2023 Kawasaki KLR Adventure - Does everything well, does nothing great. You'll want one! Full review

[@StrBADCyperIgwt]

This Guy has done the most excellent review of any vehicle, 2 or 4 wheels I’ve ever heard. Very knowledgeable, true, straight to the point. Excellent, Excellent job on reviewing this Bike, totally impressed !!!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I really appreciate your support! I used to have a channel with SIGNIFICANTLY more views and subscribers. This is still new to me, but I'm passionate about the product, and I hope to continually improve over the coming years to get to a place where I can be a reliable source of information on each product line that I cover. Again, I really appreciate your kind words and support!

[@1219magnum]

U have a gift of gab sir. Very well done. I own a '22 Adventure. 10,000 all highway miles in 5 months. Avg 50+ mpg. They are fun fun fun and will do most everything one needs. I have added accessories which make long distance trips a bit more comfy, including a Kuryakyn cruise control and a Seat Concepts touring seat. And these bikes are not just for beginners. I've been riding 45 years. Traded a '21 Harley Road King for 2 of these. One belongs to my son. Get one and start having fun!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching! Feel free to subscribe! I agree with a lot of what you're saying. For my rear end, I thought the seat was quite comfortable, but yeah, I love this bike overall. You really can do anything. And I'm not trying to hint that this is a bike for beginners, it's absolutely a bike that is great for long time riders, my only point is that, if you can manage the height, this is a bike that would make a great first bike, that you simply won't outgrow. It's the kind of bike that always has a use, no matter how experienced you are. I'm a huge fan of this bike!

[@theOutbackBerean]

@@PeterLoweOne lowering links are about $60 AUD and will drop the bike about 40mm from memory. 👍🏾

[@genewoodruff658]

Just got my ‘23 KLR adventure with abs last week. Still breaking her in and I love it. She looks great and rides wonderfully. I like the height as I am 6’1. I’ve mostly ridden it in the road so far because I’m not interested in the sand trails around where I live. My plan is to ride here from Florida to New Mexico, Arizona, and California this summer to visit friends and family. I’m very excited for the adventure. Thanks for the review. Nicely done.

[@chadkline4268]

Very good review. Good job. My touring package is a big 4ft duffle bag tied to the rear. More than enough.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, I did another review of the KLR S which doesn't have the side cases. That's the thing with the KLR. It's super easy to secure your cargo. It's a great motorcycle!

[@contentofcharacter]

I bought a 2023 KLR650 Adventure ABS 3 weeks ago. I’ve been riding Rykers & Spyders the past few years but want to do more ADV riding & moto-camping. So far I’m really enjoying it. My plan is to ride it for the remainder of this year and then upgrade to a BMW 1250 or 1300🤞GSA in 2024.

[@PNW-ADV]

Good review. I think you did a nice job capturing the essence of the klr. Personally, Id rather have a temperature gauge more than a tech. (It does have an overheating light that'll come in if it gets too hot) A few of the bike parts you describe caught my ear and struck me as "never heard em described that way" including: 1) crash pad vs skid plate/bash plate 2) baskets vs panniers 3) rear rack Great review. Thanks for putting it out there.

[@PeterLoweOne]

On a normal motorcycle, I wouldn't worry too much about a temperature gauge, but I hear you on this one. If mud clogs things up, you can have an unexpected situation. At the end of the day, the KLR is an intentionally simple motorcycle. People love them, and they still sell well. As far as my descriptions. I tend to plain language everything! 🙂

[@michaelbosi8104]

Loved the review and your obvious enthusiasm for the bike.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!

[@insatiable_mind]

I love my gen 2 and would like to upgrade, the only disappointing things being the tack and the fact that I like my analog gauges.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I thought that I wouldn't like digital speedometers, but I got used to them. It's the lack of a tach after a redesign that is the puzzling piece for me. Thanks for sharing!!

[@dw5523]

It's really easy to install a trailtech tachometer. If I can do it, having the mechanical aptitude of a crayon, then anybody can do it.

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@dw5523 haha. What's below crayon on the mechanical aptitude scale... That's where I exist.

[@avgjoerides]

@@PeterLoweOne Chalk and then charcoal

[@heretohear8662]

These are great reviews, packed full of great information!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Thank you! Feel free to subscribe!

[@michaelwright1602]

I think I may go get one of these... One on sale down the road... Going to call the dealer Monday.

[@allans7281]

Did you get one

[@allans7281]

Did you get one

[@michaelwright1602]

@@allans7281 Almost, had one ready to go, and then had some health issues. So, no bikes for me.

[@williamkerner]

The side cases need to be about 25% larger, if you are going on a long trip it would be nice to have more room. I also would like to see them make the visual display about 50% larger, add some color along with additional information. But Kawasaki is finally changing the KLR and making it more modern. I think I'll wait to see what they do with the next models.

[@vaerenbergh]

I have always admired the KLR650. To bad we don't get it in Europe :( i would jump on it as soon as i could

[@djillwillsix5054]

Thank you Sir for this video, this is my next bike for sure💪💪💯💯

[@PeterLoweOne]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@matthewvanderbeek2847]

When it comes to bikes. It's like tires. Some tires are for highways mainly and some are made for dirt tracks. No tire does it all perfectly. So u have to ask yourself where u want to ride it. Everywhere is not an option that works well. Can drive on tar but not the idea behind the bike. Significant off-road can be done. But may not be the most fun to handle in difficult situations. This is more of a minimum-maintenance road-type bike. I suppose like dirt bikes. You're not going to looking at the tac. Watching where you're going is more important.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, I think you're right. I will say though, that this is a bike that can go a LOT more places overall than most road going bikes, and people have taken these things literally all around the world on dirt and pavement. This isn't a sport bike, but it really can do a LOT, and my point in this video was that it doesn't do anything perfectly, but it really does a lot of things very well.

[@simonmears1726]

Great bike would like too see 6 speed box saves big front small rear sprocket combo and Time for USD forks I know its built too a price but Kawasaki not struggling financially are they love the 🐪 colour hard too find

[@omarmosqueda8377]

Great review, I have a 650 dl Suzuki 2009, you think I would like this bike? I enjoy my current bike a lot. Thank you

[@jeffbrandenburg8672]

Great video! Just subscribed

[@PeterLoweOne]

Awesome! I really appreciate it! I have a lot more planned. Stay tuned in August!

[@GeorgeStutzman-y3t]

Looking for 2024 adventure, full engine, crash bar 2020 through 2023 compatible with 04

[@Tbone0163]

I own this bike. Buy an OBD port sensor and and app and boom, you have a tach, a temp sensor, and much, much more! A Quad Lock locks your old retired Samsung or whatever phone to the bar near the windshield. The bikes computer knows all the data, you just need to access it. Phone stays lit as long as you want.

[@guitarslinger368]

How do you think this bike would do on the TAT?

[@jeffbrandenburg8672]

Can this accommodate Tusk Olympus Saddle bags, and rear large Tusk Olympus. Does the Tusk tank large bag work on this bike? Advice!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm not sure myself, but perhaps some other viewers will know more?

[@garyhochstetler7082]

In my opinion they should have taken the opportunity to throw in the 650 parallel twin from the ninja when they did the refresh on this bike.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I think people love the low down torque of this bike, where that engine has good midrange and top end power. So maybe that played into things, and maybe they thought that creating the bike that you're talking about would be too similar to the Versys 650. I'm not sure.

[@garyhochstetler7082]

@@PeterLoweOne Is that why the T7 is impossible to find in the US and this thing is everywhere?

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@garyhochstetler7082 supply chain management? I'm not sure.

[@garyhochstetler7082]

@@PeterLoweOne I get why they released the new model. I’m fairly certain it was an euro emissions thing. They needed the fuel injection to keep selling it in certain countries. I just think they missed an opportunity to truly update the bike and to make it relevant in todays market.

[@garyhochstetler7082]

@@PeterLoweOne After saying all that I’m probably going to buy one before summer. 😂 I just would have liked it better with the twin. It is far from a dirt bike. It’s a road bike with some off-road capabilities. The twin would have been much better on the road.

[@RigiLiquid945]

I think you should slap on a couple of Go Pros and take these vehicles on the test tracks.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Stay tuned😉

[@chadkline4268]

Have you tried laying it down on the side and seeing how well the stock crash bars protect the bike?

[@PeterLoweOne]

No, I don't want to do that with a brand new bike that isn't mine. To me, it looks like it would give good protection.

[@paulsjunkcars]

Great video.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!! Feel free to subscribe! I'll have plenty more videos to come!

[@oslo4251]

You can raise the windscreen with a allen key given in your tool box.

[@PeterLoweOne]

True!

[@yoyo5069]

Saved my wallet... that's great

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha! Glad I could help! Hopefully I've earned your subscription!

[@chadkline4268]

I have not seen any ECU flashers offering reflashes for the KLR. Do you know why?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm not sure, but honestly, I don't like the idea of messing with the ECU. I think some people get carried away and introduce failures into the mix. Many modern Kawasaki bikes have programmable rider modes which effectively give you a chipped bike from the factory, but the KLR is what it is. The bike has a stellar reliability reputation, and it isn't pretending to be something it isn't.

[@chadkline4268]

@@PeterLoweOne ok, I was asking for the case of modifications, such as exhausts, 685cc cylinders, etc. I am not sure if the stock ECU can adjust for those things, and many people do see significant performance gains because the mfrs are delivering bikes extra lean (hot) for emissions, instead of what is best for the engine+performance (cool).

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@chadkline4268 Yeah, I guess that's my point though. The bike is crazy reliable as is, and I think emissions matter given what we know today. So if there are limited options for modifications, there may be a reason. I don't follow the aftermarket too closely, but it's a big single cylinder bike. There may not be a whole lot to gain? I'm just not sure why there aren't as many options as you hope for.

[@joelthomas4487]

Happy with my 22. Tachometer i quess might be cool to look at, but not sure why anyone would need a tach on this bike for everyday riding. If u need a tach then u probably have the wrong bike. A gear indicator would be far more useful, but not needed.

[@DaveDutro]

What is your inseam?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I really need to measure exactly... I think it's about 32.

[@theOutbackBerean]

Sold my KLR for a CFMoto 800MT, absolutely no regrets 🍺

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm just not sold on CFMoto as a brand. We've seen several brands come and go and long term reliability becomes an issue, or parts availability. Dealer networks can sometimes flex, where dealers jump in at the ground level, then decide that it isn't what they hoped and stop selling the brand. Too many questions about the overall brand, and ownership experience for me to feel comfortable giving a full endorsement to that brand right now. I'm happy they exist though, competition is always great for consumers! It pushes every brand to be better!

[@chrispekel5709]

@@PeterLoweOne they've been here in Australia over a decade now. Because it's new over there (even though they've been selling ATV's for years) I can understand the hesitation, but believe me - the Chinese are here to stay. I just order all my parts for my cfmoto from China, cheaper than dealers here (who put their own markup but are also just ordering from China), it's no different to the Piaggio I used to own that needed parts from Italy

[@chrispekel5709]

The 800mt is great, but expect people to tell you it's rubbish - it's just the 70's all over again except it's Chinese crap instead of jap crap lol

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@chrispekel5709 China is leading the world in EV's right now, and I'll agree that they have some very good things. That doesn't change the fact that, in Canada, the dealer network and support isn't up to where I would feel comfortable promoting them yet. I don't ignore China at all, and I used to work for Kia which people overlooked because they were Korean... but I've also seen what it takes to launch a successful brand, and that breaking point hasn't been reached here yet. They'll absolutely become a bigger player in the market, and I think that's great, as it pushes everyone to make better products, but I'm just sharing my opinion based on some knowledge of the industry... there are still issues with them becoming a fully trustworthy mainstream brand here as of this moment.

[@chrispekel5709]

@@PeterLoweOne here in Australia the problem with cfmoto is that the dealers are all in the large cities, so you're kind of out of luck if you live in a remote area. To be honest, the earlier models had issues but the current line up really don't - at least, there is nothing to report in terms of massive quality issues. I fix my own stuff so like I said I just order from China. However, closest decent sized town to me only has Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki dealers (and a guy who does hyosung, a brand which pulled out years ago funnily enough) - so I do get your point

[@herrtomas6729]

Oh dear, getting slower (but nice day with grandchildren)

[@PeterLoweOne]

If you choose my videos over your grandchildren, we'd have to have a chat! I hope you enjoyed your day!

[@allans7281]

Fun review This is a big heavy bike not nearly as fun and agile as the KL X300 One bike can clearly not do everything well ( onn and offroad) the Klr does everything OK

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

First

[@PeterLoweOne]

A clear win today!

[@stoundingresults]

🥇

[@vintrillaquism]

What? Really.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Sure! It's not the best highway tourer in the Kawasaki lineup, but it does that well. It's not the best off road vehicle in the Kawasaki lineup, but it does that well. There are probably better commuters in the lineup, but again. The KLR does all of that and so much more, very well. The more time people spend with it, the more people realize how many things it does well.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

It's no different than the 2022 so we have heard it all already

[@PeterLoweOne]

With all due respect, just because you've heard it already, doesn't mean everyone has. I'm committing to making a video on every Kawasaki bike in the lineup. This one happens to be a carryover model, but not every bike is. If someone searches 2023 KLR, they can watch this video and know what they're getting. They can also ask me questions for clarification. You seem to be suggesting that I shouldn't have made this video. I disagree with that premise.

[@Eazyy3415]

I haven’t! This year is the first time I’ve heard of the new klrs and I’m informing myself as much as possible as I’m saving for this exact bike which will be my first bike! I enjoy and appreciate more/newer videos being made providing new/same information, plus they give they’re own new perspective. Great vid Peter!

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@Eazyy3415 I appreciate your kind words. I'll be working this bike back into another video soon. Same idea as you mention... A new fresh perspective. Be sure to subscribe, and thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate them!

[@yasseralsaidi1168]

Two cylinder is proven to be better by whom ? Figure it out do your homework

[@PeterLoweOne]

I don't remember saying it's better? I'm pretty positive on this bike. I'm a fan of it. Let me know the time stamp of where I said two cylinders is better, and maybe I can help fill you in on the context of what I meant.

[@AhmedShabasy44]

you talk a lot and no shot detailed specs

[@PeterLoweOne]

If you want a spec sheet, you can find that on www.kawasaki.ca My style may not be for everyone, and that's ok, but it's the style that I'm going to continue using as I make more videos.

[@libturdcrusher1776]

Any changes considering freeway riding?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm not sure what you're asking me? Changes considering freeway riding? It is freeway capable. Feel free to clarify what you're saying and I'll try to help!

[@libturdcrusher1776]

@Peter Lowe One no problem. What I am asking is do you know if this bike is good for cruising consistently on the freeway, as in 80mph for extended periods? I know a lot of times on my older KLR I would get slowed down pretty good by head winds and climbing grades.

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@libturdcrusher1776 So this is just my opinion... You'll find lots of KLR people who will tell you otherwise, so take this for what it's worth. If it were me, and I wanted to cruise at 70mph for a few hours each tour, and then head to secondary highways, I think this bike would be perfect. At 80, you just don't have the passing power that I would want. It's made for country highways, and back roads, and can truly handle any type of terrain that people call "roads" and I absolutely love it for that reason. You really can go anywhere... But if going anywhere requires 80 mph cruising on a regular basis, or for very long stretches, there are probably better bikes than this. Having said that, those better bikes cost a LOT more. So you'd either have to come up with a lot more cash, or slow down to 70 mph and still have the passing power that you'd want. No bike is perfect, and top end speed is something that this bike isn't perfect for, but it's pretty great at just about everything else.

[@libturdcrusher1776]

@@PeterLoweOne sums it up perfectly. Thank you. Not much has changed lol