Kawasaki KLR 650

Kawasaki has released the full specifications of its 2014 KLR 650. Until now, the motorcycle was one of the best sold dual purpose models in the company’s lineup and the 2014 model year has all it need to continue to be as successful as its predecessors.

Powered by a capable four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve, 651 cc engine, the Kawasaki KLR 650 can deal effortless with a wide range of terrains.

The motorcycle also comes with a generous 6.1 gallons fuel tank and a smooth shifting five speed transmission.

Like any respectable off roader, the Kawasaki KLR 650 needed a set of capable suspensions, therefore it comes with a 41mm front fork with 7.9 inches of travel and a rear Uni-Trak suspension that features a five-way preload shock absorber with four-way rebound damping and 7.3 inches of wheel travel.

That the Kawasaki KLR™650 dual purpose motorcycle has remained firmly atop the sales charts in the dual-sport category for nearly a decade is no surprise. Designed from the very beginning to be rugged, fuel efficient and capable of carrying enough cargo to make a pack mule jealous, the KLR also provides effective wind protection for increased long-distance comfort, making it an unbeatable value for adventure-minded riders seeking to follow the horizon wherever it leads.

KLR’s hearty single-cylinder, 651cc, four-stroke engine provides ample torque and horsepower to propel this globe-trotting explorer down almost any road or trail, and its healthy low-end grunt and linear throttle response maximize traction regardless of the terrain, so everything from exploring the outback to threading through rush-hour traffic can be handled with the same high level of proficiency.

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 in the front, and a 240mm petal-style disc squeezed by a single-piston caliper in 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, 6.1-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.