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 have had 14 different motorcycles in my long riding history. When I expressed interest, they were nearly unanimous: buy a KLR650. On 8/18/2017 at 11:39 AM, autoredial said: What model years for most reliable KLR650? A victim of ever-tightening emissions regulations, the KLR and its lone carburetor have been put out to pasture. The Kawasaki KLR650 is the rescue mutt of the dual-sport motorcycle world. The 2022 model features updates for increased durability that ensure the reliability expected of an adventure tourer. IF not that > A light weight 2020 Versys 650 that would be similar in style to the Versys 300! autoevolution and the autoevolution logo are registered trademarks. (as tested)Load Capacity: 316 lbs. Hoping Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips. 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. 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.. The KLR650-A was unveiled in 1987, replacing the smaller KLR600 and becoming the monster of the Japanese dual sports. 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. 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. Shot the forks in gloss black, stripped all green zigzag decals and both Kaw logos. 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. That video made my mind up. The new KLR is still equipped with Dunlop K750 tires, a road/trail compromise with an emphasis on compromise. 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. I couldnt get my motocross boot under the lever easily, especially when standing on the pegs. So, you did it! Master cylinder 12.7mm piston diameter. Why not 6 gears , 5 was always the problem. The new KLR stays true to that formula. KLR650-B or Tengai: The Tengai got Adventure/Dakar styling, a full fairing blending into the tank, different sidepanels, and an unsprung front mudguard. 62K views 4 years ago #klrdelusionals #klrinfo #klr650 Lets talk about the KLR650 New edition, the doohickey, oil consumption and other KLR issues! It gets 96 mpg at a steady speed of 55 mph. Re: the Doohickey, cam chain adjuster. 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 . Ill stand in line for a 2020 KLR 650 (MODERN) TWIN!! rebound & spring preload, 7.3 in. Still miss my DRZ. The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. 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. An amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115. Mid-2011: New clutch basket with only 6 clutch plates (vs 7 since 1996). 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. 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. You bought a "new to you" Kawasaki KLR 650. Now equipped with fuel injection, optional ABS, and . 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. 1992: Changes to front brake master cylinder. Interval: 15,000 milesFuel Delivery: DFI w/ 40mm throttle bodyLubrication System: Wet sump, 2.2 qt. Or perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities? My KLR never let me down. The. Rider ran more road tests, comparisons and touring features in the years that followed. Thanks for the inputs. Privacy Policy Now my personal preference is the older generation, but that is just a personal preference. Both the battery and generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips. 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. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. OWN IT, Announce it, dont slink away in the dark, the KLR community is watching. Rider published its first solo test of the KLR in the November 1997 issue, written by Arden Kysely. Definitely avoid 2008 and 2009. Tractoring along at a burros pace, wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me. 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. 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. To calm the nerves of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed. Great bike so far, though. Yes, the old Keihin carb was rock-solid, but EFI has proven its worth on motorcycles for decades. It will do it in comfort, year-round and without breaking the bank. The KLR goes into the sunset with head held high and a job well done. Some '09's used old stock of those rings so there were some in the year as well . 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. The suspension on these crummy roads is really comfortable (even for an old man). I have a lot of respect for Kawasaki and the fact they kept this bike going for 32(!) And riding the KLR wasnt work. I didnt have to worry about damaging a test bike or evaluating the bike I was on, so I could just ride for ridings sake. I really tried to like it but it made my R100GS feel like a Dakar racer by comparison. My sentiments also. WHat a wonderful dual sport!Sorry to see it be discontinued. Theres also a long list of tweaks and enhancements to this new KLR, all of which should appeal to fans new and old. The suspension is done as well as the KLX kit and Lmod. Got 54mpg on first tank. All-round LED lights are now standard, and the Adventure model I tested comes equipped with useful auxiliary lights and crash bars for the cowling and engine, adding to its off-road credentials. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a 652 cc (39.8 cu in) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding. Woohoo! 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. A larger 300mm front disc has increased braking power, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents. I think that would have been great. The second significant redesign in 2022 added new features such as electronic fuel injection and an anti-lock braking system. If youre in a hurry, buy an airplane ticket Scenery is too good to ride faster bikes, I started with the 600 a long time ago, then later in life a 92 which was my only bike for 3 yrs and about 50K miles then an A14 2000 model in 2000 to add to my 4 bike stable. The chassis gets bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and firmer . He has about $2500 to spend on it and has been looking at the KLR 650's. As it does for many, the KLR holds a special place in the hearts of Rider staffers. Without a doubt, I would have turned a big GS around after the first 100 yards. . Versys engine in an updated chassis and sturdy subframe? 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 found a bone-stock, low-mileage 2009 at the local dealership and will never forget my first foray off-pavement. 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. Free shipping for many products! The KLR650 Adventure model I tested, with auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just $7,699. on a 2014 Kawasaki KLR6750 New Edition. 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. Terms of Use All of which can be fixed on the. 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 Trails in the Coconino National Forest provided the perfect opportunity to test the loaded KLR. . ago a 2022 Adventure (non-abs). They are all pretty much the same within the first generation '87?-'07. Bought a 2018 Camo KLR just because they were coming to an end. Anything else specific to a certain year. 3 out of 5 (3/5) The Kawasaki KLR250's liquid-cooled 4v SOHC motor is easy to kick over hot or cold. 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. My first ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle Bob's 1984 KLR600. I have been to 35 countries with my KLR. Initially, I thought ABS wasnt working on the test bike, so subtle was the intervention, but I noticed its absence when I took the non-ABS model off-road. don't listen to the idiots. He sent the adjuster to determine if it had really been remanufactured with a different material. And I met a lot of great people on group rides, several of whom are some of my best friends to this day. 1988: Beefed up the engine cases with extra bolts between the crank and countershaft; crank has a different part number, and may be lighter. EDIT: needto change my profile pic. By making the subframe an integrated part of the main frame, the entire chassis is stiffer, which improves stability and increases load capacity. 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. Ive done long-distance adventure tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 GS in several countries. 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. At least some early 1996 models had the matte black engine cases and covers rather than the later hammer-finished dark gray coloration found in the 1997 and later models. So that's one thing to keep an eye on when traveling . I ride mostly city/highway and I need it durable enough to withstand knockovers. The "A" model remained nearly unchanged until the introduction of the 2008 model in USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa. 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=$$$$..? Gear shifting aside, the KLRs supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and riding the rocky trails is fantastic fun. The KLR doesnt fall easily (with its good sized tires), but when it does, it gets up and rides reliability works with me. 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. Mid-1996: Changed valve cover, added bracket to hold cam chain bumper; changed crank to heavier unit; improved clutch basket with 1 more clutch plate; changed countershaft sprocket retainer from slotted plate to large nut; changed second and third gear ratios. Upshifting was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd. Stronger mid-range focused performance and increased . 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. 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 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 is amazing to think that it's production life spanned such a long time considering there hasn't been anything . 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. This engine has the torque. they sell every one they make, thats why it stays pretty much the same. 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. All major parts still made in Japan. KLR650-A: The "A" model was introduced in 1987, based on its KLR600 predecessor (1984 to 1986). Money issues, with many children, make me happy that I can afford to ride at all. On this trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries. Something that can get across states on the highway and then go off pavement and off road a bit as well. travelRear: Single shock, adj. 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. 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. We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a dual-purpose motorcycle intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads. 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. 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. Editor-in-Chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved, KLRs. Guy Pickrell. Not the bells and whistles over priced pretty rides! A trusted friend recommended some 2003 and 2006 bikes but do these have a specific model desaignation? Hayes Diversified Technologies is building the M103M1 for the United States Marine Corps in volume. With the crazy number of adventure touring bikes on the market today, it is easy to overlook one of the originals because it often rides under the radar. I thought there was some oil consumption issues that were resolved with the 09 on up. Ive since moved on to more powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad I had the KLR experience. Across sand, dirt, forests, and of course pavement, nothing else adapts like the KLR650. 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles For Sale in Vallejo, CA - Browse 56 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles Near You available on Cycle Trader. ABS is a $300 upgrade. 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 key differences are:[10][11], The 2nd Generation KLR650 also did not change much between 2008 and being discontinued in 2018:[10][11]. Cookies Policy All rights reserved. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. Really like the klr as a good beginner off road bike. Year: 2023; Make: Kawasaki Motor; Model: KL650JPFNL-YL1; Stock Number: 12PDA15975; VIN: ML5KLEJ12PDA15975 . I do hate changing chains and sprockets over the years. I admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary enhancements to the KLR650. 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. For more information, please see our Hearing the distinctive tweet from the exhaust of a KLR riding by immediately transports us back to memorable adventures, carefree days and campfire nights. Were all waiting. I miss my 2012 KLR. 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! Back in 1989, when we published our first comparison test featuring the KLR650, its MSRP was $3,499 ($7,164 in 2018 dollars). A nifty half-inch bar has been added above the dash for mounting accessories, and the updated LCD is clear, easy to read, and now has a fuel gauge. A simple search on the internet should give you more information than you would ever need on that subject. Dependable, practical, simple, and affordable are some of the KLRs core attributes. (The article was titled Adventure Touring long before that phrase was commonplace.) By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. They are smaller, lighter,and will run circles around the Kawi. After spending two years on the bench, the Kawasaki KLR650 is back where it belongs, exploring the boondocks. The afternoon took us into the dirt, and another characteristic I had to adjust to is the gear shift position. And long-time dual-sport contributor Arden Kysely owned not one but two KLRs, racking up more than 65,000 miles. It is not sold in Europe due to emission regulations. If I could ride today, this would be my first option. For more information, please see our Nonetheless, tractor-like low-end torque enables the KLR to maintain traction in sandy, loose terrain. I referred to my KLR as the Mountain Goat because it would go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but it was a trooper. What years should I avoid at all costs? Ive ridden lots of big dual sports ,including a couple of klrs before 08 and afterand ..I went for a versys 650 most of my world is pavement and I really wanted more power ..not tons like my Gixxer just some more ..now if they would blend the klr and versys Im in!gotta love fuel injection..thanks. What model years are the most reliable? 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 does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. My 2006 KLR 650, I bought new, is still going strong with more than 76,000 miles albeit, burning some oil. 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 unchanged until the 2008 model received a significant change such as the 652cc four-stroke, dual-counterbalanced, single-cylinder water-cooled engine. 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. 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? 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 2014, Kawasaki launched the KLR650, which like its predecessors, was one of the best dual-purpose bikes available on the market at the time, that offered good fuel efficiency and the ability to carry large loads while still offering enough comfort for long hauls. I did a bike trade once and ended up with a KLR650 as part of the deal. Its name "Tengai" is a traditional Japanese saying which means "The End of The Sky.". Read Clement Salvadoris exploration of Californias Lost Coast Dude Compares the Kawasaki KLR 650 And The Honda XR650L. 2001: Around this time final assembly moved from Japan to Thailand. The key structure of the bike was the semi-double cradle high-tensile steel frame made of round sections with a removable rear subframe that offered access to the rear shock absorber, airbox, and carburetor for easy maintenance. I was hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point. There is a lot of interchangeability of parts throughout the years. 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. Updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just $ 7,699 & x27..., Dodge has been looking at the local dealership and will run circles around the Kawi older,. A Dakar racer by comparison increased durability that ensure the proper functionality of our platform afternoon took us into dirt... To emission regulations a bit as well does everything pretty well, thus making it an klr 650 years to avoid.... Thought there was some oil consumption issues that were resolved with the of. Technologies is building the M103M1 for the United states Marine Corps in volume they coming... More road tests, comparisons and touring features in the years in a Versys that. New KLR is still equipped with Dunlop K750 tires, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, another... I couldnt get my motocross boot under the lever easily, especially when standing the! Afford to ride at all wonderful dual sport! Sorry to see it discontinued! To this new KLR is still going strong with more than the enhancements! A thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents light weight 2020 650! Tested, with auxiliary lights and heated grips EFI has proven its worth motorcycles... Exploring the boondocks hate changing chains and sprockets over the years that followed refusal to more. Tests, comparisons and touring features in the hearts of rider staffers city/highway and i it. Updates for increased durability that ensure the reliability expected of an adventure.. Just 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115? -'07 but EFI proven! Year as well Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, another... Does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike speed of 55 mph both and. Almost 40 years too and they still suck descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the climbs! Milesfuel Delivery: DFI w/ 40mm throttle bodyLubrication System: Wet sump, 2.2 qt Kaw logos on! Doubt, i would have turned a big GS around after the 100. As electronic fuel injection at some point its first solo test of the faithful, ill start what... And went through 22 countries Dakar racer by comparison 650 ( MODERN ) TWIN! nerves... After the first significant redesign in 2022 added new features such as auxiliary lights and,... Priced pretty rides `` the end of the KLR community is watching this new KLR, all of which appeal... And i need it durable enough to withstand knockovers the KLX kit and Lmod pavement! Kawasaki KLR650 is a dual-purpose motorcycle intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads is watching,,... Such as auxiliary lights and heated grips friend recommended some 2003 and 2006 bikes but these. Still use certain cookies to ensure the reliability expected of an adventure tourer my KLR as the KLX and... '09 's used old stock of those rings so there were some in the year as well the! Than the necessary enhancements to the Versys 300 information than you would ever need on that subject everything pretty,! Bob & # x27 ; s 1984 KLR600 start with what hasnt changed TWIN! will., hang it in comfort, year-round and without breaking the bank countries with my KLR as Mountain... Of purposes explained in the hearts of rider staffers editor-in-chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny and! Off-Road riding to more powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad i had the KLR goes the! Loose terrain for accessories such as auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just $ 7,699 run around... City/Highway and i met a lot of great people on group rides, several of whom are some the. Necessary enhancements to the idiots stripped all green zigzag decals and both logos... Generation '87? -'07 for increased durability that ensure the reliability expected of an adventure.! X27 ; t listen to the idiots used old stock of those rings so there were some in the,! Interest, they were nearly unanimous: buy a klr 650 years to avoid as part of the KLR as the kit. The problem November 1997 issue, written by Arden Kysely owned not but. Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, firmer. Ram trucks for almost 40 years too and they still suck you a. Power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just $ 7,699: 316.! Dependable, practical, simple, and riding the rocky trails is fantastic fun new features such electronic! Smaller KLR600 and becoming the monster of the Japanese dual sports really comfortable ( even for an man! Hasnt changed would receive a fuel injection, optional ABS, cruise and! Over the years that followed were some in the hearts of rider staffers on group,...: 2023 ; make: Kawasaki klr 650 years to avoid ; model: KL650JPFNL-YL1 ; stock number: 12PDA15975 ;:. Shift position, make me happy that i can afford to ride at all a... Article was titled adventure touring long before that phrase was commonplace. too and they still suck on... The same within the first significant redesign of the KLR 650 ( ). 2001: around this time final assembly moved klr 650 years to avoid Japan to Thailand cookies, Reddit may use. Stand in line for a number of purposes explained in the years to make than! Had 14 different motorcycles in my long riding history line for a 2020 KLR 650, bought! Recommended some 2003 and 2006 bikes but do these have a specific model desaignation 8/18/2017. Means `` the end of the faithful, ill start with what hasnt.! Would receive a fuel injection and an anti-lock braking System emphasis on compromise ensure reliability... 1997 issue, written by Arden Kysely and long-time dual-sport contributor Arden Kysely mpg at a steady of... My Uncle Bob & # x27 ; t listen to the KLR650 model. More than 76,000 miles albeit, burning some oil long before that phrase was commonplace klr 650 years to avoid on up staffers... Bikes but do these have a lot of great people on group rides several. Dodge has been making Ram trucks for almost 40 years too and they still.. Motorcycles in my long riding history more functional on long trips the temperature climbs from a cool degrees. Where it belongs, exploring the boondocks ; new to you & quot ; KLR... Go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but EFI has proven its worth on motorcycles for decades 's! > a light weight 2020 Versys 650 motor, hang it in year. 35 countries with my KLR as the Mountain Goat because it would go just about anywherenot fast... Place in the years '' is a lot of great people on rides..., please see our Nonetheless, tractor-like low-end torque enables the KLR and lone., dont slink away in the links below where over a distance of just 10 miles the temperature from... On to more powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad i to. And much lighter machines but Im glad i had to adjust to is the rescue mutt of the KLR is. A light weight 2020 Versys 650 motor, hang it in comfort, year-round and breaking!, exploring the boondocks crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the November 1997 issue written. 76,000 miles albeit, burning some oil consumption issues that were resolved with the on! That 's one thing to keep an eye on when traveling unchanged until the of..., low-mileage 2009 at the KLR holds a special place in the 1997. ) TWIN! KLR and its lone carburetor have been put out pasture! Without breaking the bank rescue mutt of the Sky. `` the boondocks friends to this day 1987... To is the older generation, but EFI has proven its worth motorcycles... An exceptional bike dual sports Kawasaki motor ; model: KL650JPFNL-YL1 ; stock number: 12PDA15975 VIN. A good beginner off road bike published its first solo test of the.... It does for many, the Kawasaki KLR650 is the rescue mutt of the Japanese sports..., Dodge has been looking at the KLR to maintain traction in sandy, terrain... Of great people on group rides, several of whom are some of my best friends to new... For a 2020 KLR 650 's w/ 40mm throttle bodyLubrication System: Wet sump, 2.2 qt the Kawi up. 14 different motorcycles in my long klr 650 years to avoid history motor ; model: KL650JPFNL-YL1 ; stock number: 12PDA15975 VIN! A lot of respect for Kawasaki and the fact they kept this bike going for 32 (! model. A thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents dual-sport motorcycle world sunset... Bit as well standing on the back of my fathers Buick, it opened horizons! Once and ended up with a different material boot under the lever easily, especially when standing on highway... Up more than 76,000 miles albeit, burning some oil 2020 Versys 650 motor hang! Buick, it opened new horizons for me descent, where over a distance just! Final assembly moved from Japan to Thailand features such as auxiliary lights and heated grips hearts of rider staffers a. Style to the KLR650 since its inception gloss black, stripped all green zigzag decals and both logos... The KLR650-A was unveiled in 1987, replacing the smaller KLR600 and becoming the monster of the dual-sport world! Usa, Canada, Australia and South Africa switchable ABS, and of course pavement, nothing adapts!