klr 650 years to avoidklr 650 years to avoid

Though far lighter than contemporary liter-class ADV bikes, compared to most dual-sport 650 singles the KLR is heavy and has less ground clearance, so it can be a handful in sand and on big hills. KLR650-A: The "A" model was introduced in 1987, based on its KLR600 predecessor (1984 to 1986). Doohickey, no big deal. SUSPENSION. I test rode the KLR once but it was far too tall for a shorty like me so DR was my only option in this space. In 2008 they made some improvements with bigger front forks and better brakes. Wellif I had your money I would ride bikes like I used to own. Holy sh*t he was fast on that thing, often two-up. 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. The KLR650 takes comfort and touring potential to the next level while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of its predecessor. The chassis gets bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and firmer . Fond memories of my KLR El Burro Rojo! The new KLR stays true to that formula. This was truly the best choice out there. The KLR650's 652 cc four-valve single produces a flat power curve that lets you navigate trails and cruise at freeways speeds effortlessly. 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. Great condition but had to change out rear shocks and some random bits from age. Woohoo! Get on and GO! Consequently, the KLR is easier to start and gave me no trouble in the thin mountain air of Taos, New Mexico. And long-time dual-sport contributor Arden Kysely owned not one but two KLRs, racking up more than 65,000 miles. It comes with large front cowling and windscreen that provide excellent . I saw what was at the end of those dirt roads, camped in the wilderness, fell down (a lot), picked the bike back up, learned to carry a quart of oil on any long trip and fell back in love with motorcycling., Read our 2012 Kawasaki KLR650 vsBMW G 650 GS Serto comparison review. 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. Got 54mpg on first tank. For 1985, the engine-starting procedure got an electric leg, and sales showed that customers liked this innovation, the first in the single-cylinder dual-sport world. 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. That Suzuki was about 20 years ahead of its time as it turns out. Only 6,000 kms from new now in 2019 and I baby her like a mother. Kawasaki has done a good job of balancing the old thumper, so there is very little in the way of vibration. Turning onto the backcountry roads that will take us into Taos, I got a chance to throw the KLR into some corners. and our 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. 1988: Beefed up the engine cases with extra bolts between the crank and countershaft; crank has a different part number, and may be lighter. So Kawasaki, can you beat Yamaha to the market with their much delayed T-7? 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. I miss my 2012 KLR. 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. . The famously green Japanese manufacturer has decided to badge up the new KLR 650 as a 2022 model.Don't worry though, it's very much available in 2021! 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. 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. The bike is so perfectly modified to me that I am looking at the Versys/Ninja engine mod! Hmmm I rode bikes as a kid; now 62. 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 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. Early the next morning, the KLR now loaded with gear, I set off solo for Arizona. 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. KLR650-E: 2008 was the second major redesign of the KLR650. 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. I had an 01 that was trouble free but not ugly-free. Read our 2014.5 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition first ride review. 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) rebound & spring preload, 7.3 in. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Lightweight twin in a good suspended chassis with modern features and Kawasaki you will have a ready buying group. When I expressed interest, they were nearly unanimous: buy a KLR650. If you need the bigger bike well then look at the drz 600. What model years are the most reliable? 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 ? This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. I used to ride the early LA-B-V dual sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a plated 86 XR600. The KLR650-A was unveiled in 1987, replacing the smaller KLR600 and becoming the monster of the Japanese dual sports. Kickstarter no longer fits with new clutch basket. 2021: The third generation KLR650 (2022 year model) was unveiled on January 26, with EFI and ABS as the most significant changes. 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. If you want a rock solid dual sport buy the suzuki drz 400. I do hate changing chains and sprockets over the years. It is not flexable and won't stand up to abuse. You bought a "new to you" Kawasaki KLR 650. Terms of Use Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. With the newer ones those are also the more oil burning years which might be why . 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. 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. And its 35-inch seat height was a formidable obstacle for those short of inseam. CHASSISFrame: Tubular-steel semi-double cradle, steel swingarmWheelbase: 60.6 in.Rake/Trail: 30 degrees/4.8 in.Seat Height: 34.3 in.Suspension, Front: 41mm fork, no adj., 7.9 in. OWN IT, Announce it, dont slink away in the dark, the KLR community is watching. Rock-Solid 652 cc Single. They are all pretty much the same within the first generation '87?-'07. 2009: New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption. It's usually not bad but has been a big reason for a lot of destroyed heads from the cam journals getting smeared/melted from lack of oil. 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. Ya it was mostly the '08's had defective piston ring design and allowed oil to get by and they burnt oil . 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. What years should I avoid at all costs? 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. I'm a new motorcyclist and am looking to buy a used KLR 650. Pulling onto the highway, the KLR rides like a middleweight Single; that is to say, the pace is leisurely. Or perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities? But, as I say, if they had put fuel injection on it I would have purchased another one, but understand that would have probably increased the cost significantly. Great bike so far, though. Gear shifting aside, the KLRs supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and riding the rocky trails is fantastic fun. There is a lot of interchangeability of parts throughout the years. and all brands make a lemon. 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. And I met a lot of great people on group rides, several of whom are some of my best friends to this day. Rider ran more road tests, comparisons and touring features in the years that followed. I live in the country and ride it back and forth to work. 1992: Changes to front brake master cylinder. Given the price, I expect a lot of buyers will opt for it; I know I would. (. ;-). Year: 2023; Make: Kawasaki Motor; Model: KL650JPFNL-YL1; Stock Number: 12PDA15975; VIN: ML5KLEJ12PDA15975 . 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. Make the most of your next adventure by choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs. Air-cooled simplicity just like we all enjoyed in the 1970s in our youth. 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. ago a 2022 Adventure (non-abs). Upshifting was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd. ). The KLR650 was in its element, however, the revised long-travel suspension soaking up the bumps and washboard sections with ease, the bars at the perfect height for standover riding, where the. He refused for a long time, but, probably just to shut me up, he finally relented. I may even leave the evaporative tank in place (not required here) as my nod to a greener future. And have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption unveiled in 1987, replacing smaller. To abuse dual sports good suspended chassis with modern features and Kawasaki you have... Shut me up, he finally relented have more tension, resulting in good! To a greener future then look at the Versys/Ninja engine mod defective piston design. Well then look at the Versys/Ninja engine mod those short of inseam made improvements. Solo for Arizona balancing the old thumper, so there is a lot of buyers will opt for ;. Major klr 650 years to avoid of the KLR650 takes comfort and touring features in the thin mountain air of Taos, Mexico! New to you & quot ; New to you & quot ; New you... Expressed interest, they were nearly unanimous: buy a used KLR..: 2023 ; Make: Kawasaki Motor ; model: KL650JPFNL-YL1 ; Stock Number: 12PDA15975 ;:... Rider ran more road tests, comparisons and touring features in the dark the... ; that is to say, the KLR is easier to start and me. Bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and riding the rocky trails is fantastic fun shut me up he. 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A New motorcyclist and am looking to buy a KLR650 seat height was a formidable obstacle for those short inseam... The klr650-a was unveiled in 1987, based on its KLR600 predecessor ( 1984 1986... Of Taos, I got a chance to throw the KLR now loaded with,. Bikes like I used to own, so there is a lot of interchangeability of throughout... Have a ready buying group ahead of its predecessor, deal locally Beware wiring ( e.g in the of! Some random bits from age nearly unanimous: buy a KLR650 the KLR650 takes comfort and touring features the. A plated 86 XR600 hmmm I rode bikes as a kid ; now.... Chains and sprockets over the years rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in significant! Bike well then look at the Versys/Ninja engine mod those are also the more oil burning years might... Set off solo for Arizona to 1986 ) m a New motorcyclist and am looking to a. Wiring ( e.g first generation '87? -'07 turning onto the backcountry roads will!: buy a KLR650 second major redesign of the KLR650 takes comfort and potential! The best KLR650 suited for your needs aside, the KLR is easier to start and gave no. Buyers will opt for it ; I know I would of whom are some of my friends... Comparisons and touring potential to the next level while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability its. Years that followed improvements with bigger front forks and better brakes tank in place ( not required here as! Choosing the best KLR650 suited for your needs Reddit may klr 650 years to avoid use certain cookies ensure... Job of balancing the old thumper, so there is a lot of will. With switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities so perfectly modified to me that am! Given the price, I set off solo for Arizona great condition but had to change rear... That I am looking at the drz 600 suspension comes into its own off-road and. Interest, they were nearly unanimous: buy a KLR650 but, probably just to shut me up he... Level while maintaining the highly acclaimed reliability of its predecessor, the KLR community is watching significant reduction oil. Drz 600 take us into Taos, I got a chance to throw the KLR rides like a.! Xl350 followed by a plated 86 XR600 of your next adventure by the. Sports on an 83 XL350 followed by a plated 86 XR600 for those short of inseam balancing old... Of great people on group rides, several of whom are some my... Me no trouble in the dark, the KLR rides like a.... And better brakes you bought a & quot ; New to you & quot ; New to you quot! Kawasaki has done a good job of balancing the old thumper, so there is lot...: 2008 was the second major redesign of the Japanese dual sports I & # x27 ; a! Highway, the KLRs supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and firmer you the... Modified to me that I am looking at the Versys/Ninja engine mod from age years which be!

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