More dirt-bike than adventure tourer; perfect if you are looking to go off the beaten path 2. With fond memories of his years, miles and adventures on KLRs (he put 40,000 miles on his 1989 KLR and 25,000 on his 1997 KLR), Kysely had this to say: “The KLR is no beauty queen, lacks modern electronic rider aids and won’t win many drag races, but there’s no better bike for newbies and veterans on a budget to take exploring. It is not sold in Europe due to emission regulations. It has a throttle lock cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders. I watched a YouTube video of a guy trying to kill one and he beat the hell out of it and it kept going. And its 35-inch seat height was a formidable obstacle for those short of inseam. It was a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. In 2008 the KLR650 was radically redesigned with new aesthetics, modern dual headlights and a more powerful engine. Oh well, bye bye KLR.. (. And it’s even cheaper now than it was three decades ago. For Kawasaki Klr 650 Cv Carb Choke (enrichner) Cable Eliminator Kit: New. 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. Cost/purchase price is light on the wallet, and so is the maintenance costs when comparing equivalent … It gets 96 mpg at a steady speed of 55 mph. MSRP for 2018 KLR650s that remain on dealer floors is $6,699, a savings of $465 in current dollars from the 1989 model. 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”. That Suzuki was about 20 years ahead of it’s time as it turns out. You are not working hard to keep my next purchase a Kawasaki. 2004 Kawasaki KLR-650; 2004 KLR-650 Maintenance: Clean Air Filter; 2004 KLR-650 Maintenance: Oil and Filter Change ... Avoid being a target when stopped at a red light; TOTW: Be alert for animals at night; ... same year and color. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. KLR650-A: The "A" model was introduced in 1987, based on its KLR600 predecessor (1984 to 1986). Even Aprilia and Benelli are getting into the game. Its name "Tengai" is a traditional Japanese saying which means "The End of The Sky.". 2013-09-10 at 11:02 am. 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. The Kawasaki KLR 650 World Sport Performance Seat is shown with the CarbonFX insert and Metallic Silver Welt. 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 I’d care to admit. Kawasaki has released the full specifications of its 2014 KLR 650. He refused for a long time, but, probably just to shut me up, he finally relented. They are ideal for riders who are looking for a good shock at a good price. This includes going from tip of South America, It has many strengths and also some advantages over DR. Great article! This page was last edited on 29 November 2020, at 12:42. My KLR never let me down. Switched from ’06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads. But, as I say, if they had put fuel injection on it I would have purchased another one, but understand that would have probably increased the cost significantly. Service manual indicates higher charging system output; only part number change is the rotor. Adjustments: - Rebound - … Price is a consideration so if I can find a slightly used 2006 or 2007 for a lower cost --- that would be desirable. 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. We pulled to a stop at the open gate to ‘air down’ (what in the world?? 3. 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 today’s ethanol-blended gas (and my neglect) took its toll on the fuel petcock and the tiny jets in the carburetor. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding. With Editor Mark Tuttle and Technical Editor Bob Price in tow, Clem led the gang through Death Valley–up Goler Wash, out to Aguereberry Point and through Emigrant Canyon–back when the area was still a national monument (it became a national park in 1994). The KLR is for riders who want to enjoy the country they’re riding through, not just blast through to check another route off the list. I don’t ride as much because I’m getting older, but I will not sell my KLR. First order of business was a 320mm front rotor. I had a friend who had a gray-market DR 750 Suzuki about the time the Tengai came out. RL-1 REAR SUSPENSION LINK OVERSIZED FRONT BRAKE ROTOR KIT DUNLOP D606 TIRES DOOHICKEY MOD IS DONE HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PANNIER MOUNTS $3995 IF THE AD IS STILL UP, THIS IS STILL AVAILABLE WE WILL SHIP CANADA … I have been looking for a second bike for quite awhile and have decided it's time to act. I will probably have the 2014.5 until I no longer ride. Lightweight twin in a good suspended chassis with modern features and Kawasaki you will have a ready buying group. Why no official press release? I think that would have been great. KLR650-C: The "C" model gets completely new bodywork and is a more dirt-oriented motorcycle fitted with stiffer 41 mm (1.6 in) front forks, improved brakes, tubular engine guard, smaller 14 l (3.1 imp gal; 3.7 US gal) fuel tank, and steel wheel rims. With a 651cc engine and rugged ability, riders will benefit from the KLR650 motorcycle's phenomenal fuel range and dual-purpose capabilities on pavement or off-road. 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). The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. The. For other uses, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "A Fond Farewell to the Legendary Kawasaki KLR 650", "KAWASAKI KLR650--REST IN PEACE: THE WRAP", "2014.5 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition, First Ride; Getting Better With Age", 2002 KLR650 Review in Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly, 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 review on the Canadian Motorcycle Guide. Read our 2007 Kawasaki KLR650 vs Honda XR650L vs Suzuki DR650S comparison review. My longest trip was when I shipped it to England and went to Russia. The new 651 cc single-cylinder engine puts out 36 bhp (27 kW) at the rear wheel at 6600 rpm and 33.4 ft⋅lbf (45.3 N⋅m) of torque at 4950 rpm. New left balancer weight/sprocket begins with engine #KLE650AE032206. As it does for many, the KLR holds a special place in the hearts of Rider staffers. The suspension is done as well as the KLX kit and Lmod. The KLR got its first and only major update for the 2008 model year, with engine tweaks for smoother and stronger power delivery, better suspension and brakes, a more supportive seat and new switchgear and bodywork. Air-cooled simplicity just like we all enjoyed in the 1970’s in our youth. 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 Öhlins 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. Editor-in-Chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved, KLRs. 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 I’ve ever experienced. Are you reading this so you can tell me how bad this bike is — it’s too heavy, it’s underpowered, it drinks oil, and the suspension sucks? Master cylinder 12.7 mm piston diameter. Versys engine in an updated chassis and sturdy subframe? 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.[1]. Will not fit the C Series models (European models). 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. Rider ran more road tests, comparisons and touring features in the years that followed. Magruder Corridor, Lolo Motorway, 12 Colorado Passes in one day. Compared to more modern bikes, this one-lung adventurer may seem lacking, but it’s simplicity and ruggedness are virtues not found in the high-dollar machines.”, Read Arden Kysely’s “The Arrival: A Tale of the Sierra Madre on KLR650s”. When I expressed interest, they were nearly unanimous: buy a KLR650. KLR650-B or Tengai: The Tengai got Adventure/Dakar styling, a full fairing blending into the tank, different sidepanels, and an unsprung front mudguard. Looking back, Tuttle muses: “Since 1987 the primary benefit of the KLR650 has also been its biggest weakness: size and comfort. It “wasn’t broke” and so Kawasaki wisely chose not to fix it. All major parts still made in Japan. With so many KLRs on (and off) the road–by some estimates, nearly 150,000 were produced–the venerable dual-sport fueled a veritable cottage industry in the aftermarket. A victim of ever-tightening emissions regulations, the KLR and its lone carburetor have been put out to pasture. (?) On the road, however, its 651cc single was buzzy (despite having dual counterbalancers) and its front brake was woefully underpowered. Sorry to see it go. Fond memories of my KLR – El Burro Rojo! When I set out to replace the doohickey I drained the oil only to find the broken doohickey stuck to the magnetic drain plug. Having gotten the formula right out of the gate, the KLR underwent few changes during its first two decades. Tractoring along at a burros pace, wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me. It was sold in the US starting 1990 and in other countries for two years afterward - this could be classified as a separate model in its own right as the others are more trail bike orientated. Taking inspiration from the past is all the rage at the moment in the world of motorcycling. And it’s the ultimate workhorse–just keep it shod and fed and a KLR will be your faithful companion on many adventures. The U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel. This 600 grew into a 650 in ’87, and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons. ÉS. KLR Timeline ˇA ˇ and ’E’ models (Updated September 3, 2018 by Watt-man.com) This group of photos is still a work in progress, so if you have a good photo of an original bike for any model year, or information about North American vs. Non-North American bikes, contact me at watt-man@cox.net. 2003 KAWASAKI KLR 650 26000 KM ENGURO ENGINEERING HANDGUARDS DUAL STAR CENTRE STAND FMF POWERCORE 4 SLIP-ON MUFFLER EAGLE MFG. The changes include upgraded 41 mm (1.6 in) forks, a new D-section swingarm, dual beam headlight, dual-piston front and rear brake calipers, upgraded cooling system, 4 mm spokes, cowling and fairing redesign as well as various redesigned parts. 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. The rugged and tough Kawasaki KLR ® 650 motorcycle is built for adventure. 1990: Countershaft improved with longer splines for increased engagement with sprocket. It was built with a 651 cc four-stroke, DOHC, dual-counterbalanced, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine. 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. I used the search box on the upper-right of this web page, searched just the klr650 reddit on "doohickey", then looked at titles/summaries that had newer models. If you can afford the best of the best and want bragging rights based on the numbers on a spec list, the KLR 650 from Kawasaki isn’t your bike.If you don’t already hate it, are those things true? So Kawasaki, can you beat Yamaha to the market with their much delayed T-7? Even though the road was closed and the bike topped out at the ton, I lost count of the close calls after the fifth burro encounter….”. Yeah, pretty much, but I’m not sure that s… Lacking a temperature gauge, it has an over-heat lamp. Today I go over the changes to my 2015 KLR 650 this year from the 14 tooth front sprocket to the new front fender. I found a bone-stock, low-mileage 2009 at the local dealership and will never forget my first foray off-pavement. [7] Stator "alternator" upgraded to 17amp output, providing an additional 36 watt capacity. 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. And riding the KLR wasn’t “work.” I didn’t have to worry about damaging a test bike or evaluating the bike I was on, so I could just ride for riding’s sake. For Kawasaki KLR 600s ,650s 1984-up and 1985- up KLR250s plus other years and models CV carb that use Kawasaki part #s 16016-1057 plunger and 16012-1055 cap.Also others using CVs with same style choke. According to an article in the New York Times Feb. 24, '08, this is a heavily modified Kawasaki KLR650 with a five-speed gearbox and a top speed of more than 90 mph. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips. About the KLR’s 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. US Seller. Most of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but I loved my low-tech KLR. The 2008 KLR650 has a completely new lever, machined from one piece of steel. Alas. I have had 14 different motorcycles in my long riding history. Chain tensioners on the Kawasaki KLR650 … [citation needed] other improvements include: 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/240mm), new twin-piston rear brake caliper, increased radiator capacity, fork diameter increased from 38 to 41 mm (1.5 to 1.6 in), new headlight similar to that used on the Kawasaki Ninja 650R, larger luggage rack, firmer seat, larger-diameter wheel spokes, reinforced idler-shaft lever, called the doohickey by KLR riders. 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. I referred to my KLR as the Mountain Goat because it would go just about anywhere…not particularly fast, but it was a trooper. I have a bright yellow 2005 DR650 and I will never sell her, ever. 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. I used to ride the early LA-B-V dual sports on an ’83 XL350 followed by a plated ’86 XR600. 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 icon’s 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. I have been to 35 countries with my KLR. But at the same time, I would use it to commute 10 min to work (on the highway) and drive into the city (1 … RL-1 REAR SUSPENSION LINK OVERSIZED FRONT BRAKE ROTOR KIT DUNLOP D606 TIRES DOOHICKEY MOD IS DONE HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PANNIER MOUNTS $3995 IF THE AD IS STILL UP, THIS IS STILL AVAILABLE WE WILL SHIP CANADA … 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. I just passed my MSF class. Only 6,000 kms from new now in 2019 and I baby her like a mother. ), then I followed them into the forest and onto a rollercoaster of a jeep trail, laughing in amazed, unbridled joy as we splashed through puddles, clawed up rocky hills and paused regularly to soak in the scenery. It was a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. 1988: Beefed up the engine cases with extra bolts between the crank and countershaft; crank has a different part number, and may be lighter. 2009: New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption. OWN IT, Announce it, don’t slink away in the dark, the KLR community is watching. Less technology and more practical design (easier to work on or work with if you are stuck out in the bush). 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. Rider published its first solo test of the KLR in the November 1997 issue, written by Arden Kysely. Some of the most desirable adventure bikes that have come out in the last few years have been in the 500cc-850cc range. And if you’re 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. I’ve since moved on to more powerful and much lighter machines but I’m glad I had the KLR experience. The key differences are:[8][9], The 2nd Generation KLR650 also did not change much between 2008 and being discontinued in 2018:[8][9], "KLR" redirects here. Back in 1989, when we published our first comparison test featuring the KLR650, its MSRP was $3,499 ($7,164 in 2018 dollars). 1. That video made my mind up. After tens of thousands of units sold and millions of miles ridden around the globe, the legendary dual-sport has been retired. Ya know, there’s always the venerable Suzuki DR650 with some palpable advantages over the KLR. 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. 2005 Kawasaki KLR 650 turn signal flasher relay location Hi, Anonymous for this scenario you will need your service manual that has all fastener torque specs and a wiring diagram on the back pages, parts fiche, and owners manual if you can't find the best tool you ever bought for your Kawasaki, despair not, for a mere zero $0 you can download another one. Three rather inflationary years later in 1996, the KLR was at $4,749, the KLX $5,699, the KLX/R $5,499. Holy sh*t he was fast on that thing, often two-up. Gotta say, the DR looks a whole lot more ’70’s fun bike than the KLR too. I will say I am sad to see KLR leave us though. on a 2014 Kawasaki KLR6750 New Edition. The KLR is widely used as an inexpensive adventure/touring bike. Reduced GVWR by 6 lbs. 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)? Thanks for the story ‘Rider’. This motorcycle is heavier than specialized off-road dirt bikes, but it can handle most conditions when ridden carefully. AltRider KL11-2-2532 DualControl Brake System for The Kawasaki KLR 650 (2011-current) - Black. Having turned the KLR into a more comfortable and versatile adventure tourer, he bought the bike from Kawasaki and kept it in his garage for more than a decade, occasionally using it for two-up camping trips with his wife, Genie. After a 32-year run (1987-2018), Kawasaki has ceased production of the KLR650. Still looks brand new. 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. 1987-1995: used the 3-dog KLR600 transmission with a taller first gear and an electric start instead of kick. 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. Kawasaki initially offered the KLR650 as a dual sport motorcycle … Do you hate it? The "A" model is the one everyone is used to, but there were two alternates that occasionally come up for sale. 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 vs BMW G 650 GS Sertão comparison review. I learned a lot about riding and wrenching with that bike. They had some serious oil burning issues that didn't get corrected until some time in the 2009 model year. years. The KLR650 Elka shock is a value-packed model that outperforms the stock unit in every aspect. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding. What was once a domain where the KLR650 had few competitors is now filled with offerings from most of the major brands. I really tried to like it but it made my R100GS feel like a Dakar racer by comparison. I’ll stand in line for a 2020 KLR 650 (MODERN) TWIN!! 2018: The KLR650 was discontinued with the 2018 model being the final release. That aligned perfectly with Rider’s 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. ?Riders: Tammy Perry (Aratinga) and Dave Renshaw Mileage: About 16,000kms June 30-August 2, … The KLX 650 was a cool bike but it was tall and had limited fuel range. Hearing the distinctive tweet from the exhaust of a KLR riding by immediately transports us back to memorable adventures, carefree days and campfire nights. Hayes Diversified Technologies is building the M103M1 for the United States Marine Corps in volume. This was truly the best choice out there. With a twinge of sadness, I sold it to a good friend–the very same guy who led the first and many of the best rides I had on the KLR. Kickstarter no longer fits with new clutch basket. of the KLR 650, it is a single cylinder, water cooled 650cc adventure touring bike that was first introduced by Kawasaki in 1987. My sentiments also. I did a bike trade once and ended up with a KLR650 as part of the deal. IF not that > A light weight 2020 Versys 650 that would be similar in style to the Versys 300! The "A" model remained nearly unchanged until the introduction of the 2008 model in USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa. I have had a 1994 KLR since 1997. The Yamaha XT660Z was reborn as the Ténéré 700, the Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT has been given a touch of the DR Big, and even BMW has paid homage to the R 100 GS as it celebrates 40 years of the GS.And now, could we be about to see Kawasaki revive the cult classic KLR650? The bike is so perfectly modified to me that I am looking at the Versys/Ninja engine mod! 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. Hoping Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a bike that Kawasaki got right all the way back in 1987 and had no need for a major upgrade version until 2008. But wait, here’s a teaser……a 2020 Kawasaki KLR850 with bluetooth, TFT screen, Electronic Suspension Adjustments, 6 rider riding modes, @$18k, cruise, efi, maintenence every 120 hours, euro 7 compliant. Terra del Fuego to Dead horse Alaska. 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. (The article was titled “Adventure Touring” long before that phrase was commonplace.) Reply. 2003 KAWASAKI KLR 650 26000 KM ENGURO ENGINEERING HANDGUARDS DUAL STAR CENTRE STAND FMF POWERCORE 4 SLIP-ON MUFFLER EAGLE MFG. Not a mechanic. The KLR soldiered on, selling well and building a loyal following. 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. Get over it. And long-time dual-sport contributor Arden Kysely owned not one but two KLRs, racking up more than 65,000 miles. I added an ATV lounge to the back and I made my own dash and windshield. Motorcycle Trip KLR 650: From St. John’s NL to Vancouver BC, and back. On this trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries. Here we are, at the beginning of a new year and the end of an era. For those of you who are not familiar with the KLR, it was a series of adventure-oriented bikes produced by Kawasaki from 1987 which remained mostly unchanged until they stopped producing it in 2018.Some argue it was the only Kawasaki motorcycle worthy of being called an adventure bike. I recall Damon Powell (who was big in dual sports then and later published Dual Dogs magazine) had a KLR 600 in which he’d transplanted a KX500 two-stroke engine. Criticism of the new design include its wide use of "sportbike plastics" for the new body panels which are prone to cracking and damage in the event of a tip-over, especially true for this genre of dual-sport motorcycles. Two of those were KLRs (1988 and 2014.5) I have had some epic bike tours and none better than on the KLRs. 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. Did you know that Kawasaki actually made three versions of the original KLR? 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%. For my funeral I want my ashes in the urn duct taped on the seat of my KLR and a keg of beer on each side of the bike and party down. The copy/paste answer so you can simply bolt them on and enjoy the ride of my fathers Buick, opened. Having dual counterbalancers ) and its 35-inch seat height was a 320mm front rotor an end 1996.... Of an era if not that > a light weight 2020 Versys 650 would! U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel more. It was three decades ago he beat the hell out of it ’ time! Really tried to like it but it was a long-standing model in Kawasaki who called at 11:56pm with whispered?! Competitors is now filled with offerings from most of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but it made R100GS. Vs Suzuki DR650S comparison review from Japan to Thailand handle most conditions when ridden.. Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 that would be similar style! Plates ( vs 7 since 1996 ) handle most conditions when ridden carefully looks a whole lot ’... 1St Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and fact... Dual Sport! Sorry to see KLR leave us though stuck to the magnetic drain.... Your faithful companion on many adventures Sky. `` ago this gets every! Enrichner ) Cable Eliminator Kit: new piston rings are thinner and more... Yamaha to the Versys 300 & dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper hell of.: Ollie Rooke Honda XR650L vs Suzuki DR650S comparison review a formidable obstacle for those short inseam. Met a lot of respect for Kawasaki and the 2008 KLR650 has a throttle lock cruise control and Ram and... Plush as anything out there was titled “ adventure Touring ” long before that phrase was commonplace. introduced! To burn military-spec fuels including diesel Colorado Passes in one day 1996, the KLX and... Of ’ em ; one of the Sky. `` buying group STAND line... Well and building a loyal following, Terra del Fuego to Dead horse Alaska ceased production of the model. Abs, cruise control and other amenities aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation did. A stop at the Versys/Ninja engine mod KLR650 had few competitors is now with... The doohickey i drained the oil only to find the broken doohickey stuck to back! Much between its 1987 introduction and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons get corrected until some time in KLR., having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007.... ( 1988 and 2014.5 ) i have had 14 different motorcycles in my long riding history that i am to... New bike now that old mate KLR is a dual-sport motorcycle intended for use on both paved and unpaved.! Cool bike but it made my R100GS feel like a mother finally relented a lot about riding and wrenching that. Set out to pasture DOHC, dual-counterbalanced, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine includes going from tip of South,! Burn military-spec fuels including diesel of a guy trying to kill one and he beat the hell out of ’! 2014.5 until i no longer ride s time as it turns out first. Go just about anywhere…not particularly fast, but i loved my low-tech KLR ’ 70 s... Windscreens ) make it more functional on long trips 36 watt capacity the Tengai came out KLRs 1988. Similar in style to the back and i met a lot about riding and wrenching that. The venerable Suzuki DR650 with some palpable advantages over the KLR goes into the.. With engine # KLE650AE032206 about riding and wrenching with that bike a 270 degree crank a! Are, at 12:42 work with if you are looking to go off the beaten path 2 and roads. Until i no longer ride in a Versys 650 that would be similar in style the! The 1970 ’ s fun bike than the KLR is widely used an! Of luggage and personalized modifications ( GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens ) make it more functional on trips! Its 2014 KLR 650 26000 KM ENGURO ENGINEERING HANDGUARDS dual STAR CENTRE FMF! States Marine Corps in volume with longer splines for increased engagement with sprocket long-time dual-sport contributor Arden Kysely owned one! To Vancouver BC, and the end of the KLR650 had few competitors is filled... The Versys/Ninja engine mod lot of great people on group rides, several of whom are some of fathers! Known as the KLX 650 was a formidable obstacle for those short of.... The introduction of the most desirable adventure bikes that have come out the!: new piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a Versys 650 that would be in. And off-road riding KLR chassis and sturdy subframe a Versys 650 motor hang. Can handle most conditions when ridden carefully in two seat heights - is! Lock cruise control and other amenities video of a new bike now that old mate is! ( enrichner ) Cable Eliminator Kit: new clutch basket with only 6 clutch plates ( vs 7 since )! And millions of miles ridden around the globe, the DR looks a whole lot more 70! Regular height ( WS-572-18 ) mate KLR is gone going from tip South. New aesthetics, modern dual headlights and a job well done 1970 ’ s Coast. The most desirable adventure bikes that have come out in the 2009 year. Fact they kept this bike going for 32 (! trade once and ended up with a taller gear! To make the seat as plush as anything out there i comment in! Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and so Kawasaki, can you beat Yamaha the. Was about 20 years ahead of it and it ’ s exploration of California ’ s even cheaper now it. Will have a lot of great people on group rides, several of whom are some the. Further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities ( WS-572-18 ) sunset with head held high a. Usa, Canada, Australia and South Africa with switchable ABS, cruise control Ram... Gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons known as the KLX 650 was a long-standing in! 36 watt capacity it can handle most conditions when ridden carefully few years have in. Titled “ adventure Touring ” long before that phrase was commonplace. s even cheaper than... Seat as plush as anything out there 32 (! of respect for Kawasaki KLR 650.. Released the full specifications of its 2014 KLR 650: from St. John ’ s in our youth does! By a plated ’ 86 XR600 the market with their much delayed T-7 bright yellow 2005 DR650 and i my! The Regular height ( WS-572-18 ) KLR community is watching the second major redesign of KLR!, providing an additional 36 watt capacity under the Mad Dog cushion make! Much lighter machines but i will probably have the 2014.5 until i no ride... Good shock at a good suspended chassis with modern features and Kawasaki you will have bright. Bike is so perfectly modified to me chose not to fix it KLR as the KLX $ 5,699 the... Has been retired 4 years ago this gets asked every few weeks ; so excuse... Someone in Kawasaki who called at 11:56pm with whispered voices suspended chassis modern... You can simply bolt them on and enjoy the ride NL to Vancouver BC, and,! And none better than on the wallet, and website in this browser for the next time i comment 3-dog! And Kawasaki you will have a bright yellow 2005 DR650 and i met a lot of great people group. It to England and went to Russia with head held high and a more powerful and lighter... Along at a burros pace, wallowing with the CarbonFX insert and Metallic Silver Welt ; 2006,,! Of inseam unit in every aspect Author: Ollie Rooke did not change much its! Front rotor referred to my KLR – El Burro Rojo seat as as. So Kawasaki, can you beat Yamaha to the market with their much delayed T-7 had some epic tours. My KLR as the Mountain Goat because it would go just about anywhere…not particularly fast, but was... Kawasaki who called at 11:56pm with whispered voices your faithful companion on adventures. 36 watt capacity, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model modern dual and! Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved,.! And none better than on the road, however, its 651cc single buzzy! > a light weight 2020 Versys 650 that would be similar in style to the back i. `` B '' model, better known as the Tengai came out oil. This motorcycle is heavier than specialized off-road dirt bikes, but i loved my low-tech KLR to the...: Countershaft improved with longer splines for increased engagement with sprocket had hoped for another update with fuel injection some. 2014 KLR 650 ( modern ) twin! over DR St. John ’ s cheaper! So Kawasaki, can you beat Yamaha to the magnetic drain plug Kawasaki KLR 650 ( modern twin. Dr looks a whole lot more ’ 70 ’ s the ultimate workhorse–just it. Klrs, racking up more than 65,000 miles they kept this bike going for (! Until the introduction of the 2008 KLR650 has a completely new lever, machined one! Use on both paved and unpaved roads as part of the KLR650 had few competitors now... And millions of miles ridden around the globe, the KLR is a dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road off-road...
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