2024 Kawasaki KLR 650S On and Off Road Test Ride and First Impressions
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- The revamped Kawasaki KLR 650 is generally a good choice for newer ADV riders because it's relatively inexpensive, not super powerful and therefore easy to handle, and is dead-simple and reliable. The biggest downside to the KLR, however, is the seat height. It's not a light adventure bike and for shorter riders it can be difficult to manage the weight and the height at the same time.
Enter the new Kawasaki KLR650S, featuring a seat height that is two inches shorter than the revamped KLR650. The KLR 650s shaves off some cushion from the seat and shortens the suspension to give the bike a much more manageable 32.1 inch seat height, which can be a huge confidence boost to shorter or newer riders.
I was able to get out on both an on-road KLR650s test ride and an off road KLR650s test ride and while I was only able to hit gravel with it, I maintain that this is still one of the best entry-level ADV bikes that can last you a lifetime and that the S model is an excellent choice for riders with shorter legs.
Thanks to Power Motorsports for the opportunity to do this 2024 Kawasaki KLR 650s test ride. Visit them at www.powermotors...
or just call and ask for Matt. Tell him Dork sent ya!
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Been buying a bunch of MSR riding gear at your recommendation and I’m loving them all!
I'm 67 years old, and I love my S kLR 650 , I've been riding over 50 years experience on 2 wheels
I pick up my 2024 KLR 650S tomorrow!
Just got a white 2024 650s love the bike so much fun the ride
@@YanisKnarian Mine is white too! I love it!
@@nicknatuzzi2652 yo dude, how is it?
@@nicknatuzzi2652 non ABS ?
I've done the big bike thing for years. One thing I've realized is this.
It's much easier to back a small bike out of the garage than it is a big one. Hence, the small bike will get used more.
Last year, I rode a 650 Cc bike on a 3000-mile trip. It was a test to see how things went.
I'll never go back to the big bikes. The Beamer stayed home, and now it's up for sale.
For me, small is better. Traveling the interstates is no fun anyway!
Take the side roads for better adventures.
Absolutely true! Off interstate on a light bike, is where the real adventure and places to see are!
It's where the good food is too.
Yep, people are starting to realize a big 500 pound twin is not really a great off road bike. Similar to you, I went from a KTM 990, to a Africa Twin, to a KTM 790, to a SWM Superdual (650 single) and will never go back. I came from the off road side and like to ride a lot of jeep and easier single track and this bike does it all day. I was in fear or just not going down that trail on my 790, the SWM will go about anywhere. There is a reason the XR650L, KLR and DR650 all are still around and selling in big numbers.
Y'all are raining on my future Ibex 800 Parade @@Motosportz 🤣
@@Bornfromjets719 LOL!
Have this exact color and model for almost 2 months and I love it drive it practically every day!
The white & red color options for the 24 klr650 is 🔥
Good to see you back on a klr. I bought one last year after discovering you on YT and binging all your videos. My first adv bike. I'm hooked lol.
KLR.....will not always be the first bike there....but...it will always get you there. I will always have one.
If all the expensive complex stuff breaks down and can't get parts, you'll get there first on the klr
Same. I've been offered 3x what I paid for it. Not a chance I'll let it go.
I have a 2023 klr and I hate when people talk about the down low torque. It has none, the crank is just so dang heavy it's hard to stall, big difference. That said I love the machine, it's perfectly imperfect.
Rumor has it a KLR was once hit by a train. No one on the train survived
😂😂😂😂
😂👍😂
Does the universe implode if Chuck Norris rides a KLR?
@@ma77bc How can an immovable object ride an unstoppable force?
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂!!
I bought a 2023 KLR 650 Last year. My First motorcycle ever! Watching your Videos got me really excited and convinced me this was the Bike for me. I wasn’t looking for anything fast, but needed it to be affordable and reliable. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction Mr. Dork!
I love my KLR. It's an 08. Has 16,000 miles on it. It is fun to ride. Not scared to run interstate or dirt roads or wood trails. Thanks for the video.
Appreciate the camera angle. Gets old when you just look at the dash and road on reviews, love being able to look at the bike as it rides.
I have a 2022 KLR..bought the S Seat..Neg 1.2” seat height. FULL KLR travel. 😊👍
I had a gen one and loved it. Now I have a 3rd gen and love it even more.
I have to be honest, you're the first TH-camr that has me mindful of my grammar!
I'd been really wanting to try out the KLR for a long time, but the reasons you mentioned are exactly what deterred me. It just felt so tall and intimidating despite everyone saying 'the springs compress! It's not too bad once you're on it.' It's the getting on and off it part that made me hesitate so much. Really gotta give Kawasaki some credit for listening to feedback and making a more accessible bike for a wider range of riders. Thanks for the review!
Don't get too tied up into specs, sometimes the numbers can't tell the whole story, especially with motorcycles. Go to your nearest dealer/friend who has one, ride it and then decide if it's for you or not
I bought a '23 KLR 650 S as my first motorcycle one year ago. I have never been happier! I love the S model. I'm 6'2". Perfect ground height. Candy Lime Green
I came real close to buying a new KLR last year when Honda didn't release the TransAlp here and I couldn't find a used Africa Twin that wasn't a DCT. My first dual-sport experience was on a 1986 KLR600 and I owned a KLR250 Super Sherpa for a year and a half so I have a bit of a soft spot for KLR's. Even so, every time I ride one I'm reminded of how ho-hum the power is. I have wanted to see Kawasaki put the Versys 650 engine in the KLR chassis with a better suspension and better brakes for many years now, but most other manufacturers have beaten them to that magical parallel twin punch (Aprilia, KTM/Husky, CFMoto, Yamaha, BMW, and now even Honda) so it's kind of a moot point now.
At least Kawasaki has updated the KLR a few times in the last 12-15 years, that's far more than Suzuki has managed to do with their DR650.
got a 2023 klr650s and I had to add an alaskan sheepskin and wow did it make a huge difference, helped a lot with my tailbone pain on long rides plus is comfy as hell in cold and hot weather.
KLR is by far my favourite bike
Fellow Western Oregonian here. Love the channel. The content is awesome, but I would have subbed for the Excitebike intro/outro alone.
I bought a Himalayan 411 in 2021 as a second bike. The Himalayan really got me hooked on adv riding and other shenanigans. Bike was totaled in an accident and I was looking at the ktm 390adv for another small adv bike that was a lot more capable. I went to a dealer to go test ride one and upon arrival there was a Kawasaki demo days going on. Best mistake I ever made, I got a 2023 klr650 S two thousand dollars off. The KLR is like a chocolate chip cookie without the chocolate chips....still a good cookie just not a great one.
Ha ha,good analogy!
your review of the 2022 KLR is what got me to buy my very first bike. I love my KLR, but as I have gotten more experienced at riding I've been wanting more. Thanks for the reviews.
I still have my Gen1. I will never give it up. But if you want something more, I highly suggest the Aprilia Tuareg. Similar ride, but does highway effortlessly. Comes with all the new age features (that you can turn off except front abs). Ask me anything.
Still have my 2023 KLR. Second one I’ve owned. Love em. They aren’t anything special, they just work and the community loves them lol
Glad to see you on a klr again now go buy one and do more videos with it
I’ve owned a 2022 KLR, Tiger 900/1200 Rally Pros and extensively ridden a Pan Am. Strangely I miss the KLR the most, it’s not great at anything but it’s just enough for everything.
I had a KLR650S then upg
raded to the tuareg 660, now i want to go back to KLR theres just some magic it has
Awesome! You know I love my KLR. I find it snappy enough with that low end torque to quickly get up to speed from lights and other stops. Yes very stable off road. Personally I do not find anything boring about it. KLR 650 is just what it is. Accelerate quick, just all your gearing and speed is in that acceleration.
My wife married a “solid 7 across the board”(me), 42 years ago! She has never looked back! We are still riding together now, hoping to run into you when we arrive in the Willamette Valley next month. Another Excellent video from my internet riding buddy…John and Caroline from The Grand Shamrock Tour☘️😎
Damn a solid 7. I get a shaky 5 on a good day. Lucky man
My rank has been slipping is some areas, as of late!
That gravel road you were on was the ultimate klr environment.👍.
I remember when Ian from BRM evals were just like yours.. earthy and honest.. now Ian has become a spokesman for his sponsors/product suppliers..
KLR was my first bike on the road.. even with a Harley touring bike, I want another.
The KLR 650 is great for beginners on pavement, and even gravel. It's when you hit the sand and atv trails that it becomes "not recommended" due to its top heavy design working against you so much. True, lighter dual sports are better in that category, if you don't mind being blown around on the highway.
Glad I saw this, I'm also 5'10" and 30" inseam and I've had a hard time figuring out what to get for a first bike, between dualsports that don't really fit my wants/needs and ADVs that are either too much for me to handle or too unreliable. This seems perfect and I like the red too, it'd match my truck. Seems like the seat could work out alright too, I figure by the time I'm confident to take the long rides where it matters I'll be able to handle a bit more seat height.
"Avoid Highways" is a better way to live anyway. BUY THE TICKET! TAKE THE RIDE!
I owned a 2023 "S" model. Every rider has experience and opinions. Here are mine on the S...
The seat was definitely hard. I went with an aftermarket.
Even though it's 2 inches lower, I felt it was still a bit top heavy.
The KLR is an awesome bike and easy to ride. These were my only 2 "nit-pick" items.
I traded it for a Tiger 800X (BIG mistake) and now ride a Himalayan.
Why was it a mistake?
@@chrispekel5709 Too much power for my riding style. Most of the time the power was awesome but quick throttle action to power got me into a few tense handling situations and laid it down once. Cranking the throttle on the Himalayan seldom makes the rear tire loose traction. I want the ride to be the adventure, not riding the bike to be the adventure!
@@WyDave fair enough!
You could make a 30 second video of an impossibly adorable puppy and say, "AWWW, she is SO adorable!" and the comments section would inevitably have:
"That puppy doesn't look like a rescue! If you do a puppy video, you need to make sure it's a rescue and info on adoption!"
"That puppy looks like a pure bred. You are promoting puppy mills!"
"Why wouldn't you include a kitten?!?! We aren't all dog people!"
"Did you assume that puppies gender?!?!"
Honestly, who cares if people get bent because they own a KLR and consider themselves Dakar level riders.
You do great work, and it is just unfortunate you always have to explain yourself to avoid the professional victims that infest the internet.
I have zero interest in a KLR, but I just enjoy the info and seeing what other bikes are like. Great job, Ben!
Edited for to make my poor grammar slightly less poor
Professional victim here - that is a slight, up with which, I will not put.
Recently found a picture of me and my 2007 KLR, brought back some memories. I took it on single rack up some muddy hills and made it but laid it down 3 times coming down the same hill. Took it on many 2 hour rides. I would say heavy (even for 6'2") guy. The seat height was fine for 32" inseam. As far as comfort goes not so much. It's the reason I sold it for a 1998 Honda magna 750. My lady wouldn't ride on the klr. "it hurts" she said. Solid bike for most beginners. I would buy another if I didn't already have 3 bikes. Or if I found a great deal.
I bought a grey KLR a year ago as a first time rider. 8,000 miles so far, love it! Exactly like Dork's videos.
Moved across the country on my 01 klr and shes still going. Never let me down. Saving to get the klr650s
I always felt that Kawasaki didn't put a seat on the KLR, they put a couch on it. Plushest seat I've ever sat on. I have to say the white looks fantastic.
Love the color. That bike actually looks sharp! Like the new white one as well.
I've been riding motorcycles off and on since 1972 and I have tons of fun on my KLR.
Power in Sublimity is a good dealer. Got my Z400 there. I was shocked when they offered a test ride. So many dealers won’t do test rides.
The klr jas always been a bucket list bike to add to my stable but im short as hell. This is great news
Picked up my 23 KLR-s a month ago. I would have WAY more than 800 miles if weather had permitted. When I ride it I never want to get off it. I did put a thin bit of a pad over the seat. I have healed it over in the twisties to the very edge of the tread. It cruises at 70 so comfortably you find yourself loving the word SEDATE. The entire ride is so pleasant I have not stopped smiling yet.
Unless it’s lightning, snow, or tornadoes it’s not excuse haha
KLR. The Chuck Norris of motorcycles.
It's about time I've been waiting for this,
The cameras are neat, but it makes you look like you're riding a Mini bike.
Thanks for your review
Yeah I don't love using it as the primary, but it's nice for some context in addition to the helmet cam.
Buyers of new Klr 650's FYI you can find the 23' models at other stores for around the 5k mark and I mean alot of them. PIck your color and enjoy
It goes ba-da-da-da-da-da-ba-daaaaaa-da-da-baaaaaa 🤪Good review, the S model will make the KLR more accessible to more folks; it's great beginner bike. I miss my KLR, but I do love my Vstrom 800DE.
I started out in the dirt during the 70's & 80's, then for the last 30 years been collecting/riding Harleys. Picked up a KLR "S" a month ago. I'm loving this thing, it so light and able to go off the pavement. Most of all love the 52.45 mpg on regular fuel. Of course you have to add $2.500. to the $7'800. price for all the accessories you will have to buy. haha.
I've still got my 18' KlR in the garage. Everyone should have a KLR, or been a past owner.
When I was in looking to replace my Himalayan I was planning on going with a KLR. I saw they had a couple of gold/yellow ones and I loved it, but ended up going with a DR650 mostly due to weight/how planted I was with a more narrow seat. It’s funny, I now own a DR that is almost trying to be a KLR with tank/seat/bars/ every farkle to make it a better ADV bike. I don’t do nearly as much single track as I had planned when I purchased it and now it seems silly. I loved the look of the new fuel injected bikes and the FI was a great selling point. While I think the DR650 is a “more reliable” bike and more simple, I wouldn’t have regretted getting a KLR.
Thank you Ben for the honest review. Nice to see other bikes and what they can do. I have the same thought when you see a red bike, I think its a Honda, lol. Keep up the great content, Love it!
Just traded a 2020 Vstrom 1050XT for a S model KLR, way less power, seat height, and super happy with the change....if you haven't ridden a KLR650 you are missing out
@@Mayheezy592 why did you go for that trade, those are very different bikes.
I’m on the fence about going from Honda ctx1300 to klr650
I seriously considered the KLR S before I bought my baby beamer. Nice all rounder, but the baby GS won out since it was lighter and lower to the ground (lowering link) for my 5'5" self and the type of on/off road Gravel Travel riding I do here in New England. Thanks for the review Ben, sorry Dork...
I like the look of the new ones
This was perfect. as a shorter rider this is what I have been looking for. I have been a street/cruiser Harley guy for ever and am heading like many into adventure riding. I love all the cool features many of the mid bikes have but it gets to a point where I have a phobia of relying on all that electronic stuff when it comes to relaiability. I' don't want to be 2500 miles from home and not be able to troubleshoot a basic electrical problem because my wiring harness looks like something from a F22. I'm more of an Apollo 13 tech guy LOL. Don't get me wrong I want a new KTM 890 bad but for sub 9k and mostly repairable with duct tape and bailing wire toget home I'll pick the KLR
I love my KLR(s). I find that on the KLR as it's slow but stable and very confidence inspiring I'm more prone to explore and take the slower route to get places. I was only able to ride the Transalp a couple hundred KM before winter put an end to the riding here but I didn't get the same feeling with it at least with the limited riding I've done. So while I was planning on selling the KLRs in the spring I'm kind of thinking I'll be keeping one of them for the time being at least
If you look around there are plenty of dealerships that have 2023s heavily discounted
Absolutely love my klr.
You’re a big lad for off roading
That white looks good on the klr. Love my 2008.
Local dealer by me just blew out their stock of these 2023 S models for just under $5k. Not a great seller, at least in my area.
I just got a 650S as a first bike a week ago, at 5' 10", 140 lbs in gear, I am thankful for the S every time I hop on.
Edit: To his point on cost, I got a 2023 KLR 650S (so prior year model) for the same cost as a 2024 KLX 300 (both ABS).
I have had mine for about a year and I really like it. I really like the new colors for this year. Mine is grey, which is cool, but the white one and the red one look really good to me.
I wanted a klr 650 MSRP $6,200 but every dealer i spoke to tried to Mark it up to $6,900-7,400. I went with a heavily modded 2009 Dr650 instead for $2,900.
Owned 4 of them now. Each time I sell one its because of no 6th gear. And yes, I have tried all the sprockets lol
I absolutely LOVE mine!
I’ve been thinking about lowering my gen 2 KLR and I didn’t think about the center of gravity. I can always change it back. Ground clearance is the only negative I see with that but for its purpose I don’t think I’ll miss 2”.
I think you should find a Honda xr650l and do a review on it !! Solid platform and its been around since 1993 !!
I wish they had come out with the s a year earlier. I would probably still be on a KLR. Do like my x300 replacement though.
I have a 2023 model with Kawasaki green tank and fairings. My only complaint is that none of my gear match the green.
I'm trying to decide between this and a Honda CB 500x for my first bike. Mostly paved back roads & the occasional FSR. Your videos have me leaning more towards the Honda for the reasons you've described: Height & weight.
I just bought the Honda cb500x. Smooth, comfortable and dependable. Love the klr but I'm 5'8" and that was the deciding factor.
@@genereed3029 Congrats on your new bike! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, friend.
Still top heavy even being lowered. I lowered my klr650, and it was better but still way too heavy for me as a brand new rider. It is a fine bike and I do really like the new colors but still not for me.
This is some high quality savory crovel.
I have a 2009 KLR 650 sitting next to my 2024 Transalp in my shop. Do I need two adventure bikes? Nope. I'm I in any hurry to sell my KLR? Nope. It's my loaner bike for friends that don't think riding a middle weight adventure bike is a blast. Convinced a couple of them so far.🤣
I tell you what, I absolutely my Himalayan. It does everything I need and more. However when I am ready to upgrade or change bikes, I think I will go with something lighter and smaller. I don't have the answer yet, but I will find it when the time comes.
Love the channel man
your buddy on the other bike keeping right up with you to video is insane! lol
Had an ‘09 and still miss it. After EFI and other numerous changes I think a ‘24 is in my future.
Noticed in a few of your vids that double yellows are optional to you. Remember it applies also to oncoming traffic and you are making the decision for them as well.
Good for older riders who might have trouble picking up a fallen tall bike and even just moving a tall bike around the shed. However Its such a shame that they made the latest KLR heavier than the Gen 2.
Had two of them, loved them !
One of the bikes I wish we had in europe. There's a weird lack of dual sports and adventure bikes right now here, no KLR, no KLX, CRF is also no longer sold...
But at least we have the new himalayan and 450mt from cf moto I guess
I picked up a red 24 KLR last month...
I wanted economy across the board... not only is it cheap, but the maintenance schedule is very forgiving.
That sounds great, but I'd love more to see a 6 speed transmission!
NO.
I enjoy your channel and just subscribed. Great work and reviews. One question you have probably been asked a million times but why are you the Dork 'IN' the Road and not 'ON' the Road? Thanks again.
The KLR650 isnt designed to wow anybody with its performance or manouvering. Its main purpose is like a Nordhavn trawler yacht which is to all but guarantee it will take you to the end of the earth and back and never leave you stranded. It make take you a bit longer to get where you are going but its going to start every time, shift every time, and brake every time in salt, sand, water, gravel, rock, asphalt, and snow. Its a lot like a 1980s Toyota compact pick up truck -- the more you try to kill it, the better it seems to run just out of spite. The KLR has little left to prove at this point. You just buy one, turn the key, and go. Just wish it came in Kawasaki green.
Great looking bike! Tell me please Dork, what are you using to film yourself. It weirds me out
A bike that’s good for a new rider and also good for an experienced rider, and is reliable and bombproof…sounds like a great bike.
I wonder why they have a hard time selling them? Tenere and TransAlp pulling market share away? Perhaps riders looking for a more highway-settled ADV with modern features?
Did not know this bike was still in production.
Hey are you going to be at touratech this year 2024?. Your presentation last year was so good with you and Amanda. Hope to see ya there.
Can u do a review of the. CF moto mt 450.
It s kind of like a kle but lighter with good suspension.
It's the Mac & Cheese of motorcycles :)
Hey Dork! Great review; although, I would have liked a view of the dash and a mention of some of the electronic/technologic amenities, if any. I have always been drawn to the KLR and its reputation, in spite of the infamous "doohickey." I was disappointed with the updated KLR in '22 with the seat height to weight configuration as it did seem top heavy and tall for me at 5'10" with a 31" inseam. I loved the introduction of the shorter "S" model in '23, but the colors and graphic design were not for me. I currently own a 2008 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 105th Anniversary Edition (love the paint), a '23 Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 in "Pine Green" camo, and a white '23 Honda XR150L that I bought for my daughter but love to ride myself. This new KLR, especially in the red, may replace all three of my current bikes, especially as they've overtaken my garage. Thank you for bringing the KLR 650S back up on my radar and for reminding me of how lustful and wandering my motorcycle eye truly is, even at the ripe old age of nearly 62!
Cool video! Incredible! Did you use a drone?
This KLR hater will admit: The Red looks good.
The KLR lover will insist: ONLY GREEN ON MY TEAM!
I gotta say, klr hasn't been a dual sport since it got heavy. Dr650 and xr650 are dual sports, klr is single cylinder simple adv bike. This is because a dual sport is basically a plated, slightly more road friendly bike.
When someone says dual sport, you think klx300. Someone says adv, bmw gs. Yes, there's gray area, but a more firm delineation than what people have previously made is a good idea. You don't want someone who wants a little dual sport to think this klr is a good bike to ds on.
Awesome colour scheme
Ben, Ive been a fan and a subscriber for a long time but I have to say I am not super impressed with the exclusive use of the 360 camera. the fish eye effect throws everything out of proportion and it makes it very difficult to determine how you actually fit on a bike. This video made it look like you dwarfed to bike. You could have been riding a Honda Grom from all appearances. lol.
Anyway, I still love your content even if we have creative differences but at the end of the day its your show to produce how you want and I get free entertainment. ✌