Kawasaki KLR 650

The Adventure Starts Right Here

Once upon a time, all motorcycles were designed to deal with all kinds of roads: paved, dirt, gravel and the non-existent. Then civilization, specialization and complexity reared their heads, and it seems like a rider needs different motorcycles for every day of the week. Wrong. The KLR650 has been here all along. Its powerful and almost indestructible 651cc single-cylinder engine provides non-stop power and fuel efficiency. Its rugged steel frame and long-travel suspension are designed to tame any terrain. And its huge fuel tank and thick seat let you keep going longer than you’d ever have thought possible. Whether you’re commuting, circumnavigating the globe or popping down to the store for a quart of milk, the KLR650 is a tough motorcycle to beat. Just like it’s always been.

That 651cc motor is the foundation of the KLR650’s globetrotting prowess. An all-around performer, the single-cylinder four-stroke engine provides quick throttle response and healthy low-end grunt — ideal for trails or dealing with traffic snarls. Equally impressive, the KLR’s composure at highway speeds makes long distance travel a pleasure.

Matching the engine’s abilities every step of the way is the KLR650’s suspension. A 41mm fork with 7.9 inches of suspension travel up front, and a UNI-TRAK® linkage system providing 7.3 inches of wheel travel in the rear combine to make the KLR650 a fun, functional commuter during the week and an adept backroad blaster on weekends.

Braking duties are handled by a dual-piston caliper gripping a 280mm petal-style disc at the front, and a 240mm petal-style disc squeezed by a single-piston caliper at the rear. This suspension and brake package boosts the KLR650’s on-road performance without diminishing its versatile off-road capabilities.

Helping make the KLR650 a worthy touring companion is an expansive, saddlebag-friendly, rear luggage rack that can be fitted with a tail bag. A large, 6.1-gallon fuel tank and exemplary fuel economy mean the KLR650 can cover an amazing amount of ground between fill-ups.

That fuel range can translate into a long day in the saddle, so good wind protection is a must. This important job is handled by the frame-mounted bodywork, which includes a tall windscreen and large shrouds. Rider comfort is enhanced further by the seat design and plush urethane foam. A high-capacity 36W alternator pumps out enough juice for a high-output headlight and has the extra capacity to power the add-on electronic gadgets no touring rider can live without.

The KLR650’s competent on-road performance continues once the pavement stops. A tough engine guard keeps loose rocks and gravel at bay, while its U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrestor grants the KLR650 access to any terrain open to licensed vehicles. Add the optional Kawasaki tank, tail and saddle bags, and you have a recipe for long-distance exploration, beckoning KLR650 owners to enjoy on and off-road adventures.

Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.

Features and Benefits:

Long Distance Minded 651cc Four-stroke Single
- Cam timing and tuning combination aid in producing a broad, user-friendly powerband
- Smooth bends on the one-piece exhaust pipe permit exhaust efficiency at all rpm
- Light, silent cam chain contributes to a quieter engine
- Double engine balancer helps engine run smoothly from idle to redline for less fatigue on long rides
- Advanced piston-ring design helps minimize oil consumption
- Oil-level window permits easy and accurate inspection

 

Four-valve Cylinder Head
- Compact combustion chamber allows increased compression ratio with less detonation yet provides maximum valve area for optimum flow
- Boosts low-end torque and its easy breathing means power at all rpm
- Secondary air (ASV) system helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions

Liquid Cooling
- Thin and lightweight Denso radiator fitted with a lightweight and thin cooling fan for maximum cooling efficiency, even when speeds are low
- Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power during hard use
- Allows tighter engine clearances for quieter running
- Includes a temperature gauge

Fully Transistorized Ignition
- Fully transistorized ignition unit more precisely controls timing no matter how fast the rpm changes
- Long, trouble-free lifespan

Electric Starter
- Easy and convenient starting

Handlebar-mounted Choke
- Convenient location makes starting and warm-up easier

Five-speed Transmission
- The engine's broad torque curve means only five speeds needed for off-road sprinting and relaxed highway cruising
- O-ring drive chain for reduced maintenance and long chain service life

Capable Suspension
- Beefy, 41mm front fork with 7.9 inches of travel is rigid and plush enough to tackle on- and off-road terrain and provide all day comfort to the rider
- High-mounted front fender for any adventure-touring situation
- Rear UNI-TRAK® suspension features a five-way preload shock absorber with four-way rebound damping and 7.3 inches of rear wheel travel
- Progressive rate provides a smooth, controlled ride
- D-section swingarm contributes to the bike's excellent traction

Strong Wheels
- 4mm spokes provide wheel stiffness, further enhancing handling performance and improving steering response

Chassis
- Semi-double cradle frame made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steel
- Detachable rear subframe provides access to the rear shock, airbox and carburetor for easy maintenance
- Large rear cargo rack included

Engine Guard
- Protects engine from rocks and trail debris when the going gets tough

Front and Rear Disc Brakes
- Lightweight 280mm front and 240mm rear petal discs offer excellent braking

Lighting
- Dual-bulb headlamp offers great night illumination
- Rear taillight, parking light and the high-mounted turn signals improve the KLR650's visibility at night or in poor visibility conditions

Large 6.1-gallon Fuel Tank
- Generous capacity permits serious adventure touring

Additional Comfort and Touring Features
- Bodywork includes a large fairing for great wind protection
- Alternator output is 17A, with a total capacity of 36W to provide ample power for the headlight as well as add-on grip heaters and other accessories
- Easy-to-read instrument panel is mounted to the frame - contributing to lighter steering - and includes a large-face speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter and water temperature gauge
- Urethane seat f oam offers all-day comfort for long-distance riding
- Optional extended warranty

2010 Kawasaki KLR650 Technology

Overview

Engine
Liquid-cooled, 651cc, DOHC, 4-valve, single cylinder engine features a super broad torque curve for the widely varied uses of a dual sport motorcycle.

Double engine balancers keep the engine running smoothly from idle to redline for best rider comfort and less fatigue on long rides.

Ratchet-type, automatic camchain tensioner keeps cam timing "spot-on".

Free breathing, 4-valve cylinder head boosts low end torque and provides maximum valve area for optimum flow at highway speeds.

Revised cam timing contributes to improved high-rpm performance.

New intake porting offers greater low-end torque.

New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption.

New, fully transistorized CD Ignition unit replaces the earlier analogue CDI for better ignition performance.

New, 17.0 Amps) meets the electrical accessory needs higher output alternator (14.5 of touring riders.

New regulator offers improved performance.

New, one-piece exhaust pipe features smoother bends for improved exhaust efficiency at all rpm.

U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrester helps prevent wildfires and allows access to designated public riding areas and.

40mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK Carburetor precisely meters fuel for good economy and quick throttle response.

The addition of a secondary air system helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions.

New Denso radiator is thin and lightweight. Fitted with a lightweight and thin cooling fan, the new radiator has a greater cooling area and offers a 20% increase in cooling efficiency. (10% due to more densely packed cores; 10% due to the larger area.)

The more even running temperatures achieved with liquid cooling ensures long engine life and no "power fade" on hot days.

Smooth-shifting 5-speed transmission has a gear for every situation, from low-speed trails to highway touring use.

The transmission features Kawasaki's exclusive positive neutral finder that makes selecting neutral at stoplights a breeze. At a stop, just lift up on the shifter from first gear and the transmission stops at neutral - every time.

Chassis
The KLR650 has been Canada's number one selling* dual-sport model for as long as anyone remembers. It outsells the next highest selling dual-sport model (our own KLX250) nearly two to one. The remaining dual-sport models just don't compete.

Look around during your next weekend ride -the question isn't "if" you'll see a KLR650 but "how many"? With something this good and this popular, you don't make changes without knowing what you're doing - Kawasaki definitely knows.

Extensive rider research and Kawasaki technical know-how have been combined to produce a fully modernized version of this cultural icon yet it retains all of the exciting flavor and value of the original KLR650. Get your helmet, we've got a big country to explore.

* Sales data source: MMIC manufacturers wholesale reporting

All-new bodywork features a larger cowling, which contributes to increased wind protection.

New dual-bulb headlamp offers greater night visibility.

New larger shrouds and new hand guards provide additional wind protection.

New high-mounted turn signals improve the KLR650's visibility at night or under poor visibility conditions.

Semi-double cradle frame made of hi-tech, round section, high tensile steel; the same strong yet light-weight material used in our world-class motocross bikes.

Engine guard helps protect the engine from rocks and other debris.

New, easy-to-read instrument panel is mounted to the frame, contributing to lighter steering. Features include largeface speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter and water temperature gauge. US model shown.

Firmer seat urethane offers greater comfort for long-distance riding.

Static seat height for the KL650E is lower, but with the reduced suspension sag, once seated on the bike, reach to the ground is about the same as the previous KL650A model.

New larger rear carry rack includes bungie hooks and passenger grab handles.

Narrow body and shorter stem signals makes mounting saddlebags easier.

Re-calibrated suspension settings sag less under 1G loads and now offers greater on-road riding performance.

Front suspension stroke was reduced from 230mm to 200mm to improve the KLR's highway manners. Rear suspension travel receives a matching travel reduction from 205mm to 185mm.

New, beefier 41 mm front fork offers increased rigidity for more precise handling. Previous unit was 38 mm.

Front and rear spoke diameter was increased from 3.5 mm to 4 mm. The increase in wheel stiffness enhances handling performance and improves steering response. High-speed stability is excellent and riding qualities on undulating road surfaces and over bumps are improved.

Universal tread tires provide good traction on and off the road.

Lightweight front and rear petal discs offer excellent braking. Front brake disc diameter increased from 260 mm to 280 mm.

New twin-piston front caliper also improves braking performance and feel.

New single-piston rear caliper complete the upgrades to the KLR650 brakes.

New D-section swingarm contributes to the bike's excellent traction, on road and off.

New forged rear axle holders are lightweight and very rigid.

Bike Review

Kawasaki’s venerable KLR650 is one of the least powerful big bore dual-sport motorcycles on the market. The KLR has been around since God was a boy, feels and looks a little dated and has about as much sex appeal as Kevin Rudd.

So why is it by far the biggest selling adventure-touring motorcycle in Australia?

Unrivalled value is no doubt by far the chief reason, but don’t for one minute think the KLR650 offers only a boring and mundane ride.

I must admit I greatly underestimated the Kawasaki before taking it along on a three bike comparo which included the much more expensive Yamaha XT660R and BMW G 650 GS. The dearer machines were much more powerful and a bit more thrilling to ride due to the extra grunt, but the Kawasaki was never left behind and quickly endeared itself to all riders.

Climbing above Snobs Creek Falls, scraping pegs through the Eildon-Jamieson Road. Then out on open dirt roads through to Woods Point before tackling a lot more dirt from Big River back through to Eildon. Then it was mainly a dirt run from Eildon through to Bonnie Doon before hitting the tarmac and onto Mansfield, back down to Jamieson and then another run through the fantastic Eildon-Jamieson Road that provides 65 kilometres of motorcycling nirvana. Half dirt and half tarmac, this route is dual-sport paradise. All up this testing loop amounted to around 500 kilometres of extremely spirited riding across all road surfaces and clearly underlined just how damn competent Kawasaki’s KLR650 is in its intended role.

Despite the somewhat dated look and lack of outright power the KLR650 is still great fun to ride through such challenging terrain.

Dragging pegs on big chook chasers fitted with dual-sport tyres doesn’t seem the most natural thing to do but it was immensely satisfying. So much so that after a particularly epic run chasing each other through a tight and twisty sealed section a riding partner and I turned to each other and remarked how that ride had just been one of the best motorcycle experiences of our lives. This from two blokes accustomed to riding 1000cc sportsbikes on racetracks and roads.

Even with all of 40 horsepower from a soft single lung dual-sport, there is still plenty of fun to be had on tight sections of tarmac.

Despite the KLR650’s large dimensions and lardy 194kg wet weight the KLR actually works quite well in the dirt. The shape of the tank allows the aggressive rider to stick the boot out to help when cornering hard and the 21” front tyre provides a proper dirtbike feel when off road.

A quite high 890mm seat height might be a concern for those short of leg but it does help the KLR650 to offer a handy 210mm of ground clearance.

41mm forks offer 200mm of travel but no adjustment, while the single shock rear end provides 183mm of travel along with preload and rebound damping adjustments. The suspension is quite soft but the damping does a reasonable job of keeping the show under control.

On our test loop in the company of the more powerful BMW and Yamaha the Kawasaki sucked the most juice. At 22 Litres it has by far the largest tank but with the modest power output generally making throttle use a constantly wound to the stop affair, it drank 8 Litres per 100 kilometres, giving a range of 275km. More moderate use would easily extend that range well over 300km and, I would expect, 400km is achievable.

The seat is a veritable lounge chair that I suspected might have been actually a little too soft but it proved quite accommodating throughout a long day in the saddle.

Standard handguards give your fingers a little protection from the elements.

The windshield does protect the rider a little, but is not tall or wide enough to fulfil its intended role. An optional taller shield is available for a very reasonable $145 but the real icing on the Kawasaki accessories cake are the extremely well priced luggage options.

A tail bag to suit the generously sized standard luggage rack is only $212. Saddlebags command an extra $313. Add to that the optional $115 tank bag and for the grand total of $640 toted up with the bargain $8499 sticker price of the KLR650, you have a fully equipped adventure tourer capable of taking you anywhere with a minimum of fuss and expense.

All that for a little over nine grand on the road.

To put that in perspective, the complete KLR650 package is priced around the same as the full fruit basket of optional extras alone on BMW’s R1200GS.

In bang factor the KLR650 doesn’t score highly, but when weighed against the value equation, the KLR650’s bang for the buck score is at the top of the charts.

The engine could certainly do with an update and a move to fuel injection would certainly help matters, but overall the KLR650 still makes a compelling case in its favour. A jack of all trades but master of none, the KLR650 is a reliable and versatile machine that out of the box is ready for any adventure and suitable for all skill levels.

Source mcnews.com.au