KAWASAKI KLR650 (2014-2015) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Kawasaki KLR650 was a 652cc dual-sport motorcycle designed for both on-road and off-road riding, first introduced in 1987 to replace the 564cc 1984-1986 Kawasaki KLR600 model and remained unchanged until the 2008 model received a significant change such as the 652cc four-stroke, dual-counterbalanced, single-cylinder water-cooled engine.

The key structure of the bike was the semi-double cradle high-tensile steel frame made of round sections with a removable rear subframe that offered access to the rear shock absorber, airbox, and carburetor for easy maintenance.

The bodywork included a large fairing that provided great wind protection, a dual-bulb headlamp that offered great night lightning, a taillight, a parking light, and high-mounted turn signals that improved visibility at night or poor visibility conditions.

Also, the bike featured an easy-to-read instrument panel mounted on the frame that included a large-face speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, and water temperature gauge, and a 17 amps alternator output with 36 watts of power that handled the headlight, the add-on grip heaters, and other accessories.

The 2015 Kawasaki KLR650 had its heartbeat set by a four-stroke single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 42 hp with a peak at 7,000 rpm and 47 Nm (35 lb-ft) of torque available at 5,000 rpm.

All the power was converted into motion by a five-speed manual transmission linked through a sealed chain to the rear wheel, which was composed of four mm spokes that provided stiffness, enhanced handling performance, and improved steering response.