2024 Kawasaki KLR 650 First Ride Review: A Utilitarian ADV Workhorse

First Impressions and Helmet Tech

• 🏍️ The 2023 Kawasaki KLR 650, a bike that has long flown under the radar, is put to the test in its first ride.
• ⛑️ The CKX Atlas helmet, provided by the sponsor, features a unique removable muzzle for airflow and protection, a photochromatic visor, and adjustable peak.
• 💨 The helmet's design is praised for its versatility in switching between adventure, enduro, and road modes, with the muzzle offering significant airflow.

Bike Modifications and Initial Ride

• 🛠️ The test bike features non-stock modifications including a Leo Vince exhaust, Kawasaki fog lights, and rotating foot pegs, which will not be factored into the stock review.
• 🦶 The rider, 5'10" with a 32-inch inseam, finds the KLR's seat wide, making it difficult to flat-foot, despite the bike not being excessively tall.
• ⚙️ The KLR 650 is noted for its lack of electronic modes, with ABS being the primary electronic feature.

Engine, Performance, and City Riding

• 💨 Powered by a 652cc single-cylinder engine producing around 31 horsepower and 39 foot-pounds of torque, the KLR weighs 460 lbs.
• ⛽ A large 6.1-gallon fuel tank contributes to excellent range, making it suitable for long rides.
• 🚦 In city riding, the KLR offers good presence due to its height and wide mirrors, but lacks quick acceleration and responsive steering due to its weight and larger front tire.
• 🎢 The suspension is described as softer than previous models, offering comfort but feeling squishy and less planted during spirited riding or cornering.

Highway Performance and Handling

• 🛣️ The KLR is a 5-speed motorcycle, which can lead to higher RPMs on the highway.
• 💨 Acceleration from 40-80 mph is noted as slow, barely reaching the target speed.
• 🖐️ Highway riding reveals significant vibration in the foot pegs, handlebars, and seat, though the comfortable seat mitigates some of it.
• 💨 Despite vibrations and a lack of cruise control, the bike offers adequate passing power on the highway.
• ⚠️ The bike feels top-heavy during turns, and the suspension's softness contributes to a less planted feeling, especially during hard braking which causes significant front-end dive.

Braking, Gearing, and Controls

• 🛑 Braking performance is considered soft, with noticeable front-end dive and a less-than-ideal stopping distance, though ABS provides a safety net.
• 🕹️ The 5-speed transmission requires frequent shifting, with gears feeling very mechanical and old-school.
• 💡 The controls are simple and utilitarian, featuring basic buttons and an old-school digital dash without a gear indicator.
• ⛽ The dash includes a clock, gas gauge, and speed, but lacks a gear indicator, which would be beneficial for a 5-speed transmission.

Overall Assessment and Value

• 🏆 The KLR 650 receives a Chase Score of 52, with points awarded for comfort, ease of use, versatility, and value for money.
• 💰 At an MSRP of $7,200 (or $5,999 for the used model tested), the KLR is presented as a cost-effective adventure bike.
• 💪 Known for its bulletproof reliability, the KLR is a utilitarian workhorse that excels in long-distance comfort and off-road capability, despite its vibrations and lack of performance.
• 🌟 The bike is recommended for riders prioritizing value, reliability, and adventure capability over speed and high performance.