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Kawasaki KLR650

Manufacturer	Kawasaki
Production	1987-current
Engine	Single Cylinder, Water Cooled, Four-Stroke, DOHC, 4 valves
Compression ratio	9.5 : 1
Top speed	approx. 108mph, 175km/h (indicated)
Power	33 kW
Suspension	Telescoping fork, Uni-Trak swingarm
Dimensions	L: 2165mm W: ? H: ?
Fuel capacity	6.1 U.S. gallons (23 L)

The Kawasaki KLR650 is a dual-purpose motorcycle intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads. It has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. Kawasaki, in releasing the much-anticipated 2008 model, introduced the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception.

The KLR650 is heavier than specialized off-road dirt bikes, but it can handle most conditions when ridden carefully by a skilled rider. Its 4-stroke DOHC dual-counter balanced, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine develops a claimed 44hp at the crank; typical measurements at the rear wheel are 35 horsepower. Typical fuel economy is 45 to 60 miles per U.S. gallon (3.9 to 4.7 L/100 km). It has a claimed 6.1 gallon (23 litre) fuel tank and a top speed of approximately 105 mph (160 km/h). This motorcycle is considered by many to be one of the best all-round motorcycles made , with legions of fans and websites for support & add-ons. The KLR is widely used as an inexpensive adventure/touring bike. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips.

KLRs have been ridden to the Arctic, across North and South America, and throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as on full global circumnavigation rides (e.g., Dr. Gregory Frazier in 2001-2002). Nicknames include "Swamp Thing" "The Mule" and "The Tractor."

Note: While advertised capacity is 6.1 Gallons, usable gas tank capacity is approximately 5.6 gallons including reserve, because approximately one half gallon of fuel sits below the top of the petcock intake tube within the tank, or on the other side of the main frame member, which divides the lowest portion of the tank into two lobes (the petcock draws only from one of these two lobes). In an emergency, this extra fuel can be utilized by tipping the bike on its side (nearly horizontal) allowing the fuel to slosh from one side of the tank to the other. This yields a maximum range of approximately 250-300 miles between fill-ups, depending on riding conditions.

Models

• KLR650-A: model superseded KLR600 starting in 1987 and sold without major changes until the 2008 model in USA, Canada and Europe
• KLR650-B or Tengai: was sold in the USA starting 1990 and in other countries for several years afterward
• KLR650-C: A more dirt-oriented motorcycle carrying stiffer 41mm front forks, smaller 14 liter fuel tank, and steel wheel rims.
• The U.S. Military have KLR650s modified by Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel. All-new engines were designed to replace the 4-stroke gasoline engines. See HDT KLR650s

KLR650 Timeline

Specifications (2005 KLR650-A)

Sponsored organizations

Although rare, Kawasaki has chosen to offer KLR650's to a few select organizations that would put their bike to the test. These individuals have taken the bikes to some of the most remote locations in the world and have documented the journey on their websites. They include the following:

• Moon Riders: 1997 trip to Latin America. Team Green provided support, parts, and service throughout Central and South America.

• Bikers Without Borders: 2003 trip through 13 Latin America countries volunteering at hospitals, orphanages, Christian Missions and dental clinics. Kawasaki provided 2 brand new KLR 650's for this organization.

Changes over the years

Aside from the paint job, not much changed between the 1987 introduction and the 2008 revisions. The key mechanical differences are:

• 1987: Crankshaft is unique to this year.
• 1988: Beefed up the engine cases with extra bolts between the crank and countershaft; crank has a different part number, and may be lighter.
• 1990: Countershaft improved with longer splines for increased engagement with sprocket.
• 1992: Changes to front brake master cylinder.
• Mid-1996: Changed valve cover, added bracket to hold cam chain bumper; changed crank to heavier unit; improved clutch basket with more clutch plates; changed countershaft sprocket retainer from slotted plate to large nut; changed 2nd and 3rd gear ratios. Kickstarter no longer fits with new clutch basket. New left balancer weight/sprocket begins with engine #KLE650AE032206.
• (?) Service manual indicates higher charging system output; only part number change is the rotor. The new power rating is 17A/14V (238 W) @ 7000 rpm; the earlier one was 14A/14V (196 W) @ 8000 rpm (yes, above redline).
• 2001(?) Final assembly shifts from Japan to Thailand. All major parts still made in Japan.
• 2007: New shift lever
• 2008: New fairing design, new instrument panel, redesigned handlebar control switches, new bar-end weights, revised powerband, revised suspension has reduced travel but with less static sag, new rear swingarm, new turn signals, larger petal-style vented brake rotors, new twin-piston rear brake caliper, increased radiator capacity, fork diameter increased from 38mm to 41mm, new headlight similar to that used on the Kawasaki Ninja 650R, new turn signals, larger luggage rack, firmer seat, larger-diameter wheel spokes

References

1. August 30, 2002: USA – American Roadkill, Shipping Bikes and BIG DOGS, retrieved 2008-01-27

External links

• KLR650 on Kawasaki's website
• The KLR650 FAQ
• KLR650 Enthusiast website KLRWorld.com
• KLR650 Enthusiast Forum The KLRWorld.com Forums
• RIDER Magazine 2008 KLR650 Review
• Motorcycle Daily reviews the 2008 KLR650
• 2008 KLR650 Review
• 2002 KLR650 Review in Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly
• 1999 KLR650 Review in Motorcycle Online

• Kawasaki motorcycles