2024 Kawasaki KLR S: The Most Approachable Adventure Bike?

[@seanlynthicum5881]

I'm a proud Harley Davidson owner, I love my Hog! But I just purchased 8 acres of land in the Ozarks. To get to my property I have to drive on miles of dirt road. I've done my research and the KLR is going to be my 2nd bike.

[@kevincosby1632]

Hands down, the KLR650 is one of my favorite bikes I've owned. It's a Swiss army knife and nothing offers more bang for the buck.

[@1219magnum]

I own an Adventure and S model. Gonna trade my Adventure for another S. I'm 6'1" but at 70 it's ezier to throw a leg over an S. I recently did a 453 mile single day ride in which I got 55+ mpg. 3D Cycle Parts in Ms. sells many many KLR parts, including an ez to mount tach. Thank u.

[@billwalsh3672]

How do you find the seat for comfort?

[@1219magnum]

@@billwalsh3672 my KLR's sport Seat Concepts Commuter Low Touring seats. last Oct I did a 551 mile single day ride. I'd be lying if I said there wasn't some discomfort. moving around on the seat brings some relief. those seats make a difference. as a former head coach of the 49ers, I knew you'd know that ;-)

[@louislopez55]

I have ‘23 KLR650s model, and at 5’ 8” tall with a 30” inseam I cannot flat-foot the ground, even with my Forma boots. It may be the position I have the suspension adjusted to, but it feels right for me. I also weigh 152lb’s, so I’m probably not the average weight of most riders. In fact, the seat height feels about the same as my old 2007 650 V-Strom, so it’s not like it’s super low, just more approachable than the regular KLR. I love the bike, it corners easily, brakes very well, has plenty of power to keep up with freeway traffic, is certainly smoother than I expected, and the suspension is downright plush. Not for everyone, but great for me.

[@billwalsh3672]

I’m considering the KLR S model & wanted to know your impressions of the seat . Do you find it reasonably comfortable? Thanks

[@louislopez55]

@@billwalsh3672 Good question! I was wondering myself when I bought the bike how the seat would be. It is firm, but wide and I find it comfortable for 2-3 hours. I did take it on a longer ride and my butt got a little sore, although it wasn’t too bad. I put a “Bead Rider” on it and I liked that, easy to slide forward and back. I don’t plan to ever replace the seat, I like it.

[@donaldbarker8162]

Check out Corbin's seat for the KLR.

[@msims1250]

I’ve had my S model KLR for about a year. I really like it. I’m 5’6” with a 28” inseam, and I have always wanted a KLR, but found it just a little tall for me. The S model is perfect for me. I like the color on this new one. Nice video.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for sharing your experiences! And thanks for watching!

[@billwalsh3672]

How do you find the seat on the KLR S model, is it comfortable?

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@billwalsh3672 it's good for me. It's better than the average bike, if you ask me.

[@UnkleCletusNW]

Thanks for the feedback! As a 5’-8” ‘er with boots on, and a 30/31” inseam this gives me great confidence I’ve finally found the right ride.

[@loganurquhart11]

I really like your method with starting at the front wheel of the bike and how much you can know about the bike. Never thought about that myself. I’m 5 10 and own the regular height KLR and I’m on my toes when I stop.

[@jaimeramirez4005]

Excellent review, you talk about the reality of what the KLR is made for, to go anywhere better yet to travel anywhere ! Not like the others that always talk about its short comings. You said it right, it is Not a performance or sports bike. I always tell people, it is a TRAVELING BIKE, that will take you anywhere you want to go depending on your ability as a rider.

[@trevorpom]

I’ve just bought the KLR adventure model. I’ve had it almost two weeks and must say I’m pretty impressed with it. Sure, it’s not a powerful bike up high in the rev range but that “tractor” torque down low makes extremely rideable at slow speeds making car parks, heavy traffic and rutted dirt roads a breeze. I’m 180cm and it isn’t hard to mount but can be difficult to dismount as the panniers tend to catch your foot. I mounted a top box to the carrier and had to move it back so I could get my leg over the bike when dismounting. This actually gave me a bonus as where I originally mounted the top box it obscured the tool compartment. The adventure models spot lights are excellent as is the usb port and 12 volt port for running air compressors etc. It’s a very comfortable bike on the road and on the track.

[@BlackArroToons]

Cool Kawasaki S model KLR S adventure bike with a tall seat. I'm about 6' tall too so that's good you can get the shoes flat to the ground. I tried hopping onto a KLR in the bike shop years ago and it takes almost a karate roundhouse kick to get a leg around the seat. ;) Most times it's easy to hop onto my Ninja 650, but when I have to bunjee groceries onto the back seat, that's when it gets tricky getting the leg over the seat/groceries. Good review, thanks!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for your thoughts. Yeah, this KLR S model really makes the adventure bike class more accessible to people. It definitely feels more like a street bike.

[@BlackArroToons]

@@PeterLoweOne Good to hear, thanks Peter. Have a good weekend!

[@gabrielkopp2036]

It's still listed as a dual sport not an adventure bike..kawasaki is loosing the market.. dealers still have 23s in stock and are heavily discounting them because they can't sell them.. still has the same old engine only a 5 speed and get heavier every year

[@squarewheel142]

I have had a 2015 KLR 650 since new, it now has about 45,000 miles on it & has been a great bike. I would like an "S" model to get closer to the ground, but I also like the fact that my bike has a Carb, no cat converter or O2 sensor for simplicity and they also took the helmet holder/lock off after 2018, which I don't like so I would need to either risk my helmet getting swiped or carry it with me when I park the bike when out with it. I also really like the LED headlight with both sides illuminated on low or high beam on the new bikes.

[@kawabungah20]

Nice review, Sir! My Gen 3 (2022) KLR650 is the Pearl Lava Orange colorway. I just saw a new model KLR650S in bright metallic green and it looks awesome. This white colorway is really nice, too. My KLR has been really nice to own!!

[@scottdavis9318]

Nice bike and love your high quality videos. Keep up the good work. You make me want to go buy one and check out the 650 low .👍

[@rodneyotobias8604]

Great review I would buy one for a weekend rider keep up the great videos

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and thanks for your kind words!

[@Bugoutnow589]

I like the KLR in White. Wish manufacturers would offer more white bikes. Long live the Doctor!

[@OscarCalvete]

As always, excellent review!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks so much for your kind words!

[@leeinwis]

6.07 gallon tank, 32.1 inches vs. 34.3 inches seat, 456.2 lb fully fuelled , Liquid cooled 4 valve 652cc , 50mpg on average .

[@mikeboutin2078]

Hi Peter great video. Is the ‘S’ model as comfortable with feet on the pegs for long rides as it is on the normal KLR model? Did the ‘S’ model become more cramped? I am 6’ tall as well. Thanks.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I mean... That's tough to say. Is it technically more "cramped"? Yes... The seat height is a little lower band the pegs are in the same place, but I don't know that cramped would be the word that I would use. The lower height is a combination of the seat being redesigned and the suspension offering less travel, so to me, it's not cramped, just slightly modified. If you're 6'4" then you're probably never going to consider the S model anyway, but if you were that tall, you may feel cramped. For people our height, I think it's still perfectly comfortable. I sit on a lot of bikes each day, and every rider position is just slightly different. There's a big variety of positions that are all equally comfortable, but slightly different, and I would say that's where the KLR S falls for me. No difference in comfort, just a little different.

[@mikeboutin2078]

Thank you very much.

[@l.a.raustadt518]

Now this model is very interesting as a S model. Rode the last gen one and it was very sweet. Oh yeah.

[@chriszettel5001]

I've owned several KLR's in the last few year's and I think this would be better for me. I don't off road these because they too heavy so riding back road's and highway's it would be more comfortable being lower. I sold my 22 KLR and bought a Versys 1000 and not happy with it. Thinking about going back to the KLR s model It's better fuel mileage and not as expensive. Don't get me wrong the Versys is a lot of fun. It just does not fit me right. I own KLR's and think something better and end up going back to the KLR.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I know that KLR owners are very loyal to their bikes because there really isn't anything like them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@adammitchell115]

I did something similiar. Went from a KLR to a Concours. Was loads of fun, great for touring, but wasn't my cup of tea. Went back to the KLR and haven't looked back.

[@chriszettel5001]

I was looking to get a Concours. I could not get a new one and found a leftover Versys and went with it don't care for it like I thought I would I want to sell it maybe get another KLR.@@adammitchell115

[@WrecklessPB]

On the highway cruising at 110km/h, can it get to 120 to push ahead of traffic in a decent time? Always need that little burst of speed to stay safe

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yup!

[@XLV750RD01]

Mine tops out at 156km/h on the GPS.

[@thomasvlahoff3561]

Hi, does this have an auxiliary kick start in case the battery dies? Thanks man!

[@PeterLoweOne]

No, it doesn't. That's not available on fuel injected bikes.

[@neonpyre7469]

thoughts on this bike if you're 5"3, I deal with bad weather and an interstate so I was looking at one of these

[@125varma]

Hi Peter :) Is there a KLR650 S adventure model also available? Edit: Oh, you answered my question at 10:35 :D Edit #2: The EU doesn't allow us to have this bike in here :O

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Nice color

[@FesJenkins]

Very informative! Tyvm

[@thelawrence71]

With all due respect, you are correct, Kawasaki has sold a lot of these bikes. The numbers we don’t have or maybe just me is how many buy them and then resale them in less than 2 years. And again, to prove my point, Kawasaki has done zero to update the 2024 aside from a new livery color. That’s it. They didn’t fix the junk foot pegs that every single person replaces. They haven’t fixed the shifter peg so we can actually fit a real ADV boot under it, the mirrors that vibrate like crazy at 60mph, the Doohickey, the thermal bob, the forks that need an aftermarket stabilizer if you do want to run 60mph, the annoying engine brake. Here’s what I would say to anyone wanting an ADV. If you can test ride other similar bikes, do so. And if there were a dealer that had three to four to test ride, the KLR wouldn’t be most people’s first choice. And I disagree with you on the modification part. Almost every single KR person I’ve met and come across has completely changed everything I’ve complained about in the end ended up costing you about the same as a brand new T7. My perspective from a rider, not a dealer.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I appreciate your opinion. The only caution that I would give to people reading your opinion is to remember that it's your perspective. We all come to this with biases, and your experience is completely valid for you, it may not be as valid for someone else.

[@thelawrence71]

@@PeterLoweOne I hear ya and that goes without saying. The bike community is very smart and has a lot of options it’s just too bad more dealers don’t let people take bikes out to test before hand.

[@robertmountfort6519]

Simple. Don't buy it. Not everyone wants to do 80 in the dirt

[@thelawrence71]

You’re right. Don’t buy it. And no one on an adventure bike does or wants to do 80 in the dirt. All Kawasaki had to do was put a 16 tooth front chain ring on, not a 15 to bring the rpm’s down. It’s just the pure neglect to simple improvements that wouldn’t cost them thousands to just make the bike comfortable beyond a 100 mile ride. I’m fortunate enough that my commute to work which is all I use this bike for is 11 miles. With all the upgrades that one will eventually do and need you might as well just go buy a Tenere 700 because after a week of riding this, you will want to upgrade everything from the foot pegs to absolute junk mirrors that vibrate so much that it’s difficult to see behind you.

[@robertmountfort6519]

@thelawrence71 alot of bikes are sold after 2 years of ownership you putz

[@Cobra427Veight]

I wish they would have natural alloy , anodised rims as an option .

[@kentwilliams3326]

I am lost. Will the “S” model interface properly with the side cases?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah. All of that will work the same way on either model.

[@dcijams]

4 of use, are looking into getting this bike. 3 short and average size guys, Me, on the other hand , ( I'm 6'4" 290 lbs.)Do you think, I'll fit?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Don't get the KLR "S" get the KLR. The S model is a shorter ride height version. I'll be filming the non S models in all their variations compared very soon.

[@Rocksworld58]

Are the turn signals LED? Would’ve been nice to see turned on. Air cooled or water cooled??

[@leeinwis]

water

[@mikethomsen5096]

i have a 22 adventure.... I love it...

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi again Peter

[@GamingwithKandA]

The klr 650 S doesn't automatically include ABS. I'm buying one in a couple of hours that doesn't have ABS.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I film in Canada. Things may be different in other markets.

[@josephthornton8560]

Great for "all roads". Trail capable but heavy if it tips.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, there are lighter options, but the lower seat height makes this MUCH less likely to tip, and it actually feels significantly lighter. Maybe because I'm flat footed instead of on my toes, but the weight doesn't feel intimidating at all. It's well worth sitting on back to back with the standard height KLR. It really is amazing how much more approachable this bike is.

[@josephthornton8560]

@@PeterLoweOne Yeah, Ive had 2- 2nd gen's. I have a buddy that has 3rd gen low (s). As you explained in one of your previous videos..... if you dont need the extra bit of clearance, it's possibly a better design overall.

[@marcbrummel8566]

Wish we had the 650 here available 😰 hello from germany

[@hansdejan4608]

Is there probably a way to buy from different countries and ship it there?

[@SprSonik13]

to say a KLR is “very good at a lot of things” is a stretch. They will get you almost anywhere within reason and they are stupidly reliable and a phenomenal value. But they are slow on the road, they handle like garbage on road and off, and they weigh so much and have such gutless motors that even with DOT legal, off-road tires aired way down, I spent more time, digging mine out of the sand then I spent riding it through the sand. Great bike for someone not looking to tear up the asphalt or the dirt!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I stand by what I said, but maybe I should add "for the price" There are a lot of bikes that can do individual things better than this bike, but when you factor in the price, this can work as a commuter, it can go off road. People go on massive trips with these. So, absolutely, if you spend more, you'll improve in several areas. But people have driven these bikes for decades in all kinds of conditions. I'm not claiming it's the best. But it's very good at a lot of things, especially when you factor in the price.

[@goldenmoontheyoungest8389]

So “S” stands for short?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Maybe? That would make logical sense. But yes, the "S" has a lower ride height.

[@UnkleCletusNW]

As a Hobbit, I am not offended by the S and actually stoked to see manufacturers making the adv bike market approachable. Lollipop Guild-Approved

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

I call bs on the seat! Its harder than stock klr.

[@MattPerry]

it is a good bike but I'd rather buy a Honda XR 650 or a Suzuki dr650 any day. so before you buy one try these two models and then decide for you

[@romanstravels6390]

I could see that but those two bikes have their own Pros and Cons. For example the XR is SUPER TALL! Def for taller riders and it does have the best performance. And the DR doesn’t have the KLR’s 6g fuel tank stock and isn’t as* good for long trips or passenger riding(if anyone decides to do that). But I’d agree the DR is just a great, suitably powerful, off-road bike 👍

[@ezed3902]

I had the XR650L and I could not flat foot it. I'm 5'11". Great bike but it is just a little too tall for me.

[@romanstravels6390]

@@ezed3902 it’s too tall for like 90% of people😂

[@giscardpluie2639]

...it cannot be sold in Germany or in Europe...which is a pity....

[@PeterLoweOne]

Time to move to Canada? 🇨🇦😃👍

[@giscardpluie2639]

Hello! Good idea... emigrating because of a motorcycle, that would be something completely new... In fact, I've only been to Canada once...in Toronto... I only know the latest generation of the KLR 650 from photos... I have two KLRs from 1987/88 and a KLR Tengai from 1992. The first KLRs are quite light at around 180kg and also powerful with an official 48 hp... with good exhaust, K&N air filter and the European carburetor setting, it has just over 50 hp. Maybe I should take a vacation to Canada...? Greetings from Germany!@@PeterLoweOne

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@giscardpluie2639 I used to live in Toronto. I'm in Eastern Canada now. It's much less busy and much more beautiful out here.

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

First!!!

[@thelawrence71]

What exactly is different from the 2023 S model aside from the color option? I’ve go to be real honest. Kawasaki can do much better. I get it it is a starter bike for adventure riding but let’s be real. By the time one mods this out, you can own a Tenere 700. I will be getting rid of mine and going straight to the T7. I just don’t understand why Kawasaki can’t make some simple upgrades that we all know wouldn’t cost that much. The muffler for example. That pig weighs 14.4lbs! The junk handle bars. I’ve got a 1980 Schwinn bicycle that has lighter better handlebars. And you have to purchase a relay so you wire power plugs up which should already be installed! And why does every adv bike have a taillight/license plate fender that is so bulky and heavy! And are you kidding me with the digital display. My bicycle computer has more tech on it than this. And it doesn’t tell you rpms not what gear your in! Everyday I’m searching for 6th gear. lol. It’s not there because Kaw wants you to be last to arrive anywhere. All said, I would def not purchase this bike again due to the lack of quality stuff on this bike. There’s just nothing about it that’s impressive, not even the price. Anyone who can afford this bike new can afford a T7 or a V-Strom.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm not sure that I agree with everything that you say, and not everyone mods their KLR to the point that it's the same price as the other bikes that you mention. But here's the real answer to some of the questions that you ask. Kawasaki still sells these bikes as they are. Not everyone has the same tastes as you do, and because of that, the KLR continues to be profitable for Kawasaki. They're not making the KLR to appeal to everyone, but the sales numbers speak for themselves, there is enough of a market for this bike, as is, that Kawasaki hasn't felt a need to change it. And it's because of the KLR's success, that we get other great, class leading bikes from Kawasaki. Profit from this bike drives innovation elsewhere in the lineup. The KLR isn't for you. That's cool, but have a chat with people who love this bike, and instead of trying to convince them why they're wrong, just listen to a perspective that's different than your own. The KLR works for a lot of people, even if it's not class leading.

[@yomommaahotoo264]

Yes - the S model made for possums.

[@jamesstrain5361]

It’s a thumper. It doesn’t need a tachometer if you can’t shift it by the sound ya shouldn’t be riding such a massive pig.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Few bikes "need" a tachometer, but that doesn't mean that they're not nice to have.

[@jamesstrain5361]

@@PeterLoweOne I smell ya. I’m just saying I’d rather spend loot on a lot of other things for my KLR

[@leeinwis]

@@PeterLoweOne I rode a few pigs in my younger days, I don't drink much anymore.

[@mtrest4]

They copied the Royal Enfield Himalayan bike.

[@PeterLoweOne]

That's funny. This bike has been around in one form or the other since the 80's. I think if there's any copying going on, it's the Royal Enfield copying Kawasaki.

[@Pat_Smith778]

Comment for the al gore rhythm.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha! Thanks for helping control the climate of this channel!

[@thr0w407]

The KLR has gotten very fat and lazy since the gen 1.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I don't know if that's fair. It's become more versatile as an adventure bike instead of a large dual sport, while still staying very true to the original. It's not for everyone, but it's a pretty great value for people looking for a bike that can go just about anywhere.

[@thr0w407]

@@PeterLoweOne it's just a joke because I have a gen1. Don't worry lol.

[@googlelimp9834]

yeah id love one but cant get them in the UK so sad

[@PeterLoweOne]

Really? Are you sure? These are now fuel injected and have ABS. The lack of those features are usually the things that keep bikes like this out of your market. I would have thought the KLR would be there and would be thriving as many of it's competitors lack those two mandated features.

[@googlelimp9834]

@PeterLoweOne no honestly we really can't witch I've tried to get one for years but no only way is to import one but then it's pointless because of the cost, witch is a little daft due to the tenere with that basic bike no electrics and stuff was a massive brilliant sale, we can't get the xr640 or dr650 here eather I think mite be to do with exhausts but can't see how that is possible because can import but always second hand ones when prices are down,

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@googlelimp9834 Interesting... Thanks for teaching me something that I didn't know.

[@michaelosborne4944]

@@PeterLoweOne think they still don't comply with Euro 5

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@michaelosborne4944 You're probably right.