2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure Review | Daily Rider
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
rvz.la/3LA0t8J | Need new tires? Check out Michelin!
As one of the most legendary adventure bikes of all time, the KLR650 certainly deserves a spot on the Daily Rider leaderboard. The time has finally come for the new-and-improved KLR to take on the DR route!
SPECS:
MSRP: $8,199
Engine: 652 cc single cylinder
Measured weight: 488 lb. / 221.4 kg
Fuel capacity: 6.1 gal. / 23 liters
Seat height: 34.3 in. / 871 mm
Claimed torque: 39.1 foot-pounds @ 4,500 rpm
Read the KLR650 article here: rvz.la/3RU26jK
Zack’s gear:
REV’IT GT-R Air 3 Jacket: rvz.la/3UfJpbI
REV’IT! Fly 3 Gloves: rvz.la/3UtruyH
RokkerTech Rider Jeans: rvz.la/3BJmL4r
Sidi Performer Air Boots: rvz.la/3Dwa9yY
Shoei RF-1400 Helmet: rvz.la/3BMCdwF
Пікірлер: 745
Read more about the KLR650 on Common Tread! rvz.la/3QUsg4y Check out Michelin for all your tire options here! rvz.la/3Sc2b1S
@pawpawbandit3871
3 ай бұрын
RevZilla - could you give your personal preference for lets say rural daily driving with gravel and potholes, KLR650 vs. slightly older BMW G650GS (let's say 2009-2013). Where woudl the BMWG650GS fit on the leader board around the KLR 650? for a 5''9 Rider who wants it to be all around bike. But not constant touring or motorcross tracks
Some people would call me crazy. I sold my year old Pan America and bought a KLR adventure. Simple...simple ...simple, as opposed to being a "computer with pistons". Some might say I'm crazy.....I say I'm very satisfied!
@mr.smirnoff4317
Жыл бұрын
Very understandable, im thinking about trading in my 2020 mt07 for one
@ThinkBeforeYouSheep
Жыл бұрын
I went from a 2014 honda valkyrie 1832cc to a klr650, from a klr650 to a crf300l.
@mrdato116
Жыл бұрын
@@ThinkBeforeYouSheep how does crf300l compare to klr 650? It's more nible I would imagine. It's not too small? I am 6ft.
@ThinkBeforeYouSheep
Жыл бұрын
@@mrdato116 It's not too small for me at 5'11" The torque feels almost the same as the 650, it is very nimble and flicky, the one thing which everyone says and I can absolutely confirm is the suspension, it definitely needs help, I'm going to revalve the front and put a heavier spring on the rear so I can haul my gear, I personally like the bike more than the 650, the major difference is weight, if you plan on soloing for a trip then be cautious about the 650 it is difficult to pick back up, the 300l is way way lighter so I feel more comfortable soloing it, the 300l is not a highway capable bike from what I've tested, it will do 75 it's just not happy about it, it'll cruise 65 all day though comfortably, I hope some of these personal experiences with this bike help I'm still low on the mileage and have yet to try any technical trails with it so I can't help there but it is a better bike in my opinion compared to the 650, also the 650 still has the doohickey spring issue, on the 300l all I have to do is set a quart of oil beside the crankcase on the honda and it'll get half a million miles.
@ThinkBeforeYouSheep
Жыл бұрын
@@mrdato116 Oh and I have one main gripe on the 300l, it has a shift light that is great and all but when you're in sixth gear when you hit 72 or 73mph it will start flashing at 7,100rpms non-stop speeding up in repetition at 75mph, I'm curious as to why I need a shift light in 6th gear, I and many others already tried to find 7th but we know it isn't there, it's obviously not a deal breaker but it is definitely a nuisance.
You love the KLR for what it is, not hate it for what it isn't.
@derp195
Жыл бұрын
Also love it for what it isn't
@nochnoy13
Жыл бұрын
I think this is the best way to put it.
@robperkins2674
Жыл бұрын
very well said
@papatorr3669
Жыл бұрын
But it doesn't love me for what I am: a short inseam older rider! If I lowered it enough for me, it would lose it's off road clearance/capability.
@Personalinfo404
Ай бұрын
its all fun and games till you ride an africa twin though
I've lusted after a KLR ever since it was introduced. I love that it's not overpowered, very simple and basically unkillable. My first choice for around the world or the zombie apocalypse.
@chrishart8548
Жыл бұрын
Definitely not overpowered. 207kg and 39hp near 1/4 of the power/weight of a MT-09 no wonder it 0nly needs 1 300mm brake disc
@maxcactus7
Жыл бұрын
I suppose I'm an unsophisticated Neanderthal myself, but I love it for all the same reasons. I don't want crazy power and speed. I want reliable, simply and able to take me virtually anywhere I'm brave enough (or dumb enough) to go!
@m3lvn415
Жыл бұрын
Hahaha. That would be another ladder: the zombie meter. What would your go-to bike be in an apocalypse. Definitely not European? :P
@chrishart8548
Жыл бұрын
@@m3lvn415 BMW f800gs with a spare fuel pump. I'm building it now. I don't think the Japanese bikes are what they once were.
@1vmxracer
Жыл бұрын
What happens when you're in some far away jungle doing your "around the world" on that KLR (that will weight OVER 500 pounds with gear loaded) and you drop it (for the 50th time) and some 1-inch diameter, snapped off branch punches a hole right thru your radiator????...then what???.... gimmie a DR650 ANYTIME over that KLR.
I bought a '23 KLR650 ADV as my 1st bike a week ago and i love it!! Already at 500miles and thousands more to come!!
@rosetheblackcat
2 ай бұрын
I bought a basic one a few weeks ago. 1,500 miles on the odometer few chips in the plastic😂 a bike made to be used and i don't feel bad for beating it up on the dirt, mud, and sand.
The KLR650 IS THE KALASHINKOV OF MOTORCYCLES
Everything on the KRL is forgiven.. Whiskey throttle, No problem. Jamming on the brakes, not to worry. Big unexpected pothole or bump, No issues! Love my KLR. Is my 1st bike @42 and many of mistakes have been made that would have destroyed me on other motorcycles. EDIT: 16:54 It's to leave room to wind up extra cable and store so as not to be flopping in the wind.
@donniebunkerboi9975
Жыл бұрын
So you're on 1st bike commenting about how it is compared to other bikes, i see.
@microcolonel
Жыл бұрын
Also if you have a right angle USB connector, you can let the lead out the hole at the bottom of the cover while it's fully closed.
@gregjewell4356
Жыл бұрын
You have chosen wisely!
@snarkylive
Жыл бұрын
My first "big" bike was a KLE 650, I've been riding for over 10 years, I wouldn't say my KTM 1290 SA R is a good first bike, but it's definitely not out to kill you unless you ask it to. Traction control in wet, ABS if you grab too much brake, throttle control to keep you from flipping it if you grab too much throttle, but you "could" turn all of the aids off with the touch of a button and have a 160 horsepower dirt bike that wheelies effortlessly at 5000 rpm of its 10500 redline. I usually keep ABS and TC on, but leave it in sport mode so it's an in-town teleporter. I started on a XT225, I miss the size, but I don't miss the engine fueling.
@jordanbabcock9349
Жыл бұрын
@@donniebunkerboi9975 it is not difficult to understand that if he found his limits on a 650 then he most definitely would have gone far past the limits on a 1290.
I had a KLR for 3yrs and couldn't get a wheelie like that out of it!! These are one of the most endearing motorcycles on the planet. The memories and places mine took me will always be cherished.. I loved my little donkey!
@glennmuir5617
6 күн бұрын
It's the indian, not the arrow
Hard to tell from the video, but I am guessing that the enormous USB cover is designed to allow you to plug in a USB cable and then cover the entire connection and protect it from water/mud/dirt, maybe even coil up a USB cable and keep it stored in there for convenient use.
@Kunivaaaa
Жыл бұрын
That would be a very nice little feature
@beardstyle
Жыл бұрын
That's a great point and something I would enjoy on my personal bike as I have had water issues on my unprotected plug. Very cool.
@dw5523
Жыл бұрын
Nail on the head. It's the same kind of USB system they use on watercraft. It keeps rain from running down the cord and getting into the electrics. Brilliant move by Kawasaki.
@domenik8339
Жыл бұрын
@Paul B Believe it or not, triumph not having a very well designed product is actually the most characteristic thing triumph could have done.
@anorakallknowing7719
Жыл бұрын
A 3'(feet) long usb cable fits perfectly as you described.
I’ve always thought of the KLR as more of an upsized farm bike rather than a a big trail bike. Sit down & chug along all day keeping your eyes on the task at hand and basically forgetting about the machine taking you down the track.
I have a 2019 KLR650 the last of the carburettor models with a host of upgrades. I'm 59 and hoping this bike sees me out.
@CCitis
Жыл бұрын
No doubt it will if you want it too
I own 5 very different bikes. I have a gen1 KLR with tusk panniers and racetech suspension. I rebuilt the carb, added a thermobob and a doohickey. Without a doubt, it’s my most useful bike. I can put 1/2 cart of groceries in the panniers, a sack of chicken feed over the back seat and more stuff in my jacket pockets. I can go camping over some pretty tough ground or ride the highway. It was a beatup barn find with low mileage, so I got it cheap, and it’s cheap to maintain, and upgrades are plentiful, if you want to go that route. It’s the best at nothing, except it’s the best at doing everything OK. Truly a jack-of-all-trades master of none. Also, it always starts easy, even in very cold weather or at 6500 feet elevation. If I could only have one bike, it’ll be the KLR.
Answered my question exactly as I'd hoped! Its a bike that will almost do it all with a little coaxing. You broke it down perfectly early on with the "just needs this, and this, and this, ope its 10k!" The KLR has a unique spot in the market with its blend of affordability and capability. Bang for buck its a great bike. Many better bikes out there but you gotta pay for them. Solid video as usual!
My father has a KLR650. It pleasantly surprises me each time that I ride it. It handles much better than it has any right to. There's something quite fun, yet equally terrifying, about riding it hard through a twisty mountain pass.
The Tractor that rules speed bumps!! Love this! 😊🔥🤟🏼
Wow, the "why not-KLR thread pulling" analogy was spot on. I've never heard someone describe that dilemma in such an understandable and perfect way. Well done, Z!
My gen 2 KLR has 17,000 trouble free miles. This week I will be starting a 3,000 mile adventure on The Mighty KLR. It’s a capable, forgiving and cheap motorcycle. I love it and would absolutely buy it again.
Probably the best review of all the KLR reviews out there. Your ending is spot on about the KLR. And that’s why we love it for what it is.
@evansjulce4130
Жыл бұрын
I consider Ryan f9's review of KLR to be the best ever. Check it out. Not a review of the new one but a great ode.
The KLR in a nutshell: Add weight, and simplify. Best bike I've ever owned.
My buddy has a 2022 klr650 that I ride while he prefers his crf300l Spent all day Saturday on that KLR and I loved it. It was a comfortable and smooth ride all day long. Took curvy roads very very well All in all, It’s a wonderful machine.
I have 7000mi on my 2022 Adventure in under a year. I love this bike. I feel safe on it and have been through some bad situations conditions wise at night and it always gets me home!
Bought a 2008. Takes me everywhere. Never has issues, has never let me down. Best 2 thousand I ever spent!
I have a 2022. In Arizona, it does an outstanding job. I was even really impressed with the stock tires! Super stable on the forest service roads hard pack. Nice and comfy on the ride home. I don't recall even felling worn out on it? The torque is great off road. It's a simple fantastic bike! Love it.
The simplicity of this bike is what I am looking for. Thanks for the ride!
Good stuff! I've done that ride into Paso many times, on a KLR 650. The new bridge is pretty sweet. Thank you!
some of my most memorable rides were on a KLR, never got in trouble with it, always encouraged me to ride sensibly, says the guy who broke his leg on a DRZ last fall
You mean to tell us that a big old Thumper vibrates? Say it ain’t so!🤣
Thanks Zack. Great job. Good info. God bless. Happy trails.
Hey Zack, You laughed and patted the tank on this stone hammer at least twice during the ride. That tells me it would have scored pretty well on the giggle meter (if it had one). Riding my KLR always makes me feel good, regardless of the particular road we're rolling. Thanks for a fun ride!
I ride a 1200GSA most of the time but I still hop on my KLR from time to time. She’ll sit for months sometimes and fires right up. Still a fun bike. I love it.
I’ve had a 2012 for 9 years this is the best sum up of what the klr is... great perspective!
I love my 2008 KLR. It’s old and slow like me. It’s like one of my old Chevrolets because I can maintain it myself. I did the Idaho BCDR on it and had a great time.
My 1st bike was a used 2013 KLR with a 685 kit and a few low side scars - aside from me being a bit short for it, I loved it - it’s an endearing bike if you haven’t been spoiled by the latest and greatest bikes out there. My personal best was 59mpg doing mostly 70+mph commuting. Sold it to go to a ‘21 Versys650 LT, and loved that too - thoroughly enjoyed shy of 8k miles on it, but ultimately traded it in for a silly low mile ‘19 Road King Special, which I’m also loving for its own reasons. But the KLR has a place in my heart, you really never forget your first. I’m glad it’s still here chugging along.
I believe the Daily Rider is the best video magazine on KZread. Bar none. Z, your description of the, "today's guest" is just spot on. I have an '03 ZRX1200R and I've been shopping for a second bike. Your Daily Commute is the best info center to help me with my search of the illusive second ride. So, thanks to you all for a great "ride" to your work!
I have the same bike and old enough that if I was so inclined back in 1987 I would have bought one and probably acquired others as the model very slowly evolved over the years. Now after owning several other cruiser bikes including a Harley I've found the bike that defines the simple core reason I like being out on a motorcycle. Everything said about the KLR in this great review was spot on. I use mine as a daily commuter and upgraded a few things to enhance a already comfortable platform that include some Grip Puppies, slightly taller aftermarket smoke screen along with a awesome adjustable screen riser developed by a gentleman named Cody Stevens. Oh, and a aftermarket exhaust by Leo Vince adds a little more thump and burble to the recipe. Good job Kawasaki resurrecting the KLR so more people can enjoy it. Aloha 🌴
two of my favorite things.. The Gen 3 KLR and RevZilla! I Picked up a 2022 (NoABS) in Pearl Sand and outfitted the Farkle myself. Love the bike!
2K on my 2022 KLR, and I agree with everything in this video. Bike is a joy to own.
Great video!!! Thanks Zack. Love the KLR 😉
I love your videos. Very informative and entertaining. Thank you. Ride on brother!
I've had a number of sport bikes, and I just bought a 2022 KLR. I find it to be a fantastic bike. I won't get rid of my zx12r, but I have a feeling the KLR will be ridden more. I like it a lot as a commuter to work and back.
Great review done with the correct perspective.
A damn good review of the KLR, one that answers most questions. Oddly this simple, reliable bike seems to be one of the most hotly debated out there.
Good review! I've owned a basic KLR and thought you nailed it well. I was ready to go up 1 tooth on the small sprocket to give me a better highway cruising experience - also different tires! I loved the huge cruising range it has, the reliability and easy maintenance. Very comfortable but low on power. IT just kept on running! 😀
I had one in 1998 as a return to motorcycling. An excellent choice for the rough roads and b roads where I lived. This adventure model looks nice. Quite agree that it would be great with the 650 twin motor.
always have fun with your reviews Zach. I'm a fan of the KLR, I had an 07 and it was great. Not sure if I'll go back though, but it is very reliable and gets the job done. Wheelies were super fun on it though. The 07 could lift up on 2nd, not sure this front heavier can though.
I absolutely love my first Gen 2004 KLR. It's got lots of mods such as a mild 685 big bore kit, Progressive Suspension rear shock, Race Tech gold valve emulators in the forks, oversized front rotor with steel braided brake line, rim locks in both wheels (very important), heated grips running off a relay correctly, Cycleops Adventures LED headlight bulb, LED driving lights, etc. She's still a tractor, but I've taken it just about on everything. BDR tours, pretty gnarly singletrack (I ride trials too, so....😆), commuting, and exploring. It always gets me there eventually. On paper, it's awful. In reality, it's a stone reliable workhorse that just is what it is. It does nothing great, yet everything ok.
I’ve got a 2016 KLR that I absolutely love as both a daily rider and an adventure bike. A good set of 60/40 tires make an hour or two on the interstate manageable while providing sufficient traction on mud, sand, and gravel. Saddle bags and a trunk make it great for quick trips to the store or other errands around town. And my favorite thing about them is the amount of abuse they can take without batting an eye.
Excellent review! Thank you for all of the detail and letting me ride along. I have been looking at the KLR 650 ADV for a few days. I want something that is street and back road. I found a 2022 ADV with 4600 miles for a good price. Your video convinced me to purchase it. Thanks again!
💯 Just wanted to buy it back in the 90s, went instead for a DR 600. Imagine that bike is still build after more than 30 years 👍
FINNALY yall get a hold of one to ride, i love mine
I had a 2000, hearing it brings back some good memories. If you take for what it is it's a really good bike.
Hey man, you got a new subscriber . Your way of being funny especially towards the end with that radio guy act was brilliant LOL . Definitely want to see more of that . Cheers .
'18 KLR rider here grabs coffee.....and hopes feelings are not hurt too much. I love that thing 😊
@DiZZoLabs
Жыл бұрын
💪
I'm a professional test rider for a major manufacturer. I ride all kinds of cool bikes, every day. My personal bike of choice is a KLR. I can own any bike I want and have done that. The KLR is my go to every time.
@3thndv155
11 ай бұрын
Have you ridden the versys x 300? I’m weighing it against the KLR650 as my first ADV bike.
@Orban_Rides
11 ай бұрын
@3thn Dv15 yes, that's a great bike too. The 300 is more street based than the klr. So on pavement, it will be very good but in my opinion won't be as good as the klr on off road rides. Now any bike is fine for smooth gravel roads. I'm talking about more trail type of riding. If you take a KLR and put a 16 tooth front sprocket on, it will do much better on the paved roads and still do good off road. Another bike I would suggest more than the 300 is the Honda cb500x . Very easy to set up for serious off road and makes a great small adv bike. The BMW 310 gs is another option if you don't want a 1200cc monster that is just a waste of money.
@3thndv155
11 ай бұрын
@@Orban_Rides great info. Thank you!
@eddie5270
Ай бұрын
Thx for your sincerely experienced perspective!…Much appreciated!👌
The yardstick with fuel injection and a stronger subframe bolt yet still haven't "fixed" the doohickey? Classic Kawasaki move, I love it! Would buy, 10/10! Miss my 2013 sometimes, despite it being the "uncool" 2nd gen KLR, at the time. Never had an issue with the carbs. Great video, Zachariah!!
@wwb7091
Жыл бұрын
Yeah.... why not take care of the "doohickey"? It has been a known shortcoming since Moses came down from the mountain.
@Hansengineering
Жыл бұрын
They kinda took care of it. They don't break anymore. They just run out of spring travel and do nothing. I more hated the oil consumption. And dangerously bad front brakes.
@adammitchell115
Жыл бұрын
Kawa said they didn't address the doohickey cause of the very small warranty claims against it. What they don't know (or maybe they do) is most riders address the dookickey before it becomes a warranty claim.
@katherinesilvas5735
Жыл бұрын
I ride a 2018 gen 2, living in oz. Bike currently has over 40,000kms- doohickey not replaced. Have talked with numerous M/cycle mechanics, some in rural areas including Kawa specialists and none have had to do work on doohickey. Service interval adjustment of doohickey recommended. Seems in US that doohickey concerns are overvalued. I could be wrong though but so far not a problem on my bike-touchwood.
@68M35A2
2 ай бұрын
Because there is nothing wrong with it, that is why. Have you ever heard of one failing in the last 20 years?
Thanks for the great review. Looks like just a kind of bike I need.
Great review. Always had a soft spot for the big thumpers.
Great review! I'm looking to purchase a KLR sometime in the very near future, and Ironically, Donkeys happen my favorite animal.
Yeah, not often that your hands are almost out of the frame 😁😁 great review as usual, thanks for the upload
When I hear you talk about the "Giggle Score" it makes me realize why Im just a Harley person. I guess I'll just tractor on. I love the low rpm torque nothing compares. To each his own.
KLR! I purchased a 2018 KLR just after my car was wreaked, (rear end collision). This was a last minute buy and I didn't know about the KLR. I rode that bike 102 miles one way to work daily, for over a year! This is a solid bike and I even sold my Vulcan 900 classic. I just sold the 2018 and I'm looking forward to getting the new modal.
KLR650: The Volkswagen Beetle of the motorcycle world...yes I've taken my Beetle off road lots.
Nicely done…iconic machine 👍
Great rewiew as always..👍🏻
Great ride - the KLR an DR650 are unparalleled bang for buck. Swiss army knife bikes!
Been eyeing getting one for years! Might be finally the time to get one. 👍
Awesome vid Zach, I would really appreciate a quick rundown on headlight performance. For myself and many others, half our commute is in the dark so that would be a great addition to this awesome series!
@adammitchell115
Жыл бұрын
The headlight works well in the dark. It is aimed high from the factory, but you can lower the beam rather easily and highly recommended. Also, the highbeam flasher is a trigger on the left side, real easy to flash. I ride a KLR for commuting and absolutely love it.
@joshuastewart7894
Жыл бұрын
@@adammitchell115 that’s good to hear, the old halogens could hardly be called a candle.
I am 5 seconds into the video and the dust on the bike tells me that Zach already took her places... 😉👍
There was a period of time on moto youtube where all everyone talked about was KLRs few years back but for some time now I rarely hear about them
Good placing - and just under the Tiger Sport 660 with all the bits people might think the KLR should get - extra cylinder(s), gear, instrumentation, power etc but still in an easy going form. More a mule than a donkey. But I do wish the Klr was available here in the UK, as a charming plodder this might be a keeper. "Surely" with FI it could be made euro5...
Was awesome thanks to you and your family
Great Review, Zach!! Might I add, If you want to get rid of that campsite generator sound, LeoVince makes an awesome 94 DB silencer. And it's not that horrible fiberglass packing (like most). It comes with a few different removable options (it will go louder) and a spark arrestor. Nice bark, but not loud by any means. Revzilla has them for $475 (you're welcome, Zack) 🙂 Pricey, yes.....but they are a work of art, quality wise....and you lose 6 pounds.
I have an 02 klr and it’s very pleasing to me that the new ones exhaust sounds exactly the same as mine
I’ve owned my KLR for 22yrs, mileage unknown(notorious speedo cables munchers)clock says 39,000. It’s never left me stranded, the tool kit can take the whole thing apart. It’s an amazing commuter and fun on forest roads. Kinda heavy for the woods. Cool review:-)
@Daschickenify
10 ай бұрын
Watt man, inventor of the thermobob for the KLR described a speedo cable mod where you use a 'E model' speedo cable guide to remove a kink. Maybe its worth a shot and a new cable?
My first bike was a gen 1 KLR that was stolen earlier this year, not long after buying an SV650 for my second bike. Missed having an adv ever since and this video makes me want to buy another KLR.
KLR: K, Let’s Relax - and I absolutely love mine.
Great daily, love my old klr650
"What do you want to do? Okay, I don't mind." I get the same vibes from my Kawasaki KLX300. It'll tractor along all day long.
I bought a new 1995 KLR250 for my 3 kids to ride when they each turned 15. It gave them the freedom to get around town, see their friends, go to school, before they turned 16 and got a car. After the last kid got their car, I took over the Kawi. We live at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming, and I could scramble that little mountain goat (not donkey) up the gravel road right out of town and ride all day, on fire roads and back home on less than one tank of gas. I rode it down I90 to get to the next town (34 miles) but never went further because I had a Goldwing for that type of riding. But the Kawi would have taken me across country, just like the old Honda Trail 90 Ari rode to ALaska. So would I like to add a new KLR 650 to my stable? Definitely. And I might! Great review.😎👍
The “torpedo” size cover on the USB connection is so you can coil the extra wire in there and still close it. Love your videos.
Great video! I'm getting a KLR 650 ABS Adventure 2023 soon! Thank you!
Zack! Now you have to name every bike you daily ride from here on out!! Hi Walter, the KLR 😊
I recently bought a 2014 klr650 for my first bike, the name Walter of definitely stuck in my head now.
I've got 7k on my Volvo beige model. "Greater than the sum of it's parts" is the summary that best defines this bike.
Really Amazing 🤩👍 video as usual 🎉
I've just hit the 1250-ish mile mark on my 2022 KLR, it's a fun bike and a great value for the money.
gtowing up i had the 250, always envied another local rider who had the 650. I know now looking back the 250 was better for the single track I was doing but being older my love for the 650 has not gone away. still a goal to have one.
I moved to rural Missouri a little over a year ago and live on a dirt/gravel road. Recently I’ve gotten the itch to get a motorcycle to enjoy the beautiful rolling hills all around me and I’ve landed on buying a pair of KLR 650 Adventures for my wife and I. I’m not looking for something super speedy, as I would most likely end up killing myself. I also don’t want anything terribly complicated or expensive to fix/maintain as I will be doing most of that by myself. These bikes seem to fit the bill perfectly for my purposes and I can’t wait to get my own! Taking my safety course and getting my motorcycle endorsement this summer and hoping to grab the bikes during a fall or winter sale to enjoy by next spring!
you are one hell of a rider
great camera work! felt like I was riding for the first time in years lol
A pretty good overall review of the 2022 KLR. I bought a new one in the spring of 2022 the non ABS and here's my 2 cents worth. I have owned a Gen 1 and Gen 2 KLR so I was eager to try the new Gen 3, overall a much better bike than the previous two if you are doing more road vs off road riding. I put over 6000km on the bike this past summer, but will be selling it in the spring for something else. My decision is based on two reasons, one I realize that I'm more of a street rider and although if I was to ever take a RTW ride, the KLR would be great, but for mostly street riding it has it's flaws and secondly I was never able to take a test ride before I bought the bike and afterwards there are some things that make it less appealing to me. The worst of it is in the highway speed vibrations. I knew from owning other KLRs that they are uncomfortably buzzy motorcycles at highway speed, but I based my decision on all the positive reviews that the press gave of the new KLR. While I will agree that the rubber insolated pegs and bars do a good job, the vibration through the seat and tank make it just as uncomfortable as the older versions at speed. The other thing that makes it not so great is the snatchy fueling at low speed. The KLR forums are full of unhappy riders struggling with low speed fueling issues. There is the clutch lever bypass hack that makes it better, but Kawasaki did a poor job at the FI fueling. The last thing and it's extremely subjective, but the exhaust note on the new KLR is so bland and agricultural that it just doesn't add to the overall motorcycling experience. Putting an aftermarket exhaust only makes it sound worse, but louder. You can't adjust the idle speed so the bike idles at like 1200-1500RPM depending on the temperature and it just feels too high when your stopped at a light. No tachometer?? WTF was Kawasaki thinking. Sure I bought and installed a digital tach for like $50 but still?? Dollar for dollar its still the best "adventure" bike out there. It's affordable, reliable and the Gen 3 looks great. It has much better lighting than any other KLR, and the stock seat was fine for me. The brakes are still mediocre and well 37hp at the rear wheel will never thrill you too much but it does have some low end grunt. For now I'm on to something else and I think that's what is fun about motorcycling, there are so many different bikes out there that I've found it fun to trade up for something different. Worse comes to worse, you sell it in the spring and buy something else.
You’re comment about it being a “sit down and ride adv” perfectly said and exactly what so many of us want. No need for anything more to enjoy the outdoors
Great video, Zack
In Australia the KLR is legendary. I get more looks on my 2023 klr adventure (same as the one reviewed) than my other bikes. People love the rugged looks of it. Ive owned 24 bikes in my life. The klr is my favourite. It just does everything! Im doing a 4000km trip at xmas. Just change the oil before leaving and go!
I love my 22 KLR. Every time I find myself wanting more cylinders, or gears, or Cruise Control, I come here to watch Daily Rides and come to the conclusion that the price is the best part of the KLR. I’m super intrigued by the Tuaregs, VStroms, V85s, and GS’s of the world, but can’t justify paying double to almost triple out the door. Eventually I’m sure I’ll add to the stable, but for an only bike, it’s hard to beat.
Now that is a beautiful beast!
I want this bike😊. Great video
You seemed genuinely entertained by the wheelie and backing it in! lol! Tractor on Klr! Is it "Hammer Time"? Hahaha! I love Kawasaki! I ride the Klx 230. Probably will upgrade to something more exciting than the Klr. But, Hand to heart. Respect;)
Great content and great name!
I keep rewatching this trying to make up my mind if I want a new KLR, and it cracks me up every time to hear Zack describe the bars as ‘hilariously wide’.
@-stevenlang1967
9 ай бұрын
You want one!