Is This Goodbye? | Brutally Honest Kawasaki KLR 650 Review
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- Опубликовано: 5 июл 2024
- Is this goodbye? In this brutally honest review of my 2023 Kawasaki KLR 650, I take a good hard look at the bike that I've spent the past year (and a bit!) on. I break down all types of rides I've done over the last 5,000kms and discuss the bikes performance in each area.
I take a good hard look at the On Road Performance and Comfort of the 2023 Kawasaki KLR 650, as well as the Off Road Performance and Comfort. Then I take a deep dive into the General Weaknesses and Strengths of the bike.
Skip to the bits you want to see:
0:00 Intro
0:19 On Road Performance
3:06 On Road Comfort
4:39 Off Road Performance
5:57 Off Road Comfort
6:48 General Weaknesses
10:16 General Strengths
15:39 Closing Thoughts
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#adventure #adventurebike #kawasaki #klr650 #motorbike #motorcycle #adventuremotorcycle #gen3 #review #reviews 
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My 22 KLR is a beast on the twisties, sits solid on the road.
After doing an airbox modification so I have positive air pressure the torque is amazing in top gear, overtaking is no problem
Good stuff! What was the airbox mod that you did?
I capped the intake at the rear of the box because it was just dragging in dirty air from the rear of the bike.
I then neatly carved a nice sized opening in the airboxes service door along with a nice slit in the outer side cover, then I made packing around the new intake with some stiff leather and pot rivots so when the side cover was placed back on the air is forced into the box 👍
I got the idea from an Australian dude that done the same to his Africa twin.
You may know of him, he calls that bike the 'War Horse
Yeah, I saw that one. I’ll have to go back and have another look. Would it lower the intake to a point where you’d be worried about water crossings?
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 it has lowered it slightly but I think if I was in a situation where the water is up around the high end of the engine I shouldn't be attempting it on the heavy KLR anyways, but up around the bottom of the engine I would have no doubts water would not get in.
But absolutely so much more torque than the restricted version and thats just my first modification.
I have got about 6000 km's on it now, love it to bits offroad because its like a tractor and its awesome on the twisty hilly bitumen roads.
The things I dont like are straight roads, its abit boring on the KLR and it doesn't corner well on loose gravel roads, the back end stays to planted which in turn makes the front feel weird because you are then just relying on the steering to get you around the corner without the aid of some rear end drift
@@shanewilliams7742 I just went back and watched that Warhorse video again. Did youcut holes in the side panel as an intake like the Warhorse has? Did you take any video or photos of it?
I told a group of deputy sheriff's at a license check one day while briefly talking about my bike, "If I get a speeding ticket on a KLR, I'm framing it and putting it on my wall", they just laughed. I was serious.
Hahahaha yep, that sounds about right!
You were serious. Wow!.. you must have gotten a lemon. I would suggest bringing it back or not.
@@Solo_adv Your KLR is fast?
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 I removed the snorkel from the airbox I have a Lexx MX exhaust.
On a calm day straight road I can reach 103 mph. No it's not particularly fast at all. But it sure as heck ain't that slow.
@Solo_adv that's crazy, I have a '23 and topped out at 85 with a 16 tooth sprocket. I have removed the snorkel and ordered a Leo Vince x3 exhaust, I am hoping that the exhaust will open her up a bit more.
Ill pass on gen 2 and 3. I love gen 1 and always will and never had a problem passing even with a front wheel laterally out by a 1/16 " ....giving a little wobble doing a high speed s maneuver changing lanes but im used to it. She's awesome to me and will never give mine up
That’s a great tribute to the bike that started it all. Congrats on finding your forever bike!
Nicely done and well said. I love my KLR and know it's limitations but I do sometimes want another bike. If I were to get something else I would keep the KLR cause like you said, I've built it into what I wanted it to be and it does everything I need.
Well I have it on good authority that the correct number of bikes is N+1, where N is the number of bikes you already have….
But yes, for me, a second, lighter trail bike would be nice at times.
thank you so much for this review. great content, great insight
I live in sydney and am planning to do a trip up the coast to townsville, then to alice springs, down to adelaide and then back to sydney. the Klr seems like the perfect bike for a trip like this.
Keep up the good work
Thanks mate. Glad you liked it. Sounds like a great trip. The KLR will eat that up for breakfast!
Very nice video, I recently bought a '24 KLR Adventure as it was the nicest bike for the price point. I agree with basically all of your points. This is my first new bike after riding a cruiser for 10 years, and first adventure bike. Looking forward to learning this new hobby on a trustworthy bike!
Cheers mate. I’m glad you enjoyed the vid. Can I ask which points be you disagreed with? Not being argumentative - genuinely interested.
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 I haven't really struggled with overtaking like you said, but also havent really been in many 110 zones, mainly just 100 or less! Its a fantastic bike
I am no way in the market for this bike but I really enjoyed the video and its presentation.
Happy to hear it mate - thanks for the feedback. What are you riding?
Great video, I to have 2013 Gen 2 KLR and I love it. I know that I can roll up to my bike and know that she will start anytime i need it to. Zero problems to be had. Looking forward to getting into the dirt with it though. Like many others I sold my cruiser to buy this one and to be perfectly honest I do not miss the former.
Thanks mate. Glad you liked it. Do you have anything you’d like to see in a video about the KLR?
How do you find the oil usage in the 2013? I believe they fixed it in the 2009 1/2 model.
Yeah, oil is good. I ride everyday and zero problems, I can't complain at all.
I have 2000 Kms on my 2023. Only complaint I have is the steering head issue that some 2023 have. Over tightened at factory possibly damaging roller bearing. Seeing the dealer for evaluation and inspection this Wednesday. Fingers crossed they fix it. Terrible feeling only at low speed say 20 to 40 Kms/hr. Has a wobble that takes you off guard. Everything else you said was spot on. Great bike. Love it.
Interesting. Mine is a ‘23 and I haven’t had that issue. I know that others have though. Are you in Australia or the US? I haven’t seen many (if any) Oz delivered bikes reporting that problem.
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 actually I live in Canada. Bought mine new in March of this year. Awesome bike but from day one at low speed you get the feeling you think you have a flat. Then you get used to it as expecting the front end to just jerk to one side or the other. Interestingly there seems to be little affect at high speed. Thank God. I have 50 years riding experience and have owned over 40 motorcycles. So I’m not new to this. I’ve heard that only 20% of the bikes in 2023 were affected. You may be one of the 80% 👍
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627Update. All fixed. Dealer was able to fix it and it’s now an amazing bike. lol. Always was but better now. Cheers.
@@DaveGeezer Good news! And yes, they are great bikes.
Thanks for the review! I have been riding my 2023 KLR650 and filming across different parts of America and I does pretty well. Not the best bike but like you said parts are cheap. It can do a little of everything.
Wow! Sounds like you’re putting some serious miles on it!
And yes, goes everywhere without fuss. Love my KLR!
Love your video, is that a staintune muffler, are you happy with it. Owing a KLR is frustrating because it does everything well, which makes it hard to move onto any other bike. I have been using pivot pegs, that are expensive but the ride days out in the bush are much more enjoyable. Thanks again for your video. 👍👍
Yeah mate, that is indeed a Staintune. I highly recommend it. I have a video with more about it here:
Unlock 10% MORE POWER On Your 2023 Kawasaki KLR 650!
ruclips.net/video/a1jgQWANlzU/видео.html
I would have loved Pivot Pegs but didn’t have the coin, so I have NiceCNC instead.
Great review....interesting on your feedback regarding the fork brace. The gear shift lever may need replacing or adjusting, as riding with adventure boots is a bit of an issue and the seat for some odd reason gave me a sore ass after my last long ride....not sure why as the seat appears comfortable 🤔
Thanks mate. I'm glad to hear you liked it. Did you catch my last video? In that video, I install the fork brace, along with two other mods, and go for a ride to get a feel for it. You can check it out here:
ruclips.net/video/Bw5VC5N-YrY/видео.html
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 yes I did watch it and you said you would comment more regarding if the fork brace made a difference 🤔
Hahaha gotcha. I need to spend a bit more time out there riding. It’s definitely better in the street rides to work and back.
Love my '22 Gen 3 and "enough" describes it perfectly.
I know, right? The value proposition is hard to beat!
Great video, and "enough" is the KLR! I have owned 6 KLR's in the last 40yrs! I go through bikes and low and behold a KLR shows up in the
garage again. Guess I have learned that I should always have a KLR in the garage. I currently own a Gen3 S model. I think the Gen 3's
are the best KLR's so far. It handles twisties as fast as I need to go. I find it also handles wind on the highway much better then the Gen 2's.
I usually shed about 25lbs on all the KLR's I have owned with basic mods. Yes it is heavy but it is soo comfortable. I am fortunate to own a couple
of dedicated off road bikes so I know my KLR's limitations. I paid $7200 OTD for my bike. That is the kicker. Hard to beat for the price.
Yeah, the value proposition is hard to beat for sure. How did you shave that much weight off your KLR?
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 On my past KLR's slip on exhaust, lithium battery, lighter handle bars, pegs, license plate holder, de-smog stuff, got me about 23lbs. So far just a slip and pegs on this bike. I think it comes out to about 8lbs.
@@dirtdad8478 Bloody good start!
I have a green 23 that’s been on the road for one year with 13,300 miles and zero problems.I’ve replaced the chain and sprockets and regular services.
Wow! That’s some saddle time - well done! Did you think I was fair on the bike in my opinions in the video?
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 I really did feel like you were fair. In fact, I can picture every other RUclipsr losing their minds when you said the rubber footpegs were okay. Every one of them loves to whine about the damn footpegs!
Excellent review sir!
@@wallacerotternaut Hahahaha yeah, they get upset about that. Now that said, I did recently replace the pegs and the new ones are much better.
It's all good until you cross a high rise two lane bridge on the KLR. The height makes for a perilous ride when the winds start kicking. Actually scary as 💩.
I’d imagine so. I’ve put a fork brace on mine and it seems to have helped a lot.
As a long term KLR owner I attributed the wobble in the front end to the ridiculously large front mudguard causing wind steer. I changed it out for a smaller aftermarket item, problem solved. I found the Gen 1 didn’t suffer from the problem but the Gen 2 and Gen 3 did.
I have never experienced any problems that couldn’t be solved at the roadside. The biggest one being the failure of the kick stand start safety switch. Thanks for the video. I wish I had bought the green KLR 🤔👍🇦🇺
Thanks mate. Happy to hear you liked the vid. Was the Gen 1 fender different to the Gen 2 / 3? I’ll have to Google it.
What fender did you replace it with?
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 Gen 1 was different shape
Replaced the Gen 2 and 3 with the type used on super moto bikes. Much shorter at the front. 👍
@@mullins6429 Good to know mate. I'll add that to the wish list!
Didn't notice that at all of course I have strong forearms so maybe that is why lol
@@poweredbyrice5708 Hahahahaha I'll leave that where it is...
I own 4 bikes- the KLR sees twice the annual mileage of the other 3 combined.
I commute and Moto camp on it, the ergonomics are perfect for me at 6’ tall 185 lbs.
My biggest gripe is the poor fit and finish; it keeps shedding fasteners and the plastics are irritatingly asymmetrical.
I’ve had 3 Gen 1’s and the Gen 3 is a brilliant step up… I’d pay more for it if they could tidy up the detail.
Yeah, I can’t stand the squeaks that come from the fairings.
I've done 5000km on my 2023 KLR 650 Adventure in 4 months.
Nice! I’m jealous. I need to get more saddle time. I love camping off it too.
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 I load mine up with gold mining equipment and was very surprised of the type of terrain you can conquer on them.
Very underrated bikes because I think the majority of KLR owners aren't really experienced riders so you hear alot of not so good things about them. You really just got to keep those big bikes moving and constantly looking ahead for your line. I wouldn't trade mine for anything
Yep, all valid points. Momentum is key with the heavier bikes.
Bro, I hit 28,000 mi in my first 12 months.
@@Texan_American Wow! That’s some serious saddle time. How do you feel about your KLR after that many miles?
I put on a low mount and smaller fender on the front, and it pretty much eliminated all of the sketchy handling during windy days.
Yeah, I’m hearing that a lot too. Which one did you go with?
@adventurebikesaustralia7627 I went with a cheap UFO supermoto fender. You do have to modify the fender a bit to get it to fit nicely, but it's nothing too crazy.
the thing that has stopped me from buying this bike is the horsepower. How does it only have 8 horsepower more then my 300? Then the price point kinda kills it, there are other bikes around its price point that out perform it.
Hmmm looks like I deleted my own reply. Oops…
Anyway, HP isn’t the only thing to consider. While the HP might not be as high, the torque will be much higher, which is more important off the road. Just something to consider.
As a potential new rider a used KLR seems like a pretty hard bike to beat
True - the KLR offers a lot to a new rider. Things to consider are resale value if you decide it's not for you, and picking the thing up when you drop it. But search up some 'how to pick up your adventure bike' videos here on RUclips and you'll learn some good techniques.
What tail bag is that?
Hi mate. It's an eBay special - more here:
ruclips.net/video/bNyQo1BTJ1A/видео.html
My 2023 KLR 650 engine also cuts out and dies, if I try to take off right after starting it. It's not a deal breaker, in my opinion. I just need to allow it to warm-up for a minute or two. Love my KLR!
Okay, so it’s not just me. Have you asked a dealer about it? I’d love to know why it happens.
@adventurebikesaustralia7627 no. I have not asked. I assume that the fuel system needs few seconds to build up pressure. I have heard many gen 3 owners say their bikes do the same thing.
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 Can you share a link to where to buy the side crash bars like on your green KLR?
@@lincolnscott5547 Start here:
srcadventuremoto.com.au/products/kawasaki-klr650-crash-bars-full-upper-lower-protection
I wish they would come out with a civilian version of the rare army diesel
Could be very interesting. I believe that the conversion was done by a third party though, not by Kawi themselves.
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 yeah i believe you are right. of course i guess the 650 already runs kinda like a diesel lol
Adding a fork brace solved the wobble for me on my gen 3
Great to hear. What brand did you go with?
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 xitomer mate.
@@andrewharrold3641 Is that a Chinese brand?
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 yeah made in China, US design there’s a RUclips vid from the designer fitting it to a gen3. Fitted perfectly in 10-15mins. Also reduced the effect of road snakes where road repairs have been done
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627
ruclips.net/video/yDx6xn1KmrM/видео.htmlsi=vQkBuU9B2tOdux5o
The Gen2 2010 is my first bike I have owned
It cost me bugger all
And I love riding it , highway , gravel roads and just to the shops and back .
My next purchace will be a Gen3 , why would you buy anything else ?
Ps : I have ridden other bikes .
😅
That’s the thing mate - the KLR can do it all. It’s a near perfect balance of everything.
Nice bike, got a second gen myself, no complaints besides oil consumption
What year of the second gen? When researching the KLR, I read that the 08 / 09 was the one with the oil usage problem.
My 2017 doesn’t use a drop … I did change the rear sprocket so I’m running 4500 rpm at 115k …
@@timlubbers2884 Yeah, from my research a 2017 should be fine in that regard. What did you change the rear sprocket to? Do you do much offroad?
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 I went down to a 42 tooth. I tried a 40 but it lost to much off the bottom. I don’t like changing the front.
Last year I did about 16,000 miles (25,500k). My normal is around 9,000 miles (14,500k) …
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627my KLR is a 2013. It uses about 1/4 of a quart of oil every fill at the pump. Thinking of just doing a big bore kit on it to fix the issue
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Thanks mate. I take it you enjoyed the video?
IMO my gen3 vibrates more than my gen2..or my xr650l did...and the pegs are awful and mirror vibration is absurd
More than an XR650L? Wow! That's a lot. Pegs on mine have since been replaced, and head checks always beat mirrors in my book.
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 Im looking for a kit ro replace the rubber dampers and I'll be replacing the pegs amd soon buying another pair of DoubleTake Adventure mirrors.. should have snagged them from the XR before I sold
Doohickey ?
A doohickey is the nickname given to the balancer adjustment lever.
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 yeah I know, but is it still a issue ..
@@leeinwis Still seems to be a contentious issue. Kawi says they’ve fixed it, but there are some Gen 3 owners who say it’s still a problem, and many others who say it isn’t. I haven’t checked mine so can’t comment, but do tension it up at each oil change.
@@adventurebikesaustralia7627 show us how
@@leeinwis No, is isn't. That is a mass hysteria created by an old man that sells the "solution". I have seen numerous KLR's with 50-100k miles and it was never changed no issues. People just don't know how to properly adjust the factory one with the mallet trick. I spoke to a Kawasaki engineer who stated the 1st Gen had an issues because of the 2-piece design that was fixed in Gen2 then with the Gen 3 that fixed the real lingering issue and that was the Cam Guide they replaced it with a much stronger one.