The Kawasaki KLR 650 is a 651cc liquid-cooled motorcyclee designed for both on-road and coarse terrain riding. It was a long-held model in Kawasaki's lineups. The production of the KLR 650 started in 1987, replacing its predecessor, the KLR 600. When it was released, it was extremely affordable, accessible, and reeked of fun.

Two models of the KLR 650 were produced from 1987 through 2018: The first generation, also known as Gen 1 was produced from 1987 to 2007, while the second generation, Gen 2 was produced from 2008 till 2018, and it came in various trims; the 2022 KLR, the standard model (ABS and Non-ABS), the KLR 650 Traveler, and the KLR 650 Adventure.

The Gen 2 model was the first notable restyle of the KLR650 since its launch. It had an old-style carburetor and, as a result of the carburetor used, reached the end of its run because of increasing emission restrictions. After a pause in production for two years, the KLR650 returned to the lineup even better and more adventurous than it was before with new features and a whole lot of upgrades. It comes with an intriguing record of new features in addition to electronic fuel injection.

Let's check out these new features.

The Fascinating Features Of The 2022 KLR650

The bodywork is almost entirely new compared to its predecessor, with an updated shroud, side cover, and tail cowling, all built around a brand new LED headlight and reimagined tail light and blinkers.

From the stability standpoint; The 2022 KLR 650 was a single unit frame with no rear removable subframe. It has a stronger and more rigid chassis, giving it extra comfort and reliability. It has a raked-out suspension from 28 degrees up to 30 degrees of rake, resulting in a change in the caster angle, giving it more stability.

The bike's ergonomics were also updated with tuned hand and foot control positions with rubber damp. The rubber mounts and the footpegs are designed to isolate your feet and legs from the vibrations coming from the single-cylinder. Elsewhere, the rubber-mounted handlebars isolate your arms and upper body. Alongside comfortable seats and a taller windscreen, this all makes for a final comfort boost.

Performance

From the performance standpoint; Unlike the Gen 2, it has increased damping on the suspension, the rear shock has adjustable preload and adjustable rebound, which does have an effect, a lighter weight battery, a catalytic converter, increased axle diameter of about 300 mm and an increased charging capacity by 8 amps. Furthermore, there is also a revised internal transmission and clutch, a change in its cam profile to get more mid-range power, rear brake rotor have been made thicker and front brake rotor, larger. The bike easily cruises 90 to 95 mph producing 40 hp.

The 2022 KLR 650 simply doesn't compete with motorcycles like the Suzuki's DR650 or Honda's XR659L, those are more dirt-oriented and old-fashioned with a different production focus.

The main focus of the changes made in the 2022 KLR 650 model, was to improve its overall street comfort and touring capability, and the company, of course, reached its intended aim, earning it more fans.

Many new and upgraded features in the 2022 KLR 650 earned it its fanatical group of followers and fans. The fact that it was greatly improved in various ways is just the icing on the cake and the best of the improved features done by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries is the fuel injection.

Other Captivating Features Of The KLR 650

Fuel injection plays a primary role in improving engine fuel combustion in automobiles. In the 2022 KLR 650, it ensures an easier starting, improving its running ability on different elevations and giving it a better fuel mileage. It has a large fuel tank of about 6.5 gallons giving it an increased range. With this, a rider can get over 300 miles on a tank.

Unlike the earlier models, with the fuel injection, you don't have carburetor jets that clog up thereby increasing bike efficiency.

The Non-ABS model has a price tag of $6,699 while the ABS model weighs about 461 pounds with a price tag of $6,999. Included in the Traveler's model are a top case and a power outlet. It weighs about 472 pounds costing about $7400. The Adventure model has a power outlet and a crash bar. It is the weightiest of all three models, with a weight of 487 pounds, and costs about $8000.

Worthy of mention is the fact that the Kawasaki heavy industries LTD has left the price of its 2022 KLR 650 unflinching, the same as that of the old model, despite the various upgrades and increase in functionality which of course made the bike 25 pounds heavier, doubtless, one would agree that in this aspect, they did a great job.

The KLR remains one of the smoothest single-cylinder bikes, known for stable suspension handling. It also remains one of the top picks when the choice of an affordable full-feature big-bore adventure motorcycle is needed to be made.