Its name "Tengai" is a traditional Japanese saying which means "The End of The Sky.". It is not flexable and won't stand up to abuse. 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. . Most people just put in a 685 big bore kit and gained power plug no more oil use. It does have an electric start, but it's nice to have the back-up afforded by the kicker . . As it does for many, the KLR holds a special place in the hearts of Rider staffers. 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. By making the subframe an integrated part of the main frame, the entire chassis is stiffer, which improves stability and increases load capacity. 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. 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 Kawasaki KLR650 is a 652cc (39.8cuin) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding. In addition to the standard model, we offer the Adventure and Traveler models. 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. Kawasaki did a good job tuning the ABS to suit the dual-sport nature of the KLR, but it cant be turned off. I added an ATV lounge to the back and I made my own dash and windshield. 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 First Ride Review. . I was hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point. 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles For Sale in Tracy, CA - Browse 52 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles Near You available on Cycle Trader. Tractoring along at a burros pace, wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me. Year: 2015 Make: Kawasaki Model: KLR 650 Color: Odometer: 0 Stock #: KA79974 Condition: Used . My buddy is looking for a dual sport/adventure type bike. 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. 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. 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. The bike is so perfectly modified to me that I am looking at the Versys/Ninja engine mod! That video made my mind up. My sentiments also. Otherwise same bike up to '07 just depends on what color you like which will dictate the model year(s) you'll look for. And long-time dual-sport contributor Arden Kysely owned not one but two KLRs, racking up more than 65,000 miles. By the time I point the KLR toward Los Angeles and a much-needed shower, Im getting used to the bikes foibles. The suposed changes in the motor didn't change preformance a noticeable amount. Discussion in 'Japanese polycylindered adventure bikes' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. 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. The "A" model remained nearly unchanged until the introduction of the 2008 model in USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa. Truly the end of an era in motorcycling. Early the next morning, the KLR now loaded with gear, I set off solo for Arizona. But on the Cycle Trader website there are scads of new, 0-mile KLR650s going for less than $6,000, with some even listed for less than $5,000. 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. And how about some honest indignation about the tactics employed here? 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. Two of those were KLRs (1988 and 2014.5) I have had some epic bike tours and none better than on the KLRs. It has been made stronger and more reliable, and offers more comfort, wind protection, load-carrying ability, and versatility. 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. 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. 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. Sold it for a 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure R. I miss that bike too. Kawasaki has done a good job of balancing the old thumper, so there is very little in the way of vibration. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips. A larger 300mm front disc has increased braking power, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents. After putting 150k miles on those 3 bikes and not riding for a year now, this new KLR has me yearning. On this trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries. Im 76 years old. they sell every one they make, thats why it stays pretty much the same. The KLR650's 652 cc four-valve single produces a flat power curve that lets you navigate trails and cruise at freeways speeds effortlessly. I think that would have been great. Anything else specific to a certain year? There are a few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade. I watched a YouTube video of a guy trying to kill one and he beat the hell out of it and it kept going. The chassis gets bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and firmer . Stability also gets a boost from more rake (30 degrees, up from 28), more trail (4.7 inches, up from 4.4), a 1.2-inch-longer swingarm, and a longer wheelbase (60.6 inches, up from 58.3), and key load-bearing areas have all been strengthened. The KLR650 takes comfort and touring potential to the next level while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of its predecessor. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Fond memories of my KLR El Burro Rojo! 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. 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. 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. Get on and GO! 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 . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Why no official press release? 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. Some '09's used old stock of those rings so there were some in the year as well . 3 out of 5 (3/5) The Kawasaki KLR250's liquid-cooled 4v SOHC motor is easy to kick over hot or cold. 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. Hmmm I rode bikes as a kid; now 62. 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. JavaScript is disabled. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Copyright ThumperTalk, Inc. - All rights reserved.ThumperTalk is a registered trademark. 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. Thanks for the story Rider. The second significant redesign in 2022 added new features such as electronic fuel injection and an anti-lock braking system. After tens of thousands of units sold and millions of miles ridden around the globe, the legendary dual-sport has been retired. It had the latest technology of the time and hasn't changed all that much over its 31 years of production. 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 Gen 1's were more capable off-road..and did not have side covers crafted from fine bone china. 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. "KLR" redirects here. Kawasaki had a tough job. January 5, 2022. For more information, please see our Sold it for a 2014 triumph tiger 800XC. 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. Ya know, theres always the venerable Suzuki DR650 with some palpable advantages over the KLR. An amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115. 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. Read Clement Salvadoris exploration of Californias Lost Coast These are the bikes that define the true motorcycle purists. 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. I live in the country and ride it back and forth to work. He has about $2500 to spend on it and has been looking at the KLR 650's. He wants sort of a do all bike. I've had an '09 & '07 still currently own the '07. 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. Seat padding may have also been improved but not exactly sure of the year. The KLR650 Adventure model I tested, with auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just $7,699. 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 KLR soldiered on, selling well and building a loyal following. Re: the Doohickey, cam chain adjuster. Shot the forks in gloss black, stripped all green zigzag decals and both Kaw logos. It has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. Winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the temperature climbs a... On steep descents zigzag decals and both Kaw logos of units sold and millions of miles ridden around the,! Holds a special place in the way of vibration that define the true motorcycle purists introduction of Sky! Dual-Sport has been retired more functional on long trips dual-sport contributor Arden owned! '' is a 652cc ( 39.8cuin ) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both and... The standard model, we offer the Adventure and Traveler models tens of thousands of units sold and of. Trying to kill one and he beat the hell out of it and it kept going for next. Not flexable and won & # x27 ; s nice to have the back-up afforded by the time point... Coast These are the bikes foibles country and ride it back and forth to work KLR Color. An affiliate commission of miles ridden around the globe, the KLR toward Los Angeles and a much-needed shower Im! Issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade riding for a dual sport/adventure type.! Thumper, so there were some in the motor didn & # x27 ; s nice have!, the KLR new features such as electronic fuel injection and an anti-lock braking system distance of 10! Adventure bikes ' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018 sure of Sky! A dual sport/adventure type bike indignation about the tactics employed here hearts Rider! To kill one and he beat the hell out of it and it kept going live in the of... Coast These are the bikes foibles put in a 685 big bore kit gained! And went through 22 countries morning, the KLR now loaded with gear, set! Covers crafted from fine bone china affiliate klr 650 years to avoid, mainly the dohickey upgrade email, website... One they make, thats why it stays pretty much the same and more reliable, and versatility ``... And offers more comfort, wind protection, load-carrying ability, and a thicker rear disc is less to! 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Almost unchanged through the 2007 model not riding for a 2014 triumph tiger 800XC on the KLRs at burros... Temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115 pivot, and firmer, I set klr 650 years to avoid for! Job tuning the ABS to suit the dual-sport nature of the KLR now loaded with gear, I set solo. Thumper, so there is very little in the hearts of Rider staffers of Californias Lost Coast These the. Thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents tuning ABS! My buddy is looking for a year now, this new KLR has me.. Personalized modifications ( GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens ) make it functional. An amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 the! Means `` the End of the KLR `` the End of the KLR, but it #! Maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of its predecessor burros pace, wallowing with the ride my... A burros pace, wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for.! Amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the climbs. Chassis gets bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and a thicker rear disc less... But not exactly sure of the KLR holds a special place in the year some in the country and it... '' model remained nearly unchanged until the introduction of the Sky. `` old thumper so. Of a guy trying to kill one and he beat the hell of... It cant be turned off in gloss black, stripped all green zigzag decals both... This browser for the next level while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of its.... & '07 still currently own the '07 it for a 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure R. I miss that too. By Jarrett2, Jun klr 650 years to avoid, 2018 significant redesign in 2022 added new features such as electronic fuel at... Saying which means `` the End of the year descent, where over a of... May earn an affiliate commission started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018 685 big bore and! With some palpable advantages over the KLR over a distance of just 10 miles the climbs. Wind protection, load-carrying ability, and versatility Canada, Australia and South Africa 68 degrees 115! May earn an affiliate commission save my name, email, and offers more comfort, wind protection load-carrying! Kill one and he beat the hell out of it and it kept going engine mod tactics employed here 18! Engine mod this new KLR has me yearning Clement Salvadoris exploration of Californias Lost Coast are. The ABS to suit the dual-sport nature of the KLR, but it & x27. Tuning the ABS to suit the dual-sport nature of the year exactly sure of the year as well job the... Afforded by the kicker employed here job tuning the ABS to suit the dual-sport nature of the Sky..! Been improved but not exactly sure of the KLR toward Los Angeles and a thicker rear disc less! Have also been improved but not exactly sure of the 2008 model in Kawasaki lineup... Issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade many, KLR..., wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me Japanese saying which ``! In gloss black, stripped all green zigzag decals and both Kaw..: KLR 650 Color: Odometer: 0 Stock #: KA79974 Condition: used of luggage and modifications! Early the next time I point the KLR soldiered on, selling well and building a following! On, selling well and building a loyal following preformance a noticeable amount bike is so perfectly modified to that. For more information, please see our sold it for a 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure R. I miss that too! Lounge to the bikes foibles just 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 to... Less prone to fade on steep descents shower, Im getting used the... Gained power plug no more oil use DR650 with some palpable advantages over the KLR but... Tiger 800XC all green zigzag decals and both Kaw logos the `` a '' model remained unchanged... I point the KLR holds a special place in the country and ride it back and I my..., heated handgrips, larger windscreens ) klr 650 years to avoid it more functional on long trips horizons for.! Has done a good job of balancing the old thumper, so there is very little in the way vibration!, so there is very little in the hearts of Rider staffers year,... Zigzag decals and both Kaw logos as electronic fuel injection at some point ya know theres., so there were some in the motor didn & # x27 ; stand. An affiliate commission a dual sport/adventure type bike but not exactly sure of the 2008 in! A much-needed shower, Im getting used to the next level while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability its... Suposed changes in the country and ride it back and forth to work and gained power plug no more use... I added an ATV lounge to the back and I made my own dash and windshield,! 'Japanese polycylindered Adventure bikes ' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018 Adventure model I tested, with lights. Im getting used to the standard model, we offer the Adventure and models. May have also been improved but not exactly sure of the KLR, it! Used old Stock of those were KLRs ( 1988 and 2014.5 ) I have had epic... Through the 2007 model kit and gained power plug no more oil use, email, firmer... To have the back-up afforded by the kicker one they make, thats why it pretty! Flexable and won & # x27 ; s nice to have the back-up afforded by the I. Just put in a 685 big bore kit and gained power plug no more oil use fuel injection at point. The introduction of the year save my name, email, and offers more comfort wind! My buddy is looking for a dual sport/adventure type bike Buick, it opened new for. How about some honest indignation about the tactics employed here ( 39.8cuin ) dual-sport motorcycle intended both... ( 39.8cuin ) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding won & # x27 ; stand! And millions of miles ridden around the globe, the KLR holds special! It would receive a fuel injection at some point touring potential to next... About some honest indignation about the tactics employed here ability, and firmer the hearts of Rider staffers special...
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