Is the New KLR650 Good on the Road?
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- čas přidán 13. 07. 2024
- OnTheBackWheel on road review for the new generation Kawasaki KLR650.
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I'm doing a KLR650 series, if you're interested in the new KLR650, check it out.
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Man I miss my old KLR650 watching these videos!
I’m really enjoying my 2022 KLR. I’ve only ever had dirt bikes and dual sport that where not enjoyable on faster roads at all. The KLR has opened up traveling for me. I’m really enjoy going out for extended rides. Great bike.
Did you get the doohickey replaced?
@@brentmitchell9116 nope. I probably will but not for a bit. I ride with some fellows who have three KLRs, from 2007-2017. None of them have heard of the replacement. They just s follow the manufactures maintenance schedules. They have 29k miles on one and 58k on another. The 2007 doesn’t have an odometer anymore. I do plan on doing the doohickey eventually but until then I will just make balancer chain adjustments.
I love the KLR it’s like an artists canvas you can do whatever you want with it.
This is good to hear! How’s it feel at 75Mph? Is it super buzzy like the Gen 2 was?
@@larrytucker1945 A bunch of nonsense an old man started to sell his crap he also sells the thermobob....no need
I absolutely love my new KLR 650. Great all around bike.
I got one and it is super comfortable and planted, even at higher motorway speeds.
It's my first bike and I'm so glad; when I did my motorcycle safety course, the bikes were so light and you needed to be on the throttle to do low speed maneuvers, whereas the 650 idles in first gear at a comfortable speed for a tight U-turn.
The rear brake ABS will let you initiate a controlled slide on dirt, while working well in a rapid stop on pavement. Interested to see how my next tires do, I'm looking at Heidenau K60 for then.
I really enjoyed this informative video! Thank you.
Looking forward to seeing it with a aftermarket exhaust great work 👍
Cheers 🍻
You’re the reason I bought a KLX300 and now you’re the reason I’m going to buy a KLR650. I really have to stop watching your videos.
Haha, well they are different styles of bikes, so you can justify both! KLX set up for off road duty and KLR set up for adventure work?
@@onthebackwheel i+
Hahahaha I did the same thing!! I loved the klx 300 especially off road but when the old man and his buddy’s would go for rides I couldn’t keep up at all! I’m in love with my new klr 650 adventure put 3000 kms in 1 summer
Great Video ! Can't wait to get one.
Thanks for getting to the point bro! Appreciate you talking about comfort also! Great review.
Thanks mate
I dig all your videos. I really liked the one where you went off road and beefed it and the comments thereafter. Bahaahaa!
Haha thanks mate
I've got the same exact bike, and agree with your review. I'd put some Renthal or Pro Taper 7/8" bars on it
So great I found an Ozy doing a review on the KLR650 looking at this as my 1st bike, I was looking at the RE Himalayan but Like the size of the KLR.
Cheers Mate 😊
Happy to help. The KLR is good fun
I have both. The Himalayan is a very capable bike, but the KLR is so much more powerful.
I also use my passenger footpegs sometimes on a long ride for a different feel.
I just bought the 2022 adventure version. I am so looking forward to start riding it.
Nice Ales, enjoy!
Just bought the 2022 this summer...my 7th new KLR...The green one like yours..I did raise the wind shield, it did help....Yep.....A great bike made even better...
Enjoy Jack. 7 klrs is quite a feat
@@onthebackwheel I'm 67...been riding for half a century...owned over 30 bikes and I almost always had a klr in the stall regardless of what cruiser I was riding....Happy Trails..😎
Looks like a fun bike to ride at legal speeds unlike a lot of other bikes. Pretty important these days!
People say that Klrs are boring because of their lack of power , no riding a powerful fast bike slowly is boring!
Hehe yep, certainly fun to hold it pinned
Kawasaki should give you a royalty payment for these reviews, makes me want to buy two of them!
Just give them a call for me and tell them to send the check in the mail mate
hey mate been following your stuff for a little while but didn't realise i wasn't subbed till now. love your work and keep coming back whenever i need. only in this vid did i notice ur in QLD. i used to live up there and am moving up in 2023. if you ever wanted to meet up for a not so lonely off track ride i'd love to ride down to you 1s i move. getting the klr adventure model and looking to bash it up xD
Sounds like a plan mate. Hit me up on social media or email 👊
@@onthebackwheel when it gets a little closer i shall do my man much appreciated and cya soon.
great review and good to see you really liking the bike esp when you have a SD, I sat on one today and i'm very keen and I would use it just like you but in NZ
What is a SD?
@@PharaohDeathMask Super Duke 1290
@@onthebackwheel Ah, thank you.
Ride my 2018 80-90 mph in the freeway quite regularly with not much instability unless your passing a semi then the wind blast will blow ya around a bit.
picking up mine tomorrow
Enjoy!
Hey Curtis, another great hit-out; legend! 👍 Now you've done off + on road reviews, once your thoughts on the KLR's weight? Acknowledging it looked heavy to pick up from an awkward fall on the trail, but how does the weight feel for every day stuff eg moving around the garage, low speed in a car park; have you tried lifting on a rear wheel stand yet?
Great question Bruce. When riding the bike, both on and off the trail, around car parks etc, it feels light. Moving it around garage, you feel every kilo. It feels heavier than my 1290 Super duke to wheel around
I have narrowed it down to the XR650L or the KLR650. An upgrade in the next couple of months. The overall weight difference between the two is huge. The longest commute for me might be an hour or a little more. I've decided I'm going to have to learn to get along with a high seat if riding an XR but the smooth ride of the KLR is appealing. One of my last bikes was an XR and have lots of great times. But the orange KLR is really a nice bike.
Oh, big difference. The new KLR is definitely more an adventure bike and a really easy bike to live with. I wouldn't worry about the weight difference unless you are doing tons of tight offroad. And then is either the right bike for that?
After owning both the new KLR and a XR650L with thousands in parts I can say the seat on the KLR is more comfortable and handles everything about commuting better. The XR handles better when you start riding the twisty roads hard due to the weight and ergonomic differences because it handles more like a dirt bike. The XR is better about everything off-road except for the smoothness of the engine. Once again I think the weight difference allows the XR to be a little more snappy. If you do more than 20-25% off-road then the XR is definitely the way to go.
I've owned both. The XR is a dirtbike with turn signals, you can tour on the KLR
Hey Kurtis, great video! Just wondering, around what mileage do you think you'll take care of the infamous doohickey problem? Thanks
Cheers mate. I'm not even going to think about it until my warranty runs out
Is get a lithium battery and an aftermarket slip on exhaust, Those 2 changes will shave about 22 pounds off of the bike And make the exhaust sound a lot meter. That being said I think the foot peg swap is going to be one of the most common things kl owner's change out.Pretty much every review I've seen mentions the foot pegs are crap.
Nicely done!
You're tempting me to trade my 18 for a Gen 3.
Did you do it?!
@@dad3562 No. I still have the Gen 2 KLR but got a 2022 KTM 890 Adventure S and a Husqvarna FE 501S.
This will probably be my first bike. I wanted the Tenere-700 but it's out of stock everywhere. Though I'm not yet a biker, it's going to take some time to get used to the KLR-650's "throaty" croak that it makes lol.. It's not at all what I'd imagine a motorcycle would sound like but alas... It's by far one of the oddest sounding bikes I've ever heard.
Haha its not bad at all, just a standard single single sound. Enjoy bud, there's been some second hand ones popping up cheap too
I just realized you rode pass my house at the start
Good ole B Ridge
Regarding fuel range...............a bloke in America got 287miles, which is about 460k which is pretty good really.
That's pretty bloody good
Im picking my adventure KLR tomorrow
Enjoy!
@@onthebackwheel thank you!!
I noticed the bent bars and thought it was an effect from the wide-angle camera lens. Then you fessed up about bending them.
Haha yep, very bent. New Pro Tapers turning up this week 👍
Another great video. You obviuosly have shown excellent variations in braking, both on and off road... can I assume you would recommend the ABS version?
Thanks! So far no major issues off road and definitely none on road. Until I ride it in wet conditions off road, I can't give a definitive answer just yet. I can say if you are riding on road with light off road roading, you will not have any issues
The K750 tires are decent, and depending on skill lvl are just as good as any 50/50 tire in the trails. In the wet my riding doesn't change. Just wear them out and try something new then.
😆 ya klr bars are soft. Protaper 7/8 are a great upgrade. If you bend them, your probably dead, or worse.
I'm waiting until March or April. I'll get the base model and shorten the windshield and add my own charger accessories.
Dead or worse, I like the sounds of that! I'm thinking the atv mid bend, got to measure them up when I get a chance
Ya those work too. How does the rubber mount work on the new bike. Can they be retrofitted?
@@KLRmurdercycle the footpegs?
Oh no the bars. There's some dampening. Wondering if it can be put on lld bikes. Cuz that would be slick
Really want to get a new KLR650.
Worried after research about the doohickey and thermobob. Is this a load of shite from someone trying to sell kits or a real issue.
The KLR would be my main transport (currently on a 2006 Bandit, but want an Adv bike) and I easily do 500km a week commuting.
Interested in your thoughts. Absolutely lovin g your vids especially the big off road stuck o e.
Well done on a great channel
Thanks mate, appreciate it. The doohickey and thermobob are a bit of both, I do think people worrry about it too much though. If you are getting a new KLR, ride the hell out of it till the warranty expires then look at getting the doohickey done. It also depends on how many kms you are doing. Sounds like you do a bit so you might as well get it done down the track. You can keep an eye on the spring and adjust it too. The bandit, now thats a legendary bike!
Its BS some old man creates both "solutions" so of course he started this nonsense
Just bought one yesterday. I notice when I got home the windshield screws that hold the windshield on were very loose and one had actually fallen off. Is there anyplace that sells them? I know it seems small and it shouldn’t bother me but it does. I
I'm pretty sure they are just standard automotive screws. I'd be going straight to my dealer and getting some for free
Thoughts on smaller rear sprocket for one of these?
If you were doing mostly road/highway work, for sure
what bar do you plan to replace the stock one with?
Tba but thinking pro taper atv mid bend
I know you will need to repair an occasional flat tire or adjust the chain. Are you going to get a center stand for your new ride?
Hi. No I dont believe I will at this stage
Did you bend your handlebars? They don't look squared with the forks?
Yep, bent bars
I have a DR650. Love it. But I find I spend more time on the asphalt then the dirt. My biggest complaint with my DR is the highway. Any speeds 110kms and higher on the highway if there is any wind it's not fun, pretty sketchy. Enjoyed your video, but how is it on highway in the wind say 40km/hr winds. How's the power in general at 120kms? Still more power to overtake easy? The DR at 120 is hard slug to try and overtake at 120 kms. I like the new KLRs but really don't want to downgrade from my DR...... Anymore info u want to share is appreciated.
She's great on the road, a much better road bike then the mighty DR. The wind protection is good too. She'll cruise at 120kmh, but overtaking at that speed...I wouldn't expect a lot
@@onthebackwheel right on. Thanks for the reply. I'm at a toss between the KLR, the Tenere 700 and a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE. The Tenere is starting to look like the winner.
@@greasycanadianbiker I've ridden the Tenere 700, it's a fantastic bike. If the price difference wasnt so big in Australia, that's what I'd own
@@onthebackwheel yeah they are really versatile bikes. Only thing I don't like is the crappy display.
@@onthebackwheel If you can find one !
Is there a way to turn off abs when you ho offroad?
Only way would be to pull the fuse or install an in-line switch that does the same. I'm yet to try it, so I'm not 100% on how the ecu would react
*update! I pulled the ABS fuses and it works fine with them out*
Any short riders out there on these? I want to pick one of these up but I’m 5’6” with a 29” inseam. Been riding for a long time so not a new rider. Would be my first adventure bike.
Hi kilswitch , I'm about 5'8'' . I just bought the same bike
I put ordered lower links to lower the seat 2". I didn't get the yet, so I hope it is lower enough. Kawasaki also has a lower seat that will drop seat height 1 3/8 " lower yet. So 34.4" -2" is 32.4. Then lower seat another 1 3/8 .
Dealership didn't recommend lower the bike more then 2". Then the kick Stand has to be shorten , they sell adjustable ones on line . Ride safe .
Great review, I live on the Northside and all of your trips seem to be frequent commutes for myself. Annoyed I've only found the channel now.
I've only ever owned sports bikes, have you had the chance to do any long distance highway trips yet? Looking at doing a trip to Cooktown from Brissy and the price and availability of the KLR seems like a no brainer
Hey mate, yep north sider here. I haven't had a chance to do any big trips, been too busy with work and our baby. In saying that, based off the riding I've done I think it will eat it up. For the price it is pretty unbeatable atm
@@onthebackwheel cheers Curtis thanks for the feedback. Enjoying smashing through your videos, keep up the great content
@@JoeJoog Thanks mate, glad you're liking them. Compared to a sports bike the KLR will feel like a lounge chair!
I like it but i will keep my KLE 500 ultrareliable.
When he said 140 I lost it! Then realized that's metric not mph lol
Haha yep. 140mph on a KLR would result in a wormhole appearing
So you are not tempted to put the Kawa spotlights on?
No, too expensive, bulky and the stock headlight is good
What do you think about the doohickey? Should I have mine replaced?
Nope
Big rock moto has a great video with the creator of the dohickey fix. His basic answer is if your going to ride over 5k miles on the bike then get it done. At that point the dohickey can loosen and increase wear to the balancer system which may eventually lead to various failures. Great video on here explaining everything
No, some old man created that and the thermobob "solution" so he started all this crap to sell his trinkets
Is it normal to feel so much heat from the engine?
Yep
Have you tried to do a wheelie yet?
Only off road. I saw you have!
the stearing didnt bendon right , seems left handle is higher,
Yeah I crashed, sorting out new bars
@@onthebackwheel
change them with any straight , functional
its dangerous , or maybe change that Mule with YAMAHA TENERE 700 ,
klr is great only for off road , too much vibration on highway and too slow.
btw , Im glad you are ok , after crash
@@bartsimpson8616 if you give me $18000 I'll buy a Tenere 😉
My 2015 rattles me to the bones.
Shit aye
@@onthebackwheel yeah I'm feeling it today Mr Krabs. I decided to take the highway home lastnight it was 15 miles of holding steady at 70ish miles my feet hurt
I'm studying multiple videos on the new KLR 650 for my first time ever ride, I'll be taking a motorcycle course soon and l'm trying to find the right beginner's bike for me...
I stand at an even 6ft in height and weigh 245 pounds, so could this be a great bike to start off with...
It is a good beginners bike in that it is very easy going. I will say though, it is a large bike. You're a bigger guy so you should be fine, but if you start riding off road, she can be a handful (that's only in more technical stuff though). Depends on the riding you want to do too
@@onthebackwheel
Basic commute riding and scenery road traveling and if off road it'll be nothing that's too rugged l'm sure because l'm a bit passed having that kind of fun...
But never the less l'm so sold on the KLR-650, it's a done deal for me and it's gonna be my first motorcycle and l'm so stoked...
And thank so much for you're feed back and approval of this bike sir...
@@claydogmadman6295 It'll be perfect for that, happy I could help. Also look at the new Honda CB500X that's coming out, that should be a good thing too
The bars bend if you tip it over?
Yes, they are terrible
@@onthebackwheel TY, replacement bars not too pricey? D:
@@travsudz4544 very reasonable. $100, cheaper than OEM
@@onthebackwheel amazing, ty
What's the MPG mileage like?
Approx 42mpg
@@onthebackwheel thanks!
Is it eating oil?
Nope
Bars bent?
Ya
Is this a bad bike for shorter people?
I think it is fine,, but I don't value seat height as much others
@@onthebackwheel ok thanks i enjoyed your video i’ll be sure to check out others.
@@GMochileiro_42_ no worries. On the road it will be fine, off road you might get uncomfortable depending on your experience
Looks like your bars are bent....I have OCD watching this LOL. Probably the camera angle
They are very bent in this video! Don't worry, it's not just your OCD that's getting triggered, tons of have commented 😂
@@onthebackwheel Great vids on the bike. I was never a fan of the KLR, but now that its FI and that sand color Im starting to be. Im an enduro guy, but had a Tiger 800xcx and kinda miss just riding around vs strictly single track
Get both hands on the Bars silly ...
Your bars look bent. Maybe the camera angld
Those ones are very bent. Replaced them with pro tapers
@@onthebackwheel i didnt know if i was crazy or not. (Probably so anyway)
@@jacobchandler2083 🤣
Passing in between cars is what gives us all a bad name....
It's legal here 👍
Your bars look bent.
Very
Those bent bars would drive me nuts. You sure the rubber mounts are not tweaked
@@davidgrunklee8407 going to try have a look tomorrow (wife is getting sick of me doing bike stuff). The bars are definitely bent, may have to straighten out the mounts too. Lots of bolts were pretty loose...
FIRST TALK TIRE CHOICE ......
NO TIRE DOES EVERYTHING WELL ...
BUT DO RESEARCH INTO YOUR REAL RIDING STYLE .PEOPLE OFTEN BUY THE WRONG TIRES.
FOR WHAT THEIR REALLY DOING .
Stop tailgating too .....
You better check gun laws driving like you .....