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I took up biking 8 years ago when I turned 70. The KLR 650 has been my only ride and I love it. Why? It has all the horsepower I need and takes me everywhere I want to ride. If anything added in the 2022 that excites me, it's fuel injection. My 2013 and 2017 KLR's have left me stranded only because of carburetor issues, and I NEED dependability when I ride alone. I don't need or want ABS, so that's not an issue with me. HOWEVER, the loss of the tachometer in 2022, is sad. I use the tach all the time. Maybe there will be an easy after-market tach that is available.
To be honest...as someone who rides dirtbikes and commutes on a bike... I've never once referenced my tacho for shifting...nor felt i needed one on a dirtbike.
I'm a pretty new rider and I agree about not needing a tach to shift, but I do appreciate it on my 2014 when going on the highway. Everyone says they start to burn oil pretty bad above 5000rpm so I use my tach to just keep it around 4500 on the highway.
Everybody wants to micro-manage their ride. That stuff adds price to the bike, astoundingly its also one of the reasons why people buy a KLR650. Its affordable, you want the other stuff, go buy a $15k ADV.
I have a 2016 KLR. I bought it because it is everything you need and nothing that you don’t need. It’s simple enough to do your own maintenance and it goes anywhere you want to explore. Sure there are more advanced and faster bikes out there, I’ve owned a few but the KLR is great for what it’s designed for, fun to ride, reliable and comfortable. If exploring is your thing it’s great. If it’s long distance touring it’s a struggle and if it’s smashing through creeks at high speed or hard off-road it’s not the best bike for the job. To me it’s more about your own nature. If you like to go exploring and take in the countryside you will love it; if you want to be first off the lights and ride it hard your going to be frustrated with it. My point is that once you understand what the bike is designed to do, you then realise why they designed it the way they have.
The KLR was never meant to be a dirt bike. I have had many motorcycles and the KLR650 was one of my favorites. It is a great commuter bike that you can go out and have fun on the gravel roads on the weekends. If you want to ride on gnarly trails buy something smaller and more nimble. If you want to ride to work or a trip to the mountains it’s great. It also tears up the country dirt roads and it’s so much fun to do both. If you want to nitpick you can find problems with every motorcycle. You may not satisfy younger riders with a KLR650 but older riders should love the KLR. It is what it is, fun, fun, fun.
I am excited to announce I am working with Kawasaki USA to get a press bike as soon as possible for testing, hopefully this summer! I will keep you all updated!
Found out, delays are looking to be into 2022. Possible swapping at factory, ABS models to Non ABS models due to chip shortages. Also dealers will most likely ask quite a bit more than MSRP due to shipping costs gone nuts. Source from a kawi dealer in Canada.
Had an older model and am definitely looking at the new ones. Big, comfy seat, big fuel tanks, unsurpassed reliability. I don't need to go 500 mph and be first up the mountain. These bikes are great adventure bikes for seeing the world and enjoying the view.
In this price range/category? The KLR and the Himmy. Nothing else. Plodding mules. The KTM may have light weight and decent bhp, but thats all at the top end, with no low to mid range torque, ditto the Beemer 310. The CB500 needs money spending to make it even half decent off road. So, we are in a category of 2.
I agree with you. Of all the bikes in the price range I would still choose the KLR if I had to travel around the world. Even with EFI I think it will be the simplest and least expensive to maintain. The Himalayan is incredibly easy to maintain and reliable but doesn’t have enough HP for comfortable long term at Interstate speeds. I I’ll most likely get one and let’s face it....so will you.
I had the same impression. We waited three years for another KLR and after all that time, I was expecting a ground-up renovation and greatness. Instead, ee got basically the same KLR with EFI to pass emissions standards. That took three years? I do like the reliability and the large fuel tank. A friend has a 2018 KLR 650 and it's a tank. I bought a two year old new BMW G310GS and it's a great bike for me. More refined and better road manners than the dual sport thumpers I've always ridden and plenty of power for the back road and gravel road toiring and camping I want to do. And yes, I can turn off the rear ABS for off road.
I'm not seeing problems at this price point. I'm seeing one of the greatest bikes in history getting better. I really don't see any competition at the price point.
It's just so darn comfortable to cruise the hwy and if you find a interesting trail to explore, you can. I like that thumpy thump engine vibe character.
I’ve owned the 390 adventure and now sold it and want to buy a KLR. What I didn’t like with the 390 was the triangle. Seat is hard after 30min, handle bars seem low and wide, and pegs are angled oddly. The screen keeps wind off your chest, but helmet get the wind and gives you a sore neck after a decent ride. I was worried about reliability. Lastly it doesn’t have spoked wheels.
Great video, and all valid points. But for me, as a newer rider, I am convinced the new KLR is the perfect gateway drug for me. I live in the PNW and am most interested in cruising backroads and forest service roads, which are abundant here, and eventually tackle a BDR or two. I think the KLR fits the bill nicely here.
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OK .. I used to have 5 KLRs in the past. Travel with them really far for a really extended period of time. Sold one with 105k on ODO. And now .. I am really excited with the new KLR offer. My point are: % gears - better then unverified 6. Bigger/stronger gears and I have never had problem with a gear box. ABS - why and what for .. same with tacho .. less electronic is always better for the serious long distance travel. Power to weight ratio - well, new model is STRONGER then old ones and yet you can travel the world on the old KLR with ease.. More power translates to shorter life time for the engine. Fuel Injection - GREAT THING - simple and easy to swap in needed. In essence it is STILL A CRUDE BASIC RELIABLE MOTORCYCLE WELL ROUTED IN ITS OWN MILITARY PRODIGY WHICH WILL DO ALL YOU MAY WANT TO DO AND MORE .. This is a workhorse NOT a shiny toy as it always was. And I am looking to buy one
Thanks for the comment. I'm thinking about buying one for driving to work (21 miles from home). I'm currently driving a 2017 GMC Sierra that gets about 17 mpg. I feel like if I get the KLR it will pretty much pay for itself.
The new KLR was designed to keep the segment of current users, who know and love their KLRs. If you have tried to find a fast or track motorcycle, there are other alternatives, such as Versys, for example. I love that it continues to be the most dual bike that exists. More strength and rusticity than delicacy and speed.
I totally agree. If you want to go fast. Buy a fast motorcycle. If you want one that says "potato potato potato", buy one that says that. For putting along a 2 track, a 2 lane blacktop and even freeway riding if you want to change sprockets, get a KLR. The one thing I'd have liked to see would be the 650 Versys engine. That's it. Power shmower, who needs power.
Agree on everything but the six speed gearbox thing... No! The KLR 650 does NOT need a six speed gearbox - it needs a wider range gearbox! The 5-speed gearbox of the KLR have closer ratios than I think is optimal. It,s 2.86 times higher 5:th than 1:st is less wide than optimum. It is a quite close geared box for a single cylinder bike. The similar style bike Honda NX650 (Dominator) had a higher ratio span with a 3.17 times higher 5:th than 1:st. That is better. Even more span than that would be better (allowing a lower 1:st and still have a high way capable 5:th). I’d say that a 3.4 times higher 5:th than 1:st would be close to perfect for a single cylider adventure bike. But it is very, very unusual to find such wide range gearboxes. A twin can cope with lower revs on first gear and can therefore do with less span. But a low enough first gear is important for a single cylinder adventure bike. But lets compare - with the same gearing for first gear (by choosing sprockets to get a nice 1:st gear) the honda has the 5:th gear geared 11% higher than the KLR. Like for example 90 mph for the KLR and 100 mph for the Dominator. That is a significant difference... With an even better (I think) 3.4 times between 5:th and 1:st we are looking at a 5:th gear, geared to 107 mph for the same 1:st gear gearing. The power would not be enough to reach 107, but at lower speed the rpm would be nice. And if you would want to gear the 5:th lower, you’d get an even lower first gear! 😀 PS. The XR650L have the same gearbox as the NX650. I think Kawasaki should aim at a similar gearing, NOT a six speed gearbox, that makes no sense with an engine with such a nice power-band.
I have ridden off-road since 1978 or so. Why do you think that you need (I don’t) 6 gears for off-road driving? Six speed gearboxes are used to get smaller steps between the gears - and that is important for engines with a small powerband. Read; highly tunes street/race-bikes. Engines that typically puts out significantly more than 0,1 horse power/cc, some even 0,2! It is of value for high revving engines! With less than than 0,08 hp/cc, a 5 speed gearboxes with a large enough span between 1:st and 5:th is superior. In everyway. You would agree if you had the experience. The KLR have an excellent powerband. It could even do with a 4 speed gearbox! And just so that you don’t missunderstand - I am NOT talking about taking away the first or the top-gear! I’m talking about keeping the lowest and highest gear but having larger spaces between the gears in between. Actually (read all my comments in the above) I think the gearbox of the KLR have to close ratios. The Honda NX650 is much better thusly. But a wider range is NOT the same thing as more gears. 5 is plenty enough.
And that’s why it lasts! Lower horsepower and over built! That’s why everyone praises the powerstroke 7.3 million mile motor. Horsepower isn’t the end all base to measure!
I just want to congradulate Kawasaki for making a 2022 new Bike to keep up with all the 1998 Bikes !! Great Job Kawi !! You never mentioned the same old cam chain tensioner problem .... or about the massive oil burning at sustained highway driving. these are 2 important issues.
I have a KTM690 and it has an ABS off switch. I even added an ABS dongle to shut the rear ABS off only. What I found is you’re better off with full ABS off road on a heavy bike. Yes it keeps pumping the ABS when it detects slippage but that’s better than losing traction and having your bike slide uncontrolled off the gravel road. It’s nice to know that you can slam both brakes and get a controlled speed reduction without having to worry about rear end slide around or front end wash out which happens on lock up. I’ve since dumped the ABS dongle on my 690 because I didn’t use it. So in summary based on my experiences with heavy off road bikes offroad ABS full time is a definite plus. I don’t need it on bikes lighter than 275lbs because I can whip the rear around on lock up without worrying about losing control.
Hi, I've just bought a SWM SD650X and it's a bike just in this segment of market. This bike is a 600cc (ex HVA engine) , EFI , ABS (with a switch on/off button for off road, 187 kg (with 18l of gasoline) , 21/18 wheels, it comes also with crashbars and a tachymeter :-) , 6 speeds gearbox, brembo breaks etc. and the price is less than 8k€. Did an excel sheet to make my own comparison with 5 or 6 bikes and a dozen of criterias to make my choice.
@@BigRockMoto hi Ian, you're welcome. I forgot to mention the power, it's 55hp. Could be increased a little bit by changing the two exhaust pipes by arrow ones. I belong to a SWM SD community that is on FB. You can have a look and see how happy we are 😄
Your diagnostics of the KLR are the reason we just bought two, Aug 2021, Honda CB500X bikes for our ADV bikes. You put all of our thoughts in order. Nice job and thank you!
I guess I am old school. When I use to ride trails I never used a tach. It was all feel and sound. The KLR was not a dirt bike, street bike or a adventure bike . It was a trail bike. do a bit of each but master none. It was what it was. A bike you could ride around town on and then go and have fun in the desert on the weekends.
Gifted my '08 KLR to one of our sons and picked up a used KTM 690 Enduro for $8,500 (already set up with luggage racks, Wolfman panniers, and Rally Raid fuel tanks). In the end I dropped 100 lbs and doubled my HP. That's the bike I picked out in the $8,500 price point. The only real upgrades are fuel injection and fixing the doohickey on the new KLR. Everything else (wait for it... pun is coming) is "lipstick on a pig." lol The appeal of the KLR, today, is you can purchase a used one, work on it yourself, and with a small investment, ride the TAT and still be under the price of a new one, after you come home from the trip. If Kawasaki does a good job with marketing, they'll sell quite a few regardless of the obvious omissions in Gen 3.
I love your videos and I think you’re fair on your critiques. Most KLR riders know exactly what we are getting. I have no intention of off-roading on technical or extreme terrain trails. I love riding the old black tops and finding dirt roads, forest service roads and mellow mountain trails and it does those fantastic! I agree with the ABS. I purposely bought mine without after watching down-hill loose rock videos where the rider just could not get the bike to slow to a safe speed. As far as everything else, tachometer, weight, etc. If I had $15000.00 to drop maybe. But I’ve ridden side by side with a Versys and when the dirt and sand got gnarly, he wasn’t having near as much fun as we were. Keep up the great videos. Good honest critiques help both sides of the spectrum of adventure riders. As for me…. I have never been at a gas pump with a BMW and felt anything but the mutual respect for getting out and away from everything.
I agree with EVERYTHING that you have said....and I have owned 4 KLR's. One caveat however: The KLR.....if we're honest , is in a class all it's own. It's like a 4 cylinder Jeep. They will do everything, are very practical, but it's not exceptional.....at anything. It's old faithful. Having said that.....some college kid must have been too involved in the changes.....and DEFINITELY NOT a motorcyclist. Pretty obvious. No tach? Inexcusable. No ABS override? Well.....they've never had ABS . But....other Kawasaki's do...(don't they?) No 6th gear? Has Kawasaki ever ridden one? At 60.....they run over 4,000 rpm's. Another stupid move. Here are a few more: * PLASTIC panniers that look like K mart rejects instead of the typical aluminum panniers? How much more could they cost? Yamaha did it. ** But....here is the best one: WHO wasn't expecting a 2 cylinder engine? I sure was. How nice would that have been? It's not too late! Kawasaki....you can still build a 2nd KLR "upgrade" model.....with 2 cylinders!!! Say.....a 700 cc or a 750 cc . 2....KLR's to choose from!!! And still stay under that $10,000 .00 price point. You're welcome.
I was expecting a KLR 700 to compete with the t7, but I guess they don't want to compete anymore. Maybe even a ninja 650 engine slapped into a more dirt aggressive frame and suspension.
I agree with much of what you say Ray except the 2 cylinder part ....there is no way to produce a 2 cylinder motorcycle that would be enough like the KLR to warrant the name "KLR"....To do it right at all would double the price point also....So far NO ONE has built a truly lightweight 2 cylinder with decent power and displacement! Apparently KTM is committed to do it as a 500cc twin platform but IF they nail it? Gonna be pricey as hell! First company that can build a reliable 500 twin platform weighing 300lbs naked (maybe 350 for adv version?) and producing in the neighbohood of 60+ hp (stock) THAT will be a GRANDSLAM home RUN if you ask me! I dare say an INSTANT classic they wont be able to keep up on orders! An instand ICON ! I can see that platform as an adventure bike, sport bike, supermoto, sport touring motorcycle for one up interstate....whatever! An IDEAL motorcyclist's motorcycle! A twin that could go long service intervals? 250 mile fuel range? Wheelie power! Able to last 100k miles? I would buy a COUPLE of em tomorrow! One with 21 and knobbies for offroad/adventure and the other a GT version with 17s/fairing/removable luggage cruise control heated grips etc...I can see clubs forming around such a platform! Cult status! And the thing is? I know it would be a bit expensive for the exotic materials required but it IS totally doable I do believe!! Liberal use of titanium, magnesium and carbon fiber I am pretty sure would get us there....Price point is the problem......BUT a company COULD do a heavy version at 12k and light version at 18k....or whatever it takes....
I really like the intelligent one-man debate format you present here. This coupled with the previous video (and other RU-vid’s) lead me to determine I still want one and deposit made as of yesterday. Base model with ABS. Yes I figure easier to disable ABS than to enable it. It’s an iconic bike and a logical first adventure bike for me stepping out from my 1971 Triumph TR6R Tiger. It will feel like a technological marvel! I know there is a lot of competition, but the price is right for this “Toyota 4-Runner” of adventure bikes. Ignorance is bliss and comparison is the thief of joy.
I currently own a RE Himalayan and a 2023 KLR 650S. The KLR is very close to the same weight of the Himalayan and they have very similar seat heights. I bought the KLR to make road riding a little more pleasant. The Himalayan is a great bike as long as you are on back roads, gravel or trails.
I do t think anyone can argue the points that you’ve made. I think that people who liked the KLR before are going to keep on buying the newer KLR because the EFI makes life better with the KLR. These riders don’t want a small bike, they don’t need a fast bike, and they certainly don’t want an expensive bike. Think of the people that rinse off aluminum foil and reuse it. Similar mindset.
I just bought a 2022 KLR 650. Just for a reference I owned a 1987 for 27 years and loved it. I traded that in for a Honda CB 500 X. Hated it. So far, I like the new KLR except for the missing tach and temp gauge. It rides exactly the same as the old one, and is just as nimble in the twisties. I changed the front sprocket to one tooth more for a better Highway performance. I will be adding the Thermo Bob, which adds a tach and temperature gauge to make up for those shortcomings.
Thanks for your video on the new KLR. I bought the gen 2 in Sept '07 and traded it in on a used BMW F800GSA. 4000 rpm in 5th on the KLR was 100 kph. 4000 rpm in 6th on my GSA was also 100 or maybe 105 kph. A lower first gear would be welcome. I liked the tall seat since I am really tall. I had to spend another $600 Cdn to get the GSA seat up higher. I would buy the new KLR.
Nice to mention the KTM 390 Adventure. The thing is the Adventure 490 will be released soon after the KLR with the same weight as the Adventure 390. So the competition is becoming even better.
Weight of the KLR is its biggest enemy. Adding even more weight to the new model in my opinion is a critical mistake as many that will consider this bike and be happy with its lower than the competition power levels will be older riders that have passed the point in their life where speed or rapid acceleration is at the top of the priority list. I sold my last KLR a couple of years ago because as an aging senior rider a slight spill on an easy trail or logging road when riding alone was a real struggle to get the bike back up off the ground. Laugh if you want but when you get older father time changes what a person is physically capable of as compared to your younger years. Basically I loved the low rpm tractor like torque characteristics of the motor and this was the bikes most attractive feature to me anyway. Was nice to be riding a mountain road and rarely having to shift gears because of all the bottom end torque of the KLR powerplant. Yes a wider ratio 5 spd gearbox with first a little lower and 5th a little higher would have worked well with the motors power output. Really no need to add in a 6th gear just adjust the ratio's a bit. A bike of this performance level I have never really seen the need for ABS brakes but again I have been riding for over 55 years.
Keep your videos coming! I really enjoy your style. I currently own many the bikes you have or had where I've had in the past. I also owner of 150. I also on a camper. All the stuff you do I really enjoy. Thanks so much for all your input and the videos and the time you spend to do them.
Just picked up a 22 yesterday drove 150 miles home I felt comfortable crusing around 60-65mph I was surprised by how nible it was but also handled the dirt road at around 40mph very nicely
@@Andriig75 this is true I think the same. The problem is all the new age Tec yuppies think you need electric fuel injection. Millennials will rule the Earth
my klr is perfect for what I use it for I have every option available to make it a capable adv bike it's also the most comfortable bike I've owned I have 2 Yamaha's although they are reliable there about as comfortable as as sitting on a picket fence also the Yamis hate the cold my KLR starts and runs well weather it's -20 or 100+ deg f I do ride 12 months a year enjoy the channel thanks
Just dropped my KLR 650 twice , once on each side. No crash bars and no damage to the bike . Road was soft clay. Unfortunately, rack of my knees are injured. Medial ligaments were torn because my leg was trapped under the 500 pound motorcycle. If I had sliders or if the foot pegs did not fold, injury may have been avoided. Fortunately, I got help lifting my bike. Not something I could do with injured knees.
Great video. I have a 2021 Himalayan. It’s mostly set up for touring and BDRs. Crash bars, soft and hard panniers depending on types of roads I’m tackling. You can count on a 200 mile range safely. The low end torque along with adequate tires gives it the ability to go just about anywhere remote that I desire. The KKR is a very tempting alternative IF I wasn’t so satisfied with my Himalayan. The top-heaviness along with seat height of the KLR compared to the low center of gravity and comparable ground clearance on the RE is probably one of the biggest turnoffs for me considering the KLR. The Himalayan has a better rake as well. And I don’t like the idea of no tach. Even though it’s less power and torque, I actually think I’d be stepping down trading a Himalayan for a KLR unless you did a lot of mods to it. Plus, I just love the character of my RE.
I would not be bothered by any/all of these issues. The thing that keeps sending me back to the CB500X as an upgrade for my 300 Rally’s passenger accommodations: better than 50% more miles per gallon from either of the Hondas. Guess they should have invested in that 6-speed R&D. It may have been just enough improvement at 70-80 mph and as you mentioned, an improvement for first gear. I LOVE the transmission in my 300 Rally.
One thing you missed when comparing KLR to KTM is KLR's rock solid reliability. KTM is great if you want to break down 100 miles deep in the wilderness.
With the stock brake youre not gonna be able to lock the front up regardless. The 5 speed is a bummer but u can easily change your front sprocket for the gearing you want. It can be done in 10 minutes on a stock kick stand. I will buy the the 2024 model once the growing pains are all worked out.
Not so fast on the sprocket change! It will throw a check engine light and code. The new FI has maps for each gear. The ECU overlays speed and rpm data and when it sees an error from changing gearing it will code! The code won’t be immediate but it will show up. Home engineering is fast becoming a thing of the past. This is even true for the KLX 230!!!! I’m not a you tube engineer or technician I actually fix what those people do to their bikes.
Good unbiased review of the new KLR’s shortcomings. As you point out, the ADV market is full of competition that didn’t used to be there - I think this will limit KLR sales. In the $5k-$8k market, I’d look at the VStrom. In real life, I’m currently trying to decide between a used (2010-2013) R1200GS or an Africa Twin (2016-2018), both around $10k.
I agree totally. But he says the Vstroms don't handle well off road, but outside of the West I think it handles great off road: dirt roads, gravel--where canyon trails don't exist and where rural highways predominate. I mean no tachometer? That's just goofy, especially on a limited motor. PS I like the AT for maintenance and cost and ease of ownership over BMW.
@@boodog4023 I’ll likely go for the AT for the reasons you mention. I have a VStrom and a KLR and the KLR has about an inch more ground clearance and a little more than an inch of suspension travel than the V. Other than that the two are very similar. I have taken my V to 95% of the places I’ve taken my KLR off-road. I’ve not had any problems with the V off-road as long as long as I take it slow.
@@BigRockMoto Both bikes I listed are currently going for around $10,500, which is my budget for new (to me) motorcycle. My only concern is cost of ownership/maintenance/parts.
I think for sure after owning one for a couple seasons of use, I have to agree, it should be a must that Kawasaki put's in a 6th gear for the reasons you pointed out. It's honestly the one thing I find myself not to forgive using it the past year. I really hope they do a refresh... it would be nice to have a little more power/torque, would be nice to use the dash they put in the new 2023 Versys, but if all that makes it too expensive... then at the very least 6 gears with the thoughts of a lower first and a over drive 6th should be a must more sooner than later.
I have a Gen 1 (2007). Did a round trip Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway CA 1 and U.S. 101 from Mexico to Canada (round trip). Took it through Mojave BDR. For me, the Gen 1 fits all my needs. I wouldn't want a Gen 2 or Gen 3. I like the old school look and Guages. 5 gears is plenty and I pick it up on my own if it goes down in dirt.
I think you nailed it. No mystery why Kawi dealers have tons of unsold KLR’s, and Honda dealers can’t even get cb500x’s. Having said that, I’m a former KLR owner and love these bikes. I’m currently in the market for a gen 2 KLR.
For future videos maybe add 200 pounds for driver and gear for realistic comparison. Then differences may become less pronounced and it may be less of a deal breaker.
It's also unfail to compare the wet weight of the KLR 650 because it has twice the fuel capacity of other "adventure" bikes. An ADV bike should have a 5+ gallon fuel tank, so kudos to Kawasaki for that.
Kawasaki will never have a problem selling the KLR against the competition because it has it own niche in the market and always has. I bought my 2015 KLR because it wasn't fuel injected and didn't have all the electronic BS that can fail when your out miles from nowhere. The KLR is a tractor and remains so but now with some lipstick for the next generation, it's nice to see people excited about the KLR again.
When comparing bikes in the Power department, now I add my weight to the bikes, so thats what we really have available when ridind, the HP per unit weight while riding. It makes a big difference.
I sold my 2017 KLR in January in anticipation of the new KLR being kick-ass. I bought an Africa Twin instead after seeing the release. The "new" KLR is an embarrassment and it is what we should have gotten a decade ago. Instead, they want 2021 money for a bike that isn't really that much different from the bike they released in 1987. 5 Gears. 36hp. Heavier than the last gen. Not just no, but hell no. This is gen 2.5 at best. Kawasaki had the parts already in their bin to make more power (versys) and add the 6th gear. They could have competed with the T7 for less money, but instead? Gen 2.5 that we should have gotten a decade ago.
@Curt It starts at $6699 and goes up to $7999. It is 2021. There is no excuse for those numbers/stats. That thing is an embarrassment when you look at any competitor (650-700cc). And it got heavier. Those 36 horses are going to feel even weaker now. There is nothing to rip off to reduce weight. Go to all the KLR groups. It is already pretty bare bones. Taking off the fairings will save you a whole 5lbs. Then what? Cut the frame? There is nothing left to take off. Had Kaw made it a 700cc and added a 6th gear, I would be on a waiting list right now. This bike is still stuck in the 90s...and only the 90s because of the recent upgrades. Gen 2 was stuck in the late 80s with Gen 1. I am in at $5K. But not a cent more. Because that is all it is worth. If you ever owned one you would know exactly what I am saying is 100% accurate.
Great comments. All stuff I was aware of when I bought my 2022 KLR. This is my first adventure bike so for me it's a prefect price point for an "experiment" bike. It Hums along comfortably at 70mph just fine with both of us (wife and I) on it. I've yet to take it on a dirt road but I don't plan to do anything gnarly with it. I did not get the ABS, and after your comments am glad about that! We're planning to trailer down to Moab then up to Island Park/Yellowstone soon. If we really start enjoying this activity maybe I'll (eventually) upgrade to the Yamaha, Honda or KTM.
I like your reviews, I own a 2018 KLR . It's a good basic bike and fun as hell . Love the tank capacity. Just bought a Husky FE 350s for trail riding but not selling my KLR since it's so versatile.
Every Motorcycle is a compromise. While all your points are valid, They mean a lot to some and nothing to others. The KLR is an ok street bike and a so-so dirt bike. I ride my KLR mostly in an urban area with occasional jaunts to the mountains for camping and forest trail exploring. I don’t ride 75 MPH on the expressways and I don’t attempt technical dirt trails on a 460# bike. For my purposes it is the perfect motorcycle. If you look at the ‘22 it is even less dirt bike than before. Besides the weight, The steering rake has increased 2 degrees to 30 degrees and the wheel base has gone up from 59.5 to about 60.6 inches. It’s gone more towards being a street bike than the first 2 generations. The only item that would make me pause to buy the ‘22 is not having an ABS switch. But since none has yet to throw a leg over the new KLR we will have to wait to see what we get You mentioned the Yamaha T-7, One of my frequent riding buddies has one. When we are on the highway I am wishing I was riding his T-7. When the going gets sloppy he is wishing he was on my KLR.
It’s really the same old conversation all the things the klr isn’t. It’s still a klr and it will live on doing what it has always done. The klr is a big heavy pig that gets the job done!
Both the KTM and the cb500x spank the KLR for features top end speed 6th gear and Hp and weight in general !! So that's a BIG NOPE from me !! It doesn't even come close to the 74ish HP of the T7 So chalk and cheese no comparison to be made really !!
Follow the money and it will always show you the light. Kawasaki knows what they are doing and are providing a product to fill a particular gap in the market and I think they achieved their goal and they will sell a lot of 2022 KLRs. Right now I own a Suzuki Gladious SVF650, perfect little bike for around town, I commute to work everyday on it, but now that day light is short, I sure need extra fog lighting, so I am looking to upgrade and taking a hard look at the KLR. The Suzuki has a Tach, looks cool, but not necessary, it is always covered up by my phone/GPS. The Gladius has a banana seat that is fairly comfortable and I have managed to put long miles on that bike, but here are my issues with the Gladius. My biggest gripe, it only has a 100 miles fuel range, no much I can do to upgrade that, no wind protection, no luggage or any place to put anything, little aftermarket options to upgrade anything these post covid times, tiny bike so I feel cramped after a while. Any where else I look, I would have to spend over $10K on a new bike to improve all of that. Right now the 2022 KLR is the only bike, that for $7699 would give me a 6 gallon tank, wind protection, better lighting, bigger dash area to install my phone and GPS, power ports, luggage, rear rack included, possibly better seat, more room, more comfort, I have never gone off road and I have never own a bike with ABS, my intended use of the bike would be to commute during the week, and to travel as far as I can on my 4 day weekends, so for my intended purpose, there is no other bike that would offer me what I want at that price point, so the KLR checks all the boxes for most people in my situation. The fuel injection for winter riding the hills of North Carolina is awesome. The soft suspension means more comfort. The only gripe I have with the KLR, it is a bit too tall for my 5'8 31 inch inseam height. Is there any way to lower it at least an inch ? So if you are avid adventure rider that will be hitting the Jeep trails and would need more clearance, better suspension and all that, then yes the KLR might not be the bike for you, but for the rest of us, who are just looking for a new reliable transportation, good amenities included, and affordable price point, the KLR is looking really attractive right now.
Kind of a KTM390 advertisement, but being only 2000 (mostly dirt) miles into my 23 KLR Adventure, I have to agree on all the points you make, but I think I’ll keep (and ride the heck out of) mine. I could have bought any bike, but chose the KLR. Second place was (and still is) a KLX 300.
Big Rock Moto: Thank you very much for this great review! I watched it a year ago and again just now, and your comments were prescient. KLRs seemed to languished unloved on showroom floors for weeks and weeks this past buying season; whereas, the 390 Adventures sold before they were even assembled. I was the first one on the '22 KLR at my dealership, and it seemed like a behemoth to me! I was quite surprised at the fit and finish and sex appeal of the new 390: beautiful looking bike. The KLR has lost that curb appeal in this latest iteration. It no longer calls my name whereas the older models always looked great to me right up until it was discontinued. I don't even like the new stenciled graphics. If I needed a simple, dependable, donkey-like bike to get me around a rural mail delivery route: KLR. If I wanted something beautiful, light, quick, good on and off road with interesting and fun features: KTM 390. Thanks again for the review! Really hope Kawasaki listens, but it looks like they missed the mark again with their '23 models. Good donkey!
The best thing about the KLR is it is the same bike for 35 years! That is a plus, not a minus! Screw ABS - wouldn’t have it. Even if I would ever buy another KLR, I’d scrap that funky new dashboard - stick with the old fashioned. Now, a lower first gear - and taller 5th - now that is something I could get behind. 1st is entirely too tall! Now. I know I could change sprockets, but then 5th isn’t tall enough. A wider range tranny is the answer - if you can’t put in a 6th gear - give it more range. Be nice if the bike wasn’t so damned tall. I’m 5’9, 145 lbs, 69 years old. Wish it would sit a little lower. But I do love my KLR : )
This is the most confusion class of bikes I know of . This class is about torque but yet if road bound you need horsepower as well . But yet they are expensive even when you they are not . They are usually under suspension old technology even if they have fuel injection. And they seem all of these bikes are bulletproof but one thing has to be addressed avoiding catastrophic engine damage like the DR for example.
Bought my 2014 new, done many modifications. Love my KLR! Have owned 6 other on/off road bikes. I am 64 and don’t care about shredding dirt like the past, but will always chase the dirt. ABS, not a problem for a 14. Tach. Who cares. Keeping mine!!
I would not get a KLR. I’m waiting for a modern version of a bike between an ADV and dual sport. I may never get it. A DR650 with FI, fixed suspension, 6 speed, and a little wind protection would be great. I like the KTM 690 but just have trouble spending that much money on a bike that seems to have things that need to sorted after the purchase. I basically want a dual sport like your KTM 500 but I don’t need all that performance. Good soft suspension with American highway power and a little wind protection at around 345lbs. I will probably have to build the bike. I’m ok with that I just wish I had a more modern platform to start with. I’ve ridden KLRs and it is not the base I want. I enjoy you sharing your experience with all the different bikes.
Larry, we are looking for the same (elusive) bike; a detuned, more reliable KTM690 with decent wind-management. I demo-d a 2020 model but it was too tall and too race-snappy. Both could be "fixed" I suppose. My KLR is lovable, but as I age, it's getting too heavy to pick up out of a mudhole. A "modern" DR650 might also be a good starting place. SWM600 maybe but they have a weak dealer network. Choices, choices; a first-world problem.... we shouldn't bitch.
I sold my 2015 KLR and happy to be done with it. Frame made out of cheese. Brakes that couldn’t stop without a prayer. A gear ratio that belongs in a lawnmower. Plastics that vibrate themselves to pieces. 38 HP of pure rear wheel power!! A radiator made from recycled tin cans. And that amazing completely unadjustable suspension from the dark ages! They shoulda kept it in its coffin.
@@BigRockMoto I jumped over a speed bump one time and the frame broke in 6 places. I’m a normal sized 90kg guy riding without any bags. Unbelievable for a bike designed to conquer trails!
@David Squibular Yup, had a DR 650 cross the road in front of me going to fast in the mountains behind Santa Barbara, CA. He drove it right into a 3' ditch, pushed it out, got on it and rode away. I was on a KLR and knew I would have a dead bike if I'd done that.
I just bought a 2022 KLR 650 not the ABS one just the basic one and I am a new rider technically, haven’t ridden in like 15 years. But I like it so far it is fun and I am looking forward to lots of cool rides in the woods where I live
It will sell because the bike hasn't had so many updates. It's why I would buy one. 1 & 2 & 4: very good points, though. Torque matters more than bhp on this bike. I don't think KLR buyers will worry about the opposition. The legend is back! Edit: Why would anyone buy an RE over this beauty?
Fuel injection adds adds weight and potentially more things to go wrong out in the trail. Yes, starts will be a little easier and will it will compensate a little better for altitude. On the flip side, KLR carbs parts are everywhere ...especially if you take a trek into South America.
@@cliftondugan5295 450 is nice but still but still on pavement on high speed us, tremble and very affected to wind… on long traval you will quickly tired… I drive Atwin 1000 very ok for me… I prefer not less then 700cc for good performance. Is not pure enduro but I like handle many different situation in my rides…. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-f-znPPuOTlw.html
If you're on a budget and want a true do it all machine the DR650 is the clear choice. It's lighter, cheaper, more powerful, and more capable off-road. And you can make it just as comfy on road with a few aftermarket parts and still end up cheaper than a new KLR. Yes it is OLD and you have no technology on the thing, but the KLR doesn't offer much more. If you have the money or want more features go for a T7 or if you don't plan on going off road much the CB500x or Versys or many others.
I just watched a post on RU-vid where a guy (mechanic) that has been working on kLR's for years said the older models needed some kind of doohickey to counterbalance the vibrations in the motor and it was a problem. The thing was KLR is still not fixing the issue in the 2022 models so that killed my interest in the KLR. Why wasn't this listed in your top issues with the redesigned KLR's?
I see your views on this and respect it. I got a new KLR and for the price paid, I think it is a great bike. I have not taken it on a dirt road yet and will get Kawasaki to fit a switch as you suggest (thanks for the advice). Me and my wife jumped on in it a couple of weeks ago and did a rum up the range out the back of where we live and I think the bike didn’t do to sadly. I’m not saying it was fast but it did the climb quicker than I thought. Between the two of us we put around 210 kilograms on the poor bike, but we enjoyed the ride.
what's most detrimental part is, in the US, many dealers will only start taking orders in June, and delivery time is totally up in the air. Assuming 2 months due to the covid impact on logistics. Many people may get their hands on them around the August to September range. At that time, hello winter in many places within a month...
Everyone has opinions. Take them all with a grain of salt and get what suits your individual needs for the way you ride. There is a shoe for every foot but just because we have the same size foot doesn’t mean the same shoe will be equally as comfortable for each of us.
I had a deposit on a tenere 700 that never showed up😕. I bought a 2017 Africa twin with 1500 miles on it and I'm very pleased. I'm a previous klr owner btw. I still think they will sell great. I know a Kawasaki dealer that has 22 of them on pre order. Thanks for the video.
I've called my Kawasaki dealer today and he told me that he tried to get 12 but could order 4 only. 3 of the 4 are already sold. So what will the volume be of new KLRs in 2021 ? I'm thinking to get a second bike alongside my street bike. I'm open minded but 6'6 tall. So far I hopped on a Ténéré 700. But same game, the Yamaha dealer ordered 4 and all were sold. Stupid pandemic times. My concern is comfort rather than speed. Speed limit is 80 km/h on most of the roads, so what the heck.
500 Honda makes alot more sense, the lack of sixth gear is a deal breaker for me even as a 20-year KLR owner. 50 pounds to heavy and it needed fully adjustable upside down forks Plus remote reload adjustment on the rear
Just don't even bother with a KLR, or any of its details. Order a T7 and wait for it to come in. It's worth the extra money. How do I know this? I own one. The only thing I like about the KLR is the fuel capacity - that's it.
I'm getting old now weight is a issue my 06 klr650 been great to me just the 435lbs I believe number is getting harder to handle I've just picked up 14 DR650 366lbs and you can really feel it have a few things to do getting it ready this will be my dual sport for now.
I was going to mention the Himalayan, I would be REALLY interested to see if the rumors about a Himalayan 650 come true- if if they do, how it will compare power/ cost wise.
I think a lot of people will cross shop this with the Honda CFR300L Rally. It has more horsepower and a bigger tank than the 250, which gives it similar power/weight as the KLR650, but at a significantly lower weight in absolute terms which helps it a lot off pavement. It also checks the boxes on a lot of the things the KLR650 is sorely missing, like having a 6 speed transmission.
@wirsindheldenowns If you are looking for the more adventure-focused dual sport, the CRF300L Rally makes a compelling case over the KLR650 at the same price. Way better on dirt and probably better on road in some respects.
