The Kawasaki KLR 650 – Join The KLR Kult!
On road or Off road the KLR 650 will take you where you want to go
Kawasaki began selling the KLR 650 in1987 and changed the
bike very little until 2008. The
second generation KLR 650, while not earth shattering, did bring some
much-needed upgrades. Better wind protection and suspension being the biggest
changes. Even with the changes
made in 2008, the KLR 650 is a “dinosaur” in the motorcycle world and yet it's
still one of Kawasaki’s best selling motorcycles.
Why has the KLR 650 lasted so long and why has it reached
cult like status among the thousands of KLR 650 riders worldwide?
It’s an affordable adventure motorcycle: With the price of most adventure
motorcycles well north of $12,000, the KLR is a bargain with a price
tag under $7,000 for a new one.
Then again with so many KLR’s out there, a low mileage used one can be
found for even less. Add to the
price, a 6.1-gallon (23 liter) gas tank and a manageable weight, the KLR 650
has a great range and is easy to take down most dirt and gravel roads.
My friend Paul camping with his 2007 KLR
It’s simple and reliable: With a near bullet proof, single cylinder engine, basic
electronics and a design that most back yard mechanics can work on easily with
a few tools and a shop manual, you can travel with confidence on your KLR. If it does break down, parts are
readily available just about anywhere in the world and if you are unable to fix
it yourself, there’s a good chance someone close by will.
Aftermarket Upgrades: I’ll be so bold as to say that the mighty KLR has more
aftermarket part available for it then are available for Harley
Davidson’s. Outside of a dealer
showroom, you’ll have a difficult time finding two KLR’s that are alike. Owners have done everything from
building supermotos, daily commuters, street trackers and full on Around The
World touring machines out of the KLR.
Well placed aftermarket parts with more to come.
The Horsepower Paradox: The KLR has a whopping 35 hp – 38 hp depending on whose
numbers you go by. With some
modifications to the air box, the addition of an aftermarket exhaust pipe, engine
upgrades and carburetor modification, it’s possible to get a few more ponies
out of the engine package. With
all of that, the KLR will still fall short of the more expensive motorcycles
and yet it uses all of its power wisely and is fun. I own two other motorcycles with over 100 hp and torque
enough to roast the rear tires and my KLR still makes me smile.
The Kawasaki KLR Kult has a strong following and will likely
keep Kawasaki building the motorcycle for a few more years, at least. Join us!
Gerald Trees
Dream Your Ride
