2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure Review (19 Quick Facts)

After taking it out of the range for three model years, Kawasaki is bringing back the hugely popular KLR650 for 2022. Kawasaki introduced the KLR650 in 1987 and last updated it in 2008. This popular midsize single cylinder dual sport motorcycle receives many improvements and is sure to satisfy a renewed interest in affordable, multi-purpose ADV styled motorcycles. It’s back in three flavors—the standard KLR650, the KLR650 Traveler and the KLR650 Adventure.

1. We tested the 2022 KLR650 Adventure, not the standard KLR. The Adventure model gets hard Shad side cases, engine protection bars, LED fog lights and two sockets (DC and USB) with a total of 80 watts of power.

2. The most noticeable change to the venerable liquid-cooled DOHC four-valve, double-balanced 652cc engine is the move to EFI. Yes, the 40mm Keihin constant speed carburetor is history. The addition of EFI required a fuel pump at the bottom of the tank, an oxygen sensor mounted in the exhaust, and an ECU to precisely control fuel delivery to meet emissions standards. The changes didn’t make the 2022 Kawasaki KLR650’s engine faster, but they could provide a basis for developing aftermarket ECU map modifications – you know, just for the closed circuit.

3. The gearbox is a slightly improved version of the five-speed gearbox that has been around for 35 years. Shifting is smooth, with improvements to the shift dogs and shift fork. The clutch bearings are exchanged from ball to push needle. In technical off-road passages, you will feel a large gap between first and second gear. The aisle spacing is just right on the sidewalk.

4. The new 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 is nearly 25 pounds heavier than its predecessor, and that’s not just because of the EFI system. The KLR650 put on a few pounds to increase the rigidity of the swingarm and frame. The frame has more gussets, the swing arm is 1.2 inches longer and reinforced, the swing arm axle is larger, the axles are reinforced, the brake discs are larger and the subframe is no longer removable.

5. The result is a 456 pound standard non-ABS KLR650 with a 6.1 gallon fuel tank. I tested the 487-pound Adventure Edition, which adds weight to the 21-liter Shad saddlebags and frame mount, frame sliders (engine guards), LED fog lights, and tank pad. You won’t notice the extra weight until you pick the motorcycle up from a spill.

6. The additional chassis weight pays off with a more stable KLR650. The 2022 feels much more stable on both the road and off-road, which is worth the extra weight.

7. In addition to the gusset of the frame, Kawasaki has stepped out the KLR’s rake by two degrees to 30 degrees and lengthened the track by 0.4 inches. In addition, the wheelbase is 2.3 inches longer than the previous KLR and now measures a spacious 60.6 inches. The result is a much more confident motorcycle in a straight line, on the road and off-road.

8. Suspension remains fundamental on the 2022 Kawasaki KLR650. The 41mm non-adjustable fork offers nearly eight inches of travel, and the rear wheel has just over seven inches of travel. The damper is adjustable in rebound damping and spring preload, which helps to balance a passenger and loaded bags. Fortunately, Kawasaki engineers got the basic setup right, and both ends absorb impacts well on tarmac and fire roads – natural places to drive the KLR650.

9. The deficiencies of the suspension show up when you push too hard in the field. The rear shock absorber hits the G-Out first. The rear of the car can dazzle when accelerating on bumpy stuttering, and that cannot be adjusted.

10. The Dunlop K750 tires are an old design from the 1900s and unique to the KLR650. All in all, the K750s are a decent compromise between road and dirt. However, if you hit wet or muddy terrain, the gaps between the pimples are quickly filled. The best strategy is to remove the bias tubes before driving and install modern rubber that meets your specific needs. Street boys will take a close look at the ADV-style Shinko 705 rubber, while off-roaders will be drawn to the classic Dunlop D606. You can either sell the K750s right away or keep them until you sell the bike. The latter isn’t a good plan if you plan to keep your KLR for a decade or two, which you may end up doing.

11. Even with the series tires, the KLR650 is a capable canyon companion. Finding the limits in the bends takes a little courage and exploration, because the large KLR has a lot of cornering freedom. There is no drama for causal driving through the bends, and the handling of the KLR is intuitive. The increased stability of the chassis increases confidence in curves as well as on straights.

12. Long-distance drivers are made aware of the limits of the great single. Overtaking on two-lane expressways requires planning. You won’t just twist the throttle and fly past the cars. The top speed is maybe 90 mph and it takes a while to get there. Also, mileage drops when driving at 80 mph in an upright car as there is a lot of wind resistance even with the new fairing and windshield.

13. Kawasaki has improved the braking performance of the 2022 KLR650 to handle the increased weight. The front disc is 20mm larger – now a full 300mm disc – and the rear is 1mm thicker to prevent overheating. The Adventure and Standard versions are available with or without ABS, the Traveler with ABS standard. I’ve tested both the ABS and non-ABS versions, and the ABS system isn’t intrusive – mostly road riders should spend the extra $ 300.

14. The ergonomics of the new KLR650 have been updated to the standards of 2022. The new seat is comfortable and wide for adventure rides, thanks to a new shape, a more supple seat cover and new foam. The handlebars, grips and footrests are insulated in vibration-damping rubber – even the seat is rubber-cushioned to prevent frame vibrations from reaching the rider.

15. The 21 liter Shad hard plastic side cases of the Adventure model are slim, yet large enough for weekend trips. Because of their flexibility, opening, closing, removing and installing the side cases is a bit of a learning curve – the hinges could be stiffer. However, once that happens they are easy to use. They’re also durable – one survived an off-road crash and detachment. Annoyingly, a one-key system for the pockets and ignition is a $ 50 option instead of being part of the Adventure package. Add the 43-liter Shad topcase mounted on the luggage rack, topcase plate, mounting kit, and one-key system ($ 325 total) for longer expeditions. The rear case is standard on the Traveler version, which does not have the side cases.

16. Kawasaki has updated, if not entirely, the dashboard. There is no such thing as a fancy TFT color screen. Nevertheless, the new LCD screen offers a speedometer, an odometer, the essential fuel gauge, a clock and two trip meters, but no tachometer. You even get a smaller, lighter and more compact sealed 8 Ah battery. The generator now produces an improved 26 amps.

17. The graphic treatment in Cypher Camo Gray looks mean, is exclusive to the Adventure edition, and is one of the better styles in years. The Pearl Sand Khaki (Standard KLR only) and Pearl Lava Orange (Standard and Traveler Edition) also look great.

18. The price for the non-ABS base 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 is $ 6,699. That’s a good price for an entry-level adventure bike. Quick big singles comparisons include the Honda XR650L ($ 6,999), Suzuki DR650S ($ 6,799), and KTM 690 Enduro R ($ 11,999), although these three models and the KLR650 are definitely distinctive and not after looking for identical buyers. The KLR650 Adventure has an MSRP of $ 7,999 in this review. If you don’t want an ABS, tap $ 300 off the price.

19. Kawasaki’s “Escape. Discover. Envy. “Motto for the KLR650 tells the story. The 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 lets you escape and explore with the Envy that is created by impressing others when you take them where many others don’t. It has been working since 1987 and 35 years later it works better than ever.

Photography by Drew Ruiz

DRIVING STYLE

2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure specs

ENGINE

• Type: single cylinder
• Displacement: 652cc
• Bore x stroke: 100 x 83 mm
• Compression ratio: 9.8: 1
• Valve train: DOHC; 4 valves
• Refueling: Keihin EFI with 40mm throttle body
• Transmission: 5-speed
• Final drive: chain

CHASSIS

• Front suspension; Travel: Non-adjustable 41mm fork; 7.9 in
• Rear suspension; Spring travel: rod-supported spring preload and rebound damping, adjustable damper; 7.3 in
• Tires: Dunlop K750
• Front tire: 90/90 x 21
• Rear tire: 130/80 x 17
• Front brake: 300mm disc
• Rear brake: 240mm disc
• ABS: Optional ($ 300)

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES

• Wheelbase: 60.6 inches
• Rake: 30 degrees
• Trail: 4.8 inches
• Seat height: 34.3 inches
• Fuel capacity: 6.1 gallons
• Empty weight: 487 pounds
• Color: Cypher Camo Gray

2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure Price: $ 7,999 MSRP

2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure Review Photo Gallery