I just spent the last five days riding over 1,000 miles on Kawasaki’s legendary dual-sport icon, the KLR650, newly updated for 2022. Our on- and off-road journey started at the RFD-TV Ranch, located about 100 miles east of Albuquerque, and spent two days riding through New Mexico’s stunning forests and mountains, including rocky passes, sandy gulches, and a nerve-testing silt track.
No assessment of the KLR would be complete without loading it up with camping gear, as many of its potential owners will do, and heading off into the wilderness. On the morning of the third day, I set my sights west toward Los Angeles, enduring a huge thunderstorm on the Arizona border and 120-degree temperatures in the sprawling Mojave Desert, the details of which will follow in our upcoming road test review. To whet your appetite, I’m sharing the top ten highlights of the 2022 KLR650.
First released in 1987, the KLR was cutting edge for its time. Its single-cylinder engine had four valves. It came fitted with a 5-speed transmission and a front disc brake. The KLR received its only major update in 2008, followed by a minor update in 2014, and was anything but cutting edge, which remains true of the latest model. However, it has received some significant improvements without altering the core attributes that have earned the KLR a reputation for reliable, durable, and cost-effective travel.
1. Electronic Fuel Injection
While some of the KLR’s faithful fans will lament the passing of the Keihin carburetor, even they will appreciate the reliable thump following every push of the starter button. We tested the new KLR at 8,000 feet in New Mexico’s mountains, and at just 400 feet in the searing heat of the Mojave Desert bowl, and the single came to life with ease every time. A cutting-edge fuel atomizer also ensures you get the best bang for the gallon, and Kawasaki claims increased low-end torque.
2. Upgraded Brakes Including ABS
The 2022 KLR650 now includes ABS as a factory-installed option, and at $300, a great many will choose to include it. We tested the KLR with and without the ABS to compare braking in on- and off-road conditions. The setup works very well, and although it was difficult to detect its intervention on the ABS-equipped model, I noticed its absence in the dirt on the non-ABS model. Happily, I was still able to lock up the rear wheel on the dirt when I wanted to. The front disc is now 300mm, 20mm larger than the outgoing model, and provides a much-needed improvement in stopping power. The rear disc is now thicker, and less prone to fading.
3. Increased Load Capacity
By making the subframe an integrated member of the main frame, Kawasaki has increased the KLR’s torsional rigidity and load capacity, which is also managed by a slightly longer swingarm. These updates result in improved stability and make for more predictable handling on loose surfaces, especially when the bike is loaded with gear.
4. Adjustable Rear Suspension
The rear suspension now includes five clicks of adjustable preload and stepless rebound damping, which is adjusted via a screw. On a middleweight adventure bike like the KLR, this is a welcome addition, as many owners will want to take it on serious tours, which require loading a considerable amount of kit. For the two nights I spent camping, I had loaded about 70 pounds on the KLR, keeping the heavier gear in the side bags. After adding a click of preload and a full turn of rebound, the resulting handling felt impressively similar to the unloaded KLR.
5. Adjustable Windscreen
The new windscreen is 2 inches taller than the old model and is now adjustable. The standard low position provides good wind deflection, even for loftier riders. For longer tours, to reduce fatigue or combat cold conditions, the windscreen can be adjusted by removing the four attaching screws and remounting it another inch higher. Nonetheless, it is still a sport-sized windscreen and it offered little respite from a drenching thunderstorm I encountered in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico.
6. Battery and Generator
The new KLR has an upgraded battery that’s fully sealed, low maintenance, and smaller and lighter than the old one. To complement the battery, and to power a new line of accessories and charging ports, the KLR has also been equipped with a new 26-amp generator.
7. Accessories Bar and Electrical Ports
It may seem like a minor item to include in the top-ten list, but we think the nifty accessories bar that Kawasaki has included on the new KLR is a great addition and should be a standard on adventure bikes. Rather than load up your handlebars with phone, GPS, and camera mounts, and all the associated wiring, these can be easily mounted on the accessories bar, and powered via the available USB or standard DC 12-volt power socket.
8. Stronger Load-Bearing Points
The key points supporting the KLR’s suspended weight have all been strengthened. Both front- and rear-wheel axle diameters have been increased, now 2mm and 3mm thicker, respectively. The rear swingarm pivot has also received a 2mm upgrade and adds to the KLR’s long-term dependability and ability to handle the increased load capacity and overall weight.
9. Bodywork and Styling
All new cowling and more aggressive styling subtly improve the new KLR’s overall appearance. The 2022 model retains the old shape, but is a little more angular, and looks somewhat taller. The base model is complemented by a Traveler and Adventure model, and the latter comes equipped with engine guards and cowling guards, adding to its rugged, off-road credentials. The base and Traveler model is available in Pearl Lava Orange or Pearl Sand Khaki colorways, and the Adventure comes in Cypher Camo Gray.
10. Digital Display
The 2022 KLR has a new all-digital LCD. Now larger and backlit, the new instrument is easier to read and works well in all lighting conditions. The information is still limited to the basics, but that is what the KLR is all about. A digital speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, clock, and finally, a proper fuel gauge.
ok but how about the cam chain tensioner
The full review is coming out soon, but yes, the cam chain tensioner has been strengthened.
The cam chain tensioner has never been a serious problem. The balancer chain adjuster has, and it’s the same parts since 2008, except for the adjustment clamping bolt.
I really dig where the new KLR is coming from. Take a decent offroad bike and make it better while keeping it very affordable. The top model with side bags and top box at just $8K? This will get the attention of the Euros and probably sell very well. especially for those purchasing it as a 2nd bike. Very good article!
Still trying to wear out my 13 with 40000 miles. Definitely going to get a Gen 3.
How have you managed to stay awake?
I’ve had my 2022 adventure 2 weeks now. Its awesome . Naysayers are just that. Buy an H2 if you want,but this was a master stroke or conservative thumper made perfect by 3rd gen technology and common sense butressing. Ive got its little brother as well. A 2018 FI camo KLX250 with 4 years of upgrades including an oem 300 piston and cylinder. The 650 needs no mods at all. $7600 bucks!! Yes , you can buy half a euro bike for what you get here folks . But you don’t get this zombie apocalypse survivor. And the chain tensioner is not even an issue if you follow maint schedule. 5 speeds actually means less shifting on a torque based engine. Wide ratio is better and top speed is not needed. A fun bike just stick to adventure roads and avoid interstates which is common sense.
Why avoid interstates?! My ’07 has tons of interstate miles on it. 110 miles/day just to get to work and back and several 10-12 day vacations that also include interstate miles.
06 KLR 650 set up for long camping trips, on & off road. I agree with what you said, except about avoiding Interstates: I change my front sprocket increasing the top & cruising speed and have no trouble keeping up with any fast traffic all day on Interstates. Front sprockets available 1 tooth larger and 1 tooth smaller than stock. Stock sprocket is fine but change easy and better.
Just add your camp gear and stir.
Thanks much for the nice write-up. Will have to take a peek at one when they hit the dealer floor. Hopefully, Kawi will have one to demo when the Demo Tour truck hits Reno again.
How much would a gear indicated have added to the price?
haha, just count the upshifts. Or maybe just guess from how fast your eyes see things pass by combined with how the engine pulls and revs. it works.
Keeping a tachometer and coolant temp gauge would have been very nice as well as adding a 6th gear. Otherwise, I think Kawasaki did a nice job of keeping what makes the KLR unique while bringing it into the 21st century, albeit barely.
I cannot understand why people want a tachometer on a heavy fly wheel, single cylinder 650cc motorcycle that everyone acknowledges makes it peak power 500-1000 RPM below the redline. Seriously, what is up with that? You can’t set idle speed, it has overrev limiter, so there is no reason behind that mentality. Kawasaki updated a bike, then chose to sell it new for the same price as it did in 2018, and you all want to whine about what you want to add? Name one other manufacturer or motorcycle ever to come back out updated at the same price as 4 years ago, then tell me about what you want to add.
If you have never owned one, you don’t understand the appeal of these things, nearly all the common grips have been addressed fixed or undated with the gen 3, Nice job Kawasaki! I have aged out of the KLR if not I would be in the market for another one of these! I bet these will make the 300-Mile Club easy!
Surprised it doesn’t have a gear indicator or tach, even my $5k RE Himalayan has that, but I still want to get one, great value
I’ve owned two. A 2006 which I sold to a friend. He put 65000 miles on it no problems whatsoever. I currently own a 2013 and plan on keeping it many years. Unless you have one you won’t understand. They a great bikes.
Owned three KLR’s over the years and current bike has 60,000 miles. Serious off road trips from Mexico to British Columbia. The only thing it needs is 10 more hp and a sixth gear. Everything else is a waste of time imho. Awesome go anywhere never break down tank of a dual sport. Oh ya, trading the seat for a three foot 2×8 would really improve comfort ! The most fun you will ever have on any motorcycle you own.
Excellent article: clear & concise, direct to the point!
I have fond memories of my KLR 600 (1986 make). By the way, I will be checking tomorrow (10th of September) the newly arrived KLR 650 2022 model, here in Brisbane QLD Australia). Cheers!
My KLR 600 1986 – http://www.caldas.com.br/30anos/anos901_engl.htm
i have an 08 just turned 110,000 miles and have a 2022 on order
I just want to clarify, you said you could lock the rear wheel in the dirt on the ABS model?
I have been riding my entire life, and at 63 this is the most fun I have had on a bike in years. I purchased a 22 3rd generation as soon as I saw it hit the floor at one if my accounts. Cycle Springs in Palm Harbor FL. I have every bike you can think of over the decades of riding and racing AA. But nothing compares to the amount of fun and enjoyment you will get from A KLR650. Hey but don’t take my word for it, go to your local dealer and take one for a test ride, but be ready to sign on the dotted line after you do so, you will be hooked.
The S model