Damn that says a lot. I've had a Yamaha tenere 700 for the week to test out and I'm still sticking with the klr it's just a great all around bike I'm really enjoying it
@@2tallnegrito7cmn55 The Pan America is a great bike when everything works. Too many software issues. All the high end bikes are like a computer with pistons. You can buy 3 base model KLR's for the price of one Pan America. Service the thing yourself and save hundreds more. The KLR is about as simple as there is. They've traveled the world and racked up more miles than any other adventure bike. The KLR has achieved "cult" status. There is tremendous community and after market support. I have no regrets.
@@hiflyer1168 a guy offered me to buy his pan amercan2022 for 21000 but I bought 22 klr adv for 6000 and I watched videos on the africa twin,T7 and the super tenere and now I'm happy.
I am 6 foot 2 and weight 225 this is the perfect fit bike for me. I like the giant adventures but they are to heavy to have off road I grew up riding dirt bikes and this feels like a dirt bike that graduated to adventure dual sport.
I'm debating trading in either my 2016 heritage softail classic or my 2022 klx 230 which I like for smaller trails, for the KLR 650. I love them both for different reasons. Not sure which one to give up. Thoughts?
@@markg.whitesides657 the gen 3 has been a reliable machine for me so far,I got it for Christmas last year and I've put 7000 miles mostly highway and interstate cruising 70 75 with 16 t front sprocket and get between 48 and 50 mpg to me it feels excellent in curves once you learn to use the handlebars and the line you need and all,in a straight line you're good till 75 or so after that it depends on the road,tires etc whether it's gonna get squirrelly or not.itll go about 97 all out with me weighing around 160 but fast it's not,I can jump out in traffic though, it's not THAT bad, seems like it did 100 with the 15 tooth sprocket, can't really remember.it does not like crosswinds, headwinds or turbulence from big trucks.at all.period it'll do some pretty serious off roading but it's a handful and you'll be exhausted in no time unless you're in really good physical condition.so all in all it's a good bike that'll get you around as long as you're not a speed demon and I don't think it's gonna leave you anywhere but it's a 6500.00 bike so don't expect it to ride like a Cadillac.
@@markg.whitesides657 I sold my Road King Classic for my 2023 KLRs and couldnt be happier. I loved my Halrey (as wel as my prior bikes) but the fun factor really comes out when riding the KLR. to me its like riding for the first time....the simplicity and joy of having a simple bike without all the bells and whistles.
Great job as always Scout... There was a lot of excitement about the new KLR... The old ones have a rep for being nearly indestructable. And the few tweaks they made to the new one fixed a lot of the minor complaints of the old one. It may not be as "refined" as the Tenere or the GS, but of you're looking for a reliable solid work horse it's a good place to start looking...
Hahah exactly, I was super surprised at how well and how many things that bike did. It’s not going to blow your socks off but it’s an all around solid bike
I have the same bike 2022 and I love it. It only took a few small things to make it super comfortable. I put a 1 inch riser for handlebar, adjustable windscreen riser along with a slightly taller smoke colored windscreen and grip puppys over the grips. 55mpg all day. cool review. Aloha
Awesome I have got the risers and bars now just need to install them. The longer I have ridden the bike the more I've wanted the bars to be higher. I just did the windshield riser and it's helped a lot. What windscreen did you get for the bike?
@@ScoutsOut Cool, after riding the bike for a while I determined all I really needed for bar rise was about a 7/8 inch and that was the ticket. Those stock tires lasted about 5 miles predominantly on road and went with Dunlop Trailmax mission 50/50 tires. They are real smooth on road and never seem to wear out.
I bought my first KLR 650S and it is so comfortable and beginner friendly. Just enough Dual Sport hp and torque for my needs to keep me happy for a long time! (Although I also have a BMW K1600 GT, TW200 and an Honda 700 NM4, for variety.)
I just bought a 2023 KLR 650S. I’m only 5’4” so this is a dandy size for me. I have ordered crash bars. I have purchased Tusk aluminum panniers, a USB connection, a low profile drain plug, and a side stand extension. My previous bike was a Himalayan.
4:43 That bike is TOTALLY ready for off road. I got a Tusk flush-mount magnetic oil plug before I went nuts, though. I prove its readiness almost daily. I live in Colorado.
I researched this bike "almost" sold my 2016 Africa Twin to get a brand new 2023 KLR but no 6th gear killed it for me. I did like it and may some day get one. The "strange" give on the pegs you mentioned is due to the rubber mount. That's to help soften the vibration. If you put rat traps on it you're going to notice more of the engine vibration.
Yea I know it’s for vibration but it’s really weird especially when you first ride it. I agree with the 6th gear it just is flat out annoying at 55mph constantly trying to up shift
I have been extensively reviewing what I should get as my first bike. At first I was thinking KTM Duke 200 or 390 but reading about difficult it to get good servicing if you don't have a dedicated shop for it and also the electrical issues I thought about how I need to investigate harder. Next was the Husqvarna Svartplien 401 which I loved the design of but had similar issues as the Duke and the 2 gallon tank was a really hard thing to accept. Then I was looking at the Kawasaki Z400 and really thought I found the one but something told me to keep looking around. I watched a lot of yammi noob videos about beginner bikes and their reviews. The most recent, although old, tier list had the Honda CRF300 pop up as a possible S tier and got me thinking about dual sport. I realized I don't need a speed demon, as much as I would love to go 120+ I'd probably kill myself because I'm inexperienced and an imbalance in my fear receptors as I don't feel it which makes you care less about the consequences. Then I also realized that it would be nice to also be able to fide comfortably for longer distances so that led me to the KLR 650 adventure. But I needed to make sure that I was 100% on board because this is a big purchase and did a ton of research. As a 6'2 260lb dude I had to think about bike size and stability, this bike seems to hit every major mark I was looking for with most of the complaints having a not to difficult remedy. Watching the yammi video about the CRF300 vs the KLR 650 solidified my decision. I take my beginners course in a couple weekends but I already have an adventure abs on reserve because I trust the research I put in. Sorry about the rambling but I just wanted to add the context so when I say this video is very underrated you know I mean it. I don't know if this will all get read but I wanted to say thank you for making a review that feels very genuine and to the point. I can't wait until I can finally start riding, I've been wanting to for 15+ years but never bit the bullet. Now with gas prices the way they are using a truck isn't worth it right now and this is the best gas saving option.
Thank you I appreciate that, I’m glad the video helped. It sounds like a solid choice for you,and taking the safety course first is a great idea. I’m excited for you!
I am in the same boat as you right now looking at all the same bikes!! Have you gotten you bike yet? I'd love to hear an update if you have or when you do!
@IndigoVikingTV my update is kind of crazy, lol. So I was just about to buy a KLR650 adventure model but it was in a different state because all the adventure models in my state were 1k more than the average. Then the realization of having to not only get the bike home but also having to go out their and sign the paperwork. It would of cost me a few hundred dollars to drive out their and pick it up. So I gave up on that one and looked hard into the CFMOTO adventure bike and was really close to buy that one (had a down payment) but I read some comments on a RUclips review video and they said things like resale value and aftermarket products were not great for them yet. That lead me to look again and this time at what used bikes were being sold at local dealers. Which crazily enough brought me to my new baby, a 2019 Suzuki Vstrom 650 XT model. It's red and black, rides like a dream, I feel like a kid again, and for the first time in my life look forward to driving/riding on the road. If you're looking for a bike as a newbie I definitely recommend getting a cheaper used bike. I dropped it multiple times, slightly crashed it once (fix the mirror lol), and used the money I saved buying used on gear and upgrades for the bike.
I appreciate the update man :) that is one good looking bike!! I've been thinking about going used as well, buying new isn't too big of a deal for me but I was also looking at new. I never looked at Suzuki bikes, maybe I should broaden my search @@XPervysage
Got that same bike. Been doggin her for 10K…did a lot of the epic passes in CO. Ripped lots of canyons. It is such a fun bike, but sorta terrifying in high winds (at least compared to my solid Harleys. Like the old commercial said “Kawasaki lets the good times roll”. KLX300 next. I rode it to Sturgis, loaded down at 80-85mph. So yeah, no “top end”, but 80 is fast enough for me. No one goes 80 over. Black Bear Pass, anyhow.
Great consice review. All of my research is pointing me to the KLR for the riding I want to do. I haven't been on a motorcycle on the street for 25 years when I used to tool around those same roads you were on riding out to the Pozo Saloon. Given the lack of recent riding I am debating whether to go less expensive used or new 2023 KLR. Are the improvements and warranty worth the extra money in your opinion?
Haha that’s awesome, pozo is a fun place to ride. I do think the improvements are worth a new one, the only thing tune will tell is if the doohickey is a problem
Thank you sir for this great video. I can get this bike for $ 1000 off MSRP but I heard some of the 2023's have had steering issues. Have you noticed that on your klr650? Thanks for the honest review. 👍
Congrats, I did this to raise the windshield and I now have a quad lock with charging, damper and my iPhone pro max fits up there nice 2023 Kawasaki KLR 650 Must have upgrade ruclips.net/video/tly8waC2X4Q/видео.html
Is that a loaner or yours? Seems like they gave it some updates. Those were kinda a dinosaur for a long time. Wonder if they have tuning upgrades to wake it up and remove the emissions. My 07 XR650R felt kinda lame in stock form but after giving it a tune I was very successful in long distance desert racing on it but had to do a lot to it. 🤙🏼
yes sir, they remade this dinosaur and finally gave it EFI!!!. they do have some tuning upgrades for it if you want to add an exhaust from what ive seen. How you healing up?
Bought a new KLR and rode it 5000+ miles in a couple of years. Never felt safe or comfortable. At 500 pounds it's just a fat pig on dirt trails. SOLD IT!
Definitely not getting 55mpg. Maybe if you keep the speeds below 50mph and even thats a stretch. Most i ever got was 260 before i had anxiety and had to fill up, but on the highway im getting like 180-190 mpg before i get that same feeling based on how long my fuel gauge has been flashing for.
Yea little off on the MPG, ive been getting 250ish as well before my anxiety kicks in and i fill it up as well. its been amazing for me to be able to go 3 full days to and from work before fueling up. So nice having that large tank
@@ScoutsOut Apparently there's two fuses you can pull to disable it, but that's so much more effort. You can even install a kill switch if you know a thing or two, but still. The FACTORY can't install a kill switch as well? Getcya game right, Kawasaki. All the money out into researching and testing and enough people didn't raise concerns? Ran into a guy last year with one, and the abs on a gravel road caused him to wreck pretty badly.
All due respect to the klr650 reputation for hardcore but what i would like to see is a new version of the KLR650 C MODEL something dirt oriented like the C MODEL but with a bigger engine but with the same sound as the stock exhaust of the C model .....the klr650 is good but lacking speed compare to Ktm 790 adventure or Honda Africa twin 1000 i personally own a klr650 C i have experienced other bikes but the klr650 is very powerful especially on hills the sound is special and the only reason I'd swap is because of a little more speed if kawasaki need to bring out a bigger klr also because Honda yamaha ktm all are copying and competing with the klr so all we need is just a bigger ENGINE KLR BUT DIRT ORIENTED OR ADVENTURE STYLE I PERSONALLY WOULD GO FOR THE DIRT TYPE I LOVE DIRT
@@ScoutsOut I believe starting in '22 they went with fuel injection which I believe is better. Also if you go one tooth higher on the front sprocket you'll save 450 RPMs on the freeway, then drop the back sprocket 4 teeth youl save another 450 which gives you your 6 gear, I did that on my '07 and loved it👍
, As an owner of Harleys, and I think five KOR’s over the years, I have to say can’t agree with your comment about the vibrations. Harleys are way more on the vibration side.
A little exaggeration on my part but compared to bikes similar in the category the vibrations are real on this bike imo. I will admit I ride it faster than I should and anything over 70 gets worse and worse but it’s not a deal breaker for me
its been annoying as so many people have diff opinions about it. It sounds like it's the same one that was in the gen 2, and you still have to loosed and bang on the case as part of a service. I will probly dig more into it when the warranty is up
Don't worry about that damn doohickey I think 2 Motors fail out of 200,000 it's not enough for Kawasaki to fix anything, I've never heard of one motor being blown for that reason but I have heard hundreds of stories of KLRs going 100k miles and over with virtually no issues.. Just ride and forget about it👍
I agree with you, pretty much what I've been doing. I did lessen the bolt give it a few whacks and tighten back up per the manual but I think I'm just gonna ride her till she blows lol. I still rode the thing daily and love it
@@ScoutsOut Just change the oil regularly and it will last forever you almost can't kill those Motors.. My 'O7 had 70,000 miles on it ran like the day it was new...As soon as Kawi puts 2 cylinders in there I'll be the first in line to get another one I'm not a huge fan of the heavy thumper anymore😉
Yea that is what i was debating in the store, but I do actually like the stuff on the ADV model so far although i have already bought soft bags for it so the price is adding up on it
@@ScoutsOut I like the color of the ADV model. I don't want saddle bags. I have soft bags too but I do want the top case that locks. I just don't like the color of the traveler so I got the color I like and I'll add the stuff I want.
Yea it has had loads of problems in the past with the doohickey and with it changed out they last a long time. I'm not sold on the new bike needing it yet but when the warranty is over I will dig into
Dude how much first hand experience do you got or is it all internet trolling cause there's klr models of all across the year ranges that have thousands of miles logged
I guess I just know what my engine is doing by sound and feel and when to up/down shift. After 8k miles on my KLR, I know the bike pretty well and never thought I needed a tach to tell me when to shift.@@ScoutsOut
@@ScoutsOut Specifically the upper steering bearing, my new 650s I bought last month was dangerous. Almost hurt me many times until I figured it out and got it fixed. The effected VIN’s start with ML. The factory had over tightened the upper steering bearing in hundreds of 2023 650/650s’s, resulting in a dangerous “notch” while turning. Most dealers deny this. I love my KLR after the repair, but I hear of a class action taking place. Idk if that’s true though. I liked you video.
Oh wow. Just noticed when you said it. No gear indicator or tachometer either? Geeze, that's rough. I've gotta start watching videos to completion before commenting, lol I'm sorry.
Haha yea man, out of all the bikes I've rode I would normally really complain about no TAC but on the klr it just doesn't matter. But no gear select and only 5 gears is annoying but still not worth counting the bike out
@@ScoutsOut From the tiny amount of research I've done, in terms of touring capabilities, this bike reigns supreme in terms of value. Similarly priced dual sports are really not intended for sort of any relatively long commuting. This bike fits really well in-between commuting and adventuring. It's not top of it's class in either, but it's not supposed to be, it really can't be. Lol
@@ScoutsOut Just read a forum post from 2015. Apparently the killswitch idea isn't foolproof. You can disable it on the fly, but you'll need to restart the bike to re-enable it with an on/off switch. Really is a ridiculous clear design choice not to not include an on/off for an _off-road vehicle_
Super laid back and chilled review. No BS, just straight honest review on the pro's and con's of the bike. Appreciate the vid. Keep up the good work 👍
Thank you, I appreciate the comment.
I sold my year old Pan America, for the reliability, simplicity, and value of the KLR. I absolutely love the thing.
Damn that says a lot. I've had a Yamaha tenere 700 for the week to test out and I'm still sticking with the klr it's just a great all around bike I'm really enjoying it
Wow, i need to know more, I'm trying to buy a bike to eventually upgrade to a pan am. What made you do it?
@@2tallnegrito7cmn55 The Pan America is a great bike when everything works. Too many software issues. All the high end bikes are like a computer with pistons. You can buy 3 base model KLR's for the price of one Pan America. Service the thing yourself and save hundreds more. The KLR is about as simple as there is. They've traveled the world and racked up more miles than any other adventure bike. The KLR has achieved "cult" status. There is tremendous community and after market support. I have no regrets.
@@hiflyer1168 thanks for the response! Good point with the tech!
@@hiflyer1168 a guy offered me to buy his pan amercan2022 for 21000 but I bought 22 klr adv for 6000 and I watched videos on the africa twin,T7 and the super tenere and now I'm happy.
This is one of the most representative reviews I’ve seen. I don’t comment often, but this was worthy of praise.
Thank you! I truly appreciate that, it’s a lot of work to be a one man record, do and edit team lol but it feels good to have comments like yours 👊🏽
I am 6 foot 2 and weight 225 this is the perfect fit bike for me. I like the giant adventures but they are to heavy to have off road I grew up riding dirt bikes and this feels like a dirt bike that graduated to adventure dual sport.
Nice man I agree, it’s hard to beat the KLR for all around get it done!
This is actually the best review of the klr650 I've seen. I ended up buying one and it's #7 in my garage and by far the one I ride the most!
Thank you I appreciate that, and I know the feeling. My KLR is number 6 and it gets ridden the most
Excellent review, music and editing!! 🔥🔥🎉😊🤟🏼
Thanks Elizabeth! I think I have just as much fun editing as riding sometimes lol
I really like the bike, especially that you can ride it off-road. Great video buddy and thanks for sharing. Ride on🤙
Thanks ck, it was a ton of fun to ride and really cool to be able to get off road with it
Great vid bud. Looking at this for my first bike, seems like a solid choice. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Zack much appreciated
Great review!
Thanks for putting the work in on this video. Kawasaki now owes you a commission. I'm picking mine up on Saturday.
Thank you! I really appreciate that and congrats on the new bike!
bought mine yesterday. Enjoyed your review. Great job.
Congrats on the new bike!!!
I get more compliments on my klr than I ever get on my Harley if you seen one chromed out cruiser you've seen them all.
Haha so true
I'm debating trading in either my 2016 heritage softail classic or my 2022 klx 230 which I like for smaller trails, for the KLR 650. I love them both for different reasons. Not sure which one to give up. Thoughts?
@@markg.whitesides657 the gen 3 has been a reliable machine for me so far,I got it for Christmas last year and I've put 7000 miles mostly highway and interstate cruising 70 75 with 16 t front sprocket and get between 48 and 50 mpg to me it feels excellent in curves once you learn to use the handlebars and the line you need and all,in a straight line you're good till 75 or so after that it depends on the road,tires etc whether it's gonna get squirrelly or not.itll go about 97 all out with me weighing around 160 but fast it's not,I can jump out in traffic though, it's not THAT bad, seems like it did 100 with the 15 tooth sprocket, can't really remember.it does not like crosswinds, headwinds or turbulence from big trucks.at all.period it'll do some pretty serious off roading but it's a handful and you'll be exhausted in no time unless you're in really good physical condition.so all in all it's a good bike that'll get you around as long as you're not a speed demon and I don't think it's gonna leave you anywhere but it's a 6500.00 bike so don't expect it to ride like a Cadillac.
@@markg.whitesides657 I sold my Road King Classic for my 2023 KLRs and couldnt be happier. I loved my Halrey (as wel as my prior bikes) but the fun factor really comes out when riding the KLR. to me its like riding for the first time....the simplicity and joy of having a simple bike without all the bells and whistles.
About even for me; my hot 90th ann FXR and 100th ann Sporty get some admiration, though…just from different types of riders
Great review, awesome quality video. Thank you!
Thanks man, I appreciate that 🍻
Great video. Thank you for posting. I might be picking one of these up next week, a 2023 model.
Thank you! Let me know what ya think when you get it
VERY useful, thank you. Getting one tomorrow based off this video
Glad it was helpful and congrats on the new bike man thats exciting
This is my favorite KLR review 👏
thanks man, I appreciate that. I have to many bikes but this one undoubtably my current day to day go to
Great job as always Scout... There was a lot of excitement about the new KLR... The old ones have a rep for being nearly indestructable. And the few tweaks they made to the new one fixed a lot of the minor complaints of the old one. It may not be as "refined" as the Tenere or the GS, but of you're looking for a reliable solid work horse it's a good place to start looking...
Hahah exactly, I was super surprised at how well and how many things that bike did. It’s not going to blow your socks off but it’s an all around solid bike
Lookin to pick one of these up, great video, thanks for he honest review!😎
Thank you! It's a great bike, let me know what you think if you got one
Wife has said I may have a klr650 coming my way for my birthday... im actually stoked and can't wait to hit my little florida trails and just explore!
Nice, enjoy!
Great review sir. 👏
I wish I could go out and enjoy a ride in January. More snow on the way, been in the 20s and 30s for 6 weeks now. 😔
Thank you! as much as I complain about how “cold” it is here, i am super lucky to get to ride year round
I have the same bike 2022 and I love it. It only took a few small things to make it super comfortable. I put a 1 inch riser for handlebar, adjustable windscreen riser along with a slightly taller smoke colored windscreen and grip puppys over the grips. 55mpg all day. cool review. Aloha
Awesome I have got the risers and bars now just need to install them. The longer I have ridden the bike the more I've wanted the bars to be higher. I just did the windshield riser and it's helped a lot. What windscreen did you get for the bike?
@@ScoutsOut Cool, after riding the bike for a while I determined all I really needed for bar rise was about a 7/8 inch and that was the ticket. Those stock tires lasted about 5 miles predominantly on road and went with Dunlop Trailmax mission 50/50 tires. They are real smooth on road and never seem to wear out.
Awesome I'll have to check those out, I'm at 2200 miles on it already and the stock tires are basically done. Crazy how quick they wore out
Very good honest informative video, thanks.
Thank you I appreciate that
I bought my first KLR 650S and it is so comfortable and beginner friendly. Just enough Dual Sport hp and torque for my needs to keep me happy for a long time! (Although I also have a BMW K1600 GT, TW200 and an Honda 700 NM4, for variety.)
Nice! Good for you, congrats on the. Ew bike that’s exciting!
Getting mine Friday, can’t wait!!
Nice dude that’s exciting, can’t wait to hear what you think about it
It’s gonna be a great summer, then. Enjoy!
Very helpful review!
Thanks man
Great review! Subscribed 👍
Thanks man, I appreciate that. Happy holidays
Great review 👏👏
thanks, im loving it I ride it everyday
Great review
Thanks bro, we need to get a ride in soon
I just bought a 2023 KLR 650S. I’m only 5’4” so this is a dandy size for me. I have ordered crash bars. I have purchased Tusk aluminum panniers, a USB connection, a low profile drain plug, and a side stand extension. My previous bike was a Himalayan.
Nice! Congrats on the new bike!
100% helped me choose to buy this bike
Glad I could help, and congrats on the new bike!
Very rare do I go over 70 on the highway, not trying to get tickets or killed. I bought one for the reliability and comfort
yea I hear ya, but many states have 80mph for freeway speeds. I try to show what I can for all possible experiences. thanks for watching
4:43 That bike is TOTALLY ready for off road. I got a Tusk flush-mount magnetic oil plug before I went nuts, though. I prove its readiness almost daily. I live in Colorado.
Nice! Very cool
Thanks man. Kawasaki is going to hire you as a salesperson because I’m in.
Haha. Bro this bike is so fun!
Great motorcycle 🏍️
Yea man it really is
I researched this bike "almost" sold my 2016 Africa Twin to get a brand new 2023 KLR but no 6th gear killed it for me. I did like it and may some day get one. The "strange" give on the pegs you mentioned is due to the rubber mount. That's to help soften the vibration. If you put rat traps on it you're going to notice more of the engine vibration.
Yea I know it’s for vibration but it’s really weird especially when you first ride it. I agree with the 6th gear it just is flat out annoying at 55mph constantly trying to up shift
I think the footless might help with road or gravel road vibrations for long rides. Personally I like that
Yea it's nice for all the commuting I'm doing to have less vibration, I just want more grip for off road
I never thought about the abs issue before. Great call and excellent info
yea, I really think ABS should be on every bike but with the KLR there should be a switch to turn off at least the rear.
You can go 75 easy. But I don't enjoy it for long rides.
4 hours And I'm exhausted.
Perfect commuter bike.
Agreed, I’ve been riding it everyday to work for the last month and its been a great commuter!
Bobcat crosses the road at 5:40 👍
Haha yea man they are awesome animals
I have been extensively reviewing what I should get as my first bike. At first I was thinking KTM Duke 200 or 390 but reading about difficult it to get good servicing if you don't have a dedicated shop for it and also the electrical issues I thought about how I need to investigate harder. Next was the Husqvarna Svartplien 401 which I loved the design of but had similar issues as the Duke and the 2 gallon tank was a really hard thing to accept. Then I was looking at the Kawasaki Z400 and really thought I found the one but something told me to keep looking around.
I watched a lot of yammi noob videos about beginner bikes and their reviews. The most recent, although old, tier list had the Honda CRF300 pop up as a possible S tier and got me thinking about dual sport. I realized I don't need a speed demon, as much as I would love to go 120+ I'd probably kill myself because I'm inexperienced and an imbalance in my fear receptors as I don't feel it which makes you care less about the consequences. Then I also realized that it would be nice to also be able to fide comfortably for longer distances so that led me to the KLR 650 adventure. But I needed to make sure that I was 100% on board because this is a big purchase and did a ton of research.
As a 6'2 260lb dude I had to think about bike size and stability, this bike seems to hit every major mark I was looking for with most of the complaints having a not to difficult remedy. Watching the yammi video about the CRF300 vs the KLR 650 solidified my decision. I take my beginners course in a couple weekends but I already have an adventure abs on reserve because I trust the research I put in.
Sorry about the rambling but I just wanted to add the context so when I say this video is very underrated you know I mean it. I don't know if this will all get read but I wanted to say thank you for making a review that feels very genuine and to the point. I can't wait until I can finally start riding, I've been wanting to for 15+ years but never bit the bullet. Now with gas prices the way they are using a truck isn't worth it right now and this is the best gas saving option.
Thank you I appreciate that, I’m glad the video helped. It sounds like a solid choice for you,and taking the safety course first is a great idea. I’m excited for you!
I am in the same boat as you right now looking at all the same bikes!! Have you gotten you bike yet? I'd love to hear an update if you have or when you do!
@IndigoVikingTV my update is kind of crazy, lol. So I was just about to buy a KLR650 adventure model but it was in a different state because all the adventure models in my state were 1k more than the average. Then the realization of having to not only get the bike home but also having to go out their and sign the paperwork. It would of cost me a few hundred dollars to drive out their and pick it up. So I gave up on that one and looked hard into the CFMOTO adventure bike and was really close to buy that one (had a down payment) but I read some comments on a RUclips review video and they said things like resale value and aftermarket products were not great for them yet. That lead me to look again and this time at what used bikes were being sold at local dealers. Which crazily enough brought me to my new baby, a 2019 Suzuki Vstrom 650 XT model. It's red and black, rides like a dream, I feel like a kid again, and for the first time in my life look forward to driving/riding on the road. If you're looking for a bike as a newbie I definitely recommend getting a cheaper used bike. I dropped it multiple times, slightly crashed it once (fix the mirror lol), and used the money I saved buying used on gear and upgrades for the bike.
I appreciate the update man :) that is one good looking bike!! I've been thinking about going used as well, buying new isn't too big of a deal for me but I was also looking at new. I never looked at Suzuki bikes, maybe I should broaden my search @@XPervysage
Got that same bike. Been doggin her for 10K…did a lot of the epic passes in CO. Ripped lots of canyons. It is such a fun bike, but sorta terrifying in high winds (at least compared to my solid Harleys. Like the old commercial said “Kawasaki lets the good times roll”. KLX300 next. I rode it to Sturgis, loaded down at 80-85mph. So yeah, no “top end”, but 80 is fast enough for me. No one goes 80 over. Black Bear Pass, anyhow.
Good to hear it holding up well for ya!
Love my KLR 650s I don’t have abs tho but I was deciding between the KLR and the 2021 ninja 650 but good I went with the KLR
They are both great bikes for sure, congrats on the new bike!
Great consice review. All of my research is pointing me to the KLR for the riding I want to do. I haven't been on a motorcycle on the street for 25 years when I used to tool around those same roads you were on riding out to the Pozo Saloon. Given the lack of recent riding I am debating whether to go less expensive used or new 2023 KLR. Are the improvements and warranty worth the extra money in your opinion?
Haha that’s awesome, pozo is a fun place to ride. I do think the improvements are worth a new one, the only thing tune will tell is if the doohickey is a problem
Thank you sir for this great video. I can get this bike for $ 1000 off MSRP but I heard some of the 2023's have had steering issues. Have you noticed that on your klr650? Thanks for the honest review. 👍
Nice, that’s a good deal! I didn’t have any steering issues with it
Thinking of getting this 650 Adventure please send your observation on the spike. Thanks, Jim.
2023 Kawasaki KLR 650 1 Month Review
ruclips.net/video/-SzbEUNagTM/видео.html
I just bought a 2023 650 KLR Adventure. BUT Where do you fasten a 6” Garmin ZUMO XT2?
Shield is pretty tight against top bar. Any suggestions?
Congrats, I did this to raise the windshield and I now have a quad lock with charging, damper and my iPhone pro max fits up there nice
2023 Kawasaki KLR 650 Must have upgrade
ruclips.net/video/tly8waC2X4Q/видео.html
I miss my KLR. But I do like myTenera. Did they fix the oil burn over 5k rpms ? Thank you for the video.
Oh yea the tenere is a great bike too, not sure if they fixed it but I haven’t noticed loss or smell of burning oil and I ride it hard
@@ScoutsOut That's cool 👍👍
That looks like my old stomping grounds of temecula
They look similar for sure, I was out in pozo for this vid only 4hrs away though 🍻
I have a DRZ men . Let me ride some more of my Drz,then i might buy a klr next year
right on, DRZ's are cool too man
Are parts available worldwide for this? Travelling other countries?
Not sure about that I know Australia got the bike but I don't think it was ever available in Europe
Is that a loaner or yours? Seems like they gave it some updates. Those were kinda a dinosaur for a long time. Wonder if they have tuning upgrades to wake it up and remove the emissions. My 07 XR650R felt kinda lame in stock form but after giving it a tune I was very successful in long distance desert racing on it but had to do a lot to it. 🤙🏼
yes sir, they remade this dinosaur and finally gave it EFI!!!. they do have some tuning upgrades for it if you want to add an exhaust from what ive seen. How you healing up?
@@ScoutsOut just sitting around for a couple weeks then I’ll start therapy little by little. It’s just annoying. Thanks for checking 🤙🏼
Yea bro that sucks, you are my work out inspiration riding that road bike so damn far all the time lol hopefully quick recovery
I'm really debating between this and the versys 300. I haven't been in a bike since hitting a deer in 07
That’s a hard one, if the versys was a 400 I’d be all over it
@ScoutsOut hp wise they are similar the torque is higher in the power band on th 300. 300 is more fuel efficient and cheaper
Yea true and probably smoother at higher rpm’s
Same 2 bikes im looking into myself. Did you get one yet?
@@Tennessee968 not yet
Time to change the crf for a klr?
Definitely thinking about it
It seems you love this bike in comparison to the crf you own
Yea being able to still have some fun off road and commuting is pretty cool
Bought a new KLR and rode it 5000+ miles in a couple of years. Never felt safe or comfortable. At 500 pounds it's just a fat pig on dirt trails. SOLD IT!
Yea she is a little pig for sure, what did you get after?
I'm pushing 80 years old!
Decided to ride my little 44 year old YAMAHA XT 500.😊
Ok there ya go enjoy!
Definitely not getting 55mpg. Maybe if you keep the speeds below 50mph and even thats a stretch. Most i ever got was 260 before i had anxiety and had to fill up, but on the highway im getting like 180-190 mpg before i get that same feeling based on how long my fuel gauge has been flashing for.
Yea little off on the MPG, ive been getting 250ish as well before my anxiety kicks in and i fill it up as well. its been amazing for me to be able to go 3 full days to and from work before fueling up. So nice having that large tank
Get abs you can just pull a fuse if you want it off
True, you can always try and turn it off
Would this tote a 6-3 300lb guy around?
Yea I think it would run you around just fine, it's power is low it's like a dang tractor
Look out for the CHP going through Atascadero hahaha
Haha yep they like to hide all over there lol
I still don't get why there isn't a simple switch for disabling the ABS.
Totally agree, every bike should have that
@@ScoutsOut Apparently there's two fuses you can pull to disable it, but that's so much more effort. You can even install a kill switch if you know a thing or two, but still. The FACTORY can't install a kill switch as well? Getcya game right, Kawasaki. All the money out into researching and testing and enough people didn't raise concerns?
Ran into a guy last year with one, and the abs on a gravel road caused him to wreck pretty badly.
Lmfao, paused the video like 20 seconds before you mentioned the fuse and kill switch lol.
Haha annoying though right, why isn't that a factory thing!
All due respect to the klr650 reputation for hardcore but what i would like to see is a new version of the KLR650 C MODEL something dirt oriented like the C MODEL but with a bigger engine but with the same sound as the stock exhaust of the C model .....the klr650 is good but lacking speed compare to Ktm 790 adventure or Honda Africa twin 1000 i personally own a klr650 C i have experienced other bikes but the klr650 is very powerful especially on hills the sound is special and the only reason I'd swap is because of a little more speed if kawasaki need to bring out a bigger klr also because Honda yamaha ktm all are copying and competing with the klr so all we need is just a bigger ENGINE KLR BUT DIRT ORIENTED OR ADVENTURE STYLE I PERSONALLY WOULD GO FOR THE DIRT TYPE I LOVE DIRT
Honestly I’d love to see a newer version as well even if it means a slightly higher price point
Hello Is the '22 any different than the '23?
No they are the same
@@ScoutsOut I believe starting in '22 they went with fuel injection which I believe is better. Also if you go one tooth higher on the front sprocket you'll save 450 RPMs on the freeway, then drop the back sprocket 4 teeth youl save another 450 which gives you your 6 gear, I did that on my '07 and loved it👍
Yea 22 they finally went efi, I'll have to look into the gear change that's cool
If they made it a 6 speed overdrive it would out sell Amazon .
Haha so true!
, As an owner of Harleys, and I think five KOR’s over the years, I have to say can’t agree with your comment about the vibrations. Harleys are way more on the vibration side.
A little exaggeration on my part but compared to bikes similar in the category the vibrations are real on this bike imo. I will admit I ride it faster than I should and anything over 70 gets worse and worse but it’s not a deal breaker for me
what about the doohickey? did Kawasaki fix this finally? anybody know?
its been annoying as so many people have diff opinions about it. It sounds like it's the same one that was in the gen 2, and you still have to loosed and bang on the case as part of a service. I will probly dig more into it when the warranty is up
Don't worry about that damn doohickey I think 2 Motors fail out of 200,000 it's not enough for Kawasaki to fix anything, I've never heard of one motor being blown for that reason but I have heard hundreds of stories of KLRs going 100k miles and over with virtually no issues.. Just ride and forget about it👍
I agree with you, pretty much what I've been doing. I did lessen the bolt give it a few whacks and tighten back up per the manual but I think I'm just gonna ride her till she blows lol. I still rode the thing daily and love it
@@ScoutsOut Just change the oil regularly and it will last forever you almost can't kill those Motors.. My 'O7 had 70,000 miles on it ran like the day it was new...As soon as Kawi puts 2 cylinders in there I'll be the first in line to get another one I'm not a huge fan of the heavy thumper anymore😉
@@seatime674did you have to adjust the valves?
Base model and add the stuff you want.
Yea that is what i was debating in the store, but I do actually like the stuff on the ADV model so far although i have already bought soft bags for it so the price is adding up on it
@@ScoutsOut I like the color of the ADV model. I don't want saddle bags. I have soft bags too but I do want the top case that locks. I just don't like the color of the traveler so I got the color I like and I'll add the stuff I want.
The grey one is the best color option in my opinion, good choice
good motor ???? see all the technical problems and contstuction falt ( balance chain )on you tube of the klr 650
Yea it has had loads of problems in the past with the doohickey and with it changed out they last a long time. I'm not sold on the new bike needing it yet but when the warranty is over I will dig into
Dude how much first hand experience do you got or is it all internet trolling cause there's klr models of all across the year ranges that have thousands of miles logged
My klr done 65000 no problems.
@@franmitch3589 i had many problems white the klr ,elekt , and ingi ne probles also verry bat start of the klr
Dang, what year did you get?
Does it have a tachometer?
No it doesn't sadly
What's the purpose of a tach?
It tells you what rpm the vehicle is at and helps you not redline it if you are hanging on to a gear too long and many other reasons…
I guess I just know what my engine is doing by sound and feel and when to up/down shift. After 8k miles on my KLR, I know the bike pretty well and never thought I needed a tach to tell me when to shift.@@ScoutsOut
It’s a very wide motorcycle not the greatest for splitting lanes
So bizarre how they wouldn’t give you a six gear it’s got plenty of torque
Yea, I got used to splitting lanes but the 6th gear is hard to live without
I wouldn't have the side boxes
Then maybe the base model would be better and save that $1K
It's the steering that will get ya. Be careful
Yea man, especially when that front tire starts to wear out. It gets seriously wobbly
@@ScoutsOut Specifically the upper steering bearing, my new 650s I bought last month was dangerous. Almost hurt me many times until I figured it out and got it fixed. The effected VIN’s start with ML. The factory had over tightened the upper steering bearing in hundreds of 2023 650/650s’s, resulting in a dangerous “notch” while turning. Most dealers deny this. I love my KLR after the repair, but I hear of a class action taking place. Idk if that’s true though. I liked you video.
Oh dang, I’ll have to look at my vin. I agree it’s a great bike though, glad you enjoyed the video 🍻
Oh wow. Just noticed when you said it. No gear indicator or tachometer either? Geeze, that's rough.
I've gotta start watching videos to completion before commenting, lol I'm sorry.
Haha yea man, out of all the bikes I've rode I would normally really complain about no TAC but on the klr it just doesn't matter. But no gear select and only 5 gears is annoying but still not worth counting the bike out
@@ScoutsOut From the tiny amount of research I've done, in terms of touring capabilities, this bike reigns supreme in terms of value. Similarly priced dual sports are really not intended for sort of any relatively long commuting. This bike fits really well in-between commuting and adventuring. It's not top of it's class in either, but it's not supposed to be, it really can't be. Lol
Well said, it's so good at everything just not the best at anything
@@ScoutsOut Just read a forum post from 2015. Apparently the killswitch idea isn't foolproof. You can disable it on the fly, but you'll need to restart the bike to re-enable it with an on/off switch.
Really is a ridiculous clear design choice not to not include an on/off for an _off-road vehicle_
Ok, that kinda sucks. It was definitely a poor design choice not to include it
$9500 bike with 40hp and 35mpg, something wrong
👍🏼
I've seen them much cheaper new.
Unfortunately this cheap adventure bike ... becomes an expensive repaired bike pretty quickly
Yes I can, hopefully the newer models are better
80 mph riding Harley, wind will beat you up from all over 😂
😂 yea true and this thing hold 80 ok lol