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New 2021 Kawasaki KLR650 New 2021 Kawasaki KLR650
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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  #1  
Old 26 Jan 2021
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New 2021 Kawasaki KLR650
So here it is - the new Kawasaki KLR650 2021.

https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/motor...L-AQ4J2Yv-dF5E

Now it gts EFI, it comes in 3 different editions. And it weighs 460 ibs/210 kilos wet. Hm hm hm, what are your thoughts travellers?

Advpulse has a more detailed article about the KLR: https://www.advpulse.com/adv-news/ne...Hj7v225kJjQz_Q
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Old 26 Jan 2021
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Originally Posted by Snakeboy View Post
So here it is - the new Kawasaki KLR650 2021.

https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/motor...L-AQ4J2Yv-dF5E

Now it gts EFI, it comes in 3 different editions. And it weighs 460 ibs/210 kilos wet. Hm hm hm, what are your thoughts travellers?

Advpulse has a more detailed article about the KLR: https://www.advpulse.com/adv-news/ne...Hj7v225kJjQz_Q
Having a seen the price they must be planning to shift them very fast - $8000 for the top spec model - does that include local taxes? If so, what would the normal on the road price be?
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Last edited by Jay_Benson; 26 Jan 2021 at 23:11. Reason: Incorrect price
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Old 26 Jan 2021
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I think they will sell well, but I am surprised that the weight has gone up.
I believe the previous iteration had a wet weight of about 430 lbs.
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Old 27 Jan 2021
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for more on the new KLR, check out this video:



and yes I'm wondering about the extra weight too - oh wait - LESS weight would cost more. Right. Mustn't forget the accountants.
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Old 27 Jan 2021
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And it weighs 460 ibs/210 kilos wet. Hm hm hm, what are your thoughts travellers?
I am not a fan of anything over 400cc with only one cylinder and with the same or more weight than my old R80G/S I would not consider one but I am sure they will be popular.
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Old 27 Jan 2021
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Good for Kawasaki to update it but they do look a little like lipstick on a pig updates - tart it up with whatever costs next to nothing and gets it through e.g. pollution regs. Having said that I do have a soft spot for the KLR. A friend in the US has one and its been an amazingly reliable workhorse. I've done quite a few miles on it when I've been over there and it's one of those ride and take for granted bikes. It's not great at anything but it's comfortable enough, fast enough, reliable enough, cheap enough, plus a whole load of other 'enoughs'. I'm pleased it's back.
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Old 27 Jan 2021
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If you account for the bigger fuel capacity compared to the T7 the weight is basically the same.

The power is not great, but that has never been the point of the KLR.

I think this is a good cheap travel bike. It wont get you there very fast or very smoothly, but it will always get you there.
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Old 27 Jan 2021
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Ahhh. Kawasaki finally release the 2005 KLR650.

It literally is a 2005 spec bike isn't it. With 2005 technology and specification.

Five speed gearbox in 2021.. Really ???

HOW HEAVY ??

It would have been comparable and in competition with the XT660Z which came out in 2007. That bike is out of date and discontinued now.

I think it still seems way too expensive for what it is. Even though I really don't like the Himalayan, it's $3000 cheaper. The only appeal of the KLR is that it's Kawasaki and they make extremely reliable motorcycles.

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Old 27 Jan 2021
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For the price, brand new, it would go right up against a CB500X. Can't see myself making a choice towards the KLR in that case.
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Old 27 Jan 2021
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It appears a lot of folks are disappointed Kawasaki did not take the opportunity to innovate with a new Versys 400X or a KLE500 twin type of motorcycle as opposed to marginal updates of the KLR 650.

Is there a market for this type of bike? Yes - but like Suzuki's ancient Dual Sport range of the DR650/DRZ 400 models, Kawasaki seem to be willing to be left behind in the ADV/Travel market.
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Old 28 Jan 2021
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and more thoughts:


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Old 28 Jan 2021
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and more thoughts:
I think he sums that up pretty well.

Disappointing and rather pointless.
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Old 28 Jan 2021
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I’m glad to see a 650 single back in the market but agree with Ted - it doesn’t even quote the HP on the Kawasaki website!
My frustration is, when will SWM get their distribution and franchise dealership sorted in the U/K and Europe? I’m not sure what it’s like in the states but it must be okay in Australia as they are popular bikes and getting excellent reviews.

My point is that they produce a modern, single cylinder, 650 that, I feel, is a true middle weight. I feel confident, given the right advertising, that they would become very popular which might encourage Suzuki and Kawasaki to to do likewise.
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Old 28 Jan 2021
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Its not gone down well over on Facebook either but I think it bridges the gap well between the cheap and cheerful - R.E., Chinese stuff etc - and the more technologically advanced Japanese and European offerings. I suspect it'll become one of those bikes that sells well enough on a combination of ease of riding (mostly on road) and Japanese reputation, but it'll stay under the press / social media radar.

It's pretty obvious what they've done is just to change those parts that are passing out of standard motorcycle industry production. LCD instruments, LED lights etc - all easier and cheaper to source now than, for example, cable operated mechanical speedometers. Lack of Euro5 means it's not likely to come to Europe but (on price alone) I could see myself buying an older one in the US (to keep in the US) after I recycle my current Honda there in a year or two. Old school and 'meh' yes, but undemanding as well.
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Old 29 Jan 2021
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Lets all hope there is a DR 650 in the near future , but sadly i doubt it !
I would buy one !
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