2022 Kawasaki KLR650 On and Off Road Test and Review

[@stuglenn1112]

KLR the original Swiss army knife of motorcycling, often imitated but never duplicated. Kawasaki should troll the MC community by offering a milk crate as an accessory.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I would love that! I think they'd win over some critics with the humorous take.

[@AutoCrete]

Too funny Stu! I started describing my 1st gen KLR a Swiss Army Knife within a month of buying it in 2007. I like the nicknames 'the tractor' or 'the mule' as well. It's just a fun bike!

[@FabStream41]

Kawasaki heavy industries branded milk crate

[@AdventuringWithMike]

as soon as you take an adventure on a klr you'll know why we love em

[@AutoCrete]

I bought mine because I live near the rocky mountains which has tons of 'service (read 4WD) roads'. If it looks interesting, just turn in and have a good look.

[@colokor]

The KLR 650 was the first bike I owned. This is the bike that made me fall in love with motorcycling! I now own my “dream bike” BMW GS 1200 which is better on paper than the KLR in every way, but I miss my KLR everyday! KLR, not the best bike in the dirt or the road, but it is the best road bike in the dirt and dirt bike on the road…long live the Swiss Amy Knife… it’s the bike you fall in love with for the right reasons!

[@alyrealty]

Thanks for the review. I feel people who buy KLR 650s are salt of the earth. I agree they have family and other financial commitments. I bought mine (New in 2020, 2018 model) because in the 90s my friends had them. Nostalgia. I have not dropped it as it tracks like a tractor. I have put at least 2000 on forest roads. NO Single track lol I also bought a Saddleman seat. Much better than the stock one

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, for such a heavy bike I was surprised that I didn't drop it given the terrain I rode it on. They're great bikes and the older ones will be in demand because they were a bit lighter.

[@kulturamoto3302]

Don't fix what's not broken. Kawa has a real timeless classic here.

[@AutoCrete]

My big wish would be to space the gears a little farther apart. 1st is pretty fast when riding complex, narrow, single track and 5th is a bit buzzy at 70MPH.

[@mikehagan4320]

You made some good points of why people like this bike over all of the high tech gadgetry on 2 wheels. I don't want to defy death or show my Friends I can get in more debt than they can. I want to enjoy the Back roads Have some good Adventures. Then park it for the winter. And make future plans not Payments. Best Wishes from Montana M.H.

[@christianweller4288]

I had the “original” 1984 KL600R. A very different motorcycle to the KLR. It was light, it handled well and the engine was in a higher state of tune than the 650. Never really knew what to make of the 650, which seemed porky and a bit flaccid, but this video explained it well.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, ADV bikes have definitely gained weight since the 80"s. Hard to believe that there was a time when the big GS weighed 50lbs less than today's KLR.

[@BNatoAk]

Ya the 80's was 40 years ago so......

[@coolhandchunk]

I had a 2000. It was a beast! Had to rebuild the engine as it smoked like George Burns, had to spray paint the green plastics as they had turned white, swapped out the foot pegs for aftermarket units off a Z50 for more grip... but it was a fun bike! Low end torque and throttle response was not for the faint of heart or beginner, was surprisingly fun on the twisties at 80-100kph and reasonably comfy! I do miss the bike!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I was surprised how easily it held sone pretty serious highway speeds. Definitely better than the Royal Enfield Himalayan.

[@michaelsmith9866]

I’ve had one for 11 years. Flew it to Africa and rode from South Africa to Sudan. Flew it back to Australia and have ridden to Alice Springs and back as well as 2 years working up Cape York. Still have it and use to ride to work every day in the Atherton tablelands near Cairns in Queensland

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Nice! A true around the world bike.

[@caseyb730]

Selling my Honda VT 1300 Interstate and getting one of these.

[@marclapalme1394]

I’ve never ridden a klr , but I can see there isn’t anything like it! It’s a legend!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

It's an experience :)

[@joebiker5992]

I purchased a new '22 in April, which is also my first adv bike. I absolutely love this motorcycle. Couldn't tell anyone why, but I just do. I slow down, take more of my surroundings in, and just chill out.

[@FernitoAM]

How is your klr going? I put a deposit for one last year. It was taking too long to arrive (australia) and I needed a bike for commuting urgently so bought a honda rally 250 second hand. I love the rally. I did so much exploring this year however: It cannot take 2 people A little small for lugagge A little underpowered. One year later still believe the klr would be perfect for me. How is yours holding up?

[@joebiker5992]

@FernitoAM I put just over 3800 miles on this summer (nowhere near enough riding lol), and I still love it every bit as much as the day I purchased it. I've added a long list of items to the bike just to make it my own. It hauls 2 people with ease. Only did that once, though. I'm still even on the factory tires. I do all my own maintenance. It has been a phenomenal machine. Never an issue.

[@FernitoAM]

@@joebiker5992 great, thanks for the feedback. sounds good. How is wind buffeting at high speeds? The rally is not so good.

[@joebiker5992]

@FernitoAM it's not bad. Nothing that a windscreen riser wouldn't fix. I wear an mx style helmet, and on windy days, that can be an issue. I recently went on a trip in September, and that was mostly highway (75mph+). It wasn't too bad, but I would put a riser on. And I'm 6'3"

[@FernitoAM]

@@joebiker5992 thanks. You are a tall guy! I am 5.10 so might be a bit better. Thanks mate!

[@stephanematis]

Started on a Honda Mini Trail in '84, so wanted a TW200 in '87 and tried a KLR in '98. Still have the Trail, got a recent TW200 to finally get a road license after all these years and I think KLR might make it a trio. What can I say, I like tractors. :)

[@roberthaldeman5312]

I test rode one back in 2008.I thought it was too slow and heavy. Then I bought a Suzuki 400 DRZ. I now own a 650 Vstrom. If you watch the Bay Watch movie they made a Vstrom sound like a sport bike. Keep making great videos

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, the audience generally can't tell a four from a single so the sound editors are let loose to screw up the sound.

[@msmax1138]

hmm, they wound up with basically my 08 model that I've accessorized, but mine has better upgraded suspension. and a better corbin flat seat. laugh if you want mine has 60k miles on it and still going. i do want to try that upgraded stator tho if itll fit in the engine case, the ABS wouldnt be despised either but I dont think thats possible. one of the best tales i have is sitting on top of pikes peak when you could still ride up and a tour group on rented GS's pulled in. one of them looked over at my ratty unwashed KLR and remarked that "in the end only cockroaches and KLR's will survive" I replied" I paid $5300 from new in 2007. its the best money ive ever spent on a bike over the last 40 years, check the plate, its from Mississippi, I RODE IT here" he paled a bit and said "I paid more for this tour" I replied "and yet here we are" and rode off. some people dont get the idea of a basic bike that you can make into whatever you want. I could go buy the new version but why? mine does exactly what i want it to do. theres maybe 2K in upgrades on it including upgraded suspension, a bit of carb tuning, bigger brakes with SS linesets ,seat, bags, rubber mounted bars, windshield, heated grips and lights plus of course the doohickey with a torsion spring and a thermobob. at a reasonable pace it will go anywhere I care to point it. and would be the last bike in the garage i would get rid of, its mine because i built it to be mine...

[@j-l8404]

What can i say? I'm on my second KLR now. Went from a gen 1 to gen 3 and just came back from a solo camping trip. The bike didn't miss a beat, not once! 😊

[@rickosborne6521]

Basically all of your conclusions are the same ones I came to. I've been riding on road for 17 years but wanted something capable and cheap to be able to ride off road, but also be comfortable enough to ride longer distance to get to those off road areas, so I ended up with a KLR650 and have come away loving it, despite it not being terrific at anything. It's capable, doesn't complain no matter what you try with it, and is somehow just easily loved.

[@peterc2876]

Great review mate!! Just picked up my new KLR in Oz…can’t wait for weekend!!

[@mikeisland7382]

You nailed this review, really captured the spirit of it. I see the Dairyland crate has been updated from the traditional yellow to blue. Fond memories of my 99 model. One of the few dual sports that doesn't require you to replace tank and seat to ride to the next town.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, the tank size beats the DR and the XR by a wide margin.

[@timberwolfdtproductions3890]

I still have the vintage’81 yellow model. It’s many years since it was mounted on a motorcycle, but it still brings me fond memories too.

[@gcprost]

My last bike was a Royal Enfield Himalayan so the bike seems to have lots of power. I’m 5’4” and 70 years old so I bought the “S” version. Actually it seems very similar in height and weight to the Himalayan. I like this bike very much and I intend to continue my adventures on gravel and easy trails but I’m going to quit the serious single track. A couple of years ago, I fell when riding the Himalayan and landed on rock, on my back. Despite the fact that my jacket had armour on the back, I broke two ribs. At my age, it takes a lot to recover from something like that. I like to visit remote places and ghost towns. I think the KLR is perfect for this. Yes I’m often out of cell phone range so I carry a satellite communicator. I bought more robust and larger crash bars than are found on the adventure model, I also have installed the Tusk rack and aluminum panniers.

[@CLP2102]

this review is accurate. I'm on my second one. you can buy one for cash, modify it to suit you as you enjoy them. legend.

[@adv_rider]

Nice video thanks,. After this video I am more convinced to buy one. The milk crate joke was awesome by the way!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Glad you liked it! These bikes definitely can do it all for a fraction of the price. Enjoy it when you get it!

[@andik.4235]

The bike may not blow my pants of, but the review was well done. Thank you for your good work.

[@Rides_With_Ron]

As usual, you nailed it again. Great review.

[@farhatkhan2785]

Hi Mr. B its me Ibrahim, I love watching your videos because they inspire me. Personally, I aspire to have a collection.

[@robertlindstrom540]

That pedigree is hard to beat. Nothing wrong with agricultural, lots of people prefer sturdy things that won´t break. And don´t cost like a GS. Looking forward to more content around this, in my opinion we need more back to basics when it comes to bikes. Let the lawyers and doctors play with their Gs´s and other luxury bikes, just make bikes also that don´t cost too much but still are fun to use. Like the KLR!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, and it'll keep going down the trail when the BMW's break down.

[@KARMAkazeMoto]

Nice job! The narrating was thorough and informative, while the video work kept me engaged. Plan a trip to Alaska. I'll be ready to roll when you get here! 😀🍻 Subscribed. 👍

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! Someday we'll tackle the Dalton highway.

[@KARMAkazeMoto]

😀 sounds good. I love that road, especially through the Brooks Range. Will be happy to ride through there again. So worth it! Take it easy. Ride safe. Cheers!

[@crobx4]

Spot on description of the beloved KLR "ultimate utilitarian, anti-poser machine ".

[@billegge3074]

I had a gen 1 klr.Sold it and went with a dr650. Better off road, but lets be honest. 300lbs or less should be the max weight for a real off road bike. So I went with a gen 2. from 2014 1/2 until 2018 the gen 2 was 1 inch lower with more road oriented suspenson. This is the one to get! And if you put 2 inch lowering links you now have a klr 3 inches lower than a gen 1. Now only put in 4 gallons of gas. Not 6.2 gallons. Now it weighs about the same as a gen 1. And with the lower center of gravity, it does not have that top heavy feeling. For me it is about the most perfect adv bike. And it won't cost you that much. Enjoy.

[@48jerrybiker]

You can tell the popularity of the KLR by the number of post and over 21,000 views. I have owned 23 motorcycles and two were KLR’s. Thinking 🤔 about buying a 2023.

[@skiphalbakken859]

Excellent video!. You made me want a KLR. However, I will stick with my T7.

[@jasonnoblecpa5157]

😂 lol when he said “something’s not right”, I knew right away.

[@lukew1779]

Do a comparison between the klr and the 300 rally! Those are the two I'm considering. Mostly for gravel roads and off road pastures and fields. But everyone needs to take blacktop to get off road now and again.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Done! I'll make that in two to three weeks.

[@GratefulOverlander]

Those bikes aren't comparable

[@noelbrown6771]

Very nice review. I think if "Jeep" were to make a motorcycle it would be something like the KLR

[@thomasschofield9727]

I have had 25 different motorcycles over the last 27 years among those has been and a Gen. 2 KLR and I am now riding a Gen. 3 KLR Adventure with ABS. I live in Vermont where there are many gravel roads that lead to fantastic views along with wonderful curvy blacktop. It is not a bike I would choose to pound the miles away on the interstate, that said, it has no issue with cruising down the interstate at 75 mph. I have a Dohickey Kit that will go in soon and have also put the Thermo-Bob Kit on already. The new KLR is geared great, if I push the rpm's a little, it is quite capable of staying with my buddy's on Harley's. One of the great things about a KLR is the aftermarket availability parts and accessories. I have added the a Corbin Seat and have taken a much taller windshield from my attic stock and fashioned it to fit. It has great wind protection. I will be adding one more bike to the garage and that's a Road King for I like to make noise with the boy's! Thanks, great video.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thank you! Brooke and I have camped in Vermont at least a dozen times. We love Smuggler's Notch State Park and the Vermont Roads, paved and gravel. Perfect bike for the area.

[@Enlightenment_2025]

Exceptional value. Just don't expect old faults fixed. Message accepted.

[@markcollins5026]

Man, I bought my 2022 KLR650 because I wanted a big thumper, it's a hoot to ride !

[@1vmxracer]

I LOVE it.... someone on KZbin that says what I've been saying for years......"The ultimate utilitarian anti-poser machine and won't find many of these parked at Starbucks".....PERFECT.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Owned one, sucked at everything it did... But did EVERYTHING! Would be cool if you could review its competition the 2022 XR650L, almost the same price, just as archaic, but way better off road.

[@TerenceKaplan]

The XR650L isn't available in Canada anymore. We can still get the DR650.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, I wish I could but they stopped selling the XR650L in Canada. There are a couple of used ones in my province and they're going for astronomical prices these days.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

@@DifferentSpokesTV bummer! I plan on picking one up, If you are ever in Tennessee, I would be honored to let you review it.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Wow, thanks! If the market ever comes back we're thinking of looking for an income property in the Gatlinburg area so I might take you up on it!

[@blackbuttecruizr]

@@DifferentSpokesTV I live about 45 minutes from Gatlinburg, LMK first beer is on me.

[@buddyringo21]

I recently bought a 2020 Moto Guzzi V85tt adventure for motorcycle camping and light trail as well as long weekend getaways. I had shopped and researched several bikes this KLR650 was at the top of my list . I decided to jump on the v85 because it was loaded with accessories and had only 129 miles on it ( basically brand new) but in the back of my mind I kept thinking how much fun it would be to ride the gritty off road trails and find more remote places to camp, so I’m leaning hard into buying this KLR and I’d really like to get this exact one with all the extras on it . I also have a ‘03 Harley Softail that now seems to take backseat to all this new found fun ! 😜✌️🇺🇸

[@nameless5413]

it may not be a dirtbike but at the end of testing it was properly dirty, definitively well tested. seems like a good bike to me. mind you offroad is not where i'd take motorbike ever, i need the grip of road.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! It's definitely better on the road but I like to push the bikes just in case owners want to take them there.

[@nameless5413]

@@DifferentSpokesTV i am not objecting to it, i seen more videos on this channel and clearly trail is fun for you. i am just not comfortable with loos surfaces and 2 wheel combo (when it comes to MY riding). Do enjoy the dirt, gravel, sand, whatever you desire to rice across mate ,)

[@jeffsmith6699]

Best bike there is!

[@Kingofthepnwdorks]

Been wondering if it’s time for me to move up from my Himalayan. Use it maybe 60% on road 40% off-road, not my only bike, and I don’t go more than 300 miles a day on it. The KLR felt like a step up and have been interested in it. Didn’t want to jump up to a T7 as I didn’t feel I had the off-road experience for it yet.

[@MrBeauDrums]

This is the exact situation I’m in. Did you go for it?

[@joeblow5037]

4:24 is my exact KLR I love that thing

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Nice! Enjoy.

[@westofthesoutheast1712]

Your stereotype about the KLR 650 rider fits me perfectly. Thanks

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Glad to hear it! That's how ADV bikes should be enjoyed.

[@kentcarper7585]

I am looking at the KLR, the 300 Rally, the Himalayan and I just don’t know what to buy.

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

Well, this bike is not available anymore where I live. However, I tried my luck for 20 years with a direct former competitor - a Yamaha XT 600 E. Boy, was I happy to pass it on. Yes, it did somehow everything. But when I found out that I am not really very much into offroad, it became a bit annoying. Always had to convince it to take a turn. It simply was not very good on the road. With my current bike - a Yamaha Tracer 700 - I simply have 100 % more fun. Does everything I need. It can chug along slowly, but can also do speed (relatively) in a stable manner.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Nice. We don't get the Tracer in Canada but if you'll keep it on pavement it's perfect.

[@robertbelote5273]

Nice an early , good way to start the morning.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Enjoy!

[@Uniden1100]

I beenlooking at them. I have had many bikes. Looking at getting a dual sport. I am retire and wanting to take some back toad trips

[@noobuncaged]

Bro, you make good content.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@johanvermeulen756]

The last bike after the zombie apocalyps 🙂 I think you just made the ultimate KLR-650 video. Add to my bucket list: move to a country where they sell this bike.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, sorry you don't get it. This could be a true global bike because I can't think of place where people wouldn't want it.

[@earthknight60]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Here in Vietnam it would be considered way too big by most people. Bikes here are ubiquitous, but are almost universally under 150ccs, even if they're actual motorcycles and not the scooter/motorcycles that people use even for off-road work here. A light small bike is the preference in this region. There are exceptions, but those tend to be the very small portion of society with extra money who is looking for a flashy street bike.

[@MarshallCant]

Great review. But, as a Canadian, I don't support the artificial inflation of prices be it motorcycles, camera gear etc. The "plain" KLR sure, it's basically just the exchange rate difference between USD and CAD. But $2K more for the adventure model? Not a chance I'd buy one in Canada.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah but 8-10 thousand is about the correct exchange rate so that's pretty much a wash on the Adventure. The base model on the other hand is almost a 9-10 exchange rate so good deal for us.

[@mauricegauvin6217]

@@DifferentSpokesTV I bought my base 2022 KLR non_ABS in February with a small deposit at $8144CDN ( including prep and transport) . I won't make any of my American friends cry when I say how much tax I paid on top of that. I've owned a gen 1 and gen 2 prior to this so I knew what I was buying. The gen 3 is much more of a road bike than an off road bike which I'm happy with because I use it more to navigate an urban landscape that's full of pitted and potholed roads with endless construction and detours. I also bought it because I have bucket list rides through places on long dirt roads ( Translab HWY and hopefully the Yukon). I'm a poor working Schmoe, and I can only afford one bike that I can service at the curb beside my apartment. The KLR is far from perfect ( and still vibrates more than I would like) but I love the way the gen 3 looks and if you listen carefully you can hear its call ... sell it all, live for the moment and throw a leg over and maybe, just maybe, ride the world.

[@samtheman1287]

Hey nice vid! Plz make some 300 Rally vids!

[@TommyNitro]

How's the top heaviness between that and the T7?

[@martyrenner3070]

Had a 2016 klr my first dualsport loved it wish still had thanks for review vid 👍

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

No problem 👍 Glad you enjoyed the vid.

[@expatbiker6598]

you might hate on it but klr650 i needed/ irreplaceable but a gs1250 can be replaced with a multi v4 or tiger 1200.

[@Thomas-wk5ll]

A jack of a trades but a master of none, better being a jack of all trades than being a master of just one. I heard this full quote for the first time Anyway The Klr is a bike that I have researched for over a year now I have looked at just everything out there, budget aside I love the look and the utilitarian function of this bike and there is something special about a big single cylinder. And for me I love the simplicity of this bike. I would be proud to be seen at Starbucks but even more proud to be sitting alone by the camp fire. People are becoming too hung up on what everyone else thinks Thanks for the video

[@ralfpph5030]

In the book the Stand. Someone rode a Kawasaki 650. But in those days it ment the 4 cylinder

[@martin4819]

It’s easy to knock a bike at this price point but I can certainly see it’s appeal for anyone who wants to go from point A to B capably but not excitedly. This is a true adventure bike. I have the T7 and personally I’d rather pay the few extra thousand (I actually got mine for 10k USD which may not be the case now or elsewhere). 72 hp is a perfect amount….it’s zippy and fun to ride on the road and not so much power off road that u need riding modes. It is a workout to pick up though but the KLR looks like it would be similarly difficult. I just hate paying dealer fees and taxes on a new bike and then wishing a year later that I had sprung for a more capable bike. I suppose though it all depends what u want a bike to do and be.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, I love my T7. But they are hard to find in dealers these days and Yamaha raised prices everywhere.

[@Davran2742]

Given the typically weak brakes on the KLR, is abs needed for slippery road riding?

[@matthewbenjafield5470]

Sadly not ‘globally distributed’ … unavailable here in the UK … They’d sell like hot cakes I’m sure, as would Honda’s CT125 Hunter Cub. Great video ! Keep them coming 👍🏻

[@ccooper8785]

I always wanted the military diesel version but never got the chance to buy one. This one might just have to do instead.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

With diesel prices these days you might have dodged a bullet :)

[@bnolsen]

doesn't the vstrom 650 also check a bunch of these boxes? More street oriented but still...

[@turinhorse]

ya, just spent 3k more and got the Tenere 700. quaint blues guitar and plastic crate ... but for 3k more you get a real engine, REAL durability, real suspension etc. But you already know that. There is a very good reason why the Used Motorcycle market is flooded with KLR's with 3k miles on them - Riders realize they should have just spent a bit more for a real bike. My son still has his oil eating 2022 KLR (my parenting style is to let him make his own mistakes). He's learning fast and got his eye on a Tenere or Suzuki 800de

[@EXTREMEG]

Just got a '23 adventure for 6800 fun bike

[@gladegoodrich2297]

Bought a new KLR and it's great for highway and good dirt roads. At 500 pounds and poor handling it would take a lot of imagination to call it an off road bike.

[@denniekorpi5264]

Very good narrative

[@markwashington1351]

If you don't already own one go out and buy one. I'm considering giving my older 07 to my son and buying the new adventure model

[@danewarner]

I ended up with a G 650GS because of seat height.

[@MotorheadRedo]

I have a 2009 KLR 650 with 36,000 miles that runs fine and has never had a 'doohickey' repair. Dr. Gregory Fazier rode a 2009 KLR 650 around the world without doing a 'doohickey' repair and the bike still ran fine when he gave it away. I laugh at your doohickey warning.

[@kimberzelinski5478]

Just bought one 4/29/23. $5300. On " sale". Lol. Love. It

[@darrellpowell9608]

Is it top heavy?

[@f18a]

Marine Corps NOT Army. It matters.

[@joseph401]

Just bought one. 2023 model

[@GeorgeStutzman-y3t]

I purchased a 2024 totally enjoy it coming from a triumph tiger, which is very snappy As I’ve had a Vulcan, 1700 before this I’ll find the adventure very comfortable, slowing down in my yaers at the age of 67 the last ride awesome video thank you for sharing

[@abdulazizsaleh9567]

I'm a new subscriber 👍🏻 Very decent video 📹... I do like this bike 🏍.... Thank you for helping us with excellent Review on this Special Bike 🙂 Greetings from kingdom of Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 🌴

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@raulsalanaranjo6565]

Compare it with the RE Himalayan!!!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I have some miles on the Himalayan but not enough and not on gnarly enough terrain to be comfortable giving my opinion. You're right though, they're close in price and mission.

[@mrspeigle1]

The re has less hp and torque and is less capable on highway. It's a bit cheaper but not enough for what's being sold if you rarely breach 55 the re is fine but I will wait for the version with the 650 twin that's in the works for 2024

[@dshall442]

No joke, I've come to the conclusion a LONG time ago that should the zombie apocalypse come, this is the mode of transportation I want... And FortNine did a video on a gen 1 and couldn't even kill it, making it basically a zombie itself.

[@dshall442]

Edit... I hadn't made it to the 13:45 mark in the video when I made this comment... still stands!

[@Central_Desert]

Your thoughts KLR650 Vs Honda CB500X? In Australia looking at either KLR650 Vs Honda CB500X? Is the VOGE650 DS/DSX available in Canada? Not avialible in Australia but watch a UK KZbin clip on Voge DS650 that was interseting.

[@grenade1882]

I have a 2019 CB500X and a 2022 KLR650. The CB500X is a much more road oriented bike, much more smooth, and the 19” front wheel limits the number of aggressive tires available. The KLR650 feels like a more off road oriented bike, and feels a lot lighter than it’s 460lbs. In my opinion and experience, the CB500X is a small touring bike that does ok on gravel roads, and the KLR650 is a (very) big dirt bike that does ok on the highway

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I've ridden the 500X but don't have enough miles on it to really compare, especially off road. Maybe. The CB is a much slicker and smaller bike.

[@karengayle9331]

The Canadian version option is wood burning for a big cost savings!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

These days I'd opt for steam power over paying for gas.

[@karengayle9331]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Good video, the hardest thing about this bike is how to throw your leg over with a short inseam. Keep up the good work.

[@Madman6505]

A friend loaned me his old lKLR for a few weeks. I took it on a seriously gnarly ATV trail at one point. I remember getting a better workout than doing Tai Boe. Haha but I never dropped her! She was one big heavy pig on that trail. Lol

[@malikknows3510]

Excellent, fair-minded video! Thanks!

[@toururbano1699]

Very, very good video, thanks

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thank you!

[@MrAndrew1953]

I don't like the idea that you have to replace the engine counter-balances before they cause internal damage- if I've got that right? I've had a KLR650 back in the early 80s. It was a good bike before it was stolen - not so good after that. I'm 5'8. Single track with it. I think I'd get some tyres with more bite if I was using it off road regularly. I'd look at a Tenere Adventure and the price difference.

[@stuglenn1112]

The doo-hickey is the chain slack adjustment mechanism that holds tension on the chain that drives the engine counter balancers. The spring is weak and the bracket has been known to break, then the chain is then loose and slaps around inside the left case cover. There are robust aftermarket kits to replace it. Takes about an afternoon to do.

[@MrAndrew1953]

@@stuglenn1112 Hopefully a dealer would be aware of this issue that would be covered by a warranty. Seems very slack engineering by Kawasaki they don't do something about it. Very un-Japanese.

[@stuglenn1112]

@@MrAndrew1953 A lot of people were shocked that Kawasaki didn't fix it with this new KLR. It's been a known issue with the KLR motor for years, yes for some reason Kawasaki is being stubborn.

[@MrAndrew1953]

@@stuglenn1112 Definitely a deal breaker for me unless a dealer installed the after market fix at point of sale, no customer cost- factory pays. I'm not a mechanic so I wouldn't take this inbuilt problem on.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

The fix is well known and can be bought cheap and installed yourself or by your dealer. It's a right of passage for KLR owners. After that the bike is pretty bullet proof. The Gen 1 was the worst but owners complain about the Gen 2 as well. Most of the time it doesn't lead to catastrophic failure, just premature wear.

[@luizz_k]

Strangely the crf300l rally and the cb500x are like 2k cheaper than the klr here in Guatemala. Wth

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, it's weird how prices vary from market to market.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I can see you developing an intro style similar to Throttle House, a short hilarious clip. Hahaha

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Glad you like it! Thanks!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Practice makes per...better. Everything is getting better and better. Doing a great job.

[@SmokinZen]

What about the KTM 390 adventure?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I wish KTM loaned me one of those. I haven't heard from them.

[@ronaldgordon8988]

Love the intro music

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Just KZbin music.

[@bradaltemeyer4472]

nice video

[@brianm5753]

I'd rather the KLX over the KLR, not the CRF My biggest problem with KLR is the extra weight which robs torque and fuel economy

[@coolhandchunk]

Don't worry about torque.....they have plenty.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I'd take the KLX on the trail all day but the KLR is so much better on the road that you really have to measure which kind of riding you'll do more. Also, with a passenger the KLR is tons better.

[@jwaller1327]

I traded a 2018 KLR650 for the first KLX300 that showed up at my local dealership in early 2021. The KLX300 is WAY better off road but is very limited in range and power on pavement. It's NOT a highway bike. Rather than a dual sport, what I've found is best (for me) is to have a dirt bike for off road and then either a pavement only or ADV bike for the road. I already traded my KLX300 for a CRF250RX which I will put lights on and register for the street for connecting trail heads. I have a Triumph Scrambler for pavement. I would consider getting the new KLR650 as a daily commuter. I have a 100-mile round trip commute through country back roads at 45-65 mph. The KLR650 would be perfect for that.

[@daveinwla6360]

Was that Amber Turd?

[@rickzauner]

Sorry guys, I love them. Always have

[@thelevelrider64]

Honestly, I think you got it backward. I figure us northerners are getting the base model for what it's worth, and getting f***ed on the accessories. But then, with the current regime up here, we're so used to getting bent over at every turn, we barely notice anymore... Won't matter to me anyway. At the same height as your wife (and probably a shorter inseam), I've yet to find a mid-sized ADV bike that I can comfortably touch the ground on.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah but given the exchange rate of American to Canadian dollars the accessorized model seems fair while the base model is up only a few hundred bucKs over the US model. Just get the base model and a milk crate and you're all good!

[@jamesmealing5753]

Ok😊

[@timberwolfdtproductions3890]

I knew you were taking the review of this bike seriously when you mounted the milk crate. Anyone seriously considering the KLR 650 would understand completely. Great bike, but it’s younger brother would suit my needs better.

[@numbzinger350]

If Kawasaki can update the KLR why can't other Japanese motorcycles get updated? The updated Kawasaki is proof it can be done.

[@AzTurboMini]

I much prefer a nice modded DR650 as the KLR aesthetics and plastics have always been terrible. And then Kaw launch's the 22 model and doesn't even attempt to fix it's mechanical issues and major short comings... Say what you want but that's pretty shitty and weird thing is, most people don't care and a lot don't plan on fixing them from what I've read. I mean, would you go out and buy a new cheap pickup knowing you're supposed to do something to the motor within the first oil change that's going to cost you $$??? Hell no you wouldn't but here we are with the KLR 😆👍

[@iulianpaul8788]

Bring one to EU!

[@g0ral]

Not globaly. Not available in eu

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

That's strange. I thought they updated to fuel injection to meet Euro 5.

[@paulvandervyver4223]

While you're complaining about the price in Canada...Kawasaki South Africa just told me they are not even bringing the updated "new" KLR to our shores. Hell man..no explanation given either 😒

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Sorry to hear that. It's weird because it would be a perfect bike for the outback.