Kawasaki KLR650 Is Back! – Specs, Variants and Pricing Details

Kawasaki KLR650 is back! Kawasaki revives and introduces the 3rd generation 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 dual-sport motorcycle!

2022 Kawasaki KLR650

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Introduced in 1987 to replace the KLR600, the KLR650 is a dual-sport motorcycle intended for both on-road and offroad. Since 1987, the first generation KLR650 remained fairly unchanged until Kawasaki introduced the 2nd generation KLR650 in 2008 with major updates. However, just after 10 years, Kawasaki decided to discontinue the model in 2018.

Well, with 2021 just kicking in, Kawasaki revives the KLR650 range and introduces the all-new 3rd generation 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 dual-sport bike in the US and Canada! For now, the availability of this model in other market hasn’t been announced. Here are the details!

2022 Kawasaki KLR650

Design

Starting with the design, the new 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 gets an all-new bodywork with a new LED headlamp upfront, a newly designed taillight at the rear and revised turn signals all around. On the inside, the model gets a new multi-functional LCD digital instrumentation panel with a fuel gauge and clock.

Kawasaki says the new KLR650 has been fine-tuned to deliver a stress-free riding position. The handlebar and footpeg position have been moved 10mm outwards to put the rider in a slightly more relaxed position.  Furthermore, to aid rider comfort, the fuel tank (23l) has been redesigned and Kawasaki says a new fuel pump that draws fuel from the bottom of the tank now contributes to a longer cruising range.

The windshield is now 50mm taller compared to the 2nd generation KLR650 and the passenger grab bars, seat shape and cover have been revised to enhance comfort.

Besides this, significant work has also been done to reduce vibration in order to further improve comfort.  The handlebars and footpegs are now rubber-mounted and the seat gets rubber dampers to reduce vibration.

Chassis, Suspension and brakes

In the case of chassis, the high tensile, semi-double-cradle frame on the KLR650 receives several updates for 2020. Everything from the rear frame, swingarm to swingarm pivot shaft have been revised to enhance handling.

In the case of suspension, a 41 mm front fork with 200 mm of suspension up front and an adjustable Uni-Trak® monoshock at the rear with 185 mm of suspension travel at the rear take care of suspension duties.  Kawasaki says the front fork and rear shock settings complement each other for light, sharp handling on smooth roads while providing the capability needed on off-road.

Braking is done via a 2 piston calliper with 300mm disc up front and a 240mm disc with single-piston calliper at the rear. Compared to the 2nd generation KLR650 with petal-type discs, the brake discs on the new 2022 KLR650 are round and thicker. This has been done to further enhance stopping power. Besides this, the new Kawasaki KLR650 is now offered with and without ABS in the US.

Engine

The 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 features a reliable liquid-cooled four-stroke 652cc single-cylinder DOHC engine. Powered is transmitted via chain final drive and a 5-speed gearbox as before. However, for the first time, the KLR650 is equipped with fuel injection in years. For now, Kawasaki hasn’t announced the exact engine output figures yet.

Similar to the other parts of the bike, the powertrain sees a vast amount of updates and revisions. Updates made around the powertrain include:

1. New Fuel Injection

2. New Revised Cam Profiles

3. New Exhaust Pipe Diameter

4. New Updated Clutch

5. New Increased ACG Output

6. New Low Maintenance Battery

7. New Lighter Starter, Ignition Coil, And Evaporator Canister

8. New Honeycomb Catalyzer

Variants, colour options and pricing in the US

2022 KLR650 is available in Pearl Sand Khaki and Pearl Lava Orange. The KLR650 ABS is available in Pearl Sand Khaki.

The KLR650 ADVENTURE comes equipped with factory-installed side cases, LED auxiliary light set, engine guards, tank pad, and both DC power outlet and USB socket and is available in the Cypher Camo Gray colourway.

The KLR 650 TRAVELER features a factory-installed top case and both DC power outlet and USB socket and comes in Pearl Lava Orange colourway.

2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Price list (US Market)

KLR650 – $6,699 – Approx. RM 27,100
KLR650 ABS – $6,999 – Approx. RM 28,314
KLR650 TRAVELER – $7,399 – Approx. RM 29,932
KLR650 ADVENTURE – $7,999 – Approx. RM 32,359