First Ride Vlog: 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 - Max Fun, Min Price, & Zero Competition

2022 Kawasaki KLR650 : Max Fun, Min Price, & Zero Competition
(Many more videos on the Gen 3 KLR coming soon - stay tuned)
The 2022 Kawasaki KLR650, or the Gen 3 KLR, has been the subject of many internet armchair commenters stating that not enough was done to make it competitive. (I am guilty of this myself). We were wrong, and we missed the point. For $6,700 US dollars, you can buy a new KLR650 with a 6 gallon fuel tank, amazing wind protection, fuel injection, a smooth and torque rich engine, a strong frame able to carry luggage and a passenger, well damped long travel suspension, 21 inch front wheel, spoked wheels, and more.
This bike will go anywhere a KTM 790, Tenere 700 or GS will go, at a fraction of the price. Milk crates optional. The changes to the new KLR might seem minor, but collectively, they have vastly improved the bike for the way the average rider will use it: commuting, highway riding, touring. Without taking away any of it's off road ability. Personally, the bike felt the same or lighter to me, than the gen 2 bike, even though the gen 3 gained 25 lbs.
In my opinion, despite not being flashy or fast, this is probably the most important adventure (ADV) bike of the decade, simply because it is financially accessible to the most amount of people, and will bring the most joy to the greatest number of new and returning riders. It remains the swiss army knife, and we are lucky Kawasaki decided to continue the legacy.
Yes, the doohickey (balancer tensioner system) is still a problem, and there still is no thermostat bypass, and there is still the same issue of potential oil usage. (I have videos coming on these items) Despite these challenges, this bike has no competition in terms of capability per dollar.
00:00 Intro
00:32 Walk Around
08:08 Street Ride
21:03 Dirt Ride
26:06 Final Thoughts
🏍 My Riding Gear:
⚡ No-Stink Socks (amazing): bit.ly/31yihhV
⚡ Klim Baja Jacket: bit.ly/31ygBoD
⚡ Klim Baja Pants: bit.ly/3pH061g
⚡ Klim Carlsbad Jacket: bit.ly/3lLjnNY
⚡ Klim Carlsbad Pants: bit.ly/3GqsziD
⚡ Klim Krios Pro Helmet:bit.ly/3EDJpKC
⚡ Klim Baja Gloves: bit.ly/3dveK6b
⚡ Klim Adventure GTX Gloves: bit.ly/3ye75Tl
⚡ Sidi Adventure 2 Goretex Boots: bit.ly/31Jgs1o
⚡ Sidi Crossfire 3 Boots: bit.ly/3dxtlhr
⚡ HJC Dual Sport Helmet: bit.ly/3pBaW9i
⚡ Fox V-1 Dirt Helmet: bit.ly/3dyhKPg
⚡ Moose Body Armor: bit.ly/3IuoTyn
⚡ Klim Jersey: bit.ly/3DFJlsm
🏍 Camping & Other:
⚡ Camp Chair: bit.ly/3GqL5HP
⚡ Jump Starter/USB Charger: bit.ly/3y4CdVn
⚡ Folding Utensils:bit.ly/3Iwh3UK
⚡ Jetboil:bit.ly/3rNaE1N
⚡ MSR Stove: bit.ly/3dz3rtG
🏍 Beta 500 Dual Sport:
⚡Traverse Dual Sport Saddlebags: bit.ly/336oAtf
⚡Tusk Handguards:bit.ly/3y5g4WM
⚡Tusk Lithium Battery: bit.ly/3DB4Kms
⚡Tusk Brake Guard: bit.ly/3pH9mT6
⚡Skid Plate: bit.ly/3rOgeAY
🏍 Yamaha Tenere 700:
⚡Garmin Zumo XT GPS: bit.ly/3EGY4Vi
⚡Barkbuster Handguards: bit.ly/3IvwKvu
⚡Motoz Dual Venture Front Tire: bit.ly/3oBBoAa
⚡Motoz Rallz Rear Tire: bit.ly/3pyfhdc
⚡Tusk Skid Plate: bit.ly/3Ix72GR
⚡Tusk Crash Bars: bit.ly/3DCHa95
⚡Tusk Olympus Tank Bag: bit.ly/3yfaQbi
⚡Tusk Highland X2 Rackless Luggage: bit.ly/31FVUXN
⚡Tusk Pannier Rack: bit.ly/3rObMCi
⚡Tusk Olympus Panniers: bit.ly/3lLUHVG
⚡Tusk Oly Panniers/Rack Combo (savings): bit.ly/3y6mWmQ
⚡Tusk Top Rack Only: bit.ly/3GpPNp7
⚡Thumper Jockey LED Lights: bit.ly/3lOaCTn
⚡ GPS Mount:bit.ly/3oCUCFO
⚡Windshield Visor (MD): bit.ly/31IcW7v
⚡Windshield Adjuster: bit.ly/3rRLEGv
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[@BigRockMoto]

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[@johanneswilhelmlange6050]

Thank you for this video. How tall are you? I am 6.1 . Will this bike fit me? Is this bike a good beginner bike? Thanks. Greatings from germany.

[@georgedoolittle9015]

Could make a diesel with 2 wheel drive option. Needs a front rack as they all do.

[@chiptaxfree]

Thanks 👍

[@JohnBrown-bu8ji]

Ps for your next video conpair the 2022 klr 650 to the honda 500x 2021-22 on and off road trails thank you

[@bryanschwabenland6657]

This Making Sense More than Ever Now, just Drive Slow Like a DieseL... 4 SceneryS, Lol.

[@disekjoumoer]

"Like a roll of duct tape rising from the ashes" I laughed quite loudly at this.

[@quincylewis8819]

It's nice to hear about this bike from someone who knows his KLRs.

[@paulwood3876]

For something that will mostlty be used on the odd weekend for some getaway fun .. then the KLR has all bases covered, yes its not high tech or the latest gismo bike but it gets you off the beaten track and does it all,, Leaves you with a smile on your face and CASH still in your pocket

[@coinholeo2253]

Best bike I've ever owned.Takes me anywhere, comfortably.Good on fuel,can load up the panniers with tonnes of stuff, and you don't even notice.Can't race like a dirt bike,but you get there 5 minutes later with everything everyone else left behind.

[@chuckkelley5894]

That's experience talking!!!

[@stephenaz-moto3655]

This illustrates why the KLR is in a class all its own,... You wouldn't be comfy on a 690 R, DR, DRZ or any other big single riding 300 miles at 65-70 mph to get to your favorite camping spot. The KLR is really a great machine that excels at just being a great affordable ADV mount.

[@andyw237]

They made a great do-all bike even better and still costs far less than anything else in its category. the "adventure" model is a cool setup with the side cases and guards.

[@Grossman77]

I love the simplicity of the KLR and give Kawasaki a ton of credit for keeping the spirit of the bike alive as a cheap, reliable single. It would be cool to see Kawasaki repurpose the Z650 or Z900 engine to create a more capable Versys-X to compete with other modern adventure bikes

[@turinhorse]

cheap to buy, EXPENSIVE TO KEEP REPAIRING... NOT reliable. there is a reason the used bike market is flooded with KLR 650's with 3-4000 miles on them. people learn fast that these are disposable toys.

[@ASutt23]

@@turinhorseI’ve heard the opposite, cheap to work on and reliable

[@turinhorse]

@@ASutt23 cool, buy one and see how long it lasts. there is a reason why the used motorcycle market is flooded with 3 year old KLRs

[@ASutt23]

@@turinhorse well, I’ve bought one. We’ll see how it goes. Maybe people want to upgrade for power? And maybe a lot have been sold.

[@karlfonner7589]

@@ASutt23 keep us posted. I’m thinking about buying one used if I can get it for 2000 or under.

[@johnhamilton2680]

A great first impression from the man who knows how to do it. Big shout out to your buddy for letting you "rally" that thing.

[@healthycycles6078]

Your reviews are really well done - thanks for your efforts! Bikes don't always have to be all about fast, there's so much more. I like this new klr

[@kawabungah20]

I've watched this video about three times, while I'm still waiting for my own new KLR to come into the dealership. This is really entertaining and informative. Thank you

[@Obesimusillegitimus]

I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what of the mechanical shortcomings form the old KLR have been addressed by the factory. Keep it up!

[@kawabungah20]

This is one of the most entertaining and informative pseudo reviews I have seen. I look forward to future follow-ups. Great job!!

[@briand8949]

Every time I find myself thinking I need to try something new like the T7 or CB500, I watch something like this and remember I really am in love with the KLR. Literally the only thing for me, is that there are times in my off-roading where the KLR doesn’t inspire me to keep going up that slightly challenging trail.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Proven intercontinental comfort and practicality. Proven reliability. Proven ease of maintenance - and that's a basic description of the *previous* model! Kawasaki have really nailed it with this bike.

[@BigRockMoto]

agreed

[@CrystalClearNM]

Thank you for helping me decide which ADV I will be getting (after researching for 3 months)! I was concerned with off road performace but you showed it's all this boomer needs...thanks and plz do more on this bike 😃

[@stevencaldwell838]

Great video! Just went to the bike shop today to specifically look at, sit on and talk about the new KLR 650. I’m a pretty big guy, 6’4”, 240 and the KLR fit perfectly! It’s like the Swiss Army knife of adventure bikes.... does everything good but is a master of none. My kinda bike!

[@cjgrubbe]

Man how I do get like this guy? Huge garage with a loaded Gladiator with 4 motorcycles??? Enjoying the channel, thank you!!

[@bluezhawg2104]

It is all possible with the Easy payment plan.

[@dennisossianderrmplmtcst2053]

Thanks for the very comprehensive first impression video, we really, really appreciate it. Well done! Be well, take good care, happy holidays and safe travels to you, your family and your “friends”. ;)) Gratefully, Dennis

[@VVoltz]

"You are not a real Bronco anyway" LOL, the subtle snarks are the best part of this channel. Other than the MASSIVE level of detail and the very objective reviews I mean

[@b00ndocker]

This is the first of your videos I've watched, where I realize you have a sense of humor!

[@BigRockMoto]

I would buy one of these new KLR's. It's an amazing value for the capability and comfort. Would you buy one? Why or why not?

[@SamiNami]

Rather buy the T7...

[@Largetalons]

It looks like a fun bike to goof around on. Bit chunky for single track and not a lot left in it keeping up with 80mph interstate traffic. Fire roads and wheelies past your neighbors kinda bike.

[@adamz5458]

Subjective but to me that's probably the ugliest bike in the category (including the Harley). And why on earth would anyone not want abs on a bike thats a adventure tourer? Should come standard. If I could not afford anything else the KLR surely would make me happy but if I have the means to go for something else, this just does not look tempting to me at all

[@Broadus45]

What about a CB500X used with some suspension mods? Currently that is the biggest bike I have ridden in Vietnam and it's not perfect but good. Definitely more modern that the KLR in some ways.

[@michaelhayward7572]

@@Broadus45 beige. Cardigan and slippers. Horrible. And its a Honda. Whats not to dislike?

[@odyshopody9387]

This was a great review. Always wanted one of those big adventure bikes, and I was eyeing that new Triumph 900. After watching your video I'm realizing this is all I really need, and at half the cost of the Triumph!

[@dsolin]

Agree! Hell... I can get two of these for the same price as my Africa Twin, and you get 300cc extra. 2 x 650 = 1300 :D

[@shawnwright5332]

Parts are also easier to come by then triumph and the aftermarket parts are endless

[@BigRockMoto]

KLR=good enough.

[@unclebadger597]

@@BigRockMoto but this one's even better!

[@jimmyjoe1871]

I rode the Tiger 900.... more money, but way more fun.

[@michaelvollmer9491]

I will get one as a daily rider. Does everything I need and 70 miles per hour is enough for that. If I need more, the I will use a multistrada v4s for that. Have had aggressive single cylinder crossers and they produced nearly 72 hp out of 380 cc engines. That has been the time 40 years ago and now I will take it a little bit slower and more relaxed on two wheels❤.👍😎

[@Porsche996driver]

Great functional bike. A little heavy, almost as much as my ‘05 1200GS. Really watched the whole video because of the awesome scenery and great trails!

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Excellent review. I used to really want a KLR600 in the 80s. Glad I had my XT500, though, which I rode from England to Portugal return three times on it and Greece and back once.

[@frank_jk]

Been really looking forward to this! I appreciate your honest assessment and am excited to see more content

[@BigRockMoto]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Surly1966]

Another great opening, good scene transitions, sounds great, clear clean video, overall an excellent example on how to do a first ride video. I always say it, but I now count on the honest off the cuff remarks that you don’t script. Love that your knowledge of the klr650 doesn’t get in the way of the newness of the bike.great first impression- looking forward to you down n dirty comparison and the Eagle Mike inside look. Best video I think you’ve ever done. Love the pic of your friends and the duck tape , zip tie bit too…(it’s funny cause it’s true) Watched it twice.

[@BigRockMoto]

wow thanks!

[@scottdavis9318]

​@@BigRockMotoI've watched it at least 4times since I'm getting ready to trade my Harley roadking in for one of these. 👍 Great first ride and more entertaining than cable TV by a mile. Thanks

[@robertrobey4787]

Great video! I owned a gen 2 and really enjoyed it. Nice to see the KLR return with the upgrades.

[@ambrosekane2941]

Thank Big Rock Moto, this video helped me to decide for the KLR 650 as I am slowly moving into adventure riding (I still love my Harley though!). Also, the foot controls for the KLR are for me much more comfortable and allow greater circulation in my legs since they are not as pulled back as the BMW 1250 GSA and other adventure.

[@andersont.2267]

That thing was just eating up those bumps on the dirt road. Very impressive. Going to go get me one now. Thanks for the video!

[@Midwest_mASS]

Great video. I'm sure a few of us Gen2 guys would be interested in the crossover of parts. The updated stator and seat on the Gen3 specifically peaks my interest. It'll be interesting to hear what Eagle Mike's thoughts are.

[@anidaralopez5676]

Okay....I had to run it back to see the photo of your 'friends'. Made me chuckle. Thanks for the walk around.

[@bluezhawg2104]

I love my gen 1 for all it does even with the KLRs warts she’s still great and owning it allows me to afford multiple bikes. One of my favorite things about the KLR is building it out to suit my needs in the adv space.

[@powayimports4175]

I wish this was out when i got back into riding a few years back and got a gs310. Was fun for like 2 weeks lol. Thanks for doing the vid!

[@kwalters2013]

I appreciate the honest review from the most exhausted man in the world.

[@Bullardicus86]

I just recently bought my first bike it’s a 2022 KLR650, As a fairly new rider myself I gotta say I love this bike. Great for just cruising and fire trails. A lot of fun for the price.

[@jimtucker7005]

Hey Man, Thanks so much for the video and ride review....I looked at one yesterday, I'm told they are selling fast - the one I looked at sold after one day on showroom floor. I greatly appreciate the roads you selected....shows what I'd be typically riding on, although one would (hopefully) encounter the occasional stream/creek :-). I have a '76 R60 and a '10 FXDWG so a bike like this would neatly fill in the gap for my "realistic" time to ride each bike and my $ budget.... Much Thanks, always appreciate your objective reviews.

[@doctorgonzo207]

Thanks for the video! I enjoy your content.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulgrogan8032]

I found your review very inspiring, I have a test ride scheduled for next week👌

[@sun6v546]

U R the King of the road , Mate . loved your trip . Planning to get one KLR . Thanx a heaps , Mate .

[@scramblinman7156]

You have done a great job with all of your KLR videos! I appreciate seeing your point of views on the 3rd gen bikes.

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you like them!

[@wonderingBadger]

That pic of your friends!🤣🤣🤣🤣. And do Jesse!🤣

[@markcollins5026]

Man, nice I got the new 2022 KLR base model sand color no abs for $ 6.699, it weighs 456 lbs with six gallons of fuel, I love it !

[@SolomonsMartialArts]

How much was it out the door .1 place quoted me 9300 2nd place 8700. Where can I get 6699 plus tax and lic. About 7500

[@markcollins5026]

@@SolomonsMartialArts man, I financed 8k, I'm in Arizona off-road is real big here there are no used bike's for sale, dealers add on as much as possible !

[@SolomonsMartialArts]

@@markcollins5026 I hear you here popular are street bikes or dirt bikes . I don't understand why all the surcharges . I have to ride 20 to30 miles just to get to an off road area. Here klrs are not popular. I like it because it fit my riding not trying to go anywhere fast.

[@henryhill6251]

Great vid! Looking forward to the following ones too

[@user-ok1gd5hj2i]

Just purchased a 2024KLR very pleased with it just over 200 miles on it. Great video thank you.

[@antoniomartinez5904]

Thank you so much, I really enjoy your videos you seem very unbiased where are informative thank you again yours truly Tony

[@wendygerrish4964]

Looking at fixing the very basic upgrades a dr650 would need and alot of the budjet bikes; tank capacity, wind visor, USB, tyres, led lights...phew So glad mentioned the new klr's solid frame and altered fork angle. And the duct tape and tie wraps. Your videos are worth their weight in um accessories, for your quips and digs alone. Fun.

[@BrandonC610]

Glad you were adequately prepared with your proper KLR tool kit. LMAO 🤣

[@BMRTV]

As a person who currently rides his Versys on roads like this, I like the idea of more stability and softer suspension.

[@scottspencer3024]

Just bought my gen3 adventure a few days ago. The motor covers are still junk and break very easy :) Almost made it a full day before dropping it. It is a great bike over all and a 60/40 road/dirt bike. Like any compromise, it’s not great at either but ok at both. I rode it around our PNW farm. I do wish it was a little lighter and had more low end power (or ideally lower geared) for off-road. I was in high school when these first came out so like other “experienced” riders, don’t miss the tach though it could only help to have one. Also, the flamingo nose front fender scratches really easy. I chose it for hanging on the back of our motorhome so it will be great for that. I also like the long maintenance intervals (after first one) and availability of parts. Like any new model, hard to tell what aftermarket parts are going to fit or not which will be problematic for the next year or so. Overall a 8.5 out of 10.

[@mikedeclerck1421]

Thank You for first impression review of the KLR. I'm a big fan of the brand, and of your site. I am glad that Kawasaki stuck to the basic type of the KLR. There are oodles of us that this bike serves well due to its designed nature. Bravo Kawasaki.

[@BigRockMoto]

You and me both!

[@davidskaggs9914]

Great review been looking at getting one of these vs DR650. I appreciate your experience with the bike and lean towards this one for touring

[@unclebadger597]

Had my Adventure for 2 weeks and absolutely love it! I think with KLR you get it or you don't and that's ok. It's perfect for me and the way I ride 😁

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for sharing!

[@roadkillbbq686]

My first bike was a 2007 klr. Traded it off and am really thinking that this is the bike I need. Great review. The duct tape bit had me cackling! 😂

[@BigRockMoto]

Right on!

[@tuanoful]

Man, I used to have a KLR, now I have a VSTROM. Vstrom is obviously better on road, but more expensive... and damn, I really miss my KLR. Don't know what it is about it, but I really loved it. I liked how it handled, I liked how it looked, I liked how easy it was to work on it. Just a great bike.

[@CapsicumSpec]

Nice to see this back to the roots approach. Sometimes less is more…

[@HiroNguy]

Except for that weight gain.

[@markmazzella5222]

Wherever you live , it looks awesome. Great review ( walkthrough) whatever you call that , the more I hear about this bike the more I’m impressed. I love they went to fuel injection, wish more dirt oriented bikes would go that route, I hate working on carburetors maybe because half the time I screw up when rebuilding them, that’s just me. But owning a DR 650 , I love riding in the dirt but not so much on the highways with the DR. I think I will give a lot of consideration as this my next bike it definitely looks Locke it would be a great touring bike with maybe a bit of trail riding thrown in and you can’t beat the price point, great job .

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks

[@bambambamVB3]

Love your videos! I love my KLR650.

[@j0394]

Long time admirer of bikes as ive grown up in dirt bikes. I lack road expirence but im at a point where it can fit my life. I think im sold on this pork chop. Really looking forward to enjoying this tank.

[@Bdb860b]

Nice review. Klr’s are awesome bikes. Had one of each generation and will get one of these. A bike is only as good as it’s rider. I can take my klr places most big adventure bikes would not go easily.

[@adampoe6139]

I've had my Gen 2 is some really dumb places a pricey Adv bike owner would think twice about. Zip tie bend it duct tape it and the occasional wrench it. 24 hundred vs 10 grand plus and so many smiles

[@mariokolenko4322]

I got Suzuki DR 650,1991, now 4, years, the beast, power and torgue are amazing

[@larrytucker1945]

More, more, mooooore!!!! I test rode the base model yesterday. I like it quite a bit. I’m a dirt bike guy turned dual sport rider. I have very little experience on bigger adventure bikes. I was looking too trade in my DRZ400 SM with dirt wheels for a T7 but I can’t find one. My local Kawasaki/Suzuki/Yamaha have not received any of their T7s but got several KLRs. My Dad reasoning says get the 2022 KLR and see if you like adventure type riding, but I think the T7 might be more fun for daily riding. For where I’m at in my life the prices difference matters for something that is a hobby. Thanks for the videos. They are always helpful.

[@xavierdeveto2621]

Love the channel. Lol everything I look away I hear Napoleon Dynamites brother

[@wardroland270]

Thanks Ian. Great job. Good info. God bless. Happy trails.

[@keithandrews1069]

Good to see a positive response. It is a klr and all rounder and not a big tourer or a small trail bike 🤔

[@jarrodleis4046]

Great overview of the new KLR. IMO it fills an important spot in the adventure bike market along with the Suzuki DR 650. Both bikes provide great real world performance at a low price. If you had to make a list of bikes that are better than either of those bikes both on and off road you would have a very short list. Bone stock the KLX looks like the better choice for on road riding and the DR looks like the better choice for off road. I ended up going with the DR as I believe it is easier to improve the DR’s on road abilities than it is to improve the KLX’s off road abilities. Overall I am happy that Kawasaki updated the KLX while maintaining the focus of its predecessor. I hope Suzuki also maintains the focus of the current DR when it finally comes up for its update.

[@joko-kc3wc]

Definitely one of your more amusing videos

[@mvjoshi]

The best review of the new KLR that I have seen till date, despite the fact that the KLR is not available here in India. There is talk that it may be launched in 2022 and I for one am praying hard that the talk becomes reality. I own a 2019 Versys 650 and think that Kawasaki India made a huge mistake to get this bike to India instead of the KLR. In sum, your review makes me think that the new KLR is the Japanese 650 cc version of the Royal Enfield Himalayan, plus all the pluses of Japanese quality in everything and minus the really terrible minuses of Royal Enfield. An excellent intro video.

[@anaheimdualsportdean_64]

Awesome Ian! Great review!!

[@jasonwilliamson990]

My mechanic confirmed out of decades of working on atvs and motorcycles of all sorts that he has never seen the Do-Hickey issue. He pointed out the easy method of adjustment for the spring. Although I still would have bought my Africa twin, when looking at the KLR I wished I hadn’t been discouraged in buying a klr because of all the negative hype, which seems to be inaccurate . To your point though, the bike is awesome for the money.

[@CoolCoolCool89]

I got the 2023 this past Saturday. I traded my R6 for this bike. Let me tell you the KLR is super comfortable and just laid back bike. I don't regret it.

[@paulgrogan8032]

Thank you for this, I pick mine up tom. Morning😁

[@BigRockMoto]

Good choice!

[@martind349]

Exciting, I enjoy a pannier focus in these videos, show me where the chihuahua goes. Does it come in a bush wacker trim?

[@got_to_roll]

Interesting video, looking forward to your visit with Eagle Mike. I must have shifted my gen1 into 5th 9,574 extra times. Another gear would have had me considering a new KLR. Too much highway time to find gravel or dirt where I live for the 5 speed. I'm content with my Super Tenere for now~

[@njohnson3331]

My only gripe (no, I haven't even ridden the bike) is the "no 6th gear" thing. So, I appreciate that you show the high speed experience. I find that helpful since I've only ever had street focused bikes.

[@BigRockMoto]

Fair enough!

[@LifeIsJustLiveIt]

I watched all of your videos last year determining which bike to buy for the TAT at a budget price. It was close between the Vstrom 650 and the KLR 650. I went with the V strom over the KLR for a couple of reasons which Kawasaki seem to have fixed. My brother will be riding with me this year on part of the TAT and is buying a KLR. Can't wait to ride it.. 😁 Oh by the way your comment " It's not a real Bronco anyway" is classic🤣🤣🤣

[@Christianthephotographer]

This was very very good! It looks and sounds great! It looks like a proper adventure bike should.. :-)

[@ShaneZettelmier]

Looks like they did make some updates that I really like. That’s the thing I like about the killer is it’s so easy to ride. It’s definitely not the fastest end it doesn’t have a ton of throttle response but I agree with you it’s got enough power to be fun and get you there But it’s just so comfortable which makes it a great commuter bike for the fire roads if you’re not racing or jumping or doing super high speeds I think it’s awesome and just has that easy factor to it. My favorite dirtbike style is an old Honda XL 350 and I love them and I drove an XL 600 which I also loved but it’s more twitchy and I really got a pay attention to it. On the XL 600 it was easy to ride but you had to pay close attention, with the bigger turkey engine the front end really love to come off the ground it’s like it was made to wheelie and the 600 is a lot of power and you had to be careful and be aware of it all the time. And I know that people like that but the beat is the killer is you don’t really have to come out if you give it a ton of gas in the right place in the power band the front wheel will come up a little but you’re not gonna flip and send your bike shooting out from under you. It’s almost like some of the bikes we can set different modes it’s just the easy comfortable mode all the time and I get it, I used to want a faster higher performance bike but for the way I ride now these are pretty much perfect. They sort of fix the Doohickey thing and it’s not the fix everybody wanted when you talk to Kawasaki mechanics they don’t have problems with them anymore they only replace them because people want to they don’t replace broken ones. The Tenere is definitely a better performing bike if you’re out there doing serious adventure riding and trying to go fast it’s probably worth it for you but if you’re just gonna cruise dirt roads and do some slow offloading without a lot of jumping, this does a great job of it and it’s kind of a brainless bike. A lot of new riders can jump on a killer 650 and just go and be very comfortable at it. There’s no way a new writer she gotten by even the older XL 600 type bikes like Yamaha Suzuki and everybody has but pretty much anybody can ride these and these are just incredibly comfortable and you can go ride for six or seven hours and it’s no big deal. And the bikes vibrate but the isolated bars and pegs do their job very well. You mentioned the pegs come I saw somebody put some bigger dirt style pegs on and they fit with the rubber isolators so you still have the grip and a bigger platform for boots but still some vibration damping which to me seems like it’s probably gonna be the best option but I don’t know I’d have to try it. But I agree. I think a lot of people do reviews and watch the reviews, we used to read the magazines and everybody want the cutting edge performance and the basic hot the best rating they have all that potential and it’s great if you’re going to use it but like you said come out the other 97% of the riders out there are probably never going to use a bike to its full capabilities I’m probably gonna like these a lot better. It’s definitely not a high-performance bike but it’s a very comfortable very easy bike and it’s very relaxing for exploring and getting out but if somebody’s looking for a higher performance bike there are better options if you want to pay for them. I love the new Honda Africa adventure bikes but for me I’d rather save the money and get this because this is all I’m ever going to use. People should definitely get what they want but people love to hate the killer and yet they still can’t get them in stock they had to bring them back they still sell great and people still love them after years of riding them. Give me this and 84 Honda XL 350 with an electric start upgrade and the TW 200 and that’s all I need but if I had to choose one bike and one bike only I think a Kailer would be it. My favorite model to date was the 2018 in all black but I’m kind of liking the updates

[@evenstevenmotodrone735]

I really love it! Thanks for this great material. I have been sharing your thoughts and now the video to my KLR Costa Rica friends... At the end that bike in the mountaln looks so beautiful. It is a shame what you pay for a basic one in USA like $6700 aprox.... the dealer in my country will charge like almost $12K. Enjoy it!

[@larrytucker1945]

I commented on your 5 big problems with the KLR video that I wouldn’t get one and I was disappointed. I think I was rapped up with the idea of a T7 competitor. After seeing one in the dealership over a week ago I was intrigued. I returned last Saturday and took a test ride. I really enjoy the bike. The dealership is going too give me an OTD price Tuesday. I don’t have much street bike experience, mostly dirt bike riding. I’ve had a DRZ400 for the last 3 years and was hoping too trade it in on a T7 next year. The money saved on the KLR could help with luggage and GPS. It would be the heaviest bike I’ve ever owned but it didn’t feel too heavy pushing it around and riding it. I will have too trade in the DRZ but I will still have dedicated a dirt bike. I really like my DRZ for around town and my really short commute but It’s awful on the highway. I’m ready too lengthen my rides. My only concern is the power. I’m a little afraid I will want something more exciting. Thank you for the excellent videos. I’d say I can’t wait for the full review but I’m sure I’ll have made up my mind and purchased or passed on the KLR by then.

[@stevebrinkert8339]

Nice video. It’s time to upgrade my 07.

[@davorhrkac941]

Nice review...thanks for your effort.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@chiptaxfree]

I just sold my 2018 super low KLR 650 today. Again I’m like you I just love the KLR. It’s my fourth one. Actually at 1986 I bought a KLR 600.

[@richardmorrison2686]

Great cycles , nice looking too , I have a gen 1 Well done review .

[@jeff40]

Kawasaki make great bikes! Never owned a KLR but they're very nice looking and I've owned Kawasaki's in my youth like a KX-80 and a 84 Tecate-250 3-wheeler. Great bikes, Let The Good Times Roll..

[@BigRockMoto]

Couldn't agree more!

[@tombstone2826]

Great video and review !

[@juzzyknox5751]

Thank you big rock media for the opportunity to go in your competition I'll be more than grateful to be the new owner of a KLR 650 as I'm about to do my licence upon this great piece of equipment and I would love to promote all over KZbin for for your company

[@MarkSDCA]

My tach broke years ago, and I want more that one cylinder. Always nice to have a back up.

[@rjeepster8640]

I love the Bronco comment! Soooo agree! Great video, thank you!

[@scottelton5451]

Whew! At least 20 rolls of duct tape! 😂 I think I need one

[@isoEH]

Nice jacket. Nice first ride.& review.

[@BoardWalkToke]

I really respect the KLR for what it is and was considering going for it but as a seasoned rider, the engine power was the only problem for me so I went for the T7. I'm even getting a 6 gallon tank upgrade so the range isn't a compromise.

[@rjlklr650]

You are the only one ever to mention the lockable tool kit, I made my 1988 KLR lockable when I first bought it. Could never figure out why Kawasaki never did that for 31 years.

[@FlyingMonkeyAdventureRiders]

Great Initial Review. Entertaining.

[@fortyfourrobo544]

Dude Excellent review. These are the questions I had. A stealership is almost 2 to 3 hours away from where I live. A test ride would seal the deal. Struggling with this and the Tenere? Thank you for the excellent video! Ride safe

[@claudeturgeon385]

This guy sure have a beautiful driveway ,just like his neighbors . Im sure its worth more than his house and garage . The roads are beautiful too. Here in Québec the roads are full of potholes and houses are builded on piles of rocks .

[@MrEtnorb]

A Japanese version of the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Here In Australia there is now no option but ABS in all registered bikes except hard core dirt bikes and the odd exception.

[@Giixxersquid]

This seems like a great minimalist bike. If you’re ok with hammock camping especially, this would be a perfect bike. Hammock tent, sleeping bag, basic supplies like fire starters clothes, knives, small pack of rooster tails ultra light fishing pole and you gotta perfect 3 day weekend

[@azr2d1]

You nailed it. They kept the bike cheap AND improved it. Not by much but they did. And now it probably meets emissions standards better. This will guarantee another 20+ yrs. Toob ad they didn't fix the doohickey thing. Other than that, it's a great move by kawi. I foresee lots of sales.