2011 Kawasaki KLR 650 Specs, News, and Review

The KLR has evolved, slowly but surely, to become a very competent if somewhat old school motorcycle. While other dual-sport manufacturers have gone the high-tech route Kawasaki has stuck to its guns, selling a simple and proven package that simply works. And some folks believe that sometimes simple is good. But we were curious to see if we thought it was good…

For a bike that will cruise nicely down the super-slab at 75 mph the KLR is remarkably trail worthy. Though the 650 Single remains carbureted, it nevertheless has sharp throttle response, starts instantly and warms up quickly.

The clutch is fairly light to pull and has smooth engagement. The five-speed transmission, while a bit notchy, has great gear ratios. The torquey engine pulls strongly from about 2000 rpm, building in a flat, lazy progression to its 7500-rpm redline. It’s not exactly slow or fast; it just pulls well enough to do wheelies over trail junk in the first two gears and blast down the highway on your way to work without vibrating excessively.

An aluminum rear cargo rack has plenty of space to accommodate saddlebags or a tail bag as well. Its a package that multitudes of motorcycle riders have flocked to: the Kawasaki KLR650 has been the best-selling dual-sport motorcycle six years in a row.

The Kawasaki single-cylinder, 651cc four-stroke engine provides the muscle for this world motorcycle traveler and is all-around performer provides quick throttle response and healthy low-end grunt.

A 41mm fork with 7.9-inches of suspension travel up front, and a Kawasaki Uni-Trak linkage system providing 7.3-inches of wheel travel in the rear combine to make the Kawasaki KLR 650 a fun, functional commuter during the week and an adept back road blaster on weekends.

Dual-piston caliper grip a 280mm petal-style disc at the front, and a 240mm petal-style disc squeezes by a single-piston caliper at the rear. This suspension and brake package boosts the KLR650 on-road streetbike performance without diminishing its versatile off-road motorcycle capabilities.

An expansive, saddlebag-friendly, rear luggage rack that can be fitted with a tail bag helps to make the KLR650 a worthy touring motorcycle. A large, 5.8-gallon fuel tank and exemplary fuel economy mean the KLR650 can cover an amazing amount of ground between fill-ups.