2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 Review

The Kawasaki KLR 650 was built for almost any terrain an adventurous rider could dream up. Whether its in the sand, dirt, forests, and of course pavement, this top-selling dual sport for the past seven years can adapts and go the distance with its rugged single-cylinder engine and incredible fuel efficiency.

Powered by 651cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine with liquid cooling, a basic carburetor with great throttle response and is mated to five-speed transmission, the one of world’s most enduro motorcycle is also tuned for low-end grunt for those rugged trails and designed with a 41mm fork with 7.9 inches of suspension travel up front, and a Uni-Trak linkage system providing 7.3 inches of wheel travel in the rear.

The KLR 650 also has a large, 5.8-gallon fuel tank, effective wind protection, an expansive, saddlebag-friendly, rear luggage rack that can be fitted with a tail bag, as well as a high-capacity 36-watt alternator that pumps out enough juice for a high-output headlight and has the extra capacity to power the add-on electronic gadgets.

For break system, the 2012 KLR 650 comes equipped with dual-piston caliper gripping a 280mm petal-style disc in the front and a 240mm petal-style disc squeezed by a single-piston caliper in the rear.

Overall, the Kawasaki KLR 650 is ideal everyday commuter, since it has long suspension and great brake package that combined with the powerful 650cc engine. Available in three various colors: Candy Persimmon Red/Galaxy Silver, Metallic Flat Raw Graystone/Ebony and Metallic Imperial Blue/Pearl Stardust White, the  KLR 650 is priced at under $6,300.

Here’re for the highlights, specs and features for the 2012 Kawaskai KLR 650 Dual Sport:

Engine

– Cam timing and tuning combination aid in producing a broad, user-friendly powerband
– Smooth bends on the one-piece exhaust pipe permit exhaust efficiency at all rpm
– Light, silent cam chain contributes to a quieter engine
– Double engine balancer helps engine run smoothly from idle to redline for less fatigue on long rides
– Advanced piston ring design helps minimize oil consumption
– Oil-level window permits easy and accurate inspection
– Compact combustion chamber allows increased compression ratio with less detonation yet provides maximum valve area for optimum flow
– Boosts low-end torque with sufficient power at all rpm
– Secondary air (ASV) system helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions

Liquid Cooling

– Thin and lightweight Denso radiator fitted with a lightweight and thin cooling fan for maximum cooling efficiency, even at low speeds
– Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power during hard use
– Allows tighter engine clearances for quieter running
– Includes a temperature gauge

Ignition

– Fully transistorized ignition unit more precisely controls timing no matter how fast the rpm changes
– Long, trouble-free lifespan

Transmission

– The engine’s broad torque curve means only five speeds are needed for off-road sprinting and relaxed highway cruising
– O-ring drive chain for reduced maintenance and long chain service life

Suspension

– Beefy, 41mm front fork with 7.9 inches of travel is rigid and plush enough to tackle on and off-road terrain and provide all-day comfort to the rider
– High-mounted front fender for any adventure-touring situation
– Rear Uni-Trak suspension features a five-way preload shock absorber with four-way rebound damping and 7.3 inches of rear wheel travel
– Progressive rate provides a smooth, controlled ride
– D-section swingarm contributes to the bike’s excellent traction
– 4mm spokes provide wheel stiffness, further enhancing handling performance and improving steering response

Chassis

– Semi-double cradle frame made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steel
– Detachable rear subframe provides access to the rear shock, airbox and carburetor for easy maintenance
– Large rear cargo rack included

Engine Guard

– Protects engine from rocks and trail debris when the going gets tough

Brakes

– Lightweight 280mm front and 240mm rear petal-style discs offer excellent braking

Lighting

– Dual-bulb headlamp offers great night illumination
– Tail light, parking light and the high-mounted turn signals improve the KLR650’s visibility at night or in poor visibility conditions

5.8-gallon fuel tank

– Generous capacity permits serious adventure touring

Additional Highlights

– Bodywork includes a large fairing for great wind protection
– Alternator output is 17 amps, with a total capacity of 36 watts to provide ample power for the headlight as well as add-on grip heaters and other accessories
– Easy-to-read instrument panel is mounted to the frame and includes a large-face speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter and water temperature gauge
– Urethane seat foam offers all-day comfort for long-distance riding
– Optional extended warranty

2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 Dual Sport Specs:

– Engine: Four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single
– Displacement: 651cc
– Bore x Stroke: 100.0 x 83.0mm
– Compression ratio: 9.8:1
– Cooling System : Liquid
– Carburetion: Keihin CVK40
– Ignition: Electric CDI
– Transmission: Five-speed
– Final drive: Chain
– Frame Type: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
– Rake/Trail: 28 degrees / 4.4 in.
– Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm telescopic fork / 7.9 in.
– Rear suspension / wheel travel: Uni-Trak single-shock system with 5-way preload and stepless rebound damping / 7.3 in.
– Front Tire Size: 90/90×21
– Rear Tire Size: 130/80×17
– Front brakes / rear brakes: Single 280mm petal-type disc, two-piston caliper / Single 240mm disc, single-piston caliper
– Overall length: 90.4 in.
– Overall width: 37.8 in.
– Overall height: 53.1 in.
– Ground clearance: 8.3 in.
– Seat height: 35.0 in.
– Curb weight: 432 lbs.
– Fuel capacity: 6.1 gal.
– Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
– Good Times Protection Plan: 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
– Warranty: 12 Months

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