The History and Death of the Kawasaki KLR650

The Kawasaki KLR650 was introduced to the dual-sport adventure motorcycle world in 1987 as a replacement for the KLR600. Since the beginning, the KLR650 was fitted with a counter balanced single cylinder engine that remained unchanged until it's demise in 2018. In 2008, Kawasaki listened to consumers and upgraded the KLR with stronger forks, a D-section swing arm, dual headlights, updated brakes, and a refined cooling system. The KLR650 remains loved by urban commuters, cross-country adventure riders, and even the U.S. military for it's low cost of entry and high reliability factor. In this video, we take a closer look at how everybody's favorite adventure motorcycle came to be and what finally led to it's downfall.

Thank you to our friend eveRide ADV for providing us with some of this awesome footage!

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[MentalPenguin]

I have a 2005 klr 650 with 70 000 on the clock, starts everytime time and has gotten me through some unreal terrain. The motor is bullet proof and gets me over 400km a tank, cant complain.

[faceinthecrowd]

I’ve had 7 dual sports since 1974. I got a new KLR in 2014. Whenever I sit around cruising the Internet dreaming about the next, better, adventure bike I can easily find my next bike, then when I ride my KLR, I can’t find one solid reason to move on.

[eveRide]

Excellent video guys! Happy to be a part of this one!

[schelty]

It isn't dead, I've just ordered my 2022 KLR . Whoop whoop.

[adamlreiner]

I had an 87. All the videos of the bikes tipping over brought back memories! There is nothing like that feeling when a KLR tells you “I’m going down” and there is nothing you can do about. You just hit the ground, roll out from under it, have a good laugh, and then take a deep breath and deadlift it back up again!

[danstromness]

they're back!! Just picked up my 2022 KLR-650. Only major change are the plastics, The instrumentation is all LCD but FINALLY has a fuel gauge and it is now fuel-injected.

It comes in THREE flavors: base bike, Traveler (with a top case) and the Adventure variant with panniers and fog-lights. I scored the Adventure model. Always wanted a KLR in a mild sort of way....now I gots one.

[adventurevin]

I started riding at 47 years old, around 2015/16. Got a 2007 KLR and did a round trip (Solo) on Route 66 in 2018. Did PCH Hwy 1 and 101 Summer 2021. This bike does everything I ask of it at a fraction of the price of a BMW. Also did most of the Nevada/California BDR throght the Mojave Desert.

[reesfullmer]

20% the price and 98% of the fun of a big BMW or KTM. Also, when you drop the BMW'er, you sit down and cry about the scratches on your $28k bike. Nobody even checks scratches on a KLR.

[paulcondie]

I bought a 08 in 09. 4200 bucks with 4000 miles. Has 35000 on the clock and no issues at all other than regular maintenance. Still on stock chain n rear sprocket 1 up on counter sprocket for more road riding. Dyno jet kit, lexx exhaust and opened up air box really woke up the ole tractor! Lol. Has been as reliable as a hammer!!!

[royalriding]

Such an iconic bike. They'll always have a place in my heart and garage

[jamesdumas]

My 2008 was the best $4600 I ever spent. It always starts, never has broken down, does NOT burn oil after 12 years of ownership.

[supertrucker]

We got 8” of snow last night, now it’s 50°.. just went for a ride for a couple of hours.. I love my Klr 🙂 2017, red, which everyone knows is truly the fastest color 😉 Best bike I’ve ever owned.

[MrRojoneck]

I enjoyed every 1 of the 10, 000+ miles I put on my '12 before I upgraded to a used 990 Adventure. I went anywhere I ever wanted to go and made lots of great friends along the way.

[kentuckyjustice]

I ride a DR650... the "Bush Pig". I'm keeping my DR, but I'd still like to get a 2018 KLR650. I like the urban digi-camo graphic package too. That's just a bonus.

[simonecasadio]

My first ever bike! 30 years ago.
The 600cc white one. A lot of memories...

[glenndanzigg]

What a legend! I love my 2015 KLR. I’ve logged some of the best miles of my life on this bike. RIP KLR

[zetterberg]

Never saw anyone loop out a KLR before. Good aggressive riding on the pig.

[deepwoods_dave]

Just bought a 2009 with 5, 200 miles. I've owned many dual sports (mostly DR's). KLR is big and heavy, but I'm 6 ft 3 inches tall, and it is a joy to ride on the road.

[edbroaotearoa]

Ive had many bikes ( and ashamed to say still do ) but my Tengai is the one I have the most respect for. She is so reliable, forgiving and always puts a smile on my face. She deserves better but like a loyal mutt she has me instead. Great vid by the way

[andreyka]

I had one of these and a DR650. Bullet proof bikes. Easy to work on and fix. As long as you change the oil and maintain the chain, you're solid.