The new 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 is the best KLR ever. Here's why. (detailed changes) 

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I was a Kawasaki dealer for about 40 years. The problems he was listing at the end ( balancer chain tension, piston design...) were never an issue for my shop. When we sold a KLR we rarely saw it back for anything more than tires, oil changes and state inspections. They are one of the most bullet proof bikes we ever sold.

The biggest thing about the KLR not being mentioned here, is that you can buy TWO of these for the price of one of those "big boys". That means you AND your partner can both enjoy adventuring instead of you going it alone. That to me is the best part.

KLR is what small pickups used to be. Not fancy, but infinitely useful and reliable.

Yeah, Kawasaki did the right thing by evolving the KLR instead of revolutionizing it. They have a great little niche with this bike. It's affordable, reliable and tough as an anvil. It suits the needs of so many people all over the world. It's extremely adaptable. If I was to do a round the world trip, this would be my choice too.

Well.. it's better to have a KLR and go looking around on some dirty routes then to have a fancy BMW or Africa Twin or T7 only to go at the grocery or a t the Bar or Pub!! My two cents from Italy .. Well done Sir

> add twin cylinder, add more electronics Ahhhhahah, no, thanks. Big single cylinder with minimum electronics is what makes KLR a unique offer in the today's market. It is very good as it is. Simple and capable! By the reviews, at least: I did not have a chance to try KLR yet, and I think I won't have one for some time, because Kawasaki does not want to sell KLR in out parts. But KLR definitely seems to be on the top of my list to replace my TW200.

Its not an adventure ride without a KLR coming along, just like a KTM always needs a tow.

There's a saying or there's not but in today's modern technologies, manufacturing a motorbike should be cheaper than before. Companies should follow the same rule like kawasaki did with this new KLR, sell us the older generation motorbikes with modern techs but with the same price or lower. Because what we need a reliable machine than a beast on two wheels. ABS, Fuel Injectors, better quality electronics, better quality brakes and better quality engine with the same price or lower is a great achievement. We need a realistic and reliable machine. That's all we need. KLR is just like that.

I'm a KLR fan that does the hard stuff, but also loves the time it takes to get there, without loading it onto another vehicle. Couldn't give two shits about hp, 6th gear or the fancy pants electronics.

I think this is a more even handed review of the KLR that evaluates it for it's intended purposes rather than comparing it to much more expensive machines.

I was one of the people very disappointed when Kawasaki released the 2022 KLR650. I now have one in the garage. I only have 500 miles on it but am enjoying it so far. Great review!

I like your review! it is honest and to the point. I been reading the comments and I kind of laugh at the people who put these bikes down because there not comfortable or fast enough. I have put many miles on a 175 and 230 and yes you butt will hurt a bit and you will not be able to keep up on the free way. But what's the rush? Take a brake and smell the flowers on a back road with little traffic. Don't get sucked into consumerism ride what you can afford and enjoy what you have.

I had a gen 2 KLR for 3 years, traded it for a big cruiser because my wife wanted to ride like her sister and her Harley riding husband. Now she has the ‘it’s not safe’ thing in her head because she’s heard of others having accidents not thinking that I have 40 plus years of experience. I waited months just to see the new gen 3 KLR. Kawi made no mistake with the redo, I think every change was well though out and done for the right reasons also kudos for bringing the seat height down an inch. I sold the big cruiser, stashing my hidden Pennie’s for a down payment on a gen 3 adventure model with ABS

Es una moto sencilla, pero dura como una roca, con la que le das la vuelta al mundo y regresas SIN PROBLEMAS NI DOLORES DE CABEZA....!!! Una GRAN moto.

My first motorcycle was a 2nd gen KLR. They are one of the best 3rd world adv touring bikes. It has well known flaws, which are easily fixable. It comes with the large tank and range needed for Mexico and further south of the border. It's affordable. And it was simple enough that any tractor mechanic could fix it The addition of FI adds complexity, but it still is a great bike for 3rd world touring. It's more than fast enough for the gravel roads and pavement found in those areas. BTW, the fact that it burns oil and vibrates parts off are FEATURES. That is the automatic oil change system and the automatic weight reduction system of the bike. These are features found on few bikes costing thousands more...

I always laugh when someone wants a given bike to be “just like brand X’s model Y.” Why do we need two identical bikes from two different manufacturers? That makes no sense. If you want a KTM, buy one. If your want a Yamaha Tenere, buy one. If you want a KLR, buy one. Don’t complain that the KLR is not a T700, just buy the T700 if that is what you want and stop whining.

Kudos to Kawasaki for the 6 gallon tank (all ADV bike manufacturers take note) and for keeping the price low. The fuel injection was long overdue and they finally delivered. The Doohickey issue is a little better but they should have finally fixed it for good. Lots of little improvements like the comfy seat, stronger frame and LED lighting are great. The 5 speed transmission isn't a problem if the gear range is wide enough for a low rock crawling first and a long legged highway cruising fifth gear. I wish the ADV version was $200 more and had heated grips and a heated seat. If they truly made the bike for the way KLR owners use their bikes, they should have included a Kawasaki branded milk crate.

There is no way a fuel injection system somehow increases reliability, not a chance. Injectors and pumps are FAR less reliable and harder to fix than a bad o ring or bellows in a carb. Now if you let you bike sit for months on end with fuel in the carburetor, yeah it'll give you trouble, but that is not a reliability issue, that is OWNER ERROR. As for altitude the correction, IF and thats a big if the KLR fuel injection does actually correct the fuel map for altitude, sure it will be a TINY bit better than a properly tuned carb, but honestly 99% of riders wouldn't even be able to tell. (Note: a properly tuned carb is NOT a universal jet kit, its real tuning.) My DR650 is carbed and its jetted to be a bit lean at my base camp which is actually 300ish feet BELOW sea level and I've been up near 7000 feet with literally NO change in performance. NONE. Sorry to be irritated by the carb vs injection thing, its NO advantage in power or rideability when the carb is setup right, injection is nothing more than a way to let the government control our vehicles more and more. I do actually like the new KLR, its a good looking bike!

I'm a lil late to this party but it sure seems like nearly every single gripe of the Gen1 bikes has been addressed and significantly improved without changing the iconic shape or general feel of the bike. It seems like a grand slam for this market sector as well. So, it handles better, is less vibey, had better wind protection and is FI? It's nearing KLR perfection. Kawasaki had and will remain the king of the Japanese single sales. Also, this is a killer honest review of this hotly anticipated bike!!

FI does not increase reliability. I would love to see you fix a broken fuel pump out on the trail.

I always wanted a KLR. I bought a 2022 KLR. I really like the bike. I could have bought another bike if that was what I wanted. I wanted a single cylinder KLR. That is what I bought.

Wow, your reviews are SO thorough and informative! Thank you! I bought my ‘06 KLR in 2007, and have been happily riding it as a commuter and occasional adventure bike lo these fourteen years. I LOVE riding my old KLR. It still runs and handles as well as the day I bought it. It has 69,801 miles on it today. I am looking to buy new plastic body panels and continue riding it. With that said, after viewing your excellent review of the Yamaha T7, I REALLY want one of those. This review of the generation three KLR has ALMOST got me convinced to save some money and buy one. Happy Trails

coming from a gen 2 owner, if your on a budget it is a bike that gets you by. the overall quality is still that of a 7000 dollar bike. if you live on the east coast where you have to ride long distance on the road to get to any dirt roads, its not a good bike. it does not have the power that a good adventure bike needs to get on the highways. so if your thinking a 2000 mile trip, like any good adventure bike should be able to take you with comfort, this is not it. so to call it a true adventure bike, it is a stretch. it is more comparable to the t 700 or the smaller ktms. if thats the class your looking for, then the KLR650 might work for you. honestly, if you have 7000 to spend, I would rather buy a used BMW or Africa twin and call it a day. good video as always, but its a bike that I had, and have no desire to buy again just because of fuel injection, its basically the same bike no matter how you try to twist and turn it.

The criticisms - 1 - "Lowering the weight" - Well... NOT MUCH can be done with that whilst keeping it a KLR. 2 - "Giving it better suspension" - Yeah, even a change allowing more adjustability COULD help. 3 - "Adding a Twin Cylinder" - NO.. It WOULDN'T BE a KLR if it wasn't a THUMPER, PLUS, They've done that with the KLE and Versys. 4 - "Adding a 6th gear" - Yeah, Kawasaki COULD HAVE, but, upping the front sprocket by 1 tooth and dropping the rear sprocket by 2 teeth DOES HELP! 5 - "More electronics" - OK, fair point, Kawasaki COULD HAVE uprated the alternator, added a couple of power points (a combo Car 12v/cigarette socket and USB or 2 USB sockets, and mounted a rail for phones/satnavs, and maybe one or two 'Rider aids'... 😎🇬🇧

I think this bike is most likely more capable than 90% of those who complain about it. You have to be realistic about how you are going to ride the majority of the time, not how you IMAGINE yourself riding the majority of the time.

Another great video, as expected.👍 Fair and balanced review IMO. The new KLR is definitely an improvement over not making one and as you noted for their core customer it’s better. For me though it falls into a category between multiple icons…there are several (much) lighter dirt orientated bikes on one side and several more powerful options at the same weight on the other. Kawasaki’s ace in the whole; price, and arguably availability (I can buy a KLR off the floor today, anything else is a waiting game). Motorcycling in general should celebrate Kawasaki recognizing these core attributes. Riding a KLR beats dreaming about a (fill in the blank) bike when the family accountant (wife) says it isn’t in the budget. I’ll bet lots of people started out due to this, and motorcycling needs more people starting out so kudo’s to Kawi.

Glad to see the KLR getting some love. It's way better than gen 2. The more i ride mine the more i love it 👍

As an older rider (67) that has been considering a KLR 650 but hasn't ridden an adventure bike but just HD's you're helping convince me that a KLR 650 would be a good bike for an older rider who doesn't really want extreme riding but does like to long haul tour and sometimes get off on dirt and gravel and such.

I think they went the correct route with the new KLR. It had to be a fuel injected thumper with some other minor improvements at around the same price. Eagle Mike will be happy to correct a new generation of KLR. Kawasaki can make the Versys 650 into the T7 if they desire.

Do you agree or disagree the new KLR went in the right direction? Let's discuss below!

The new KLR650 looked good to start and even better with a more detailed review. It’s easy to only find faults with things. I like how you have emphasized the practical features/changes on the bike. In a future video you might consider covering the various models and if they are worth the extra cost. You already said the ABS model is worth the extra $300. How about the Traveler or Adventure models? As a viewer, I appreciate your credibility on your videos.

Love the video: bought a 2022 abs version. Great upgrade on the gen 2 I used to own. 66 years old … current stable HD ultra/ Mt10/ KLR. I’m finding for primarily exploring small roads in the area & occasionally doing longer day trips solo. The KLR is what I tend to ride 😊.

I would buy a 2022 KLR but I haven't worn out my 06 yet. 150K+++ Miles to date. After much tinkering and tweaking on mine {too long a list} It has been my go to bike because it has all the shortcomings addressed but the Fuel Injection and ABS. And yes I have others. Ducati, S10 Tenere, blah, blah blah! It's just the one I grab the keys to when I want to run into town (25 miles) for stuff. The only regret is that missing 6th gear. I've commutted on it since new 80 miles round trip. And even ridden across the USA 4 times. You name it, it has taken me there TAT, Continental Divide, Tail of the Dragon, From the Keys to Vancouver and on and on. I bored mine out to 685 and retroed it with a kick starter as a backup. I see the 22 has the same kickstarter boss in the side case, so wondering if I could put my extra KS set up in it when I eventually do upgrade? The major drawback to that mod, for those who don't know, is you have to go to less clucth discs to fit the starter gear behhind the clutch basket. So replacing the clutch every few years is a must. And with the 685's torque it's a given the clutch takes a beating. I've done so many Doo Hickey mods for my bikes and friends that I can now do one in 25 minutes.. Sure figured Kawasaki would have bought out Mike's Doo Hicky Manufacturing and eliminated that elefant in the room. Good Review. The KLR isn't a Best Bike for any one thing, but a good machine that can do it all. I've owned 5 over the years, just no 3rd gens.

I have and am still riding my 2008 KLR650 that I paid $4200 brand new for it. The one thing the older KLR's needed, Kawasaki did NOT do on the new KLR, that was to add a much needed 6th gear. WTF! Kawasaki, doing away with the tachometer on the new KLR? Really Dumb! My Carburated 2008 KLR gets about 50 MPG at 60 MPH. I did the .22 cent mod (rejetted and shimmed the needle etc.) back in 08 and have never touched the carb since. The real, and only reason why Kawasaki redid the KLR was to meet the new Euro 5 Air Pollution standards. If you are thinking of buying a new KL, don't. There are a lot of good used ones for sale for around $3k

I just bought a 24 , 650s . For all the reasons mentioned its my buck and will spend it as i like. I could care less what anyone thinks. As of now iam extremely happy.

KLR is 210kg but the tenere 700 is 205kg with better power. But the price difference is $15,500 vs $10,500 🤔 so you pay 5k more for the lighter more powerful twin cylinder engine

I initially was repulsed by the fact that Kawi brought the green pig back from the dead. Im a Previous Gen 2 owner. I really don't know what to think. F. I., that's nice. Better brakes, 👍yea! 6+ gal tank, 👍. And all those little upgrades. Great. But it's still a slug w/a 5speed and faulty dohicky adjuster 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️. Only real appeal is the great price. Imho. Glad others are happy,, but I just can't get with it. A 21"/18" combo on a Versus 650 might be intriguing🤔.

Great Info! - I just bought a home in a rural city where I can see the Pony Express from my backyard. Coming from a sport bike and mostly club racing, the KLR looks like the perfect bike to get me into the dirt and see new things. In my opinion the best bike is the one that makes it easier for you to throw a leg over rather than reaching for the car keys. And in my case (very little off road experience) the affordability/simplicity, touring capabilities makes this a no brainer. Now just to convince the lady to let me furnish the garage before the living room...

Like you I have owned several more than one of each generation … including building and owning a fully modified Gen2 685, and I am a big fan. There is no justifiable reason for Kawasaki to have not put the ninja/versys engine in the bike and kept the value price. 55-60 HP is where that bike needs to be. The engineering and EPA/ EFI certifications and tuning have long been done on that engine and Kawasaki could’ve spent their engineering time on getting that motor put in it instead of spending all the development time on retooling and developing EFI for the old thumper.

I've been motorcycling for a long time, started in the late 70's, mix of 80 +125cc dirt bikes (raced for a few years too), an old 72' Honda CB175, 81' Suzuki GS550e, and a 1983 Kawasaki GPz 750 (rode that from 1987 to 2009 exclusively), until I bought a gently used 2006 Vstrom 650. The fuel-injection is a game changer - and I'll never ride a bike without it. That Kawasaki plopped fuel injection on this bike without raising the price is a small miracle for that model and it's really the only reason anyone would need to either upgrade, or try one out first time. Not sure what bike I'll be on next, but I admire what Kawasaki did for this particular model.

I've had a 99 , 2000, 2017. And put a lot of miles on them. And would still be riding KLRs But not enough room for the wife. Went to a 18 1000XT vstrom. Now a 19 Goldwing for her. Traded the Vstrom for a 2021 AT DCT. It feels more like a 100 HP KLR. But good job Kawasaki for keeping the KLR alive.

I love dual sports. I have always wanted a big bore and this bike looks like it checks all the marks. I have dreamed of the XR650L for years, but I don't think I'll ever be able to afford one. The KLR looks like it checks all the boxes for a touring bike, but again I'll never afford one. The XR is a road worthy dirt bike where the KLR is a dirt worthy road bike. I don't think the XR frame would ever hold up with all the weight added to it for touring. Great video review! It allows me to keep on dreaming.

Well done sir. I just bought the "Killer650" as my first Adventure bike. I love this machine! Thanks for the heads-up on some of the longevity issues and technical stuff too.

Great video - thank you! My little add: Those folks looking for a 'value' simple bike for long adventure trips will notice that the bike is BIG! I traded my CB500x for a Gen2KLR specifically because the Honda was so small! I needed to hang a load of kit from the bike and CB500x looked as though it was built 2/3rds scale. I'm 6'3" 230lbs and my $3,300 used KLR was the perfect bike for the TAT.

Ian, it’s taken me a little while to adjust to your presentation style vs other channels but I can say that I truly appreciate your channel and your presentation style. Thank you for the content you provide!

We ARE talking about ONLY 51 lbs after all. I just wonder if it’s big “enough” for when ‘2 people’ are riding..touring, say my wife and I AND obviously it’d be fine for ‘light’ off-road. I’m thinking (STILL struggling nailing it down) I’m after spending more and going with a BIGGER bike altogether..and one that’s more serious in the Sport/Touring area like the Ducati Multistrada..love THAT bike. Yeah, totally different sure. But also that Tenerife 700 is screaming at me! 2 diff classes I know..great vid Ian.

I know this is a year old . Saying that ... Nope I still have my 09 and I love the old girl for what it is . I have upgraded most of its weaknesses and it is doing this old man OK .

Had a Gen 1 and now have a Gen 2. Sat on a Gen 3 last weekend. 50/50 on getting a Gen 3 mainly because my Gen 2 has all the farkles and classic KLR upgrades. The ABS and EFI is attractive as is the LED headlight. If the Gen 3 had tubeless tires, I’d be there in a heartbeat.

It's a real mystery why kawasaki didn't bring the KLR family to Brazil. I hope it corrects this error in Gen 3. The KLR seems to be the ideal option for those who like to enjoy the wind without worrying about status or super power.

What did you think of the rock guard/skid plate? Was it junk or useful?

recently sold my 2018 KLR and got a 22 KLX. The problem with the KLR is it tries to do everything well and it becomes too compromised in the process and winds up doing everything just mediocre. Power wise the KLX is on par with the KLR even though it gives up 350cc!!! its night and day off road and on road its about the same. the ONLY thing I miss about the KLR is its HUGE gas tank..lol As a comparison I also had a 94 Xr650L that eventually just got to worn out to economically fix. The XR actually did EVERYTHING better then the KLR. The only thing I did to my XR was put a bigger tank on it and a rear chainsaw rack for remote trail maintenance. Oh and changed the front sprocket one tooth down. The suspension is what really kills the KLR its just waaaaaay to soft. and as a bigger rider that just compounded the problem. The KLR does have Killer looks its just that's all its got. its still a bloated beast off road and merely adequate on road...Oh and they STILL haven't fixed the chain counterbalance issue?? shame shame shame..Seriously go ride a KLR and KLX back to back ON ROAD... Off road would be way to unfair to the KLR. oh and the lowest price KLR is around 7G now. Not nearly the bargain it used to be..

I got this bike as a commuter bike. I've also got a rough gravel road and steep driveway to climb, and this bike handles both easily. I think it has plenty of power, storage space, and I don't see any weight issues. I love the fuel injection. This bike does exactly what I need it to do. And the price was where I needed it to be.

Let's be honest, klr owner buys it because of its durability and reliability, Be honest, who really cares about bells and whistles, creature comfort, and psshhh off-road capability 😏. Any KLR rider will know it will bottom out in speed bumps 🤭. KLR owner are Cheapskate, and chepaskates would actually would choose no complicated electronic at all don't they? So it will lower owning cost and peace of mind when you throw it around and drop this beast. Abs? How fast would KLR actually go? It's better to not have it when off-roading anyway eh? What actually will sell is change its rims to stainless steel, remove all this gargantuan bodywork, and put on simpler ones, put foldable mirror as standard. But fuel injection and that lights is neat though. IMO, the KLR could monopoly this market if they stick to KLR philosophy, where you could deliver same durable, simple, reliable as it used to be but for less cost, now that's a recipe. Other than that, I will choose tenere any day of the week.

This is an excellent review that makes a lot of good points. The KLR is a classic that meets the needs of many riders and gets the job done at a reasonable price point with bullet proof reliability. Only trouble is, now I want one...

Thank you, this is a terrific video. Actually, useful, informative and detailed. You saved me a bunch of money! Ride safe !

Lol - banjo opening? Awesome if there’s an instrument that the KLR650 should be compared to it’s the banjo. No one publicly admits to liking the banjo sound, it’s utilitarian, it’s the backwoods guys instrument. But that’s exactly what the KLR is to me. I now have several bikes- one that is all comfort(Goldwing), one that is too much power(Vmax), one that’s all dirt(XR), and I shouldn’t admit it at my age but I have a crotch rocket(GSXR), still looking for a cruiser. But unless it’s across the island I live on, deep in a sand pit, or ripping around town. I ride my 2014.5 KLR650. It accounts for 70% or more of the miles I put on my bike this year. (Not counting one very long interprovincial trip on the Gold-wing) it’s my quick jump on and go- I never worry if it’s got gas- it’s always got gas. Not worried I won’t get where I’m going. Not worried if I decide to pull off road to a friends cabin or a quick run to a favourite fishing hole. I live in a area once considered the forestry capital of Canada. We have thousands of miles of woods roads and beyond that we have no trains - just a well maintained railway bed that a part of a national trail system. Yes I do like to take my XR and remember that some bikes have a power band that makes you grind your teeth holding on. Yes, I like having to be careful when I drop the clutch so I don’t burn off the tire on my Vmax in first five gears. Yes, I like having all the comforts and reliability on the highway my Goldwing has. But if I had to have one bike it’s the Kawasaki KLR650 it’s none of these bikes but it satisfies everything those other bikes can do- get me from here to there with a smile on my face. Your honest reviews of the Third Generation KLR650 is as usual refreshing. I have my KLR modded, what do I have? Saddle bags(600$hard or150$ soft) extra front lighting (200$) crash bars(300$) windshield/upper dash upgrade(300$) upgraded back plate(250$) added lower dash space(200$) upgraded battery(250$) USB port(100$) if anyone can see the pattern if you buy the 2021 KLR650 you get most of these upgrades upon purchase plus the greatest upgrade of all the fuel injection. The thing has to get heavier as you add systems like bigger rotors, bigger callipers, longer swing arms , more rake and of course a fuel pump and bigger stator. But you are getting something for the weight it’s not weight for weights sake, there’s a reason for it. The truth is if I didn’t have my bike exactly where I have it customized. I’d jump at a new KLR650 adventure - add the price and then just the upgrades I mentioned- or add them to a more expensive bike like the T700 and you’ll see what a bargain the new KLR is. Keep up the great work. Banjo music? That kills me- but such a perfect choice!!!!

This is another highly informative video! Your videos are excellent: well researched; detailed; relevant; and have great graphics. Thank you for your exceptional work.

Nice 🤲...any thoughts on the new KLR vs the updated 2022 Honda CB 500X? Thanks for the quality content - your reviews are among the best on YT, imo. ✌️

I love my gen 2. My biggest gripe is the bikes overwhelming desire to wash out and eat gravel on loose marble gravel. I'd consider upgrading to a Gen 3 but mine has far far too much done to it. 685, suspension, seat, boxes, crash guards, fork brace, exhaust etc. And lots of stories and memories.

Fuel injection adds $1,500 to the purchase price regardless of the engine displacement you have to burn a lot of gas at to save to recoup that $1,500.

What makes you think an injector doesn't clog up? 😆 my friend's GSX-R had to go 3 times to the workshop in the span of 1 month exactly for that reason. In fact, injectors are even more problematic than carburettors when using low quality fuel. (Notice I write "using", now ditching the bike in your garage for a year is an entirely different story) If you trully plan on making an adventure ride trough a 3rd world country with questionable fuel quality carburettor is the way to go. (Not to mention if sh*t happens you can disassemble and clean a carb by the side of the road)

I really hope Kawisaki makes a Versys 650x to be a true budget competitor to the T7 I think Kawisaki went in the right direction with the new KLR except for the lack of a 6th gear and no doohicky revision. That's unexcusable.

Man, nice I got the new KLR base model sand color no abs, it weighs 456 lbs with six gallons of fuel, I bought it because it's still a big thumper, at $6.699 I love it, it's a hoot to ride !

Great Video Thanks Brother. Trying to get my first bike and your video helped.

You really have thoughtful, detailed reviews! Appreciate your efforts! I own a 2014.5, NewEdition Gen2 - bought it brand-new (in '14) with 6 "factory" miles on the OD. I've done the Eagle Mike CB upgrade, added a NC extended windscreen, Shinko tires and installed Tusk crash bars. Just turned 13k mi. last nite! (it spent many years as just a "city bike," so...) I still can't believe how much I enjoy the KLR. I've been riding on/off road since I was 12, ridden LOADS of bikes (I rent a lot, too!) and the KLR, for what it is, just continues to impress the hell out of me. For reference, I've spent thousands of miles on GSs (650s-800s-1100s-1200s) & Tigers (800s-1200s) - and I've really come to relish the weight and handling of the smaller, lighter, go-anywhere KLR... Don't know if that makes sense... ??? I'm really glad Kaw brought back the KLR - but I'm in no way interested in "upgrading" to the 2022. Couldn't be happier with my Gen2. I am fascinated with the 2022 reviews, tho 😉! Thanks!

I just bought a new one a few days ago.... Went with White... I really enjoy this bike. I've put 200 miles on it already - did a 90 mile trip today down farm roads then out in the desert (semi maintained road) with lots of gravel. I was doing 60 on a straight away and although squirrelly in the gravel, it was self correcting and actually went into a sharper turn than I was expecting and the antilock brakes kept me on the road. Bike really handles well and so nimble in traffic. My last bike was an FJR and well I don't really need to be going 130 mph. lol The KLR although being a single thumper, really can do it all in my opinion and although not a race bike by any means, it still gets out of its own way. Very happy with the purchase. Stoked about the fuel injection also, probably why I shied away from Gen 1 and 2. And love the headlights. And as pointed out the seat is really good. I wouldn't give it a 10 in any category but I would give it 7.5-8 in every category. Great value proposition!!!

I don’t know why anyone says the klr is not very good off road. I absolutely shred on my klr on single track. No problem going 45-50 on single track. I also have a lot of mx experience too. So I just know how to ride

Road mine from Key West to Maine (Baxter State Park) to Boulder Colorado to Santa Monica California. Laid in down on the PCH @ El Matador Beach on my way to Eureka and had to replace the Back Tire, the Battery, the Shifter, front and rear Lights. Then went to San Diego for 4 months. Then back to Key West. (4 oil changes later). 14,000 smiles, 29 States, 8 months. It took me two weeks from Maine to California and two weeks from San Diego to Key West. Spent one month in Maryland and one month in Upstate New York. Did that Trip in 2018. It's now 2022 and I have 53,000 smiles on my KLR. It's a 2012. I'm now in New Hampshire. Been riding in this state for two months.

Maybe if it could go highway speeds to get places it would be perfect.

I don't know why you ask people to become a patreon. Every time I watch you and I look at everything in the background, it's like a display of wealth. I know you're not paying rent. You're living in California. I'm sure your property is worth well over a million. You got a nice Jeep you own all these motorcycles. I've seen inside your garage. Give us a break.

Looking forward to that comparison video in a few weeks, I'm looking at getting a 2022 CB500X right now, I am hesitant though because I'm going for a bike that is great on trails but the reality of Australia is thousands of kms of highway riding between national parks, plus I'll be using it for commuting, so CB500X seemed like a sensible choice, I'm worried I'll regret it on the trails though with the lower clearance, suspension, and wheels, but I'm not looking to do jumps or anything.. and I hear it's a really good bike. Very keen for the comparison, thank you!

Very good review! Thank you for posting it and sharing. Here are my 2 cents worth. I can’t understand why many keep comparing the KLR with other bikes. The KLR is in a little world of it’s own and that is perfectly fine. If the bike is not your cup of tea, well, pay more and get the bike of your dreams. There are no bad motorcycles, only bad riders. People who pick the wrong bike expecting it to do what it was not designed to do. That is like going to a cardiologist instead of a proctologist to treat your bad case of hemorrhoids. Haha! Yeah both are doctors but two very different type of doctors. Plus you’ll look pretty dumb asking a cardiologist to treat your hemorrhoids. Or for those into rear entry play, “speed bumps.” - old joke from the 80’s. 😂 Some complain about the KLR being too heavy while praising the T7. But the KLR base model is only 4.2 lbs more (452 for the T7 vs. 456.2 for the KLR). The ABS version is 460.6 lbs. according to Kawasaki. And here is a point that no one is making. Those weights are “wet”. The KLR has a larger thank than the T7, 6.1 US gallons vs. 4.2 US gallons. If you were to put a smaller thank in the KLR, say a tank of 4.2 gallons, even the ABS version would be lighter than the T7. Or if you added a 6.1 gallon tank to the Honda CB500X, which weights in at 434 lbs. it would end up weighting 448 lbs. Just 4 lbs lighter than the T7 and about 8 lbs lighter than the KLR. And of course the 500X is not as capable off road due to it’s lower ground clearance (7.1” vs 8.3”), cast wheels instead if spoke wheels, more street friendly suspension, and 19/17 vs. 21/17 wheels set up. My point is that the fuel capacity of the KLR is what is making the biggest difference. I do have to say that I do not believe that the KLR would be a good choice for world travel. Yes I know some have done it. Brave souls! There is a video of one guy who went from Connecticut to Panama and back on a KLR. The bike broke down a few times. By the time he crossed the border back to the US he was adding one quart of oil per day to the engine. Yes, one quart. And we are talking about a bike he had just bought before his trip. The poor suspension (by comparison) and only 40 hp can be an issue. Specially if you are above the average weight manufactures use to calculate and set up their suspensions. To that add another 40-60 lbs or more of gear and accessories. Yeah kids. don’t try passing a truck on a two lane two way highway going uphill. OK, I am being a drama queen now. I am just trying to make a point. I am planning a trip through Central and South America, and the KLR was one of the bikes at the top of my list. Along with the T7, KTM 790 Adventure, V-Strom 650, Africa Twin, and BMW 850GS. But after considering many factors the T7 was my weapon of choice and the bike I bought about 4 months ago. I figured that to get the KLR ready for world travel I would have to spend another 1,500 to 2,000 dollars upgrading it’s suspension. Plus a few hundred upgrading the brake system and having an ABS kill switch installed. May be changing front and rear sprockets to improve power delivery. It would had ended in the price range of the T7. And the T7 makes about 35 hp more. It was a no brainer. The only downside of the T7 is the smaller tank, but now two manufactures are making larger 6 gal tanks for the T7. None the less I like what Kawasaki did to the bike. So much so that even though I have a new T7, I am still considering also owning a KLR for commuting. Even though I’ve been warned that riding the KLR will feel painfully slow compared to the T7.

I just don’t get the doohickey. Such a simple fix they could have made. How long and how hard is it to change it out? Any special tools required? Also, great video as always! Thanks for the effort!

I was nearly sold till you mentioned the oil consumption problem and the doohickey. Kawasaki must know about those problems. Why don't they fix it.

They should have done a clean sheet single cylinder. Wouldn’t have cost much more to buy with twice the sales volume it would have generated worldwide.

Got mine a week ago and it is effortless to ride. It’s a great little donkey.

I'm sure the good people at Kawasaki are closely consulting the bean counters year after year to determine the projected cost and benefit of every possible KLR650 upgrade they could make for upcoming models. The trouble to my mind, at least from the standpoint of the consumer, seems to be that while they might incrementally improve little things every few years without too much lift on MSRP like the chain tensioner that's so famously a point of failure it has its own cottage industry of doohickey-makers, it's a heck of a lot simpler and more profitable to keep doing the successful thing that keeps succeeding year after year for decades running. Even implementing EFI probably wouldn't have been done if emissions regulations hadn't forced their hand. Consumers were happy to keep buying the carbureted bikes. I hope the third generation, which seems to represent the most changes in 30+ years, and coming shortly on the heels of the generation two changes, signals a willingness to make some incremental changes year after year.

Great job of clearly explaining the advantages and reasons for making this an affordable all around bike. I ordered the T7 on Saturday but I did consider this bike.

2:57 Speaks about "Average" KLR Rider and shows Chuck Norris . . . . . Bro there is nothing average at all about Chuck Norris even his cowboy hat is freaking EPIC! ! !

As always, great review Ian. And even more valid for trips to remote areas and countries, with limited high tech mechanical support.

It's worse. No subframe, it's a unibody now, as someone who has a 2007 KLR with a cracked subframe, I can say that's a big problem, on the 2007 I can just unbolt the subframe and put on a new one. With the 2022 KLR that same crack means the bike is totaled. Theres less travel in the 2022 swingarm. The Fairings are fat as hell and have a ton of wasted space underneath them, AND THE ABS STILL ISN'T TOGGLEABLE. The 2022 KLR is just the 2008 KLR but with a worse frame and fatter plastic

hard for me to say. i spent over 4k in just upgrading the bike to get it how i want. is the new 2022 apocalypse proof? idk. depends on what you want the bike for. for me its a bug out vehicle that's attached to my bus, i need it to run or be able to get it to run in a pinch. my use is certainly niche. but for everything else the 2022 is better, id like to see a pimped out gen 2 vs a stock 2022. because rn my gen 2 has alot more features. id like to see what the aftermarket does with this 2022. fuel injection is good. but it limits you in a lot of areas of longevity. 30 years down the road etc.. you can always keep a carb running and working, just my 2 cents.

I own a Beautiful BMW GS and I love it, but nothing will ever replace the thrills my first KLR gave me, it’s every man’s bike that you fall in love with and never forget. You can take this bike anywhere and turn it into anything! Anyone who thinks you need a big fancy bike with a bunch stupid electronic shit that you never actually use, doesn’t understand motorcycling. Get a KLR and fall in love!

YES. One thing, how can you put Chuck "The Force" Norris with word "average"????

Thank you for having a contrary opinion and a viewpoint from the average rider. It's refreshing to hear new thoughts differing from all the other videos on the KLR. This was one of your best videos.

I always hated the argument about modernizing the KLR. It just sounds like people want the KLR to become the Versys when they could just go buy a Versys. That said, I'd love a sixth gear

I'm 60yrs+ and live in Michigan. My next/last brand new motorcycle is the new Kawasaki KLR 650. I love these bikes, and I've owned, ridden all years/brands/street/dirt ect. motorcycles imaginable. This one is still my favorite. Long live the KLR! I'm coming home. Thanks for sharing, James.

I can’t get past those 1980’s forks and the terribly ugly front fender. Kawi could’ve at least updated the forks. Sad. It’s an ugly ass bike. People will pay more $ for a nicer looking bike.

Great video! Sounds like a lot of great improvements. It’s just incomprehensible why Kawasaki still hasn’t fixed the doohickey issue…

I bought the 07 when I saw the 08 model that didn't have a sixth gear and I'll consider a new one when they put a 6th gear in it. Those new models are also heavier, so maybe an aluminium frame could bring the weight down to my desired weight at 350 pounds, then I'll be interested, until then I'm flogging my dinosaur.

I love your closing comment. I don't understand speed jockeys, especially in areas of great scenic beauty.

Put 18,000 miles on my 2010 in less than a year. Still ran great when I sold it, never touched the engine. They should have updated the suspension, I would have bought on tomorrow

The doo hickey, I believe you better not be messing with that while it's still under warranty? Wouldn't that void your warranty? Probably not a good idea to chance it. Will love to see your comparison between the 390, CB500x and the KLR. I am also considering the KLX 300. Also real world oil consumption test. I see differing opinions about that. Great review! One of your best so far.

are you kidding they still did not make a better doohicky and they still burn oil. I like carrying gas for long trips not saddlebags full of oil. duh. My gen 1 does not use any oil with 59k miles on it. stupid nicoseal crap cylinders that are over 500 bucks on the newer bikes. I so would like an injected klr but not paying 7000 for an oil burner.

I'm sorry but the Suziki DR 650 bike is better, the carburetor can be fixed anywhere, the sensor guts cannot ...

Still burning shit tone of fuel and having same doohickey problem. I would never by a bike with this type of issues from factory.

good video , what size are the side bags, in liters. think this might be a good bike for the rainy days and for long distance touring. what would it cost to get the dohicky fixed. I had the first gen and loved it my sun is still riding it. Do have a KLR 390 Adventure but lack of dealer ships in some arears in Canada, makes me a little unsure of taking it to places like Newfoundland. Don't care all that much for wind protection, but might be nice for late fall riding, as getting older and can't take the cold like I could when in my 60's and early 70's only 73 gut the last couple of years been feeling the effect of the heat and cold a lot more. Also do they make a top box and what size, or do you need a after market one. I tour by my self and keep the weight down, think the suspension will be OK or upgrade, will only be using it for on road, Paved and gravel and may be some dirt road.

Dude, are you trying to convince first time owners to buy gen III over gen I and gen II? Or are you trying to get gen I and gen II owners to sell and buy gen III's? Because my gen II is far superior to any factory gen III. It's, right now, already upgraded and setup EXACTLY the way 'i' like it.

Dear Kawasaki - please provide a KLX 450 and a KLR 1000., would buy both in a heartbeat.