KAWASAKI KLR 650 (2009-2017) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Kawasaki KLR 650 was a dual-sports motorcycle powered by a 652cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine and intended for both paved and unpaved roads. The bike was introduced in 1987 as a replacement for the Kawasaki KLR 600.

The bike was manufactured over three generations, from 1987 to 2007, 2008 to 2018, and from 2022 until the present (2023). The motorcycle received its first significant revision in 2008, mainly including comfort and quality improvements.

Some of the significant upgrades included new trims, fairing, turn signals, a new instrument panel, and gauge cluster, redesigned handlebar switches, a dual-piston caliper on the rear, an upgraded alternator, an increased fork diameter, a new swingarm, larger petal brake discs, and an increased radiator capacity.

Several minor improvements included a dual-beam headlight, a larger luggage rack, a firmer seat, and larger wire-spoke wheels. All these upgrades made the bike 7.3 kg (16 lbs) heavier than its predecessor.

The bike was out of production for three years, but it was back in business in 2022 with more upgrades, such as a fuel injection system instead of a carburetor, optional ABS, new bodywork, new trims and fairings, an adjustable windscreen, an LCD cluster, larger brake discs on the front, and an upgraded alternator.

The bike also gained minor changes, like a new diameter for the exhaust pipe, revised cam profiles, and a new catalyzer. Compared to the previous model, the new machine was 11 kg (24 lb-ft) heavier.