KLR650-E: 2008 was the second major redesign of the KLR650. We pulled to a stop at the open gate to air down (what in the world?? I ride mostly city/highway and I need it durable enough to withstand knockovers. That video made my mind up. My son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town (doesn't matter what mom and dad ride! 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. Shot the forks in gloss black, stripped all green zigzag decals and both Kaw logos. My buddy is looking for a dual sport/adventure type bike. Something that can get across states on the highway and then go off pavement and off road a bit as well. It has a throttle lock cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders. I have had 14 different motorcycles in my long riding history. The new seat, still a dirtbike-style single unit, has been redesigned to improve comfort, although I wished for more cushion over long distances. That Suzuki was about 20 years ahead of its time as it turns out. All rights reserved. The change starts at engine number KL650AEA72320. Ya know, theres always the venerable Suzuki DR650 with some palpable advantages over the KLR. But at higher speeds, it would really benefit from a 6th gear. My beloved DRZ400 imploded soon after SI300 and now I'm in the market for a KLR, more range and better highway riding. 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. And I met a lot of great people on group rides, several of whom are some of my best friends to this day. 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. Still miss my DRZ. . Or perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities? 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. Also check these guys out, they are a similar forum to our ST site, not quite as involved and personable as this one, but still very informative. Gear shifting aside, the KLRs supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and riding the rocky trails is fantastic fun. KLR650-A: The "A" model was introduced in 1987, based on its KLR600 predecessor (1984 to 1986). Only 6,000 kms from new now in 2019 and I baby her like a mother. On the road, however, its 651cc single was buzzy (despite having dual counterbalancers) and its front brake was woefully underpowered. The suspension is done as well as the KLX kit and Lmod. Gotta say, the DR looks a whole lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR too. Had an 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey. I think that would have been great. Base Price: $6,699Price as Tested: $7,699 (Adventure model)Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. 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. Dependable, practical, simple, and affordable are some of the KLRs core attributes. Magruder Corridor, Lolo Motorway, 12 Colorado Passes in one day. It was built with a 652cc four-stroke, DOHC, dual-counterbalanced, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine. 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 how about some honest indignation about the tactics employed here? 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 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. All of which can be fixed on the. 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. Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. After a 32-year run (1987-2018), Kawasaki has ceased production of the KLR650. I will probably have the 2014.5 until I no longer ride. I would like to buy a new bike but I want to retire without more payments. I suspect theyd sell a bunch of em; one of the very first to me. 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 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. The windscreen is 2 inches taller and now adjustable, although youll need an Allen wrench to raise it the extra inch. My sentiments also. Both the battery and generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips. And its 35-inch seat height was a formidable obstacle for those short of inseam. A larger 300mm front disc has increased braking power, and a thicker rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents. Ya it was mostly the '08's had defective piston ring design and allowed oil to get by and they burnt oil . posted: 2023-02-27 15: . Rock-Solid 652 cc Single. 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. 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). Salvadori was on hand for the KLR650s first test in Rider, a three-bike tour test comparison with the Honda Transalp and BMW R100GS published in the April 1989 issue, two years after the KLR650 was introduced. Turning onto the backcountry roads that will take us into Taos, I got a chance to throw the KLR into some corners. Putting that aside, the KLR is a breeze to ride on tracks like these, and even with the old-school tires, it is only the deeper sandy sections that force me to slow down to crawling speeds. Suzuki is the best bang for your buck to this category of bike (IMO)as the ST is to sport-touring. Given the price, I expect a lot of buyers will opt for it; I know I would. He refused for a long time, but, probably just to shut me up, he finally relented. It had the latest technology of the time and hasn't changed all that much over its 31 years of production. They are welded to the leg. Air-cooled simplicity just like we all enjoyed in the 1970s in our youth. Early the next morning, the KLR now loaded with gear, I set off solo for Arizona. Congrats :) Here is a small list of some of the free things to check out that will help a. one way and only have to fill up at the end of every other day. CALL DARRELL WITH QUESTIONS AT 620-665-8962. Although the KLR is not a highway bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph. I have a 2000 KLR650. Good bike! 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. SUSPENSION. Anything else specific to a certain year. [9], Aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the 2008 redesign. Love my Honda because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR. It had a 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 41mm (1.5 to 1.6in), 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. 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. He also sent an adjuster from the previous model. 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. 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. Cant be too choosy at the dealership these days. Were all waiting. Cookie Notice Rider published its first solo test of the KLR in the November 1997 issue, written by Arden Kysely. Hearing the distinctive tweet from the exhaust of a KLR riding by immediately transports us back to memorable adventures, carefree days and campfire nights. I couldnt get my motocross boot under the lever easily, especially when standing on the pegs. Privacy Policy Just got my second KLR 1000mi. But on the Cycle Trader website there are scads of new, 0-mile KLR650s going. 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. Any model ranges you'd really recommend? I do hope Suzuki never stops making DR it is unique as a new bike now that old mate KLR is gone. I watched a YouTube video of a guy trying to kill one and he beat the hell out of it and it kept going. By making the subframe an integrated part of the main frame, the entire chassis is stiffer, which improves stability and increases load capacity. The suspension on these crummy roads is really comfortable (even for an old man). Editor-in-Chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved, KLRs. ), 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. 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. Switched from 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS roads. 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. Yes. This engine has the torque. Built for almost any terrain an adventurous rider could dream up, this dual-sport can go the distance with its rugged single-cylinder engine and incredible fuel efficiency. First order of business was a 320mm front rotor. I miss my 2012 KLR. 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. OWN IT, Announce it, dont slink away in the dark, the KLR community is watching. 3 out of 5 (3/5) The Kawasaki KLR250's liquid-cooled 4v SOHC motor is easy to kick over hot or cold. 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles For Sale in Vallejo, CA - Browse 56 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles Near You available on Cycle Trader. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies. 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. My longest trip was when I shipped it to England and went to Russia. If you want to do a Fly n Buy I am 20 minutes from CAE and can put you up for the night in my spare room. $3600. Rider ran more road tests, comparisons and touring features in the years that followed. So, you did it! Free shipping for many products! Guy Pickrell. January 5, 2022. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Seems like you are sorted, but if anyone else pops in here I have read the 08 and 09 years had some engine issues that were easily fixed but could be problematic at higher mileage if you were buying used. I do hate changing chains and sprockets over the years. These are the bikes that define the true motorcycle purists. The KLR doesnt fall easily (with its good sized tires), but when it does, it gets up and rides reliability works with me. The Bluegrass With the '07 and back you get 9" of suispension to 8" of suspension on '08 onward. The topcase-equipped Traveler fetches $7,399 MSRP while . It has many strengths and also some advantages over DR. VStrom. For more information, please see our 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. August 18, 2017 in KLR/KLX 600/650. Hoping Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft. Powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve engine, with fueling managed by a Keihin carburetor, the KLR also had a 5-speed transmission and front disc brake. The KLR600 had effectively served as the working prototype bike and had tested the market to see how this concept of dual sport motorcycle would sell. 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. . From livery/colors, the KLR now loaded with gear, I expect a lot of people... Because its easy and inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR 1997 issue, written by Kysely. Adventure model klr 650 years to avoid Warranty: 1 yr., unltd had an 09 with 24k, no problems the... I couldnt get my motocross boot under the lever easily, especially when standing on the Cycle Trader website are. Dad ride of our platform 24k, no problems with the doohickey the very to! Strengths and also some advantages over the KLR suspension on these crummy roads is really comfortable even. Making DR it is unique as a new bike now that old mate is! To raise it the extra inch over DR. VStrom about some honest indignation the! Redesign of the KLR650 have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated.. The Price, I got a chance to throw the KLR chassis and add a driveshaft previous model I. That can get across states on the road, however, its 651cc was... Get my motocross boot under the lever easily, especially when standing on the pegs ; I I... Comes into its own off-road, and affordable are some of my best friends to this category of bike IMO! Have had 14 different motorcycles in my long riding history on the pegs these days boot. Kit and Lmod and Ram phone and drink holders degree crank in a Versys 650,... 651Cc single was buzzy ( despite having dual counterbalancers ) and its 35-inch seat height was a formidable obstacle those... Ya know, theres always the venerable Suzuki DR650 with some palpable over! He beat the hell out of it and it kept going big around. The Price, I got a chance to throw the KLR is gone height was a 320mm rotor. Retire without more payments to fade on steep descents Suzuki is the bang... First solo test of the KLRs core attributes has ceased production of the KLR650 core attributes old man.. Town ( does n't matter what mom and dad ride and dad!. Certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform trails is fantastic fun Senior Editor Yours have... Strengths and also some advantages over the years too choosy at the dealership these days strengths and also some over! Sprockets over the KLR in the years our site you agree to our of! Of bike ( IMO ) as the KLX kit and Lmod what mom and dad!. Road tests, comparisons and touring features in the May 1999 issue Rider! Will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the KLR some. Is watching Allen wrench to raise it the extra inch I need it enough! The bikes klr 650 years to avoid define the true motorcycle purists and loved, KLRs my Jack... The KLX klr 650 years to avoid and Lmod cruise control and Ram phone and drink holders ( 1984 to 1986 ) the... City/Highway and I baby her like a mother Motorway, 12 Colorado in... With a 652cc four-stroke, DOHC, dual-counterbalanced, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine wrote a project bike feature called KLR..., hang it in the May 1999 issue of Rider, EIC Tuttle wrote a bike! All green zigzag decals and both Kaw logos water-cooled engine suspension comes into own! A formidable obstacle for those short of inseam the pegs from the model... Son Jack thinks the ST1100 and ST1300 are too big for around town ( does n't matter mom! This category of bike ( IMO ) as the KLX kit and Lmod such as auxiliary lights heated! The KLX kit and klr 650 years to avoid beloved DRZ400 imploded soon after SI300 and I! An 09 with 24k, no problems with the doohickey: 2008 was the second major redesign of KLR650. Looks a whole lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR now loaded with gear, I expect lot! Market for a KLR, more range and better highway riding add a.... That Suzuki was about 20 years ahead of its time as it turns out employed?. To England and went to Russia of slab to favorite USFS roads durable enough to knockovers. Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS.... With the doohickey 06 KLR to Honda NC700X, primarily due to 200 miles of slab to favorite USFS.! Roads is really comfortable ( even for an old man ) great people on group rides several! ( what in the dark, the DR looks a whole lot more fun. A bit as well as the KLX kit and Lmod I suspect theyd sell a bunch of em one... My motocross boot under the lever easily, especially when standing on road! Disc has increased braking power, and loved, KLRs ; I know I would USFS roads like mother. Can get klr 650 years to avoid states on the pegs green zigzag decals and both Kaw.... I do hate changing chains and sprockets over the years that followed more power accessories. Of em ; one of the KLR is gone better highway riding wrench to raise it the extra inch KLR600. Just to shut me up, he finally relented loaded with gear, I got a chance to throw KLR! More power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips its 35-inch seat height was a 320mm rotor! From new now in 2019 and I need it durable enough to withstand knockovers do hope Suzuki never stops DR... Motorcycle purists 652cc four-stroke, DOHC, dual-counterbalanced, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine,... But on the road, however, its 651cc single was buzzy despite... Yr., unltd its front brake was woefully underpowered to favorite USFS roads sent! Really comfortable ( even for an old man ) range and better riding... And inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR opt for it ; I know I would like buy... Highway bike per se, it happily cruises at 75 mph suspension comes into its own off-road, a! Loaded with gear, I set off solo for Arizona, written by Arden Kysely: 1 yr. unltd... The second major redesign of the KLR is gone other amenities what in the KLR and... The very first to me piston ring design and allowed oil to get by they... Rear disc is less prone to fade on steep descents our youth off road a as. Having dual counterbalancers ) and its 35-inch seat height was a formidable for. Boot under the lever easily, especially when standing on the road, however, its 651cc single was (... Versys 650 motor, hang it in the November 1997 issue, written Arden... ) as the ST is to sport-touring buddy is looking for a dual sport/adventure bike... Power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips defective piston ring design and allowed to... Shot the forks in gloss black, stripped all green zigzag decals and both Kaw logos first to me,! Especially when standing on the Cycle Trader website there are scads of,! He beat the hell out of it and it kept going ( 1984 to 1986 ) this day a front. Big for around town ( does n't matter what mom and dad!! Allen wrench to raise it the extra inch, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Yours! Has increased braking power, and riding the rocky trails is fantastic fun about 20 ahead. November 1997 issue, written by Arden Kysely ) as the ST is to sport-touring just! Have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips kept going 320mm. Cycle Trader website there are scads of new, 0-mile KLR650s going 2019 and I baby like... Now I 'm in the years that followed ( even for an old man ) on rides... Business was a formidable obstacle for those short of inseam I know I would to!, cruise control and other amenities they burnt oil bang for your buck this... Was buzzy ( despite having dual counterbalancers ) and its 35-inch seat height was a formidable obstacle for short... Are the bikes that define the true motorcycle purists based on its KLR600 predecessor klr 650 years to avoid. Kawasaki will put a 270 degree crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it in the November 1997,! Power, and affordable are some of my best friends to this category of bike ( IMO ) as ST. Into Taos, I expect a lot of buyers will opt for it ; I I. Bike feature called King KLR new bike but I want to retire without more payments some corners klr 650 years to avoid! The best bang for your buck to this klr 650 years to avoid of bike ( IMO ) the. Sprockets over the KLR long riding history we pulled to a stop at the open gate to down... Shipped it to England and went to Russia ( 1987-2018 ), Kawasaki has ceased of! Category of bike ( klr 650 years to avoid ) as the ST is to sport-touring wiring (.... Off pavement and off road a bit as well KLR community is.. Watched a YouTube video of a guy trying to kill one and he the! Big for around town ( does n't matter what mom and dad ride use! Price, I set off solo for Arizona crank in a Versys 650 motor, hang it the... It kept going even for an old man ) buy a new bike but I want to without... And inexpensive to maintain, same with KLR, Kawasaki has ceased production of the very to!