Kawasaki KLR 650 - Long Term Owners Review

[@eternallearner8185]

I've been a BMW rider for decades but i greatly admire the simplicity and usability of the KLR.

[@Angel-gr7de]

Just got a KLR a few days ago, already fell on the damn thing not even an hour ago but I'm loving it still

[@bikersoftexas9340]

That comes with owning a KLR. Good thing for us is that falling over on a KLR isn't a bad thing.

[@detomasopantera1966]

I had the first one 87 and a 91 93 01 and now the 06. Best all around bike ever hands down 👌👌👌

[@cliffspicer6555]

I love my 2017 KLR650 and agree with most of what you said.it’s simple and easy to maintain . The one point you mentioned that you didn’t like that I love is the wide large rear rack. I’m on a trip right now with my son and when we get to a camp site it’s nice to have a camp fire. I’ll strap wood on the rack and it holds it perfectly. Also because I sometimes ride with a passenger I can’t use the U shape bag you do. I strap a 60L bag to the rack and the wide rack makes it feel very secure. Great review and thanks for the terrific videos.

[@AzMtnThumper]

I've owned mine for three years now and it's been the most fun bike I've ever owned. I've ridden it all over the southwestern US in all types of terrain. The number of aftermarket parts available lets the owner set the bike up any number of different ways. It's a very capable and reliable bike that is very hard to beat for the price. I look forward to each new video, safe travels.

[@crypticreality8484]

What area of AZ are you in?

[@AzMtnThumper]

@@crypticreality8484 I'm in Flagstaff

[@motomookie8032]

Sold my 2014 KLR New edition for a 2019 Z900rs cafe. Miss it already. Never let me down. Great bike!

[@cachorro123ful]

I have one klr 650 and love it , I have also bmw 800gs ,and klr is simpler, more fun,cheaper to maintain ,no fast but in adventure is all you need.

[@TomSkulander]

Loved my KLR, it had 23000K's on it when I bought it and did a further 32,000. Not one ounce of trouble, just change the oil, filter, tyres, chain when needed. What more do you need to travel round Australia. As you say the speed limit (100/110 KPH) here in Australia are well within the capacity of the KLR, day in day out.

[@cataplexy247]

Have the klr650. I'm in the U.S. I totally agree with you on everything

[@thomas316]

I've got a KLR650 and just clicked over 50,000km in New Zealand, been very happy with it. My upgrade: Mirrors (wider), crash bars, lower pegs, heavier rear shock spring and an ATV seat cover to make the seat softer on long rides. I've always wanted a fuel gauge. At the moment I have to fill at least every 350km and reset the trip meter. 🙈

[@guybedford900]

Thank you Pavlin and also thank you to Sacha for giving you the opportunity to ride the KLR. I have a 2016 camo model and love it. My only regret is that I haven't had chance to do any adventure riding on it, just communting and short journeys so wasn't sure how suitable it would be and was really keen to get your opinion on it as I value your reviews. I was in two minds as to whether to change it but you have both convinced me to keep it and just get out there and enjoy it. Thankyou for the review and feedback. Enjoy the rest of your trip and look forward to the detailed videos when you get back home. Cheers.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for taking the time!

[@mathewharry5531]

I have a KLR, your video is perfect, it’s a great bike.

[@bigpapa8152]

Old school, proven, reliable technology. All you need to know.

[@terrycavender]

In my opinion, one of the best motorcycles Kawasaki ever made. It is a pity they dropped production instead of updating it to EFI and ABS to meet the current euro standards. The Versys bikes are okay, but not as capable as the KLR in all conditions, and certainly more complex to maintain.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Agree

[@terrycavender]

@@morgan98801 I dunno, remains to be seen, glad it's back on the menu though. 👍 Thinking it would have been better with an extra cog in the box, but the EFI, and ABS were much needed updates.

[@christianmeyer5353]

I have mine for 30K miles. Its a 09 model. An advice : 1 change the doohickey (chain tensioner & spring) 2. Isolate rhe harness from the chasis on 7 points that are requiered. The bike will be now 100% fool proof.

[@paulcondie2520]

I bought a 08 in 09 with 4000 miles on it. I still ride it daily. Has 31000 miles now and other than replacing tires n brakes and regular maintenance my klr has been as reliable as a hammer! Love it!

[@motorcycleadventures]

It is very well know machine proven in many trips around the world.

[@MrMannin8g]

Great review. In 2014 i was deciding on which bike to replace my 1996 honda dominator 644cc. I had a slide out on a mountain road near mangrove mountain nsw australia and my dommi was worse for wear and i had torn my cv tendant. So I gave it to a mate and he fixed it up as a bush adventure bike. I now had a sling on my arm and 2months resting it. I went in to the yamaha dealership and saw a 2009 xt660z tenere with 60k on the clock and thought to myself. I had been dreaming of owning a tenere and now was my chance. I had looked at the klr and liked it. But the tenere had the duel front discs a heavier frame and ecu that i wanted. With my arm in a sling i signed the paperwork. I must admit i love my tenere and now at 90k on the clock its still going strong. Ive added the stage 1,2 and three air filters and fitted daves mod for air fuel.added some andy strapitz soft expedition bags and an ogio tear tail bag with malaysian air seat cover . Took the cat out and i must admit at 80kph to 100kph im loving it. Thank you pav and sasha for the review. Ive sent this video to a few mates who are looking for a budget adventure bike. The KLR is a great bike.

[@billmarsh3767]

Nobody does it better!! Thank you Pavlin---great advice---great no nonsense and experienced reviews.

[@alejandropereira4197]

Hi Pavlin, I have one with the same kilometers and the judgment you give is totally honest and true. There may be more powerful, prettier, more daring, more "new", but if you want to have something for a long time that does not give you problems, that accompanies you everywhere, low profile and stay with it ... reasoning that also Applies to motorcycles, ha. Big hug from Uruguay.

[@Ronbassettphd]

An excellent review, as I have come to count upon you for, and I agree with all the positives and all the negatives you point out about the KLR650. I am now riding my second KLR a 2014, and agree with you about the bike being a bulletproof machine.

[@thedonnybrookghost8394]

Very popular adventure bike in Australia and very reliable bikes I use to ride a Honda nx650 around Australia I’m getting old now so it’s just a CRF250L for weekend adventures now

[@mickcook9277]

Another great review Pavlin. Thanks for coming to Oz and sharing your experience with us. Thanks Sacha for your generosity. Might see you in Geelong soon. Mick and Cara.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Just give me a call

[@ltlewis15]

Awesome review, thank you very much. Going to look at a KLR 650 tomorrow.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good luck!

[@billkipper3264]

My '04, which has been re-jetted, routinely gets 60 mpg. Doesn't matter if it's loaded with gear or not, whether I'm on rutted 4wd roads or highways or what altitude I'm at. She's getting close to 40,000 miles and still going strong.

[@KurtGAndersen]

Bill Kipper Us gallons or imperial gallons?

[@billkipper3264]

Sorry, I didn't think to clarify that. US gallons.

[@KurtGAndersen]

Bill Kipper Thats great fuel milage. Would be around 71-72 miles pr imp gallon or 25-26 kms pr liter.

[@AlanTrades]

How did you re jet it

[@billkipper3264]

@@AlanTrades I'm actually not the one who re-jetted it. The original owner had his mechanic do it. The bike was originally set up for an around the world trip that didn't happen. Basically though, you just remove the jets in the carb and replace them with the one's you want depending on what you're trying to achieve. There a videos on KZbin showing how to do it.

[@pauldavison2116]

Bought a 2018 KLR650 this spring just because it is the last year of production. The Russian tractor of bikes I call it. Cheap, reliable, and can be fixed with a rubber band, a rock, and a piece of tinfoil. Strongly agree with you on the foot pegs. They are not great for off roading. (On order) I have one question for you and all your loyal people following you out there, as this has been an ongoing theme on many forums: Would you replace the handlebars and go to a stronger 1-1/8" bar for adventure touring? Then if so, what 1-1/8" bars would you suggest that are very similar to the originals? Love the bike. A simple and do anything bike. As many have said, "It does not do anything great, but it does everything good enough" and as you have said may times, the most important thing is what comes after the "but".

[@motorcycleadventures]

Yes, if I have this bike I will definitely upgrade the handlebar. Also I will think about stiffer springs. This will make a big difference to the way you handle the bike.

[@pauldavison2116]

@@motorcycleadventures Thank you for the reply. The bars are my next item to order. Yeah the springs are an issue too. Set from the factory at mid range on the dial is for someone weighing 150 Lbs (70 Kg). A far cry from my 230 lbs (105Kg) with all the protective gear plus adding luggage. Thanks again, and enjoy your videos.

[@justinwaller7339]

If you want the REAL Russian tractor of bikes, you should get a Ural. It will make the KLR seem like a thoroughly modern, sophisticated, highly refined piece of equipment. And it will make the KLR seem really fast. I say that having owned 3 KLRs, the most recent one, a 2018, I got by trading a 2014 Ural for it.

[@randysmith6394]

Enjoy your videos and I have a KLR and about to leave on a trip. Haven't really ridden it much and don't have confidence in it yet. Watched your packing tip and definitely changed what I was bringing on my trip. I have a VFR and have done many trips but this will be my first adventure trip. Thanks for giving me more confidence in the bike and keep making videos.

[@mr.solitude3352]

Good luck on your first KLR trip. If you plan to do a lot of freeway riding, you may want to consider changing the chain and sprockets to give you less stress at highways speed. Disregard if you won't be cruisin' on a freeway much.

[@ДимаКрутько-ч8в]

Поменял блестящий V-twin на klr650 , так теперь для меня проблема что в Техасе мало грунтовых дорог;-) Универсальнейший байк! Нравится настолько что ежедневно предпочитаю KLR для поездок на работу.

[@tooljst8]

Glad you got a chance to review this bike. :)

[@mr.solitude3352]

Sasha appears to be as tall, if not taller, than Pavlin. I am a few inches taller than both of them. The KLR 650 feels very comfortable, ergonomically speaking, for tall riders in particular. It has a seat height of 35 inches. This is another strong positive, because there aren't many motorcycles that a tall rider can feel comfortable on. Great review by an authentic world traveler on two wheels. P.S. IMO, the perfect bike would've been KLR 650's body combined with the Versys 650 engine.

[@krzysztof6469]

it is still there BMW F650GS DAKAR :)

[@mr.solitude3352]

@@krzysztof6469 Much cheaper to service and maintain a Kawasaki than a Beemer. :)

[@krzysztof6469]

@@mr.solitude3352 You're right here

[@spencerAce]

Great review! I had a 660Z, spent about 2 years without any bikes and now I'm looking for a new one, and the KLR seems perfect for my purposes.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for taking the time!

[@jamessmaby8758]

The Front Fender is of early American traditional motocross design not truly made for Highway but it will work for a Dual sport ! Also Kawasaki has never redesigned the KLR it's old tech. But it will go any where.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Agree

[@bryanreeme8584]

Yeah KLR !.. best bike since my Honda 90 👍.. keeping it forever

[@motorcycleadventures]

Cool!

[@TR5T]

Mine was just too tall for me but what a bike! I loved it when I was on the move.

[@goobers143]

Did you have lowering links?

[@thinkingoutofthebox.9421]

I've got the BMW G650GS Sertao as I'm only 5ft 8" tall but think if hight isn't a factor I would say : 1. Tenere xt660z 2. Bmw G650gs Sertao 3. Kawasaki Klr 650 Having ridden 1&2 I think the BMW is better off road as it's lighter and not top heavy like the Tenere. Tenere has a much better gear box and design than the BMW. Don't know about Klr but it's down on power by 10 hp as other 2 are 47 bhp and they sit happy at 80 mph/128 kph all day.

[@davebrown3117]

After my first KLR got stolen, I bought a second because I loved the first one, both were bought brand new. What I like about the KLR is the tractor factor or the way it just grunts along, I don't have to rev it to go anywhere. I have to disagree with Pavlin's assessment of the luggage rack size, I love the large size rack, I bought an electric lawn mower and carried it home on my KLR rack. The heaviest thing I rode home with was a gasless MIG welder on the rack and was quite a bit heavier than the factory 10 kg weight limit. I have not had the front fender on my KLRs being deflected by side wind gusts but the side winds will affect the bike because of the fairing, tank and shrouds around the radiator or coolant reservoir. All bikes with fairings and such will be affected by side winds. Panniers/saddlebags and/or top boxes/rack bags can also add to the mix. One thing I don't like about the KLR was the standard wind screen, so I fitted the extended KLR screen to the first one. It was better. The standard screen had way to much helmet buffeting and the second reduced it somewhat, but not good enough. On my second KLR I bought a National Cycle VStream Tinted Sport Touring Windshield 18" from the US and fitted it. That screen pushes most of the air around you rather than up into your face/helmet. Way less helmet buffeting and less rain on your helmet visor. The added benefit is with a coat of of soap or RainX, etc. on the screen you can crouch down a bit and see through it in heavy rain. Overall, a great inexpensive ADV bike!

[@drury2d8]

How do you prevent bike theft?

[@baltsosser]

For the Trans-American Trail I'm pondering, this is the bike that will be asked to do that job for me. The price point and reliability are just too good to ignore.

[@bseidem5112]

Read the KLR blogs to know what needs to be fixed before you go, my dohicky (chain tensioner?)failed at 7K miles.

[@baltsosser]

@@bseidem5112 The doohickey and the thermobob seem to be the most standard mods after picking up. I don't see much else folks change out, except for the bash plate. Why a factory would install a plastic one is a mystery.

[@whitedrguy6503]

Fair review Pavlin, old school like the KLR and DR are pretty much all you need for travel bikes, KISS, keep it simple stupid and you have a lot less problems. Good to see you made it back in one piece mate and you enjoyed your time down under. I take it you not having a going away party ? 😂👍👍👍

[@motorcycleadventures]

I said what it is.

[@patrkbukly4240]

great honest simple video.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@runhardhooah]

Great review. I'm looking at getting one of the 2022's that''ll be out here in the US in July.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for taking the time!

[@daveevans2261]

Great video, very informative, I like the KLR 650 very much. Thanks for showing us.

[@christopherbardsley]

With appropriate modifications, the KLR is the ultimate adventure machine!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Agree

[@paulcondie2520]

The price is another huge plus with the klr. Inexpensive. Alot of bang for the buck

[@motorcycleadventures]

Agree

[@BOC_Adventures]

Just found your channel! Keep the KLR videos coming my friend!

[@drury2d8]

This bike is legendary, its a shame Kawasaki is not putting a versys 650 engine in this frame.

[@caroldave4037]

As a versys 650 owner.. in uk kawasaki please reintroduce klr there is a market for simple relatively light..(himalayan tells us that) dual...versys engine might make it too heavy or put 21spoked front 17 spoked rear on versys...mmmmm cheers from dave

[@deviouslick5097]

My dream bike.

[@motorcycleadventures]

It is a good bike.

[@theoverengineer]

Thanks for sharing, nice review.

[@elendshuraglump3620]

Hi Pavlin, the KLR is a good bike, but Kawasaki is not famous in building single-cylinder engines. The last 30 years had shown, that their power and reliability is not really good. The others, especially Yamaha an Suzuki are much more better. But at the four-cylinder bikes, Kawasaki is the champion. Best regards to Sasha, Ride safe, Hans

[@terremoto..6809]

Buena revision amigo!

[@advrider7777]

Klr is a war horse even the US Marines have them I love mine 55000km 2015 can’t find a better bike for me

[@mr.solitude3352]

I believe that the KLRs the USMC uses have diesel engines too.

[@Mrak2k]

Guys, I drive 2001 honda transalp 650 (carburator) and 150.000km+ running. This is old school adventure motorcycle, he-he.

[@hillie47]

I want one. My local store has one for a good price, not too many miles on it and all the upgrades I'd want. I need the wife to not kill me when she sees it in the garage. :D

[@jelau4851]

buy a green tarp, she won't see it

[@VikingBagsYT]

Awesome machines!

[@geoffdearth7360]

The only thing which would put me off of the KLR is the seat height as I am 5'9".

[@paulcondie2520]

They make seats that lower the height and suspension lowering links as well. Also I'm 5'9". and a very happy Klr owner as of 2009 and 33,000 miles ago. Mine has been as reliable as a hammer

[@andrewheadland50]

Excellent review great bike 👍

[@vsimileac]

This bike is discontinued now... It's not produced anymore, there's some leftovers from 2018 at dealerships but no more

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

Take the bike with you, Pavlin. You won't regret it.

[@motorcycleadventures]

It is not that easy. Europe banned the model.

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

@@motorcycleadventures Hm...but it already has a license? Couldn't that help? Anyways, sad this type of nearly indestructible bikes is not available any more. The kind you can repair with chewing gum and wire. Guess good old XT would be out today as well...

[@nikduffield5457]

Hi Pavlin have you had any experience of the early KLR's pre 2008....they seem bullet proof

[@motorcycleadventures]

No! This was the first time when I even ride KLR.

[@nikduffield5457]

@@motorcycleadventures They say it's as bulletproof as a Toyota Hi-Lux Pick-Up truck :-)

[@jered2177]

Great bikes

[@BladeRicsi]

Hey Pavlin, If kawasaki sayes, i will sell new KLR650 in europe, i will be a first buyer (I also like the dr650). Carburated, and no ABS, no fancy electronics, these are positives for me. But i live in mid europe (with insane/usless/sick regulations). So i can't buy such a cool bike.

[@FirstLightAdv]

The big rack is for milk crate of course 😄

[@williamperrin990]

what is the name of that tank bag? I like the low profile.

[@kostas-wd4gw]

Hi Pavlin! Hope you're well and enjoying your trip.......what year is this KLR 650 that you're reviewing?

[@motorcycleadventures]

2014

[@kostas-wd4gw]

@@motorcycleadventures thanks a lot Pavlin! Keep riding safe!

[@watchandknock607]

May I ask you Pavlin? What where your experiences with RE Hymalaya and what are its shortcomings? Thanks!

[@motorcycleadventures]

I rode it for more than 7000km around India and Nepal and I have at least 3 videos about it. Watch it.

[@watchandknock607]

@@motorcycleadventures ;)

[@Tieniefraser]

I like your video. Great. 😁😁

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thank you! 😃

[@terremoto..6809]

Not available in Europe? Wow

[@zerotonine807]

There is no KLR officially in Europe is it?

[@bikergolfer]

what is your thoughts on the new 2022 KL650?

[@motorcycleadventures]

I never seen it. I cannot talk on internet pictures.

[@bikergolfer]

@@motorcycleadventures I hope you get to test it when it comes out. Will look forward to your review on it.

[@motorcycleadventures]

I will review it as soon I have the chance to ride it.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

So, it is too expensive to ship one to EU ?

[@motorcycleadventures]

It is impossible to registered in Europe

[@cybrnathan]

I ditched the mirrors, too much vibration. DoubleTake mirrors are the way to go

[@motorcycleadventures]

Ok

[@lukasilioni791]

Hello riders! Anyone owned or owns the Kawasaki Kle500 (2005-2007 model) here? What are your opinions about it? Is it efficient (maintanance), consumption, things you don’t like about it…any tip will help me, thanks in advance.

[@yorkchris10]

Thank god you haven't found any air-head GS owners! ,

[@c130comm]

Kawasaki let's the good times roll

[@crypticreality8484]

Am i too short at 5ft8 and 30inch in seam?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Try it.

[@MrAigaro]

Im shocked... There is bike beter than Tenere?😂

[@motorcycleadventures]

I didn't said that!

[@MrAigaro]

@@motorcycleadventures Of corse Pavlin, We all know how much You like Your Tenere 😂

[@djbillye4943]

i was lucky to live in south africa and own a lovely xt 500 yamaha,damn i miss her now

[@tyleho2958]

Now that's a bike.

[@belfinmine]

pozdrav od Londona do vas I Sasa

[@seanwarren9307]

Sacha, throw in a top box for free !

[@scotty2307]

It comes with a top box. They just didn't show it.

[@niamhsdad1960]

Very rare in the UK 🇬🇧

[@billbuck3590]

The cruising speed is interesting. I wonder what advantage this has over a DRZ400? My DR will sit at 80mph quite happily for at least an hour, has similar power, is lighter and sits higher. I guess the advantage is the tank size and comfort?

[@RicMyfraps]

How many RPM in top at 110km/h please ?

[@motorcycleadventures]

4,500

[@RicMyfraps]

Thank you. My Versys 300 is about 8,500 rpm !! Between yourself and Biker Bits is why after 18 years I’m encouraged to ride again. Many thanks.

[@Ronbassettphd]

I changed out the 15 tooth front sprocket for a 16 tooth and I turn slightly over 4000 RPMs at 65 mph.

[@filipkavcic664]

But you can still buy used gen 1 KLR in EU. they are pretty much the same bike

[@motorcycleadventures]

Not many for sale

[@matthewislas9364]

Is that accent for real??? Hilarious!!! I cant take him seriously!!

[@motorcycleadventures]

You don't have to!

[@nicuvadan4485]

IT stil sale?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Sold a long time ago.

[@patrkbukly4240]

Where is the bike located ?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Geelong, Victoria.

[@kdkd693]

I have a vacant spot in my 2 bike trailer for exactly this bike. Alas I am now in NT travelling west so won’t be back in VIC till summer . GL with the sale

[@mikehurley5052]

Perfect bike, bit too tall for my legs.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Fair enough

[@Firestorm637]

KTM 390 adventure

[@motorcycleadventures]

Not suitable for tall and heavy riders.

[@Pinky121971]

I thought you're a Yamaha Tenere Guy why a KLR?

[@motorcycleadventures]

I am not a slave to any brand. When something is good I have to admit it.

[@MattPerry]

I think it has 43 hp.

[@michaeljoesmith3977]

KLR ,,if you can only have one bike get a KLR..

[@murraydupley9330]

Auto-translating from dutch CC to english. HAHAHA

[@mowler8042]

The bike I dropped the most

[@kvk1988]

92

[@jelau4851]

I''ll buy if you deliver............. lol

[@motorcycleadventures]

Cool!

[@Onyx0690]

Sascha looks like a Куката. *only Balkans viewers can understand

[@motorcycleadventures]

True

[@georgegeorgakopoulos5956]

F@ck EURO 4/5/6/7.....

[@zyclonb67]

Да скажи уже по русски

[@emmaelliott5553]

DR650 is better air cooled and simple

[@herbwag6456]

Not enough long distance highway speed!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Was enough for me

[@FirstLightAdv]

Australia speed limit is 110kph ... more than enough

[@herbwag6456]

@@FirstLightAdv In USA you gotta sustain at least 75mph to keep up with freeway traffic.

[@justinwaller7339]

I don't know about that. I did a 1000+ ride in 24 hours on my KLR650, stock, and it did just fine. The only time I've had difficulty going 70+ was when it was totally loaded down with gear and bags, into a head-wind, uphill. It's certainly not my favorite bike for the highway, and it's much happier on back roads, but it's fast enough for the highway. I got stopped for going 83 mph! Lucked out with a warning.