2006 Kawasaki KLR650

Summary:

Incredible motorcycle

Faults:

neutral switch stuck once - dielectric grease fix.

General Comments:

The KLR is great on curvies and exploring back roads in the middle of nowhere.

Not as fun on highways cruising at 65-70mph. Takes a lot out of you. Great with riding on gravel and dirt roads. Good with easy/intermediate dirt/rock trails.

Good in rain and cold.

I would not do high speed cruises.

Good for taller riders. At 6'3" 34 inseam - 240lb, I am fairly comfortable on it.

Great gas mileage - 50-55 MPG average both city and highway riding. 87 octane. I only have a tail bag.

It is top heavy. I have gone over when learning to maneuver at low speeds. Easy to pick up. Third low speed fall broke the brake handle. No other damage.

After 5 years, haven't had to clean the carb yet. I do use Seafoam.

Oil and filter change very easy, doesn't seem to care what lube is used for the chain.

Stock seat HAS to go. VERY uncomfortable. I replaced with a Sargent and now I'm able to ride approx. 250 miles non-stop (about 1 tank of gas).

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 2015

2001 Kawasaki KLR650

Summary:

Fun on short trips and camping

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I sold the bike last summer, and sometimes I really miss its easy handling. After owning 50 odd bikes over a lifetime, I found this to be one of the most enjoyable to ride. I could throw it into the curves and muscle it out with no problems. Exploring gravel roads and trails was what this bike was made for.

Longer rides were too much work though. The handlebar vibration numbed my fingers. I had a hard time keeping up with fellow riders on bigger bikes. Highway speeds of 70-75 mph for any great length of time was tiring on me and the bike.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th November, 2011

2008 Kawasaki KLR650

Summary:

Reliable, fun, cheap, do everything motorcycle!

Faults:

I bought the motorcycle used; still had 1 month on the factory warranty. After having it for 1 month, all four turn signals fell off. These were replaced at no cost by the dealer under a factory recall. Have had no issues with the bike since then.

General Comments:

Great all around bike, perfect for getting me around town or out into the desert. I'm averaging 51 miles per gallon at the moment, but primarily use it for commuting.

No issues to report after 2 years of use. Very reliable.

Engine revs pretty high over 65 mile per hour, wish it had a 6th gear.

Large scoop on front fender causes the front end to wobble in windy conditions. Was easily fixed by replacing it with a motard fender for $30.

Stock seat is not very comfortable; after about 30 minutes, you're finding different ways to manage that on the bike.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2010

2002 Kawasaki KLR650

Summary:

Big bang for the buck

Faults:

Nothing that I didn't create myself, and was no fault of the motorcycle. I removed the rear fender and inadvertently grounded a tail light wire, and it caused the lighting fuses to burn out.

General Comments:

Not fast, not too slow, not too powerful, but yet not lacking either. In other words, you won't get many speeding tickets unless you're trying hard, and getting the front wheel off the ground doesn't usually happen by accident.

The bike is ultra-reliable, very inexpensive to operate... just hop on, take off and keep smiling as it whizzes you around town or on a long road trip.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th December, 2009

2008 Kawasaki KLR650

Summary:

A good do everything motorcycle

Faults:

Rear shock was bad when new, replaced under warranty by dealer at no cost.

Stopped running at a stop sign, no fuel coming out of petcock, applied vacuum to vacuum release line that leads to petcock, this released fuel. One time problem, no parts replaced.

General Comments:

I wish it had a six speed transmission to allow lower revs at 70 mph.

Way more fun than the larger bikes I've had, ride it cross country and then down a dirt trail.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 2009