2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure Review

I was reminded recently just how sweet the third-generation Kawasaki KLR650 really is. For the 2022 model year, Kawasaki gave the KLR650 a complete overhaul, and we came away impressed after having the motorcycle in our possession for nearly 12 months.

The KLR650 now comes in four levels of trim. There is the standard KLR650, which can be had with or without ABS ($7199/$6899). Next up is the KLR650 Adventure, which comes with more goodies to make your long-distance adventures a little nicer: factory-installed side cases, LED auxiliary light set, engine guards, tank pad, and a DC power outlet and a USB socket. It’s also available with or without ABS ($8199/$7899). Then, you have the Traveler ABS, which comes with a factory-installed top case, a DC power outlet, and a USB socket. It’s only available with ABS ($7599). All these models were around in 2022, but new to the family is the KLR650S, which is essentially the standard model with a lower sitting position. It, too, is available with or without ABS ($$6899/$7199). The “S” model’s seat height is 2.2 inches lower than the others, which is significant. This was achieved by reducing wheel travel at both ends by approximately one inch and a slightly less cushy seat. Other than that, it’s the same bike as the standard KLR650.

Our 2023 Adventure KLR650 here is the same as before but with a slightly longer shift lever. As insignificant as this may seem, it was a significant issue for my size 12 feet last year. I could still use more room down there, but at least it’s livable for me now.

Still, the KLR650 Adventure is a joy to ride. It handles well, the suspension is plush and is surprisingly good at soaking up good-sized bumps at speed, and the KLR’s five-speed transmission is nicely matched to the KLR’s power, which is delivered from its simple and reliable DOHC liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine.

The bike’s relaxed sitting position means you can painlessly ride the KLR650 all day, and the two-way-adjustable windscreen does an admirable job keeping the windblast off you without excessive helmet buffeting. The KLR is just as at home on the street as it is on the dirt.

Running out of gas is never a thought while aboard the KLR650 with its massive 6.1-gallon fuel tank that feels smaller than it is between your legs.

The KLR650 is easy to pick on, however. Yes, it’s heavy for a single-cylinder dual sport (which is how Kawasaki classifies the KLR650) but is relatively light compared to big-bore, multi-cylinder adventure bikes, which many will compare this bike to. Its brakes aren’t terribly inspiring, you can’t turn off ABS (even just the rear), six instead of five speeds would be nice, tires are so-so, saddlebags are kind of small (but that can also be a good thing), and either you like the way it looks or you hate it. But the KLR650 has so much going for it (like price) that it is still easy to overlook its shortcomings, which, in the big picture, are few and nothing major.

We’re still fans. CN

2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure Specifications

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