Are you a member of the KLR family of owners? Whether your search for a motorcycle dealer near you has you looking for a vintage Kawasaki or the newest iteration of the KLR650, you’re in the right place. As your Kawasaki dealer in San Francisco, we share your passion for the Kawasaki lineup and cult classics like the reliable and remarkable KLR650.
But how did the KLR650 get its start in the Kawasaki lineup? How does the newly reintroduced KLR650 compare to its predecessors, and how has the bike earned a coveted place among adventurers? It’s time to find out as we take a closer look at the Kawasaki KLR650 and how it’s impacted the motorcycle industry since the 1980s.
A Cult Classic Is Born: 1984-2018
The KLR650 traces its roots to the KLR600, which debuted in 1984 as a dual sport bike with a revolutionary liquid-cooled engine and a small-capacity fuel tank. Over the next few years, Kawasaki improved the design, evolving the KLR600 into the KLR650 by 1987. The three-gallon gas tank doubled in size, and the bike gained a 650cc engine that produced 42 horsepower and nearly 34 lb-ft of torque. Its relatively lightweight design, with a curb weight of 416.7 pounds, gave it a significant advantage, allowing it to channel its power on various terrain.
Kawasaki marketed the early KLR650 as such, advertising it as a new genre of bike known as a triple sport. Unlike dual sports, Kawasaki argued that its triple sport bike was ideal for dirt, touring, and street rides, giving riders every opportunity to have their proverbial cake and eat it too. But could the KLR650 live up to the hype? Absolutely.
Over the next two decades, the KLR650 proved successful, prompting few changes to the bike beyond minor adjustments to its countershaft, engine case, valve covers, and other components. Why reinvent the wheel when the wheel is performing incredibly well? Kawasaki didn’t see a need until 2008, when it completely updated the bike, introducing a new design and a suite of technology that made it more appealing to a new generation of riders.
The 2008 KLR650 left a lasting impression with its all-new aesthetic that included a new fairing, a larger luggage rack, and large-diameter wheel spokes. In addition, its new instrument panel and redesigned handlebar control switches added convenience for riders, while the revised suspension reduced travel and improved performance and handling. Kawasaki also adjusted the brake system, added new turn signals, and upgraded the alternator to a 36-watt capacity. These upgrades made way for future tweaks, including thinner piston rings to reduce oil consumption and a narrower seat design for a more streamlined aesthetic.
Kawasaki Legends Never Die: Meet the 2022 KLR650
After 32 years as one of the industry's most affordable dual sport bikes, the KLR650 met its end in 2018 when Kawasaki announced its discontinuation. KLR fans were left aghast, shocked by the end of an era as they bid a fond farewell to the legendary triple sport bike. But would there ever be another? Fortunately, legends never die, at least not if Kawasaki is involved.
Kawasaki shelved the KLR650 for a couple of years, reintroducing its third generation in 2022. Loyal Kawasaki fans wondered if the new KLR650 could live up to its heritage, soon realizing they had little to worry about. In short, the 2022 KLR650 blends the past with the present and future, paying homage to its roots while offering cutting-edge technology that gives riders every reason to say yes to adventure.
Power
The 2022 KLR650 pays homage to its critically acclaimed roots and its longstanding reputation for blending dirt bike capability with touring style comfort. For 2022, Kawasaki accomplishes this feat in several ways, most notably by updating one of the most reliable and trusted engines in the industry. The liquid-cooled 650cc engine sees an increase to 652ccs and is now fuel injected, which significantly affects its performance and reliability. As a result, it’s not only more reliable, but it’s also easier to start in cold temperatures or at high altitudes.
Kawasaki also improved the KLR650’s torque characteristics at mid-range by reducing the diameter of the exhaust pipe. Furthermore, by adding an oxygen sensor, the fuel injection sensor monitors the engine’s performance to actively clean the exhaust and increase efficiency. In addition to these updates, the KLR650 also sees several modifications to its shifting operations, replacing the traditional ball bearing with thrust-needle bearings for improved performance and a smoother overall feel.
Technology
The KLR650 isn’t known for its frequent updates, leaving it relatively unchanged for years throughout its first tenure in the Kawasaki lineup. That makes the new technology on the 2022 KLR650 even more impressive, especially with a new multifunctional digital instrumentation panel and an additional 80 watts of power that can support electronic devices and heated gear. The large display is a notable improvement to the KLR650 and is easy to read with its white back-lighting and narrow design that shows a clear view of speed and fuel level. Riders can also easily see the odometer, two trip meters, indicator lamps, and a clock with a quick glance down at the screen.
Styling and Bodywork
The 2022 KLR650 remains true to its roots, built on a high-tensile frame that integrates the new rear frame with the mainframe to increase rigidity. In addition, the longer swingarm and the larger swingarm pivot shaft improve handling and stability, while updated front and rear suspension settings and new front and rear brakes add to the bike’s overall performance. The larger 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel follow a similar suit, especially with the rear wheel comprised of more robust materials that add to its durability and handling on and off the pavement.
Aesthetically speaking, the KLR650 is just as impressive as its predecessors and introduces riders to a modern take on the cult classic. Robust by every standard, the 2022 KLR650 is rugged yet contemporary and features a new shroud, side cover, and tail cowl that effortlessly blends its ruggedness with a uniquely refined appeal. Additionally, the all-new LED headlight optimizes visibility, while the new taillight and turn signal lighting improve visibility for other drivers when on the road. Similarly, longer mirror arms offer a broader field of vision so that riders have a better view of what’s behind them wherever they travel.
The Kawasaki Impact
The KLR650 reveals Kawasaki’s incredible impact on the motorcycle industry. Over half a century ago, the company started producing motorcycles, using its experience building aircraft engines to design a motorized bike. That seemingly simple and remarkable transformation sealed Kawasaki’s fate in the motorcycle industry, leading the way for legends like the KLR650 to set new standards in the industry as a triple sport bike that's not only capable but incredibly affordable.
Today, the Kawasaki impact continues with the 2022 KLR650. The newest iteration of the cult classic builds on everything that earned it a cult following in the 1980s. It’s powerful, efficient, and fun to ride because it’s always ready for adventure. It defies every standard by proving you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a little (or a lot of) fun in the saddle. Fortunately, Kawasaki recognized as much, bringing the legend back after a brief hiatus as if to prove that the KLR650 only gets better with time.
