2022 Kawasaki KLR650 First Ride Review
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- čas přidán 3. 07. 2024
- 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 First Ride Review
Read Spurgeon's review here: rvz.la/38NqzCl
The legendary KLR650 is back, and Kawasaki gave it some big updates like fuel injection, revisions throughout the engine, a new chassis, and more. But is this truly a better motorcycle? Spurgeon gives his evaluation in this first ride review.
SPECS:
MSRP: $6,699 base, $6,999 ABS, $7,399 Traveler, $7,699 Adventure, $7,999 Adventure w/ABS
Engine: 652 cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, single cylinder
Claimed weight: 456.2 (non-ABS), 460.6 (ABS), 471.7 (Traveler), 487.1 (Adventure) pounds
Fuel tank: 6.1 gallons
Seat height: 34.3 inches
Spurgeon's gear
Arai XD-4 Helmet: rvz.la/3BPwHGD
100% Armega Goggles: rvz.la/3h6zymP
Klim Baja S4 Jacket: rvz.la/3BKuY5s
Klim Mojave In The Boot Pants: rvz.la/3to4dAW
Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro Boots: rvz.la/3jRFjX7
Asterisk Carbon Cell 1 Knee Braces: rvz.la/3jRq5ld
USWE Patriot 15L Bounce Free Backpack: rvz.la/3n7MaxP - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Read Spurgeon's first ride review on Common Tread: rvz.la/3DPNATD
As a second gen KLR rider, the "we're not making good time, but we're having a good time" is on brand.
Well, that keeps with Kawasaki's most-famous slogan: "Laissez les bon temps rouler!"
What does "on brand" mean?
@@fartpooboxohyeah8611 In keeping with the bike's general vibe, more or less.
Going obnoxiously SLOW on VERY limited routes is not my idea of a good time....Once you actually know how much better it could be with another model it would be impossible for most people to really be happy with this bike UNLESS it is just used for commuting....not the best commuter but it would work at least....and one could pretend they were adventure riding every morning on the way to work I am not trying to be all negative and mean I am serious...IF you want the real deal look for a used bike if you cant afford a new legit bike....this motorcycle totally does NOT have the potential....in fact adding "farkles" trying to make it better? Will just add even MORE weight to an already HOPELESSLY obese design
@@nigelwolfe6150 I have a better idea.....get a "hopelessly obese" BMW and go riding alone and dump it. enjoy the walk home. All adventure bikes are obese. Thats why they are not called dirt bikes.
An enjoyable real world review, that didn't bury a $7K machine under $25K expectations.
My favorite thing about the KLR is that you can’t kill it. It’s so simple to maintain, it’s so easy to get parts for, these things just keep going.
How about the doohickey thingamajiggy I keep reading everywhere else about this bike...
They are great bikes. But as far as I know, a Hayabusa is also bulletproof, and lasts for over 100,000 miles without any issues. The Japanese bikes have such good build quality. Although I'm a little suspicious of Yamaha saying they are going to switch to aluminum cylinder bores on their new entry level bikes. Always ask about the cylinder bore lining, don't buy a bike until you know it's got Nikisil hard chrome, or cast iron bores. If it has the new "aluminum with silicon in it" do not buy it. Aluminum will never last even 1/2 of the life of a hard chrome bore.
@@Ritalie I agree. It’s like manufacturers don’t build things to last anymore. More money in service and sales if they have to fix it or just buy a new one. If it lasts forever they can’t make more money on it after the initial purchase:( it’s a shame.
I had a Gen 1. After 50,000 miles it needed fork bushings. Almost $200 just for the bushings! You can usually get those for $20-30. They're not particularly cheap to work on, especially considering everything on them needs work as delivered. The brakes were awful, the forks are awful, the handling was awful. It'd cost a fortune to make a good handling/stopping bike out of one.
Yeah, it ran, but so has every other bike I've owned. I don't know why KLR's get a free pass for all of their awfulness based on the idea of, ," yeah, but it's bulletproof!" So what? So are 95% of all Japanese bikes out there.
I don't miss that bike one bit. It served me well, but it was a chore to ride. Shocking to me that they're still selling.
@Ritalie
The CP2 engine is already aluminum cylinder bore. No cast iron longer, but nikasil plated. It lasts WAY longer than cast iron. I was skeptical of them at first, but coated aluminum bores have proven themselves to be absolutely fantastic. It's such a hard wearing surface that replacing pistons/rings is like changing spark plugs. Just take the old ones out and put new ones in- no machine work needed. If you do need a cylinder replated....I pay like $50 for a thumper. It's cheaper than what they charge to bore cast iron. Nothing to fear with aluminum bores!
Great video and article. I have a 1250GSA and a T7 in my garage - as well as a smaller Beta dual sport - and truly, I enjoy this new KLR just as much as any of my own bikes, and maybe even more. Why? You have to work the bike hard for speed, making it engaging. It is comfortable, so it doesn't distract from enjoying the ride. It can go almost 300 miles to a tank, as good as my GSA (almost). It doesn't feel heavy, and the suspension while soft, soaks up the terrain. It is everything you need, nothing you don't, and at an incredible price, making you feel less bad when you crash it. Throw spec sheets out the window, along with your ego, this bike will deliver more smiles per mile than anything else.
Slow bikes are fun to ride fast
Man, the new KLR I just got has plenty of cruising power for me, it's a hoot to ride !
How does the KLR compare to T7 on street, for those longer miles?
@@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985 the guy has a GS for long miles…, I have a T7 and wouldn’t recommend for long miles, unless you upgrade the seat and screen. It looks like the KLR is ready for long miles as is.
@@coastalhillbilly3419 Some of the most fun I've had going 70mph on a motorcycle was on a KLR 250!
I like this reviewer a lot. He has a very clear way of reviewing while also being charismatic. Would love to have that bike!
Sounds like a decent bike to get out on without all the fancy shit. Also, I congratulate Spurge on the weight loss. Looking good, Man.
A decent bike? Lmfao klr650 is literally the king of all motorcycle, the only motorcycle you will ever need to do everything and anything. The klr650 sir is more than a decent motorcycle by a long mile.
hp & suspension not up to modern performance but for the $ this bike cannot be beat , itll go anywhere and back again carrying all your luggage ect on a misers budget
ghey
This video helped me decide on a 2022 klr650 adventure. I was a little skeptical of the highway capability of the bike before buying it. I've had it for 3 months now and have put almost 2,000 miles on it. Most of the miles have been on pavement at around 60 mph but maybe 300 miles was at interstate speeds of around 75 mph. This bike just EATS miles! Between my wife and I we have 10 different bikes in the garage (Yamaha R6, HD Dyna Lowrider, Honda Shadow, a couple of Sportsters, Honda 919 just to name a few) and this is by far the bike I want to ride most often! Don't doubt it's touring capability. It's great!
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Kawasaki left the KLR as close to the original design as possible. Fuel injection is a nice modern touch which was needed. Most manufacturers have lost their way when it comes to ADV bikes. Good on you Kawasaki!
@Kattrap thatd be the best dual sport period. Itd also likely be about 55hp out the door, which would fix my only major complaint with them
@Kattrap A 6th gear, some fairings like on the early 90's RSE version, EFI and switchable ABS would make it a dream for every adventurer.
KLR is my dream bike. Had to sell my old bike (GS450S) and stop riding for now to focus on work and the baby :( Hoping to save up and get a KLR by next year
A KLR is your dream bike 😂😂😉. All kidding aside, I ride with a buddy that has a gen1 KLR and he absolutely loves it. He has it dialed in, and it will out live us both. Cheers 🏍️
I paid 1700 for a 1st gen used one...3 years (and some easy work ) later it's still good as" new."
Good luck man and congrats on the baby. GS450S ...wow. Like 1983? You will get your KLR!
I did the TAT on a used 2013 $3,300 KLR. Flawless. Simple. Averaged 53mpg overall (full camping gear). It’s good to see that ‘The Force is still strong’ in this relatively unchanged bike, Despite the temptation of turning it into a T 700!
287 miles on 6.5 gallons = 44 MPG, worse if you factor the tiny bit of leftover fuel.
Kinda surprised here
@@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985 he was strictly on the highway probably going 75 or 80. That's about wringing the things neck. Slow that to 55mpg and you'll get the 50 mpg.
Also leaving fuel in the tank would increase his mpg not make it worse
My last two bikes, 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 then a 2021 Kawasaki RS900Cafe. Both sexy and fast. Before those two was 2018 KLR. Found myself looking at the 22 KLR Adventure and bought it. It's more fun to go fast on a slow bike than it is to have to go slow on a fast bike.
Kawasaki did enough to pacify the feds to keep selling the machine, it really didn't need to be much better than it was. Reinventing the KLR would be a travesty in a division it already owns.
Yeah, on the other hand, are the basic doohicky, thermobob upgrade package so much to ask? Maby a 6 speed transmission?
@@mrspeigle1 Pacify the feds and fix doohicky/thermobob would have been a grand slam. Maybe next time.
Man, I got the new 2022 KLR650 base model sand color no abs, I love it, I'm also 67 years old, and I can get both feet flat on the ground !
I love that colour.
Im 42 and haven't driven a bike since I was 12. A 125cc dirt bike, and I love the bike you got and am thinking of getting it.
@@tjl8884 man, it's a real comfortable bike, I'm 6'-1" fits me perfect, what a hoot to ride !
@@markcollins5026 Nice. Im 5'10. Might be on my toes lol. I wonder if the ride height could be lowered. I think my buddy said his honda can be lowered
@@tjl8884 man, Kawasaki dose offer a lower seat for the KLR, and you can probably get a lowering link as well !
As a long time cyclist, fresh motorcyclist, I find all suggestions of 'uncomfortable' motorcycle seats funny. But I'm glad it's more comfortable :)
lol
That made me chuckle
Right.Just about any motorcycle seat is luxurious compared to a Selle Italia bike seat
I’d much rather spend a day on a road saddle than sitting on my Tenere seat all day. It’s like straddling a 2x4, sharp edges dig in and cut the circulation off
Im glad they didnt change the KLR. Its a bike that is at a great price point. Its not over kill and you can own as a second bike to go out adventuring and keep the GSXR in the garage and not break the bank. I love it.
Bet ya could have used a 6th gear
I remember when Revzilla had a little corner store in Philly. I remember inquiring about a job and I never put in an application. Shortly after they moved to an old wearhouse in S. Philly. Then they moved to an even nicer location further south. That last location was the one of the most impressive showrooms for motorcycle anything I've ever been to. You guys have come so far and am happy for the prosperity you guys have made. Cheers!
Im gonna be getting one of these for my first motorcycle come summer and to be honest this review has only further pushed my excitement.
Thanks for the review and im happy to subscribe
I have been curious about the new KLR, and this managed to answer every question I had. Well done!
We aim to please! Thanks, man!
This is the best new KLR review. Great job Spurgeon!
Great review, Spurge!
I like revzilla bike reviews, you give me all the info about the bike I want in a reasonable amount of time. 😃🇺🇸
Excellent review throughout. Thanks for sharing.
Great review, Spurgeon! Thanks😎
I gotta say I love that Spurgeon reviews bikes, and he does great work. BUT, I think he has the personality and voice to host really good adventure type episodes. I'd love to see him put up to interesting adventures. Road trip through Idaho perhaps? Riding a goofy bike? Etc. 😌 Thanks Y'all! 💕
I hope you had fun in the Southwest, Spurg! Thanks for giving our beautiful part of the country some love.
I just got my KLR the other day, took a quick 4 mile ride around my block (getting my license late september) and it was super fun! Can’t wait to get my license and have the entire road at my disposal
The dinosaurs are extinct; the KLR endures
The KLR is the cockroach of motorcycles. The last motorcyclist after the apocalypse will be riding a KLR.
Good to see the KLR back in action. Great review.
What a great video, thank you. You need to do more motorcycle reviews, you're awesome.
Great looking bike these, and you're absolutely right that it's good for them to keep it true to its roots. Nice review too, mate
Love the style and multiple angles of this review video!
Spurgeon has to be the best reviewer I have ever seen keep it up!
Very polished review, thank you.
What a great review my guy!
Great review spurge!
Great ride report. I came within a hair of buying one today, but I hadn't done any research on it. Now I have ... let's see what tomorrow brings. 😉
Nicely done Spurge!
Great review, thanks!
Great video and review of the new bike, but especially appreciate how much fun you had on a budget bike. Thanks.
Great job Spurge
A great moto review as always.
Great review spurg . 🍻
One of the best reviewers I have heard. Good job Spurge!
Thanks man!
A really nice review, Spurge! We all (vicariously) took the first ride with you and you made it fun and informative! Guess what... I now have a brand new KLR sitting in my garage. I'll add a ThermoBob and be on my way!! Thanks....
Great review spurg.
I miss my 2005 every day. Even though it vibrated the muffler off. (Always carry zip ties on the klr)
Only thing the new one is missing is cruise control. My next bike just has to have it.
Now THAT is a REAL motorcycle test ! Good job !!!
The Legend is back!
My 2018 salutes the newest generation of KLR 650.
What a great review. Spurge, you have become my favorite bike reviewer. And Common Tread is my favorite podcast.
Just got mines today! This video makes me so much more excited 😆😄
When my son graduated from university, he announced he was buying a KLR and riding it from Victoria BC Canada to Ushuaia. He had an amazing trip and proved once again that the KLR is in fact a true adventure bike. Eight years later he still has his KLR.
Excellent review. Had a 1st Gen (‘05) and now have a 2nd Gen (‘17). Fan of ABS, fuel injection, and tubeless tires. Oh, well, two out of three ain’t (hmm, Meatloaf was right), but after all the farkling on my ‘17, I’ll probably keep rolling it. Although LED headlights are nice…. Heck three out of four is fine and it’s mainly a commuter and a tourer with occasional fire road thrown in.
Great consiste content. Need to get out west to do some riding!
Great video
Spurge!....Great Review, great to come a cross a review featuring my back yard, I've been in search for a bike with a little more carrying capability (Pass/Equipment) to tow behind my Motor home for those adventurous off roads that wont break the bank. You've convinced me !
Perfectly done video, informative and entertaining without the usual reviewer antics we see so often see and cringe at.
I owned a 2012 klr 650 a few years ago after always owning litre sports bikes
I fell in love with it. If I ever want to ride across the world I'd take this either way.
Good review. Sounds good to me. I ride mostly paved roads so road performance is important. My main bike now is a Honda NX4 Falcon 400.
Great review! Looks like the KLR is still a great option for the TAT🏁
Awesome video my friend!
I had a 2001 KLR 650 and my ass was sore after 125 miles. Thanks for this review. I like the looks of this new one.
Cool review, thank you a lot.
When I took the MSF course, I retested on a KLR650 (my state has a tiered licensing system). All I remember from that bike was how much I wanted to keep riding.
I eventually bought a MT-07, but someday, I'd LOVE to pick up one of these.
Funny stuff. I took my re-cert on a borrowed KLR with only 3 rides prior to test date. I hadn’t ridden a moto for at least 15 years prior. The klr was perfect for the test. Only 2 people passed the test that day. Me on the KLR and a guy on a scooter. One week later I was on a bmw 1150gs heading for Alaska.
Same here. I’m torn between a T7 and this one for my eventual second bike. I too have and MT07 an I love it so much I don’t want to get rid of it. Soon it will be time for that Dual Sport addition to the stable, only time will tell... ride safe man!
@@guillermoyelamo5816 I started on an sv650, then a vstrom650, then a ninja 650, and finaly a klr650. I wound up pretty disappointed in the klr engine and brakes. Replaced the klr with a t7, and it's really the best of both worlds. More comfortable on and off road than the klr, and if you like the mt07 engine, you will probably love it in the t7 as well. I couldn't put up with the lack of power the single cylinder klr put out when compared to the other two cylinder 650s I had owned previously. Felt like it was falling apart at freeway speeds, and really couldn't be pushed at all on twisty roads. That being said the klr was a good intro to adv riding, and I did have some good times on it.
@@TheWrigle can’t argue with your point tbh. I just have a soft spot with KLRs and having another one is going back to those good times, but frankly like you said, this platform is for starting out in ADVs. a T7 is definitely the best choice here
Thanks for this, will be my next purchase 🤙🏾
I love it. Great review 🏍🇨🇷
7:14 "It's the kind of bike that encourages you - to explore a little farther than the last time you were out, and to do so with such amusement, that you might just lose track of time, along the way."
Great Review. Who wouldn’t like a better KLR. 😀😀
Excellent presentation. Spurge is a pro.
beautiful country , great video.
Great video, Thanks!
great review maybe my next bike
I've been bouncing back-and-forth between the 2022 KLR650 adventure and the 2022 Triumph tiger 850 sport. There's only a $1,400 difference they are both used with 200+ miles on them. The Triumph tiger 850 sport has a lot of extras, like crash bars, heated grips, extras driving lights, rear hard storage boxes, hand guards. It's like $2,500 in add on's.. but the KLR650 is so simple and nice. Dealers are sell KLR650 adventure bikes for 10,000 out the door now. The Triumph tiger 850 sport is priced at $11,400 with 280 miles on it, it looks badass. Decisions, Decisions !!🤯
What did you get?
@@benfrank1583I have decided on a new 2022 Honda NC750x DCT, I think it will be sufficient for my needs and it's the same price as a 2022 KLR, the Triumph tiger 850 sold before I got a chance to get it. I really like the Africa twin but man they are expensive.
I bought a klr 650 last week and I can't wait to ride it
Instead of seeing the KLR as a heavy dual sport bike, I think of it more as a lightweight, more off road oriented adventure bike. It’s like the love child of a smaller dual sport and a bigger adventure bike. An awesome blend of both worlds at a great price. Bring on the apocalypse.
Nicely produced.
The legend is back
I just got this bike. Its my first bike. New to the community. Very excited.
I feel the beauty of bikes like the KLR is the fact that it forces you to sit back and enjoy the ride and take in your surroundings. The attention is off speed and the bike, but rather the experience of the ride/adventure. With a key focus on the rider not being beat up and tired at the end of it all. I think this review highlighted that very well. 👍
PS… is it just me or does the uncovered look of the bike when the tank, seat and body work off look really good! Would love to see a minimalist custom done of the bike.
This is true, but it's also cope.
@HomoShalom. Not really, many KLR riders already have a fast bike or two. KLR serves a purpose at a good price and makes for a fantastic toy.
@@FuzedBox cope? seethe? mald, even?
@@homosidorovich4753 Oh yeah, I'm totally "mald". Quit projecting, kid.
@@FuzedBox When I look in the dictionary at the definition of copeseethemald, there is a picture of you malding.
The Return of the King
I’m very excited about this klr
great review. looks fun, agreed that i wouldn't want the klr to turn into some massive/complicated adventure bike... thats not its place in the market. redesign looks way better and a lot more offroady that it did and man... that fuel range...
I have a 1998 KLR 650 C model and i dont complain… imagine having a 2022… Nice video bro. 🇦🇷 saludos!
From the Argentine flag I would guess you paid dearly for it. I live up in Chaco and the best I could get was a Falcon. A KLR would be a dream here
@@richardahola692 estas en lo correcto… no fue barata pero no me arrepiento es hermoso tractor. De todas formas la Falcon también es caño. Abrazo amigo! Saludos
Great bike, great review.
I have a 2006 model, my daily rider. It has 68,000 miles on it, and still runs as good as new.
For the new model, I wish they’d have made a 6th gear, and a lower 1st gear.
I hear that they also did away with the tachometer on the new model. What were they thinking?
Happy Trails
Spurge is the man!
I love this bike it's perfect for me! I'm getting one and heading off for an adventure to the Great White North!🏍 Thank you .
Excelente review..
0:40 at first glance I thought that was supposed to be a scale drawing of where the fuel pump sits and how big it is 😂
Bought my 2015 new and still ride it daily to work, 16,000+ miles later not one issue with anything! Bone stock no Doo Hickey BS either!
I'm a bit disappointed that we didn't get to see it upside down or dunked in a lake. I suppose there's always a chance when the Zach reviews it for the daily rider.
Agree
Will it drag a Christmas tree up a hill
@@nitrofish8908 these are the questions we need answers too.
@@nitrofish8908 hahaha.....
Papa Zach won't let us down
Thanks for this extended time review, very informative. You’re right this is a big dual sport bike instead of an adventure bike.
I have a 2nd gen KLR and ride in a group that most of them have BMW GS’s, KTM’s, T7’s, and more but my KLR does everything all those bikes will do and mine is WAY cheaper to fix if anything goes wrong, I LOVE KLR!!!
What a fantastic low cost bike, must be the top pick for a round the world trip!
I think they look absolutely awesome and I own a KTM 1190R and a bunch of other bikes.
As a KLR rider since 2012, I find this 2022 KLR to be a slap in the face. They made it heavier, didn’t make it more powerful, didn’t get rid of the doohickey, didn’t add a 6th gear, they made the foot pegs worse off road, and didn’t gain any MPG (my 2018 will go 250 miles before switching to reserve). So basically we gained a phone charger. The new KLR is off my list and it’s now down to the KTM 790 or the T7. It breaks my heart to not be impressed by the new KLR but from what I can see Kawasaki basically intentionally missed the mark with the new one
On the contrary, they absolutely nailed it. U have dozens of ADV bikes to choose from, with what u listed u want and all for a price 2-3x more. There is only one ADV bike out there that is tried and true bulletproof, without trac control and other electronic yuppy gadgets. Footpegs are simple to change. Kawi knows about the doohicky, and didnt change it. Meaning the % of it actually failing was extremely low. Guys are already getting low 50's mpg, without the engine broken in. Fuel injection was what was holding most back from this bike, but they added that with LEDs, digital display, slightly stiffer suspension without raising the original price {unless u go for the Adventure Model} of $6669. They are selling like crazy cuz its simple, comfy, affordable and reliable. Im going to grab one as well.
Great content as usual. Fun vid to watch even though I have little interest in this bike.
I love that Kawasaki didn't go overboard with it! I could actually buy a new one and not miss out on mortgage payments lol. great video!
Comming from someone who learned how to ride on a klr I am wanting one of these so badly now. My dad and I truck together a lot and if we are going somewhere cool we will load up our klrs and ride for a few days.
Basically: If you don't want a bike like the KLR, then don't buy the KLR.....buy that other thing you were thinking about. However if you really want something like the KLR, then the KLR is an excellent choice, because....it is very much a KLR and does very KLR things.
Amazing review.
I am 3 years into riding on my Bonnie t120. I don’t ride fast, my favorite ride is on PCH time to time. I don’t ride more than 2-3k miles a year.
Seeking for 2nd bike to have more fun on light off-road. However, being almost 200lb and the light enduro just don’t get me safe speed to get out of city on freeway. This seem to check all the box and thank you for great review 👍🏼
I bought my Bonnie Black new in 2006. I still have her and ride as often as possible. Heading out Monday for my new KLR Adventure ABS. Super excited
I'm thinking about trading in my 2017 KLR for a 2022 model.
You answered most questions I had about the bike in the first five minutes.
Keep up the good work!
Great review! I'm glad you didn't just stick to the asphalt and did some dirt road miles as well