Kawasaki KLR650

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kawasaki KLR650 History
1998 KLR650 in its environment the luggage is not standard
Producer	Kawasaki (Japan) Image:Flag of Japan (bordered).svg
Production period	1987-current
Number produced	?
General characteristics
Length	2165 mm
Width	? mm
Height	? mm
Weight	176 kg
Suspension	Telescoping fork, Uni-Trak swingarm
Engine
Power plant	Single Cylinder, Water Cooled, Four-Stroke, DOHC, 4 valves 44 hp (33 kW)
Displacement	651 ccm
Compression ratio	9.5 : 1
Capacity	6.1 U.S. gallons (23 L) 2.6 U.S. quarts (2.5 L)
Top speed	160 km/h

The Kawasaki KLR650 has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, as it was introduced in 1987 and remained almost unchanged through the 2007 model. Kawasaki has announced that the 2008 KLR6560 will be the first significant redesign of the motorcycle. The KLR is a dual-sport motorcycle intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads. This motorcycle is heavier than specialized off-road dirt bikes, but it can handle most conditions when ridden carefully by a skilled rider. Its counterbalanced, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine develops a claimed 44 peak bhp (at the crank; typical measurements at the rear wheel are 33-36 horsepower) and may reach speeds approaching 90 mph (145 km/h).^{[citation needed]} Typical fuel economy is 45 to 60 miles per U.S. gallon (3.9 to 4.7 L/100 km).^{[citation needed]} It has a 6.1 gallon (23 litre) fuel tank and a calculated top speed of approximately 100 mph (160 km/h). This motorcycle is commonly described as being useful for all types of motorcycling, without being particularly good at any of them. The KLR is widely used as an inexpensive adventure/touring bike. Simple add-ons (e.g.saddle bags) and modifications can make it more functional on long trips (e.g. upgrading subframe bolts).

KLRs have been ridden to the Arctic, across North and South America, and throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as on full global circumnavigation rides. Other nicknames include "The Mule" and "The Tractor."^{[citation needed]}

Note: While advertised capacity is 6.1 Gallons, actual gas tank capacity is approximately 5.5 gallons including reserve, because a slightly more than one half gallon of fuel sits below the top of the petcock intake tube within the tank. This yields a maximum range of approximately 250 miles between fill-ups, including consumption of the reserve.

[edit] Models

KLR650-A: model currently sold in the USA and Canada
KLR650-B or Tengai: was sold in the USA in 1990 and other countries for several years afterward
KLR650-C: sold primarily outside of the USA and Canada (major differences include brakes, forks, subframe, and fuel tank)
A special diesel version of the KLR650 is supplied to the United States Marine Corps.

[edit] Specifications (2005 KLR650-A)

Specifications for 2005 U.S. Model
Engine Type	Single Cylinder, Water Cooled, Four-Stroke, DOHC, 4 valves
Carburetion	Keihin CVK-40 constant velocity carburetor
Displacement	651 cc
Bore × Stroke	100 mm × 83 mm
Peak Power	44 bhp (33 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
Peak Torque	34 lbf·ft (46 N·m) @ 5,000 rpm
Compression Ratio	9.5 : 1
Fuel Capacity	6.1 U.S. gallons (23 L)
Oil Capacity	2.64 U.S. quarts (2.5 L)
Charging System Output	238 W @ 14 V
Seat Height	35.0 in. (88.9 cm)
Dry Weight	337 lb (176 kg)
GVWR	738 lb (330 kg)
Tires	Front: 21 in. Rear: 17 in.
Brakes	Front: 1 disc, 1 piston caliper; Rear: 1 disc, 1 piston caliper.
Final drive	520×106 O-Ring Chain