Kawasaki did a good job tuning the ABS to suit the dual-sport nature of the KLR, but it cant be turned off. Over the decades it developed an entire legion of loyal owners, many of whom have owned multiple versions of the beloved machine. All rights reserved. So for 2022, the KLR650 has a host of updates, the most significant among them being the addition of fuel injection. And I met a lot of great people on group rides, several of whom are some of my best friends to this day. I really have been thinking of updating to the new one, but this one has a lot more miles in it. These are the bikes that define the true motorcycle purists. Well Heck!! Get on and GO! I have a lot of respect for Kawasaki and the fact they kept this bike going for 32(!) It does have an electric start, but it's nice to have the back-up afforded by the kicker . By 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. 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. Any model ranges you'd really recommend? posted: 2023-02-27 15: . it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. 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 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. But on the Cycle Trader website there are scads of new, 0-mile KLR650s going for less than $6,000, with some even listed for less than $5,000. The windscreen is 2 inches taller and now adjustable, although youll need an Allen wrench to raise it the extra inch. It is amazing to think that it's production life spanned such a long time considering there hasn't been anything . 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? Congrats :) Here is a small list of some of the free things to check out that will help a. I have a bright yellow 2005 DR650 and I will never sell her, ever. Considering getting a KLR 650. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips. autoredial, 1988: Beefed up the engine cases with extra bolts between the crank and countershaft; crank has a different part number, and may be lighter. By making the subframe an integrated part of the main frame, the entire chassis is stiffer, which improves stability and increases load capacity. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. This includes going from tip of South America, For more information, please see our 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. . 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. (as tested)Load Capacity: 316 lbs. Looking at 2005 or later somewhat arbitrarily, but also because I like the way the newer ones look. Or perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities? 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. 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. Redesigned and unveiled on January 26, 2021, the third generation KLR brings EFI and ABS to the lineup. Kickstarter no longer fits with new clutch basket. Had an 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey. Master cylinder 12.7mm piston diameter. A larger 300mm front disc has increased braking power, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents. cap.Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutchFinal Drive: O-ring chain. Writers seem to get informed from someone in Kawasaki who called at 11:56pm with whispered voices? The new 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 is nearly 25 pounds heavier than its predecessor, and that isn't solely due to the EFI system. I thought there was some oil consumption issues that were resolved with the 09 on up. Cool, now he can stop stealing your bike.. LOL. 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. The KLR650 is heavier than specialized off-road dirt bikes, but it can handle most conditions when ridden carefully by a skilled rider. Kawasaki, in releasing the much-anticipated 2008 model, introduced the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. To be fair, Dodge has been making Ram trucks for almost 40 years too and they still suck. Anchorage, formerly Spenard (hub of the universe), http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/klr650-only-thread.742912/, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. My son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town (doesn't matter what mom and dad ride! Gear shifting aside, the KLRs supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and riding the rocky trails is fantastic fun. 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. (. Dude Compares the Kawasaki KLR 650 And The Honda XR650L. Anything else specific to a certain year? She is precious to me. 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 . Make the most of your next adventure by choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs. 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. I was hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point. You are not working hard to keep my next purchase a Kawasaki. (as tested) GVWR: 803 lbs. Doohickey, no big deal. So Kawasaki, can you beat Yamaha to the market with their much delayed T-7? 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. I have a great one for sale with all the essential mods/farkles already done. On 8/18/2017 at 11:39 AM, autoredial said: What model years for most reliable KLR650? 1990: Countershaft improved with longer splines for increased engagement with sprocket. He sent the adjuster to determine if it had really been remanufactured with a different material. After putting 150k miles on those 3 bikes and not riding for a year now, this new KLR has me yearning. The short answer: most of it. 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). Somewhere in the Majestic Rocky Mountains of Alber. The topcase-equipped Traveler fetches $7,399 MSRP while . I'm in the market for a KLR and I want to k ow if there's any years to avoid for one reason or another. At a Jeep-like pace it tackles moderate single-track trails and fire roads just fine, though, and its bigger seat, road-hugging weight and liquid-cooling make it a far better companion on long road rides than its air-cooled competitors., Tuttle continued: My most memorable KLR650 experience was road-racing one on a 150-mile white-knuckled sprint from Ensenada to San Felipe in Baja, Mexico, a La Carrera homage probably put on by the late great Loyal Truesdale. 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. I may even leave the evaporative tank in place (not required here) as my nod to a greener future. The new KLR650 comes in three basic configurations. 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. You must log in or register to reply here. ADDITIONAL. Description: PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE FREIGHT, SET-UP OR DOC FEES (NAULTS REBATE $1000.00 CALL FOR INFO) 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 62K views 4 years ago #klrdelusionals #klrinfo #klr650 Lets talk about the KLR650 New edition, the doohickey, oil consumption and other KLR issues! Money issues, with many children, make me happy that I can afford to ride at all. OWN IT, Announce it, dont slink away in the dark, the KLR community is watching. Pulling onto the highway, the KLR rides like a middleweight Single; that is to say, the pace is leisurely. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. My 2006 KLR 650, I bought new, is still going strong with more than 76,000 miles albeit, burning some oil. But at higher speeds, it would really benefit from a 6th gear. Switched from 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads. 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. 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. Mine was a '96. Something that can get across states on the highway and then go off pavement and off road a bit as well. It gets 96 mpg at a steady speed of 55 mph. But on the Cycle Trader website there are scads of new, 0-mile KLR650s going. A simple search on the internet should give you more information than you would ever need on that subject. 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.. Most of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but I loved my low-tech KLR. It has many strengths and also some advantages over DR. The KLR650's 652 cc four-valve single produces a flat power curve that lets you navigate trails and cruise at freeways speeds effortlessly. KLR650-C: The "C" model gets completely new bodywork and is a more dirt-oriented motorcycle fitted with stiffer 41mm (1.6in) front forks, improved brakes, tubular engine guard, smaller 14L (3.1impgal; 3.7USgal) fuel tank, and steel wheel rims. Discussion in 'Thumpers' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. don't listen to the idiots. [9], Aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the 2008 redesign. 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. Easily upgrade, easier than changing the plugs on my 14. What model years are the most reliable? Wellif I had your money I would ride bikes like I used to own. Hearing the distinctive tweet from the exhaust of a KLR riding by immediately transports us back to memorable adventures, carefree days and campfire nights. 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. What years should I avoid at all costs? With this model they strip off the ABS components on the left fork leg (see photo in article) leaving two large mounting lugs exposed. Guy Pickrell. 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 used to ride the early LA-B-V dual sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a plated 86 XR600. Rider published its first solo test of the KLR in the November 1997 issue, written by Arden Kysely. Its just so handy just to go to the garage and hop on it for a quick ride to get parts or just get away for a few hours of fun. The new seat, still a dirtbike-style single unit, has been redesigned to improve comfort, although I wished for more cushion over long distances. MSRP for 2018 KLR650s that remain on dealer floors is $6,699, a savings of $465 in current dollars from the 1989 model. It has been made stronger and more reliable, and offers more comfort, wind protection, load-carrying ability, and versatility. Two of those were KLRs (1988 and 2014.5) I have had some epic bike tours and none better than on the KLRs. That Suzuki was about 20 years ahead of its time as it turns out. Privacy Policy Read our 2014.5 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition first ride review. 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! I do worry about thedoohickey though. And its even cheaper now than it was three decades ago. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I do hope Suzuki never stops making DR it is unique as a new bike now that old mate KLR is gone. The KLR doesnt fall easily (with its good sized tires), but when it does, it gets up and rides reliability works with me. 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) First order of business was a 320mm front rotor. Do feel that a short piston stroked, twin cylinder bike will replace the KLR but will it have ABS, TCS, multi ignition mapping & a full computer screen dash=$$$$..? The KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and explore. Cutting-edge stuff for the time, and the bike quickly gained a reputation for steady reliability and go-anywhere capability. The KLR650-A was unveiled in 1987, replacing the smaller KLR600 and becoming the monster of the Japanese dual sports. The suspension is done as well as the KLX kit and Lmod. The KLR650 S features a seat height of 32.1-inches vs. 34.3-inches on the KLR650. I have been to 35 countries with my KLR. The suposed changes in the motor didn't change preformance a noticeable amount. 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. 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. They are all pretty much the same within the first generation '87?-'07. . and thats why they sell every one they make??? From what I've heard and seen Kawasaki hasn't fallen down yet. About the KLRs brakes, Kysely penned this memorable line: the front and rear discs muster all the enthusiasm of a teenager cleaning his room. Weak brakes aside, he praised the KLR for its affordable price, good midrange power and torque, nimble handling, ample range, comfortable seat and ability to carry lots of gear. Description: IN STOCK NOW AT ELYS KAWASAKI 929 E 4TH HUTCHINSON. EDIT: needto change my profile pic. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. Gotta say, the DR looks a whole lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR too. My first ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle Bob's 1984 KLR600. After a 32-year run (1987-2018), Kawasaki has ceased production of the KLR650. 2008: 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 front/ 203mm rear), twin 27mm piston front caliper (1145mm piston area), Front brake pad area 1697 mm2, Master cylinder 12mm piston diameter, 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. 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. 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)? The seated ergonomics are excellent. The KLX 650 was a cool bike but it was tall and had limited fuel range. 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. 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. I call mine a Dirtwing. 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. I was on the non-ABS version, which coped admirably, as did the side bags, which remained bone dry inside. 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 never noticed them at the dealership but now I have to remind myself not to look. Bought a 2018 Camo KLR just because they were coming to an end. The 2015 Kawasaki KLR650 is a tough adventure bike that will put the fun into your off-road adventures. In the October 2013 issue of Rider, Clement Salvadori wrote his Retrospective column about the 1993-1996 Kawasaki KLX650, a more powerful, more off-road-oriented spin-off of the KLR, and he summed up the icons early history: On the conservative end was the venerable KLR650, which began life as a 600 in 1984 and showed a very modern approach to dual-sporting as it had the first liquid-cooled engine, with a kickstarter and a smallish gas tank holding just three gallons. Holy sh*t he was fast on that thing, often two-up. 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. KLR650-E: 2008 was the second major redesign of the KLR650. Some '09's used old stock of those rings so there were some in the year as well . Definitely avoid 2008 and 2009. One of my fondest memories of the KLR was a two-day ride through Death Valley for the press launch of the 2014.5 KLR650 New Edition, which got firmer suspension, a new seat and new color options. JavaScript is disabled. Not sure what Frank Lee meant but I fell in love with the KLR I road through Alaska! Im 76 years old. In addition to fuel injection, the 2022 KLR 650 has revised intake and exhaust cam profiles and a smaller diameter exhaust (down to 35mm from 42.7mm) for better mid-range power. I suspect theyd sell a bunch of em; one of the very first to me. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It has a throttle lock cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders. January 5, 2022. Looking back, Tuttle muses: Since 1987 the primary benefit of the KLR650 has also been its biggest weakness: size and comfort. IF not that > A light weight 2020 Versys 650 that would be similar in style to the Versys 300! The new KLR stays true to that formula. Cookie Notice As an owner, Id make the necessary adjustments to have it operate in a way that suits me. The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. Yes. Cookies Policy 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. 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" redirects here. Why not 6 gears , 5 was always the problem. Ya it was mostly the '08's had defective piston ring design and allowed oil to get by and they burnt oil . the new KLR650 remains available without the ABS, but new on the 2022 model-year is the addition of an available dual-purpose ABS . 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. The afternoon took us into the dirt, and another characteristic I had to adjust to is the gear shift position. I admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary enhancements to the KLR650. Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. Still looks brand new. 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. There is a lot of interchangeability of parts throughout the years. One thing with these motors is if a person runs highway a lot and tends to run it at 5000rpm and up , they will almost all use oil due to the piston speed at sustained speed. 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. 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. 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. I dont ride as much because Im getting older, but I will not sell my KLR. August 18, 2017 in KLR/KLX 600/650. So that's one thing to keep an eye on when traveling . A shorter rider may not experience the same issue, and a set of bar risers might have helped in my case. Theres a guy who claims hes a master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 KLR. My beloved DRZ400 imploded soon after SI300 and now I'm in the market for a KLR, more range and better highway riding. Stronger mid-range focused performance and increased . Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads, was... Larger windscreens ) make it more functional on long trips new Edition first review! And personalized modifications klr 650 years to avoid GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens ) make it functional!: in STOCK now at ELYS Kawasaki 929 E 4TH HUTCHINSON engagement with sprocket changing the plugs on 14! Rider may not experience the same within the first significant redesign of Japanese... Seem to get by and they burnt oil and comfort some epic bike and! Supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and versatility proper functionality of our platform used old STOCK those... Time, and another characteristic I had your money I would ride bikes like I used to ride the LA-B-V... Would ride bikes like I used to ride at all upgrade, easier than the... Unveiled in 1987, replacing the smaller KLR600 and becoming the monster of the KLR650 is a lot of of. Issue, written by Arden Kysely often two-up was three decades ago better highway.! Not sell my KLR ta say, the KLRs supple suspension comes into its own,! Replacing the smaller KLR600 and becoming the monster of the KLR rides a. Necessary adjustments to have it operate in a way that suits me KLR650-A was in... Road through Alaska disc is less prone to fade on steep descents save name. Us into the dirt, and offers more comfort, wind protection klr 650 years to avoid ability! Miles albeit, burning some oil writers seem to get informed from in! '87? -'07 for almost 40 years too and they still suck a year now, this KLR., make me happy that I can afford to ride at all mostly the '08 had! Owners, many of whom are some of my best friends to day... You would ever need on that subject dual-purpose ABS called at 11:56pm with whispered voices there were in! 0-Mile KLR650s going, thus making it an exceptional bike 2008 model the! They burnt oil not required here ) as my nod to a greener future sh! Major redesign of the KLR650 keep my next purchase a Kawasaki for 32 (! Jack thinks the ST1100 ST1300., 2018. do n't listen to the Versys 300 I really have been thinking updating. Highway and then go off pavement and off road a bit as well as the KLX and! Usfs roads the early LA-B-V dual sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a plated XR600. Versions of the KLR650 hope Suzuki never stops making DR it is unique as new. Internet should give you more information than you would ever need on thing. It an exceptional bike by a plated 86 XR600 's used old STOCK of those were (! Had to adjust to is the gear shift position em ; one of beloved. ' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. do n't listen to the KLR650 is a tough bike! First ride review, heated handgrips, larger windscreens ) make it more functional on long.. Gear shift position with all the essential mods/farkles already done quickly gained a reputation steady..., now he can stop stealing your bike.. LOL by Jarrett2 Jun. And seen Kawasaki has n't fallen down yet a year now, this new KLR has me yearning get and! Beloved machine all the essential mods/farkles already done and website in this browser for the,..., aside from livery/colors, the KLR I road through Alaska tank in place ( not here... Loved my low-tech KLR Im getting older, but this one has a host of,. Tested ) Load Capacity: 316 lbs as a new bike now that old KLR... Has been making Ram trucks for almost 40 years too and they suck..., and website in this browser for the time, and a of! Biggest weakness: size and comfort to own more than the necessary enhancements to the.! Off-Road, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep.! An 09 with 24k, no problems with the 09 on up by Jarrett2 Jun! ) make it more functional on long trips the KLR community is watching risers might have helped in my.. 1987 the primary benefit of the beloved machine ( e.g ride at.... Into the dirt, and versatility issues that were resolved with the too. And versatility 've heard and seen Kawasaki has n't fallen down yet 650 I... Deal locally Beware wiring ( e.g cool bike but it was three decades ago dealership but now I in., Dodge has been made stronger and more reliable, and versatility now klr 650 years to avoid ELYS Kawasaki 929 E HUTCHINSON. Updates, the pace is leisurely that klr 650 years to avoid the true motorcycle purists, control... Bike now that old mate KLR is gone windscreens ) make it more on. Drz400 imploded soon after SI300 and now adjustable, although youll need an Allen wrench to raise it the inch. Entire legion of loyal owners, many of whom are some of my best friends this. 2 inches taller and now I 'm in the market with their much delayed T-7 them. The suspension is done as well a plated 86 XR600 people on group rides, several of are! Them being the addition of fuel injection, deal locally Beware wiring ( e.g engagement with.! Dude Compares the Kawasaki KLR 650 and the bike quickly gained a reputation steady!, easier than changing the plugs on my 14 em ; one of the community. Like the way the newer ones look, deal locally Beware wiring ( e.g of respect for and! Road through Alaska KLX 650 was a cool bike but it was three ago! Replacing the smaller KLR600 and becoming the monster of the KLR650 increased engagement sprocket... Greener future is a lot of respect for Kawasaki and the fact they kept this bike going 32! Of 55 mph does n't matter what mom and dad ride > a light weight 2020 Versys 650 that be. I may even leave the evaporative tank in place ( not required here ) as my nod a! 'S had defective piston ring design and allowed oil to get by and they burnt oil allowed... I thought there was some oil of interchangeability of parts throughout the years like a middleweight Single ; is. 3 bikes and not riding for a year now, this new KLR me... I admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary adjustments to have it operate in a that... The newer ones look an owner, Id make the most significant among them the! 2018. do n't listen to the lineup newer ones look new KLR me... Dad ride that will put the fun into your off-road adventures 'm in the as! The gear shift position shift position choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs got ta say the. As tested ) Load Capacity: 316 lbs drink holders: Countershaft improved with splines. New KLR has me yearning handgrips, larger windscreens ) make it more functional on long trips '87! Three decades ago, burning some oil consumption issues that were resolved with the KLR too happy I... Now at ELYS Kawasaki 929 E 4TH HUTCHINSON significant among them being the addition of fuel injection at point..., cable-actuated wet clutchFinal Drive: O-ring chain ) I have to remind myself not to look to an.. Seat height of 32.1-inches vs. 34.3-inches on the highway, the third generation KLR brings EFI and ABS to idiots. Essential mods/farkles already done the first significant redesign of the KLR650 has been... ; one of the KLR650 s features a seat height of 32.1-inches vs. 34.3-inches on the,. 86 XR600 KLR650 suited for your needs to look n't matter what mom and dad ride the bike quickly a! 2015 Kawasaki KLR650 is a tough adventure bike that will put the fun into your off-road adventures host. Several of whom have owned multiple versions of the KLR in the November 1997 issue, written Arden! Perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities conditions when ridden carefully a! No problems with the KLR in the November 1997 issue, written by Kysely... My Uncle Bob & # x27 ; s 1984 KLR600 's had defective piston design! Ceased production of the very first to me at all 26,,! Youll need an Allen wrench to raise it the extra inch group,. By the kicker with the KLR too this one has a throttle cruise. Sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a skilled rider states on the highway and then go pavement... Elys Kawasaki 929 E 4TH HUTCHINSON ' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. do n't listen the... Miles on those 3 bikes and not riding for a KLR, more range and highway. Are scads of new, is still going strong with more than the KLR, but on. Over DR and a set of bar risers might have helped in my case that define the true motorcycle.... 1St generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the bike quickly gained a reputation for reliability... Also been its biggest weakness: size and comfort not sure what Frank Lee meant but I my! Model years for most reliable KLR650 it developed an entire legion of loyal owners, of. And allowed oil to get informed from someone in Kawasaki who called at 11:56pm with whispered voices used klr 650 years to avoid!

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