2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure Review | Daily Rider

As one of the most legendary adventure bikes of all time, the KLR650 certainly deserves a spot on the Daily Rider leaderboard. The time has finally come for the new-and-improved KLR to take on the DR route!

SPECS:
MSRP: $8,199
Engine: 652 cc single cylinder
Measured weight: 488 lb. / 221.4 kg
Fuel capacity: 6.1 gal. / 23 liters
Seat height: 34.3 in. / 871 mm
Claimed torque: 39.1 foot-pounds @ 4,500 rpm

Zack’s gear:

[hiflyer]

Some people would call me crazy. I sold my year old Pan America and bought a KLR adventure. Simple...simple ...simple, as opposed to being a "computer with pistons". Some might say I'm say I'm very satisfied!

[wiggles]

You love the KLR for what it is, not hate it for what it isn't.

[anorakallknowing]

I bought a '23 KLR650 ADV as my 1st bike a week ago and i love it!! Already at 500miles and thousands more to come!!

[markowsley]

I've lusted after a KLR ever since it was introduced. I love that it's not overpowered, very simple and basically unkillable. My first choice for around the world or the zombie apocalypse.

[beborodner]

I had a KLR for 3yrs and couldn't get a wheelie like that out of it!! These are one of the most endearing motorcycles on the planet. The memories and places mine took me will always be cherished.. I loved my little donkey!

[DiZZoLabs]

Everything on the KRL is forgiven.. Whiskey throttle, No problem. Jamming on the brakes, not to worry. Big unexpected pothole or bump, No issues! Love my KLR. Is my 1st bike @42 and many of mistakes have been made that would have destroyed me on other motorcycles. EDIT: 16:54 It's to leave room to wind up extra cable and store so as not to be flopping in the wind.

[davidcoleman]

The KLR650 IS THE KALASHINKOV OF MOTORCYCLES

[ETAFRanger]

Hard to tell from the video, but I am guessing that the enormous USB cover is designed to allow you to plug in a USB cable and then cover the entire connection and protect it from water/mud/dirt, maybe even coil up a USB cable and keep it stored in there for convenient use.

[Sticks]

I’ve always thought of the KLR as more of an upsized farm bike rather than a a big trail bike. Sit down & chug along all day keeping your eyes on the task at hand and basically forgetting about the machine taking you down the track.

[kerouacist]

I have a 2019 KLR650 the last of the carburettor models with a host of upgrades.
I'm 59 and hoping this bike sees me out.

[bt]

I own 5 very different bikes.

I have a gen1 KLR with tusk panniers and racetech suspension. I rebuilt the carb, added a thermobob and a doohickey. Without a doubt, it’s my most useful bike. I can put 1/2 cart of groceries in the panniers, a sack of chicken feed over the back seat and more stuff in my jacket pockets. I can go camping over some pretty tough ground or ride the highway. It was a beatup barn find with low mileage, so I got it cheap, and it’s cheap to maintain, and upgrades are plentiful, if you want to go that route.

It’s the best at nothing, except it’s the best at doing everything OK. Truly a jack-of-all-trades master of none.

Also, it always starts easy, even in very cold weather or at 6500 feet elevation. If I could only have one bike, it’ll be the KLR.

[paulwilliam]

My father has a KLR650. It pleasantly surprises me each time that I ride it. It handles much better than it has any right to. There's something quite fun, yet equally terrifying, about riding it hard through a twisty mountain pass.

[BrickHouseBuilds]

Answered my question exactly as I'd hoped! Its a bike that will almost do it all with a little coaxing. You broke it down perfectly early on with the "just needs this, and this, and this, ope its 10k!" The KLR has a unique spot in the market with its blend of affordability and capability. Bang for buck its a great bike. Many better bikes out there but you gotta pay for them. Solid video as usual!

[TheDeadeye]

Wow, the "why not-KLR thread pulling" analogy was spot on. I've never heard someone describe that dilemma in such an understandable and perfect way. Well done, Z!

[jota]

A 650 that is a 650 and not a 628 or a 634, how refreshing.

[colinmize]

My gen 2 KLR has 17, 000 trouble free miles. This week I will be starting a 3, 000 mile adventure on The Mighty KLR. It’s a capable, forgiving and cheap motorcycle. I love it and would absolutely buy it again.

[atfsgeoff]

The KLR in a nutshell: Add weight, and simplify. Best bike I've ever owned.

[elizabethwonders]

The Tractor that rules speed bumps!! Love this! 😊🔥🤟🏼

[leekazan]

Probably the best review of all the KLR reviews out there. Your ending is spot on about the KLR. And that’s why we love it for what it is.

[fugitivetattoo]

Bought a 2008. Takes me everywhere. Never has issues, has never let me down.
Best 2 thousand I ever spent!