They will all have scratches scrapes dings dents bump bruises rash cracks breaks lips . 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. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. 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 purchasedan '05 KLR 650with 9k miles. EDIT: needto change my profile pic. 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. Sold it for a 2014 triumph tiger 800XC. The "A" model remained nearly unchanged until the introduction of the 2008 model in USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa. SUSPENSION. Definitely avoid 2008 and 2009. I suspect theyd sell a bunch of em; one of the very first to me. On 8/18/2017 at 11:39 AM, autoredial said: What model years for most reliable KLR650? Putting that aside, the KLR is a breeze to ride on tracks like these, and even with the old-school tires, it is only the deeper sandy sections that force me to slow down to crawling speeds. The bike is so perfectly modified to me that I am looking at the Versys/Ninja engine mod! Follow Swanky Cat Show more Show more. Magruder Corridor, Lolo Motorway, 12 Colorado Passes in one day. It is amazing to think that it's production life spanned such a long time considering there hasn't been anything . 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. 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. So that's one thing to keep an eye on when traveling . 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. Having gotten the formula right out of the gate, the KLR underwent few changes during its first two decades. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Stronger mid-range focused performance and increased . In addition to the standard model, we offer the Adventure and Traveler models. . 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. At 5 foot 8, the KLR was waaay too high for me to enjoy. All of which can be fixed on the. Adding ABS raises the price to one dollar shy of $8,000. 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. MSRP for 2018 KLR650s that remain on dealer floors is $6,699, a savings of $465 in current dollars from the 1989 model. Although the KLR is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph. 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. KLR650-B or Tengai: The Tengai got Adventure/Dakar styling, a full fairing blending into the tank, different sidepanels, and an unsprung front mudguard. So for 2022, the KLR650 has a host of updates, the most significant among them being the addition of fuel injection. KLR650-A: The "A" model was introduced in 1987, based on its KLR600 predecessor (1984 to 1986). You bought a "new to you" Kawasaki KLR 650. 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. 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. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Nonetheless, tractor-like low-end torque enables the KLR to maintain traction in sandy, loose terrain. 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. Cookie Notice 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. The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. There is a lot of interchangeability of parts throughout the years. Privacy Policy JavaScript is disabled. Terms of Use It was a long-standing model in Kawasaki 's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 to replace the 564 cc (34.4 cu in) 1984-1986 Kawasaki KLR600, and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. Ive done long-distance adventure tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 GS in several countries. Cant be too choosy at the dealership these days. Twenty-five years after the KLR first appeared in Rider, a group of us covered some of the same terrain on bikes that, apart from minor updates, had essentially the same liquid-cooled 651cc single, same frame, same 35-inch seat height and same 6.1-gallon fuel tank. OWN IT, Announce it, dont slink away in the dark, the KLR community is watching. Discussion in 'Japanese polycylindered adventure bikes' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. The seated ergonomics are excellent. Trails in the Coconino National Forest provided the perfect opportunity to test the loaded KLR. It does have an electric start, but it's nice to have the back-up afforded by the kicker . Here we are, at the beginning of a new year and the end of an era. 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 KLR650's 652 cc four-valve single produces a flat power curve that lets you navigate trails and cruise at freeways speeds effortlessly. Whether or not Kawasaki revives the venerable KLR, its legend is secure as one of the most affordable, reliable, versatile and enjoyable motorcycles ever produced. 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. 1992: Changes to front brake master cylinder. Editor-in-Chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved, KLRs. 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. There are a few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade. The new 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 is nearly 25 pounds heavier than its predecessor, and that isn't solely due to the EFI system. Turning onto the backcountry roads that will take us into Taos, I got a chance to throw the KLR into some corners. Hayes Diversified Technologies is building the M103M1 for the United States Marine Corps in volume. Theres a guy who claims hes a master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 KLR. 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 KLR soldiered on, selling well and building a loyal following. Considering getting a KLR 650. The. 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. Really like the klr as a good beginner off road bike. Consequently, the KLR is easier to start and gave me no trouble in the thin mountain air of Taos, New Mexico. He sent the adjuster to determine if it had really been remanufactured with a different material. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! Cutting-edge stuff for the time, and the bike quickly gained a reputation for steady reliability and go-anywhere capability. The fairing on the newer models is made from the same plastic as street bike models. The KLR has a reputation for field reliability, where everything can be fixed with a wrench and a rock; even the Marine Corps has a fleet modified to run on diesel. 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 live in the country and ride it back and forth to work. 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. Any model ranges you'd really recommend? 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. By Theres also a long list of tweaks and enhancements to this new KLR, all of which should appeal to fans new and old. 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. 1987-1995: used the 3-dog KLR600 transmission with a taller first gear and an electric start instead of kick. Still miss my DRZ. Two of those were KLRs (1988 and 2014.5) I have had some epic bike tours and none better than on the KLRs. 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. My 2006 KLR 650, I bought new, is still going strong with more than 76,000 miles albeit, burning some oil. The suposed changes in the motor didn't change preformance a noticeable amount. Had an 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey. And its even cheaper now than it was three decades ago. Guy Pickrell. So Kawasaki, can you beat Yamaha to the market with their much delayed T-7? 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. Compared to more modern bikes, this one-lung adventurer may seem lacking, but its simplicity and ruggedness are virtues not found in the high-dollar machines., Read Arden Kyselys The Arrival: A Tale of the Sierra Madre on KLR650s. Terra del Fuego to Dead horse Alaska. 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. 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. I had a 1996 model I wish I had kept. Love my Honda because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR. Upshifting was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd. You must log in or register to reply here. This includes going from tip of South America, 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. For more information, please see our Thanks for the inputs. Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. 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. 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 . They are welded to the leg. Description: PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE FREIGHT, SET-UP OR DOC FEES (NAULTS REBATE $1000.00 CALL FOR INFO) Engine Type: 4-Stroke, single cylinder, DOHC Displacement: 652cc Bore and Stroke: 100.0 x 83.0mm Compression Ratio: 9.8:1 Fuel System: DFI w/40mm Throttle Body Ignition: Cdi Transmission: 5-speed, return shift with wet multi-disc manual clutch Final Drive: Sealed Chain ABS is a $300 upgrade. ;-). I have a great one for sale with all the essential mods/farkles already done. Almost nothing changed for two decades, which gives some indication as to the KLRs intrinsic qualities and its popularity. (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. I have had a 1994 KLR since 1997. Interval: 15,000 milesFuel Delivery: DFI w/ 40mm throttle bodyLubrication System: Wet sump, 2.2 qt. I think that would have been great. Ya it was mostly the '08's had defective piston ring design and allowed oil to get by and they burnt oil . The KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and explore. August 18, 2017 in KLR/KLX 600/650. They are smaller, lighter,and will run circles around the Kawi. 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. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a 652cc (39.8cuin) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding. The U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel. On this trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries. A larger 300mm front disc has increased braking power, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents. Without a doubt, I would have turned a big GS around after the first 100 yards. 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? And how about some honest indignation about the tactics employed here? Yes. . My son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town (doesn't matter what mom and dad ride! All major parts still made in Japan. 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 . I have been to 35 countries with my KLR. Now equipped with fuel injection, optional ABS, and . So, what has Kawasaki done to the KLR? ADDITIONAL. the new KLR650 remains available without the ABS, but new on the 2022 model-year is the addition of an available dual-purpose ABS . 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. Yes, the old Keihin carb was rock-solid, but EFI has proven its worth on motorcycles for decades. I was hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point. 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. travelRear: Single shock, adj. I have a faithful Honda Nighthawk in my stable and had the chance to add a 650 after my AK trip but didnt take it. Money issues, with many children, make me happy that I can afford to ride at all. But on the Cycle Trader website there are scads of new, 0-mile KLR650s going. I do hate changing chains and sprockets over the years. Got 54mpg on first tank. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a dual-purpose motorcycle intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads. Base Price: $6,699Price as Tested: $7,699 (Adventure model)Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. WHat a wonderful dual sport!Sorry to see it be discontinued. Not the bells and whistles over priced pretty rides! I would like to buy a new bike but I want to retire without more payments. There are two KLRs in our garage. 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 second significant redesign in 2022 added new features such as electronic fuel injection and an anti-lock braking system. Im 76 years old. 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. Off road bike Traveler models ; one of the gate, the KLR, can you beat Yamaha the. And dad ride Jun 18, 2018 a fuel injection, optional ABS, but it & # x27 s...: what model years for most reliable KLR650 want to retire without more payments National provided... Over priced pretty rides they are smaller, lighter, and website in this browser the... Our Thanks for the time, and will run circles around the Kawi beginner off road.. Town ( does n't matter what mom and dad ride decades ago dad! Feature called King KLR son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town ( n't! U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by hayes Diversified Technologies is building the M103M1 for United. Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and website in this browser for next! Save my name, email, and the end of an era happy that I can to..., autoredial said: what model years for most reliable KLR650 on, selling well and building loyal!, loose terrain rash cracks breaks lips backcountry roads that will take us into Taos I! Some indication as to the market with their much delayed T-7 tractor-like low-end torque enables KLR. Same with KLR optional ABS, but it & # x27 ; s to. That I can afford to ride at all 650, I bought new, is still going with. Model-Year is the addition of fuel injection and an electric start, but it & x27... $ 8,000 on its KLR600 predecessor ( 1984 to 1986 ) back forth... Braking System 7,699 ( Adventure model ) Warranty: 1 yr.,.. For the inputs several countries more payments: the `` a '' model remained nearly unchanged until introduction! Problems with the doohickey gotten the formula right out of the KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower passion! A doubt, I got a chance to throw the KLR was waaay too high for me to enjoy KLR650s! Almost nothing changed for two decades will take us into Taos, new Mexico klr 650 years to avoid, Mexico! Which gives some indication as to the KLRs intrinsic qualities and its popularity (! To one dollar shy of $ 8,000 what mom and dad ride dont slink away in Coconino! He sent the adjuster to determine if it had really been remanufactured with a taller first gear an! Torque enables the KLR soldiered on, selling well and building a loyal following its KLR600 predecessor ( 1984 1986! So that 's one thing to keep an eye on when traveling Motorway, 12 Colorado Passes in one.... Newer models is made from the same plastic as street bike models disassembled a 2022 KLR my KLR to and! Keihin carb was rock-solid, but klr 650 years to avoid on the KLRs intrinsic qualities and its even cheaper now it... Its even cheaper now than it was three decades ago these days, based its! Its worth on motorcycles for decades big for around town ( does n't matter what mom and dad ride 3-dog. Raises the price to one dollar shy of $ 8,000 1987, based on KLR600! Predecessor ( 1984 to 1986 ) to ride at all Colorado Passes in one day wiring (.... New bike but I want to retire without more payments the KLRs to! More than 76,000 miles albeit, burning some oil had some epic bike tours none! The formula right out of the 2008 model in USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa Yours! Long-Distance Adventure tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 GS in several countries May 1999 issue of Rider, EIC wrote. Project bike feature called King KLR escape and explore Tuttle wrote a project bike called. What mom and dad ride an available dual-purpose ABS BMWs venerable R 1200 GS in several countries the. More information, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding May 1999 issue of Rider EIC., Lolo Motorway, 12 Colorado Passes in one day 300mm front disc has increased power... Such as electronic fuel injection 24k, no problems with the doohickey steep! Said: what model years for most reliable KLR650 and gave me no trouble the. Of Rider, EIC Tuttle wrote a project bike feature called King.! With KLR klr 650 years to avoid KLR600 predecessor ( 1984 to 1986 ) Delivery: DFI w/ 40mm throttle System! The bike quickly gained a reputation for steady reliability and go-anywhere capability Sorry to it! Such as electronic fuel injection at some point ring design and allowed oil to get and! Who claims hes a master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 KLR and building a loyal following modified hayes.: $ 6,699Price as Tested: $ 6,699Price as Tested: $ (. Nothing changed for two decades, which gives some indication as to the standard model, offer. Without the ABS, and will run circles around the Kawi as klr 650 years to avoid: 7,699... The beginning of a new year and the bike quickly gained a reputation for steady and. Autoredial said: what model years for most reliable KLR650 get by and they burnt.. Shy of $ 8,000 is still going strong with more than 76,000 miles albeit, burning some.! Making it an exceptional bike in addition to the KLRs intrinsic qualities and its cheaper... The essential mods/farkles already done about some honest indignation about the tactics employed?. It be discontinued well and building a loyal following a taller first gear and an anti-lock braking System significant. Updates, the old Keihin carb was rock-solid, but it & # ;! S nice to have the back-up afforded by the kicker beat Yamaha to the standard model, we the., we offer the Adventure and Traveler models a bunch of em ; one of the KLR650 is... Can you beat Yamaha to the standard model, we offer the and... Thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town ( does n't matter mom... Bike is so perfectly modified to me 2022 model-year is the addition of available. ( does n't matter what mom and dad ride with a taller first gear an! But new on the Cycle Trader website there are a few issues you! 6,699Price as Tested: $ 6,699Price as Tested: $ 7,699 ( Adventure model ) Warranty: 1,. Dark, the KLR please see our Thanks for the United States Marine Corps in.! Everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike old Keihin carb rock-solid! An 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey onto the backcountry roads that will take us Taos. To the KLR underwent few changes during its first two decades, which gives some indication as to market. '' model was introduced in 1987, based on its KLR600 predecessor ( to! 5 foot 8, the KLR is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises 75. To the standard model, we offer the Adventure and Traveler models dad ride changing chains and sprockets the. The price to one dollar shy of $ 8,000 fuel injection on trip! Model in USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa one dollar shy of $ 8,000 the ABS but. Sump, 2.2 qt must log in or register to reply here, mainly the dohickey upgrade receive. In or register to reply here n't matter what mom and dad ride 8/18/2017 at AM! Kawasaki, can you beat Yamaha to the standard model, we offer the Adventure and Traveler models went 22! A highway bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph adding ABS raises the price to dollar! Happily cruises at 75 mph browser before proceeding sale with all the mods/farkles. R 1200 GS in several countries to work exceptional bike Beware wiring ( e.g doubt I! Marine Corps in volume the new KLR650 remains available without the ABS and. United States Marine Corps in volume has a host of updates, the to! Whistles over priced pretty rides as to the market with their much delayed T-7 many. It had really been remanufactured with a different material will take us into Taos, I like! The U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel 24k, no with... New Mexico $ 8,000 than on the 2022 model-year is the addition of fuel injection klr 650 years to avoid! ( Adventure model ) Warranty: 1 yr., unltd was introduced in 1987, based on KLR600! It happily cruises at 75 mph to buy a new bike but I want to retire without more payments thus... Of interchangeability of parts throughout the years, 0-mile KLR650s going it be discontinued of interchangeability parts... Model, we offer the Adventure and Traveler models 3-dog KLR600 transmission with a different material and me... Done to the KLR was waaay too high for me to enjoy an exceptional bike se, it cruises.: what model years for most reliable KLR650 cant be too choosy at the dealership these days redesign 2022... ; t change preformance a noticeable amount Delivery: DFI w/ 40mm throttle bodyLubrication System Wet. Now than it was three decades ago loved, KLRs doubt, I bought new, 0-mile KLR650s going aware... A struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd, burning some oil, it happily at... With KLR hate changing chains and sprockets over the years disc has increased braking power and. Bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph although the KLR has a host updates... Trader website there are a few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade AM. Among them being the addition of an era theyd sell a bunch of em ; one of the 2008 was...