The History and Death of the Kawasaki KLR650

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The Kawasaki KLR650 was introduced to the dual-sport adventure motorcycle world in 1987 as a replacement for the KLR600. Since the beginning, the KLR650 was fitted with a counter balanced single cylinder engine that remained unchanged until it's demise in 2018. In 2008, Kawasaki listened to consumers and upgraded the KLR with stronger forks, a D-section swing arm, dual headlights, updated brakes, and a refined cooling system. The KLR650 remains loved by urban commuters, cross-country adventure riders, and even the U.S. military for it's low cost of entry and high reliability factor. In this video, we take a closer look at how everybody's favorite adventure motorcycle came to be and what finally led to it's downfall.
Thank you to our friend eveRide ADV for providing us with some of this awesome footage!
Check out his channel here: / everideorg
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[@faceinthecrowd5810]

I’ve had 7 dual sports since 1974. I got a new KLR in 2014. Whenever I sit around cruising the Internet dreaming about the next, better, adventure bike I can easily find my next bike, then when I ride my KLR, I can’t find one solid reason to move on.

[@MentalPenguin91]

I have a 2005 klr 650 with 70 000 on the clock, starts everytime time and has gotten me through some unreal terrain. The motor is bullet proof and gets me over 400km a tank, cant complain.

[@danstromness5165]

AAAAAND they're back!! Just picked up my 2022 KLR-650. Only major change are the plastics, The instrumentation is all LCD but FINALLY has a fuel gauge and it is now fuel-injected. It comes in THREE flavors: base bike, Traveler (with a top case) and the Adventure variant with panniers and fog-lights. I scored the Adventure model. Always wanted a KLR in a mild sort of way....now I gots one.

[@reesfullmer1194]

20% the price and 98% of the fun of a big BMW or KTM. Also, when you drop the BMW'er, you sit down and cry about the scratches on your $28k bike. Nobody even checks scratches on a KLR.

[@22dagget]

My F850GS has more war scars than almost any KLR I’ve seen, and I couldn’t care less. But by all means, keep believing that we’re anything like what you just described.

[@dennispaiva927]

Badges of honor. Embrace every one of them and look forward to adding more. It doesn't matter what you ride.

[@nicholasdunn3499]

I've got zipties stitching the plastics back together that have cracks in them on mine lol

[@ralphwatten2426]

And when you drop your Beemer you're probably going way to fast.

[@AlanTrades]

Just use black spray paint

[@schelty9233]

It isn't dead, I've just ordered my 2022 KLR . Whoop whoop.

[@adamlreiner]

I had an 87. All the videos of the bikes tipping over brought back memories! There is nothing like that feeling when a KLR tells you “I’m going down” and there is nothing you can do about. You just hit the ground, roll out from under it, have a good laugh, and then take a deep breath and deadlift it back up again!

[@eveRide]

Excellent video guys! Happy to be a part of this one!

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks for letting us use some of your awesome footage!

[@dirkharvey]

I got a KLR lets go ride!

[@valentinkostadinov3329]

@@rmatvmc had 84' KL600A and it has never ever touching the oil

[@valentinkostadinov3329]

@@rmatvmc 100mph topspeed

[@paulcondie2520]

I bought a 08 in 09. 4200 bucks with 4000 miles. Has 35000 on the clock and no issues at all other than regular maintenance. Still on stock chain n rear sprocket 1 up on counter sprocket for more road riding. Dyno jet kit, lexx exhaust and opened up air box really woke up the ole tractor! Lol. Has been as reliable as a hammer!!!

[@jamesdumas6602]

My 2008 was the best $4600 I ever spent. It always starts, never has broken down, does NOT burn oil after 12 years of ownership.

[@hidad5601]

I have a 2018 and I ride it like I stole it but have never had any oil burning issues everyone seems to talk about.

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

Morning folks,, had the 08 also. Sadly it was the oil burner version🤦‍♂️. I liked a lot about the bike,, but also disliked a lot. It was traded for a Vstrom 650, which was terrific. Definitely hope Kawi does the KLX 7??. 🙏🙏🙏

[@zetterberg]

Never saw anyone loop out a KLR before. Good aggressive riding on the pig.

[@number1adventurebound]

I did it Saturday going from pavement to sand. Never knew there was a word for it. Almost 360 degree turn on accident.

[@adventurevin7600]

I started riding at 47 years old, around 2015/16. Got a 2007 KLR and did a round trip (Solo) on Route 66 in 2018. Did PCH Hwy 1 and 101 Summer 2021. This bike does everything I ask of it at a fraction of the price of a BMW. Also did most of the Nevada/California BDR throght the Mojave Desert.

[@grandpaissues4156]

Old School says reset your trip meter on every fill. You won't need a gas gauge.

[@KLRmurdercycle]

2011 Orange and Silver with 107825km. Yz250 forks. Trail tech guages. Cbr600 front brakes. Raised 2inches from stock. Thermobob. Replaced doohickey at 20000ish with E.M. Torsion spring. No milk crate, or other traditional farkles. Burns oil just like new. If Rona19 doesn't git me I'm going to start looking for a 2012 metalic blue. Stay frosty people.🤘

[@MCHoodlum13]

This video hasn't aged well. Long live the KLR650!

[@jncdi1535]

I consider mine the eequivalent of a VW bug back in the day. Good, cheap, and basic with enough of an aftermarket to turn into whatever you want.

[@mikegahm9706]

Mine kind of sounded like a bug too.

[@supertrucker2077]

We got 8” of snow last night, now it’s 50°.. just went for a ride for a couple of hours.. I love my Klr 🙂 2017, red, which everyone knows is truly the fastest color 😉 Best bike I’ve ever owned.

[@techydog7854]

As a red 2017 KLR owner myself I agree 100%.

[@bigwu100]

Well that's sad.gotta be worst bike I ever owned I couldn't get rid of it fast enough.a real dog.slow.ungraceful.piston slap from day one.too much displacement for one cylinder.Indire need of fuel injection.

[@friendlyfire01]

@@bigwu100 lol piston slap means you had issues. Most don't do that. Everyone knows it's inefficient, the point is to be unkillable. Which it does without issue.

[@freddybob807]

Sorry but my 2017 black and green is actually a faster color. 😅

[@supertrucker2077]

Freddy Bob it’s only faster if you use Rottella 😂😂😂

[@MrRojoneck]

I enjoyed every 1 of the 10,000+ miles I put on my '12 before I upgraded to a used 990 Adventure. I went anywhere I ever wanted to go and made lots of great friends along the way.

[@royalriding1720]

Such an iconic bike. They'll always have a place in my heart and garage

[@hanomag251]

That was my second bike in 2010 and I rode it until 2018. I own now a KTM 1290 SAR but my heart is still with my old KLR. That bike thought me to ride and I hope that one day, Kawasaki will bring a new Super Adventure KLR. I will, for sure, sell my KTM to get back to my first love!!!!

[@BikerGirlTraveler]

Well, you spoke too soon, the new 2022 Model looks very nice with all it's upgrades.

[@shaneomac823]

Love my KLR! To think I almost bought a new, more powerful, better looking, better handling, lighter, and more comfortable bike just SICKENS me!!!!! Lol

[@glenndanzigg712]

What a legend! I love my 2015 KLR. I’ve logged some of the best miles of my life on this bike. RIP KLR

[@edwardduguay6819]

I have a 2006 with 43000 MI it runs a like a kitten I treat it like I treat my YZ250 guess what I blew up my yz 250 klr 659 am proud to say 43000 miles strong as a horse I can't say enough about it still have it yz 250 gone with the wind love my klR 650

[@searchingfor6thgear44]

Thanks folks! Just what I needed as an isolation distraction! 2008 Blue (fastest color) KLR (the green one is my son's 2012) I'd have to agree, the only thing cheaper than a KLR is the OWNER! LOL

[@reesfullmer1194]

'Fast 'and 'KLR 'should not be used together in the same sentence.

[@barkeep25]

Proud papa of a 2007!! Spent more on mods/upgrades than on bike itself lol and love every minute of riding it!

[@ADVRider78]

Excellent vid! "The only thing cheaper than the KLR itself is probably the owner" - so true

[@simonecasadio930]

My first ever bike! 30 years ago. The 600cc white one. A lot of memories...

[@xibilfc21]

I'm not the biggest fan of this bike, but I have huge respect for its place in the dual-sport and adventure riding world. Great job on this video - thumbs up from me! :)

[@aeror115]

Reliable as an AK47 🤫 hope to see the KLX700 2021

[@yellowmartian]

Haha that's what I've been telling people too!

[@plympytheplumber4605]

That would definitely fill a void in the Kawasaki line up!

[@stevebrinkert8339]

👍 Great video, like a lot of people I stopped riding to raise my family. Twelve years ago I bought a 2007 KLR and have enjoyed every minute. Lots of upgrades from Rocky Mountain. 🙂 Thanks.

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

I ride a DR650... the "Bush Pig". I'm keeping my DR, but I'd still like to get a 2018 KLR650. I like the urban digi-camo graphic package too. That's just a bonus.

[@avocares]

I think the DR650 is a better dirt machine because it's so much lighter. KLR is a better road and adventure machine. Both are good bikes.

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

@@avocares I'm told that top speed on a KLR is in the neighborhood of 70 MPH. That's disheartening. 70 MPH on a highway in my neck of the woods will get a guy killed.

[@ShaunHensley]

Kentucky Justice I put the Schnitz 705 kit, new cam and head work and my bike would hit an indicated 120 on a flat road (about 107 actual) Would do an indicated 105 stock

[@harveymushman4539]

@@kentuckyjustice1408 It will go faster than 70 mph... it just starts to vibrate more and you really start getting tossed around by the wind.

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

@@harveymushman4539 My DR is the same way.

[@Jimo368]

Thanks for continuing to make content while most people are locked down. I owned a KLR for a few years but much prefer my DRZ, which I managed to ride today even with a lot of snow on the ground.

[@ShaunHensley]

Best ergos of any bike I’ve owned

[@garypartain3045]

Gen 3 baby! You just can't kill an icon. Learned how to ride on an 04 KLR, now I own a 2023, she's back better than ever!

[@deepwoods_dave7368]

Just bought a 2009 with 5,200 miles. I've owned many dual sports (mostly DR's). KLR is big and heavy, but I'm 6 ft 3 inches tall, and it is a joy to ride on the road.

[@edbroaotearoa1198]

Ive had many bikes ( and ashamed to say still do ) but my Tengai is the one I have the most respect for. She is so reliable, forgiving and always puts a smile on my face. She deserves better but like a loyal mutt she has me instead. Great vid by the way

[@rmatvmc]

Tengais are hard to find. Do you still have it? - Justin

[@edbroaotearoa1198]

@@rmatvmc Hi sorry for the long delay. Yes I still have her. I had another one years ago and regret selling her. They are very hard to find now. My plans are to travel around the world on her in two years time. Love your chanel keep it up

[@dirtydave2691]

I felt this way about my big XR's. I had an 83 500 and an 87 600. I rode the absolute heck out of them and they never let me down.

[@andreyka64]

I had one of these and a DR650. Bullet proof bikes. Easy to work on and fix. As long as you change the oil and maintain the chain, you're solid.

[@BigRockMoto]

Great video! Love the footage. Great summary of the history and changes. BTW, the KLR wil do around 90-95 GPS speed as long as it is good tune and doesn't have giant panniers or something. Also, tank range is about 200 miles before you hit reserve and then another 30 on reserve. On average. Keep up these great videos! I know how much work they are to make!

[@Wulguru]

I contacted Kawasaki Australia, and this was their reply. "Good afternoon David, At this point in time the discontinuation of the KLR650 is just rumours. I am still yet to hear anything about the KLR ending production but I have also heard the same rumours. At this point in time the KLR650 is to continue throughout 2020 but I am unsure about 2021. Sorry I couldn’t give you a straight forward answer at this point in time. Thanks for contacting me."

[@flagovhate]

Hmm interesting thanks for that insight

[@wranglercody8422]

I bought the last new 2018 klr650 in the state of Nevada. I got it last July and have 7500 miles on it. Of all the bikes I’ve owned it’s the most fun, reliable, practical. I almost wanna get a old first gen and build it into a full on trail bike.

[@AzMtnThumper]

Thanks for the tribute. I sure enjoy owning and riding mine.

[@LordoftheEagles]

My 1st bike was a 96 klr. Good review describes it perfect. I upgraded to a 2014 g650gs and the biggest benefit is the top speed

[@FlyingMonkeyAdventureRiders]

Very well done! Loved it!

[@TheDacane]

KZbin just recommended this to me in 2021 as the legend returns. This is the most fortunate "aged like milk" ever.

[@rhllnm]

Love my KLR gen 1. No hurry, no drama, gorgeous! Last rip to the Manzano Mountains, next trip to the Florida Mountains to see some Oryx. Then to Slab City and Palm Springs.

[@ricardorodrigues1003]

My klr is a blast!!!! 1989... 11 thousand miles.... I love it!

[@billness2635]

My first ADV bike and gateway drug was a $1500 KLR needing a rear shock. I put another 15,000 miles on it already 33,000! It lead me to my 690 Rally Raid that I rode through Africa, Europe, the UK and the US. I now have a 500exc that IMO is the best do everything bike there is. I’ve ridden it through Canada, Alaska and soon Australia. Until I got the KLR, I was strictly a sport bike rider without a thought of ADV riding! What a great underpowered heavy tank! My wife learned to ride on it too.

[@adambatchelder4121]

Omg that's the first time I have seen a klr rider stand.

[@harveymushman4539]

Lol!!!

[@unclequack5445]

KLR has been one of the best do it all bikes I've ever owned.

[@Idahoprepper71]

Time to update this video, I just bought a 2022 KLR650. got a order from you on its way right now.

[@joshprows5305]

Glad to hear that you're already getting your new rig set up! We did a first impressions on the new Gen3, and have a build video coming soon!

[@Choirboyjr11]

Such a good video! You guys rock!

[@Kx5hundo]

sold my 2000 klr 650 it had 75000 miles with only one rebulid. guy i sold it to still rides it everyday its probably got 90000 100000 miles by now!

[@HaRLeYDvDsN1215]

Will never sell mine. Great video guys

[@dusanpavlik8947]

Super Video👍 Mam KLR ku r.v 1988 ale nedám na nu dopustiť 👍👍👍💪💪💪👌❤

[@davereinhart9933]

Great video! What a classic old bike. I miss my 14'. Probably should've hung on to it.

[@rmatvmc]

I regret selling my 87 a couple years back every day :( -Justin

[@briangilmore2256]

Set my klr out in the rain after watching this. I’ll bring it in in a bit and wipe it down. Blue 2008 oil burner. Great video

[@moparpunk44]

“If you really don’t care about looks? Go with either one!” LOL. Great video guys.

[@bradyives5659]

Nailed it. Good video gents!

[@milansimic5346]

Nice story, good work

[@thalliumrc3981]

Got a 2013 Klr, I hope I'll still be riding it when I'm 90.

[@dickspits8819]

Awesome video. You have a new subscriber

[@rc2634]

Super cool video! 👍👍👍

[@baltsosser]

Just when I was looking at a KLR 650...they killed it. NO idea why. IT was a super reliable machine and much lighter than the other machines out there. When you put it down for a dirt nap, you don't need a 30 ton crane to get it back upright. That in and of itself is valuable. I sure hope they realize it was a terrible mistake and bring it back into production.

[@StreetbeatDesigns67]

it's baaaaaaaack

[@peterrussell798]

Had an ‘05 KLR and now ride a ‘17. Always a reliable mule.

[@brucek.345]

I had a lime green "06 KLR. I knew what it was and it worked well for me.

[@maglyesnum]

Very good Video, .i owned a 2003 (when I was in West Africa) and later on a 2008 (when I was in Middle East) . I loved both of them.... great bike to ride around, did tons of trails, highways and even done an 800km B roads (not highways) on a single day in Oman. The fuel gauge was a downside and the Oil burning too... otherwise it is a great Bike. Check my old videos and you will see it in Action ...

[@rojodogg]

Love my Gen 1 KLR, best Baja ADV bike. KLR only bike you can knock over and not worry about. 😁

[@wayne_3791]

Great vid....EXCEPT.....It LIVES AGAIN 😎 2022 model coming soon 😁

[@Bashe1965]

Luv my 2015 KLR daily rider rain or shine !

[@hascg1]

Lo maximo, no habra otra moto como esta

[@VassilliHD]

They bringin it back in 2022. Think you guys could do an update video? Its gonna have a new engine, new dash cluster and even ABS!

[@nomadchad8243]

I was getting 55mpg on mine. It was a great bike. Luckily there will be parts for the next 30 years

[@nmtay]

Been hoping for years that Kawasaki would come out with a 450 dual sport. Hopefully now they'll put something out.

[@junjunuru1393]

Klr live!!!! Saludos de Uruguay!!!

[@heithwatkins]

KLR 650 is still my favorite all around bike. 😎😎😎

[@lucacaileanu8989]

Maybe I sound weird, but I have more fun on my KLR than on my previous bike, ktm1190 . On this one I am not afraid to take it off road, it matches my skill level better. Ride safe 🙏. O , and I love to hear other riders justify why they spend all that $$$ and how one day I'll be able to get one 🤣

[@TejasAutoSalonJasonW]

RIP to the KLR. That's one if the reasons I'm building my Savage 650 into an offroad capable beast.

[@thisguy8100]

It's back!

[@x-105strikefreedom]

Well, what can I say, its back on production again! (Never owned one).

[@pcollins5334]

My 2003 was stolen almost two years ago and I just got it back thanks to Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. Totally stripped by meth heads but I still have the engine. Going to see if I can at least save the thumper heart 💪🏽 I loved this motobike and have so many good memories of riding with my Dad 🤙🏼

[@GoInfidel]

my 84 kl still going strong thanks to many parts that interchange from gen 1 klr's right tire on the back capable of 110

[@bobsullivan5714]

Rumors of my KLR's death have been greatly exaggerated. It just smells that way.

[@deadfishparty]

Just put a fresh rear K60 on my ‘14 today. This ones for all my fellow KLR riders out there 🥃

[@TheCharillz23]

I miss my gen1. Heavy bush pig but it would chug through anything.. It did suck in loose deep sand.. But now I have a beta300rr plated street legal 2stroke!

[@covenantdrummer]

Went from an xr250 to a drz400, and finally a klr650. While I'll always love the xr, nothing beats riding up a hill on the tractor hahq

[@ronsexton3685]

DOH! It's back!!!!

[@teambuzzerlp]

Make a video like this about the dr 650!!

[@oscarmedrano73]

My dream Bike! 👍👍😍

[@shenanigansoutdooradventur6651]

Out of all my bikes I have owned, from old pan head harleys to street racers, my 2018 is my favorite. Simple to work ( which is almost never), to it just goes. Have not own or ridden the new klr with fuel injection,, which I'm not fond. I bought mine because of it reliable and having very little computer sensors, which makes less maintenance.

[@jonoz9847]

One of my favorite bikes I've owned. Most milage I've gotten was 260 after burning most of reserve. But I'm full swmotech and rear rack and tools

[@eragonshadeslayer1]

My klr when it was stock 650 it would only get a max of 250 to a tank but now that its a 705cc kt gets about 189 to a tank,

[@shafferjoe1962]

You forgot to add the vibration issues on the 2008/2009. I have a 2009 and that is the only gripe I have with the bike. Yes I did the EM 685 kit and the do-hicky still she vibrates...

[@jmc6659]

Bought a new ‘89 in October ‘90 all i can say is the engine blew up at just over 10,000 miles thank God I bought the extended warranty. And on the top speed on a gooood day 87mph.

[@jack_hodorowski2279]

Love the bikes

[@codykiehn7803]

Great tank of a bike

[@81firebird1]

Its BACK!!!!! :)

[@Robertperrin91]

Great video but no discounts codes for KLR part? My cart is full just waiting for payday. You guys got the best prices anyways.

[@AndrewBoundy]

Nice vid. I think I am a little more partial to the DR650 (which you also have a nice ADV outfit video for) - but not sure why I feel this way - just do. I think the DR is also close to an end - hopefully not.

[@stefanpuffer]

Love my 2017 and am ready to take it for a long adventure ride. We don't have a lot of public land here in Texas so I'm kind of curious where you filmed those choice red desert dirt roads. Is that in Utah? Maybe this fall I'll be able to go for a nice adventure.

[@hpduster8961]

Come on Kawasaki, if Royal Enfield can build an air cooled big-ish single that passes emissions you can bring back a thoroughly updated KLR that will too. You had the formula right, just modernize it a little. It was pretty leading edge back when introduced. Do it again. A lot of us don't want a twin, just a big single with loads of torque and simple maintenance. It will sell. I'll buy one and keep my gen 1 around for the memories.