Is The KLR650 A Good Beginner Motorcycle?

Is the KLR650 a good beginner bike? Good question.
I was essentially a beginner when I got my first KLR650, a 2012 model. I had only been riding for about a year and I wanted to move into something bigger than the XT250 I had been riding. After doing some research and checking out a few used KLRs I settled on one and thus began my relationship with the KLR650.
In this video I illustrate some things regarding the KLR650 a beginner may consider when looking at their first motorcycle or graduating up from a smaller motorcycle, things I think may be helpful to know...at least from my perspective.
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[precipiceofgrind]

Like The Video(s)? Hit That SUBSCRIBE!!! Really Helps The Channel!! Thanks For Watching!!!

[zerotheklr]

I've never ridden bikes before and I got my Learners in June 2022. I did 2000 miles in 3mths around my neighbourhood. She's a big girl but if you want to learn quickly.. you will. ❤️

[msims]

I have wanted a KLR650 for a long time, but my 28” inseam kept me from buying one. I heard about the S model, found one at a shop near me, and bought it. I don’t have many miles on the bike, as the weather in my area has been rather bad, but I can say the bike handles well and is plenty fast for what I need it to do. I haven’t taken it off-road yet, but I intend to. Where I really notice the weight is moving it around in the garage. What a pig! Still, I love it and can’t wait for the weather to get a little better so I can get out and ride it. Thanks for the video!

[Seanwxyz]

I am a beginner. I just passed the MSF course today and then I headed straight to my local Kawasaki dealer. I looked at the 2023 KLR Adventure and I felt intimidated by it immediately. It is a huge bike. I sat on it and I could feel the weight of the beast. I am 5 foot 11 and I could flat-foot the bike. But being able to flat foot is not enough to inspire confidence. I thought to myself that this was the bike I have been wanting for months but now all of a sudden it intimidated me. And so I couldn't decide whether to buy it immediately or just move on to a different smaller bike. After thinking about my dilemma for another 45 minutes at the dealer's, I decided to put down a $100 non-refundable deposit on it, and the dealer agreed to hold it for me for two more weeks only, and then I left the dealer. I love the bike. This is the Bike I want, I don't want anything else (other than the Africa Twin which is even bigger) but the KLR 650 was intimidating. So, I have two weeks to either get the KLR or lose my $100 deposit. And that's where I am now. I plan to ride it on paved roads only, but I am not sure I can make tight corners safely on the KLR at low speed.

[mikebetts]

First off, I love your videos! Several things amaze me about them. I really like your flow of ideas and or reactions as you ride. How you remember all the points you want to make, amazing. This discussion really hit the mark, imo. Dealing with height and weight are the most serious things when I was new to it. One thing I love about my KLR is how great it is on the street.sitting high, soaking up bumps, wind protection, riding position, range, reliability, etc. I don't think people can imagine that before riding one. And then, when the road ends, the fun begins. Thanks for the videis!

[lanceoa]

Appreciate the lay down demo! The price point makes this so alluring, laying down a $7k bike is more tolerable than laying down a $13k bike

[toneighty]

i just bought a 2023 klr650 adventure a week ago. i've been watching training videos and practicing slow speed maneuvering while waiting for a in person course to be available. i'm 6'2" 200lbs with a 36" inseam. i lowered the pegs an inch and put some tusk pegs. i like how i fit on it both sitting and standing. my confidence has grown on it every day doing the slow speed drills and some faster speed stops.

[FL-PHILLIP]

Very intimidating. I swung my leg over the 650 and Himalayan and it was a no brainer…bought the Himalayan. For me getting back into motorcycles in my mid 50s the Himalayan was perfect, especially since I’m only 5’9”.

[plasticbmw]

Assuming you already know how to ride a Bicycle. Even if you're an adult i recommend getting a dirt bike you can throw around first. CRF110, any name brand 125-250. I started on a 2001 KTM 250sx and now I'm on a 2021 KTM 690 enduro. Great video

[kuaktak]

Great video!
I personally started on a TW200. And then moved to the KLR.
Don’t think it’s a good starter bike unless you plan on just riding in paved roads or some nice gravel roads.
I’m 6’-2’’ and I’m flat footed when standing, but like you say, it might be intimidating for a beginner.
Be safe✌🏻💪

[insatiable_mind]

I got a 2011 KLR in August as my “first bike” and I’m loving the Gen 2. I’m tempted by the Gen 3 especially the short version but I like my analog gauges and a slight weight advantage. I’m 5’9” with a 31” inseam and I’m on my toes unless I flatfoot one side. I don’t want to give up ground clearance though. I also think the GEN three rake is better for highway without giving up much off-road.

[gcprost]

I am not a beginner, I have been riding for many years. I have owned an Africa Twin and a Himalayan, but now I’m old (70 years) and I’m only 5’4”. I purchased the 2023 KLR 650S. I intend to use it for relaxed travel to remote places and ghost towns. I live in Canada so sometimes this places require you to travel long distances on pavement.

[robertYTBg]

Really helpful to me deciding how (or if) to move up from my 250cc bike. Also liked the demo of falling down, and the shots of your amazing scenery. Thanks for posting.

[graymangw]

I think that first year is so important, I really recommend getting a motorcycle you are really comfortable on, both feet on the ground and decently balanced.
I am a new rider, under 5'9" and only a 29" inseam, under 160lbs. The KLR was my first motorcycle ever. The pros, everything said is true, stable when running, more than enough power, lots of aftermarket support, good community, and I am sure other stuff too.
The cons it is really top heavy and the suspension sucks. These work together in a really negative way too, at least for me. At my weight I have to keep the preload to 4 or 5 which is the highest setting otherwise the vibrations on the KLR get out of control for me. Again all fine until I have to stop which is where I have had all my problems. I have dropped the bike so many times I am actually getting rid of it. I ended up getting a Himalayan which fits me much better.
So do I think the KLR650 as a very first motorcycle not really, maybe if you are 5'10", have a 32" inseam and are over 160lbs. Is it a great 1st ADV bike probably, is it a great 2nd bike, probably.
Is the Himalayan a great 1st motorcycle maybe, it's definitely quirky. I don't 100% recommend it though because it is really different.
I really think that the cb500x, versys 300x, xt250, crf250 or similar would be a much better option. Have fun, learn and then sell it.

[georgego]

The 2022 KLR 650 is my first Street bike! When I saw they brought it back for a 3rd gen It really gained my interest both with its modern interpretation and still invoking the same childhood memories through the 80's and 90's. I was so determined to ride the new KLR I bought one before I had my endorsement. It really isn't hard to ride at all, but the weight and seat height, size are real considerations. I Personally would stay with the standard height model cause it fits me. The New S model should be a great addition for the shorter rider looking to ride the legendary workhorse. Great vid! take it easy..

[brycehiigel]

Thanks for the info. Beginner here in the shopping mode. I finally took a test ride on one and really enjoyed it. Was nervous at first but the longer I rode and stying in the neighborhood getting used to starting, stopping, turning, then taking it down a straight away for a bit, I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was ride and get confident with.
I’m not in my 20’s any more and don’t plan on going Evel Knievel so I don’t really care about to much power. I felt like it balanced well and wanted to stay under me. I live in a small rural area so would be perfect with what I want to do with it. Plus it won’t break the bank.

[theldun]

Best review that I have watched on the KLR650. And I have watched several.

[dylank]

Just bought a 07 last week. During the test ride half forgot how to ride a bike, whiskey throttled it (I think) and laid it down. Gonna be watching more videos about the basics before I go pick it up from the previous owner. I'm 6ft, and still have to tiptoe, so it's fun to try and push it around with no power while on it 😂. Got my motorcycle permit about 2 years ago now.

[feron]

I have owned 2 klr’s I had a 96 gen 1 that I put 130, 000 miles on it, it got stolen, and a 2016 gen 2 that I put 230, 000 miles on it. I still have it and ride it all the time. I’ll be retiring that one soon and picking up a gen 3. I’m also 5’10” and love these bikes once you get use to riding such a heavy slow bike it’s fantastic the saying they don’t do anything well but do everything good enough is exactly true. I’ve taken mine off road weekly for years. When you lay it down you pick it back up and keep going niether one of my bikes ever left me stranded. Just maintain them properly and they will take care of you for years.

[johnasbury]

Appreciate your honesty and candor. I have an old BMW F650GS but I am very interested in a KLR…. Thanks for the review.