Since its 1987 debut, the Kawasaki KLR 650 has carved its name into dual-sport history as the “go-anywhere” workhorse. Kawasaki’s 2022 redesign—the first major overhaul in 35 years—brought fuel injection, modern suspension, and a refreshed chassis. Now in 2025, the KLR sticks to its roots, prioritizing evolutionary tweaks over revolution. But in an era of tech-laden rivals, does it still deliver?
The KLR 650’s seat height has always been a talking point.
At 34.3 inches, the standard model feels “just right” for riders around 6 feet tall. But shorter riders (like 5’7” or below) often struggle to flat-foot it, even with the optional 32.1-inch “S” model.
One 5’11” Rider shared that their dealer advised letting the seat “break in” over time, but after 1,000 miles, they still opted for an aftermarket Seat Concepts upgrade.
The “S” variant, with its thinner seat and lowered suspension, bridges the gap for riders with a 30-inch inseam. However, taller riders (6’2” +) warn that the “S” feels cramped, sacrificing legroom and ground clearance for accessibility. The solution? Aftermarket tall seats and peg lowering kits are popular mods discussed on forums.
Kawasaki’s tweaks to the 2025 handlebars—slightly taller and wider than previous gens—earned praise for reducing wrist fatigue. However, riders planning multi-day trips still recommend adding risers or rotating the clamps 180 degrees for a more relaxed posture.
Love-Hate Relationship with the Windscreen
The adjustable stock windscreen does a decent job deflecting wind for average-height riders. But at 6’3”, one Rider noted, “The buffeting hits you right at the helmet—it’s like a constant headshake at 70 mph.”
Taller riders often turn to aftermarket solutions like Madstad adjustable brackets or larger windshields from companies like National Cycle. The catch? Adjusting the stock screen requires Allen wrenches—no quick fixes mid-ride. Meanwhile, the Adventure ABS model’s standard LED auxiliary lights and handguards add value for those braving long nights or inclement weather.
Dependable, Not Thrilling Performance
The KLR’s 652cc single-cylinder engine remains unchanged for 2025, and riders impressions are mixed. Its torque-heavy powerband shines off-road and during highway overtakes, but don’t expect sportbike excitement. As one Rider joked, “It’s like a tractor—slow to rev, but it’ll chug up anything.”
Fuel injection reliability, however, has been a sore spot. Multiple 2022–2023 owners reported fuel pump failures causing no-start issues. One 2023 KLR S owner described their bike stalling violently mid-ride, followed by a tow truck and a weeks-long wait for a backordered pump. Kawasaki hasn’t officially addressed these complaints for 2025, so buyers should factor potential dealership delays into their plans.
Gravel King, Not Single-Track Specialist
With 7.9 inches of front suspension travel, the standard KLR 650 handles fire roads and mild trails confidently. But push it into rocky terrain, and the 456-pound weight (487 lbs for the Adventure ABS) becomes glaring. “It’s manageable if you’re standing, but those rubber footpegs? They’re like standing on Jell-O,” quipped an ADV Pulse reviewer.
The “S” model’s shorter suspension (6.7” front/7.0” rear) limits its off-road chops further. Riders recommend sticking to seated riding on the “S” and saving technical trails for lighter bikes like the KTM 390 Adventure.
A Safety Net with Trade-Offs
The optional ABS (standard on the Adventure) works well on pavement and gravel, preventing lock-ups without intrusive pulsing. But its non-switchable design frustrates hardcore off-roaders. “Sometimes you want to lock the rear wheel in the sand,” grumbled a Cycle World tester. For casual adventurers, though, it’s a worthwhile safety add-on.
Touring-Ready?
Kawasaki’s Adventure trim sweetens the deal with factory-installed hard cases, LED lights, and a USB port—features that cost extra on the base model. Riders praise the 6.1-gallon tank’s 250-mile range, though fuel economy varies wildly:
| Riding Style | MPG | Range (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Highway Cruising | 43 | 262 |
| Mixed On/Off-Road | 45 | 274 |
| Aggressive Off-Road | 39 | 238 |
Pro tip: A 15-tooth front sprocket ($30) can boost highway MPG by reducing RPMs.
Your Best Upgrade
From YouTube tutorials on valve adjustments to Reddit threads debating the best skid plates, the KLR community is a goldmine. Popular mods include:
- Thermo-Bob: Stabilizes engine temps to prevent oil burning ($150).
- DoubleTake Mirrors: Durable, foldable, and vibe-free ($120).
- SW-Motech Crash Bars: Because “dropping your bike is a rite of passage” ($250).
Who Should Buy the 2025 KLR 650?
The KLR 650 isn’t perfect, but its charm lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s ideal for:
- Budget-Consistent Tourers: At $6,899 (non−ABS), it undercuts rivals like the Honda Africa Twin by $6K.
- DIY Enthusiasts: Easy to wrench on, with endless aftermarket support.
- Tall Riders: The standard model’s ergonomics cater to longer limbs.
The 2025 Kawasaki KLR 650 remains a testament to the “ride more, worry less” ethos. It’s not the fastest, lightest, or most tech-packed bike, but as one Rider summed up: “It’s the friend who shows up with a toolbox and a six-pack. Unpretentious, reliable, and always up for an adventure.”
