Kawasaki has announced its ambitious mid-size KLR 650. The KLR 650 will arrive with multiple changes and align with numerous expectations set earlier by many riders.
The 2022 KLR 650 will come with the 652cc single-cylinder engine which is supported by the fuel injection. The crucial change is responsible for bringing an increase in mileage.
Due to updated exhaust cams and intake, we will see much better performance, and it adds more torque and power to the midrange.
Overview
The five-speed transmission stays as is however the gearbox comes optimised for smooth gear shifts.
Further to increase the reliability, Kawasaki has involved the robust chain guide.
The LCD speedo with clock and fuel indicator may look tad old; however, it is much ahead then the analogue speedos.
Kawasaki has amended several components to make the new KLR 650 a more travel-worthy contender including the extended wheelbase. The ergonomics come more refined to accompany great comfort.
To reduce vibrations, Kawasaki has mounted rubber touchpoints. The fuel tank remains the same with 23 litres. The new KLR 650 gets the USB as well as the heated grips.
When it comes to chassis, the KLR 650 comes with the semi-double-cradle frame. To increase the rigidity, we now see the mainframe getting integrated with the rear frame.
For stable handling swingarm further extends by 30mm plus the diameter of the pivot shaft increases by 2mm.
The 2022 KLR 650 will come with the same 7.3 inch rear and 7.9 front suspension. However, for better handling, Kawasaki has optimised the suspension.
Accompanying the tube tyres are 17 inch rear and 21-inch front rims. Kawasaki has added improved brakes with dense rear disc and large front disc.
The ABS comes as an optional. At the moment we are unsure if the rider can switch off the ABS.
KLR 650 will arrive in two flavours Traveler and Adventure with accessories like the LED light set, side cases and more. Compared to the outgoing model the new KLR is heavy by 10 kgs, and the total weight is 206 kgs.
So what is new?
652cc single-cylinder,fuel-injected engine, multi-functional digital instrumentation with fuel gauge, LED Headlight, bodywork including fuel tank is new, rear frame, carrying capacity, larger pivot shaft and swingarm.
We also see the Kawasaki has updated clutch, fuel injection, the exhaust pipe diameter reduced by 7.7mm, cam profiles, increased generator output and honeycomb catalyser.
Fuel injection now gets inputs from the oxygen sensor, which has helped to increase the mileage. Updated are evaporator canister, ignition coil and starter as they are now lightweight.
Chassis
We see the 41mm front forks for the suspensions while on the rear we see spring preload and damping adjustments. The brakes are 300mm front disc plus Kawasaki revised the shape from petal to round disc.
The ergonomics side gets significant updates like the fuel tank design, rubber mounts, fine-tuned handlebar, seat design, 30mm shorter side stand, tall windshield.
Styling
As far as the styling goes, we see a new bright LED headlight, shroud, tail cover and side cover, longer mirror arms, new paint schemes and graphics. The dash is responsible for displaying vital information like the fuel gauge, blinkers, speedo, dual trip meters and odometer.
Kawaski does provide multiple accessories like the top case, side case, rear aluminium carrier, grip heater set, USB socket, DC power outlet and more.
Two exclusive flavours
Both the 2020 KLR 650 models will come with ABS and factory-equipped accessories as standard. With Pearl lava orange paint scheme, the KLR 650 Traveller comes with the top case, USB and DC power outlet.
On the other hand, the KLR 650 Adventure comes with a tank pad, engine guards, LED aux light, side cases, DC power outlet and USB. The Adventure version comes with Cypher Camo Gray.
Paint Schemes
Pearl sand khaki and Pearl lava orange for KLR 650, Pearl sand khaki for KLR 650 ABS, Traveller get Pearl lava orange while the Adventure features Cypher camo grey.
Price
- KLR 650 – $6,699
- 650 ABS – $6,999
- Traveler – $7,399
- Adventure – $7,999
We are unsure if Kawaski plans to bring this ADV to India.
Specs
| ENGINE TYPE: | 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4-Valve, Single |
| DISPLACEMENT: | 652 cc |
| BORE & STROKE: | 100 x 83 mm |
| COMPRESSION RATIO: | 9.8:1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM: | DFI with 40mm Throttle Body |
| IGNITION: | TCBI |
| TRANSMISSION: | 5-Speed |
| RAKE/TRAIL: | 30°/4.8 in. |
| FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL: | 7.9 inch. |
| REAR WHEEL TRAVEL: | 7.3 inch. |
| FRONT TIRE SIZE: | 90/90-21 |
| REAR TIRE SIZE: | 130/80-17 |
| FRONT SUSPENSION: | 41mm Leading Axle Hydraulic Telescopic Fork |
| REAR SUSPENSION: | Uni-Trak® with 5-Way Adjustable Preload and Stepless Rebound Damping |
| WHEELBASE: | 60.6 inch. |
| FRONT BRAKE TYPE: | 300mm Disc |
| REAR BRAKE TYPE: | 240mm Disc |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY: | 6.1 gal. |
| GROUND CLEARANCE: | 8.3 inch. |
| SEAT HEIGHT: | 34.3 inch. |
| CURB WEIGHT (LBS.): | 456.2 (Non-ABS), 460.6 (ABS), 487.1 (ADVENTURE), 471.7 (TRAVELER) |
| WARRANTY: |
12 months |
