Paying Tribute to a Legend (Kawasaki KLR650 Gen 1 Review)

[@BigRockMoto]

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[@petegrimshaw530]

Bought a nasty black rattle canned KLR650 a couple of years ago. Stripped her, cleaned her up and did a shed build redesign. I now have a fairly light and very poky trail bike that (I think !) looks amazing. I had a guy recently come over at a custom show who thought it was an XT 500 which I took as a compliment. Can't add photo?

[@BSC610]

@@petegrimshaw530 Would love to see it!

[@petegrimshaw530]

@@BSC610 Can't see how to attach photos?

[@MattPerry]

I have one since the summer, i like it, but i find my dr-z 400 more stable on turning, what do you think? What is lock tide at the end? I am not american. It spray?

[@kiwikidusa]

@@MattPerry Loctite is a threadlocker compound where under no exposure to oxygen it hardens to lock the bolt in place. Blue locks it enough where the bolt will not (should not) loosen under vibration (the KLRs vibrate a LOT) but you can still loosen it with a good tool.

[@jmsask]

My first bike I ever really enjoyed was my 89 KLR 650. I had every option I could find for it. I loved that bike so much that after my wife made me get rid of it I could no longer stand her so I divorced her a year later. I miss my old KLR it was a much more fun to ride than my X ever was 😉. Now I’m 60+ years old I’m planning to buy a new one this spring 🎊🎉

[@GR1MKA1]

Little did she know that the KLR was your way of putting up with her shit.

[@kawabungah20]

You will not regret buying a new KLR. I love mine and I appreciate it's no-no sense simplicity. It has a tremendous versatility, including an extremely tight turning radius for in town.

[@johnhaque563]

Will it come with a new wife? Asking for a friend.

[@jmsask]

@@johnhaque563 already have one. I don't learn from my mistakes 🤣

[@dwaynejones9562]

right on 👍 😂 l'OL

[@vironpayne3405]

"The KLR is the gateway drug to adventure riding." I love it. Its the only bike I've come back to, so its a long term drug also like crack.

[@verbalwidget7267]

My first KLR was a 2007 for $1200 it had been sitting out in the California weather for 2 years I bought it as a joke really. I went through it and that bike took me all over AZ while my DR650 & XR650 sat. I bought a Pristine 2007 from Carlsbad CA, sold my first one and Gen1 KLR is still my favorite ride that makes me smile. Vstrom 650,1000, 1050's Tenere T700, have come and gone but no way letting go of my 2007 Gen1. My gen1 has a cogent rear shock, and DR650 43mm forks with Cogent DDC and springs and with the DR650 two piston brake caliper and bigger disc, it is much improved all over. I wished Kawasaki had gone to more of a gen1 KLR when they re-released the KLR a few years ago.

[@davew3130]

I have a 2007 KLR bought new, now with 35,000 miles. Only check the valves once. Expect 5000 miles on tires, no more. Routinely get 55 to 57 miles per gallon and distance record on a tank 320 miles. Usually can get 290 miles per tank. I ride in Hill country of Western Pennsylvania almost always on road. Pretty much do all my own wrenching, bought the Clymer maintenance book which is a must I take great care of her and she still looks great and I’ll probably keep her because she’s just not worth that much to someone other than myself. Thanks for the great video.

[@karlfonner7589]

I’m thinking about getting a 2007 with only 17,000 miles for 2500+ all the riding gear. Does that sound like a good deal to you?

[@peterskreta5802]

I love my 09 KLR. I also love hearing "You can't get a KLR through here" then going anywhere I want.

[@cliby83]

My first bike! 2006 KLR 650. Got it last year. Wouldn’t run. Had a rusted out gas tank and plugged up carb. Learned how to work on it. Cleaned the carb, put new jets in. Got the tank fixed. Runs great now. Enjoying learning on this thing.

[@dcpack]

Just traded in my 07 in on a 24 after riding it for 17 years. I do miss it quite a bit. Sad that 06 was in such a bad state.

[@Rides_With_Ron]

Once again another great review. My son just bought a 2003 Klr. Can’t wait to start the affordable adventures.

[@onthebackwheel]

I bought a gen 1 when I first moved to America from Australia. Took me to some awesome places and met some great people. Loved it

[@fatrat1369]

Hey Curtis- I guess you kept tree branches out of the back spokes of the gen 1 while in America. 😂 Both you and Ian are some of my favorites here on YT! Keep up the excellence! 🤙

[@onthebackwheel]

@@fatrat1369 haha thankfully I did!

[@ashermil]

Regarding memorizing the petcock positions: if the bike stumbles, flip the petcock forward (I.e., to the reserve position) to keep going forward.

[@tallboybass2730]

I re-entered motorcycling back in '88 with an '86 Honda XL600, on which i wore out several pairs of shoes from attempted kick-starting. Over the years i owned 3 Gen. 1 KLRs, '88, '90, '99 and loved every one of them. MUCH better street bike than the XL! Along the way i owned an XR650L which became my 'dirt' bike. After a near-fatal wreck in 2000 i don't ride anymore but the KLR holds a special place in my heart. Thanks so much for your wonderful channel, Ian @Big Rock Moto, i really enjoy your subtle humor and detailed reviews!

[@MartinKLR]

The KLR600 is where it all began. That's my favourite.

[@BigRockMoto]

for me too

[@arrow0872]

That’ what I have! It’s a 1993 model because it was available until 1994 in some parts of Europe. This was my first big bike and I regretted selling it back in the 90s. I bought another ‘93 model 6 years ago and had it rebuilt and modified it with updated suspension, fork-brace, doohickey, thermobob, a brembo master cylinder, and finally Excel wheels. I love it to bits. It’s quite a bit lighter than the 650 so much easier to use off-road for a total off-road novice like myself…

[@egylmz9974]

I ve been waiting this review almost for 2 months finally 😀 you should make more vintage bike review. Maybe series of old bike videos should be fun to watch

[@Qhev166]

make it a series do more of these old school dual sport /adv gems i love this review very honest

[@AdventureGlide]

So incredible what a legend of a bike. Thanks, Ian.

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks for watching

[@The-Jokes-on-You]

The opening scene..... the serene music with a visual fade in/out close up loctite tube......... that really hit home. 👏 ❤masterful ❤

[@zGhillie]

I’m currently fixing my my dads original 1985 Klr 600 with 1500 miles. Tires battery and oil and should be good to go! Started it for the first time in 8 years after 3 kicks! These are great bikes my brand new ktm 500 can barley start or stay running but an almost 40 year old bike runs better

[@MHix63]

Fantastic tribute. Honest and accurate. I had an '02 KLR for my first dual-sport, and absolutely loved it. It helped me learn how to work on bikes and was forgiving of my technical shortcomings. My daughter loved to hop on the bike with me and cruise the neighborhood; she has an appreciation (at 5yrs old) for motorcycles because of that bike. I love my newer ride, but miss my KLR every time I go in the garage.

[@Euryheli]

Wow. What a clean KLR, haven’t seen one that nice in decades.

[@jonathanrosenesq202]

Masterpiece video, Bravo! Love my 2007 KLR will keep it forever. Thank you so much for this video, you never forget your first love.

[@MrRickrm]

I owned a 2016 klr. I added T-Rex racing full crash cage and skid plate. Lowered it 2 inches which made it much easier to touch ground in technical areas. Also dropped one tooth up front added 4 teeth to the rear. Then I could have higher rpm while going slower in really bad areas. I also made the brackets that allowed me to add saddle bags. Aftermarket foot pegs made it a beast. Riding the WABDR especially section 2 became so easy. I live within a 15 min ride there and did it several times. Sadly while myself and a buddy were in the process of making a U turn a young lady in a big hurry decided to pass me. Yes all of us had turn signals on. I managed to jump off the rear just a couple of seconds before she hit my bike broadside and pretty much totaled the bike. Even so with a bend frame and bent front wheel and forks I was able to ride 30 miles back home going slow on the shoulder. The State Patrol guy followed me and told me how amazed he was that it still could be ridden. Myself, it took two years to recover from injuries. I miss it but have moved on.

[@sercio994]

Just incredible, please keep up these fun videos Ian, they are so entertaining you won't believe it! Thanks again, what you do makes a difference for all of us, really.

[@paulwojnar2291]

Thank you paying homage to the venerable KLR 650 A. I am currently riding a 2003 that I aquired in 2016 with 8000 miles on it and in excellent condition. This was after a 2 year hiatus from my previous 1996 KLR 650. Also aquired used but not abused. After 28,000 miles and 11 years of winter riding in N E Pa I sold it and it was 2 years later that I found the 03. It has been to several neighboring states for trail riding as well as 6 years of winter riding. Although mechanically sound it has suffered some cosmetic damage from road salt. Will be selling it this spring and then begin searching for its low milage replacement. Anyway the 96 was flawless thru 20,000 plus miles of abuse. The 03 currently has 30,000 miles of thrashing on it and still going strong. Whatever the KLR lacks when compared to other like type bikes it makes up for in its ruggedness, simplicity, versatility, and fun factor. Long live the KLR. One of my favorite motorcycles.

[@lessmore444]

The donkey with a doohickey! That brochure read was hilarious, Ian. Good review mate!

[@1jbunceiii]

Had one, loved it. I changed the springs in the shocks and added an oiler for the chain. Did a BIG off road ride along the southern border fence, Texas to California in 2012

[@Bluborder]

I rode Honda and Yamaha when I was young but stopped riding when college, career, and family filled my time. Fifty years later and now that I am retired I started riding again on a KLR gen 3 which I rode for a year before replacing with an Africa Twin. The KLR was the perfect bike for me to get back into this fun sport and also to carry me back to a time when life seemed simpler.

[@johncoleman1935]

Thanks Ian - pretty much spot on. Beauty is you can do some improvements and it doesn't cost you a bunch. Bought an 07 new, sold it, and bought it back!. Took a ride this summer 1,000 miles (1600 km) with one 12 hr day (got lost, learned a lesson, have a paper map!). Did the doo, sub-frame bolt, cyclops headlight (HUGE improvement, made the late night ride over Berthoud Pass enjoyable), SS brake lines (really do help), fork oil, (ATF and added a little more per recommended on KLR forum - took some of the dive out and didn't bottom the front forks), and the "weed wacker" windshield mod. Didn't help that much but it gives it a cool "Dakar" look. Think I'll move it a little more forward and put an extension on, just for giggles. When I bought it back it had an aluminum skid plate, low profile oil plug, better foot pegs, bark busters and a Seat Concepts seat - very, very comfy). Rode 2 lane, interstate, weirdly humped forest roads, semi-fast dirt, and one day of rocky, rutted, pot holes up to Rawlins pass CO. Stayed just below 5K RPM on the interstate (70-75 mph) and it wasn't bad at all. Averaged about 55 MPG which surprised me (been jetted for the altitude). 71 now and just don't ride like I want to or used to. Feel like a "pig on roller skates" sometimes. Live in SW CO, 7,200 ft.

[@dirtdad8478]

Very nice thank you. I had a 87 KLR. It was my only form of transportation at the time. Working and going to college. I rode the hell out of that bike. Stripped it down added some knobbies and it was also my dirt bike at the time. It was a pain to start! But, I really enjoyed that bike and have fond memories. Owned many KLR's. I currently have a 04 modded out pretty heavily, along with many other bikes. Still enjoy riding them.

[@BigRockMoto]

yep, klr was what I rode in college

[@0HARE]

I bought my 2006 KLR 650 from a friend in 2007. It’s the best $3,000 I’ve ever spent. It has been my daily rider for the past sixteen years. I can easily get three hundred miles on a tank of gas, and it will easily go 100mph or more. It has a re-jetted carb, and a big honking after market exhaust. I’ve upgraded the body plastics and windshield, put Bark Busters hand guards and Double Take mirrors on it. This thing is amazingly reliable and driver friendly. If you drive it hard and fast it will definitely burn more oil, but I don’t drive it too hard or too fast. The main thing that you have to remember is that it is not a sport bike, it is not a highway touring bike, and it is not an enduro bike. It has properties of all three, and can be a great bike for someone who understands its limitations, like me. For my 140 lbs. weight, the suspension is just fine. At this writing, my ‘06 KLR has 77,369.9 miles on it, and it still runs, handles, and operates as good as the day I bought it. It’s a pretty damn good motorcycle if you ask me.

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

hows dohicket thermo

[@frank_jk]

That’s a nice looking KLR! I’m really enjoying my Gen 2, and it absolutely is a gateway drug. I’m already dreaming about what might come next. Also, I loved your little montage at the end! Keep up the great work!

[@nkgagne]

Bought my beat-up 1994 KLR 650 a few years ago as a first bike thinking it would get me through a couple of years… Now I can’t imagine riding anything else! Perfectly slow (just fast enough to comfortably keep up on the road), takes all of the potholes and speed bumps on the road at full speed without batting an eyelash, and flies up rough gravel roads way nicer than a car. Mine came with barkbusters, a fork brace, and an aluminum skid plate-everything you need really!

[@BigRockMoto]

Right on!

[@robbieandbeckie]

Made my day. Gen 1 2005 KLR owner.

[@leeredpath8332]

very nice survivor bike! this was a fun video to look back in time to see how far weve come! thabks to the bikes owner for sharing his bike with us, its in great shape!!

[@ozzie7523]

Not sure if you guys had the KLX650 in America. It was a bit lighter than the KLR. Also the KLX did not have the infamous 'doohickey' problem that the KLR had. The best thing about the KLR is that it had an electric start unlike my Honda XR600. Trying to kick start a XR600 in the dirt after you dropped the bike and flooded the carb was a real pig of a job.

[@DocMagoo]

The KLX650 was a great bike, I had one for a while and still regret selling it

[@bonofrancou2]

Some KLX didnt have e-start neither turn signals or mirrors. Some were full enduro versions, some street legal ones

[@T30-z5w]

I remember the pain of having to kick start those flooded big Hondas after dumping them off road. Even the XR400 was a chore.

[@ozzie7523]

@@bonofrancou2 I didn't say the KLX had electric start though, but it did have turn signals and was street legal in my country. The older and smaller two stroke KDX models were more enduro, and even they had a headlight and turn signals as well.

[@BigRockMoto]

I don't recall if they came here, I've only seen a few

[@DocMagoo]

Absolutely love this video, and man is that bike clean. I'd love to see you do a similar video the DR650

[@pfcokelly]

And XR650L

[@BigRockMoto]

will do

[@ride4adventure]

Nice work Ian, thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@robd9819]

This KLR vid brings back some great memories! I had that same 06/07 green klr. Me and a couple buddies bought them to ride the continental divide ride plus. It worked great, but boy those brakes and suspension were weak. We all sold them shortly after that adventure.

[@KhaleyJo]

I like that you got the habit to put lighthearted segments as introduction to your (very serious) reviews

[@SirOsisofLiver]

I've never had a KLR, but I came close a few times. I did have a 1990 DR650S, back when they were still kick start. With DOT knobbies, upgraded forks and rear spring/shock, it was decent off road. The brakes were okay for the time, could pull a stoppie if you really wanted. Towards the end, the decompression valve would occasionally stick. Then the bike would try to launch you over the handlebar. In general though, it was about as sophisticated and reliable as an anvil.

[@wendygerrish4964]

I had a '91 it had both e start and a kick start with decom lever, and a tank >4.5 gals. Beats me why suzuki later removed the kick. Starter and kept reducing the gas tank capacity in years to follow.

[@christalbert722]

I had both a 2006KLR and a big GS.... loved the GS out on the road but always felt overwhelmed by it's weight (and potential expense) when off pavement. Ended up selling the GS and keeping the KLR. "Mule" is really the best description. My Ego may say otherwise- but all I need is covered by the KLR :) (Did upgrade the front brake, seat, proper skid plate, dohicky, etc. It's really quite pleasant to tinker with.)

[@Ganjora]

my 1st 'adult' bike was a 2006 green klr. loved the bike - it taught me about lots of important stuff, like loctite and torque wrenches.

[@laurentpate769]

Thanks so much Ian for the review ! 👍I wasn’t thinking of you doing a review of a KLR Gen 1 !!! A good surprise - A cheap & effective bike in about every condition. With a few mods they are rock solid 😃… the Swiss knife of the motorcycle world.

[@natearchuleta2003]

This video was a factor in me buying a 99 klr last year. Still have it, still love it.

[@stevesgarage1937]

Great Job!! I had a 96 that I rode from Atlanta to the Grand Canyon. Best time I ever had and sold me on the Adventure/Dualsport movement. I bought a 2009 2 years ago and love it.

[@RocketRidez]

I believe that extra light spot on the cluster was for the early gen 1 KLR650 Diesel’s. The Diesel KLR650’s had a red light in that spot that would be for your glow plugs to show when the bike was ready to be started. I could be wrong but I don’t see why Kawasaki wouldn’t have just made both clusters the same way and taken out the red light feature on the gas versions. 7:57

[@riccardoiani]

Yes it was for the diesel. Crazy motorbile lmao

[@dstubby82]

Just picked up a Gen 1 barn find with 5k on it as a gift to my neighbor. Took a week to clean out the whole fuel system but after that it's run like a dream. 😃

[@someguy8109]

Best part about the pig is you can drop it a zillion times and not give a toss. This makes it FUN

[@pietervanbreda4360]

Just remember back in 1987 the disk brake would have been better than any old shoe brake so I believe it was not bad for 1987. I had the gen 2 and that brakes was more than efficient.

[@kyledocherty4967]

Nicely done Ian. Bought my first bike in May this year. A 2017 KLR! As a teenager in the 80's I look back now and realise that was an amazing time. I think this bike still has much to offer. Thanks.

[@RedRupert64]

A good and true review. I've had four KLRs since 1988 (during this time, I've never been without one) and have only just sold my last one. Very reliable. RaceTech Gold Valve Cartridge Emulators did wonders for the front suspension for not much money. I've had great times on KLRs.

[@1990-t1j]

4:44 Absolutely stunning bike. 7:02 Such a cool dash. You say this started it all in 1987, but there was a KLR600 in '84/'85. Anyway, it was the XT500 which started it all. I remember riding through Greece in '84 on my XT. A KLR overtook me. I almost fell off the XT in lust. I badly wanted one for a while but never got one. My mate posted me down a photocopy of a test of the mighty 600 in '85. I must have read it 20 times. I used to love the rear end: the mudguard; the tail light. It's interesting, though, that it is the XT500 which has attained cult status. At least, in Europe. The terrain reminds me of Spain.

[@alxx1378]

In Greece that time the bikes that ruled was Yamaha xt 550 and 600 (proud owner of 550 for 13 years) and of course Honda XLR 600. The klr was ha ha to modern for maintenance. My first ride with a bike was the xt500 though. Ride well.

[@1990-t1j]

@@alxx1378 The 550 hardly sold in England. I never liked its appearance.

[@alxx1378]

@@1990-t1j it was a bike that you could customise. check xt550 club in Greece and you will understand. anyway it was a strong bike and easy to maintain.

[@1990-t1j]

@@alxx1378 I will have a look. Thanks.

[@muppdog390]

@@alxx1378 I used to own one. Loved it! That engine revved so much better than the later 600. Still own an 86 600 Tenere now. Rides like sofa. Nothing bothers it. Those old enduros were great! A bit overengineered in places.

[@aarg2609]

Favorite color on any bike ! 💚💚💚

[@brucek.345]

I had the big lime green machine. Bought one new in 2006 and rode the hell of it for many years. No issues and no complaints.

[@larrylund1138]

Really like my 22 KLR650. I've ridden it in very rough off road places and also on freeways. Definitely can be a handful on those rough off road rides due to their weight but still it can be done. Best on fire roads and anything on road is fine. Mine has been an overall good and dependable bike.

[@RJones1]

Kawasaki were like Honda in the way that they had two different models. One was designed to be more road focused which was the heavier KLR650. The other was the KLX650, which was lighter and more enduro focused. Honda did the same with their XL and XR models, the XL being the heavier and more road focused out of the two.

[@bonofrancou2]

Yamaha too with the XT and TT models

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

@@bonofrancou2 TT600Re with e-start. A head of it's time: Bmw G450X/ G650X Challenge with Efi and Abs. Imagine Yamaha WR500R and XT500 Ténéré

[@michaelsmith9866]

My son and I bought one each in 2012 to go to Africa from Australia. We packed them up and flew them to Johannesburg. They were ridden from Cape Agulhas to Sudan and flew them back to Australia. We both still have them. I worked as a nurse in Cape York for 2 years very remote dirt roads multiple river crossings just to get to any sort of civilisation. Survived all that and now I ride it to work every day 80 km round trip. Surprisingly cheap and reliable. Did the doohickey and put stronger bolts in pegs and subframe when we bought them

[@lukefish7562]

My brothers first bike. I got to ride it but not as much as I’d liked. It’s a legendary bike for sure. And any that’s chosen by our military for use tells you something about it’s quality as well.

[@RJones1]

The military only bought them because they were green and easier to camouflage. The Honda XR600/650 was a much better bike.

[@stoundingresults]

Military were designed to run on diesel. The ones on sale from auctions have to be frankensteined to get a running motorcycle.

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

@@RJones1 no oil cooler or liquid cool, smaller gas tank bad seat n e start

[@nandutzu]

What a nice presentation you did! 👏 I bought a 2nd gen 2013 one last year and I'm loving it! It's a great bike!

[@vjr6939]

the fact that you are riding that thing, relic of the 80s, is testament to its greatness

[@davidthomastheinventor]

I have an '05 KLR that I love dearly. People talk about the KLR being slow off-road, but that depends upon what you are comparing it to. With a couple of parts (upgraded rear suspension, exhaust, slightly lower gearing), I eat larger, heavier adventure bikes for breakfast on any fire road or anything that is even a bit challenging. They always end up as a somewhat buzzy image in my rear-view mirror. And I am 65 YO.

[@SurvivalNomad]

My 1999 KLR bought in 2001 now has 71000mi. Been crashed and mauled over the years but runs magnificently. Gets over 55 mpg with 16 tooth sprocket so over 300 miles between full ups. Easy to remember chain maintenance interval: get gas, lube chain. Added rear rack, EM doohicky, braided front brake line, and progressive front springs. Original owner modded with KN filter, changed needle jet and cut airbox. I'm still running the same air filter! Just recharge with atf fluid after cleaning with simple green. Only issue is a recent acknowledgment that she burns oil. Will prolly go to a 685 kit one day.

[@BigRockMoto]

awesome, thanks for posting

[@karlfonner7589]

Thank you for another wonderful video and clueing me to all the information on the Kawasaki KLR 650. This is what interests me about this motorcycle. I get a feeling everybody and their mother knows how to fix these bikes.

[@keithpierce8871]

Thank you Ian, Awesome retrospective review! I purchased the KLR 600 brand new in 1984. I loved it, but sold it 3 years later trying to be a more responsible new dad. I was reintroduced to the military version in Iraq,,, but never rode a military version. Well, I missed it so much that I bought a brand new 2018 KLR 650 when I learned they were not making them anymore. My second wife insisted that I do it!

[@MVelocette]

I’ve owned about five KLRs, including this one and I love that color too. Sure there are some issues, but you’re way over exaggerating them.

[@allanshenton7716]

Thanks very much for the video I have 1987 Klr650 in my garage you have rekindled my interest in it I will have it up and running this summer

[@elitetileandstone]

Ian, thanks for the walk down memory lane. 1987 was .y last year selling motorcycles at a Honda/ Kawasaki dealership. Living on Long Island at the time, there was very little interest in bikes like the KLR. Everyone wanted the newest Ninja, or they were into cruisers. Fast forward 35 years, and I find myself interested in picking up a used KLR or DR. At 60 years old, I'm reverting back to riding in the dirt. I want something capable of doing the MABDR and Cross Pennsylvania Trail. Thanks for a great review! Rich S.

[@trueamerican1576]

Great video. The Schrader valves are to release built up air pressure. People do put air. The proper way to adjust is fork oil weight and spacer length of top of the fork spring. I opted for after market progressive fork springs and thicker fork oil to relieve the dreaded front end dive.

[@tanstaafl1960]

Good points! Trying to firm up the front suspension by adding air pressure risks blowing out the seals. Slightly more oil reduces the size of the air chamber, but heavier oil and Progressive springs are the way to go. When changing the fork oil I was surprised to see how it’d become an emulsion of worn metal in oil. I flushed the forks with ATF before I refilled them with a blend of 10-15 weight fork oil.

[@dawn3d_]

This was my exact first bike! Color and all! I neglected to do the doohickey and so it killed itself a few months after I got it, but I put over 6000 miles on it in one summer. Wish they were more common on the east coast, I loved mine.

[@tanstaafl1960]

I had a 2004 KLR with 65K miles (mostly under its first owner) which suffered a sad fate when pieces of the doohickey caused the bottom end of the engine to fail spectacularly, locking up the output shaft and hence the rear wheel. Moral of the story? Do the doo, even if the PO claims he’s done it. Also, DO NOT follow the factory instructions for adjusting the balancer chain tension UNTIL you’ve changed the doohickey.

[@kiwikidusa]

Thank you Ian for the blast from the past! I was pleasantly surprised to see your review. Before I left New Zealand I had the precursor to the KLR650 Gen 1, the KLR 600. Rode that all over the country. Rode it up volcanoes! In Japan I had a 1988 KLR 650 Gen 1 which I rode all over the country as well. I would ride that in winter through snow to remote mountain villages! You should have seen the looks of the locals! Here in the States I had a 2004 KLR 650 when I was living in Big Bear Lake. I took that bike on black trails, single track trails up to over 10,000 ft. Rode it to the office from BBL to Walnut on the 10 or 210 cruising at 70 to 80 most of the way. BUT, I had done massive upgrades. Resprung the front forks, replaced the rear suspension, Doohickey fix, larger skid plate, a cover for the rear brake master cylinder, replaced all the weak bolts for beefier and significantly stronger one on the foot pegs and subframe, even installed an HID headlight for better night mountain road and desert riding in the Southern Mojave, and a whole host of other upgrades. As I was at altitude most of the time the carb was rejetted. Awesome bike with lots of fond memories. In 2012 I sold it as I had moved to Ohio, with no where to go I wasn't riding it. Now I have a 2016 Africa Twin DCT which has also been hugely upgraded and ridden from coast to coast (easily doing 700 to 800 miles in a day rides) and to over 12,000 ft and the same off-road places I took the KLR. As much as the KLR is a great all purpose bike, the Africa Twin is just as capable off-road and a quantum leap better on road. My Africa Twin is my forever bike. To me now the KLR is just a nostalgic bike with lots of fond memories in the different countries I had one. I was considering buying the Gen 3 but when I found out they STILL have not fixed the Doohickey I thought 'Yeah nah!'

[@slalomking]

Eagle Mike will take care of you on the doohickey

[@kiwikidusa]

@@slalomking Yes, I know. He did with my Gen1 too. My point was if Kawasaki still left that GLARING weakness in the engine after how many decades then I'm not prepared to drop any dimes on getting one. Look what Honda did to the Africa Twin! Completely reimagined and made an awesome all round machine.

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

to heavy for offrd n 12k

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

500 lbs vs 340 to 380

[@kawabungah20]

Thanks for another informative and fun ride. The real world weather was an extra bonus! Back in those days, we mostly had drum brakes on our lower budget bikes and I don't miss those at all!!

[@BigRockMoto]

You bet!

[@slalomking]

Yes, nothing wrong with a rear drum. They would skid the tire.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

I was riding a 2001 DRZ400S, and came across a barely used 2006 KLR650 in the best color like the one in the video. Talked a friend into buying it to add to his garage so we could ride together. I liked it so much I ended up selling the DRZ after buying a heavily nodded '08 KLR. We did some fun adventure trips on those bikes. Mine made it to 85,000 reliable miles before a teenager took it out while my neighbor was riding it.

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks for sharing

[@mikewilliams8311]

Love it! Entertaining videos like this is why I’m a proud BRM Patreon supporter.

[@BigRockMoto]

thank you for being a supporter

[@richardfrantz9539]

I have a 2006 Suzuki DL650 . It is a bit heavier but handles gravel and two track OK. I did theMABDR on it a couple of years ago and it performed well. The thing I liked best was the comparison with the KLR650 my friend rode on a trip in West Virginia was my much better fuel mileage. We rode the same speeds and distances and the KLR generally took .4-.6 gallons at each fill. The VStrom is much smoother and feels like a low horsepower BMW F750GS.

[@fgarsombke1]

Awesome video, loved the throwback pics at the end!

[@isaacwhull]

I rode my 99' from San Diego to Mojave, 208 miles, without shifting to reserve, I'm pretty sure the range is close to 300 miles for a tank. the bike has been super reliable. thanks I enjoyed the retro video.

[@paulwojnar2291]

I have owned and ridden 49 motorcycles so far in this life.from the big four, euro bikes and yes HDs and Buells. Currently in the garage are a 2022 Pan Am Special for pavement only. Commuting, touring or carving mountain twisties a great bike. Only issue in 22,000 miles , noisy fuel pump replaced under warranty at 21,000. For you HD haters out there the fuel pump is a Bosch unit. An 07 1200 Sportster And my favorite everyday rider 03 KLR 650. Its my second one in 30 years. I absolutely love Gen 1 KLRs. Easy to work on . Great on fuel. Fun on and off road. Very rugged. Can take a tumble and ride away. I will never be without one.. If I could have only one motorcycle the Gen 1 KLR 650 would be it. There are many many more out there hardly ridden with low mileage so I have no worries. That and there are several on line salvagers/warehouses selling every thing you would ever to need to keep a Gen 1 on the go. What it may lack in in certain ways it makes up for in its fun factor and simplicity. Long live the KLR

[@fishlegs106]

Great work. I had a few really good laughs watching this vid with my morning coffee….I personally call them the “Volkswagen” of motorbikes…. I ve owned a few of them briefly but had to move on realizing my heart rate actually went down during motorcycle exercise with KLR….

[@billtucker9018]

i have to address something that you say about these bikes, that you need to choke to start them, i have an 07 klr with 31000 miles, i never need to use my choke to start my bike, i ride in all weather types and it always starts right up. and it runs great, good video though.

[@chrisparsons3141]

Reviewers finally covering bikes that I can afford.

[@tonywintour6920]

Cool video mate I have a 1997 C Model still riding it most weekends, it’s a go anywhere machine love it

[@ferkuzuel]

Good to see a review on a classic on this channel 👍

[@LongDistanceMotorcycleFans]

On my 3rd engine rebuild on my 2002 KLR 650. Hard Colorado miles too but I like this bike. About to ride from Texas to NM and back home to Colorado next Sunday. Not worried about the bike at all.

[@allanrilling6990]

Very enjoyable video. Humorous while honestly clear! Watch out for the elephants! Cheers.

[@db2474]

It amazes me the people that bitch and complain about single cylinders being "buzzy" or vibrating. If that bothers you, you bought the wrong bike or really do not intend on using for what is was for. Stop bashing a bike that was ahead of its time and pretty much pioneered the ADV world, its pretty annoying to listen to the entire video.

[@captparnell]

Trip down memory lane. Loved my 2003, name KiLRoy! Wish I’d kept him. Also wanted a Tengai!

[@vailmcc]

$3000 in 1987, adjusted for inflation, is about $7600 today.. a pretty good deal back then!

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

My first bike was a 2005 KLR650. 40k miles on it with the stock doohickey. Sold it for $2k in 2021

[@mototurkey5289]

Holy smokes… I commented on your other message. Before seeing this. Thank you for the used bike advice! More of this please?

[@rezkyputra5239]

Think of it. The reason we can compare (AND RIDICULE) the KLR against modern bikes are because of how good, advanced, and reliable KLRs are. How many other bikes from the 80s survived in reasonable working conditions? Triumphs? Harleys? Ducatis? We don't compare Ducatis from the 80s to modern bikes because there are none left. Most are either scrap or museum pieces

[@eminiscalperpro9729]

just recently found one of these 2006 klr's in phenomenal shape.

[@chiptaxfree]

My first dual sport was a 1986 Kawasaki KLR 600. Blue and white.

[@BigRockMoto]

I had that same model

[@chiptaxfree]

@@BigRockMoto Believe it or not it got stolen twice from me.

[@wine_country_moto]

I’ve moved on to the GS world but I still won’t get rid of my KLR650. She’s still fun to take out.

[@mark26168]

Great video. Nice to see a Gen1 still running aroung

[@skiphalbakken859]

Another great one! Keep up the great work!✊️👊✊️👊

[@BigRockMoto]

Appreciate it!!

[@allans7281]

Refreshing video of an old classic great presentation!! friend of mine had one and he literally ran it into the ground it was in pieces when he was done. Served him for decades. Your anti lock breaking reference was hilarious. Those trails you are on is gorgeous !!is that big bear?

[@MontanaDirtRoads]

I bought my 18 gen 2 in 19 and absolutely love it, yes their are better, faster bikes but they cannot compete with klrs durability, simplicity and capabilities of being a Swiss army knife!..I did a 1000 mile trip with a buddy on a Africa twin and well ill keep the klr.

[@RobertdeVries-trimaran-sailing]

I got new red/black one summer ‘88, still have it. Never failed. Lightly ridden though. I’ll keep it till I fail.

[@kellydrover1994]

Great video thanks a bunch for a trip down memory lane.

[@petechampion297]

I have a 2006 gen 1 ,....61000kms stock except the pegs & bolts replaced , nothing has ever come loose doohicky hasn't been done and runs beautifully, Yes it is definitly old school cool & will go pretty much wherever I need it to go without complaint, its no racer but then not everyone wants to be one. I do however believe that this type of bike needs to be ridden with a certain amount of mechanical sympathy, & the engine does not need to be pushed high into its rev range and should be used with the torque of the engine as its better feature . absolutly love riding this bike.

[@westhovland4189]

Loved my KLR's. My first, of many, was a 91'. Finally sold my last one a few years ago. The KLR was/is completely misunderstood.