KAWASAKI KLR650 (1987 - 2002) Review

Version: Custom

Year: 1989

Annual servicing cost: £30

Bought this bike for £50 as a project. Best fun I've had ever on a bike after 43 years of riding. Great all round. Would recommend to anyone.

Buying experience: Bought private.

Year: 1999

I’m a single dad with two teenage boys that have their own dirt bikes. I have had to sell my DR 350 but we had some good times but now being 69 the KLR 650 is something that is so universal and low maintenance. The only problem is some shops won’t take in old bikes for repairs, Tires this is Very disappointing This bike is Not for short people I’m 5’10” and I’m on my toes. It is a Giant dirt bike that’s 70 on the highway is no problem. I Love riding standing up on the foot pegs. You can see why the military and police Love this Big Kawasaki 650. Lots of upgrades to create a frikn Monster a very respected bike. But most of the paint jobs suck I don’t like ugly not for me. Old school. Keep the rubber side Down!

Buying experience: I got a Great deal. KLR People a great 👍

Version: A-11

Year: 1997

Top heavy with full fuel load.

Buying experience: Privately

Version: C2

Year: 1997

An easy, laid back, go anywhere bike, cheap to maintain, easy to work on, fantastic on fuel, torquey motor. Has a few bad points, seat not too comfy after 40 miles, finish on frame is thin, dipped headlight poor.

I was looking for a dual purpose with a very limited budget. Now I am a proud -97 KLR owner. Handling and engine are very nice. It is so narrow. Only things I don't like are difficulties with maintenance, take off the seat and petrol tank. However it is easier with KLR than with KLE. Winter riding is not so easy, because KLR is a little bit heavy and it woun't start, when temperature is below around -12 Celsius. I have spike tyres to make life a little bit easier (safer). Need to learn to ride too. Cheers Jyrki Finland

Been in the saddle 44 years, I have toured, commuted, ran wild etc. After 38 bikes and my present rides I got hold of an 06. I've always loved the big single for it's simplicity and narrowness and flickability. This is a fabulous machine. No it won't do a ton comfortably. It will scoot at fun speed and with proper rubber will corner as well as most . The way the power comes on when held it torque through the cogs is very enjoyable. If you want one, ride it first, they are a cult bike because there is a distinct character to the beast. It is a machine that will handle off road for the mild to mid talented adventurer. I t is so easy to work on if it requires. It rarely does. Fill and go. Tour at LEGAL motorway speed, green lane at just up to the edge of grip envelope and pull off into that farm or forest road with aplumb. The problem with most bike reveiwers is that always compare unlike for unlike. This is not a VMax , an R1, VFR and on. It isn't even an F650. It fits in one catagory, the KLR650 one. All bike have their place and all riders have their bikes. Don't be put off by "it won't do this as good as...." It does everything as good as you'd like if you like it. Amen

Been in the saddle 44 years, I have toured, commuted, ran wild etc. After 38 bikes and my present rides I got hold of an 06. I've always loved the big single for it's simplicity and narrowness and flickability. This is a fabulous machine. No it won't do a ton comfortably. It will scoot at fun speed and with proper rubber will corner as well as most . The way the power comes on when held it torque through the cogs is very enjoyable. If you want one, ride it first, they are a cult bike because there is a distinct character to the beast. It is a machine that will handle off road for the mild to mid talented adventurer. I t is so easy to work on if it requires. It rarely does. Fill and go. Tour at LEGAL motorway speed, green lane at just up to the edge of grip envelope and pull off into that farm or forest road with aplumb. The problem with most bike reveiwers is that always compare unlike for unlike. This is not a VMax , an R1, VFR and on. It isn't even an F650. It fits in one catagory, the KLR650 one. All bike have their place and all riders have their bikes. Don't be put off by "it won't do this as good as...." It does everything as good as you'd like if you like it. Amen