Motorcycle | The intelligent review of the Kawasaki KLR650

Queen of the versatility / price ratio since always, the KLR650 was no less old. For 2022, Kawasaki is finally focusing on its case. A host of improvements result, but without affecting the traditional low price. Report on the exercise.

A clear contract

Among other things, Kawasaki has an aerospace subsidiary. If he wished, the manufacturer could easily transform the old KLR into a “war machine”. The changes made to the 2022 version, however, demonstrate that the brand has not forgotten anything about the contract between the model and its many enthusiasts. In this agreement, although improvements are always desired, a low price remains an essential feature. Priced from $ 7,499, the 2022 KLR650 costs just $ 300 more than the 2018, the last version offered before this return. Given this unstoppable constraint, what improvements has the manufacturer been able to achieve? Both the quantity and the quality of these surprise us.

Lots of changes, small and small

When flying over the KLR650 2022, we note above all a refreshed line and a single cylinder powered (finally!) By injection. But on closer inspection, there are a host of other changes. A larger front disc improves braking, which can now be equipped with an ABS system (for an additional $ 300). A new large and soft saddle, better protection against the wind, revised suspensions and better controlled vibrations significantly increase comfort. Finally, a more rigid frame and a longer wheelbase improve stability and handling. Not to mention new digital instrumentation and a more powerful alternator. It’s a lot.

An interesting new Adventure version

For the first time, the KLR650 is offered in a second version. Called Adventure, it is a base model accessorized and priced from $ 7,499 to $ 9,699. While an increase of more than 25% may seem like hefty, in fact, the extra $ 2,200 is justified by the added equipment. It is a question of a pair of side cases of 21 L and their support, auxiliary headlights and their support, protection bars and 12 V and USB sockets allowing the supply of electrical accessories ranging from a phone to a heated jacket. All this adds up to a dozen kilos.

No change of scenery

Anyone who owns a previous-generation KLR650 will immediately feel familiar with the new one, as the extremely well-balanced riding position, elevated vantage point and muffled sound of the 652cc single cylinder act as benchmarks. But the superior saddle comfort, fuel-injected starting, and reduced vibration indicate that this is a motorcycle that is both subtle and cleverly improved. The new digital instrumentation (which loses its tachometer… and why?) And the nicely rejuvenated line also confirm that we are definitely in control of a revised version.

An accomplished road

If the nature of the KLR650 guarantees its rider good skills both on the trail and on the road, it is in the road environment that the new version is the most improved. Thanks to slight changes in position, a better positioned fairing offering better protection, a considerably more comfortable saddle, a rather smooth engine and suspensions whose flexibility even makes you forget the faults of our roads, the KLR650 2022 is proving to be a very pleasant long-distance companion, especially in the case of the Adventure version. Although the performance remains average, it is still sufficient.

An impressive off-road

The 2022 KLR650’s off-road skills are decidedly no different from the previous version, but they are still very good. For owners, this represents a serious ability to venture out on the trail. As long as the pace isn’t of the wrong intensity, the KLR goes just about anywhere without grumbling, especially if you put on more aggressive tires than the original ones – which still allow you to ride off-road comfortably. On trail, the strengths of the model are ultimately a reasonable weight, excellent suspensions, great ground clearance, immense autonomy and a never stressful level of power.

Conclusion

Having left the KLR650 virtually intact since its 2008 overhaul and having given no news since the model’s demise in 2019, Kawasaki has made many people happy by announcing the arrival of an improved 2022 version. While the overhaul of the popular frame cannot be called spectacular, the fact is that it turns out to be exceptionally well done. The remarkable accuracy with which the manufacturer has targeted what to modify and what to leave alone has allowed the KLR to progress in an undeniable way while keeping its charming versatility and maintaining a price that puts it within reach. of all budgets. Frankly, well done!

Technical sheet

Bertrand Gahel is the author of Motorcycle guide.