PICS MOTOR

2011 Kawasaki KLR 650

The Durable Machine to Take Around the World – or Just Down the Block

For the adventurer whose sense of fun includes a jaunt into the dirt or an expedition deep into the woods, the KLR™650 opens up a world of possibilities. Equally at home on Forest Service roads as it is on the interstate, the KLR650 is the motorcycle you want when your travel plans take you through all sorts of terrain, off-road or on. Its sturdy single-cylinder engine provides non-stop power and incredible fuel efficiency. Comfortable wind protection and a 5.8-gallon fuel tank ensure that riders can go a long way between stops. An aluminum rear cargo rack has plenty of space to accommodate saddlebags or a tail bag as well. It’s a package that multitudes of riders have flocked to: the KLR650 has been the best-selling dual-sport six years in a row.

The single-cylinder, 651cc four-stroke engine provides the muscle for this world traveling powerhouse. This all-around performer provides quick throttle response and healthy low-end grunt – ideal for trails or dealing with traffic snarls.

Matching the engine’s abilities every step of the way is the KLR650’s suspension. 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 combine to make the KLR650 a fun, functional commuter during the week and an adept backroad blaster on weekends.

Braking duties are handled by a dual-piston caliper gripping a 280mm petal-style disc at the front, and a 240mm petal-style disc squeezed by a single-piston caliper at the rear. This suspension and brake package boosts the KLR650’s on-road performance without diminishing its versatile off-road capabilities.

An expansive, saddlebag-friendly, rear luggage rack that can be fitted with a tail bag helps to make the KLR650 a worthy touring companion. A large, 5.8-gallon fuel tank and exemplary fuel economy mean the KLR650 can cover an amazing amount of ground between fill-ups.

That fuel range can translate into a long day in the saddle, so good wind protection is a must. This important job is handled by the frame-mounted bodywork, which includes a tall windscreen and large shrouds. Rider comfort is enhanced further by the seat design and plush urethane foam. A high-capacity 36-watt alternator pumps out enough juice for a high-output headlight and has the extra capacity to power the add-on electronic gadgets that no touring rider can live without.

The KLR650’s competent on-road performance continues once the pavement stops. A tough engine guard keeps loose rocks and gravel at bay, while its U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrestor grants the KLR650 access to any terrain open to licensed vehicles. Add the optional Kawasaki tank, tail and saddlebags, and you have a recipe for long-distance exploration, beckoning KLR650 owners to enjoy on- and off-road adventures.

Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.

2011 Kawasaki KLR 650 motorcycle model Features

Key Features
- Ultimate on- and off-road motorcycle is best-selling dual-sport six years in a row
- Durable 651cc single-cylinder engine produces smooth, user-friendly power
- Comfortable wind protection and 5.8-gallon fuel tank allows for long-ranging adventure touring
- Aluminum rear cargo rack provides plenty of space for luggage
- 41mm telescopic fork supplies all-day rider comfort
- Adjustable Uni-Trak® rear suspension offers a smooth, controlled ride
- Twin-piston front disc brake and single-piston rear disc brake furnish excellent stopping power

Long-distance-minded 651cc Four-stroke Single
- 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

Four-valve Cylinder Head
- 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

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

Electric Starter
- Easy and convenient starting

Handlebar-mounted Choke
- Convenient location makes starting and warm-up easier

Five-speed 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

Capable 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

Strong Wheels
- 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

Front and Rear Disc Brakes
- Lightweight 280mm front and 240mm rear petal-style discs offer excellent braking

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

Large 5.8-gallon Fuel Tank
- Generous capacity permits serious adventure touring

Additional Comfort and Touring Features
- 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

2011 Kawasaki KLR 650 motorcycle model Technology

Engine
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.

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.

Specifications
MSRP: $6,149 USD

Engine: Four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single
Displacement: 651cc
Bore x stroke: 100.0 x 83.0mm
Compression ratio: 9.8:1
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin CVK40
Ignition: Electric CDI
Transmission: Five-speed
Final drive: Chain
Frame: 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: 90/90x21
Rear tire: 130/80x17
Front brake: Single 280mm petal-type disc, two-piston caliper
Rear brake: 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: 5.8 gal.
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Color choices: Metallic Flat Raw Graystone / Ebony,
Candy Plasma Blue / Galaxy Silver,
Candy Burnt Orange / Galaxy Silver
Warranty: 12 months