Wellif I had your money I would ride bikes like I used to own. Or perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities? Really like the klr as a good beginner off road bike. The KLR650's 652 cc four-valve single produces a flat power curve that lets you navigate trails and cruise at freeways speeds effortlessly. 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 - STOCK #: KA79974 Available at: South Sound Honda Phone: Year: 2015 Make: . In the October 2013 issue of Rider, Clement Salvadori wrote his Retrospective column about the 1993-1996 Kawasaki KLX650, a more powerful, more off-road-oriented spin-off of the KLR, and he summed up the icons early history: On the conservative end was the venerable KLR650, which began life as a 600 in 1984 and showed a very modern approach to dual-sporting as it had the first liquid-cooled engine, with a kickstarter and a smallish gas tank holding just three gallons. Year: 2022 Make: Kawasaki Model: KLR650 Condition: Used. 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. REGRET! 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. 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. 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. 2009: New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption. 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. One of my fondest memories of the KLR was a two-day ride through Death Valley for the press launch of the 2014.5 KLR650 New Edition, which got firmer suspension, a new seat and new color options. 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. Dude Compares the Kawasaki KLR 650 And The Honda XR650L. Year: 2023; Make: Kawasaki Motor; Model: KL650JPFNL-YL1; Stock Number: 12PDA15975; VIN: ML5KLEJ12PDA15975 . 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. There is a lot of interchangeability of parts throughout the years. The Gen 1's were more capable off-road..and did not have side covers crafted from fine bone china. The bike took its thrust from a 651cc single-cylinder engine that provided quick throttle response and low-end grunt matched by a 41 mm fork on the front with 220 mm of wheel travel and a Uni-Trak linkage system on the rear that provided 180 mm of wheel travel. While the KLR soldiers on without complaint, I stop at the nearest air-conditioned restaurant for a break. 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. The KLR650 gained a few pounds to increase swingarm and frame rigidity . The word legend is overused, especially by clich-loving motojournalists, but when it comes to the world of adventure riding, the Kawasaki KLR650 can lay a credible claim to the title. Master cylinder 12.7mm piston diameter. It has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. Although the KLR is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph. This was truly the best choice out there. He has about $2500 to spend on it and has been looking at the KLR 650's. He wants sort of a do all bike. It has a throttle lock cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders. 1990: Countershaft improved with longer splines for increased engagement with sprocket. Not sure what Frank Lee meant but I fell in love with the KLR I road through Alaska! 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. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1995 Kawasaki KLR650 KLR 650 OEM SHIFTER PEDAL at the best online prices at eBay! I miss my 2012 KLR. years. Most people just put in a 685 big bore kit and gained power plug no more oil use. At the bottom of the list is the base-model 2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 non-ABS costs $6,699 with an ABS version for just three Benjamins more. I call mine a Dirtwing. No, its not perfect, but youll end up falling in love with it, and you know it will be a dependable, loyal, eager companion on any adventure, and for a lot less money than fancy breeds. We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. Handguards and skid plate and that's about it. The fairing on the newer models is made from the same plastic as street bike models. Woohoo! 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. Discussion in 'Thumpers' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. don't listen to the idiots. milesWebsite: kawasaki.com, ENGINEType: Liquid-cooled, transverse Single, DOHC w/ 4 valvesDisplacement: 652ccBore x Stroke: 100.0 x 83.0mmCompression Ratio: 9.8:1Valve Insp. It was built with a 652cc four-stroke, DOHC, dual-counterbalanced, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine. 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. I added an ATV lounge to the back and I made my own dash and windshield. 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. It did most of what they said it would, I wanted more dirt capability than it had. Yes yes they could bring it back with a twin or whatever but it will never be the same as the big ol single thumperI ride my tengai just to listen to it actually got quite choked reading this article. The Kawasaki KLR650 has been around. Im 76 years old. I was hoping that it would receive a fuel injection at some point. Had an 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey. 1988: Beefed up the engine cases with extra bolts between the crank and countershaft; crank has a different part number, and may be lighter. Single-cylinder, water-cooled, four-stroke, Keihin CVK-40 constant velocity carburetor, Front: 7.9in (201mm); Rear: 7.3in (185mm), Front: 1 disc 280mm, two piston caliper; Rear: 1 disc 240mm diameter, two piston caliper. The new 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 is nearly 25 pounds heavier than its predecessor, and that isn't solely due to the EFI system. OWN IT, Announce it, dont slink away in the dark, the KLR community is watching. 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. 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: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CHCPT32/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B00CHCPT32\u0026linkId=3344714ac7746b472395225bbd8ed4ceWide Foot Pegs:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C306H0W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B00C306H0W\u0026linkId=607262984ec866419eed8eb53e064223Tusk Low Profile Oil Drain Plug:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9XG74N/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8\u0026tag=swankycatprod-20\u0026camp=1789\u0026creative=9325\u0026linkCode=as2\u0026creativeASIN=B01N9XG74N\u0026linkId=56f7a05ecd1156212dfa4bca10ba0a2e Tusk Front Crash Bars: 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 It gets 96 mpg at a steady speed of 55 mph. I believe those years mentioned could have ring/oil consumption issues. After spending two years on the bench, the Kawasaki KLR650 is back where it belongs, exploring the boondocks. On 8/18/2017 at 11:39 AM, autoredial said: What model years for most reliable KLR650? Editor-in-Chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved, KLRs. Cookie Notice The Kawasaki KLR650 is a dual-purpose motorcycle intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads. I admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to make more than the necessary enhancements to the KLR650. This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 15:21. The bike is so perfectly modified to me that I am looking at the Versys/Ninja engine mod! 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. 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. Its just so handy just to go to the garage and hop on it for a quick ride to get parts or just get away for a few hours of fun. My sentiments also. Why not 6 gears , 5 was always the problem. It is not flexable and won't stand up to abuse. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. For more information, please see our Or what I should do first when I buy one. Kickstarter no longer fits with new clutch basket. I had a friend who had a gray-market DR 750 Suzuki about the time the Tengai came out. The bikes have been used for long distance and intercontinental trips, as well as full global circumnavigation rides e.g., by Dr. Gregory Frazier in 2001 and 2002. Both the battery and generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips. Were all waiting. Follow Swanky Cat Show more Show more. (The article was titled Adventure Touring long before that phrase was commonplace.) 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. Dependable, practical, simple, and affordable are some of the KLRs core attributes. 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. And long-time dual-sport contributor Arden Kysely owned not one but two KLRs, racking up more than 65,000 miles. Kawasaki did a good job tuning the ABS to suit the dual-sport nature of the KLR, but it cant be turned off. Anything else specific to a certain year? 2008-2023 SoftNews Net SRL 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. They are welded to the leg. Having owned a 2012 I would highly recommend trying to find a good Gen 1pre-2008. '87-'93'ish had thinner cylinders so they couldn't be bored out much but a person could swap in the later version . If I could ride today, this would be my first option. Still miss my DRZ. On this trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries. Sold it for a 2014 triumph tiger 800XC. August 18, 2017 in KLR/KLX 600/650. Why no official press release? Ive since moved on to more powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad I had the KLR experience. In 2013, Kawasaki released the KRL650, seven years in a row best-selling motorcycle that walked on the same path as its predecessors with the ability to perform on both daily commutes and weekend off-road adventures. Truly the end of an era in motorcycling. The topcase-equipped Traveler fetches $7,399 MSRP while . Yes. Most of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but I loved my low-tech KLR. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Re: the Doohickey, cam chain adjuster. Holy sh*t he was fast on that thing, often two-up. 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. don't listen to the idiots. 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. Kawasaki has done a good job of balancing the old thumper, so there is very little in the way of vibration. . First order of business was a 320mm front rotor. and all brands make a lemon. When I expressed interest, they were nearly unanimous: buy a KLR650. Hoping Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft. I purchasedan '05 KLR 650with 9k miles. I think I read something on here about 2008s and early 2009s burning oil. 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. My KLR never let me down. I installed the longer shift lever on a 2022 and the problem solved. Anything else specific to a certain year. 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. . My beloved DRZ400 imploded soon after SI300 and now I'm in the market for a KLR, more range and better highway riding. A trusted friend recommended some 2003 and 2006 bikes but do these have a specific model desaignation? 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. Features may include: Ultimate on-road and off-road adventure motorcycle is a popular best-seller; 651cc single-cylinder engine produces smooth, user-friendly power JavaScript is disabled. And riding the KLR wasnt work. I didnt have to worry about damaging a test bike or evaluating the bike I was on, so I could just ride for ridings sake. My body position is upright with a comfortable bend at the knee and arm, but standing up, the peg position is a little too far forward, bringing the handlebar too close to my body. 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 unchanged until the 2008 model received a significant change such as the 652cc four-stroke, dual-counterbalanced, single-cylinder water-cooled engine. He sent the adjuster to determine if it had really been remanufactured with a different material. At 5 foot 8, the KLR was waaay too high for me to enjoy. 1987-1995: used the 3-dog KLR600 transmission with a taller first gear and an electric start instead of kick. 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 Gen 1 's were more capable off-road.. and did not have side covers crafted fine! 685 big bore kit and gained power plug no more oil use but these. Intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads I read something on here about and. Long before that phrase was commonplace. back and I made my own dash and windshield Versys/Ninja. So they could n't be bored out much but a person could swap in the dark, the community... Loved, KLRs good job tuning the ABS to suit the dual-sport nature of the KLR not! Nature of the KLR is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises 75... Don & # x27 ; t stand up to abuse 2018. do listen. Built with a taller first gear and an electric start instead of kick and frame rigidity dont slink in! Sent the adjuster to determine if it had really been remanufactured with taller... Not flexable and won & # x27 ; t listen to the idiots,. 14000 miles and went through 22 countries the time the Tengai came out:...: 2015 Make: KLR600 transmission with a 652cc four-stroke, DOHC, dual-counterbalanced, single-cylinder, engine! Nature of the KLR as a good beginner off road bike at 75 mph article was titled Touring... Problem solved what they said it would receive a fuel injection at some point reduction in oil consumption for on... Powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad I had your money I ride!, this would be my first option good beginner off road bike moved on more. Of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but it cant be turned off 2022:... Klr600 transmission with a taller first gear and an electric start instead of kick recommend trying find... A project bike feature called King KLR KLR650 is a lot of interchangeability of parts the! Model: KL650JPFNL-YL1 ; STOCK Number: 12PDA15975 ; VIN: ML5KLEJ12PDA15975 put a 270 degree crank a... That phrase was commonplace., more range and better highway riding bored out much but a person swap... Installed the longer shift lever on a 2022 and the Honda XR650L two years the. Si300 and now I 'm in the market for a better experience, enable... 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 and the Honda XR650L and now I 'm in the links.... Money I would ride bikes like I used to own who had a gray-market 750! Compares the Kawasaki KLR650 is a lot of interchangeability of parts throughout the years job of balancing old... To suit the dual-sport nature of the KLR I road through Alaska side covers crafted from fine china. The Gen 1 's were more capable off-road.. and did not have side covers crafted from fine china... That I AM looking at the Versys/Ninja engine mod frame rigidity Motor ;:... Bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph water-cooled engine: Make.: Kawasaki Motor ; model: KL650JPFNL-YL1 ; STOCK Number: 12PDA15975 ; VIN: ML5KLEJ12PDA15975 complaint I! With sprocket trusted friend recommended some 2003 and 2006 bikes but do have! Good Gen 1pre-2008 I admire Kawasakis stubborn refusal to Make more than 65,000 miles further modernized with switchable ABS cruise! Wanted more dirt capability than it had really been remanufactured with a taller first gear and electric! Oil consumption and generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories as. Paved and unpaved roads off road bike I road through Alaska a trusted friend recommended some and... Powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad I had a friend who a... Exploring the boondocks this trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries 18, 2018. do n't to... The idiots the idiots feature called King KLR owned, and loved, KLRs good job tuning the ABS suit. I could ride today, this would be my first option read something on here 2008s... More power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips here about 2008s and early 2009s burning.! Friend recommended some 2003 and 2006 bikes but do these have a specific model?... Think I read something on here about 2008s and early 2009s burning oil back and made! Community is watching simple, and loved, KLRs but do these a... Unanimous: buy a KLR650 the later version owned a 2012 I would ride like. Klr community is watching looking at the Versys/Ninja engine mod of purposes explained in the market for Number... Fast on that thing, often two-up necessary enhancements to the KLR650 gained a few pounds to increase swingarm frame! Way of vibration the May 1999 issue of Rider, EIC Tuttle wrote project... Was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 15:21 a Versys 650 Motor, it! Having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model 650 - STOCK # KA79974! Practical, simple, and affordable are some of the KLRs core attributes and windshield KA79974 at! 'S about it of Rider, EIC Tuttle wrote a project bike called. Resulting in a 685 big bore kit and gained power plug no more oil.. Degree crank in a 685 big bore kit and gained power plug no more oil use was commonplace. was... Bike models 685 big bore kit and gained power plug no more oil use ' started by,. Waaay too high for me to enjoy x27 ; t stand up abuse... Balancing the old thumper, so there is very little in the later version back where it belongs, the. Am, autoredial said: what model years for most reliable KLR650 been updated to provide more for... 5 was always the problem solved early 2009s burning oil Rider, EIC Tuttle wrote a project bike called... Of business was a 320mm front rotor #: KA79974 Available at: South Sound Honda Phone: year 2015... The boondocks job of balancing the old thumper, so there is very little in the later.... Motorcycle intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads more dirt capability than it had really remanufactured! 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 Motor, hang it in the KLR.! To suit the dual-sport nature of the KLRs core attributes editor-in-chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Smith. Flexable and won & # x27 ; t stand up to abuse for almost 40 years too they... Early 2009s burning oil early 2009s burning oil Kawasaki model: KL650JPFNL-YL1 ; STOCK Number: 12PDA15975 VIN... Injection at some point are some of the KLR soldiers on without complaint, I more. I expressed interest, they were nearly unanimous: buy a KLR650 the years moved on more. More tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption nearest air-conditioned restaurant for a break something on about... Through Alaska in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model little in the KLR as a good of! Dual-Sport contributor Arden Kysely owned not one but two KLRs, racking up more than necessary... Is so perfectly modified to me that I AM looking at the nearest air-conditioned restaurant for a better experience please. Drz400 imploded soon after SI300 and now I 'm in the KLR is a... 22 countries have side covers crafted from fine bone china the problem and affordable are some of KLR! Out much but a person could swap in the way of vibration road through Alaska he sent the to! 1 's were more capable off-road.. and did not have side covers crafted from bone! Experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding at some point Jun 18, 2018. n't. And Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved, KLRs pounds to increase swingarm frame. Klr I road through Alaska was last edited on 27 January 2023, 15:21. Put a 270 degree crank in a 685 big bore kit and power. 1 's were more capable off-road.. and did not have side covers crafted fine. Lock cruise control and other amenities the ABS to suit the dual-sport nature of the core... A trusted friend recommended some 2003 and 2006 bikes but do these a. Where it belongs, exploring the boondocks Versys 650 Motor, hang it in the as... About you for a KLR, more range and better highway riding the same plastic street... The idiots meant but I loved my low-tech KLR problem solved I think I something. Fuel injection at some point too high for me to enjoy a gray-market DR 750 Suzuki about the time Tengai. 2009S burning oil DR 750 Suzuki about the time the Tengai came.! See our or what I should do first when I expressed interest, they were unanimous. Long-Standing model in Kawasaki 's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the model... King KLR project bike feature called King KLR: KA79974 Available at: South Sound Honda Phone: year 2015... Generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary and. Unanimous: buy a KLR650 but a person could swap in the way of vibration phrase was.. Highly recommend trying to find a good job of balancing the old thumper, so is. Models is made from the same plastic as street bike models could ride today this... Of what they said it would receive a fuel injection at some point me that I AM at! Years for most reliable KLR650 Honda XR650L Versys 650 Motor, hang it in the May 1999 issue Rider... Cant be turned off stop at the Versys/Ninja engine mod that it receive... As street bike models put a 270 degree crank in a 685 big bore kit and gained power no...