Thinking About Buying A KLR650? Watch This First...

A great fit of capable and comfortable, there will always be a space in my garage for a KLR650!
If you are thinking about buying a KLR650, I put together a video from my experience in owning and riding multiple KLRs. I've owned both the Gen 2 and Gen 3 versions, currently riding a 2022 model.
This video is more geared towards a newer rider or a rider wanting to size up from a smaller bike and looking for something affordable.
What you get with a KLR is a rugged, simple, reliable bike just fine for highway/interstate travel and also capable in the dirt. Great for moto camping and adventure travel.
There are caveats with the KLR and from my experience those mainly are weight and height of the bike. Weight being the obvious. Working this bike in the backcountry in technical terrain is grueling. The KLR is not the ideal choice for technical, signal track riding.
That being said, if you're looking for a bike that will get you out there and get you back and be affordable with lots of choices fully geared up on the used market and almost ready to go new..a KLR650 is a great choice!
Check out my Playlist dedicated to the KLR650: • KAWASAKI KLR650
Some Gear On My KLR650:
Doubler Take Mirrors: amzn.to/3wDk1Wk
Tusk Pilot Panniers: amzn.to/3wssbR2
Tusk Sidekick Saddle Bags: amzn.to/49RLxgP
Pelican 1500 Case: amzn.to/3UXcR9t
Tusk D Flex Hand Guards: amzn.to/49wQ0WG
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[@precipiceofgrind]

Like The Video(s)? Hit That SUBSCRIBE!! Really Helps The Channel!! Thanks For Watching!!

[@SigmaSheepdog]

I have had a '23 KLR for a year now and I absolutely love it! At 60 years old, I'm growing tired of all of the electronics gimmicks that motorcycle companies are intalling on their bikes which greatly increases the price. I don't need 100+ HP or electronic nannies. I purchased my new non-ABS KLR for $6545.00 out the door. These bikes are a fantastic value!

[@yamahasuperbike2202]

Thats a good deal!

[@gcprost]

To tell you the truth, I’m really not worried about the weight. I’m 5’4” and 70 years old. I owned an Africa Twin, now that was tall and heavy after two years I got rid of it and bought a RE Himalayan. This is a great bike. I’ve had it for three years and it does well on gravel and trails, but it is a bit of a dog on the road. I am no longer interested in trail riding but I do like to travel to remote areas and ghost towns. When Kawasaki came out with the 650S, I promptly put my money down. Right now winter has resurfaced here in Calgary and there is about a foot of snow on the ground so I’m waiting to take delivery. I have been shopping for accessories.

[@davidmiller6045]

As someone who's used to the size and weight of a Harley big twin, but hasn't ridden off-road in almost 30 years, im thinking the klr would be a good fit. Im honestly not going to be tackling tough trails, but when im out exploring back roads, id like something better for loose gravel and less than well maintained dirt roads

[@user-ok1gd5hj2i]

Iam new buyer 2024 very pleased with it I have on off rd bikes but this my last ride at 67 I find it very comfortable. Great video. 👍🙂🇺🇸

[@joebiker5992]

Great video! I, too, chose a '22 as my first adventure bike. I would say the most noteworthy, meaningful upgrades I've done were the flush mount drain plug, new foot pegs (rigid mounted) with lowering brackets, and extended shifter, and bar risers, and bars. This totally changed how the bike feels. Sitting, and standing. LOVE IT!

[@precipiceofgrind]

Thanks for watching! I had another twenty minutes of talking I shaved off the video, that included foot pegs. You're correct, foot pegs make a big difference!

[@diraltmcallister3523]

I'm 6'3" and a pretty strong dude, so I'm not super worried about the weight. But I'm excited to get my first bike. Sounds like it's not super snorty, but can also move if you need it to. Getting a 2024 KLR650 Adventure. Gonna have to get me one of those headlight cages though.

[@ogasi1798]

i love your honesty about the weight - so many choose to ignore this and it is often at their peril

[@precipiceofgrind]

Quite true. Thanks for watching!

[@jameshuggins4300]

Don't know why no comment s?🤷‍♂️ That is a very honest and practical review. Should be required viewing for potential klr buyers. Thank you

[@precipiceofgrind]

Appreciate you watching!

[@Chris-yy5pj]

The chance of this video coming out RN is insane. I'm literally deciding about getting a KLR650 and was watching your old KLR650 vids a few hours ago. Anyways I need something more powerful for freeway cruising than my CRF250L as I'm 6'3 and weight 290lbs.

[@DiveTrainerDan]

You should be pretty good. Again it's an old 650 engine so it doesn't have the same power or speed as a lot of other 650s or even smaller engines.

[@marklawrence4596]

I’m in full agreement with your evaluation of the 2022 KLR. I’ve been riding mine since April of ‘22 and love the dirt roads and state forest roads of Massachusetts, but I’ve dumped in the rougher stuff and needed help getting it back up. Fortunately, I was always riding with friends. We also did a trip down to West Virginia on highway and secondary roads and I’m very comfortable at 70 mph.

[@squarewheel142]

I have a 2015 KLR 650 with about 45,000 miles on it & I have not done the "doohickey" or "thermobob" mods & haven't had any issues with the bike, I live in South Florida so it doesn't get real cold here very often, that said the temp gauge stays close to the cold end while cruising in cold weather. I always use 10W40 synthetic motorcycle oil changed every 4500-5000 miles with the filter and ride mainly on the street with 90/10 tires, bike is stock.

[@derekgamache6294]

The weight of a klr only matters is you go off road riding alone in my opinion. I have a 2nd gen thats been upside down in a mud hole deep in the woods. Had I been alone, it'd still be there.

[@christophepoteaux3932]

The wet weight of the base model, like yours and mine is 456LB. Not 480. 480Lb is the Adventure model

[@ridetohike]

Great Video! You look like your out in Southern Utah like me! Great area to ride. I have the 2023 Kawasaki KLR650 that I'm filming and riding across America. It really is the perfect bike.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Awesome! Safe travels amigo!

[@SurvivalNomad]

My gen 1 just went over 75k miles. Lots of dirty, bent, and repainted parts but just keeps going. Wet weight with mine is around 430 pounds and I still get 50+ mpg. Good vid! Thx.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Dope! I'd love to have a Gen 1, always looking the used ads hoping to come across one in good condition. Thanks for watching!

[@ORflycaster]

I picked up an '07 (last year of Gen 1) late last fall with 3K miles on it. I absolutely LOVE this bike. I've only ridden 500 miles so far (most of the OK weather seems to be when I'm stuck at work), but I never want to get off of it once I start riding. I've purchased, but not yet installed a Doohickey kit, a Thermo-bob kit, a chain oiler, and soft luggage. They're all going on within the next couple weeks. I still need Barkbusters, a complete tool kit, an LED headlight and a couple aux lights in case I'm not done by dark. I'm also strongly considering an opaque IMS tank mostly so I can glance at my fuel level. I'm curious to learn what the video has to say, but nobody's talking me out of a KLR............at least not mine!

[@shuff1111]

Yup...416 lbs for gen 1... I'll keep my lighter gen 1!

[@victorparks5378]

Great points on the merits and pitfalls of the new KLR. I have a 2022 and ride mostly paved backroads for the pure enjoyment of chugging comfortably and taking-in the scenery at a slow pace. It is a very comfortable ride and that long travel suspension really soaks up the bumps ...far better than any of my other bikes.

[@gcprost]

I got my KLR. I think your comments about the weight are valid, but if you buy the "S" model the center of gravity is very low so I think it will be easier to pick up. It feels very similar to my Himalayan in terms of weight and height. This bike has more vibration than I expected, much more than my Himalayan. The suspension is much more plush and controlled than the Himalayan. The brakes also have a lot more bite than the Himalayan.

[@precipiceofgrind]

I think I would really like the 'Short' model even though I enjoy my current model which is the base 22 model. Actually, I'd be just fine if I had the space and multiple KLRs...Gen 1 & 2. Great bikes! Congrats on your KLR!

[@txmarine7557]

I picked up a new 2023 KLR 650S last year. Im 5'8" with about a 31" inseam. I have definitely gotten used to the height to the point i somewhat regret not getting the taller model. My suggestion is to go taller, see if you get used to it and lower if necessary, much easier than the the other way around. I havent done a lot offroad yet, just some gravel roads. Ive picked it up in the driveway no problem but you can feel the weight for sure. He's spot on that its heavy enough to realize offroad on a slope or in a ditch could get tricky and tiring if done repeatedly .

[@voytron1]

I just got a 2023 adventure and I love it

[@catherined.398]

On the thermobob... after stints on the highway, I found myself having to apply choke due to the engine getting real cold below 50F/10C. Issue went away after thermobob. The engine stock ran way too cold. I also lifted mine by installing shorter raising links for greater preload adjustment and ground clearance. Made lifting way worse, though. Too tall/heavy for a beginner bike, definitely.

[@JW-gb6hq]

Good review..thanks.

[@precipiceofgrind]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@bluezhawg2104]

60 k on two KLRs in Arizona lots of off-road work still stock drain plugs. If any of you hit a rock that will potentially damage your engine case. A 1/4 inch shorter drain plug making a difference would be like hitting the lottery.

[@peterrussell798]

I’ve had a Gen 1 then a Gen 2 and rode both for a total of 25,000 KLR miles. The Gen 1 (2004) was better off-road and handled the inevitable dirt naps much better. Gen 2 plastic was more brittle and there was more of it. Kitted both out with Happy Trails racks, bags, and skid plates. Did Eagle Mike doohickey for both, upgraded to stainless steel brake lines. Gen 2 (2017) was much better for touring due to fairing and better stock seat. Instead of a Gen 3, though, I’ll probably go with a Royal Enfield Himalayan. Better for dual sporting, cheaper, lighter, and in 2024 it’ll have tubeless tires. Until you’ve had a KLR rear tire blow out at 65 mph while in a curve on a busy mountain road, you haven’t lived. DAMHIK.

[@brycehiigel235]

Thanks for the review. I am very interested in KLR 650. I am a new rider very new still wet behind the ears. I have taken a test ride and enjoyed it. Hadn’t ridden a bike in over 20yrs. Didn’t seem to take long to get some confidence. I older and don’t plan on going Evel Knienel. Want it mainly for around town and some farm/county rds.

[@precipiceofgrind]

You're welcome, thanks for watching! For what you want it for, the KLR would be just fine.

[@xidaho4485]

Right now im in Washington DC doing an EMS deployment so when i get back home i can immediately by the 2024 adventure addition

[@jushirocepeda3031]

Peso , pontencia, confiabilidad , capacidades , costo! Temas a considerar . Compré mi primera KLR 2023. Esperé desde que tenia 25 años … ahora a mis 52, un año de uso. Me parece que es una moto perfecta para mi uso !! El precio aquí en Mexico es un poco más alto por los impuestos se sube cerca de 11.5 k dlls/ sin ABS saludos

[@billwalsh3672]

Being in my mid 70’s I’ve been hoping to get what might be my last bike. I’ve had a gen 1 KLR many yrs ago & that’s what seems to have me thinking of the new KLR -S model. It fits good, I’m only 5’6 with a 30” inseam. However I love rough old back roads , especially ones that aren’t maintained or some very easy double track. So reconsidering the weight of the gen 3 maybe I need to reconsider & look at the old DR 650 & the Versys X300 also has some good possibilities. Thanks for your experience & views. It gives me more to consider .

[@precipiceofgrind]

Weight is so important, that'll seal your deal.

[@SkywalkerPMs]

I just bought a 2023 non abs NEW for $6400, out the door today! ITS GREEN!

[@precipiceofgrind]

Congrats!

[@SWATT101]

My buddy rides a gen 3, he's definitely at a disadvantage off road(he is height challenged lol) even compared to my DR. He's way more comfortable on road...you got it going on with your stable of bikes for different riding situations.

[@Prosecute-fauci]

I have a 2023 and it absolutely had the faulty fuel pump issue. I changed mine myself to a 3D cycle parts unit. Haven’t had the issue since.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

The doohickey gives way more adjustment and longevity and the thermobob is a must it regulates the temperature like an automobile.. and on the gen 3 it gives you a temperature gage..

[@loganurquhart11]

Have the same bike except ADV edition. Plastic paneers have been a little broken up from laying it down. Those Tusk soft bags look really good on there. Thinking about getting a set.

[@charlesharnois3684]

I'm 74 Haven't Ridden In 8 Yrs Getting Back On A Bike, KLR Or Dr650 Haven't Decided, I Like Both Of Them!

[@punisherlj9438]

Another good video. Having purchased a 2022 after not riding for 30 years I think your explanation of a beginner adventure bike is spot on. Great for highway, dirt roads, backcountry etc. But it is big for single track, unless you have really built up the skills on a smaller bike. There are riders that have the skill to run these bikes hard on single track but most average riders will not. You missed two mandatory upgrades. Foot pegs, factory ones are squishy and slick, hated standing on them. I also think a skid plate is needed if you are doing anything beyond a gravel road. What are the Tusk bags on the front crash bars?

[@precipiceofgrind]

Agree about the foot pegs! Good foot pegs make a huge difference! I shaved twenty minutes off the video, a foot peg part was included..probably should have left that in. Tusk Sidekick Saddle Bags: amzn.to/3Pp0ZJR Thanks for watching!

[@insatiable_mind]

I still love my Gen 2. I almost traded it for an XR650 in great shape with some good mods but I couldn’t let her go. I’m really emotionally attached to this damn bike. I don’t know why. I’m not usually sentimental about inanimate objects but when I started calling her “she” I knew the relationship changed 😂

[@precipiceofgrind]

Well, yeah..I understand. Miss my Gen 2, kinda want another one.

[@dirtdad8478]

Pretty true about the KLR. I have owned Gen 1's, 2's, and now a KLR650S gen3. I usually set them up to shed a little weight and aid the suspension. I can usually drop about 25lbs, utilizing a different exhaust, handle bars, battery, and removing other stuff. Then I get different springs for the front and rear shock. The new 650s Front suspension is really not too bad. I am currently using a cogent moab rear shock that I have used on a gen 1. Transforms the handling of the bike in the dirt. My stable now consists of my KLR, WR450F plated, and my good old two stroke, 2018 TE250. This is working out really well. I would like to add a bigger bike for hwy and two up. And I want to get another YZ125X which I totally regret selling. But what I have learned over the last 40yrs of riding is I need to have a KLR in the garage. It is just the best when it comes to the type of riding you just showed.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Appreciate you sharing your experience and thank you for watching!

[@noelbrown6771]

Very, very realistic summary on the KLR . I just purchased a barely used 2022 KLR Adventure ABS. I chose it above either a V Strom 650 xt or an Suzuki DR 650 because of where and how I plan to ride. I've only just gotten it and done 100 miles around town, some twisties and short freeway jaunts up to 85 mph. Did all three better than I was expecting. I,ve got no problem with the brakes at all. The stock tires are solid in the turns. I've got alot of confidence leaning it over through the turns. I wasn't expecting that! I have a 32 inch inseam and can flat foot easily with a slight bend in the knees. I've kept the fuel level no more than half a tank and have never felt like the weight was going to get away from me while getting used to the bike so far. Haven't done off-road yet but will ride fire roads and State Park roads after my "Happy Trail" crash guards arrive 😀 Replaced the tall stock oil drain plug with a low profile plug on day one.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Did you check your vin # to see if your 22 model needs to have the fuel pump replaced? Congrats on your KLR!

[@noelbrown6771]

@@precipiceofgrind Thanks, I will check for the recall. Your videos have helped me to consider the differences between all the various models you and your lovely wife have chronicled and helped me make my choice for me at this time. THANK YOU BOTH! I wish I could have them all! LOL

[@tonywilliams9026]

I don't know why they don't bump up the horse power another fifteen horses...it is a great bike but coming in at 500# and only forty horsepower...because of the lower power it's considered a beginners bike...very informative video ❤❤❤

[@ToitMosquito]

I got the '23 KLR650 S, and at 5'11 with a 32" inseam, I can flat foot it. I think that the S is even more of an entry level, but definitely more ADV, because of the confidence a new rider can get from being able to flat foot. I've gotten it into places I probably shouldn't have because of the dual sport branding, but I don't personally find the weight that much of a fuss. It is a hefty dual sport, but it's on the light weight end of the spectrum for an ADV. If you treat it as an ADV, it is absolutely entry level both with price and capability.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Yeah, I'm thinking the KLR should just be rebranded as an entry ADV bike. A competent rider can make it work in the dirt, no doubt about it. I'd like to give the 'S' model a shot in the near future. Appreciate you watching!

[@GaryKLR138]

I dropped my klr a few times. Some times she needs a nap 😅

[@DiveTrainerDan]

The KLR is a fine bike. For a Gen 3 I think it's a little disappointing with instruments and weight. I also wish they did a few upgrades to the engine. The problem is in 2024 we are spoiled for options and the offerings are only getting better.

[@joethompson297]

Started with a KLX300, it has been a fantastic starter bike, but looking for something with a bit more range, comfort, and load capacity. Looking at DR650 and KLR, DR seems much more capable as a dual sport, but will require more dollars to turn into an adventure bike. I’m seeing last years KLR models going for $4,500 right now and it’s ready to go, almost out of the box, except for protection.

[@user-hq7rb5hv7s]

KLR is the best all around light adventure bike.....for my age it's great.

[@precipiceofgrind]

'Light Adventure Bike'

[@user-hq7rb5hv7s]

@@precipiceofgrind LOL...late night and lack of sleep, makes for crazy things......maybe...light for a KLR..🤐🤐

[@christophepoteaux3932]

Adventure Lite. 😅

[@thr0w407]

I got a well cared for gen1 with low miles for 2k and ride every day. No mods or doohickey, just grunt dirt and a milk crate.

[@crypticreality8484]

Excellent. I want a Gen1

[@dwayneneufeld1696]

Good review! Do the Thermobob for longevity. Long story short, cold coolant introduced to a hot cylinder will cause the cylinder to wear unevenly over time, especially with a lot of highway riding, and cause the oil consumption problem some KLR's are known for. The Thermobob mixes hot and cold coolant to mix entering the engine so there will be less of a cold shock when the thermostat opens. It's easy to install and worth doing. The dohickey. Torque the chain tensioner to the proper spec and there's is less likely it will be a problem. But if the rider is a high mile rider, good idea to do it too. Kawalsky is just being cheap. Still a great bike for the money.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Awesome. Appreciate you describing the two mods that get a lot of attention! Thanks for watching!

[@erinsonduran6663]

Hello 👋 What camera 📷 and microphone 🎤 did you used in this video? Thanks 😊

[@AT2021Rocker]

If they would fix the oil consumption and bump hp it would be much better. But the very tractable power makes it very capable off-road. I upgraded the suspension on my 2013 and it was quite good after.

[@BMRTV]

My Gen 3 hasn't had any oil issues. Got just about 10K on it, lots of gravel/dirt riding, only a little freeway type of riding.

[@liberals_destroy_everythin2497]

You need to read a bit. The oil consumption was addressed before 2010.

[@Diabeekei]

Do you have opinions on the different models? I want to get heavy into the adv scene. I found a deal for a 23 klr650 traveler. Would that be a good first ride to the adv rodeo, or should i find one of the other ones? I do have other bikes for street purposes.

[@precipiceofgrind]

No, not really. I looked at the Adventure model when it first came out and decided that I didn't care for the gear that came with the bike, felt cheap (mainly the panniers), and that I'd just remove it anyway and replace it with better things so I just went with the base model and built it out.

[@danreich4320]

Sure, my 2023 is heavy and slow. But what do you expect for $6500 out the door? And that’s in California with ABS. I think it’s a great motorcycle for what it gives you. I’ve taken it off road and I think it’s perfectly fine.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Agree, you get a lot for the price! Thanks for watching!

[@barryray8915]

I,m 55and love this bike or what I have heard about it I'm saving money to get one I'm 6,3 so I don't think I will have problems any body no wear I can get a klr for 2000 I will be new rider but I'm ready

[@thereal-ghost]

Parallel Twin + 6 speed = KLR worth buying. Once they upgrade the KLR to those 2 simple specs , it will sell like wildfire. The biggest issue with the KLR is there are many other options that out perform this bike in everything and still stay within the price range. You have to live very very close to trails for this to be a viable option. It sucks at anything over 55 mph , at speed handling is horrific, so you're hamstringing yourself on being able to travel without this thing screaming for dear life as you go down the highway for 3+ hours to get to your trails or camp site. CAN you go 70 on the interstate and get somewhere, of course. will you have fun doing it? Not at all. They are great bikes to just go thump around on locally under 50 and for maybe 30 minutes to an hour distance to where you want to go. otherwise they just don't make any sense at all.

[@elwood62]

Given your description of the experience it sounds like you’ve never actually ridden one before.

[@timlubbers2884]

You’re being opinionated in a silly way. I travel cross country (Florida to Montana) every year and cover 25,000 miles per year … on my klr … I cruise at 70 mph for entire days, I’ve done 5 plus BDR’s over the last two years (close to 5,000 miles of back roads and camping … to each their own … but saying can’t??

[@roadglide1142]

I have a 2023 KLR 650s. The only thing I wish this bike had was a 6th gear. I keep shifting into my imaginary 6th gear on the highway as my other bike is a 2022 HD RGL which it has. lol 😂 I don’t agree with re engineering the bike with the Do hickey or Thermo whatever. The bike performs just fine as is.

[@matriximaster]

So what bike is not heavy to pick up?

[@DiscipleW]

Ah they are so scarce in my country :( only like 5-6 gen 1s marked for sale and a bit over priced(compared to USA)

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

I have a klx 300 2024 model. Ive always liked the klr but the idea of such a heavy bike turns me off. How about a klr 300?😮

[@followingflinn8311]

Thanks for this. I’ve been looking at KLR’s for a few years as a cheap option. After your video, I don’t think there’s enough of an advantage over my Vstrom. I’ll get a 250-400 size for a 3rd bike instead.

[@precipiceofgrind]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@franmitch3589]

Got the gen 3 about a year ago absolutely been abusing it complaints are top heavy kinda under powered for its weight cheap plastic is garbage thats about the big ones for me

[@guthrie1960]

Is Kawasaki simple? Would you like to start selling the 4th generation KLR650? The year 2025 is just around the corner. Repair counterbalancer chain tensioner and remove excess weight. Increase the stroke by 1cm. 6th gear is required for highway cruising. Hurry, I'm old, I've been waiting for a long time! It's embarrassing to just drag your feet, not fixing what you know needs to be fixed it's shameful.

[@noidreculse8906]

No way. Slow, and a 5 speed 🤡

[@spencervidal3168]

The KLR is not up to the task.. It is an antiquated turd...