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TheKawasaki KLR650 is a 652 cc (39.8 cu in)dual-sport motorcycle intended for bothon-road andoff-road riding. It was a long-standing model inKawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 to replace the 564 cc (34.4 cu in) 1984–1986Kawasaki KLR600, and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. It was built with a 652 ccfour-stroke,DOHC, dual-counterbalanced, single-cylinder,liquid-cooled engine. The second significant redesign in 2022 added new features such as electronicfuel injection and ananti-lock braking system.
The KLR is widely used as an inexpensive adventure/touring bike. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips. 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.[1]
 1995 KLR650 | |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Production | 1987–2007 |
| Assembly | Japan (1987–2001) Rayong,Thailand (2001–2007) |
| Engine | 652 ccsingle,liquid-cooled,4-stroke,DOHC,4-valves |
| Bore /stroke | 100 mm × 83 mm (3.9 in × 3.3 in) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 : 1 |
| Power | 36.5 hp (27.2 kW) @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 35.2 lb⋅ft (47.7 N⋅m) @ 4,600 rpm |
| Ignition type | Electric start |
| Fuel delivery | Keihin CVK-40 constant velocity carburetor |
| Transmission | wet, 5 speed |
| Suspension | Front 38mm Telescoping; Rear:Uni-Trak swingarm |
| Brakes | Front:disc Rear: disc |
| Rake,trail | 28°, 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Wheelbase | 9.4 in (240 mm) |
| Dimensions | L: 2,295 mm (90.4 in) W: 960 mm (38 in) H: 1,350 mm (53 in) |
| Seat height | 35 in (890 mm) |
| Weight | 337 lb (153 kg) (dry) 416 lb (189 kg) (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 6.1 US gal (23 L; 5.1 imp gal) |
| Oil capacity | 2.6 US qt (2,500 ml) |
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Variants
Incremental changes
Aside from livery/colors, the 1st Generation KLR650 did not change much between its 1987 introduction and the 2008 redesign. The key differences are:[3][4]
 2009 KLR650 | |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Production | 2008–2018 |
| Assembly | Rayong,Thailand (2008–2018) |
| Engine | 652 ccsingle,liquid-cooled,4-stroke,DOHC,4-valves |
| Bore /stroke | 100 mm × 83 mm (3.9 in × 3.3 in) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 : 1 |
| Power | 36.5 hp (27.2 kW) @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 35.2 lb⋅ft (47.7 N⋅m) @ 4,600 rpm |
| Ignition type | Electric start |
| Fuel delivery | Keihin CVK-40 constant velocity carburetor |
| Transmission | wet, 5 speed |
| Suspension | Front 38mm Telescoping; Rear:Uni-Trak swingarm |
| Brakes | Front:disc Rear: disc |
| Rake,trail | 28°, 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Wheelbase | 58.3 in (1,480 mm) |
| Dimensions | L: 2,295 mm (90.4 in) W: 960 mm (38 in) H: 1,350 mm (53 in) |
| Seat height | 35 in (890 mm) |
| Weight | 337 lb (153 kg) (dry) 432.1 lb (196.0 kg) (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 6.1 US gal (23 L; 5.1 imp gal) |
| Oil capacity | 2.6 US qt (2,500 ml) |
In 2008 the KLR650 was extensively redesigned compared to the minor year over year updates seen throughout the first generation. A vast majority of the changes are comfort and quality of life improvements, rather than performance-related changes.
Changes from first generation
Other minor changes were also done, such as a dual beam headlight, larger luggage rack, firmer seat and larger-diameter wheel spokes. With the numerous changes and improvements, the second generation KLR gained 16 lb (7.3 kg) of dry weight to the bike.
Incremental changes
During production of the second generation of KLR, the following changes were made:[3][4]
 | |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Production | 2022–present |
| Assembly | Rayong,Thailand |
| Engine | 652 ccsingle,liquid-cooled,4-stroke,DOHC,4-valves |
| Bore /stroke | 100 mm × 83 mm (3.9 in × 3.3 in) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 : 1 |
| Power | 40 hp (30 kW) @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 39.1 lb⋅ft (53.0 N⋅m) @ 4,500 rpm |
| Ignition type | Electric start |
| Transmission | wet, 5 speed |
| Suspension | Front 41mm Telescoping; Rear:Uni-Trak swingarm |
| Brakes | Front: disc Rear: disc |
| Rake,trail | 28°, 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Wheelbase | 60.6 in (1,540 mm) |
| Dimensions | L: 2,295 mm (90.4 in) W: 960 mm (38 in) H: 1,350 mm (53 in) |
| Seat height | 35 in (890 mm) |
| Weight | Non-ABS: 456.2 lb (206.9 kg), ABS: 460.6 lb (208.9 kg) (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 6.1 US gal (23 L; 5.1 imp gal) |
| Oil capacity | 2.6 US qt (2,500 ml) |
After 3 years of being out of production, the third generation of the KLR 650 was redesigned and unveiled on January 26, 2021.[7] The KLR650 was released at a price of฿268,500 (US$8,395.87) in Thailand.[8]
Changes from second generation[9]
Other minor changes include new exhaust pipe diameter, revised cam profiles, and a new catalyzer. The third generation KLR gained 24 lb (11 kg) of dry weight to the bike.
Variants
KLR650-S: Introduced in 2023, this variation offers shorter foot pegs, higher hand grips, and a slightly slimmer seat.[10]
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