KAWASAKI KLR650 (1987 - 2002) Review
Highlights
- Great value compared with BMW GS
- Flexible single-cylinder motor
- An excellent trail-basher
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £30 |
| Power: | 42 bhp |
| Seat height: | Tall (34.3 in / 870 mm) |
| Weight: | Low (370 lbs / 168 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThere’s nothing quite so surprising as something utterly unremarkable. And so it is with the Kawasaki KLR 650 – it’s comfortable, grunty, quiet and reliable.
Forget your fancy-pants BMW R1200GS' - providing you can live with adjusting and lubing a chain the Kawasaki KLR650 is at least as good at overlanding and a mere fraction of the price.
In January 2021 Kawasaki revealed a new version of the KLR 650, but it's not set to join the UK market, heading to the USA instead. It features ABS and an LCD display, but otherwise the spec remains fundamentally the same, with a focus on dependability rather than technological progress.
Once you've read this review and our owners' reviews, why not join the community at the Kawasaki KLR650 Owners' Group on Facebook?
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Kawasaki KLR 650's suspension is soft and, typical of most trail-style motorcycles, colossal fork dive buggers up the braking. It’s nothing that can’t be assuaged with some stiffer fork springs and/or thicker oil, but fundamentally the suspension/braking package is budget that works better off-road. The Kawasaki KLR 650's rear brake’s not quite ineffectual.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThere’s nothing particularly special about the Kawasaki KLR 650's 4v DOHC motor; it feels lazy and doesn’t particularly care for speeds above 85mph. But the Kawasaki KLR 650 is torquey, flexible, reasonably free of intrusive vibration and dependable. The ratios in five-speed gearbox are well-spaced, the action is smooth and it wears well.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueKawasaki KLR650 clutches are a bit weak and you’ll need to keep the switches doused in WD40 to prevent them corroding. Chain tensioners on the Kawasaki KLR650 are fragile and have been known to break – the aftermarket can supply more reliable kit. If you use the KLR650 to carry heavy luggage it’s worth replacing the subframe mountingbolts with high tensile steel items – the stock stuff is of very poor quality.
Our Kawasaki KLR 650 owners' reviews show the bike is extremely popular, with the only negative comments around the hard seat (after 40 miles of riding), poor dipped headlight and some minor frame paint issues. None of this prevents it from being a seriously good off-roader, though.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe Kawasaki KLR 650 is excellent value and much cheaper than BMW’s comparable BMW F650GS. You may also consider a Suzuki DL650 V-Strom.
Equipment
The Kawasaki KLR 650 underplays its hand as a round-the-world contender with no centrestand, fixed rubber blocks on the footpegs and no official hard luggage. All of which can be fixed on the aftermarket thankfully along with colossal 30-litre tanks. The Kawasaki KLR 650's charging system is a bit weedy, throwing out around 12 amps, which will limit your ability to plumb in heated vests and a GPS.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 651cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 4v single, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Tubular steel cradle |
| Fuel capacity | 14 litres |
| Seat height | 870mm |
| Bike weight | 168kg |
| Front suspension | None |
| Rear suspension | Preload |
| Front brake | Twin mm discs |
| Rear brake | 220mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 218 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 18 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 53 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £30 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
8 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 42 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 45 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 94 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 14.8 secs |
| Tank range | 160 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 1987: Kawasaki KLR 650 introduced.
- 1995: Kawasaki KLR 650 gets improved front forks, engine, crank and clutch.
- 2002: KLR 650 goes off sale in UK.
Other versions
None.
Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI KLR650 (1987 - 2002)
7 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI KLR650 (1987 - 2002) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your KAWASAKI KLR650 (1987 - 2002)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £30 |
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.
Best all round bike I've ever had the pleasure of owning. I'll never sell it.
Pulls well and great cruiser on roads.
It's never broke down on me and starts 1st time every time.
I service myself. Easy to work on.
I didn't have as standard but I have crash bars, Dakar fuel tank, rear rack, digital clocks and heated grips.
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!
The KLR isn’t built for comfort it’s built to get your Ass anywhere you want to go. You have the Balls to ride this bike it has a very wide range of Fun, you will want to make sure you can hold on Tight you can easily maintain a superiority complex if you can stay on. The one thing I appreciate is the way this big thing just Sips the gas, so you can stay out having Fun slapping on the Gas.
Think of one piston goes up and down over a thousand times a minute rpm and doing 6000 revolutions per minute Crazzy these machines are bulletproof if ya keep your eye on the oil window. You don’t want to be real hard on the clutch this is the real weakness but you learn how to ride this machine it’ll last forever.
5 years in SC the rear brake caliper had a problem but just general slack maintenance and tires.
This is a search and rescue vehicle that will cover more ground than anything else on the planet that I know of. Standing on the foot pegs is understandably the absolutely most attention you could ever get ridding in on a two wheeler. If you have a KLR try it. If you don’t have one, if you see one ask them if they have ever tried that and ask to see them ride standing up on that thing. Intimidating
Buying experience: I got a Great deal. KLR People a great 👍
Version: A-11
Year: 1997
Top heavy with full fuel load.
Front brake is less effective than the rear.
Reliable but noisy, however parts are ok price. Balancer self adjust mechanism is failure prone.
Frame paintwork very thin.
Basic Speedo and tachometer that's it.
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.
It's great on A+B roads and lanes etc. Ride quality is good with an updated shock, seat I find is a killer after 40 miles or so, regular stops needed, rear passenger will struggle if short and the seat is no sofa for them either.
Torquey, only makes about 40 horses, so it's not quick, but its relaxed and smooth compared to my old XT600.
Generally good, frame paint poor, rest of paintwork is good, chrome wheel rims need looking after, rear shock on my 1997 model changed to a Yss shock....much better, fork seals changed, solenoid replaced.
Running costs are very low in comparison to many bikes due to its simplicity, I get about 60+ to the gallon, tyres last ages due to being road going knobbly's.
Hand guards are great when it's cold or rains, rear rack is useful, it's not big, but with side hooks below, it surprising what you can carry.
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
Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle review - Riding
Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle review - Engine
Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle review - Brakes
Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle review - Riding
Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle review - Riding
Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle review - Brakes
Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle review - Front view
Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle review - Side view
Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle review - Side view
Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle review - Side view
Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle review - Side view
