Klr650

KLR650

Old dog, new tricks

Okay, when Kawasaki says the KLR650 is “new,” what it really means is “significantly updated.” But after 21 years in the lineup, this workhorse dual-sport Single deserves the thorough makeover it just received.

Start with the engine. The liquidcooled, dohc, four-valve, 651 cc powerplant gets revised ignition and cam timing, plus a redone cylinder head with intake porting optimized for bottom-end response. Cooling is improved, as well.

The main chassis focus was to improve on-road handling. To that end, a new 41mm fork has less static sag and

shorter, 7.9-inch travel (down from 9.1 inches). The Uni-Trak single-shock linkage reduces sag and travel similarly at the rear. A new 280mm petal-style front brake disc enhances stopping power.

Ever the long-distance load carrier, the KLR650 features a larger luggage rack and a narrower rear fender, the latter allowing easier saddlebag mounting. A larger fairing provides more wind protection, while fuel capacity remains 6.1 gallons.

As the world becomes more paved, so does the KLR650 adapt. Here’s to another 21 years in the lineup!

Mark Hoyer