Is the Tenere 700 REALLY better than the NEW KLR650? Comparison

Is the Tenere 700 REALLY better than the NEW KLR650? Comparison
KLR650 vs Tenere 700

With the updates to Kawasaki's venerable KLR650, is it a viable alternative to the more modern Yamaha Tenere 700? What are the ups and downs of each? What are the advantages the KLR has over the T7 and vice versa? We take a deep dive into the differences that will matter to adventure riders.

#klr650 #tenere700 #advrider

00:00 Intro
01:40 KLR Advantages
03:27 T7 Advantages
03:43 Engines
05:47 Suspension/Brakes
08:39 KLR Problems
11:55 Yamaha Problems
13:00 Maintenance/Reliability
14:00 Conclusion

2022 KLR650 Specs:
Power: 40 HP , Torque: 40 FT-LB
Wet Weight: 456 lbs (base)
Seat Height: 34.3 inches
Ground Clearance: 8.3 inches
Susp Travel: 7.5 inches
Fuel Cap/Range: 6.1 Gallons / 300 miles (480 km)
MSRP (USA): $6,699 Base

2022 Tenere 700 Specs:
Power: 72 HP , Torque: 52 FT-LB
Wet Weight: 450 lbs (base)
Seat Height: 34.6 inches
Ground Clearance: 9.5 inches
Susp Travel: 8.0 inches
Fuel Cap/Range: 4.2 Gallons / 200 miles (320 km)
MSRP (USA): $9,999 Base

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[BigRockMoto]

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[yammienoob]

Great no nonsense comprehensive breakdown on these bikes. You’ll go far, keep it up!

[Marques_]

T7 may be the bike that you want, but the KLR is probably the bike that you need.

[brandtl]

I was at my local pedal bicycle shop recently and a top end mountain bike with battery assist was listed for $12k CDN. Made both the KLR and the T7 seem like a steal!

[larrytucker]

I bought the KLR a few weeks ago. I’m really enjoying it coming from a DRZ400. I waited for a T700 for a few years. Ever dealership that got one was given me an out the door price of well over $14k. And none lasted long at that price. I wasn’t interested in the KLR at all and was very disappointed with Kawasaki’s updates. But when my dealership got three in on the first week they were released I took one for a test drive. Every point you made about the KLR is spot on. I would rather have the T7 but for my needs the KLR makes more sense. It’s is a hobby and I will enjoy the KLR just as much for my needs. After pricing crash bars, luggage options, spair parts, and other travel needs I’m really glad I picked the KLR. The KLR quality is a little disappointing but you do get what you pay for. Thanks for your videos!

[RS-lipl]

You obviously do your home work very well ! ! ! I love the way you explain and illustrate your ideas ... combined with your experience, it makes your review the "one of a kind" !!! Thanks again ! !! NB: you could ask yamaha for your share ... I just got a Tenere 700 also because of you ;-)

[TheSocialliberal]

The main issue with the Tenere 700 is the utter lack of availabilty and severe mark-ups. Yamaha simply isn't making enough to go around, especially with all the supply chain issues going on.

[Jmaninaz]

Great job, Ian, you are really coming into your own in terms of how professional and comfortable you are in front of the camera compared to stay a year ago (I will not speak to the bikes themselves, as there are already tons of comments as to the merits of each bike)--it has been a pleasure to watch you progress. You do superb reviews, hitting the high points of at least what I would want to know if I was considering either of these bikes, and you seem so relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera. I cannot imagine how much time it takes to write, produce and edit these videos, but you are doing fantastic work--keep up the great work!

[blckmagic]

Got my (first motorcycle) 2003 KLR for $1750 on craigslist in 2018 and took it on a solo 80 day, 6000 mile road trip around the western United States in 2019. Rode 200-300 highway miles on many days and rode single track to camp on BLM land/ National forest a majority of the time. I ran into a fuel leakage problem in Idaho that had to be addressed but never any issues with oil burn. I truly love this cheap beater machine.

All that being said, the T700 seems like a mature upgrade to make as I've learned more about bikes and respect the experience. Necessary? I don't think so. More enjoyable? Almost undoubtedly. Either way, I'm glad I started with The Pig.

[hokogan]

I bought a 14.5 KLR new in '15, and sold it in '18. It was a great bike, but not particularly exhilarating. One 20-minute demo (in town) was all I needed to make up my mind on a T7. The Tenere *wants* to be ridden, the KLR merely tolerates being ridden.

[htiek]

Definitely one of the best bike reviews I have seen. You did a great job covering both the positives and the negatives of the KLR. It's price is definitely attractive, but where and how you plan to ride make a huge difference. Keep up the good work.

[ArthurVido]

This is the best review I have ever seen! Trully, straight to the point, pros, cons, prices and a final opinion. Simply amazing, congrats!

[RaptorPackAdventures]

Great video. You review these bikes in a way that we rookies understand. I just bought a 2015 KLR with a lot of upgrades. New suspension equipment, doohickey, thermabob, fenders, bars, exhaust so I’m very fortunate that everything was done for me. That 2022 KLR does look awesome though

[robbyclark]

This has got to be my favorite ADV bike channel. So much information. So much detail. I never have a question that isn’t addressed and usually he asks way more questions than I would ever think to. Great channel.

[jazzculllen]

The real question for me is the '22 KLR vs CB500X. The addition of fuel injection on the KLR took away the main advantage of the CB for me. As someone mostly looking for a lightweight moto camping bike a T7 is expensive overkill.

[Purnjamin]

You make some great content brother.

My 310gs died on me while under warranty and your channel quickly became my main source of information for the next bike. You sold me on the T7 for a while but after no movement on how long it would take to get one and learning my dealer is selling them at over 2k above MSRP… I’ll take the KLR they have in stock for half the price.

Plenty of bike for me to commute in and hit the forest roads a few times a year. I’ve got three kids, practically never hit the highways, and am not a speed junkie (evidenced by my 310) so despite the performance dip I expect I’ll be happy.

Anyways, I hope all is well with you and yours. Your content is making a difference in my life and I am certain I’m not the only one. I sincerely hope you gain fulfillment from this endeavor not just monetarily but existentially.

Best,

Ben

[rodrigomrp]

Thanks Ian. Great and thoughtfull analysis!! Bottom line: "both will take you to the same place!", however, it is obvious your preference with the better performance, quality and ride experience of the T7!
I have a relaible KLR, but being 5'9", my only concern was the T7's seat height. Now that you show seat hights are moreless similar, just can't wait it to arrive!!
Greetings from Bolivia's mountains.

[RVAMotorsports]

I bought a 2022 KLR650 Adventure and I love it. It's motorcycle number 10 in my garage currently and I have no regrets whatsoever. And yes, it does just fine with interstate highway travel.

[IRLtrolls]

I love these late night video drops. I work offshore on a supply vessel and these videos get me through a night watch! Can't wait to get home and ride my motorcyces. Another great video Big Rock!

As far as this debate goes. There is no debate. The T7 is absolutely worth the money. I owned a KLR for years and I still have PTSD from pushing that pig through tough off-road and getting shaken to death on the highway. I've also had the chance to ride my buddies T7 and it was incredibly smooth. I'll be search for a T7 in the future.

[ianjones]

Of course the T7 is better..but I can't afford one therefore my KLR is better 👍😁