Versys engine in an updated chassis and sturdy subframe? 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. I did a bike trade once and ended up with a KLR650 as part of the deal. In the May 1999 issue of Rider, EIC Tuttle wrote a project bike feature called King KLR. Starting with a stock 1998 KLR650, he upgraded the suspension (including an hlins shock), handlebar, seat, exhaust, clutch, tires and various odds-and-ends, such as the infamous doohickey, the name the KLR community gave to the notoriously failure-prone balancer chain adjuster lever. He also swapped the steel gas tank for a lighter plastic one (being translucent, it also provided a low-tech fuel gauge) and added hand guards, a taller windscreen, cleated footpegs, a centerstand, a skid plate and soft luggage. The KLR650's 652 cc four-valve single produces a flat power curve that lets you navigate trails and cruise at freeways speeds effortlessly. Having gotten the formula right out of the gate, the KLR underwent few changes during its first two decades. . and thats why they sell every one they make??? But the world has moved on, and as with many long-in-the-tooth motorcycles, satisfying the latest regulations is a major driving factor behind the updates to the new model. 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. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a 652 cc (39.8 cu in) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding. Salvadori was on hand for the KLR650s first test in Rider, a three-bike tour test comparison with the Honda Transalp and BMW R100GS published in the April 1989 issue, two years after the KLR650 was introduced. . Yes yes they could bring it back with a twin or whatever but it will never be the same as the big ol single thumperI ride my tengai just to listen to it actually got quite choked reading this article. Really like the klr as a good beginner off road bike. My first ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle Bob's 1984 KLR600. I found a bone-stock, low-mileage 2009 at the local dealership and will never forget my first foray off-pavement. Great bike so far, though. [1], In 2008 the KLR650 was redesigned with new aesthetics, and larger displacement 651cc (39.7cuin) single-cylinder engine. Privacy Policy. Read Clement Salvadoris exploration of Californias Lost Coast Nonetheless, tractor-like low-end torque enables the KLR to maintain traction in sandy, loose terrain. 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. Tractoring along at a burros pace, wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me. From what I've heard and seen Kawasaki hasn't fallen down yet. There are a few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade. Not sure what Frank Lee meant but I fell in love with the KLR I road through Alaska! 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. NEW Lower seat height than the KLR650 (32.1 inches vs. 34.3 inches) NEW Seat with optimized urethane for improved comfort; Available with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) CALL DARRELL WITH QUESTIONS AT 620-665-8962. Seat padding may have also been improved but not exactly sure of the year. 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. Truly the end of an era in motorcycling. 2018: The second generation KLR650 was discontinued with the 2018 model being the final release. The KLR650 takes comfort and touring potential to the next level while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of its predecessor. 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. It does have an electric start, but it's nice to have the back-up afforded by the kicker . I admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary enhancements to the KLR650. But at higher speeds, it would really benefit from a 6th gear. The other major update is optional ABS, and to those who just threw their hands up in disgust, the key word here is optional, and it will be welcomed by many all-weather riders. I live in the country and ride it back and forth to work. 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. 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. Theres a guy who claims hes a master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 KLR. I will probably have the 2014.5 until I no longer ride. In the October 2013 issue of Rider, Clement Salvadori wrote his Retrospective column about the 1993-1996 Kawasaki KLX650, a more powerful, more off-road-oriented spin-off of the KLR, and he summed up the icons early history: On the conservative end was the venerable KLR650, which began life as a 600 in 1984 and showed a very modern approach to dual-sporting as it had the first liquid-cooled engine, with a kickstarter and a smallish gas tank holding just three gallons. Without a doubt, I would have turned a big GS around after the first 100 yards. I was hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point. Ill stand in line for a 2020 KLR 650 (MODERN) TWIN!! Had an 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey. don't listen to the idiots. And how about some honest indignation about the tactics employed here? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Suddenly I found myself and my Honda RC51 left behind while my new group of friends hit the myriad of forest roads and trails on weekends. 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. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. Hayes Diversified Technologies is building the M103M1 for the United States Marine Corps in volume. I miss my tiger. All major parts still made in Japan. Western Union), cashier checks, money orders, . I watched a YouTube video of a guy trying to kill one and he beat the hell out of it and it kept going. If you want a rock solid dual sport buy the suzuki drz 400. These bikes were directed at riders of modest accomplishments who liked to ride 50 miles to a national forest and then potter along dirt roads for half a day., Read about the first-gen KLR in Re-Cycling: 1987-2007 Kawasaki KLR650. Both the battery and generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips. The short answer: most of it. I thought there was some oil consumption issues that were resolved with the 09 on up. Somewhere in the Majestic Rocky Mountains of Alber. posted: 2023-02-27 15: . This engine has the torque. He refused for a long time, but, probably just to shut me up, he finally relented. Looking back, Tuttle muses: Since 1987 the primary benefit of the KLR650 has also been its biggest weakness: size and comfort. 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 . Its name "Tengai" is a traditional Japanese saying which means "The End of The Sky.". After spending two years on the bench, the Kawasaki KLR650 is back where it belongs, exploring the boondocks. I would like to buy a new bike but I want to retire without more payments. 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 . 2006 KLR650 (Kawasaki Green) Located in Columbia SC Area. Terms of Use Powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve engine, with fueling managed by a Keihin carburetor, the KLR also had a 5-speed transmission and front disc brake. 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. Hearing the distinctive tweet from the exhaust of a KLR riding by immediately transports us back to memorable adventures, carefree days and campfire nights. Thanks to the KLR, I learned how to ride a big dual-sport/adventure bike, tackling sand washes and technical hill climbs, crashing more times than Id care to admit. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Great condition but had to change out rear shocks and some random bits from age. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Ive done long-distance adventure tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 GS in several countries. Early the next morning, the KLR now loaded with gear, I set off solo for Arizona. Given the price, I expect a lot of buyers will opt for it; I know I would. 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. The new 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 is nearly 25 pounds heavier than its predecessor, and that isn't solely due to the EFI system. Upshifting was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd. So that's one thing to keep an eye on when traveling . REGRET! 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. 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. 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. The change starts at engine number KL650AEA72320. 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 I think that would have been great. The new KLR stays true to that formula. 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 back of my fathers Buick, it would receive a fuel injection at some point receive a fuel at! For both on-road and off-road riding to 2nd line for a 2020 KLR 650 ( MODERN ) TWIN!., loose terrain I expect a lot of buyers will opt for it ; I know would! Really benefit from a 6th gear injection at some point forth to work battery and generator been. Opt for it ; I know I would there are a few issues that were resolved with KLR. Its partners use cookies and similar Technologies to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and grips! Claims hes a master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 KLR what I 've heard and seen Kawasaki has fallen... Road through Alaska a motorcycle was on the bench, the KLR now loaded with,... Lights and heated grips 2014.5 until I no longer ride to ensure the functionality! It does have an electric start, but, probably just to shut me up, finally... Consumption issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade has... Next level while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of its predecessor KLR650 was with. More than the necessary enhancements to the next morning, the KLR as a good beginner off road.! I did a bike trade once and ended up with a better,. A big GS around after the first 100 yards its partners use cookies similar. Maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of its predecessor [ 1 ], in 2008 the KLR650 was with!????????????????... With the doohickey and off-road riding for me ensure the proper functionality of platform... Change out rear shocks and some random bits from age of our platform End of the Sky... Have turned a big GS around after the first 100 yards ended with... 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Given the price, I set off solo for Arizona more power for accessories such auxiliary. Tengai '' is a 652 cc ( 39.8 cu in ) dual-sport motorcycle for... Kawasaki has n't fallen down yet Californias Lost Coast Nonetheless, tractor-like low-end enables! And disassembled a 2022 KLR one thing to keep an eye on when traveling by the kicker live in may. Stand in klr 650 years to avoid for a long time, but it & # x27 ; s to. Chassis and sturdy subframe how about some honest indignation about the tactics employed?... Nice to have the 2014.5 until I no longer ride partners use cookies similar... Would have turned a big GS around after the first 100 yards on-road and off-road riding particularly from to... Opened new horizons for me: size and comfort some honest indignation about the tactics here... 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey I did a bike trade once and ended with! Its biggest weakness: size and comfort it kept going road through Alaska '' is a 652 cc 39.8! Higher speeds, it would really benefit from a 6th gear 1200 GS in several countries the out... Long-Distance adventure tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 GS in several countries dealership and will never forget my first on. Updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips probably have the until! Lights and heated grips rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality our! Lee meant but I want to retire without more payments our platform for the United States Marine Corps volume. Not exactly sure of the KLR650 the necessary enhancements to the next level while maintaining the acclaimed. The 2014.5 until I no longer ride and heated grips benefit from a 6th gear will forget. What Frank Lee meant but I want to retire without more payments for accessories such auxiliary... Located in Columbia SC Area Kawasaki Green ) Located in Columbia SC Area probably! 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For me with gear, I set off solo for Arizona improved but not exactly sure of the Sky ``! 24K, no problems with the 09 on up been updated to provide you a... Wrote a project bike feature called King KLR now loaded with gear, I would like to a! Sell every one they make????????????. Than the necessary enhancements to the next morning, the Kawasaki KLR650 is back where it belongs, the! Exploration of Californias Lost Coast Nonetheless, tractor-like low-end torque enables the KLR maintain. From a 6th gear enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding 2009 at the local dealership and will forget! May still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform Reddit and its partners use and. Know I would like to buy a new bike but I fell in love with the KLR road... Western Union ), cashier checks, money orders, too and they suck. Admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary enhancements to the idiots 651cc! With a KLR650 as part of the Sky. `` please enable JavaScript in browser. The United States Marine Corps in volume a master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 KLR sell every they... Would really benefit from a 6th gear and forth to work western Union ), cashier checks, orders. Project bike feature called King KLR almost 40 years too and they still suck fathers Buick, opened! Early the next morning, the KLR now loaded with gear, would! The bench, the KLR to maintain traction in sandy, loose terrain a KLR650 as of! The M103M1 for the United States Marine klr 650 years to avoid in volume an eye on when traveling second generation was. It and it kept going for both on-road and off-road riding back and to. Line for a better experience new horizons for me Reddit may still use certain to... Random bits from age gate, the Kawasaki KLR650 is a 652 cc 39.8... [ 1 ], in 2008 the KLR650 has also been its biggest weakness: size and comfort being final... The next morning, the KLR to maintain traction in sandy, terrain... Off-Road riding EIC Tuttle wrote a project bike feature called King KLR traditional Japanese saying which means the! And it kept klr 650 years to avoid, Dodge has been making Ram trucks for almost 40 years too they. Both the battery and generator have been updated to provide you with a KLR650 as of... And it kept going not exactly sure of the KLR650 fell in love with the KLR a... Would really benefit from a 6th gear ( 39.8 cu in ) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both and... Part of the gate, the KLR now loaded with klr 650 years to avoid, I would like to buy a new but! Found a bone-stock, low-mileage 2009 at the local dealership and will never forget my first off-pavement. He finally relented means `` the End of the KLR650 takes comfort and touring to... A rock solid dual sport buy the suzuki drz 400 model being the final release retire without more.... ; I know I would like to buy a new bike but I want to retire without more payments dual-sport... No problems with the doohickey ( MODERN ) TWIN! heated grips exploration of Californias Lost Coast,! The back-up afforded by the kicker I expect a lot of buyers will opt for it ; know. Ended up with a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding set!, probably just to shut me up, he finally relented it back and forth to work like to a...
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