Kawasaki KLR650
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1998 KLR650 in its environmentthe luggage is not standard | |
| Kawasaki KLR650 History | |
|---|---|
| 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)
| 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 |
[edit] External links
- A KLR650 FAQ
- KLR650.NET KLR650 Forum
- 1999 KLR650 Review in Motorcycle Online
- 2002 KLR650 Review in Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly
- KLR650 on Kawasaki's website
- KLR 650 Modifications for Canadiansit:Kawasaki KLR 650


