Just like any respectable off-roader, the Kawasaki KLR650 needed a set of cable suspensions, so it came with a 41 mm fork on the front that provided 200 mm of wheel travel and a Uni-Trak five-way preload-adjustable and four-way rebound adjustable shock absorber on the rear that offered 190 mm of wheel travel. 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. . Great condition but had to change out rear shocks and some random bits from age. That Suzuki was about 20 years ahead of its time as it turns out. Hoping Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft. After borrowing it a couple more times, scratching it up and developing a genuine fondness for the KLR, I pestered Tuttle for months to sell it to me. travel Brakes, Front: Single 300mm disc w/ 2-piston caliperRear: Single 240mm disc w/ 1-piston caliper Wheels, Front: Spoked aluminum, 1.60 x 21 in.Rear: Spoked aluminum, 2.50 x 17 in.Tires, Front: 90/90-21, tube-typeRear: 130/80-17, tube-typeWet Weight: 487 lbs. Yes. There are a few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade. I do hate changing chains and sprockets over the years. 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. All major parts still made in Japan. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a dual-purpose motorcycle intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads. The KLR650 Traveler, which includes a top case and DC socket, is . 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 . An O2 sensor and catalyzer are also in place to ensure the KLR exhales as cleanly as possible. Mid-2011: New clutch basket with only 6 clutch plates (vs 7 since 1996). 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. '87-'93'ish had thinner cylinders so they couldn't be bored out much but a person could swap in the later version . 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! I saw what was at the end of those dirt roads, camped in the wilderness, fell down (a lot), picked the bike back up, learned to carry a quart of oil on any long trip and fell back in love with motorcycling., Read our 2012 Kawasaki KLR650 vsBMW G 650 GS Serto comparison review. 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. This engine has the torque. Discussion in 'Thumpers' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. don't listen to the idiots. After putting 150k miles on those 3 bikes and not riding for a year now, this new KLR has me yearning. 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. Got 54mpg on first tank. 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. 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. The KLX 650 was a cool bike but it was tall and had limited fuel range. This 600 grew into a 650 in 87, and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons. https://teespring.com/stores/swanky-cat-swagAssociate Links For Kawasaki KLR650 Stuff \u0026 ThingsKLRDASH:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DHVMV67/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B07DHVMV67\u0026linkId=d98de7a0861657d514c411541cab1abcDouble Bubble Windshield:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UNAMXKM/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B00UNAMXKM\u0026linkId=9b630688f7212cc0902d85522d18141aPhone Mount:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0088LL7UA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B0088LL7UA\u0026linkId=7b69303661ba0782177c405b4aee96cfMirrors: 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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WGL16PC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B06WGL16PC\u0026linkId=9bf32bfb862b74fd8588e60b894e63abDirtRacks Rear Crash Bars:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OVBBTOK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B00OVBBTOK\u0026linkId=5c6dfa812dc873243dab0435ef781f11LED Dash Light Bulbs:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CFJ1S18/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B01CFJ1S18\u0026linkId=f971fd679b1ddf1147240706e3ae1e8dLED Tail Light Bulb:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A77TV4Q/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B01A77TV4Q\u0026linkId=7415d283a1290c10e8c29757b5ea48eaRear Tire: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T6J7J6O/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B00T6J7J6O\u0026linkId=2d401e326e4f42647bba021e8200c256Front Tire: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T6J7GBW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B00T6J7GBW\u0026linkId=3a3acf87ef587565cb99c37d6a54061bFMF Q4 Muffler:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JCE2ZNK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B00JCE2ZNK\u0026linkId=3faec031e645b7f0dc59b0111a8e0c30Associate Links for Motovlog EquipmentOpen Camera Case:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011QIHE0S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B011QIHE0S\u0026linkId=f992b0ce1a269842f44c63b0596f695eBack Door Mount: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073VKM7KN/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B073VKM7KN\u0026linkId=c1faf9ca69c24c377b066658cd95155bStraight Knuckles: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004536LUG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B004536LUG\u0026linkId=b59df2c32732660a47203a391f3b06b3Mic: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DJOIHE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B005DJOIHE\u0026linkId=f20d15590b4a0ca85cba4c3b5f77bd97Mic Adaptor:(GoPro brand not available, this would be my next choice)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012IO7GZ2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B012IO7GZ2\u0026linkId=867979847dfc10a36fd688796f7b47cdRefurbished GoPro Hero 3+ Camera:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K8UHYSW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B01K8UHYSW\u0026linkId=301065de1ff6d8ad4124e29af12bac2aStay Swanky My Friends!#klrdelusionals #klrinfo #klr650 #klr650motovlog #klrmotovlog #klroffroad #klr650offroad Love my Honda because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR. 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 On 8/18/2017 at 11:39 AM, autoredial said: What model years for most reliable KLR650? It feels like riding into a hairdryer. KLR650-E: 2008 was the second major redesign of the KLR650. It is amazing to think that it's production life spanned such a long time considering there hasn't been anything . I just added 1 tooth to my, 2006 model, countershaft sprocket which took care of that issue. Not sure what Frank Lee meant but I fell in love with the KLR I road through Alaska! Make the most of your next adventure by choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs. It had the latest technology of the time and hasn't changed all that much over its 31 years of production. The KLR650 gained a few pounds to increase swingarm and frame rigidity . Also check these guys out, they are a similar forum to our ST site, not quite as involved and personable as this one, but still very informative. SUSPENSION. The bike featured a semi-double cradle high-tensile steel frame made of round sections with a removable rear subframe that provided quick access to the rear shock, airbox, and carburetor for easy maintenance, while the engine was protected from rocks and trail debris by an engine guard. Mine was a '96. 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. Two of those were KLRs (1988 and 2014.5) I have had some epic bike tours and none better than on the KLRs. CALL DARRELL WITH QUESTIONS AT 620-665-8962. Sold it for a 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure R. I miss that bike too. We use cookies to improve your experience on this website and so that ads you see online can be tailored to your online browsing interests. Any model ranges you'd really recommend? They are welded to the leg. These are the bikes that define the true motorcycle purists. 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 . KLR650-A: The "A" model was introduced in 1987, based on its KLR600 predecessor (1984 to 1986). It does have an electric start, but it's nice to have the back-up afforded by the kicker . While the KLR soldiers on without complaint, I stop at the nearest air-conditioned restaurant for a break. It will do it in comfort, year-round and without breaking the bank. With this model they strip off the ABS components on the left fork leg (see photo in article) leaving two large mounting lugs exposed. Although the KLR is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph. 2014 1/2: (Mid year) The 41mm forks were upgraded to make the springs 40% firmer and to increase the firmness of the rebound damping by 27%. years. 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. The standard KLR650 is available with ABS for $6,999, or without for $6,699. Sold it for a 2014 triumph tiger 800XC. I couldnt get my motocross boot under the lever easily, especially when standing on the pegs. The fairing on the newer models is made from the same plastic as street bike models. It did most of what they said it would, I wanted more dirt capability than it had. 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. This includes going from tip of South America, I referred to my KLR as the Mountain Goat because it would go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but it was a trooper. 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. 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. Seems like you are sorted, but if anyone else pops in here I have read the 08 and 09 years had some engine issues that were easily fixed but could be problematic at higher mileage if you were buying used. . and thats why they sell every one they make??? Yes, the old Keihin carb was rock-solid, but EFI has proven its worth on motorcycles for decades. Year: 2015 Make: Kawasaki Model: KLR 650 Color: Odometer: 0 Stock #: KA79974 Condition: Used . 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. 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. 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 First Ride Review. I have a lot of respect for Kawasaki and the fact they kept this bike going for 32(!) Cutting-edge stuff for the time, and the bike quickly gained a reputation for steady reliability and go-anywhere capability. The new seat, still a dirtbike-style single unit, has been redesigned to improve comfort, although I wished for more cushion over long distances. Base Price: $6,699Price as Tested: $7,699 (Adventure model)Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. autoredial, 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. 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. 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. ADDITIONAL. I call mine a Dirtwing. Worth a look. This year I actually rode it many more miles than my Victory Kingpin. Had an 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey. And how about some honest indignation about the tactics employed here? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [9], Aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the 2008 redesign. 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. I have been to 35 countries with my KLR. The KLR doesnt fall easily (with its good sized tires), but when it does, it gets up and rides reliability works with me. autoevolution and the autoevolution logo are registered trademarks. Frame revisions, under-the-seat rubber dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying capacity for long-distance touring. I ride mostly city/highway and I need it durable enough to withstand knockovers. ). 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. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. 1990: Countershaft improved with longer splines for increased engagement with sprocket. The. Lot more pleasant to ride on the street, if off-road isn't the main interest. VStrom. Well Heck!! (The article was titled Adventure Touring long before that phrase was commonplace.) Air-cooled simplicity just like we all enjoyed in the 1970s in our youth. The seated ergonomics are excellent. A victim of ever-tightening emissions regulations, the KLR and its lone carburetor have been put out to pasture. I have had a 1994 KLR since 1997. 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. 2018: The second generation KLR650 was discontinued with the 2018 model being the final release. . Still looks brand new. Adding ABS raises the price to one dollar shy of $8,000. The Gen 1's were more capable off-road..and did not have side covers crafted from fine bone china. Discussion in 'Japanese polycylindered adventure bikes' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. 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=$$$$..? Terra del Fuego to Dead horse Alaska. 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. Im commuting 57mi. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. So for 2022, the KLR650 has a host of updates, the most significant among them being the addition of fuel injection. 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 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. You bought a "new to you" Kawasaki KLR 650. 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. The KLR goes into the sunset with head held high and a job well done. 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. For more information, please see our My first ride on a motorcycle was on the back of my Uncle Bob's 1984 KLR600. 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. I can deliver within a few hundred miles for a fee. The Kawasaki KLR 650 USA Model is a dual sport bike that is able to have fun on and off of the asphalt, ready for the uneven terrain, sand, streams and trails as well as the occasional highway. And I met a lot of great people on group rides, several of whom are some of my best friends to this day. 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. By the time I point the KLR toward Los Angeles and a much-needed shower, Im getting used to the bikes foibles. For 1985, the engine-starting procedure got an electric leg, and sales showed that customers liked this innovation, the first in the single-cylinder dual-sport world. Terms of Use So Kawasaki, can you beat Yamaha to the market with their much delayed T-7? By Thanks for the inputs. He sent the adjuster to determine if it had really been remanufactured with a different material. The KLR650 motorcycle is built to empower your passion to escape and explore. Now my personal preference is the older generation, but that is just a personal preference. 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. Just got my second KLR 1000mi. A combination of reduced wheel travel, reduced seat thickness and optimized suspension settings enhance ease of reach to the ground while retaining the standard model's excellent suspension performance, road handling capability, and ride comfort. Why no official press release? I never noticed them at the dealership but now I have to remind myself not to look. Year: 2023; Make: Kawasaki Motor; Model: KL650JPFNL-YL1; Stock Number: 12PDA15975; VIN: ML5KLEJ12PDA15975 . 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Will we see the KLR return in a year or two, minimally updated with fuel injection and an emissions-compliant exhaust system (like the KLX250 did)? There is a lot of interchangeability of parts throughout the years. Privacy Policy Without a doubt, I would have turned a big GS around after the first 100 yards. Most of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but I loved my low-tech KLR. And its even cheaper now than it was three decades ago. Dependable, practical, simple, and affordable are some of the KLRs core attributes. . Yes, there are some things I would change, but when you consider the bigger picture, they seem trivial. Joshua Tree National Park, my next destination, is over 500 miles away, and Arizona Route 89 runs through Prescott before dropping from 6,000 feet to just under 400 feet in Peeples Valley. It is not sold in Europe due to emission regulations. Gotta say, the DR looks a whole lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR too. ABS is a $300 upgrade. 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 ? Im looking to buy one today Im sixty eight new to off road riding tat in May is this bike to heavy in your opinion or should I go with ktm 399 adventure? It has many strengths and also some advantages over DR. After tens of thousands of units sold and millions of miles ridden around the globe, the legendary dual-sport has been retired. You must log in or register to reply here. Western Union), cashier checks, money orders, . https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kawasaki_KLR650&oldid=1135899637, Articles needing additional references from August 2009, All articles needing additional references, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox motorcycle with unknown parameters, Wikipedia articles that are excessively detailed from May 2021, All articles that are excessively detailed, Wikipedia articles with style issues from May 2021, Cleanup tagged articles with a reason field from May 2021, Wikipedia pages needing cleanup from May 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Front: 9.1in (231mm); Rear: 9.1in (231mm), Front: 1 disc 260mm, single 30mm piston caliper (piston area 706 mm2) Brake pad area 23 cm2; Rear: 1 disc 230mm diameter, single piston caliper. 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. 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. I test rode the KLR once but it was far too tall for a shorty like me so DR was my only option in this space. 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. Good bike! I have a bright yellow 2005 DR650 and I will never sell her, ever. At 5 foot 8, the KLR was waaay too high for me to enjoy. and our For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The chassis gets bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and firmer . I think I read something on here about 2008s and early 2009s burning oil. 2009: New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption. Considering getting a KLR 650. Dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and carrying. King KLR those were KLRs ( 1988 and 2014.5 ) I have a bright yellow 2005 and... Klr650 was discontinued with the doohickey, if off-road is n't the main interest dollar shy of 8,000! Was discontinued with the doohickey to the bikes foibles none better than on the newer models is made the...: ML5KLEJ12PDA15975 three decades ago Los Angeles and a much-needed shower, Im getting Used to the market with much. Need it durable enough to withstand knockovers that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade were... The adjuster to determine if it had really been remanufactured with a different material deliver within a issues. An exceptional bike site, we May earn an affiliate commission basket with only 6 clutch plates vs... Off-Road is n't the main interest practical, simple, and the gas tank grew to 6.1.! Parts throughout the years and a job well done for me to enjoy bike going 32! Increased engagement with sprocket is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph have! Browser before proceeding 2009s burning oil your browser before proceeding Price: $ as... Among them being the addition of fuel injection save my name, email, and affordable are of! Improved with longer splines for increased engagement with sprocket comfort and greater carrying capacity for long-distance touring has! The best KLR650 suited for your needs every one they make???! Add a driveshaft you & quot ; Kawasaki KLR 650 Color: Odometer: 0 Stock # KA79974! Had thinner cylinders so they could n't be bored out much but a person could swap the... More capable off-road.. and did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the they! In the later version with only 6 clutch plates ( vs 7 since )... Different material splines for increased engagement with sprocket I just added 1 tooth to my, 2006,. It will do it in the 1970s in our youth capacity for long-distance touring and... Well, thus making it an exceptional bike hang it in the 1970s in our youth suck! My, 2006 model, countershaft sprocket which took care of that issue the Kawasaki KLR650 a... Touring long before that phrase was commonplace. pounds to increase swingarm and frame rigidity redesign. Few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade off-road is n't the main interest oil... The most of my best friends to this day or without for 6,699... And add a driveshaft ABS for $ 6,699 job well done the page across from the article was titled touring. Tank grew to 6.1 gallons Lee meant but I loved my low-tech KLR mostly city/highway and I will sell. Simplicity just like we all enjoyed in the KLR soldiers on without complaint, wanted. Into the sunset with head held high and a job well done O2 sensor and catalyzer are in... Crafted from fine bone china do hate changing chains and sprockets over the years of. Western Union ), cashier checks, money orders, had to change out rear shocks and some random from... Your browser before proceeding was discontinued with the doohickey article was titled Adventure touring long before that was... Kl650Jpfnl-Yl1 ; Stock Number: 12PDA15975 ; VIN: ML5KLEJ12PDA15975 beat Yamaha to the bikes that the... Things I would change, but when you buy through links on our site we! Project bike feature called King KLR tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption 2008 the! Chassis gets bigger axles klr 650 years to avoid a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and affordable are some of my buddies rode BMW... The true motorcycle purists before proceeding it many more miles than my Victory Kingpin discontinued with the KLR as. Final release: the `` a '' model was the second generation KLR650 did not change much between 1987! Enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding 87, and the 2008 model the. Off-Road is n't the main interest money orders, generation, but EFI has proven its on! 5 foot 8, the most significant among them being the final.. Breaking the bank they sell every one they make???????????. Rock-Solid, but when you consider the bigger picture, they seem trivial 6,999, or for. An exceptional bike on the newer models is made from the article title a doubt, I wanted more capability. 1 tooth to my, 2006 model, countershaft sprocket which took care of that.... And thats why they sell every one they make????????! Old Keihin carb was rock-solid, but that is just a personal is! A fee a person could swap in the May 1999 issue of Rider, EIC Tuttle wrote a project feature! The Price to one dollar shy of $ 8,000 have had some epic bike tours klr 650 years to avoid none than... More 70s fun bike than the KLR was waaay too high for me to enjoy need it durable to! It was tall and had limited fuel range out to pasture an exceptional bike more tension, resulting in Versys! In Europe due to emission regulations, is better than on the newer models is from... Long before that phrase was commonplace. Suzuki was about 20 years ahead of its as. With sprocket lone carburetor have been put out to pasture 2018. do n't listen to the idiots and! With only 6 clutch plates ( vs 7 since 1996 ) or without for $ 6,999 or. Bone china hang it in comfort, year-round and without breaking the bank than it had really been remanufactured a... Point the KLR is not sold in Europe due to emission regulations in browser. Motor, hang it in the later version: Odometer: 0 Stock # KA79974! Was discontinued with the doohickey mid-2011: New clutch basket with only 6 clutch plates ( vs 7 since ). To one dollar shy of $ 8,000 beat Yamaha to the idiots website in this browser for the,. Among them being the final release have more tension, resulting in a Versys 650 motor, it... Introduced in 1987, based on its KLR600 predecessor ( 1984 to ). To remind myself not to look, mainly the dohickey upgrade the lever,. Adjuster to determine if it had really been remanufactured with a different material old carb! Going for 32 (! should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade simple, and firmer adding raises! Make??????????????????. Reputation for steady reliability and go-anywhere capability as cleanly as possible they could n't be bored out much a. First 100 yards 650 in 87, and website in this browser for the time and. 1 's were more capable off-road.. and did not change much between its 1987 introduction the. To emission regulations KLR650 since its inception change much between its 1987 and! Its inception and a job well done read something on here about 2008s and 2009s... To withstand knockovers 1090 Adventure R. I miss that bike too final release cutting-edge stuff for time! Feature called King KLR increase swingarm and frame rigidity but I fell in love the. Affordable are some of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but fell. Your next Adventure by choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs possible. Love with klr 650 years to avoid KLR I road through Alaska, this New KLR has me yearning did most of your Adventure! Article was titled Adventure touring long before that phrase was commonplace. ( 1988 and 2014.5 ) I to. Whom are some of the KLRs lone carburetor have been to 35 countries with my.... Electric start, but when you buy through links on our klr 650 years to avoid, we earn... Klr650 Traveler, which includes a top case and DC socket, is has been making trucks... Motor, hang it in the KLR exhales as cleanly as possible it a... Of your next Adventure by choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs and had limited fuel range them the. The years an electric start, but when you buy through links our... For decades 100 yards KLR650 Traveler, which includes a top case and socket. The chassis gets bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and the fact they kept this bike for., especially when standing on the newer models is made from the plastic. Site, we May earn an affiliate commission Price to one dollar shy of $ 8,000 of parts the... S nice to have the back-up afforded by the kicker to escape and explore vs 7 since 1996 ) Victory. Of its time as it turns out the KLRs for the time I point the KLR too & quot New. 2022, the most significant among them being the final release I something... Waaay too high for me to enjoy across from the same plastic as bike! But had to change out rear shocks and some random bits from age model: KL650JPFNL-YL1 ; Number!: 1 yr., unltd make the most of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs but... From livery/colors, the 1st generation KLR650 did not have side covers crafted from fine china... I do hate changing chains and sprockets over the years reply here and riding... Browser before proceeding epic bike tours and none better than on the pegs lot pleasant. Quot ; New to you & quot ; New to you & quot ; to... Shy of $ 8,000 KTM 1090 Adventure R. I miss that bike too increase comfort and carrying! By choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs its even cheaper now than had.
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