2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 Adventure (long distance Highway, and the trouble) 

This my friend is what real riders deal with, looks like you're on an adventure 👍

I found that using a little MMO in the gas tank smoothes the engine quite a bit and helps with gas mileage. Also, do the clutch switch disconnect bypass hack ( this makes the bike much better to ride and doesn't cost a dime).

Now that's real riding. I ride a 2000 Transalp in the Netherlands, flat as a pannenkoek and windy and rainy af. Always set your Navi to avoid highways, bring a rain jumpsuit overshoes and over- handschoenen😁(gloves). And get a more aerodynamische helmet. You'll be just fine, not great not comfy, but just fine.

Lol ! I've experienced this and I still don't regret the KLR. It is one of the best bikes for taller riders to learn on. As far as the wind goes, the bike can become a sail sometimes.

Fighting a strong head wind can be tough! My bone stock, carbureted 2015 has never averaged less than 50 mpg. I topped up last night. 156 miles ÷ 3 gallons = 52 mpg. Hang in there!

The F bombs are cracking me up Bill, you sound just like me lol!!! Anyway, those were some CRAZY winds you endured. I’m really liking this channel it’s going to really help me decide which bike to buy.

I just made a new drinking game every time you say 50 MPG take a shot!!

🙋 24 adventure 900 miles down and I get 50 mpg all day long. I calculate my mileage every fillup never seen less than 48.

My 2 cents all bikes suck in the wind go into navigation settings turn avoid highways its much funnier cutting them back roads I'm a trucker that used to drive that interstate alot it's suck even in a big rig I also own a klr an avoid interstates they suck

I get 55 mpg on my 1999 klr with 73000 miles. Worst I ever got was 38 after I let it sit for 4 years. Had to clean the carb and back to mid 50s.

This is the funniest video I have seen in a very long time. Thank you.

Wind force is the square of velocity. My Africa Twin ate 18mpg in a similar Las Vegas wind at 70mph. I came home in no wind at 60mph and made 55 mpg. Parasitic drag is expensive on a bike!

His misery is my entertainment! I've done many cross-country rides on my large displacement sport bikes. I now have a KLR and this kind of trip looks brutal.

Ah, the Cannery. I miss that place.

Which is why i can't stand interstates,and that bike is not the bike for that. 70 mph and high wind resistance, no wonder you're mileage stunk. That bike, secondary and backroads compatible, plus it's a better ride. My 89' gb 500 single averages 70 mpg on secondary roads , average speed, 45 to 60. Weighs 389 wet, a no-no for highways and interstates. 😅 good video 👍

I have a vstqr 950 that's about 650 pounds and is solid on the highway. Do you think it would be better on the highway than the klr with those crosswinds? I've never driven in crosswinds like that.

Congrats on your ride. But i must say that my 22 KLR and my sons 22 KLR are both getting 50+ mpg. Had a couple of tanks in northern minnesota that got 57mpg (89 octane). I keep both tires at 28 pounds. I dont understand why you only getting 37mpg,,,unless that strong wind and elevation is drawing that 20% mpg loss. Keep riding...

I think I get better gas milage on my 2007 Honda Shadow 1100. You remind me of myself when I'm pissed. I'm happy to see that there's other grumpy old men like me out there.

I see all the comments about the wrong bike for you, and had to laugh. I've ridden a DR650 for 9 years. You're right, they're not interstate bikes, especially in high winds. You're about the same horsepower and at least 70 pounds heavier bike. Way to endure, lesser men would've quit. Some guys get real butthurt when you don't say glowing things about "their" bike. I think your observations are spot on.

I just bought the Traveler, has 58 miles on it, LOL. I think if you put the shield in the lowest position and take the beak off that helmet, you'd be much better off. I have one of those dual sport helmets, anything over 35 is like a tornado coming through your helmet. Those tires are making you drift also. You should start your own podcast this is great, love the complaining, that's why I like sports radio. See you out there, thanks

A light bike? This is considered a heavy bike with great wind protection in the adventure/dual sport world. Stick to your oil leaking Harley's that can only go on perfectly paved roads dude, you wouldn't like off road at all. You're wearing an adventure helmet on a highway trip and complaining about wind, come on man...

Regarding gas mileage, my 2023 gets 50 mpg on average. Just did a 900 mile round trip from NH to northeast Quebec with 50 mpg. My buddy was riding his Africa twin 1100 and was getting 35ish mpg.

You did a great job making this video in your commentary. Sometimes you got a little real, don't, but that too. Is got a little real. But it proves the frustration that the KLR650 Truly offers. As I have this 2023 as well. You did a real job telling are story Great bike! Yes. Just not for long trips.

Everything that you say and do and everything about you is nothing but negative. I would have loved to stick with you but I can't handle your negativity. I'm close to your age and I'm into many ventures myself but I have the time of my life. You just don't seem like you have fun. I hope you feel better and I hope things work out for you.

Hahah you sounded like Napolean Dynamite when you got pissed. In all seriousness i love watching your videos.

Man I been watching your videos in my qeust for an adventure bike.I live in kansas and the good places are all 6 hrs and more away so watching this I have to look for something bigger. The only criteuqe I have is that if riding the bike of your choice gets you so frustrated and agrevated then maybe you should rethink what you really want to do. At this rate you are going to work yourself into a heart attack. My own approach is that ever happen it was my choice so smile and eat that shit.

60mph winds and nonstop whining about the bike and bitching about fuel milage. No bike is even close ideal if you're dealing with winds like that.

Thanks for the great video. Awesome riding, great tips. Appreciate the honesty and showing us exactly how the bike is on the highway. Your right, nobody has any videos like this online. I see your maxed out at 71, do you think if you went with a smaller back sprocket or larger front sprocket you could get more than 71mph out of the engines torque? Is there anything you can change to make it more comfortable on the highway? Lower seat to tuck you into the bike?

Slow down to 65 mph. This will save fuel, Vibration and help with the wind. And if the riding conditions aren't good. Then go Home. Some riding simply is not fun. Best Wishes! M.H.

The wind is definitely not a friend to tall bikes. The KLR is a terrible highway bike for lots of reasons. You're better off taking smaller roads if you're taking a trip on a KLR.

Love how you run into a Canuck :)

Couple months ago I purchased a 2023 KLR650 S, which is my twenty-eighth motorcycle and third KLR, other two were a 2006 and 2008. The KLR is not fast like my ZX10-R, nor is it like a cruiser. But wow! It is a blast to ride. I’m impressed with how little vibration there is, I was expecting more. When you get up to 70+ you will feel more vibration, but nothing like the 2022 Harley 48 I owned. Have to keep in mind what the KLR was made for. I haven’t ridden for long distances in strong wind nor carried any luggage. I have been averaging 54mpg, but I ride lot of dirt roads as well as running errands to town on pavement which is about 50 miles round trip. My normal speed on highway is around 60/65MPH but have reached 90mph. Felt like it still had some power left. I was surprised how maneuver this bike is. Planning long trip this Summer.

Very entertaining and informative vid sir! I rode my '22 650 Adventure 100 miles yesterday, the 4th. got 46+ mpg's, 65-66 mph into a 22 mph headwind, empty panniers, Guaimi manual cruise control, Delkevic slip-on and a National Cycle tall V Stream windshield. I weigh 240. I now have 1250 miles on my bike. seat started getting better at about 800 miles, but I have a Seat Concepts seat right here in front of me ready to staple on, which I will do tomorrow. I plan on doing a 700-800 mile ride later this year when the weather cools (I'm in South Texas) and hope I don't hit 40 or 50 mph headwinds like u did. Keep up the great work!

You wont ever get 50 mpg at highway speeds. Keep it under 50mph and you'll get 45-50 mpgs.

The only way to get fifty miles to the gallon is to drive it like a moped.. I stay at 60 to 65 to get that milage. I am looking to buy another bike just for the interstate ya our bike is not meant for the interstate. Great skills you have

Thanks for posting this, I've been considering buying a KLR for a couple years now. Its refreshing to see a real unfiltered review on a real trip in harsh conditions. Too many reviewers just read the spec sheets and show a quick little ride. Great advice about riding in the wind too. You remind me a lot of my old man and it made me laugh! Thanks for that. Your wisdom is much apprecaited as a new rider. Ride safe my friend.

My carburated 2008 gets between 44 to 50 mpg at 65 to 75 mph. Full throttle is bad for mileage.

The wind in Oklahoma was like that all the time, My poor Old DRZ, would alot of times feel like I was wearing the sidewalls out on my tires. I need to do better on getting actual mpg rates on my bike, I know I had blown doing my milage a few times and forgot to write it down. Ha, one of the times I said something in the video with my milage and how many gallons I got, I think I forgot to write down the first fill up was , so it averages out at 100 miles per gallon which we know isn't right, I will do a better job and see how close we are. I just messed it up last time. I will make a point to do the same and show some milages in the various videos, I generally fill up prior to any little trip I take. Spoiler alert, I am doing at min 2400 mile round trip coming up soon. I will be changing tires out this next week. There is not enough tread left on the stock ones to make this trip safely. Yes sir, Cross winds suck. I so agree. Go Pro issues with heat and or another problem, I have had good luck with pulling battery, might be worth trying if it happens again. I know you are flustered by the time you are at the gas station from the elements and I get it, but thought i would offer a possible fix that might help you next time. Thanks for sharing, gong to go back out in the shop and get some work done before i start getting ready for my trip. Keep up the fun videos. Dale

09 KLR, KLX jet kit, Big Gun exhaust amd I get 50mpg every tank. A KLR will never get 50mpg going 70 or 75 loaded with gear.

This video should be called old man yells at wind. lol. JK sir. This is a great highway review. It’s rare to get this wind in Michigan where I am at, I’m still Very much considering a KLR for a do everything type of bike.

You would like the national cycle windshield better.

22 Adventure here first tank 57.1 mpg hand figured.

ive been there, just started laughing my arse off at the memories🤣

I am glad you arrived safely. I had a fight with crosswinds when I was traveling through Amarillo Texas with my trailer and I pulled into the first place i found where I could park my trailer and spent the night. The next day was better. You are right the wind is no fun and it makes you feel like you can lose control and I don't like that feeling.

I think I met that old dude every time I stopped for gas on my Triumph

You are wasting money on premium gas, does it require high octane ?

I check my mileage the same way you do. I ride a 2006 KLR 650. At my last fill up last week I got 49mpg. That was on country roads. My rpm's never above 4500. Perfect weather conditions (no strong winds). My tire pressure is 26psi rear, 28psi front. I am running Shinko 244 tires front and rear, not balanced. Engine is stock. Exhaust is stock. I ride it like an old man... because I am an old man :-) I weigh 180lbs. My KLR has 29,590 miles on it. I got to hand it to you, I couldn't have done the ride that you did in the video. All that wind for so many miles. No way! Don't forget to check your oil. I would have probably gone thru a couple quarts of oil on that ride! My favorite part of the video was when you had your melt down in Mesquite. I laughed hard because it reminded me of myself. I have experienced everything that you cussed about! I listened to the whole video from beginning to end. It was very good. You highlighted that not all long rides on the KLR are "Sea shells and Balloons". And that riding in strong winds can be down right dangerous!.

I just bought a 2022 klr650 and I have never gotten anything below 60 mpg from 0 on the odometer. I wonder why there is such a huge difference in usage?

I own this bike and it is not a light bike. It is 230 plus KG! I think the issue you face is it's height of the bike and you catch the wind more due to this. I have ridden mine in strong winds and although initially I found it uncomfortable I kept on it and my trust grew and the feel was better. Good luck with your bike and I am sure you get more comfort with it.

My 2022 gets 50 to 54MPH cross country twice now.

I am getting fucking 52 and 53 fucking miles to the gallon on my KLR consistently

I feel your pain brother! Done that many times. I just realized this video is a year old. Your mileage will improve with break-in, but the wind will definitely decrease the mileage a bunch. And I don't care who ya are, you will NOT get 50 mpg at 70mph. My KLR wouldn't do it, and my T7 won't do it either. And I have a 6th gear! I have noticed that the vibration that gets to your eyes....may be your sun visor on your helmet vibrating. My Scorpion helmet does that at about 60 mph or higher and actually distorts my vision. Just something to check into. Also, a word of advice. GoPro sucks!

Something is wrong with your bike. My big ass gets 46 to the gallon at 65-70 mph. At 75 ish on the interstate it drops down to 42mpg.

Bummer to light on the highway, to heavy on the dirt.

Next time you’ll have to take all back roads

KLR burns oil, bad on mpg, hp/wt is low

I’m so glad I saw this video, I rather get a Versys 650 LT with knobbies than getting the KLR 650 Adv. thank you, I made my choice !!!

Waste of money on 91. 87 is all you need.

Thank you for not bleeping. Great video!

You gonna get good mileage after 2000 mills

I got my 2022 KLR in November of 23, I noticed immediately that the gas mileage was definitely not 50 mpg. I love the bike, but it's not the prestine claim that some youtubers say. The seat sucks. I hate it after 15 miles on the road. That is by far my only real complaint with it. I get to work on many bikes at work, I love the KLR. It is far from a bad bike. Like you said, the wind sucks and so does the seat, it has quirks like every bike. Hopefully the trip back home for you was not as bad.

I am really surprised that the gas mileage is so low. It may need to be remapped. With 136 pounds of gear ( including luggage weight) I get 41 to 40.3mpg on the highway running 85 mph most of the time. It’s a 2019 CRF1000L standard shift Africa Twin. I just don’t get it. Maybe it’s because it’s not working as hard ? I don’t know.

Im pushing 80 and have ridden my whole life. Recently I rode my KLR from Cedar City to Butte Montana in one day. With a little side trip, it was 750 miles. The next year I rode it to So. Dakota. Recently sold it because in the 5000 plus miles i rode it, I just never felt safe or very comfortable. At 500 pounds off road it's a fat pig.😖

I've been researching the KLR650 for years now and have just only found your channel a few days ago. Every KLR rider will tell the comfortable truths. But you say the things most don't. I respect you for that sir. I think I'm still gonna give the KLR a shot just because the price. I priced out a few upgrades for highway as well. So hopefully it will be a bit more compliant.

I rode a Honda helix 250 cc scooter out Westin 2021. I mostly stop for gas at shell stations and Sinclair’s because they never use ethanol in the gas. My carburetor wasn’t set up for altitude. That’s the biggest mistake I made on that whole trip was not thinking about the altitude and I plain didn’t know about the headwinds and Crosswinds despite living in Las Vegas for three years And riding everywhere from San Diego up to Zion Park in death Valley out to Arizona.

Lol! Angry much? I rode my Africa Twin from PA. to southwest Colorado and back in early June. I dealt with heavy wind all the way across Kansas, Missouri and half of Illinois and not once did I have a tantrum. Oh yea, it was 106° in Lamar, Co. 104° in Kansas and 100° or so in Missouri, again, no tantrums. As for the bike, it wasn't designed for those kind of speeds, it's a 650 dualsport, light weight was the intention of the engineers.

Thanks for the video. I live on the plains of southeast Colorado. The trees are constantly tired and the flags are wide a wake. I feel your pain. I just bought my first motorcycle which also happens to be a 2024 KLR. I mostly do a lot of road cycling (pedal bike) I got to referring to the wind as my virtual hills. Cross winds are the worst. I don’t know if you watch professional cycling but watch when the peloton hits a crosswind and it will tear the peloton apart. I try to stay relaxed but collected at the same time

I planned a trip for over a year. The day we leave 20 miles into the trip, it rained for the next 10 hours! 😂 I was pissed! Just like your venting, I was venting too! My wife was calm as a cucumber. She ask why I was so upset? She said you always ride in the rain…

On my first long trip the wind scared the crap out of me. I lowered the rear 2 1/2 inches and dropped the front an inch. Bought an aftermarket windshield and added the stock windshield on top of it. Sounds crazy but looked pretty good. I also put a padded strip of sheep wool on my seat, which made a world of difference. On my next trip through windy Wyoming the wind was not a problem. Im now riding my 43 year old Yamaha XT 500.😊

From personal experience :any light bike especially with knobby tires in a cross wind can be very dangerous. Put street tires on & it hold the road much better. Huge difference. I know that may defeat the purpose but this has my experience. I’ve been pushed into incoming traffic & it’s scary as hell.

Just got mine. My weight +passenger = 330 pounds ( plus the gear). KLR had a average of 45.7mpg on 400miles ( commuting + highway speed over 70mph). Maybe we face small differences on the standard of the bikes.

38 MPG is horrible on a KLR. My 2018 gets 50-55. 45 if I’m getting spirited

You don't need to use the higher octane gas. I run 87 all the time in both of my KLRs and get over 50mpg on both. These are not high compression bikes, so the higher octane may be less efficient.

Nice video, but try not to use the Lord's name and profanity in the same sentence next time.....

Every time I go out West from IL, mpg goes out the window, basically climbing the whole way, and winds, just the way it is.

Adventure is different from cruiser. Seems like you are used to cruising. The wind sucks but the klr is not a light adventure bike. How was the oil and coolant during the ride?

Enjoyed the video of you riding in the wind!🤪 I just did a shorter 120mile wind ride myself the other day (It sucked!) on my NC700X, so I feel your pain. Found out when I got finished there was a tornado warning in the area I was riding (double suck!). Cheers!

Okay...gais...tq for the honest review...i think you must be working with sales before..thats why you can give honest review..lol..dont smash the camera..granpaa....haha..

I rode my KLR 725 miles in a day, and I followed it up with a 250 mile day. It wasn't comfortable, but it wasn't terrible.

I refuse to say "smart". And "phone" in the same sentence.

We won't tell anyone!

😂 Dude you are hilarious 😆 I got me one when they first came out and sold it after a month, there is not fixing that wind buffering on a 2022 KLR. Since then I got me a 2018 Versys, and I have no wind issues at all. Some bikes are just designed to be a win nightmare. For how little I like to go off road, the wind issues with the KLR makes it not worth it for me, and I tried several accessories recommended but none worked. There is not fixing that bike.

I would have got off in filmore and taken the highway down to Alamo then las Vegas in that kind of wind. Much longer of a trip, but more enjoyable.

Currently ride a Wing F6B and have been considering a KLR as a cross-country+off-road bike for something different to try. I knew the KLR “is what it is” before watching this video, but I think this video and ride experience single handedly destroyed any interest I had in it.

When does the wind in Utah doesn't beat you to death? Moving from Michigan to California I stopped to visit my uncle in Orangeville, UT and had to wait out 2 days because the wind was so bad. I was looking at a 2023 KLR the other day and thinking I would need to buy a cramp buster if I rode this thing any kind of long distance. The cramp Buster was my best friend when I had my '85 Yamaha Maxim XJ-700.

2011 KLR 50+ mpg. daily driving, dirt roads, forestry roads. On the interstate around 47-49 mpg.

i can understand the wind problem in the southwest . i live in so az and i ride a kawa 650 vulcan s and thats a low cruiser . thats a higher bike eve that center of gravity is lower than other adventures bikes i think other brands would be more trouble becouse wind is wind . even harley heavy cruiser gets whip . hope you ge safe to your destination . i also ride a mp3 piaggio 500 scooter those are tall and the wind is trouble . but i dont do long road trips only day trips .

Bikers are the most friendly people it don’t matter what bike you ride . Lol 😂 I’ll stick to my 950 lb Roadglide Limited on the long highway rides after watching this . It cruises steady at 85 MPH all day long no matter what the wind is , & use my KLR for the trails . 😂 & backroads.

39:05 “I never get a tailwind” 😅 you gotta love Canadian sometimes

You’re not kidding about the brutal headwinds and Crosswinds out west

Awesome input on the klr I will stick with the Tenere 700 no much bigger than the klr!!!!

Just by yourself a 4 wheeled vehicle and stay of the bike .

Hello from ohio. I really enjoyed your video.

Thanks for your video. 60 mpg gusts, would make me shake in my boots. Something that helped me was a low fender kit. Not sure anything would of helped in that type of wind but I can tell a difference. Everyone complains about this bike being to heavy, I think you proved that complaint wrong. Take care

Just subd, I like your videos. I had a gen1 about 5 years ago and regret selling it. Been eyeing the 22s a lot.

The best part is when you were in Mesquitte NV Hahaha ! Reaction is genuine.

Any one else use the "flappy knee" technique to deal with variable cross winds?

I have a 2022 klr and I best I ever got was 48 but, never hire than that plus, my gas Guage anyway is not the most accurate

Thank you for this demonstration. I whole heartedly agree. I would definitely ride the KZ1000 I had though.

Could it be 50 ks ( kilometres) to the gallon ? 🇦🇺