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. Trails in the Coconino National Forest provided the perfect opportunity to test the loaded 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 new KLR650 comes in three basic configurations. The new KLR stays true to that formula. Life is too short to ride bikes like this. 2006 KLR650 (Kawasaki Green) Located in Columbia SC Area. 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. 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. Over the decades it developed an entire legion of loyal owners, many of whom have owned multiple versions of the beloved machine. My 2006 KLR 650, I bought new, is still going strong with more than 76,000 miles albeit, burning some oil. Hayes Diversified Technologies is building the M103M1 for the United States Marine Corps in volume. I had a 1996 model I wish I had kept. It feels like riding into a hairdryer. He has about $2500 to spend on it and has been looking at the KLR 650's. (. 2008-2023 SoftNews Net SRL Kawasaki, in releasing the much-anticipated 2008 model, introduced the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. . There are a few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade. In 2012, Kawasaki launched the KLR650, the best-selling dual-sport motorcycle for seven years in a row and a bike that could handle all types of terrain, such as sand, dirt, forests, and pavement, with its single-cylinder engine that also delivered incredible fuel efficiency. Kickstarter no longer fits with new clutch basket. Re: the Doohickey, cam chain adjuster. She is precious to me. (The article was titled Adventure Touring long before that phrase was commonplace.) What model years are the most reliable? 2001: Around this time final assembly moved from Japan to Thailand. 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 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. Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. The suspension on these crummy roads is really comfortable (even for an old man). I learned a lot about riding and wrenching with that bike. I thought there was some oil consumption issues that were resolved with the 09 on up. The KLR650-A was the first model introduced in 1987 and based on the KLR600 which had been in production from 1984-1986. Editor-in-Chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved, KLRs. Worth a look. 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. Ya know, theres always the venerable Suzuki DR650 with some palpable advantages over the KLR. Built for almost any terrain an adventurous rider could dream up, this dual-sport can go the distance with its rugged single-cylinder engine and incredible fuel efficiency. Great article! After spending two years on the bench, the Kawasaki KLR650 is back where it belongs, exploring the boondocks. This includes going from tip of South America, 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. After putting 150k miles on those 3 bikes and not riding for a year now, this new KLR has me yearning. 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. Pulling onto the highway, the KLR rides like a middleweight Single; that is to say, the pace is leisurely. 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. In the years that followed, Rider selected the KL650 Tengai as the Top Adventure Touring Motorcycle (May 1990 issue) and published touring features in which the KLR650 played a leading role (Dirty Duo, August 1993; A KLR in Color Country, May 1995). 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. ;-). EDIT: needto change my profile pic. ). Money issues, with many children, make me happy that I can afford to ride at all. 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. Air-cooled simplicity just like we all enjoyed in the 1970s in our youth. Though far lighter than contemporary liter-class ADV bikes, compared to most dual-sport 650 singles the KLR is heavy and has less ground clearance, so it can be a handful in sand and on big hills. 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. Year: 2022 Make: Kawasaki Model: KLR650 Condition: Used. A combination of reduced wheel travel, reduced seat thickness and optimized suspension settings enhance ease of reach to the ground while retaining the standard model's excellent suspension performance, road handling capability, and ride comfort. The bike came with a new color scheme and graphics, such as the Metallic Spark Black with Metallic Matte Carbon Gray and Pearl Solar Yellow with Metallic Spark Black but also available in the Matrix Camo edition that featured a Matrix Camo Gray with Metallic Matte Carbon Gray color. travelRear: Single shock, adj. 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. So Kawasaki, can you beat Yamaha to the market with their much delayed T-7? Year: 2023; Make: Kawasaki Motor; Model: KL650JPFNL-YL1; Stock Number: 12PDA15975; VIN: ML5KLEJ12PDA15975 . 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. 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. Switched from 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads. So, what has Kawasaki done to the KLR? The standard KLR650 is available with ABS for $6,999, or without for $6,699. They are all pretty much the same within the first generation '87?-'07. It has been made stronger and more reliable, and offers more comfort, wind protection, load-carrying ability, and versatility. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a 652cc (39.8cuin) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding. Holy sh*t he was fast on that thing, often two-up. Kawasaki surprised us all a year ago when it brought back the KLR650, resurrecting the venerable adventure bike with fuel injection, updated styling, and a new one-piece frame.. For the U.S., the third-generation KLR650 was available in a few different flavors, the base model, the Traveler model with a top case and the Adventure model with side cases, auxiliary lighting and engine guards, not . Hearing the distinctive tweet from the exhaust of a KLR riding by immediately transports us back to memorable adventures, carefree days and campfire nights. The semi-knobby tires squirm a bit on pavement, but the bike is composed when accelerating through tight corners. Somewhere in the Majestic Rocky Mountains of Alber. 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 My buddy is looking for a dual sport/adventure type bike. If you want a rock solid dual sport buy the suzuki drz 400. My son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town (doesn't matter what mom and dad ride! I used to ride the early LA-B-V dual sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a plated 86 XR600. The Kawasaki KLR650 has been around. I had a '90+- and a '07. Great bike so far, though. 1992: Changes to front brake master cylinder. KLR650-E: 2008 was the second major redesign of the KLR650. By My first ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle Bob's 1984 KLR600. I miss my 2012 KLR. First released as the KLR600 in 1984, the model was upgraded to a 650 in 1987. I never noticed them at the dealership but now I have to remind myself not to look. The KLR650 gained a few pounds to increase swingarm and frame rigidity . 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. These are the bikes that define the true motorcycle purists. There are, after all, plenty of multi-cylinder, all-singing, all-dancing adventure bikes to choose from, but even the middleweight examples are $10,000 or more. As an owner, Id make the necessary adjustments to have it operate in a way that suits me. 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? they sell every one they make, thats why it stays pretty much the same. I have a bright yellow 2005 DR650 and I will never sell her, ever. 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. I miss my tiger. What years should I avoid at all costs? So for 2022, the KLR650 has a host of updates, the most significant among them being the addition of fuel injection. Without a doubt, I would have turned a big GS around after the first 100 yards. Really like the klr as a good beginner off road bike. Hmmm I rode bikes as a kid; now 62. 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. 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. Cutting-edge stuff for the time, and the bike quickly gained a reputation for steady reliability and go-anywhere capability. If I could ride today, this would be my first option. Not the bells and whistles over priced pretty rides! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. I was hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point. I dont ride as much because Im getting older, but I will not sell my KLR. Its almost impossible to stall, and the moment I get bogged down, a slip of the clutch is all thats required to churn my way through. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. Had an 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey. 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). Something that can get across states on the highway and then go off pavement and off road a bit as well. 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. Adding ABS raises the price to one dollar shy of $8,000. I had an 01 that was trouble free but not ugly-free. 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. The 2015 Kawasaki KLR650 is a tough adventure bike that will put the fun into your off-road adventures. 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