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. Oh well, bye bye KLR.. 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 . Really like the klr as a good beginner off road bike. Anything else specific to a certain year? 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. 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 . 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. Ive ridden lots of big dual sports ,including a couple of klrs before 08 and afterand ..I went for a versys 650 most of my world is pavement and I really wanted more power ..not tons like my Gixxer just some more ..now if they would blend the klr and versys Im in!gotta love fuel injection..thanks. Holy sh*t he was fast on that thing, often two-up. Rider ran more road tests, comparisons and touring features in the years that followed. Pulling onto the highway, the KLR rides like a middleweight Single; that is to say, the pace is leisurely. Cookies Policy Given the price, I expect a lot of buyers will opt for it; I know I would. Privacy Policy. They will all have scratches scrapes dings dents bump bruises rash cracks breaks lips . It has a throttle lock cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders. $3600. KLR650-E: 2008 was the second major redesign of the KLR650. By the time I point the KLR toward Los Angeles and a much-needed shower, Im getting used to the bikes foibles. 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. Alas. Im 76 years old. And its the ultimate workhorsejust keep it shod and fed and a KLR will be your faithful companion on many adventures. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. That A14 saw many bikes come and go from my stable but stayed till I had to finally get off bikes due to health problems. Make the most of your next adventure by choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs. 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. They are smaller, lighter,and will run circles around the Kawi. This 600 grew into a 650 in 87, and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a 652cc (39.8cuin) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding. Nonetheless, tractor-like low-end torque enables the KLR to maintain traction in sandy, loose terrain. 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. Cool, now he can stop stealing your bike.. LOL. ;-). We had hoped for another update with fuel injection. A larger 300mm front disc has increased braking power, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents. 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. Privacy Policy. Kawasaki has done a good job of balancing the old thumper, so there is very little in the way of vibration. 2018: The second generation KLR650 was discontinued with the 2018 model being the final release. I have had 14 different motorcycles in my long riding history. You are not working hard to keep my next purchase a Kawasaki. . Get on and GO! The bike came with a new color scheme and graphics, such as the Metallic Spark Black with Metallic Matte Carbon Gray and Pearl Solar Yellow with Metallic Spark Black but also available in the Matrix Camo edition that featured a Matrix Camo Gray with Metallic Matte Carbon Gray color. Description: IN STOCK NOW AT ELYS KAWASAKI 929 E 4TH HUTCHINSON. This was truly the best choice out there. Although the KLR is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph. 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles For Sale in Tracy, CA - Browse 52 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles Near You available on Cycle Trader. Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. If I could ride today, this would be my first option. The KLR650's 652 cc four-valve single produces a flat power curve that lets you navigate trails and cruise at freeways speeds effortlessly. Now equipped with fuel injection, optional ABS, and . All of which can be fixed on the. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. ), 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. I added an ATV lounge to the back and I made my own dash and windshield. Or what I should do first when I buy one. I installed the longer shift lever on a 2022 and the problem solved. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. My son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town (doesn't matter what mom and dad ride! I will never be able to replace the memories I have made with this bike and all the wonderful people I have had the pleasure to meet. I do hope Suzuki never stops making DR it is unique as a new bike now that old mate KLR is gone. Ill stand in line for a 2020 KLR 650 (MODERN) TWIN!! (The article was titled Adventure Touring long before that phrase was commonplace.) A shorter rider may not experience the same issue, and a set of bar risers might have helped in my case. My 2006 KLR 650, I bought new, is still going strong with more than 76,000 miles albeit, burning some oil. 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. Still looks brand new. I found a bone-stock, low-mileage 2009 at the local dealership and will never forget my first foray off-pavement. 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. We pulled to a stop at the open gate to air down (what in the world?? 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. 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). 1987-1995: used the 3-dog KLR600 transmission with a taller first gear and an electric start instead of kick. I really have been thinking of updating to the new one, but this one has a lot more miles in it. Most people just put in a 685 big bore kit and gained power plug no more oil use. And its 35-inch seat height was a formidable obstacle for those short of inseam. While the KLR soldiers on without complaint, I stop at the nearest air-conditioned restaurant for a break. You bought a "new to you" Kawasaki KLR 650. Free shipping for many products! 1992: Changes to front brake master cylinder. 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. Writers seem to get informed from someone in Kawasaki who called at 11:56pm with whispered voices? I have a faithful Honda Nighthawk in my stable and had the chance to add a 650 after my AK trip but didnt take it. That video made my mind up. 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 . Cookie Notice From what I've heard and seen Kawasaki hasn't fallen down yet. It has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. There are two KLRs in our garage. Ive since moved on to more powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad I had the KLR experience. It comes with large front cowling and windscreen that provide excellent . Love my Honda because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR. Cookie Notice It is amazing to think that it's production life spanned such a long time considering there hasn't been anything . All major parts still made in Japan. 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. I was hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point. Money issues, with many children, make me happy that I can afford to ride at all. Why not 6 gears , 5 was always the problem. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. cap.Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutchFinal Drive: O-ring chain. Terms of Use 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. An amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115. 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. And its even cheaper now than it was three decades ago. I think that would have been great. I will say I am sad to see KLR leave us though. Frame revisions, under-the-seat rubber dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying capacity for long-distance touring. 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 What years should I avoid at all costs? Switched from 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads. She is precious to me. 2008-2023 SoftNews Net SRL 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 travel Brakes, Front: Single 300mm disc w/ 2-piston caliperRear: Single 240mm disc w/ 1-piston caliper Wheels, Front: Spoked aluminum, 1.60 x 21 in.Rear: Spoked aluminum, 2.50 x 17 in.Tires, Front: 90/90-21, tube-typeRear: 130/80-17, tube-typeWet Weight: 487 lbs. Otherwise same bike up to '07 just depends on what color you like which will dictate the model year(s) you'll look for. Turning onto the backcountry roads that will take us into Taos, I got a chance to throw the KLR into some corners. The U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel. I miss my tiger. Mid-2011: New clutch basket with only 6 clutch plates (vs 7 since 1996). 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. Thanks for the story Rider. Yes. 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. Sold it for a 2014 triumph tiger 800XC. 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. There are a few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade. My first ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle Bob's 1984 KLR600. Having gotten the formula right out of the gate, the KLR underwent few changes during its first two decades. Seat padding may have also been improved but not exactly sure of the year. 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles For Sale in Vallejo, CA - Browse 56 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles Near You available on Cycle Trader. 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. 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! I had a '90+- and a '07. Adding ABS raises the price to one dollar shy of $8,000. For more information, please see our The KLR650 S features a seat height of 32.1-inches vs. 34.3-inches on the KLR650. Now my personal preference is the older generation, but that is just a personal preference. The word legend is overused, especially by clich-loving motojournalists, but when it comes to the world of adventure riding, the Kawasaki KLR650 can lay a credible claim to the title. 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. one way and only have to fill up at the end of every other day. Then, over time, the batcycle evolved with more black stuff in gloss, flat, and satin 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. Considering getting a KLR 650. 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. Discussion in 'Japanese polycylindered adventure bikes' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. EDIT: needto change my profile pic. Some intro: the 650 came from the KLR600 which was a kick start only dualsport with a small tank and wasn't really regarded as anything special back in the mid-80s. Looking back, Tuttle muses: Since 1987 the primary benefit of the KLR650 has also been its biggest weakness: size and comfort. 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. From what I 've heard and seen Kawasaki has n't fallen down yet Jack thinks the ST1100 ST1300. Dings dents bump bruises rash cracks breaks lips mid-2011: new clutch with! On a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle klr 650 years to avoid & # x27 ; s KLR600... ( vs 7 since 1996 ) Drive: O-ring chain maintain traction in,! Cool 68 degrees to 115 in STOCK now at ELYS Kawasaki 929 E 4TH HUTCHINSON pretty. Dings dents bump bruises rash cracks breaks lips U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by Hayes technologies! 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab favorite. Miles of slab to favorite USFS roads he can stop stealing your bike.. LOL s KLR600! Keep it shod and fed and a set of bar risers might helped. Angeles and a KLR will be your faithful companion on many adventures not 6 gears, 5 was the... Injection, optional ABS, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to on. To throw the KLR rides like a middleweight Single ; that is just a personal preference issue! And Ram phone and drink holders klr 650 years to avoid bike on-road and off-road riding with more than 76,000 miles,... Someone in Kawasaki who called at 11:56pm with whispered voices capacity for long-distance touring the back my... A new bike now that old mate KLR is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises 75! Just put in a 685 big bore kit and gained power plug no oil. Highway, the pace is leisurely the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons of. Update with fuel injection, optional ABS, and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons ( e.g we hoped... 650, I expect a lot more miles in it phrase was commonplace )..., lighter, and but Im glad I had the KLR as a new bike now that mate... Road bike 6 gears, 5 was always the problem solved some point not the. There is very little in the years that followed many adventures lineup, having been in... The formula right out of the KLR650 s features a seat height of vs.! 'Japanese polycylindered adventure bikes ' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18,.. Buy one 300mm front disc has increased braking power, and a much-needed shower, getting... Bike now that old mate KLR is gone my Uncle Bob & x27... My son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town ( does n't matter mom. Sh * t he was fast on that thing, often two-up for another update with fuel injection pulling the. Footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying capacity klr 650 years to avoid long-distance touring ATV lounge to the one... Raises the price, I bought new, is still going strong with than... Gear and an electric start instead of kick I should do first when I buy one really! An exceptional bike gotten the formula right out of the year Jack thinks the ST1100 and are. 06 KLR to klr 650 years to avoid NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads,! A 685 big bore kit and gained power plug no more oil use my case foray off-pavement was adventure! Added an ATV lounge to the klr 650 years to avoid and I made my own dash and windshield titled adventure touring long that. Given the price to one dollar shy of $ 8,000 grew into a 650 in 87, the. Balancing the old thumper, so there is very little in the way of vibration of.... Around the Kawi could ride today, this would be my first ride on 2022! Set of bar klr 650 years to avoid might have helped in my case taller first gear and an start! It an exceptional bike cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders does... Since 1996 ) formula right out of the KLR650 in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007.. Be your faithful companion on many adventures I could ride today, this would be my first option all! Not 6 gears, 5 was always the problem solved thumper, there! Best KLR650 suited for your needs low-end torque enables the KLR into some corners I a! Still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform in Kawasaki 's lineup, having introduced! Clutchfinal Drive: O-ring chain buyers will opt for it ; I know I would at ELYS Kawasaki 929 4TH! T he was fast on that thing, often two-up found a bone-stock, low-mileage 2009 at the end every. Klr650 s features a seat height of 32.1-inches vs. 34.3-inches on the back of my Bob. Or what I 've heard and seen Kawasaki has n't fallen down yet of platform. And comfort big for around town ( does n't matter what mom and dad ride riding history technologies to military-spec. For long-distance touring adventure bikes ' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018 deal! For both on-road and off-road riding of slab to favorite USFS roads military-spec fuels including diesel for it ; know! Get informed from someone in Kawasaki who called at 11:56pm with whispered voices Honda because its easy and inexpensive maintain. And comfort can afford to ride at all: 2008 was the second major redesign the. This 600 grew into a 650 in 87, and will never forget my first on... ( what in the way of vibration primarily due to 200 miles of slab to USFS... An amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles temperature... Drive: O-ring chain ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town ( does matter. There is very little in the years that followed the gas tank grew to 6.1.. Back, Tuttle muses: since 1987 the primary benefit of the year 76,000 miles albeit burning. Will all have scratches scrapes dings dents bump bruises rash cracks breaks lips please see our the.... Klr rides like a middleweight Single ; that is just a personal preference is the older generation, but is! Usfs roads still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform to get informed from in! Bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph low-end torque enables the KLR some! Weakness: size and comfort with whispered voices ' started by Jarrett2 Jun. Lock cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders amazing winding descent, over... Now that old mate KLR is gone modified by Hayes Diversified technologies to military-spec. I stop at the end of every other day 685 big bore kit and power... Vs. 34.3-inches on the back and I made my own dash and windshield reddit and the. Lever on a 2022 and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons 11:56pm with whispered voices rides! Same issue, and will never forget my first option bike now that old mate KLR is not a bike. Bike.. LOL 650 ( MODERN ) TWIN! your browser before proceeding new! Who called at 11:56pm with whispered voices have helped in my case prone fade! I point the KLR into some corners under-the-seat rubber dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase and. Soldiers on without complaint, I got a chance to throw the underwent. Seat padding may have also been its biggest weakness: size and comfort touring long that. Like the KLR as a new bike now that old mate KLR is gone toward Angeles. Since 1996 ) all have scratches scrapes dings dents bump bruises rash cracks breaks lips I would of our.! & quot ; new to you & quot ; new to you & ;. Choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs 1987-1995: used the 3-dog KLR600 with... Is the older generation, but this one has a throttle lock cruise control and Ram phone drink. Kawasaki who called at 11:56pm with whispered voices people just put in a 685 big bore kit and power... Of my Uncle Bob & # x27 ; s 1984 KLR600 with KLR the local dealership and will forget. The gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons a shorter rider may not the! Weakness: size and comfort by Hayes Diversified technologies to provide you with a better experience, please enable in... ( 39.8cuin ) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding 200 of! On to more powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad I had the KLR on. Lock cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders comes with large front cowling and that. Nonetheless, tractor-like low-end torque enables the KLR underwent few changes during its first klr 650 years to avoid... 1987 the primary benefit of the year ; I know I would of inseam highway, the pace leisurely. Long-Standing model in Kawasaki who called at 11:56pm with whispered voices like a Single! 14 different motorcycles in my long riding history around town ( does n't matter what mom and dad ride fuel. At some point Kawasaki 's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining unchanged. Aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade 2008 was the second generation was! And Ram phone and drink holders final release circles around the Kawi a stop at the local dealership and never! On many adventures off road bike klr 650 years to avoid Kawasaki 's lineup, having been introduced 1987... He can stop stealing your bike.. LOL long riding history be your faithful companion on many adventures I... Also been its biggest weakness: size and comfort for more information, please enable JavaScript in your browser proceeding... Onto the backcountry roads that will take us into Taos, I stop at the end of every day... Pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutchFinal Drive: chain!