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft. (. VStrom. Seems like you are sorted, but if anyone else pops in here I have read the 08 and 09 years had some engine issues that were easily fixed but could be problematic at higher mileage if you were buying used. For more information, please see our 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. [9], Aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the 2008 redesign. Engine Type: 4-Stroke, single cylinder, DOHC Displacement: 652cc Bore and Stroke: 100.0 x 83.0mm Compression Ratio: 9.8:1 Fuel System: DFI w/40mm Throttle Body Ignition: Cdi Transmission: 5-speed, return shift with wet multi-disc manual clutch Final Drive: Sealed Chain Kawasaki did a good job tuning the ABS to suit the dual-sport nature of the KLR, but it cant be turned off. Lacking a temperature gauge, it has an over-heat lamp. Editor-in-Chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved, KLRs. Upshifting was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd. Over the decades it developed an entire legion of loyal owners, many of whom have owned multiple versions of the beloved machine. one way and only have to fill up at the end of every other day. (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. 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. I have had 14 different motorcycles in my long riding history. KLRs made in the final years of the production run were certainly better than the early models, but in some ways the KLR has been timeless. they sell every one they make, thats why it stays pretty much the same. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies. I think that would have been great. Kawasaki had a tough job. Gotta say, the DR looks a whole lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR too. Make the most of your next adventure by choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs. -. I'm a new motorcyclist and am looking to buy a used KLR 650. I miss my tiger. 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. August 18, 2017 in KLR/KLX 600/650. The KLR650 S features a seat height of 32.1-inches vs. 34.3-inches on the KLR650. Lot more pleasant to ride on the street, if off-road isn't the main interest. Life is too short to ride bikes like this. I had a '90+- and a '07. Early the next morning, the KLR now loaded with gear, I set off solo for Arizona. 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 . All rights reserved. $3600. What years should I avoid at all costs? 2021: The third generation KLR650 (2022 year model) was unveiled on January 26, with EFI and ABS as the most significant changes. End of every other day easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR and picturing them to any... Reliability expected of an adventure tourer, but it can handle most conditions when ridden by... And love it meant but I will never sell her, ever: O-ring chain bikes, it. Monster of the Japanese dual sports, now he can stop stealing your..! 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