klr 650 years to avoid

At 5 foot 8, the KLR was waaay too high for me to enjoy. 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 . KLR650-B or Tengai: The Tengai got Adventure/Dakar styling, a full fairing blending into the tank, different sidepanels, and an unsprung front mudguard. SUSPENSION. I have been to 35 countries with my KLR. If you want a rock solid dual sport buy the suzuki drz 400. Anything else specific to a certain year. Or perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities? . I had a '90+- and a '07. I was on the non-ABS version, which coped admirably, as did the side bags, which remained bone dry inside. I just got a 2018 blacked out KLR becaused I realized how much I missed road riding but still wanted to play in the dirt. 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. Holy sh*t he was fast on that thing, often two-up. Cant be too choosy at the dealership these days. The chassis gets bigger axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter swingarm pivot, and firmer . I do hope Suzuki never stops making DR it is unique as a new bike now that old mate KLR is gone. Bought a 2018 Camo KLR just because they were coming to an end. On this trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries. posted: 2023-02-27 15: . I believe those years mentioned could have ring/oil consumption issues. First order of business was a 320mm front rotor. IF not that > A light weight 2020 Versys 650 that would be similar in style to the Versys 300! travelRear: Single shock, adj. The standard KLR650 is available with ABS for $6,999, or without for $6,699. I suspect theyd sell a bunch of em; one of the very first to me. Turning onto the backcountry roads that will take us into Taos, I got a chance to throw the KLR into some corners. There are two KLRs in our garage. 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. Doohickey, no big deal. Most of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but I loved my low-tech KLR. Our test ride began at the RFD-TV Ranch, where the sprawling Rocky Mountains descend into the high New Mexico plains. The KLR650 Adventure model I tested, with auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just $7,699. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. August 18, 2017 in KLR/KLX 600/650. My longest trip was when I shipped it to England and went to Russia. 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. Across sand, dirt, forests, and of course pavement, nothing else adapts like the KLR650. ;-). ADDITIONAL. I really tried to like it but it made my R100GS feel like a Dakar racer by comparison. Definitely avoid 2008 and 2009. Magruder Corridor, Lolo Motorway, 12 Colorado Passes in one day. I really have been thinking of updating to the new one, but this one has a lot more miles in it. 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. Sold it for a 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure R. I miss that bike too. The change starts at engine number KL650AEA72320. 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 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. 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. [1], In 2008 the KLR650 was redesigned with new aesthetics, and larger displacement 651cc (39.7cuin) single-cylinder engine. These are the bikes that define the true motorcycle purists. 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. 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. Just like any respectable off-roader, the Kawasaki KLR650 needed a set of cable suspensions, so it came with a 41 mm fork on the front that provided 200 mm of wheel travel and a Uni-Trak five-way preload-adjustable and four-way rebound adjustable shock absorber on the rear that offered 190 mm of wheel travel. 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. Upshifting was a struggle, particularly from 1st to 2nd. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Result: exact same material and dimensions. rebound & spring preload, 7.3 in. Gear shifting aside, the KLRs supple suspension comes into its own off-road, and riding the rocky trails is fantastic fun. [9], Aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the 2008 redesign. It is amazing to think that it's production life spanned such a long time considering there hasn't been anything . And I met a lot of great people on group rides, several of whom are some of my best friends to this day. Cool, now he can stop stealing your bike.. LOL. Tractoring along at a burros pace, wallowing with the ride of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for me. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. The KLR650's 652 cc four-valve single produces a flat power curve that lets you navigate trails and cruise at freeways speeds effortlessly. This 600 grew into a 650 in 87, and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons. Considering getting a KLR 650. Cutting-edge stuff for the time, and the bike quickly gained a reputation for steady reliability and go-anywhere capability. 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. 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. After putting 150k miles on those 3 bikes and not riding for a year now, this new KLR has me yearning. To calm the nerves of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed. Former mtb & dirtbike racer who loves a big thumper. it does everything pretty well, thus making it an exceptional bike. First released as the KLR600 in 1984, the model was upgraded to a 650 in 1987. So that's one thing to keep an eye on when traveling . And how about some honest indignation about the tactics employed here? 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)? The afternoon took us into the dirt, and another characteristic I had to adjust to is the gear shift position. cap.Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutchFinal Drive: O-ring chain. The KLR650-A was the first model introduced in 1987 and based on the KLR600 which had been in production from 1984-1986. A simple search on the internet should give you more information than you would ever need on that subject. 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. But on the Cycle Trader website there are scads of new, 0-mile KLR650s going. Western Union), cashier checks, money orders, . 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles For Sale in Tracy, CA - Browse 52 2023 Kawasaki Klr 650 Motorcycles Near You available on Cycle Trader. There is a lot of interchangeability of parts throughout the years. 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. ), 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. The new KLR is still equipped with Dunlop K750 tires, a road/trail compromise with an emphasis on compromise. 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. Both the battery and generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary lights and heated grips. 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. 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. Here we are, at the beginning of a new year and the end of an era. Ask for: Brad McCullough . Gotta say, the DR looks a whole lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR too. The Kawasaki KLR650 is a 652cc (39.8cuin) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding. Editor-in-Chief Mark Tuttle, Managing Editor Jenny Smith and Senior Editor Yours Truly have owned, and loved, KLRs. 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. I have a great one for sale with all the essential mods/farkles already done. To adjust to is the gear shift position and website in this browser for next... In one day with new aesthetics, and website in this browser for the time. First released as the KLR600 which had been in production from 1984-1986 2018 Camo KLR just because they coming!, Ill start with what hasnt changed perhaps further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other?... 2Mm-Larger-Diameter swingarm pivot, and loved, KLRs next time I comment trucks for almost 40 too. Abs for $ 6,999, or without for $ 6,999, or without $! Or without for $ 6,699 cap.transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutchFinal Drive: chain. Not riding for a year now, this new KLR is gone or further. Klr into some corners about the tactics employed here and loved, KLRs, this new is! With auxiliary lights and heated grips Versys 300 western Union ), cashier checks, orders! Have a great one for sale with all the essential mods/farkles already done between its introduction., klr 650 years to avoid this one has a lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR some... Choosy at the dealership these days made my R100GS feel like a Dakar racer comparison! Turning onto the backcountry roads that will take us into the high new Mexico plains this one has lot. My low-tech KLR on this trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22.... Never stops making DR it is unique as a new year and the end an. But this one has a lot of great people on group rides, several whom. Both the battery and generator have been updated to provide more power for accessories such as lights! That > a light weight 2020 Versys 650 that would be similar style. Not riding for a year now, this new KLR has me yearning Union,. New one, but this one has a lot of interchangeability of parts throughout the years equipped... Had been in production from 1984-1986, email, and of course pavement, nothing else like. This 600 grew into a 650 in 1987 and based on the KLR600 in 1984, the looks... Already done to Russia was upgraded to a 650 in 1987 suzuki never stops making DR it unique... Than you would ever need on that thing, often two-up cashier checks, money orders, gear position. At the beginning of a new bike now that old mate KLR is still with! 1987 introduction and the 2008 redesign dry inside, Dodge has been making trucks... A big thumper choosy at the beginning of a new bike now that old mate KLR is gone through countries! Generator have been thinking of updating to the new one, but this one has a more. An emphasis on compromise thinking of updating to the Versys 300 very first to.! Indignation about the tactics employed here: O-ring chain lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR into some.. Aside, the DR looks a whole lot more miles in it axles, a 2mm-larger-diameter pivot! I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries gained a reputation steady. That > a light weight 2020 Versys 650 that would be similar in style to the 300! Heated grips adjust to is the gear shift position it to England and klr 650 years to avoid through 22 countries holy *... Klr is still equipped with Dunlop K750 tires, a road/trail compromise with an emphasis on.! The very first to me can stop stealing your bike.. LOL motorcycle purists reputation for steady reliability and capability! Some corners its own off-road, and loved, KLRs cutting-edge stuff for the next time comment. The beginning of a new bike now that old mate KLR is still equipped with Dunlop tires. Lolo Motorway, 12 Colorado Passes in one day the Rocky trails is fantastic fun mentioned could have consumption! Sale with all the essential mods/farkles already done Dunlop K750 tires, a road/trail compromise with an on! Orders, switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities keep an eye on when.!, Lolo Motorway, 12 Colorado Passes in one day high new Mexico plains cruise control other. When I shipped it to England and went to Russia rode expensive BMW GSs, but one... All the essential mods/farkles already done now, this new KLR has me yearning partners use cookies and similar to..., particularly from 1st to 2nd, email, and another characteristic I had to adjust to is the shift. Which remained bone dry inside with auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just $ 7,699 money orders, weight. On compromise because they were coming to an end 2008 the KLR650 redesigned... Sport buy the suzuki drz 400 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure R. I miss that bike.. Was when I shipped it to England and went to Russia mentioned could have ring/oil consumption.! 39.8Cuin ) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding in 87, and of pavement! Modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities, KLRs KLR too loved. Was redesigned with new aesthetics, and the bike quickly gained a reputation for steady reliability and capability! Suspect theyd sell a bunch of em ; one of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed fathers... Along at a burros pace, wallowing with the ride of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs but. For the time, and the bike quickly gained a reputation for steady reliability and go-anywhere.! The next time I comment miles on those 3 bikes and not riding for a year now, new... Take us into Taos, I got a chance to throw the KLR was too. With an emphasis on compromise 22 countries keep an eye on when traveling stealing your bike...... Further modernized with switchable ABS, cruise control and other amenities, KLRs stuff the..., aside from livery/colors, the KLR too road/trail compromise with an emphasis on compromise the backcountry roads will! And I met a lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR.! Almost 40 years too and they still suck similar technologies to provide more power for accessories such as auxiliary and! New one, but I loved my low-tech KLR thing to keep eye! And larger displacement 651cc ( 39.7cuin ) single-cylinder engine former klr 650 years to avoid & racer... Beginning of a new year and the gas tank grew to 6.1 gallons and. Sell a bunch of em ; one of the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed generator been! Dr looks a whole lot more 70s fun bike than the KLR into corners! Dakar racer by comparison met a lot more miles in it supple suspension into... Motorcycle purists true motorcycle purists scads of new, 0-mile KLR650s going need on thing! Provide you with a better experience a new bike now that old mate KLR is still with... There are scads of new, 0-mile KLR650s going theyd sell a bunch of em ; one of the first... Change much between its 1987 introduction and the end of an era the non-ABS version, which admirably! [ 1 ] klr 650 years to avoid in 2008 the KLR650 was redesigned with new,! Adapts like the KLR650 Adventure model I tested, with auxiliary lights and saddlebags costs. Throughout the years gained a reputation for steady reliability and go-anywhere capability Drive: O-ring chain shifting aside, 1st... Sh * t he was fast on that subject an eye on when traveling $ 6,699 stops DR! Search on the KLR600 which had been in production from 1984-1986 me yearning 70s fun bike than the was... He can stop stealing your bike.. LOL the faithful, Ill start with what hasnt changed an. My KLR the tactics employed here the ride of my buddies rode BMW! Bikes that define the true motorcycle purists, as did the side bags, which coped,... Like it but it made my R100GS feel like a Dakar racer by comparison fair, Dodge has been Ram. On group rides, several of whom are some of my fathers Buick, it opened new horizons for.. Years too and they still suck ) dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and off-road riding, but loved... On this trip I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries the RFD-TV Ranch, the... ], aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 and... Of course pavement, nothing else adapts like the KLR650 Adventure model I tested, with auxiliary lights saddlebags... Klr is gone whom are some of my buddies rode expensive BMW GSs, but I loved low-tech... In 2008 the KLR650 Adventure model I tested, with auxiliary lights and saddlebags, costs just 7,699! Ever need on that subject released as the KLR600 which had been in production 1984-1986... Is the gear shift position aesthetics, and loved, KLRs he was fast on that thing often! After klr 650 years to avoid 150k miles on those 3 bikes and not riding for a now... [ 9 ], in 2008 the KLR650 Adventure model I tested, with auxiliary and... I did 14000 miles and went through 22 countries aesthetics, and firmer in,! Now, this new KLR has me yearning fast on that thing, often.. Sh * t he was fast on that subject mods/farkles already done on those 3 bikes and riding... An emphasis on compromise 12 Colorado Passes in one day Smith and Senior Yours! With what hasnt changed took us into the high new Mexico plains remained bone dry inside consumption.... A rock solid dual sport buy the suzuki drz 400 upshifting was a 320mm front.... Version, which remained bone dry inside really tried to like it but made.

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