Kawasaki KLR650 reviews

After a long year of going back and forth between the Honda XR650L, Suzuki DR650 and Kawasaki KLR 650, I finally decided on the KLR 650. What a nice bike! I've never owned a Kawasaki before and I am very surprised on how well the bike is put together. It is affordable, looks nice and it has tons of upgrades. Features like the 6 Gal tank, water cooled engine, tachometer, front fairing, and luggage rack among others were too hard to pass up. The Honda was the best bike on the dirt but it is nowhere near as comfortable as the Kawi. Gearing was short, great for the dirt. Gas tank was way too small. The Suzuki lacks the luggage rack, engine cover, decent tires and the gas tank is also small. In the end, the Kawi was the best choice for what I was looking for. Going through the break in period was hard but I am glad it is finally over. I have ridden from Orlando to Miami on a couple of trips down 441 - 27 into Miami. This bike ROCKS. I have tried it on trails around my home and it is light enough to play with it; it is just great. Gearing is a bit tall but it is acceptable. I'd rather have it this way and be able to get on the interstate and cruise at around 80. I highly recommend this bike to anyone wanting to get a dual purpose bike. Happy trails! Show less

OH WHAT FUN I HAVE RIDING ON AND OFF ROAD. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS POINT AND PULL THE GAS BACK AND YOU GO ANYWHERE. I've BEEN PLACES OTHER PEOPLE WOULD NOT GO ON DIRT BIKES NOW THAT SAYS SOMETHING!!! Show less

For days in the saddle, nothing beats my BMW K bike. For everyday commuting and dirt road exploration, my 2005 KLR beats the pants off of BMW's 650's. For thousands less, you get the simplicity of a carb vs FI, more gas on board, more suspension travel, etc. Show less

I just bought my KLR a few months ago and love it. The only problem is the seat height, which I knew would be an issue before I got it. I'm only 5'9 and with a 35 inch seat, it doesn't make it too comfortable to start or stop. While riding, the seat height is irrelevent. The bike goes anywhere and gets great gas mileage. Overall, it's a great bike and I'm glad I bought it. Show less

My bike is a 05 KLR650 and my other bike is a Harley Soft Tail 06. Which one is more fun?? The KLR650, the reason is it goes anywhere you have the guts to take it. This bike has never let me down and it very smooth for a One Lunger. The full suspension eats up everthing I have thrown at it. I am regularly picking up after market up grade parts. I don't really need anything for this bike because it does what is supposed to do. I bought the following: alum skid plate, magnetic drain plug, K & N air filter, LED brake light, and an allen head stainless screw replacement set. Why, because you can't own something and not put your mark on it. In summary, if you want a bike that you don't have to stop and think where you want to go, then just buy the KLR650, it will take you there in confidence. Show less

Had cruisers for years. Moved to Colorado Springs recently and decided to get something that would go where the Harleys couldn't go. Enter the 07 KLR 650... Figured a ride up Pike's Peak would be a great way to break it in. What a great ride!!! This carberated bike ran great all the way to 14,100 feet no problems, back firing, or anything. Changed the oil when I got home at 100 miles on the odometer. Visible metal in the filter. The bike ran great and if there was any remorse about switching to a different kind of ride, it is gone now! Show less

Great bike and does everything you would want it to do. If you don't like something change it with the 100,000 aftermarket accesorries. Come on - it's the swiss army knife, Jeep of the motorcycle world. Show less

She's got a face and body only a mother could love, but she sure can dance!!! The KLR is a fun scoot will let you go most places most other bikes fear to tread. You can explore that old overgrown dirt road. Single-track? Sure, go nuts! Twisties? Oh heck yeah! This mo'sickle loves them all. There are limitations. This is not a trials bike. It is heavier than the average dirt bike. And the suspension, well lets just say that the most money you will put into this bike is to replace the suspension. Stock suspension is fine if you weigh less that 200lbs. Stock tires are 50/50 street/dirt. Speeds above 60mph induce hi frequency vibes in the handlebars. This bike is fun. You can do anything you want. It is my first bike, and I do not regret my purchase. Show less

Let me start by saying this is my third klr. I've been riding on two wheels for a long time and my klr has given me the most fun of all the 39 bikes I've had in the past. The klr only needs 2 mods to make it absolutely bulletproof, one is the infamous doohickey and the other is a comfortable seat. Those of you wondering what the doohickey is should visit klr650.net for full details. If you're in the market for a first bike, cheap transportation, or just want something different I urge you to try one. HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU!!!!!! Show less

I can tell you the KLR is a great deal and I'm much happier with it for 2up riding BUT it has an annoying buzz at 60-70mph. Suspension is primitive, lacking in adjustments. So far no problems at 1000 miles. Show less