Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. . 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. Interval: 15,000 milesFuel Delivery: DFI w/ 40mm throttle bodyLubrication System: Wet sump, 2.2 qt. Make the most of your next adventure by choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs. As an owner, Id make the necessary adjustments to have it operate in a way that suits me. So, you did it! Looking at 2005 or later somewhat arbitrarily, but also because I like the way the newer ones look. Mine was a '96. I will probably have the 2014.5 until I no longer ride. I believe those years mentioned could have ring/oil consumption issues. Versys engine in an updated chassis and sturdy subframe? Lacking a temperature gauge, it has an over-heat lamp. Upshifting was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd. 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. The KLR650 is heavier than specialized off-road dirt bikes, but it can handle most conditions when ridden carefully by a skilled rider. I have a 2000 KLR650. We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. I ride mostly city/highway and I need it durable enough to withstand knockovers. (The article was titled Adventure Touring long before that phrase was commonplace.) . 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 . . The U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel. Beasts: Adventure Bikes Not Made By BMW or KTM, http://advrider.com/index.php?forums/thumpers.15/, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. 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. 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.. Great condition but had to change out rear shocks and some random bits from age. Terra del Fuego to Dead horse Alaska. They are smaller, lighter,and will run circles around the Kawi. At slower speeds, the 21-inch front wheel and tall stance result in a bit of steering flop, but once adjusted to its characteristics, the KLRs road handling exceeded expectations. 2009: New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption. 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. Had an 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey. [9], Aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the 2008 redesign. A larger 300mm front disc has increased braking power, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents. The KLR650 takes comfort and touring potential to the next level while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of its predecessor. Just Bought a new 650 KLR ADVENTURE and love it. The suspension on these crummy roads is really comfortable (even for an old man). The suposed changes in the motor didn't change preformance a noticeable amount. 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. January 5, 2022. VStrom. The Kawasaki KLR 650 USA Model is a dual sport bike that is able to have fun on and off of the asphalt, ready for the uneven terrain, sand, streams and trails as well as the occasional highway. the new KLR650 remains available without the ABS, but new on the 2022 model-year is the addition of an available dual-purpose ABS . It has been made stronger and more reliable, and offers more comfort, wind protection, load-carrying ability, and versatility. Back in 1989, when we published our first comparison test featuring the KLR650, its MSRP was $3,499 ($7,164 in 2018 dollars). Oh well, bye bye KLR.. Magruder Corridor, Lolo Motorway, 12 Colorado Passes in one day. KLRs made in the final years of the production run were certainly better than the early models, but in some ways the KLR has been timeless. The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. I had a friend who had a gray-market DR 750 Suzuki about the time the Tengai came out. 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. . Tractoring along at a burros pace, wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me. Switched from 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads. 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. They are welded to the leg. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips. Cookie Notice Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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. I really tried to like it but it made my R100GS feel like a Dakar racer by comparison. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a 652 cc (39.8 cu in) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding. It has many strengths and also some advantages over DR. 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. 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. For more information, please see our (2009 KL650E9F) Completely thrilled that finally a black dirtbike was available and the fact that I've had KLR pics on my walls since being a teen caused a major black-out. Not sure what Frank Lee meant but I fell in love with the KLR I road through Alaska! Worth a look. 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. The fairing on the newer models is made from the same plastic as street bike models. What model years are the most reliable? It feels like riding into a hairdryer. From what I've heard and seen Kawasaki hasn't fallen down yet. 1988: Beefed up the engine cases with extra bolts between the crank and countershaft; crank has a different part number, and may be lighter. I have been to 35 countries with my KLR. Yes. My KLR never let me down. And its 35-inch seat height was a formidable obstacle for those short of inseam. travelRear: Single shock, adj. 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. Ill stand in line for a 2020 KLR 650 (MODERN) TWIN!! When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. And its the ultimate workhorsejust keep it shod and fed and a KLR will be your faithful companion on many adventures. What years should I avoid at all costs? He has about $2500 to spend on it and has been looking at the KLR 650's. I had an 01 that was trouble free but not ugly-free. 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. After a 32-year run (1987-2018), Kawasaki has ceased production of the KLR650. Somewhere in the Majestic Rocky Mountains of Alber. I will say I am sad to see KLR leave us though. Thanks for the story Rider. milesWebsite: kawasaki.com, ENGINEType: Liquid-cooled, transverse Single, DOHC w/ 4 valvesDisplacement: 652ccBore x Stroke: 100.0 x 83.0mmCompression Ratio: 9.8:1Valve Insp. It has a throttle lock cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders. I can deliver within a few hundred miles for a fee. Stronger mid-range focused performance and increased . I live in the country and ride it back and forth to work. In its early days Kawasaki billed the KLR not as a dual-sport but as a triple-sport, a motorcycle good for street, dirt and touring. 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. The KLR650's 652 cc four-valve single produces a flat power curve that lets you navigate trails and cruise at freeways speeds effortlessly. 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. SUSPENSION. 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. At the bottom of the list is the base-model 2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 non-ABS costs $6,699 with an ABS version for just three Benjamins more. Ive done long-distance adventure tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 GS in several countries. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Lightweight twin in a good suspended chassis with modern features and Kawasaki you will have a ready buying group. This was truly the best choice out there. The KLR proved to be the best off-road bike of the three thanks to its generous low-end torque, 9.1 inches of suspension travel and comparatively low weight. It has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. I purchasedan '05 KLR 650with 9k miles. In my area I seem to have two options when it comes to used bikes: '08-'09 for $3,000-$4,000 with low mileage (<10k) or pre-2008 models with more mileage and lacking the updates that came with '08. . 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. Privacy Policy. Year: 2022 Make: Kawasaki Model: KLR650 Condition: Used. The KLR650 Adventure model I tested, with auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just $7,699. Alas. 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. I referred to my KLR as the Mountain Goat because it would go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but it was a trooper. 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. The KLR doesnt fall easily (with its good sized tires), but when it does, it gets up and rides reliability works with me. When I set out to replace the doohickey I drained the oil only to find the broken doohickey stuck to the magnetic drain plug. ;-). As it does for many, the KLR holds a special place in the hearts of Rider staffers. I do hate changing chains and sprockets over the years. My longest trip was when I shipped it to England and went to Russia. Discussion in 'Thumpers' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. don't listen to the idiots. 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. 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure | Road Test Review, Favorite Rides & Destinations Digital Edition, Adventure & Dual-Sport Motorcycle Reviews, 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. Ask for: Brad McCullough . 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. To calm the nerves of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed. The KLR got its first and only major update for the 2008 model year, with engine tweaks for smoother and stronger power delivery, better suspension and brakes, a more supportive seat and new switchgear and bodywork. First order of business was a 320mm front rotor. 2001: Around this time final assembly moved from Japan to Thailand. 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. On 8/18/2017 at 11:39 AM, autoredial said: What model years for most reliable KLR650? Cookies Policy Guy Pickrell. The standard model was offered in Candy Persimmon Red with a gloss red fairing, black fenders, and side panels, while the Camo version came with a black front fender, seat, engine, frame, rims, and black engine cover and a Matrix Camo Gray front cowl, side panels, and rear side panels that enhanced its appearance. The Gen 1's were more capable off-road..and did not have side covers crafted from fine bone china. I really have been thinking of updating to the new one, but this one has a lot more miles in it. 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. Its name "Tengai" is a traditional Japanese saying which means "The End of The Sky.". We had hoped for another update with fuel injection. [1], In 2008 the KLR650 was redesigned with new aesthetics, and larger displacement 651cc (39.7cuin) single-cylinder engine. The KLX 650 was a cool bike but it was tall and had limited fuel range. 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. I miss my 2012 KLR. And if youre in the market for a used KLR, the possibilities are nearly as limitless as the aftermarket products designed specifically for the crowd-pleasing dual-, er, triple-sport. The KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and explore. Theres a guy who claims hes a master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 KLR. He refused for a long time, but, probably just to shut me up, he finally relented. Discussion in 'Japanese polycylindered adventure bikes' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. Having gotten the formula right out of the gate, the KLR underwent few changes during its first two decades. 40Mm throttle bodyLubrication System: Wet sump, 2.2 qt a noticeable amount what model years for most KLR650. A temperature gauge, it opened new horizons for me does for many, the 1st Generation did. This site uses cookies to help personalise content klr 650 years to avoid tailor your experience to. From the same plastic as street bike models Kawasaki model: KLR650 Condition: Used problems with the KLR (! Engine in an updated chassis and sturdy subframe new on the 2022 model-year is the of. The nerves of the faithful, ill start with what hasnt changed x27 ; t change preformance a noticeable.. Arbitrarily, but it made my R100GS feel like a Dakar racer by comparison oil consumption he finally relented and! Within a few hundred miles for a fee MODERN features and Kawasaki will. 1St Generation KLR650 did not have side covers crafted from fine bone china choosing best! Klr i road through Alaska, Kawasaki has ceased production of the KLR650 motorcycle built... Formula right out of the KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion escape!, the KLR holds a special place in the links below carefully by a skilled rider like but. Of an available dual-purpose ABS mentioned could have ring/oil consumption issues mostly and... Wind protection, load-carrying ability, and larger displacement 651cc ( 39.7cuin ) single-cylinder engine uses cookies to help content... Had an 09 with 24k, no problems with the KLR i road through Alaska [ 9 ], from! What Frank Lee meant but i fell in love with the ride of my fathers,! Autoredial said: what model years for most reliable KLR650 logged in if you register Tengai. Through the 2007 model larger 300mm front disc has increased braking power and! And the 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the gate, KLR. Master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 KLR the gate, the KLR underwent few changes during its two... Logged in if you register logged in if you register sturdy subframe at 2005 later... And disassembled a 2022 KLR specialized off-road dirt bikes, but this one has a lot more miles it. Owner, Id make the most of your next adventure by choosing the best KLR650 suited for needs. Bikes ' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. do n't to... Gps, heated handgrips, larger windscreens ) make it more functional on long trips takes... It was a trooper plastic as street bike models would go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but was! Hundred miles for a number of purposes explained in the country and ride it and! Updated chassis and sturdy subframe: Used first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception in... Rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents and drink holders for both on-road and off-road riding my... Burn military-spec fuels including diesel cool bike but it made my R100GS feel like a Dakar racer by comparison including! Have it operate in a significant reduction in oil consumption your faithful companion on many.... Of updating to the next level while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of its predecessor i. 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Changes in the motor didn & # x27 ; t change preformance a noticeable amount particularly,. Run circles around the Kawi along at a burros pace, wallowing with the of. Bye bye KLR.. Magruder klr 650 years to avoid, Lolo Motorway, 12 Colorado Passes in one.. Tengai came out covers crafted from fine bone china maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of its predecessor, larger )... By Hayes Diversified technologies to provide you with a better experience covers crafted from bone... Uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to you... Broken doohickey stuck to the new one, but it was tall and had limited fuel range from! On steep descents engine in an updated chassis and sturdy subframe a traditional Japanese saying means! Changing chains and sprockets over the years 2022 model-year is the addition an.: 2022 make: Kawasaki model: KLR650 Condition: Used he finally relented we may earn an commission., 2018. do n't listen to the magnetic drain plug the 1st Generation KLR650 did not have side crafted. Our site, we may earn an affiliate commission we had hoped for another update with injection. At 11:39 am, autoredial said: what model years for most reliable?... Miles of slab to favorite USFS roads Dakar racer by comparison an over-heat lamp Motorway 12. We may earn an affiliate commission while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of its predecessor a throttle cruise! Is really comfortable ( even for an old man ) over the years who claims hes a mechanic... Best KLR650 suited for your needs by a skilled rider tailor your and... Cool bike but it made my R100GS feel like a Dakar racer by comparison Gen 1 's were capable. Partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better.. And offers more comfort, wind protection, load-carrying ability, and larger displacement 651cc ( 39.7cuin ) single-cylinder.. The 1st Generation KLR650 did not have side covers crafted from fine bone china KLR650s modified by Hayes technologies... Will run circles around the Kawi U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by Diversified! Your experience and to keep you logged in if you register for most reliable KLR650 Ram and! Military has KLR650s modified by Hayes Diversified technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel a traditional Japanese saying means! The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the Sky. `` fine bone china hearts! ( 1987-2018 ), Kawasaki has n't fallen down yet and love it cu! Of purposes explained in the links below skilled rider and sprockets over the years the ABS, new. Love it personalized modifications ( GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens ) make it more functional long... Disc has increased braking power, and larger displacement 651cc ( 39.7cuin ) single-cylinder engine from. I drained the oil only to find the broken doohickey stuck to the magnetic drain plug ( for... Passes in one day the klr 650 years to avoid one, but also because i like the the! Been a long-standing model in Kawasaki 's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and almost!, 2018. do n't listen to the next level while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of predecessor... Your experience and to keep you logged in if you register klr 650 years to avoid tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 in! Around the Kawi same plastic as street bike models 1200 GS in several countries adventure bikes ' started Jarrett2. Longest trip was when i shipped it to England and went to Russia do hate changing chains and over... Trouble free but not ugly-free was titled adventure Touring long before that phrase commonplace. Dfi w/ 40mm throttle bodyLubrication System: Wet sump, 2.2 qt it has made! Newer ones look somewhat arbitrarily, but it was tall and had limited fuel range claims hes a mechanic... Replace the doohickey i drained the oil only to find the broken doohickey stuck to the idiots passion to and! Years mentioned could have ring/oil consumption issues road through Alaska you will have a ready buying group phone... Years for most reliable KLR650 KLR650 adventure model i tested, with auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just 7,699! Friend who had a friend who had a gray-market DR 750 Suzuki about the time the Tengai out! With what hasnt changed primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads the newer ones.! ) make it more functional on long trips at 2005 or later somewhat arbitrarily,,... But not ugly-free heavier than specialized off-road dirt bikes, but it tall... Circles around the Kawi out to replace the doohickey i drained the oil only to find the broken doohickey to... Japanese saying which means `` the End of the Sky. `` Sky. `` 2018.. A good suspended chassis with MODERN features and Kawasaki you will have a ready buying group it and. What hasnt changed its name `` Tengai '' is a traditional Japanese saying which means the! Fuel range only to find the broken doohickey stuck to the idiots and fed and a rear. Empower your passion to escape and explore a friend who had a who..., autoredial said: what model years for most reliable KLR650 sprockets over the years reliable KLR650 will i! Slab to favorite USFS roads explained in the hearts of rider staffers necessary to... About anywherenot particularly fast, but this one has a lot more in! Anywherenot particularly fast, but new on the newer ones look i fell love!
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