Kawasaki KLR 650 Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★☆
“2009 KLR650”
Written on: 26/06/2012 by incawarrior (1 review written)
I just sold my 2009 KLR650 with 5000km's on it. (I had an XT250 before that, to learn on.) I am 43, 6'1" 225 Lbs and have always wanted one, so gave it a try for a year. It was a little intimidating at first because it was a lot heavier and taller + the weight felt near the top, so a lot harder to move around (pushing/pulling whilst not on it). It took a good 2 months to feel a lot more comfortable with it whilst not on it and when riding. I changed the tires to Michelin Anekee 2's and... (read more)
★★★★★
“Besides my above mentioned bad points the Kawasaki...”
Written on: 20/06/2008 by headshooter
Besides my above mentioned bad points the Kawasaki KLR650 is one fantastic bike. I am 6'4 300 lbs and ride it daily the bike is balanced perfectly has enough power for legal highway cruising and just fun on the fire trails. (read more)
★★★★★
“I'm a farmer somewhere in the southern coastal region...”
Written on: 29/03/2008 by Shangaan (1 review written)
I'm a farmer somewhere in the southern coastal region of Mozambique, I manage to track my cattle in almost every corner of the bush or near the sea forests easily. There is not that much to add at least according to my inexperience with bikes although, I do say it is a really superb off road beast. (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Very uninspiring machine. Will get you from A to B...”
Written on: 23/02/2008
Very uninspiring machine. Will get you from A to B even over jeep tracks. But highway travel is very uncomfortable if you don't want to be blown away by other traffic. (read more)
★★★★★
“This bike is absolutely bulletproof! I've ridden it in...”
Written on: 11/08/2007 by mikerbiker (1 review written)
This bike is absolutely bulletproof! I've ridden it in places you wouldn't believe...really rough. Many times it has been the one thing I could count on when everything else on the trip went wrong. I've taken it to the Rockies, in excess of 12000' elevation, and the thing still ran OK. It'll tear up a dirt road and leave you amazed at how fast you are traveling, all the while giving the confidence of great stability. Lots of torque for trails and water cooling for going really slow or really... (read more)
★★★★★
“The Kawasaki KLR 650 is just plain fun to ride, great...”
Written on: 03/08/2007 by tcase
The Kawasaki KLR 650 is just plain fun to ride, great torque, best dual purpose thumper available. (read more)
★★★★★
“Over all this is a great bike. I have taken it on long...”
Written on: 24/07/2007 by cmarheine
Over all this is a great bike. I have taken it on long trips and still was able to ride on some trails when the road ended. The comfort and reliability is a comfort beyond what the seat and vibrations give. I am about to take a 600 mile high-way trip and ride a total of over 2,500 miles on the trip. I have no doubts the bike will make it. I have a few up grades in it. The doohickey and the sub-frame bolts along with the high-way pegs. I have owned two other motorcycles. A 1988 Yamaha 400 and... (read more)
★★★★★
“Great bike overall. I got the best bang for the buck...”
Written on: 09/05/2007 by Steve Rencher
Great bike overall. I got the best bang for the buck ever. In spite of the saddle sores from last summers big ride the KLR was a great companion. Thumping along up over "Closed in winter" roads in Wyoming and Colorado was great fun. I would not hesitate to do it again. Getting the KLR is making more sense than ever now that gas prices are going off the charts. I do lots of errands with that instead of my van or pickup. (read more)
★★★★★
“Great all around bike, 3 bikes and 18 year of...”
Written on: 02/04/2007 by cx28cx (1 review written)
Great all around bike, 3 bikes and 18 year of exploring,one tough KLR. (read more)
★★★★★
“I use my bike for environmental control duties along...”
Written on: 29/03/2007 by joevanwyk (1 review written)
I use my bike for environmental control duties along powerline inspections. I've clocked over 25000 kms over the last 12 months of equal off and on road riding. Often where no roads exist! It works hard on a daily basis in harsh African conditions and just keeps putting along happily. Regular maintenance includes: chain cleaning and lubrication, air filter washes, nut tighten, oil changes - every thing the periodic maintenance chart recommends. The guys who wrote it, didn't just suck things... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 26 Reviews
★★★★★
“Overall, the Kawasaki KLR 650 is a great bike. I would...”
Written on: 11/11/2006 by mrgwells
Overall, the Kawasaki KLR 650 is a great bike. I would buy another... and another. (read more)
★★★★★
“Power, speed, and comfort...that is what my Kawasaki...”
Written on: 13/09/2006 by swndlr
Power, speed, and comfort...that is what my Kawasaki KLR 650 gives! The guy that rated it a one knows nothing about dual purpose bikes, this is my 3rd one. The only negative point is I'm a little tall at 6ft1 but I don't care. (read more)
★★★★★
“My Kawasaki KLR 650 is outstanding and will certainly...”
Written on: 12/09/2006 by bmarks
My Kawasaki KLR 650 is outstanding and will certainly out accelerate a v6 family sedan unless said sedan happens to be a Regal t-type. Vibration is present but what 4 stroke one lung isn't? No ignorance here, and no sales hype, two of my friends own KLR's - a 2003, and a 2005. One of which is abused regularly and poorly maintained but still holds true to its form. The other is maintained regularly with moderate upgrades with the same results. Also let us consider the fact that it is the... (read more)
★★★★★
“All of these naysayers can go back to riding their...”
Written on: 02/09/2006 by ryanf289
All of these naysayers can go back to riding their pizza delivery scooters. I love my Kawasaki KLR 650 bike. I bought it with 5,000 miles. It did have some scrapes and dings but it means it was used. It has plenty of power for the average rider and accelerates faster than most cars. Anyone complaining about bottoming out, needs to stop jumping their rear off of 3 ft drops. This is a road/trail bike not a dirt/moto X bike. If you have the slightest clue of what you are doing and want... (read more)
★★★★☆
“For the money, it cannot be beat. Cruisers and Sport...”
Written on: 28/07/2006 by Mamar
For the money, it cannot be beat. Cruisers and Sport Cruisers will always be more comfortable on highways, but the KLR can literally go anywhere you dare. The fuel tank will go 300 miles without riding it aggressively. It gets looks. There aren't many dual sports around and when you get one as huge as the KLR, then cover it with crash bars, driving lights and a loud exhaust, its an attention cow. Guys in pickup trucks, cops and (surprisingly) Harley riders always look and grin... (read more)
★★★★★
“I've owned this bike from 2000kms, I've now got 30 000...”
Written on: 09/07/2006 by moon man (1 review written)
I've owned this bike from 2000kms, I've now got 30 000 kms and still the only thing Ive done is just general maintenance, replaced the chain at 25000km and tires at 20000. A great bike worth every penny and then some!!! This bike is rode all week long and my 06 Harley is just collecting dust. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“The Kawasaki KLR 650 is the motorcycle equivalent of...”
Written on: 26/03/2006 by live365 (1 review written)
The Kawasaki KLR 650 is the motorcycle equivalent of the emperor's clothes. You get promised a fun and versatile motorcycle and what you get is a poorly designed and poorly executed excuse for a motorcycle. If you are offended by that statement I suggest you move on to any one of the many articles that worship the KLR. The following paragraphs are not going to be any easier to read.
Before I bought my bike with 870 miles on it. I read the endless praise of how versatile the KLR was. ...
(read more)
Motobrooklyn's Response to live365's Review
Written on: 31/03/2006
Hey 365! I don't know how live you've gotten with your KLR, but I can assure you that if you take Arizona Forest road 181 to Sycamore canyon, you'll have a new respect for it!
Reply to this comment
237334_Jjjono's Response to live365's Review
Written on: 05/04/2006
hey my friend, why do 8000 miles on the bike? cheers bry.
Reply to this comment
Live365's Response to live365's Review
Written on: 14/05/2006
Why do 8000 miles on the bike? Well, I was in one place and needed to be in another every day right through the winter in the northern U.S. And I have to admit that I thought that if I kept riding it the positive aspects of the bike would be more apparent. In addition the value of the bike now is less than when I bought it. I'd rather ride it to death than lose money on it.
In regards to skilfully pushing the KLR through the twisties I have oversteered it and folded the pegs up on the asphalt at speed. I think I've pushed the envelope with it.
Be good to yourself.
Reply to this comment
Tomatocity's Response to live365's Review
Written on: 23/05/2006
It is good to see that not everyone has the same opinion about the KLR 650. I am considering buying a new KLR and this post lets me know that Kawasaki is real and does screw up occassionally. This post will not stop me from buying the KLR. Thanks.
Reply to this comment
249162_Ewtvv Etrvqrvw's Response to live365's Review
Written on: 29/06/2006
I trust reports that are critical of a product.
<br>They tend to be more truthful.
<br>When I read glowing reviews I see red flags.
<br>These positive types are usually trying to sell something, ignorant, or just plain phoneys.
Reply to this comment
Bigred06's Response to live365's Review
Written on: 27/09/2006
I have owned nothing but dual sports for 20 years. The KLR is not perfect, but a great bike period. Lumpus
Reply to this comment
458217_Chris The Nutter's Response to live365's Review
Written on: 05/05/2009
i own a yam r6 2004,also 2001 klr. klr is so easy to ride, prefer it to the yam,only problem to slow top end, wont do 160mph, the price reflects the bike,les than a grand so dont exspect a harly d chris the nutter uk
Reply to this comment
★★★★☆
“The Kawasaki KLR 650 is a great bike. A little tall...”
Written on: 20/03/2006 by sidewinder78 (1 review written)
The Kawasaki KLR 650 is a great bike. A little tall for an average to shorter person but lowering kits are available. Pleanty of power from the get go. Fuel tank is a little large and easy to scratch. Save yourself some pain and start putting lock-tite on pretty much everything. (read more)
★★★★★
“Ive owned 2 Kawasaki KLR's and loved them both, take...”
Written on: 08/02/2006 by crowdog035
Ive owned 2 Kawasaki KLR's and loved them both, take my wife and kids for rides on the streets and in the woods. Take long trips with my brother who also owns one, never had one break down on me yet. Wrecked one pretty bad once, picked it up and rode it home no problem.BULLET PROOF, it's the bike the U.S. uses for their special ops teams. Too bad Kawasaki doesn't make a 950 version, I'd take it around the world. (read more)
★★★★★
“First question on short riders - this is a cure - your...”
Written on: 03/12/2005 by gatoe38 (1 review written)
First question on short riders - this is a cure - your saddle can be cut down or new one order. I am 5ft 6ins and I ride it crazy and put both feet on the ground. Brakes can be cured with new braded line. You get it if there is something out of feel you can make it adjust to you because we all are different..yeh I ride 4oo miles a week and this bike does it. Not scared to get it dirty after a wash or to cut across a field to get out of trafic - this bike says do it because you are a... (read more)
374280_Old Ed's Response to gatoe38's Review
Written on: 15/06/2008
I found this review helpful because...I am purchasing one, I am haviing it lowered, I'm 5ft7, I hope they get it to fit. I'm haviing the forks lowered and the seat cut. Thanks for the info.
Reply to this comment
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 26 Reviews
★★★★★
“I bought my first Kawasaki KLR650 off-road bike on...”
Written on: 21/09/2005 by wanderjahrs
I bought my first Kawasaki KLR650 off-road bike on March 16th of 2005, with 0.8 miles on it. Today I have exactly 8,843.0 miles and running. Recently I was riding with a friend that owns a XR 650. Yeah, I get stomped on in the dirt, but he isn't carrying saddlebags, a lot more fuel, radiator, reservoir, and dual counter balancers etc. Yesterday, it was windy and raining, and I asked if homeboy wanted to ride, and he said no because of the bad weather. Imagine that, a flat planet with only... (read more)
★★★★☆
“All in all the Kawasaki KLR 650 is a blast to ride it...”
Written on: 09/09/2005 by tennbasspro (1 review written)
All in all the Kawasaki KLR 650 is a blast to ride it handles wheelies well. It corners very well. I own a 800 Maurader and that poor bike has just sat in the garage since the purches of my KLR. As it is a lot more fun to ride. Yes the brakes are lacking but they still work okay. I don't like the way they put the foot lever for the brake, because it is below the peg. I am a tall guy with a size 14 boot it makes it hard to get to. I have ordered a new muffler and carb jets for it. I think it... (read more)
Gatoe38's Response to tennbasspro's Review
Written on: 03/12/2005
Regarding your problem with the papers... try dual-star.com, they have products a-z for the KLR-650, and I have a neat product called a handle bar map. Check it out! I put papers etc., and it is quick to get to items. Good luck!
Reply to this comment
★★★★★
“I got this Kawasaki KLR 650 offroad bike on a trade...”
Written on: 12/05/2005 by miataking
I got this Kawasaki KLR 650 offroad bike on a trade the original owner was given it by a girl friend on a whim (I need to date her). He was not able to ride it though he really liked the bike he was not tall enough. At the time I didn't say anything becasue I wanted the bike but the aftermarket offers a lowering kit for just this type scenario. Anyway I like it tall, harder for the average thief to steal it and no one can borrow it that's not pushing 6 feet. I'm 6'4" and I have to strech... (read more)
★★★★★
“When the gas guage gets low on the Kawasaki KLR 650...”
Written on: 05/02/2005 by warthog54
When the gas guage gets low on the Kawasaki KLR 650 offroad bike I haven't had much luck with the reserve tank, it's left me on the side of the road even when I could hear gas sloshing around in the tank still. I need to find a way to cover the front light when I do ninja type stuff, the full time light kind of bugs, but once again, I do love this bike. Would also like to find a place that paints them, I've got the nicer bluish green but still...a navy or black would be a nice option. The... (read more)
★★★★☆
“I own a 2002 Kawasaki KLR 650 offroad bike that I...”
Written on: 14/07/2004 by harleyxl95
I own a 2002 Kawasaki KLR 650 offroad bike that I purchased with 1,700 miles. I now have 3,300 miles a month later. The spark plug fouled out as I forgot to turn off the choke on several occasions. The bike needed a new Corbin seat. Don't believe those that say the stock seat is good for "long distance rides". Even short distance was uncomfortable. I've added a center stand, highway pegs, and, as mentioned, the Corbin seat as well as a 16 tooth drive sproket. Now the bike is a great... (read more)
★★★★★
“The Kawasaki KLR 650 is not an off-road bike. Rather...”
Written on: 05/06/2004 by nordata (1 review written)
The Kawasaki KLR 650 is not an off-road bike. Rather an on-road bike that will do dirt roads quite nicely. Not a rocketship, but not a slouch either. Very quiet. Pretty good lights at night for the type of machine it is.
This is a machine that will run down the road all day at freeway speeds yet is at home on back country roads at 20 or 30 mph. It's tall, but offers a plush ride. Despite the huge tank the machine never feels top heavy. The engine will happily run at low rpm's... And yet it...
(read more)
overview
MoneySupermarket
Top 5 Offroad Bikes
To calculate the top 5's we take the following factors into account:
Brands
Top 5 Offroad Bikes
To calculate the top 5's we take the following factors into account:
• All the star ratings the company/product has received,
• The number of reviews
• How recent the reviews are
As rated by real users
-
1. Yamaha TTR 125
103 reviews read latest review -
2. Suzuki TS50 X 50cc
51 reviews read latest review -
3. Honda XR200R
29 reviews read latest review -
4. Yamaha XT225 Serow 225
30 reviews read latest review -
5. Honda XR400R
23 reviews read latest review
Latest Reviews in Offroad Bikes
-
Kawasaki KX80
"Kx80 1998" Read More
-
Yamaha TTR 125
"$1,800 worth of repairs after ..." Read More
-
Honda XR400R
"Love my xr 400 !!" Read More
-
Yamaha Serow 250
"Yamaha serow 250" Read More
-
Derbi Senda 50
"It is good" Read More
Latest items in Offroad Bikes
Brands
See All ▼
Hide All ▲
See more ▼
Nz60's Response to joevanwyk's Review
Written on: 11/09/2009
I found this review very helpful because..the writer used his bike daily for his job. Any faults will quickly show up because of the time spent in the saddle. I use quad and 2 wheel bikes on my farm daily and only use reliable well engineered machines without the bells and whistles. If you want to know which machines are the most reliable look no further than the commercial users.
<br/>