Kawasaki Klr 650 on 2040-motos

Kawasaki KLR description

The 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 – My Overview

Without any negative overtones, the KLR is simply old in design. And at 35 horsepower, it’s not a racer.. But the wide power ban makes all the difference, and its five-speed has a gear for just about any situation. I am however trying to sell this bike so please do read on....

The simple, 651cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine features a Keihin CVK40 carburetor, which can be tuned/repaired anywhere without the use of special tools or a computer.

This would be useful when touring vast distances in various climates, but for me, I never had to adjust or fix anything. The engine performed flawlessly in every situation, from whining down the highway at top speed (hmm…90mph), to chugging around on tight technical trails for hours. And I must admit, using the choke lever brought me back to simpler times.

The KLR arrives with a 6.1-gallon fuel tank that will provide 250 miles of travel (with the reserve engaged through the forgotten petcock switch), a 21-inch front/17-inch rear spoke wheel setup with tubes for off-road terrain, and fairings that protect form the elements. The fairings, debatable on style, keep the rider adequately protected from rain and wind, and the small hand guards protect phalanges from the colder temperatures and those unexpected branches that arrive from nowhere.

As for suspension, the 41mm fork provides 7.9 inches of travel up front, and a Uni-Trak linkage system provides 7.3 inches of travel in the rear. These numbers create comfort on the road, and enough clearance on the trails.

The KLR also features a simple dashboard layout with analog tachometer, speedometer and temperature gauge. It also has an odometer and tripmeter, keeping things very utilitarian. But with the spoils of today’s adventure bikes, an ambient temperature gauge and gas gauge would be more than welcomed.

In stock form, I’d rate the bike about 70-percent on-road, 30-percent off-road. But those numbers can quickly change due to experience and/or tire choices.

This is a great "bug out" vehicle or world adventure bike. I chose the KLR because parts are available in any third world country.... or mabye zombie eradication is your thing IDK.

That being said, so why am I getting rid of the bike? Simple, the wife says a three car garage is meant for something besides motorcycles. (crazy i know) and i have another project waiting on the drive....my loss your gain.