2009 KLR650
Whether crossing the city or crossing the continent, on paved roads or on dirt, the revitalized KLR650 is a do-it-all bike that loves to travel long distances.
Technology
PrintEngine
Liquid-cooled, 651cc, DOHC, 4-valve, single cylinder engine features a super broad torque curve for the widely varied uses of a dual sport motorcycle. 
Double engine balancers keep the engine running smoothly from idle to redline for best rider comfort and less fatigue on long rides.
Ratchet-type, automatic camchain tensioner keeps cam timing “spot-on”.
Free breathing, 4-valve cylinder head boosts low end torque and provides maximum valve area for optimum flow at highway speeds.
Revised cam timing contributes to improved high-rpm performance.
New intake porting offers greater low-end torque.
New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption.
New, fully transistorized CD Ignition unit replaces the earlier analogue CDI for better ignition performance.
New, higher output alternator (14.5 17.0 Amps) meets the electrical accessory needs of touring riders.
New regulator offers improved performance.
New, one-piece exhaust pipe features smoother bends for improved exhaust efficiency at all rpm.
U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrester helps prevent wildfires and allows access to designated public riding areas and.
40mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK Carburetor precisely meters fuel for good economy and quick throttle response.
The addition of a secondary air system helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions.
New Denso radiator is thin and lightweight. Fitted with a lightweight and thin cooling fan, the new radiator has a greater cooling area and offers a 20% increase in cooling efficiency. (10% due to more densely packed cores; 10% due to the larger area.)
The more even running temperatures achieved with liquid cooling ensures long engine life and no “power fade” on hot days.
Smooth-shifting 5-speed transmission has a gear for every situation, from low-speed trails to highway touring use.
The transmission features Kawasaki’s exclusive positive neutral finder that makes selecting neutral at stoplights a breeze. At a stop, just lift up on the shifter from first gear and the transmission stops at neutral – every time.
Double engine balancers keep the engine running smoothly from idle to redline for best rider comfort and less fatigue on long rides.
Ratchet-type, automatic camchain tensioner keeps cam timing “spot-on”.
Free breathing, 4-valve cylinder head boosts low end torque and provides maximum valve area for optimum flow at highway speeds.
Revised cam timing contributes to improved high-rpm performance.
New intake porting offers greater low-end torque.
New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption.
New, fully transistorized CD Ignition unit replaces the earlier analogue CDI for better ignition performance.
New, higher output alternator (14.5 17.0 Amps) meets the electrical accessory needs of touring riders.
New regulator offers improved performance.
New, one-piece exhaust pipe features smoother bends for improved exhaust efficiency at all rpm.
U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrester helps prevent wildfires and allows access to designated public riding areas and.
40mm semi-flat slide Keihin CVK Carburetor precisely meters fuel for good economy and quick throttle response.
The addition of a secondary air system helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions.
New Denso radiator is thin and lightweight. Fitted with a lightweight and thin cooling fan, the new radiator has a greater cooling area and offers a 20% increase in cooling efficiency. (10% due to more densely packed cores; 10% due to the larger area.)
The more even running temperatures achieved with liquid cooling ensures long engine life and no “power fade” on hot days.
Smooth-shifting 5-speed transmission has a gear for every situation, from low-speed trails to highway touring use.
The transmission features Kawasaki’s exclusive positive neutral finder that makes selecting neutral at stoplights a breeze. At a stop, just lift up on the shifter from first gear and the transmission stops at neutral – every time.
Chassis
The KLR650 has been Canada’s number one selling* dual-sport model for as long as anyone remembers. It outsells the next highest selling dual-sport model (our own KLX250) nearly two to one. The remaining dual-sport models just don’t compete.
Look around during your next weekend ride –the question isn’t “if” you’ll see a KLR650 but “how many”? With something this good and this popular, you don’t make changes without knowing what you’re doing – Kawasaki definitely knows.
Extensive rider research and Kawasaki technical know-how have been combined to produce a fully modernized version of this cultural icon yet it retains all of the exciting flavor and value of the original KLR650. Get your helmet, we’ve got a big country to explore.
* Sales data source: MMIC manufacturers wholesale reporting
All-new bodywork features a larger cowling, which contributes to increased wind protection.
New dual-bulb headlamp offers greater night visibility.
New larger shrouds and new hand guards provide additional wind protection.
New high-mounted turn signals improve the KLR650’s visibility at night or under poor visibility conditions.
Semi-double cradle frame made of hi-tech, round section, high tensile steel; the same strong yet light-weight material used in our world-class motocross bikes.
Engine guard helps protect the engine from rocks and other debris.
New, easy-to-read instrument panel is mounted to the frame, contributing to lighter steering. Features include largeface speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter and water temperature gauge. US model shown.
Firmer seat urethane offers greater comfort for long-distance riding.
Static seat height for the KL650E is lower, but with the reduced suspension sag, once seated on the bike, reach to the ground is about the same as the previous KL650A model.
New larger rear carry rack includes bungie hooks and passenger grab handles.
Narrow body and shorter stem signals makes mounting saddlebags easier.
Re-calibrated suspension settings sag less under 1G loads and now offers greater on-road riding performance.
Front suspension stroke was reduced from 230mm to 200mm to improve the KLR’s highway manners. Rear suspension travel receives a matching travel reduction from 205mm to 185mm.
New, beefier 41 mm front fork offers increased rigidity for more precise handling. Previous unit was 38 mm.
Front and rear spoke diameter was increased from 3.5 mm to 4 mm. The increase in wheel stiffness enhances handling performance and improves steering response. High-speed stability is excellent and riding qualities on undulating road surfaces and over bumps are improved.
Universal tread tires provide good traction on and off the road.
Lightweight front and rear petal discs offer excellent braking. Front brake disc diameter increased from 260 mm to 280 mm.
New twin-piston front caliper also improves braking performance and feel.
New single-piston rear caliper complete the upgrades to the KLR650 brakes.
New D-section swingarm contributes to the bike’s excellent traction, on road and off.
New forged rear axle holders are lightweight and very rigid.
Look around during your next weekend ride –the question isn’t “if” you’ll see a KLR650 but “how many”? With something this good and this popular, you don’t make changes without knowing what you’re doing – Kawasaki definitely knows.
Extensive rider research and Kawasaki technical know-how have been combined to produce a fully modernized version of this cultural icon yet it retains all of the exciting flavor and value of the original KLR650. Get your helmet, we’ve got a big country to explore.
* Sales data source: MMIC manufacturers wholesale reporting
All-new bodywork features a larger cowling, which contributes to increased wind protection.
New dual-bulb headlamp offers greater night visibility.
New larger shrouds and new hand guards provide additional wind protection.
New high-mounted turn signals improve the KLR650’s visibility at night or under poor visibility conditions.
Semi-double cradle frame made of hi-tech, round section, high tensile steel; the same strong yet light-weight material used in our world-class motocross bikes.
Engine guard helps protect the engine from rocks and other debris.
New, easy-to-read instrument panel is mounted to the frame, contributing to lighter steering. Features include largeface speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter and water temperature gauge. US model shown.
Firmer seat urethane offers greater comfort for long-distance riding.
Static seat height for the KL650E is lower, but with the reduced suspension sag, once seated on the bike, reach to the ground is about the same as the previous KL650A model.
New larger rear carry rack includes bungie hooks and passenger grab handles.
Narrow body and shorter stem signals makes mounting saddlebags easier.
Re-calibrated suspension settings sag less under 1G loads and now offers greater on-road riding performance.
Front suspension stroke was reduced from 230mm to 200mm to improve the KLR’s highway manners. Rear suspension travel receives a matching travel reduction from 205mm to 185mm.
New, beefier 41 mm front fork offers increased rigidity for more precise handling. Previous unit was 38 mm.
Front and rear spoke diameter was increased from 3.5 mm to 4 mm. The increase in wheel stiffness enhances handling performance and improves steering response. High-speed stability is excellent and riding qualities on undulating road surfaces and over bumps are improved.
Universal tread tires provide good traction on and off the road.
Lightweight front and rear petal discs offer excellent braking. Front brake disc diameter increased from 260 mm to 280 mm.
New twin-piston front caliper also improves braking performance and feel.
New single-piston rear caliper complete the upgrades to the KLR650 brakes.
New D-section swingarm contributes to the bike’s excellent traction, on road and off.
New forged rear axle holders are lightweight and very rigid.
Colours
Candy Lime Green
Blue 21
Sunbeam Red
Blue 21
Sunbeam Red