Kawasaki made our mouths water with a teaser promising something new revealed today. That's it and it's the KLR 650 to relaunch the Akashi brand in the conquest of the great outdoors. And the market…
La Kawasaki KLR650 returns and for this reunion, the brand has given it several important updates. There KLR 650 debuted in 1987, a direct descendant of the 600-1984 KLR 1986 model. From its debut, the KLR quickly made a name for itself as an economical and durable adventure motorcycle. It was equipped with a fairing and an oversized fuel tank. After a redesign in 2008, the KLR 650 disappeared in 2018.
Kawasaki relaunches the model with a new rally-style wrap reminiscent of the old KLR650-B Tengai model. It still uses a 652 cc, four-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, but it is now fuel-injected. The new engine develops a power of 40 horsepower at 6 rpm. It is still equipped with a five-speed gearbox.
Kawasaki updated the windshield to be two position adjustable. A new fuel tank 23 liters should increase autonomy. Kawasaki has opted for LED lighting and a new digital dashboard.
Kawasaki has thought of an Adventure version
The manufacturer still uses a steel double cradle frame, with an updated subframe. The swingarm has been lengthened for greater stability. And there's also a new 300mm front brake disc, with a two-piston caliper. The rear brake is 240mm, with a two-piston caliper. This is another important update, but Kawasaki makes it even more docile by making ABS available.
In the front, Kawasaki opted for a classic 41mm telescopic fork, with 200mm of travel. There is no mention of front fork adjustability, but it does say that the Uni Trak rear shock has adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload.
Kawasaki indicates a curb weight of 207 kg for the non-ABS equipped KLR650, and 209 kg for the model equipped with ABS. The Adventure model, with its auxiliary power outlets, travel accessories and other additions, weighs 221 kg empty.
