The KLX 650 was a cool bike but it was tall and had limited fuel range. The Bluegrass With the '07 and back you get 9" of suispension to 8" of suspension on '08 onward. EDIT: needto change my profile pic. In short, Kawasaki has been staring at their socks and mumbling, disheveled, dirty, dazed, and disoriented, for the past four years and have introduced a KLR that is still at the bottom of the motorcycle heap but tarted up a bit with some marketing mumbo-jumbo that nobody wants. 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. There is a lot of interchangeability of parts throughout the years. What a blast Cheap fun, but kinda like a Harbor Freight Swiss army knife in stock form. Ill stand in line for a 2020 KLR 650 (MODERN) TWIN!! The Kawasaki KLR650 is the rescue mutt of the dual-sport motorcycle world. 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. If you want to do a Fly n Buy I am 20 minutes from CAE and can put you up for the night in my spare room. ADDITIONAL. A rare round of updates for the 1997 model year were limited to a lighter flywheel, an extra clutch plate and a more conservative color/graphics package. Privacy Policy Most of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but I loved my low-tech KLR. What years should I avoid at all costs? 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. This engine has the torque. This year I actually rode it many more miles than my Victory Kingpin. No, its not perfect, but youll end up falling in love with it, and you know it will be a dependable, loyal, eager companion on any adventure, and for a lot less money than fancy breeds. 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. What years should I avoid at all costs? 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. Oh well, bye bye KLR.. Bought a 2018 Camo KLR just because they were coming to an end. 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)? Yes. I would like to buy a new bike but I want to retire without more payments. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies. 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. On the road, however, its 651cc single was buzzy (despite having dual counterbalancers) and its front brake was woefully underpowered. Great bike so far, though. So Kawasaki, can you beat Yamaha to the market with their much delayed T-7? 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. The Kawasaki KLR650 has been around. I will probably have the 2014.5 until I no longer ride. I have a bright yellow 2005 DR650 and I will never sell her, ever. Dual-purpose capability allows the journey to go on- and off-road, and a reputation for enduring reliability helps you focus on the adventure at hand. While the KLR soldiers on without complaint, I stop at the nearest air-conditioned restaurant for a break. If I could ride today, this would be my first option. Or perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities? This was followed by the brief one-year appearance of the Tengai version in 1990, essentially a restyling of the standard KLR with a Paris-Dakar look and a bigger fairing. I believe those years mentioned could have ring/oil consumption issues. Anything else specific to a certain year. The KLR650-A was unveiled in 1987, replacing the smaller KLR600 and becoming the monster of the Japanese dual sports. It is not sold in Europe due to emission regulations. Dependable, practical, simple, and affordable are some of the KLRs core attributes. 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. 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. It feels like riding into a hairdryer. Discussion in 'Thumpers' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. don't listen to the idiots. 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. First released as the KLR600 in 1984, the model was upgraded to a 650 in 1987. 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 never noticed them at the dealership but now I have to remind myself not to look. The KLR650's 652 cc four-valve single produces a flat power curve that lets you navigate trails and cruise at freeways speeds effortlessly. 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. Woohoo! Thanks for the inputs. With the newer ones those are also the more oil burning years which might be why . 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. Almost nothing changed for two decades, which gives some indication as to the KLRs intrinsic qualities and its popularity. It gets 96 mpg at a steady speed of 55 mph. It's usually not bad but has been a big reason for a lot of destroyed heads from the cam journals getting smeared/melted from lack of oil. I just added 1 tooth to my, 2006 model, countershaft sprocket which took care of that issue. My buddy is looking for a dual sport/adventure type bike. I have had a 1994 KLR since 1997. 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. travelRear: Single shock, adj. Great article! 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. So that's one thing to keep an eye on when traveling . Having gotten the formula right out of the gate, the KLR underwent few changes during its first two decades. Ive since moved on to more powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad I had the KLR experience. My longest trip was when I shipped it to England and went to Russia. Ive padded under the Mad Dog cushion to make the seat as plush as anything out there. 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. When I joined the Rider staff in 2008, I convinced EIC Tuttle to let me borrow his kitted-out KLR for an adventure-bike ride with a group organized by our local BMW dealer. 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. Easily upgrade, easier than changing the plugs on my 14. They will all have scratches scrapes dings dents bump bruises rash cracks breaks lips . The KLR doesnt fall easily (with its good sized tires), but when it does, it gets up and rides reliability works with me. 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 . And how about some honest indignation about the tactics employed here? The Kawasaki KLR650 dual-sport motorcycle is equipped with a reliable 652cc fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine so you can keep exploring long after the road ends. Result: exact same material and dimensions. It has a throttle lock cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders. That aligned perfectly with Riders focus on touring, travel and adventure, and since the KLR has always been reasonably priced, even more so when purchased used, it also fit within the limited budgets of staffers and contributors. Holy sh*t he was fast on that thing, often two-up. I do hate changing chains and sprockets over the years. 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%. The change starts at engine number KL650AEA72320. First order of business was a 320mm front rotor. one way and only have to fill up at the end of every other day. I have had 14 different motorcycles in my long riding history. Otherwise same bike up to '07 just depends on what color you like which will dictate the model year(s) you'll look for. It was sold in the US starting 1990 and in other countries for two years afterward - this could be classified as a separate model in its own right as the others are more trail bike orientated. The high fender, tall stance, and elevated ground clearance left no doubt as to its dual on-and off-road purpose. 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. Adding ABS raises the price to one dollar shy of $8,000. Editor-in-Chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved, KLRs. 1992: Changes to front brake master cylinder. 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. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. There are two KLRs in our garage. The new KLR650 comes in three basic configurations. 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. It was built with a 652cc four-stroke, DOHC, dual-counterbalanced, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine. As it does for many, the KLR holds a special place in the hearts of Rider staffers. [9], Aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the 2008 redesign. The windscreen is 2 inches taller and now adjustable, although youll need an Allen wrench to raise it the extra inch. My first ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle Bob's 1984 KLR600. (as tested) GVWR: 803 lbs. Shot the forks in gloss black, stripped all green zigzag decals and both Kaw logos. Stronger mid-range focused performance and increased . To calm the nerves of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed. I purchasedan '05 KLR 650with 9k miles. 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. Worth a look. They are welded to the leg. The suspension is done as well as the KLX kit and Lmod. cap.Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutchFinal Drive: O-ring chain. Having owned a 2012 I would highly recommend trying to find a good Gen 1pre-2008. Privacy Policy. Frame revisions, under-the-seat rubber dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying capacity for long-distance touring. 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. I have a 2000 KLR650. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. I had a '90+- and a '07. When I expressed interest, they were nearly unanimous: buy a KLR650. I will say I am sad to see KLR leave us though. Why no official press release? Cookies Policy With this model they strip off the ABS components on the left fork leg (see photo in article) leaving two large mounting lugs exposed. Make the most of your next adventure by choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs. Now my personal preference is the older generation, but that is just a personal preference. they sell every one they make, thats why it stays pretty much the same. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1995 Kawasaki KLR650 KLR 650 OEM SHIFTER PEDAL at the best online prices at eBay! The front suspension has been adjusted to accommodate frame updates and a 28-pound increase in curb weight, while the rear shock is now adjustable for rebound in addition to spring preload. 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. He also sent an adjuster from the previous model. Just like any respectable off-roader, the Kawasaki KLR650 needed a set of cable suspensions, so it came with a 41 mm fork on the front that provided 200 mm of wheel travel and a Uni-Trak five-way preload-adjustable and four-way rebound adjustable shock absorber on the rear that offered 190 mm of wheel travel. 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. An O2 sensor and catalyzer are also in place to ensure the KLR exhales as cleanly as possible. 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. Features may include: Ultimate on-road and off-road adventure motorcycle is a popular best-seller; 651cc single-cylinder engine produces smooth, user-friendly power The topcase-equipped Traveler fetches $7,399 MSRP while . We pulled to a stop at the open gate to air down (what in the world?? After borrowing it a couple more times, scratching it up and developing a genuine fondness for the KLR, I pestered Tuttle for months to sell it to me. Im 76 years old. ABS is a $300 upgrade. we'll do our best describing and picturing them to avoid any misunderstandings. I learned a lot about riding and wrenching with that bike.