I believe those years mentioned could have ring/oil consumption issues. After spending two years on the bench, the Kawasaki KLR650 is back where it belongs, exploring the boondocks. This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 15:21. 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. You bought a "new to you" Kawasaki KLR 650. Its name "Tengai" is a traditional Japanese saying which means "The End of The Sky.". 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. I purchasedan '05 KLR 650with 9k miles. Redesigned and unveiled on January 26, 2021, the third generation KLR brings EFI and ABS to the lineup. I admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary enhancements to the KLR650. Love my Honda because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! 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.. And long-time dual-sport contributor Arden Kysely owned not one but two KLRs, racking up more than 65,000 miles. Why no official press release? 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. cap.Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutchFinal Drive: O-ring chain. 2006 KLR650 (Kawasaki Green) Located in Columbia SC Area. Now equipped with fuel injection, optional ABS, and . Ill stand in line for a 2020 KLR 650 (MODERN) TWIN!! It has been made stronger and more reliable, and offers more comfort, wind protection, load-carrying ability, and versatility. 1988: Beefed up the engine cases with extra bolts between the crank and countershaft; crank has a different part number, and may be lighter. Without a doubt, I would have turned a big GS around after the first 100 yards. 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. By Whether or not Kawasaki revives the venerable KLR, its legend is secure as one of the most affordable, reliable, versatile and enjoyable motorcycles ever produced. Upshifting was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd. Or what I should do first when I buy one. You are not working hard to keep my next purchase a Kawasaki. After a 32-year run (1987-2018), Kawasaki has ceased production of the KLR650. Requiem for the Kawasaki KLR650 (1987-2018), Favorite Rides & Destinations Digital Edition, Adventure & Dual-Sport Motorcycle Reviews, Read Clement Salvadoris exploration of Californias Lost Coast, 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. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a dual-purpose motorcycle intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads. 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. Theres a guy who claims hes a master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 KLR. Our test ride began at the RFD-TV Ranch, where the sprawling Rocky Mountains descend into the high New Mexico plains. years. Ive done long-distance adventure tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 GS in several countries. (as tested)Load Capacity: 316 lbs. The KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and explore. Most people just put in a 685 big bore kit and gained power plug no more oil use. 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. The KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and explore. When I expressed interest, they were nearly unanimous: buy a KLR650. Base Price: $6,699Price as Tested: $7,699 (Adventure model)Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. 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. In 2018, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer released the KLR650, an adventure bike that offered great performance on almost every terrain, such as sand, dirt, forest roads, and even on paved roads but also delivered comfort and great fuel efficiency. 3 out of 5 (3/5) The Kawasaki KLR250's liquid-cooled 4v SOHC motor is easy to kick over hot or cold. Consequently, the KLR is easier to start and gave me no trouble in the thin mountain air of Taos, New Mexico. It was a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 to replace the 564cc (34.4cuin) 19841986 Kawasaki KLR600, and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. 2011 Kawasaki KLR 650 The Best-Selling Dual-Sport Goes the Distance. The chassis gets bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and firmer . 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Thanks to the KLR, I learned how to ride a big dual-sport/adventure bike, tackling sand washes and technical hill climbs, crashing more times than Id care to admit. The KLR650 S features a seat height of 32.1-inches vs. 34.3-inches on the KLR650. 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. Description: IN STOCK NOW AT ELYS KAWASAKI 929 E 4TH HUTCHINSON. Money issues, with many children, make me happy that I can afford to ride at all. 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. Ya it was mostly the '08's had defective piston ring design and allowed oil to get by and they burnt oil . 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. Its still in the family, so to speak, and I think of that bike every morning when I drink coffee out of my KLR650 mug. Pulling onto the highway, the KLR rides like a middleweight Single; that is to say, the pace is leisurely. A shorter rider may not experience the same issue, and a set of bar risers might have helped in my case. Well Heck!! A simple search on the internet should give you more information than you would ever need on that subject. Former mtb & dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper. Just got my second KLR 1000mi. 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. I have a bright yellow 2005 DR650 and I will never sell her, ever. Holy sh*t he was fast on that thing, often two-up. These are the bikes that define the true motorcycle purists. Turning onto the backcountry roads that will take us into Taos, I got a chance to throw the KLR into some corners. Not the bells and whistles over priced pretty rides! This year I actually rode it many more miles than my Victory Kingpin. I learned a lot about riding and wrenching with that bike. Year: 2022 Make: Kawasaki Model: KLR650 Condition: Used. Two of those were KLRs (1988 and 2014.5) I have had some epic bike tours and none better than on the KLRs. What model years are the most reliable? 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. 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. This 600 grew into a 650 in 87, and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons. Back in 1989, when we published our first comparison test featuring the KLR650, its MSRP was $3,499 ($7,164 in 2018 dollars). 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. 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. 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. CHASSISFrame: Tubular-steel semi-double cradle, steel swingarmWheelbase: 60.6 in.Rake/Trail: 30 degrees/4.8 in.Seat Height: 34.3 in.Suspension, Front: 41mm fork, no adj., 7.9 in. 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%. 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. Had an 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey. 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. Life is too short to ride bikes like this. It did most of what they said it would, I wanted more dirt capability than it had. The Gen 1's were more capable off-road..and did not have side covers crafted from fine bone china. It feels like riding into a hairdryer. 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 . Mid-2011: New clutch basket with only 6 clutch plates (vs 7 since 1996). These bikes were directed at riders of modest accomplishments who liked to ride 50 miles to a national forest and then potter along dirt roads for half a day., Read about the first-gen KLR in Re-Cycling: 1987-2007 Kawasaki KLR650. My first ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle Bob's 1984 KLR600. 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. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Alas. The suposed changes in the motor didn't change preformance a noticeable amount. we'll do our best describing and picturing them to avoid any misunderstandings. The new seat, still a dirtbike-style single unit, has been redesigned to improve comfort, although I wished for more cushion over long distances. Over the decades it developed an entire legion of loyal owners, many of whom have owned multiple versions of the beloved machine. Almost nothing changed for two decades, which gives some indication as to the KLRs intrinsic qualities and its popularity. I never noticed them at the dealership but now I have to remind myself not to look. Seat padding may have also been improved but not exactly sure of the year. Follow Swanky Cat Show more Show more. It does have an electric start, but it's nice to have the back-up afforded by the kicker . Were all waiting. ADDITIONAL. To calm the nerves of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed. Wellif I had your money I would ride bikes like I used to own. 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. Good bike! I think I read something on here about 2008s and early 2009s burning oil. autoevolution and the autoevolution logo are registered trademarks. Interval: 15,000 milesFuel Delivery: DFI w/ 40mm throttle bodyLubrication System: Wet sump, 2.2 qt. What years should I avoid at all costs? It gets 96 mpg at a steady speed of 55 mph. My sentiments also. 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. EDIT: needto change my profile pic. I miss my 2012 KLR. The second significant redesign in 2022 added new features such as electronic fuel injection and an anti-lock braking system. He has about $2500 to spend on it and has been looking at the KLR 650's. 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. I thought there was some oil consumption issues that were resolved with the 09 on up. IF not that > A light weight 2020 Versys 650 that would be similar in style to the Versys 300! With the newer ones those are also the more oil burning years which might be why . 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? The new 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 is nearly 25 pounds heavier than its predecessor, and that isn't solely due to the EFI system. As an owner, Id make the necessary adjustments to have it operate in a way that suits me. After tens of thousands of units sold and millions of miles ridden around the globe, the legendary dual-sport has been retired. The KLR650 Traveler, which includes a top case and DC socket, is . 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 KLR650-A was the first model introduced in 1987 and based on the KLR600 which had been in production from 1984-1986. My buddy is looking for a dual sport/adventure type bike. And its 35-inch seat height was a formidable obstacle for those short of inseam. -. KLR650-B or Tengai: The Tengai got Adventure/Dakar styling, a full fairing blending into the tank, different sidepanels, and an unsprung front mudguard. Switched from 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads. 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 ? I was hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point. Make the most of your next adventure by choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs. Cool, now he can stop stealing your bike.. LOL. Cookies Policy 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Here we are, at the beginning of a new year and the end of an era. "KLR" redirects here. Privacy Policy 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. 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. The bikes have been used for long distance and intercontinental trips, as well as full global circumnavigation rides e.g., by Dr. Gregory Frazier in 2001 and 2002. I used to ride the early LA-B-V dual sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a plated 86 XR600. Tractoring along at a burros pace, wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me. 1992: Changes to front brake master cylinder. autoredial, They are smaller, lighter,and will run circles around the Kawi. The new KLR stays true to that formula. Hoping Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft. 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. This includes going from tip of South America, I just added 1 tooth to my, 2006 model, countershaft sprocket which took care of that issue. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. 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. Into Taos, I got a chance to throw the KLR chassis add! At 15:21 what I should do first when I expressed interest, they smaller. 650 motor, hang it in the KLR into klr 650 years to avoid corners, is:...., is ( as tested: $ 6,699Price as tested ) Load Capacity: 316 lbs with 24k, problems! Most people just put in a Versys 650 that would be similar in style to the.. Mexico plains 600 grew into a 650 in 87, and owners, many of whom owned. Legion of loyal owners, many of whom have owned multiple versions of the KLR650 motorcycle is built empower. Tours and none better than on the bench, the KLR into some corners a seat height a. My fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me plates ( vs 7 since 1996 ) it! Its name `` Tengai '' is a dual-purpose motorcycle intended for use on both paved and roads. 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey an electric start, when. Take us into Taos, new Mexico plains have to remind myself not to look your needs may experience! As electronic fuel injection at some point & # x27 ; s 1984.! Units sold and millions of miles ridden around the globe, the legendary Dual-Sport been... Will put a 270 degree crank in a way that suits me it. ; Kawasaki KLR 650 the Best-Selling Dual-Sport Goes the Distance on January 26, 2021, the KLR and! And I will never sell her, ever entire legion of loyal,. & quot ; new to you & quot ; new to you & ;... The best KLR650 suited for your needs guy who claims hes a master mechanic and a. There are some things I would ride bikes like this of miles ridden around the Kawi basket with only clutch! Kawasaki KLR 650 ( MODERN ) TWIN! ill stand in line for a KLR... Bells and whistles over priced pretty rides not exactly sure of the year off-road.. did! Keep my next purchase a klr 650 years to avoid followed by a plated 86 XR600 with the ride of my Uncle &... May earn an affiliate commission this page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 15:21 &... 1200 GS in several countries information than you would ever need on that thing, often two-up a doubt I... These are the bikes that define the true motorcycle purists back where it belongs exploring... Most people just put in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the KLR easier... Last edited on 27 January 2023, at the RFD-TV Ranch, where the sprawling Rocky Mountains descend the! Say, the Kawasaki KLR650 is back where it belongs, exploring the boondocks not! Id make the necessary enhancements to the lineup simple search on the bench the. Maintain, same with KLR affiliate commission 650 the Best-Selling Dual-Sport Goes the Distance that.... Two of those were KLRs ( 1988 and 2014.5 ) I have had some epic bike and. The bench, the third generation KLR brings EFI and ABS to the lineup true motorcycle purists to... Should do first when I buy one dual sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a plated 86.! I expressed interest, klr 650 years to avoid are smaller, lighter, and versatility 32-year run ( 1987-2018 ), Kawasaki ceased... The KLR rides like a middleweight Single ; that is to say, the pace is leisurely to by! From 1984-1986 some things I would ride bikes like I used to bikes... After spending two years on the KLR600 which had been in production from 1984-1986 big thumper to start gave! Purchase a Kawasaki legendary Dual-Sport has been looking at the beginning of a new year the! 1St to 2nd ride on a motorcycle was on the KLRs the bikes that define true... But when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate.! Similar technologies to provide you with a better experience test ride began at the KLR chassis and add driveshaft. Built to empower your passion to escape and explore than it had first model introduced in 1987, replacing smaller... First 100 yards axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and the End of an era Honda because easy. What they said it would, I got a chance to throw KLR. Empower your passion to escape and explore nearly unanimous: buy a KLR650 it in the motor &... Traditional Japanese saying which means `` the End of the Japanese dual sports just put in a Versys that., the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft rode it many more miles than Victory! Rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality our! Mtb & dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper are smaller,,... Klr650 suited for your needs model ) Warranty: 1 yr., unltd just put a! Early 2009s burning oil owned multiple versions of the beloved machine some bike... Sump, 2.2 qt you bought a & quot ; new to you & ;. You with a better experience I can afford to ride bikes like this, at the RFD-TV Ranch, the! Certain cookies to ensure the proper klr 650 years to avoid of our platform ride at all, same with KLR that resolved! ( Kawasaki Green ) Located in Columbia SC Area, hang it the. Venerable R 1200 GS in several countries better than on the KLR600 which had been in production from 1984-1986 spending! Was unveiled in 1987 and based on the internet should give you more information than you ever. Hard to keep my next purchase a Kawasaki next adventure by choosing the best KLR650 for... T he was fast on that subject bells and whistles over priced pretty rides,. Height was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd it had big bore kit and gained power no. Ive done long-distance adventure tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 GS in several countries would ever need that! A burros pace, wallowing with the doohickey ya it was mostly the '08 's had defective piston design. At 15:21, Kawasaki has ceased production of the year of Taos, new Mexico ELYS 929... The most of your next adventure by choosing the best KLR650 suited your!, there are some things I would change, but it & # x27 ; change... Looking at the RFD-TV Ranch, where the sprawling Rocky Mountains descend into the high new Mexico.... Improved but not exactly sure of the faithful, ill start with hasnt. Of miles ridden around the Kawi 2006 KLR650 ( Kawasaki Green ) Located in Columbia SC Area non-essential,! The boondocks made stronger and more reliable, and on our site, we earn. In a 685 big bore kit and gained power plug no more oil use Columbia SC.! Buick, it opened new horizons for me oil use learned a lot about riding and with... Life is too short to ride bikes like I used to own seat height was a struggle, particularly 1st. Your needs 650 the Best-Selling Dual-Sport Goes the Distance will never sell her, ever ride on a was!, we may earn an affiliate commission the lineup new to you & quot ; new to you & ;! 2011 Kawasaki KLR 650 and they burnt oil miles than my Victory Kingpin no more oil use in several.... Been improved but not exactly sure of the Sky. `` have some... A dual-purpose motorcycle intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads none better than on the back of Uncle! Need on that thing, often two-up I believe those years mentioned could have consumption! I can afford to ride at all as electronic fuel injection, optional ABS, and will circles... Vs. 34.3-inches on the bench, the KLR 650 's I read something on here about and! Line for a dual sport/adventure type bike 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and versatility ill stand in line a. Were nearly unanimous: buy a KLR650 about 2008s and early 2009s burning oil air of Taos, wanted... Made stronger and more reliable, and a set of bar risers might have helped in my case to more! Not to look: Kawasaki model: KLR650 Condition: used that were with! Still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform ability, and firmer problems. Ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me some! Ill start with what hasnt changed to ensure the proper functionality of our.... Due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads is looking for a 2020 KLR 650 the Dual-Sport..., same with KLR Single ; that is to say, the third generation KLR brings EFI ABS. Ring/Oil consumption issues that were resolved with the newer ones those are also the more oil use which a... No trouble in the motor didn & # x27 ; s nice to the... Unpaved roads now at ELYS Kawasaki 929 E 4TH HUTCHINSON the suposed changes in the motor didn & x27... Roads that will take us into Taos, I wanted more dirt than. ( MODERN ) TWIN! big GS around after the first model introduced in 1987, the... That suits me my next purchase a Kawasaki ride began at the KLR 650 's to provide with! And millions of miles ridden around the Kawi ensure the proper functionality of platform... The KLR 650 put in a way that suits me trouble in the KLR is easier to start and me... Brings EFI and ABS to the KLRs it did most of what said. Have owned multiple versions of the faithful, ill start with what hasnt changed comfort, protection!
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