The modern world is a complex, slightly bizarre place. While it is great to be able to stay connected to loved ones all over the world, there are times when we just need to step away from it all. Getting out and exploring on a motorcycle is certainly one way to do this, and manufacturers seem to know this. After all, there is an adventure bike of every color, shape, and size available to us these days.
If you really are looking to go off-grid, there are only a handful of bikes that are really up to the task. You certainly need something that is capable off-road, because there is no telling what you will run into. It is also advisable to keep it pretty simple, so if you happen to run into any trouble, the average shade-tree mechanic – or you – will be able to handle it. This narrows it down even further, and we feel the bike Kawasaki has been making since 1987 is the best fit.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Kawasaki. Whereas, the opinions are our own.
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The KLR650 Adventure ABS Is Perfect For Riders Who Want To Escape Everything
MSRP: $8,099
In terms of how the motorcycle is used, the KLR650 Adventure is an adventure bike. But, underneath its farkle-clad exterior, beats the heart of a trusty dual-sport. A recent refresh in 2022 saw the introduction of fuel injection to the lineup, as well as this adventure model. The KLR has won over legions of fans all over the world thanks to durability and affordability. There are, however, some equally affordable alternatives.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is one of the most affordable go-anywhere motorcycles on the market. While it hasn’t quite captured the imagination as effectively as its predecessor, it has almost twice as much power thanks to a thoroughly modern powertrain. It is also significantly cheaper than the KLR, and you will easily get it to the same level of specification for less money.
If you are after something a little more modern, the KTM 390 Adventure R is a great option. It might not be quite as proven as the KLR, but it offers a long list of features you just don’t find on any of the other bikes competing in this space. If you are willing to sacrifice a little off-road competence in the name of on-road comfort, the Honda NX500 is certainly worth a look. It’s been around for ages – previously named the CB500X – and has proven to be exceptionally reliable.
A Bulletproof Thumper Powers The KLR650
Power: 40 Horsepower
Fuel injection is not usually touted as a “new feature” but in the case of the venerable KLR, it really is pretty new. Ever since the powertrain was introduced way back in the 80s, updates have been few and far between. There is a good reason for that, too, because there was no need to fix something that wasn’t broken in the first place. The only real issue these bikes have had over the years is something known colloquially as the “doohickey.” This “doohickey” is actually the idler shaft lever. Its mechanical function is to keep tension on the counterbalance chain. This was finally addressed in the 2022 update.
Those Not So Good Vibrations
While almost metronomically reliable, big singles are rarely used in street bikes because of how much they vibrate. With its adventure bike pretensions, Kawasaki added rubber mounts everywhere on the KLR, yet it will still vibrate like a paint shaker at highway speed. Unfortunately, this is just something you will need to accept as part of the deal. Long highway stints are very much within its scope, but you will just need to stop a few more times to reduce fatigue.
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The KLR650 Adventure Really Can Go Anywhere
One of the KLR’s biggest assets is its off-road capability. At its core, this is still a simple dual-sport with decent ground clearance, long-travel suspension, and a certain ruggedness that allows you to tackle just about any terrain with confidence. It is by no stretch of the imagination the lightest bike in the world, and will require some effort and the right technique to lift it, but you won’t mind as much when you do drop it or take a tumble.
The hard-wearing plastics won’t deform easily, and a few battle scars actually make it look better. When something does break, it is cheap and easy to replace. But that is not why you would buy a KLR. You would be buying this bike primarily for travel, and with its side cases, fog lamps, and crash protection, it comes fully equipped for exploration straight from the factory. The one feature Kawasaki does not list in its brochure is the built-in community these bikes come with. With so many helpful owners out there ready to offer advice if you find yourself in a jam, which is an underrated element of the ownership experience.
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While It Might Be Able To Go Most Places, It Doesn’t Go Anywhere Fast
The KLR really is the donkey of the motorcycle world. It will take you quite literally anywhere, but you won’t get there very quickly, and you certainly won’t get there in comfort. A rugged motorcycle like this will only appeal to a certain kind of rider willing to accept it for its flaws. At the end of the day, this is a deeply compromised motorcycle, but if you are looking for a motorcycle that can leave the world behind, this is it. It will actively encourage you to take the road less traveled. It will also force you to slow down and take in your surroundings. No matter if you are simply riding it down a local fire road or taking it through the Darién Gap, it will get you to your destination, and that is precisely why it is so easy to love.
Chassis, Suspension, And Weight Specifications
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Chassis |
Semi-double cradle steel frame |
|
Front Suspension |
41mm telescopic fork (7.9-in travel) |
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Rear Suspension |
Single shock with adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload (8.0-in travel) |
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Weight |
487 lbs |