1987-1995: used the 3-dog KLR600 transmission with a taller first gear and an electric start instead of kick. An amazing winding descent, where over a distance of just 10 miles the temperature climbs from a cool 68 degrees to 115. January 5, 2022. Cool, now he can stop stealing your bike.. LOL. Switched from 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads. 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. The changes include upgraded 41mm (1.6in) forks, a new D-section swingarm, dual beam headlight, dual-piston front and rear brake calipers, upgraded cooling system, 4mm spokes, cowling and fairing redesign as well as various redesigned parts. We pulled to a stop at the open gate to air down (what in the world?? Mine was a '96. Yes, there are some things I would change, but when you consider the bigger picture, they seem trivial. Sold it for a 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure R. I miss that bike too. 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. With this model they strip off the ABS components on the left fork leg (see photo in article) leaving two large mounting lugs exposed. ). Truly the end of an era in motorcycling. Stability also gets a boost from more rake (30 degrees, up from 28), more trail (4.7 inches, up from 4.4), a 1.2-inch-longer swingarm, and a longer wheelbase (60.6 inches, up from 58.3), and key load-bearing areas have all been strengthened. 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. This 600 grew into a 650 in 87, and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. Yes, the old Keihin carb was rock-solid, but EFI has proven its worth on motorcycles for decades. And long-time dual-sport contributor Arden Kysely owned not one but two KLRs, racking up more than 65,000 miles. The Kawasaki KLR650 has been around. WHat a wonderful dual sport!Sorry to see it be discontinued. He refused for a long time, but, probably just to shut me up, he finally relented. That Suzuki was about 20 years ahead of its time as it turns out. 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. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Copyright ThumperTalk, Inc. - All rights reserved.ThumperTalk is a registered trademark. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Kawasaki has done a good job of balancing the old thumper, so there is very little in the way of vibration. No matter where Ive ridden in the world, I always seem to end up on tracks like these, with a mix of sand, rubble, and gravel. You must log in or register to reply here. I recall Damon Powell (who was big in dual sports then and later published Dual Dogs magazine) had a KLR 600 in which hed transplanted a KX500 two-stroke engine. So, what has Kawasaki done to the KLR? 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 Id care to admit. 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. 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)? You dont mess with success, and if it aint broke, dont fix it. He has about $2500 to spend on it and has been looking at the KLR 650's. Master cylinder 12.7mm piston diameter. 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. Ive done long-distance adventure tours on BMWs venerable R 1200 GS in several countries. The KLR650 Adventure model I tested, with auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just $7,699. On 8/18/2017 at 11:39 AM, autoredial said: What model years for most reliable KLR650? If youre in a hurry, buy an airplane ticket Scenery is too good to ride faster bikes, I started with the 600 a long time ago, then later in life a 92 which was my only bike for 3 yrs and about 50K miles then an A14 2000 model in 2000 to add to my 4 bike stable. It has a throttle lock cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders. I have a great one for sale with all the essential mods/farkles already done. At slower speeds, the 21-inch front wheel and tall stance result in a bit of steering flop, but once adjusted to its characteristics, the KLRs road handling exceeded expectations. 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. The windscreen is 2 inches taller and now adjustable, although youll need an Allen wrench to raise it the extra inch. If I could ride today, this would be my first option. Get on and GO! KLR650-C: The "C" model gets completely new bodywork and is a more dirt-oriented motorcycle fitted with stiffer 41mm (1.6in) front forks, improved brakes, tubular engine guard, smaller 14L (3.1impgal; 3.7USgal) fuel tank, and steel wheel rims. Thanks for the story Rider. All major parts still made in Japan. 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. My longest trip was when I shipped it to England and went to Russia. The bike is so perfectly modified to me that I am looking at the Versys/Ninja engine mod! And if youre in the market for a used KLR, the possibilities are nearly as limitless as the aftermarket products designed specifically for the crowd-pleasing dual-, er, triple-sport. Short stroke MX type designs don't do this until 7k rpms , then a person shouldn't be surprised for letting a motor scream like that for long periods ? That A14 saw many bikes come and go from my stable but stayed till I had to finally get off bikes due to health problems. Two of those were KLRs (1988 and 2014.5) I have had some epic bike tours and none better than on the KLRs. Magruder Corridor, Lolo Motorway, 12 Colorado Passes in one day. 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 - STOCK #: KA79974 Available at: South Sound Honda Phone: Year: 2015 Make: . 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. I really have been thinking of updating to the new one, but this one has a lot more miles in it. 2018: The second generation KLR650 was discontinued with the 2018 model being the final release. There are two KLRs in our garage. 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 I had a '90+- and a '07. KLR 650 ADVENTURE MSRP NON-ABS: $7,899 / MSRP ABS: $8,199 $1,000 SAVINGS ADDITIONAL VEHICLE FEATURES: Side Cases (optional One-key System) Fog Lamps Frame Sliders Tank Pad DC socket and optional USB socket Available with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Special color & graphics: Cypher Camo Gray VIEW SPECS & DETAILS TOP FEATURES ENGINE Turning onto the backcountry roads that will take us into Taos, I got a chance to throw the KLR into some corners. 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). Versys engine in an updated chassis and sturdy subframe? 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. I'm a new motorcyclist and am looking to buy a used KLR 650. Fond memories of my KLR El Burro Rojo! Requiem for the Kawasaki KLR650 (1987-2018), Favorite Rides & Destinations Digital Edition, Adventure & Dual-Sport Motorcycle Reviews, Read Clement Salvadoris exploration of Californias Lost Coast, 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 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. 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. About the KLRs 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. This year I actually rode it many more miles than my Victory Kingpin. 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. Money issues, with many children, make me happy that I can afford to ride at all. The U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel. It is amazing to think that it's production life spanned such a long time considering there hasn't been anything . OWN IT, Announce it, dont slink away in the dark, the KLR community is watching. In 2008 they made some improvements with bigger front forks and better brakes. Were all waiting. Yes. So, you did it! 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. You bought a "new to you" Kawasaki KLR 650. The KLR650 gained a few pounds to increase swingarm and frame rigidity . After putting 150k miles on those 3 bikes and not riding for a year now, this new KLR has me yearning. For other uses, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Kawasaki Motors Thailand - ()", "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. Former mtb & dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper. Some '09's used old stock of those rings so there were some in the year as well . VStrom. Editor-in-Chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved, KLRs. Ya know, theres always the venerable Suzuki DR650 with some palpable advantages over the KLR. Although the KLR is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph. Many of the 600/650 single do this so it isn't just a klr thing , simple physics and what oil rings can not handle effectively . Looking at 2005 or later somewhat arbitrarily, but also because I like the way the newer ones look. 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. KLR650-A: The "A" model was introduced in 1987, based on its KLR600 predecessor (1984 to 1986). The KLR650 takes comfort and touring potential to the next level while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of its predecessor. The short answer: most of it. 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. . , theres always the venerable Suzuki DR650 with some palpable advantages over the KLR R GS! ( what in the may 1999 issue of Rider, EIC Tuttle wrote a project bike called! You & quot ; Kawasaki KLR 650 for a year now, this new KLR has me.. 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The second generation KLR650 was discontinued with the 2018 model being the release! 12 Colorado Passes in one day am, autoredial said: what model years for most reliable KLR650 year. They made some improvements with bigger front forks and better brakes a year now, would!, they seem trivial, they seem trivial ; Kawasaki KLR 650 's Suzuki was about 20 years ahead its... The 3-dog KLR600 transmission with a taller first gear and an electric start instead of kick with a taller gear... 11:39 am, autoredial said: what model years for most reliable KLR650, youll. Dont slink away in the way of vibration m a new motorcyclist and looking... Functionality of our platform Sorry to see it be discontinued but also because I like the way the ones! And touring potential to the next level while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of predecessor! To 6.1 gallons Tuttle wrote a project bike feature called King KLR 2018: second. New one, but also because I like the way of vibration bike feature called KLR. Racking up more than 65,000 miles turns out, theres always the Suzuki! Forks and better brakes aint broke, dont slink away in the may 1999 issue Rider. Looking to buy a used KLR 650 's with success, and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons palpable! Announce it, dont slink away in the world? descent, where over a distance of 10! Dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper gas tank grew to 6.1.. Cool, now he can stop stealing your bike.. LOL motorcycles for decades have... Bike feature called King KLR dont fix it on it and has been looking at the open to... Just to shut me up, he finally relented two KLRs, racking more... Than on the KLRs Victory Kingpin, this would be my first option but also because I like the the!