The new KLR 650 is out!

[thughes317]

2022 Model

Kawasaki KLR®650 | Dual-Sport Bike | Escape. Explore. Envy.

The Kawasaki KLR®650 dual-sport bike features a reliable 652cc fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine for unparalleled capability to take your adventure farther.

www.kawasaki.com

<yawn>

Fuel injection and new bodywork!

Same 30 year old suspension/one-lung motor/5 speed tranny/etc.

Team Green had a chance to capitalize on the KLR legend and bring something to market that would compete with the T700, instead we get re-warmed leftovers.

 

[Mak10]

Was hoping for a T7 competitor. Price is nice, and fuel injected. Did they fix the doohickey?

 

[Eville Rich]

My guess is that they considered the option and decided to maintain the KLR market space - value oriented and rugged. Also minimum development costs. When you look at the continuum of mid-size adv bikes, each fits a market niche. You go from the KLR to the T700 to the KTM whatsit and get different features, prices, and value propositions. They all sort of compete, but I think not head to head, by design. I'm sure there are other brands and models to throw into the mix for consideration along the contimuum. I think it's a pretty smart strategy by Kawasaki even though many would have liked to see something more. And they clearly could do it if they wanted.

Eville Rich

 

[SHUMBA]

I read an article about the new 2022 KLR 650. Lotsa extras, but it's a heavy bike approximately 485 lbs!! and a 650cc single...this article didn't state the torque/horse power specs...
Heck my DR650 is 366 lbs. soakin wet.
My 2020 Africa Twin DCT is about 525 lbs., but has hearty double the grunt of the Kawi.
SHUMBA

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[staq50]

the fuel injection would worry me also, emission control restrictions probably dictates it a necessity....sucking out more power that it's already lacking then probably require a reflash to get it sorted....maybe?

 

[tntmo]

Seems kind of silly, they cut it out of their lineup a year or two ago just to bring it back with minor changes. This was their chance to make a wide ratio six speed, better brakes/suspension, add a few HP and lose a few pounds.

I like the single cylinder bike, and it doesn't have to be too fancy (it is a KLR, after all) but put some nice frosting on that dry old cake! Kawasaki seems to like their "heritage" models, trotting out the KLX300 this year which hasn't changed a whole lot in almost 30 years as well.

 

[Sierra1]

Was hoping for a T7 competitor. Price is nice, and fuel injected. Did they fix the doohickey?

IIRC the doohickey got replaced in '08. To compete with the T7, it would have taken a bunch of money on Kawi's part.

I read an article about the new 2022 KLR 650. Lotsa extras, but it's a heavy bike approximately 485 lbs!! and a 650cc single...this article didn't state the torque/horse power specs...

It's about 39lb ft, about 3 more than the carbed version. You're right about the weight, my wife didn't like the bike because of it.

 

[SHUMBA]

Disclosure, I have never had the opportunity to ride a KLR 650.
I bought a very gently used Zuki DR650 2019 model) primarily because it is relatively simple and lightweight 366 lbs. and I can pick it up on my own...no so with my Super Tenere (sold) or my Africa Twin.
I may struggle to pick up a KLR 650 at 485 lbs. I'd like to see what the torque horse power is on the 2022 fuel injected KLR 650.
SHUMBA

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[SHUMBA]

Oh, my DR650 is fast...remember it's all about power to weight ratios.
SHUMBA

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[Checkswrecks]

Disclosure, I have never had the opportunity to ride a KLR 650.
. . .

A HA!!! - We found the person.

The one person in all of motorcycling who never owned or rode a KLR!!!

Knew there had to be one somewhere.

 

[SHUMBA]

Yup thats me...
forgive me father for I have sinned.
Yes, my son, what is it? Father, I put my foot in my mouth commenting about the KLR 650, although I have never ridden one.
Well, Father says, my son, say 650 hail Mary's and forgiveness will be granted.
SHUMBA


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[Sierra1]

. . . . I put my foot in my mouth commenting about the KLR 650, although I have never ridden one. . . . .

But, you weren't wrong. I like the bike for what it is. Tough, and simple. The military used them, and still might be, and they were "multi-fuel" capable. But, she is kinda tall, and not very light. To me, this is an update for all those guys/gals that are still touring the world on a KLR. More "turn-key" adventure options.

 

[tntmo]

Yes, my son, what is it? Father, I put my foot in my mouth commenting about the KLR 650, although I have never ridden one.

You're not missing a lot. I have owned an XR650L, a KLR650 and a DR650. Each of them had their place and I enjoyed each bike, would purchase any of them again if a deal fell in my lap.
The DR650 was the best all around of the group for me, the real 50/50 big bore thumper of the three. Honda was 75 dirt/25 street with the KLR vice versa.
Kawasaki could have brought their bike closer to the 50/50, but I feel like they went the opposite direction.

 

[14kmtnman]

I'm disappointed Kawasaki didn't make more improvements. I had a 2013 that had way too much money thrown at it. The new one looks like it has the same old frame, same bad footpeg mounts. The fuel injection would be nice here in CO, but I never had a problem with the old carb version. I know lots of people who did tho. The doo-hicky still needed to replaced on the later years too. There were several done at sgt Marty's last tech day in 2019. No tubeless tires? And more weight? No thanks. I'd go for the T7.

 

[SHUMBA]

Okay thanks from all for comments about the KLR the DR650 and , what was the other one??
Ha ha..
Bottom line, there is no perfect motorcycle, just buy what you think will work for you...at the present time, my DR650 will provide me with great entertainment for short rides, tons of gravel along with the occasional adventure in an off-road situation.
My Africa Twin gives me great pleasure to ride to a destination, say 600 kilometers, er, 375 miles or so in a day of riding.
Live to ride, and ride to live.
Remember, always wear your gear.
SHUMBA

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[Dirt_Dad]

Owned both the KLR and DR 650s. Two very different, but still very similar bikes. Easy to rattle off shortcomings of both, but I'm glad they are both out there (again).

 

[AVGeek]

A HA!!! - We found the person.

The one person in all of motorcycling who never owned or rode a KLR!!!

Knew there had to be one somewhere.

There's actually 2 here, I've never ridden a KLR either!

 

[Don in Lodi]

My thumper was an XL600. Never rode a KLR either.

 

[SHUMBA]

Ah, like to hear all of these "confessions"
OK, I'm a gonna one up ya.
How many of yous guys have owned or ridden an Aer Machi 250?
That is your homework.
SHUMBA

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[Xclimation]

Looks like I'm in the minority on this one.......I LOVE IT!!! I was sad when they said they were stopping the KLR a year or 2 ago....Same bike....but with fuel injection, ABS, updated LED lighting, USB ports! I think this is brilliant of Kawasaki! Added 6 or so ft./lb of torque....more hp (sure some tweaking will yield more.) And the PRICE! 8k max price! The aftermarket and modding knowledge! Not happy with the weight increase....but I'm sure ABS upgrade and maybe more stout engine... I know I'm interested!