Kawasaki KLR650
 |
|
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Production | since 1987 |
| Engine | 651 cc single-cylinder, water-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 : 1 |
| Power | 37 bhp (28 kW) |
| Suspension | Telescoping fork, Uni-Trak swingarm |
| Dimensions |
L: 2,295 mm (90.4 in) W: 960 mm (38 in) H: 1,350 mm (53 in) |
| Weight | 176 kg (388 lb) (dry) 196 kg (432 lb) (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 6.1 US gal (23 l; 5.1 imp gal) |
| Oil capacity | 2.6 U.S. quarts (2.5 L) |
The Kawasaki KLR650 is a dual-sport motorcycle intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads. It has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception. It has a 650 cc four-stroke, DOHC, dual-counterbalanced, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine.
The KLR is widely used as an inexpensive adventure/touring bike. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips. Bikes have been used for long distance and intercontinental trips, as well as full global circumnavigation rides e.g., by Dr. Gregory Frazier in 2001 and 2002.
In 2008 the KLR650 was radically redesigned with new aesthetics, modern dual headlights and a more powerful engine. The new 651 cc single-cylinder engine puts out 36 bhp (27 kW) at the rear wheel at 6600 rpm and 33.4 ft·lbf (45.3 N·m) of torque at 4950 rpm. other improvements include: New fairing design, new instrument panel, redesigned handlebar control switches, new bar-end weights, revised powerband, revised suspension has reduced travel but with less static sag, new rear swingarm, new turn signals, larger petal-style vented brake rotors, new twin-piston rear brake caliper, increased radiator capacity, fork diameter increased from 38 to 41 mm (1.5 to 1.6 in), new headlight similar to that used on the Kawasaki Ninja 650R, larger luggage rack, firmer seat, larger-diameter wheel spokes, reinforced idler-shaft lever, called the doohickey by KLR riders. Stator "alternator" upgraded to 17amp output, providing an additional 36 watt capacity.
Criticism of the new design include its wide use of "sportbike plastics" for the new body panels which are prone to cracking and damage in the event of a tip-over, especially true for this genre of dual-sport motorcycles.
Aside from the colors, not much changed between the 1987 introduction and the 2008 revisions. The key differences are:
...
Wikipedia