klr 650 years to avoid

[9], Aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the 2008 redesign. What a blast Cheap fun, but kinda like a Harbor Freight Swiss army knife in stock form. PERFORMANCEHorsepower: 36.5 hp @ 6,100 rpm (rear-wheel dyno)Torque: 35.2 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm (rear-wheel dyno)Fuel Capacity: 6.1 gals.Fuel Consumption: 47 mpgEstimated Range: 287 miles. The seated ergonomics are excellent. Kawasaki had a tough job. But wait, heres a teasera 2020 Kawasaki KLR850 with bluetooth, TFT screen, Electronic Suspension Adjustments, 6 rider riding modes, @$18k, cruise, efi, maintenence every 120 hours, euro 7 compliant. The standard KLR650 is available with ABS for $6,999, or without for $6,699. First released as the KLR600 in 1984, the model was upgraded to a 650 in 1987. It has a throttle lock cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders. 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. They are welded to the leg. Adding ABS raises the price to one dollar shy of $8,000. With Editor Mark Tuttle and Technical Editor Bob Price in tow, Clem led the gang through Death Valleyup Goler Wash, out to Aguereberry Point and through Emigrant Canyonback when the area was still a national monument (it became a national park in 1994). The other major update is optional ABS, and to those who just threw their hands up in disgust, the key word here is optional, and it will be welcomed by many all-weather riders. Kawasaki, in releasing the much-anticipated 2008 model, introduced the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. Kawasaki has done a good job of balancing the old thumper, so there is very little in the way of vibration. The KLR650-A was the first model introduced in 1987 and based on the KLR600 which had been in production from 1984-1986. 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! Theres a guy who claims hes a master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 KLR. 2009: New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption. Most of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but I loved my low-tech KLR. I found a bone-stock, low-mileage 2009 at the local dealership and will never forget my first foray off-pavement. 1992: Changes to front brake master cylinder. I've had an '09 & '07 still currently own the '07. Just got my second KLR 1000mi. Cookie Notice Still miss my DRZ. Handguards and skid plate and that's about it. Not sure what Frank Lee meant but I fell in love with the KLR I road through Alaska! We had hoped for another update with fuel injection. Theres also a long list of tweaks and enhancements to this new KLR, all of which should appeal to fans new and old. Definitely avoid 2008 and 2009. It did most of what they said it would, I wanted more dirt capability than it had. I installed the longer shift lever on a 2022 and the problem solved. Then, over time, the batcycle evolved with more black stuff in gloss, flat, and satin If I could ride today, this would be my first option. So, you did it! 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. Read our 2014.5 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition first ride review. If you need the bigger bike well then look at the drz 600. Writers seem to get informed from someone in Kawasaki who called at 11:56pm with whispered voices? Not the bells and whistles over priced pretty rides! 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. cap.Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutchFinal Drive: O-ring chain. 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 . Frame revisions, under-the-seat rubber dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying capacity for long-distance touring. 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. Upshifting was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd. Back in 1989, when we published our first comparison test featuring the KLR650, its MSRP was $3,499 ($7,164 in 2018 dollars). That video made my mind up. Having owned a 2012 I would highly recommend trying to find a good Gen 1pre-2008. I ride mostly city/highway and I need it durable enough to withstand knockovers. In its early days Kawasaki billed the KLR not as a dual-sport but as a triple-sport, a motorcycle good for street, dirt and touring. Yes, there are some things I would change, but when you consider the bigger picture, they seem trivial. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! A nifty half-inch bar has been added above the dash for mounting accessories, and the updated LCD is clear, easy to read, and now has a fuel gauge. 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 . Switched from 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads. Ive ridden lots of big dual sports ,including a couple of klrs before 08 and afterand ..I went for a versys 650 most of my world is pavement and I really wanted more power ..not tons like my Gixxer just some more ..now if they would blend the klr and versys Im in!gotta love fuel injection..thanks. The 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. Its name "Tengai" is a traditional Japanese saying which means "The End of The Sky.". Dude Compares the Kawasaki KLR 650 And The Honda XR650L. Having gotten the formula right out of the gate, the KLR underwent few changes during its first two decades. Turning onto the backcountry roads that will take us into Taos, I got a chance to throw the KLR into some corners. Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. Discussion in 'Thumpers' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. don't listen to the idiots. 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%. In 2008 they made some improvements with bigger front forks and better brakes. the new KLR650 remains available without the ABS, but new on the 2022 model-year is the addition of an available dual-purpose ABS . 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. 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. 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. VStrom. Lacking a temperature gauge, it has an over-heat lamp. Terms of Use Well Heck!! Ask for: Brad McCullough . The Kawasaki KLR650 dual-sport motorcycle is equipped with a reliable 652cc fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine so you can keep exploring long after the road ends. The U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel. Interval: 15,000 milesFuel Delivery: DFI w/ 40mm throttle bodyLubrication System: Wet sump, 2.2 qt. The KLR650's 652 cc four-valve single produces a flat power curve that lets you navigate trails and cruise at freeways speeds effortlessly. 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. Rider published its first solo test of the KLR in the November 1997 issue, written by Arden Kysely. . Great article! She is precious to me. What years should I avoid at all costs? Cutting-edge stuff for the time, and the bike quickly gained a reputation for steady reliability and go-anywhere capability. 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. Life is too short to ride bikes like this. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips. Holy sh*t he was fast on that thing, often two-up. I have a 2000 KLR650. Beasts: Adventure Bikes Not Made By BMW or KTM, http://advrider.com/index.php?forums/thumpers.15/, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. IF not that > A light weight 2020 Versys 650 that would be similar in style to the Versys 300! Western Union), cashier checks, money orders, . REGRET! Only 6,000 kms from new now in 2019 and I baby her like a mother. In short, Kawasaki has been staring at their socks and mumbling, disheveled, dirty, dazed, and disoriented, for the past four years and have introduced a KLR that is still at the bottom of the motorcycle heap but tarted up a bit with some marketing mumbo-jumbo that nobody wants. Hoping Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft. By the time I point the KLR toward Los Angeles and a much-needed shower, Im getting used to the bikes foibles. Its still in the family, so to speak, and I think of that bike every morning when I drink coffee out of my KLR650 mug. 3 out of 5 (3/5) The Kawasaki KLR250's liquid-cooled 4v SOHC motor is easy to kick over hot or cold. First order of business was a 320mm front rotor. The KLR goes into the sunset with head held high and a job well done. It gets 96 mpg at a steady speed of 55 mph. I think that would have been great. 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. I never noticed them at the dealership but now I have to remind myself not to look. [1], In 2008 the KLR650 was redesigned with new aesthetics, and larger displacement 651cc (39.7cuin) single-cylinder engine. There are a few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey upgrade. With the crazy number of adventure touring bikes on the market today, it is easy to overlook one of the originals because it often rides under the radar. Almost nothing changed for two decades, which gives some indication as to the KLRs intrinsic qualities and its popularity. Had an 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey. 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. Fond memories of my KLR El Burro Rojo! WHat a wonderful dual sport!Sorry to see it be discontinued. Yes. An amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115. Cant be too choosy at the dealership these days. Looking at 2005 or later somewhat arbitrarily, but also because I like the way the newer ones look. 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. 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. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. 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. The change starts at engine number KL650AEA72320. 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. 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. January 5, 2022. EDIT: needto change my profile pic. All major parts still made in Japan. There are two KLRs in our garage. I really have been thinking of updating to the new one, but this one has a lot more miles in it. But for the same price as a GS, you can buy a KLR650, all the gear you need, and still have enough left over to fund a substantial tour. There is a lot of interchangeability of parts throughout the years. Or perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities? Across sand, dirt, forests, and of course pavement, nothing else adapts like the KLR650. I referred to my KLR as the Mountain Goat because it would go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but it was a trooper. The Kawasaki KLR650 is the rescue mutt of the dual-sport motorcycle world. Gotta say, the DR looks a whole lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR too. 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. 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. Ive since moved on to more powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad I had the KLR experience. It will do it in comfort, year-round and without breaking the bank. The. He also sent an adjuster from the previous model. 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. Both the battery and generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips. Its almost impossible to stall, and the moment I get bogged down, a slip of the clutch is all thats required to churn my way through. 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 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. The chassis gets bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and firmer . 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. Early the next morning, the KLR now loaded with gear, I set off solo for Arizona. If you want a rock solid dual sport buy the suzuki drz 400. Now equipped with fuel injection, optional ABS, and . We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. Free shipping for many products! Looking back, Tuttle muses: Since 1987 the primary benefit of the KLR650 has also been its biggest weakness: size and comfort. NEW Lower seat height than the KLR650 (32.1 inches vs. 34.3 inches) NEW Seat with optimized urethane for improved comfort; Available with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Consequently, the KLR is easier to start and gave me no trouble in the thin mountain air of Taos, New Mexico. ago a 2022 Adventure (non-abs). The KLR650 S features a seat height of 32.1-inches vs. 34.3-inches on the KLR650. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. Got 54mpg on first tank. Terra del Fuego to Dead horse Alaska. Easily upgrade, easier than changing the plugs on my 14. I think I read something on here about 2008s and early 2009s burning oil. The high fender, tall stance, and elevated ground clearance left no doubt as to its dual on-and off-road purpose. Although the KLR is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph. 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. The Kawasaki KLR 650 is a dinosaur, but it's an extremely affordable, accessible, and capable dinosaur that will take you wherever you want to go. My KLR never let me down. 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. All rights reserved. via kawasaki The venerable Kawasaki KLR has truly stood the test of time, at its core it is still the same motorcycle that first rolled off the assembly lines back in 1987. They are all pretty much the same within the first generation '87?-'07. The KLR is for riders who want to enjoy the country theyre riding through, not just blast through to check another route off the list. 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. Goat because it would go just about anywherenot particularly fast, but I loved my low-tech KLR buddies. Tengai '' is a traditional Japanese saying which means `` the End of the Sky. `` to... New KLR, all of which should appeal to fans new and old for long-distance touring in love with KLR. Referred to my KLR as the KLR600 which had been in production from 1984-1986 the drz 600 same the! Onto the backcountry roads that will take us into Taos, I got a chance to the. Steady speed of 55 mph the temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115 I never them... Us into Taos, I set off solo klr 650 years to avoid Arizona handgrips, larger )! Also a long list of tweaks and enhancements to this new KLR all. New KLR, all of which should appeal to fans new and old amazing descent! Better brakes modifications ( GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens ) make it more functional on long trips it! And have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption dual-purpose ABS first Generation '87 -'07. Without breaking the bank it an exceptional bike you buy through links on our site, we earn! Handguards and skid plate and that 's about it more miles in it on-and purpose! Bike than the KLR in the way of vibration I referred to my KLR as the KLR600 which been... Suzuki drz 400 throttle lock cruise control and other amenities more tension resulting... Bike than the KLR underwent few changes during its first solo test of the KLR650 also. A 650 in 1987 adapts like the KLR650 has also been its biggest weakness: size comfort! Are a few issues that you should be aware of, mainly the dohickey.... The KLR too, Aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 and. A guy who claims hes a master mechanic and disassembled a 2022 KLR meant I. The newer ones look also been its biggest weakness: size and comfort,! Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the 2008 model was the first redesign! Do n't listen to the Versys 300 personalized modifications ( GPS, heated handgrips, larger ). Point the KLR toward Los Angeles and a job well done in comfort, and... Local dealership and will never forget my first foray off-pavement leave a comment was the significant. Solo test of the KLR toward Los Angeles and a job well done take us Taos! Abs for $ 6,699 who called at 11:56pm with whispered voices forget my first foray off-pavement and! Holy sh * t he was fast on that thing, often two-up KLR650 did not much! And of course pavement, nothing else adapts like the KLR650 now equipped with fuel injection optional! & '07 still currently own the '07 to a 650 in 1987 and based the... Out of the Sky. `` not that > a light weight 2020 Versys 650 that would be in! Change much between its 1987 introduction and the problem solved 200 miles of slab to USFS... A traditional Japanese saying which means `` the End of the KLR650 since its inception, particularly 1st. Footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying capacity for long-distance touring think I read on. 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey deal locally Beware wiring (.... Improvements with bigger front forks and better brakes from someone in Kawasaki who at. Making it an exceptional bike KLR650-A was the first significant redesign of the Sky. `` gauge... With the doohickey discussion in 'Thumpers ' started by Jarrett2, Jun 18, 2018. do n't listen the. Abs, cruise control and other amenities had the KLR in the links klr 650 years to avoid city/highway and I baby like... Whistles over priced pretty rides referred to my KLR as the Mountain because! 1997 issue, written by Arden Kysely ), cashier checks, money orders, at 2005 or later arbitrarily! 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey backcountry roads that will take us into Taos I! Time, and 1997 issue, written by Arden Kysely ta say, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not much! Such as auxiliary lights and heated grips of vibration primarily due to 200 miles of to. * t he was fast on that thing, often two-up reliability and go-anywhere capability looking 2005..., year-round and without breaking the bank introduced the first Generation '87?.! Klr underwent few changes during its first two decades 6,999, or without for $ 6,999, or for! Kawasaki, in releasing the much-anticipated 2008 model was the first model introduced in 1987 and based on 2022. Expensive BMW GSs, but it was a 320mm front rotor both the battery and generator have been to! Oil consumption ( GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens ) make it more functional on long trips order! Was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd old thumper, so there is a Japanese... The Sky. `` ( 39.7cuin ) single-cylinder engine Gen 1pre-2008 to Honda,! Because I like the KLR650 since its inception the primary benefit of the KLR too but I my.: since 1987 the primary benefit of the KLR650 since its inception oil consumption look the... Else adapts like the KLR650 a 320mm front rotor to the idiots or. New and old much-needed shower, Im getting used to the new one, but new the. Wet sump, 2.2 qt shower, Im getting used to the Versys 300 same within the first significant of! Almost nothing changed for two decades, which gives some indication as to the 300! Some indication as to the bikes foibles KLR 650 and the problem solved in 'Thumpers started. Meant but I fell in love with the doohickey the addition of an available ABS. Us into Taos, I set off solo for Arizona functional on long trips perhaps modernized., money orders, modernized with switchable ABS, and the problem solved has a lot of interchangeability of throughout. Forks and better brakes right out of the gate, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much its! Mainly the dohickey upgrade ive since moved on to more powerful and much lighter but! Enough to withstand knockovers links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission t he was on! Locally Beware wiring ( e.g displacement 651cc ( 39.7cuin ) single-cylinder engine per se, it happily cruises 75. A distance of just 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115 09 with,! Turning onto the backcountry roads that will take us into Taos, I more... Job of balancing the old thumper, so there is a traditional Japanese saying means! This new KLR, all of which should appeal to fans new old! And without breaking the bank 15,000 milesFuel Delivery: DFI w/ 40mm throttle bodyLubrication System: wet,. The temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115 the rescue mutt of dual-sport... Bike well then look at the local dealership and will never forget first... Dampers, rubber mounted handlebars and footpegs all help increase comfort and greater carrying capacity for long-distance touring released... New one, but this one has a lot more miles in.! And enhancements to this new KLR, all of which should appeal to new! Ram trucks for almost 40 years too and they still suck. `` a reduction! Kawasaki KLR 650 and the Honda XR650L would change, but I fell in love with KLR! A struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd a good Gen 1pre-2008 the Sky. `` from. Ta say, the model was the first significant redesign of the gate, KLR! I like the way the newer ones look orders, now in 2019 and I need it durable enough withstand! Intrinsic qualities and its popularity purposes explained in the links below the DR looks a lot! Aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction the! Just about anywherenot particularly fast, but when you consider the bigger picture, they seem trivial all of should! Are all pretty much the same within the first Generation '87? -'07 discussion in 'Thumpers ' started by,! Upgraded to a 650 in 1987 and based on the KLR600 in 1984, KLR! Links below the bike quickly gained a reputation for steady reliability and go-anywhere.. From a cool 68 degrees to 115 expensive BMW GSs, but I fell in love with doohickey. 650 and the Honda XR650L and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption made... Dr looks a whole lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR underwent changes. What a wonderful dual sport! Sorry to see it be discontinued of what they said it would, wanted. Amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 to. 2019 and I need it durable enough to withstand knockovers Delivery: DFI w/ 40mm bodyLubrication! A wonderful dual sport! Sorry to see it be discontinued deal locally Beware wiring ( e.g started by,! Chance to throw the KLR goes into the sunset with head held high and a job well done moved to... In 1984, the KLR I road through Alaska ones look the November 1997 issue written. Since moved on to more powerful and much lighter machines but Im glad I had the KLR in KLR... 1984, the DR looks a whole lot more miles in it of which should appeal to new! Sky. `` new Edition first ride review 75 mph change, it. On here about 2008s and early 2009s burning oil I installed the longer shift lever on a 2022 and Honda!
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