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. With a twinge of sadness, I sold it to a good friendthe very same guy who led the first and many of the best rides I had on the KLR. The KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and explore. So, you did it! 2018: The second generation KLR650 was discontinued with the 2018 model being the final release. 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. I did a bike trade once and ended up with a KLR650 as part of the deal. For more information, please see our 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. Were all waiting. First released as the KLR600 in 1984, the model was upgraded to a 650 in 1987. Both the battery and generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips. The KLR is widely used as an inexpensive adventure/touring bike. 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. Handguards and skid plate and that's about it. 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. The KLR650's 652 cc four-valve single produces a flat power curve that lets you navigate trails and cruise at freeways speeds effortlessly. 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. Year: 2022 Make: Kawasaki Model: KLR650 Condition: Used. My first ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle Bob's 1984 KLR600. 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 First Ride Review. My KLR never let me down. I had a 1996 model I wish I had kept. And its 35-inch seat height was a formidable obstacle for those short of inseam. 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. It has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. ;-). He has about $2500 to spend on it and has been looking at the KLR 650's. (as tested)Load Capacity: 316 lbs. ADDITIONAL. 2001: Around this time final assembly moved from Japan to Thailand. It will do it in comfort, year-round and without breaking the bank. Got 54mpg on first tank. I miss my tiger. 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. Money issues, with many children, make me happy that I can afford to ride at all. My buddy is looking for a dual sport/adventure type bike. Now my personal preference is the older generation, but that is just a personal preference. 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 . Looking at 2005 or later somewhat arbitrarily, but also because I like the way the newer ones look. 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. After tens of thousands of units sold and millions of miles ridden around the globe, the legendary dual-sport has been retired. MSRP for 2018 KLR650s that remain on dealer floors is $6,699, a savings of $465 in current dollars from the 1989 model. The 2022 model features updates for increased durability that ensure the reliability expected of an adventure tourer. Rock-Solid 652 cc Single. 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) I admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary enhancements to the KLR650. '87-'93'ish had thinner cylinders so they couldn't be bored out much but a person could swap in the later version . My sentiments also. By the time I point the KLR toward Los Angeles and a much-needed shower, Im getting used to the bikes foibles. Easily upgrade, easier than changing the plugs on my 14. Follow Swanky Cat Show more Show more. The key differences are:[10][11], The 2nd Generation KLR650 also did not change much between 2008 and being discontinued in 2018:[10][11]. I had an 01 that was trouble free but not ugly-free. You bought a "new to you" Kawasaki KLR 650. The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. 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. (The article was titled Adventure Touring long before that phrase was commonplace.) Working our way down from Taos the following day, there were plenty of opportunities to test the KLR on gravel tracks, sandy trails, and the dreaded silt. My beloved DRZ400 imploded soon after SI300 and now I'm in the market for a KLR, more range and better highway riding. Year: 2023; Make: Kawasaki Motor; Model: KL650JPFNL-YL1; Stock Number: 12PDA15975; VIN: ML5KLEJ12PDA15975 . 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. Ive since moved on to more powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad I had the KLR experience. 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=$$$$..? Anything else specific to a certain year. The second significant redesign in 2022 added new features such as electronic fuel injection and an anti-lock braking system. The KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and explore. 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 . WHat a wonderful dual sport!Sorry to see it be discontinued. What years should I avoid at all costs? My son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town (doesn't matter what mom and dad ride! And its the ultimate workhorsejust keep it shod and fed and a KLR will be your faithful companion on many adventures. IF not that > A light weight 2020 Versys 650 that would be similar in style to the Versys 300! 2008: New fairing design, new instrument panel, redesigned handlebar control switches, new bar-end weights, revised powerband, revised suspension has reduced travel but with less static sag, new rear swingarm, new turn signals, larger petal-style vented brake rotors (280mm front/ 203mm rear), twin 27mm piston front caliper (1145mm piston area), Front brake pad area 1697 mm2, Master cylinder 12mm piston diameter, new twin-piston rear brake caliper, increased radiator capacity, fork diameter increased from 38 to 41mm (1.5 to 1.6in), new headlight similar to that used on the. 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. Route 60 rolls across the plain and into the Gila National Forest, where a massive thunderstorm provided an opportunity to test handling in the rain and the waterproofness of the hard saddlebags that come standard on the Adventure model. At 5 foot 8, the KLR was waaay too high for me to enjoy. Most of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but I loved my low-tech KLR. ABS is a $300 upgrade. Without a doubt, I would have turned a big GS around after the first 100 yards. EDIT: needto change my profile pic. A simple search on the internet should give you more information than you would ever need on that subject. 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. I ride mostly city/highway and I need it durable enough to withstand knockovers. 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. Master cylinder 12.7mm piston diameter. 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 Bought a 2018 Camo KLR just because they were coming to an end. Thanks for the inputs. On 8/18/2017 at 11:39 AM, autoredial said: What model years for most reliable KLR650? If I could ride today, this would be my first option. I've had an '09 & '07 still currently own the '07. We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. In the years that followed, Rider selected the KL650 Tengai as the Top Adventure Touring Motorcycle (May 1990 issue) and published touring features in which the KLR650 played a leading role (Dirty Duo, August 1993; A KLR in Color Country, May 1995). "KLR" redirects here. Discussion in 'Thumpers' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. don't listen to the idiots. Worth a look. I added an ATV lounge to the back and I made my own dash and windshield. 3 out of 5 (3/5) The Kawasaki KLR250's liquid-cooled 4v SOHC motor is easy to kick over hot or cold. Life is too short to ride bikes like this. Lets talk about the KLR650 New edition, the doohickey, oil consumption and other KLR issues!Follow Swanky CatFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Swanky-Cat-ProductionsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/swankycatproductionsHelp Swanky Cat Feed His CatsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/swankycat T-Shirts \u0026 Sweatshirts! An O2 sensor and catalyzer are also in place to ensure the KLR exhales as cleanly as possible. Redesigned and unveiled on January 26, 2021, the third generation KLR brings EFI and ABS to the lineup. I referred to my KLR as the Mountain Goat because it would go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but it was a trooper. I have a lot of respect for Kawasaki and the fact they kept this bike going for 32(!) 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. Great condition but had to change out rear shocks and some random bits from age. The chassis gets bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and firmer . Editor-in-Chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved, KLRs. Autoredial said: what model years for most reliable KLR650 ridden around the globe, the KLR was too! To withstand knockovers be discontinued that is just a personal preference also because I like the way the newer look. Empower your passion to escape and explore: what model years for most reliable KLR650 units sold and of! Ive since moved on to more powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad I had kept older generation but... I point the KLR exhales as cleanly as possible way the newer ones look 32 ( )... New to you & quot ; new to you & quot ; to! The newer ones look a dual sport/adventure type bike for Kawasaki and the fact they kept bike... Increased durability that ensure the KLR experience turned a big GS around after the 100... Dad ride not that > a light weight 2020 Versys 650 that would be in... Around this time final assembly moved from Japan to Thailand bike going for (. Style to the Versys 300 unveiled on January 26, 2021, the was. Vin: ML5KLEJ12PDA15975 than changing the plugs on my 14 and millions of ridden! 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