Kawasaki KL650A KLR650: history, specs, pictures

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Klr650.jpg
Kawasaki KL650A KLR650
Manufacturer
Also called KLR650
Production 1987 - 2007
Class Dual purpose
Predecessor Kawasaki KL600B
Successor KLR650 (E)
Engine
single cylinder, four-stroke
Bore / Stroke 100.0mm x 83.0mm
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Top Speed 93 mph (149 km/h)
Horsepower 43.99 HP (32.8 KW) @ 4500RPM
Torque 36.88 ft/lbs (50.0 Nm) @ 5500RPM
Fuel System carburetor. keihin cvk40
Air Filter K&N KA-6589 `87-18[1]
Ignition electric cdi
Spark Plug NGK DPR8EA-9 [2][3]
Battery YUASA YB14L-A2 '87 , '88-07[3]
Transmission Gear box: 5-speed

Final Drive: chain

Clutch: wet multi-disc, cable operation
Final Drive Chain: 520 `87[3]
Suspension Front: 41mm telescopic fork
Rear: uni-trak single-shock system with 5-way preload and stepless rebound damping
Brakes Front: single disc. two-piston calipers.
Rear: single disc. single piston
Front Tire 3.00-21 '87
90/90-21 '88-07
Rear Tire 130/80-17
Wheelbase 58.31 inches (1481 mm)
Length 90.39 inches (2296 mm)
Width 37.8 inches (960 mm)
Height 53.11 inches (1349 mm)
Seat Height 35.0 inches (889 mm)
Weight 386.91 pounds (175.5 Kg) (dry), 196.0 kg (wet)
Oil Capacity 2.5 L (2.6 US qt)
Oil Filter K&N KN-123
Recommended Oil K-tech 10W-40
Fuel Capacity 6.1 Gallon (23.09 Liters)
Fuel Consumption 4.70 liters/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 mpg)
Related Kawasaki KL250D
Competition Suzuki DR650, Aprilia Pegaso 650ie, BMW F650, Honda XR650L
Manuals 2006 Kawasaki KLR650 owners manual
More Manuals

Brochures ·

The Kawasaki KLR650 was a single cylinder, four-stroke Enduro motorcycle produced by Kawasaki between 1987 and 2018. It could reach a top speed of 93 mph (149 km/h). Max torque was 36.88 ft/lbs (50.0 Nm) @ 5500 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 43.99 HP (32.8 KW) @ 4500 RPM.

History[edit | edit source]

The Kawasaki KLR650 is a long standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, as it was introduced in 1987 and is almost unchanged as of 2005. 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. Its counterbalanced, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine develops 44 peak bhp and can maintain speeds in excess of 80 mph (130 km/h). Typical fuel economy is 50 to 60 miles per U.S. gallon (3.9 to 4.7 L/100 km). It has a 6.1 gallon (23 litre) fuel tank and a top speed of over 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. Many owners regard the KLR as an inexpensive touring bike, adding saddle bags and modifications to make it more comfortable on long trips.

Note: Actual gas tank capacity is approximately 5.5 gallons including reserve.


Models[edit | edit source]

  • 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)
  • KLR650-E: Major body style and functional upgrade.
  • A special diesel version of the KLR650 is supplied to the United States Marine Corps.

Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a liquid cooled single cylinder, four-stroke. A 100.0mm bore x 83.0mm stroke result in a displacement of just 651.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a double overhead cams/twin cam (dohc).

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 5-speed transmission. Power was moderated via the wet multi-disc, cable operation.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 90/90-21 front tire and a 130/80-17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via single disc. two-piston calipers. in the front and a single disc. single piston in the rear. The front suspension was a 41mm telescopic fork while the rear was equipped with a uni-trak single-shock system with 5-way preload and stepless rebound damping. The KLR650 was fitted with a 6.1 Gallon (23.09 Liters) fuel tank. The bike weighed just 386.91 pounds (175.5 Kg). The wheelbase was 58.31 inches (1481 mm) long.



Specifications (2005 KLR650-A)[edit | edit source]

Specifications for 2005 U.S. Model
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 794 lb (360 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

1987 KL650-A1[edit | edit source]


  • 651 mL
  • Four-stroke, 1 Cylinder, Dual Over Head Camshaft
  • 5-Speed, Return Shift
  • Color: Brilliant Blue, Polar White, Sunbeam Red
  • Beginning Engine No.: KL650AE000001
  • (G) KL650AG000001
  • Beginning Frame No.: KL65aA400001
  • JKAKLEA1()HA000001
  • PC NO.: 99917-1250-03, (E) 9991 7-1251 -03
  • (F 1 99919-1037-03, (G) 99918-1044-03
  • (I) 99959-1018-03, (C)(U) 99961-0244
  • OM N0.:99922-1411-01, (C)(U) 99920-135901
  • (G) 99923-1179-01
  • SM NO.: 99924-1080-51 & 99424-1050-01

1988 KL650-A2[edit | edit source]

1988 Kawasaki KL650 A2


  • Color: Brilliant Blue/Polar White, Sunbeam Red/Polar White, Ebony/Sunbeam Red
  • Beginning Engine No.: KL650AE007501
  • (G) KL650AG001501
  • Beginning Frame No.: KL650A-000001
  • JKAKLEA1()JA008701
  • PC No.: 99915-1250-03, (E) 99917-7251-03
  • (F) 99919.1037-03, (G) 99918-1044-03
  • (I) 99959-1018-03, (C) (U) 99961-0244
  • OM No.: 99922-1469-01, (C)(U) 99920-1420-01
  • (F) 99947-1007-01, (G) 99923-3211-01
  • SM No.: 99924-1080-51 & 99924-1050-01

1989 KL650-A3[edit | edit source]


  • 4-stroke, 1 cylinder, DOHC, Liquid-cooled
  • 5-speed, Return Shift
  • Color : Brilliant Blue/Polar White, Ebony/Sunbeam Red
  • Beginning Engine No. : KL650AE007501
  • Beginning Frame No. : KL650A-013601,
  • (C)(U)JKAKLEA1()KA013601
  • PC No. : 99917-1251-05, (C)(U)99961-0244,
  • (O)99917-1250-03
  • OM No. : 99922-1498-01, (C)(11)99920-1469-01
  • SM No. : 99924-1080-52 & 99924-1050-01

1990 KL650-A4[edit | edit source]

1990 Kawasaki KL650 A4


  • Color : Brilliant Blue/Polar White
  • Beginning Engine No. : KL650AE007501
  • Beginning Frame No. : JKAKLEA1()LA0166001
  • PC NO. : 99961-0244
  • OM NO. : 99920-1511-01
  • SM No. : Same as KL650-A3

1991 KL650-A5[edit | edit source]

1991 Kawasaki KL650 A5
1991 Kawasaki KLR650 in Blue
1991 Kawasaki KLR650 in Blue
1991 Kawasaki KLR650 in Blue



  • Color : Same as KL650-A4
  • Beginning Engine No. : KL650AE007501
  • Beginning Frame No. : JKALEA1()MA018001
  • PC No. : Same as KL650-A4
  • OM NO. : 99920-1 538-01
  • SM No. : Same a5 KL650-A3

1992 KL650-A6[edit | edit source]

1992 Kawasaki KL650 A6


  • 4-stroke, 1 cylinder, DOHC, Liquid-cooled
  • 5-speed, Return Shift
  • Color : Brilliant Blue/Polar White
  • Beginning Engine No. : KL650AEO07501
  • Beginning Frame No. : JKAKLEA1( )NA021901
  • PC No. : 99917-1500-02
  • OM NO. : 99920-9590-01
  • SM NO. : 99924-1050-01 & 99924-1080-53

1993 KL650-A7[edit | edit source]

1993 Kawasaki KL650 A7


  • 4-stroke, l-cylinder, DOHC, Liquid-cooled
  • 5-speed, Return Shift
  • Color : Brilliant Blue/Polar Whlte
  • Beginning Engine Nu. : Same as KL650-A6
  • Beginning Frame No. : JKAKLEA1()PA026001
  • PC No. : Same as KL650-A6
  • OM NO. : 99920-1612-01
  • SM No. : Same as KL650-A6

1994 KL650-A8[edit | edit source]

1994 Kawasaki KL650 A8


  • 4-stroke, 1 cylinder, DOHC, Liquid-cooled
  • 5-speed, Return Shift
  • Color : Green 15/Polar White
  • Beginning Engine No. : Same as KL650-A6
  • Beginning Frame No. : JKAKLEA1()RA03000l
  • PC NO. : 99917-1500-03
  • OM NO. : 99920-1672-01
  • SM No. : 99924-1050-01 & 99924-1080-54

1995 KL650-A9[edit | edit source]

1995 Kawasaki KL650 A9


  • 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, DOHC, Liquid-cooled
  • 5-speed, Return Shift
  • Color - Green15/Polar White (48)
  • VIN No. - JKAKLEA1vSA032001
  • E No. - KL650AE007501
  • PC No. - (CA) (US) 99961-0341
  • OM No. - 99920-1724-01
  • SM No. - 99924-1050-01 & 99924-1080-56

1996 KL650-A10[edit | edit source]

1996 Kawasaki KL650 A10


  • 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, DOHC, Liquid-cooled
  • 5-speed, Return Shift
  • Color - Forest Bluish Green (5X)
  • VIN No. - JKAKLEA1vTA040001
  • E No. - KL650AE007501
  • PC No. - (CA) (US) 99961-0404
  • OM No. - 99920-1764-01
  • SM No. - 99924-1050-01 & 99924-1080-56


1997 KL650-A11[edit | edit source]

1997 Kawasaki KL650 A11
1997 Kawasaki KLR650 in Blue
1997 Kawasaki KLR650 in Blue


  • 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, DOHC, Liquid-cooled
  • 5-speed, Return Shift
  • Color - Forest Bluish Green (5X)
  • VIN No. - JKAKLEA1vVA042001
  • E No. - KL650AE007501
  • PC No. - (CA) (US) 99961-0404
  • OM No. - 99920-1825-01
  • SM No. - 99924-1050-01 & 99924-1080-56

1998 KL650-A12[edit | edit source]


  • 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, DOHC, Liquid-cooled
  • 5-speed, Return Shift
  • Color - Forest Bluish Green (5X)
  • VIN No. - JKAKLEA1vWA045001
  • E No. - KL650AE007501
  • PC No. - (CA) (US) 99961-0404
  • OM No. - 99920-1839-01
  • SM No. - 99924-1050-01 & 99924-1080-56

1999 KL650-A13[edit | edit source]

1999 Kawasaki KL650 A13


  • 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, DOHC, Liquid-cooled
  • 5-speed, Return Shift
  • Color - Forest Bluish Green (5X)
  • VIN No. - JKAKLEA1vXA050001
  • E No. - KL650AE007501
  • PC No. - (CA) (US) 99961-0404
  • OM No. - 99920-1900-01
  • SM No. - 99924-1050-01 & 99924-1080-56

2000 KL650-A14[edit | edit source]

2000 Kawasaki KL650 A14
2000 Kawasaki KLR650 in Green


  • 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, DOHC, Liquid-cooled
  • 5-speed, Return Shift
  • Color - Olive Green (HA)
  • VIN No. - JKAKLEA1vYA057001
  • E No. - KL650AE007501
  • PC No. - (CA) (US) 99961-0404
  • OM No. - 99920-1949-01
  • SM No. - 99924-1050-01 & 99924-1080-56

2001 KL650-A15[edit | edit source]


  • 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, DOHC, Liquid-cooled
  • 5-speed, Return Shift
  • Color - Olive Green (HA)
  • VIN No. - JKAKLEA1v1A070001
  • E No. - KL650AE007501
  • PC No. - (CA) (US) 99961-0507
  • OM No. - (US) 99987-1011-01, (CA) 99929-1399-01
  • SM No. - 99924-1050-01 & 99924-1080-56

2004[edit | edit source]

2005[edit | edit source]

2006 KL650-A6F[edit | edit source]

2007[edit | edit source]

1987 - 1990 Kawasaki KLR 650[edit | edit source]

1987 - 1990 Kawasaki KLR 650 1987 - 1990 Kawasaki KLR 650 1987 - 1990 Kawasaki KLR 650 1987 - 1990 Kawasaki KLR 650 1987 - 1990 Kawasaki KLR 650

The Kawasaki KLR 650's suspension is soft and, typical of most trail-style motorcycles, colossal fork dive buggers up the braking. It’s nothing that can’t be assuaged with some stiffer fork springs and/or thicker oil, but fundamentally the suspension/braking package is budget that works better off-road. The Kawasaki KLR650's rear brake’s not quite ineffectual. The KLR 650 underplays its hand as a round-the-world contender with no centrestand, fixed rubber blocks on the footpegs and no official hard luggage. All of which can be fixed on the aftermarket thankfully along with colossal 30 litre tanks. The Kawasaki KLR 650's charging system is a bit weedy, throwing out around 12 amps, which will limit your ability to plumb in heated vests and a GPS.


2008 Kawasaki KLR 650[edit | edit source]

2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650

It wasn’t a dirt bike and had been around so long it was like wallpaper in the Kawasaki line. The KLR is widely used as an inexpensive adventure/touring bike. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated hand grips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips. The KLR 650 motor, already renowned for being rugged, reliable and powerful, is now even better. There’s improved throttle response from revised ignition mapping, and revised cam timing improved high-rpm performance. A redesigned cylinder head boasts new intake porting for greater low-end torque and quicker throttle response in city traffic, as well as improved top end p speed cruising on the open road.

Videos[edit | edit source]

In Media[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]


References[edit | edit source]

  1. 2019 K&L Supply Co Catalog. K&L Supply Co. 2019. 
  2. 2006 Kawasaki KLR650 owners manual. Kawasaki. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 2019 Western Power Sports Catalog. Western Power Sports. 2019.  Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "wps_street_2019" defined multiple times with different content