Kawasaki subjected its KLR 650 to a good once-over ahead of the 2022 models, and this updated version serves as the platform for the new-for-2023 KLR 650 “S” variant that steps up performance and comfort in a number of areas throughout the build. The KLR 650 line started life as a road-oriented dual sport without much in the way of off-road chops, but updates to the 650 and improvements to the 650 S continue steer it clearly into the adventure arena.

Suspension at both ends has model-specific special tuning, which contributes to a lower seat height than the previous gen of the non-S KLR 650 base model. The footpegs and shifter lever were also repositioned for comfort. Power comes from a 652 cc parallel-twin, which is a carryover from the previous base model, and it rolls without anything in the way of ride-control electronics unless you count the ABS feature as being in that category.

This line started life as the KLR 600 in 1984, replaced by the KLR 650 just a few years later in 1987. It had a major rebuild in 2007 for a 2008 release, then again in 2022, to make the current KLR 650 base model, the third version in that displacement bracket. This bike is a proven real-world globetrotter with circumnavigations in both 2001 and 2002 by Dr. Gregory Frazier.

RELATED: Why The Kawasaki KLR 650 S Is The Ultimate Dual-Sport Motorcycle

2023 Kawasaki KLR 650 S

8.5 / 10

Expert Opinion: The KLR 650 S expands Kawasaki's KLR stable with an off-road-capable dual-sport bike that verges on the edge of a proper adventure bike. The lower seat height and improved padding on the saddle increases comfort and puts the KLR 650 S into reach of a broader range of riders looking for that off-road experience.

Model

KLR 650 S

Engine:

652 cc Single-cylinder

Power Output

40 HP

Torque

39.1 LB-FT @ 4,500 RPM

Transmission

5-speed manual

Driveline

RWD

MSRP

$6,899

Pros

• Low seat height
• Plenty of torque for technical work
• Improved saddle material

Cons

• Could use switchable ABS
• Adjustable suspension would be a good hit
• Rather heavy

2023 Kawasaki KLR 650 S Performance And Capability

Power for the KLR 650 S comes from a proven engine with plenty of miles and borders under its belt. It runs a 100 mm bore and 83 mm stroke for a total displacement of 652 cc and mild, 9.8:1 compression ratio that'll tolerate 87 octane fuel. That's the cheap hook by the way. Not only does this make it inexpensive to operate as far as fuel costs go, but it lends a certain amount of freedom by allowing you to operate in areas with poor infrastructure and low-octane pusholine such as you might encounter on a proper globetrotting trip.

Induction control falls to the 40 mm throttle body that rocks a ten-hole tip on the fuel injector. The injector produces fuel droplets that measure only 60 microns. This aids in vaporization of the hydrocarbons for more complete combustion, better mileage, and cleaner emissions, along with an oxygen sensor to monitor the mixture and adjust as necessary. Dual over-head cams time the four poppets with strong drive chain tensioner material and structure that provides a long service life.

Power flows through a standard clutch and smooth-shifting, five-speed transmission that runs a needle-type thrust bearing for the clutch throwout bearing. Also, there's a special coating on the fourth and fifth gears to extend service life at that crucial point. These are the gears in which you will spend the bulk of your riding time, both on-road and off.

The 2023 Kawasaki KLR 650 S produces a claimed 40 horsepower and 39.1 pounds of torque. A significant amount of that torque is available fairly low in the rev range, which is just the thing for solid acceleration and technical off-road work. Real world numbers from CycleWorld put it at 36.9 horsepower at 6,100 RPM and 35.4 pound-feet of torque at 4,600 RPM. On the tarmac, you can expect a KLR 650 S top speed of 89 MPH which is plenty fast for even interstate riding, with a decent power reserve and roll-on at the legal speed limit. It does vibrate a bit at top speed, which may be rather fatiguing over long stretches on the superslab.

Performance Specifications

RELATED: Kawasaki KLR650: From Humble Beginnings To Today's Leading Dual Sport Motorcycle

Design And Styling

Improved ergonomics on the KLR 650 S make this a very comfortable bike to ride. The upright riding position remains a constant, and the S model adds a lower seat and lower suspension to put the saddle 2.3 inches closer to the ground than its base model. This slings your butt at a comfortable 32.1 inches off the deck, an easy reach to the ground that should be confidence inspiring at stops, and when padding around the parking lot.

To accommodate this drop, the factory chopped 30 mm off the sidestand to allow the bike to rest at the proper angle. To improve comfort and accessibility for a wider range of riders, the gap between the foot peg and the shifter's toe peg opened up by 15 mm, so you can get in there with fairly large boots now. A rubber-mounted handlebar isolates your meathooks from some of the engine vibration for comfort, right along with a neutral hand position that lets you push off into a well-vertical riding posture.

In dirtbike style, the front mudguard mounted high, right up under the bottom tripleclamp, accommodates the relatively long suspension stroke. Robust bodywork lends the pilot some protection, and a 6.1 gallon fuel tank carries a narrow rear end where it meets the skinny waist, letting you pull your legs into the bike and make it easy to reach the ground. A two-position, rally-style windscreen and handguards complete the pilot protection.

In profile, the “S” fits the adventure-bike mold to a T. The bench seat finishes the flyline and leaves lots of room for fore-and-aft body weight shifts for the more technical off-road work. With folding foot pegs and a beefy grab rail, you can take a friend for a ride right off the showroom floor. A short luggage rack comes stock for a little open-air cargo capacity above a short rear mudguard that mounts the rest of the gear in the rear.

Specifications And Dimensions

RELATED: Kawasaki KLR650 Is All The Old-School Adventure Bike You'll Ever Need

Chassis And Handling

Tubular-steel members on the KLR 650 S make up the semi double-cradle frame, and it sports a strong bashplate to protect the lower frame members and engine cases in a terrain strike. This cements its position as a serious off-road capable machine. Rake and trail measure 29.5 degrees and 4.6 inches respectively, and this gives it some welcome stability, especially at speed, which makes for a low-effort ride. The long swingarm also improves stability with a full-yoke construction that adds its strength to the system.

Laced wheels, ever the favorite of the off-road rider, round out the rolling chassis in a 21-inch wheel ahead of a 17-incher, and that big front wheel will certainly help tackle some bumpy stuff with aplomb. The hoops are street-knobbies, but maybe a bit more knobby than street, to be honest, and will perform best on soft surfaces such as gravel and sand. More casual riders and commuters will find themselves wanting a set of more street-focused rubber, especially for wet pavenment.

A single 300 mm disc and twin-piston caliper slows the front wheel with a 240 mm disc and single-pot anchor out back, with optional ABS protection if you spring for it.

For suspension, the front end rides on 41 mm forks with fixed damping and preload values, but out back the Uni-Trak monoshock comes with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload. Travel measures 6.7 inches up front and 7.0 inches out back, so you can be confident in bumpy terrain whether it be off-road or in a gritty urban jungle somewhere. It also benefits from a low center of gravity, which contributes to its nimble nature.

Chassis And Suspension

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2023 Kawasaki KLR 650 S Price And Availability

MSRP on the 2023 KLR 650 S starts at $6,899. That's for the non-ABS model. To get the anti-lock protection, you'll have to fork over another three bills. You can also choose between the Kawi-tastic Candy Lime Green in non-ABS only or stealthy Pearl Storm Gray colorway with and without ABS.

Pricing And Features

The KLR 650 S Versus The Competition

Kawasaki finds itself in the mid-range with fewer foes than it would encounter up closer to a liter-size lump. However, there are a few worthy competitors that may appeal to the same sort of riders. Big dual-sport or entry adventure bike, it's hard to pin this one down. While the KLR 650 S is certainly capable of road work with its street-legal lighting, it's really built with a bias for off-road service and shines once the blacktop turns to brown.

How The KLR 650 S Compares To The Honda XR650L

• 2023 Kawasaki KLR 650 S

  8.5 / 10

  Expert Opinion: The KLR 650 S expands Kawasaki's KLR stable with an off-road-capable dual-sport bike that verges on the edge of a proper adventure bike. The lower seat height and improved padding on the saddle increases comfort and puts the KLR 650 S into reach of a broader range of riders looking for that off-road experience.

  Model

  KLR 650 S

  Engine:

  652 cc Single-cylinder

  Power Output

  40 HP

  Torque

  39.1 LB-FT @ 4,500 RPM

  Transmission

  5-speed manual

  Driveline

  RWD

  MSRP

  $6,899

• 2023 Honda XR650L

  8 / 10

  Expert Opinion: Perhaps the most iconic dual-sport bike ever made, the XR650L excels on single-track and heading up logging roads, but doesn't perform as well on soft ground. Don't venture too far from civilization, though, as it has a small fuel tank.

  Model

  XR650L

  Engine:

  644 cc Single-cylinder

  Power Output

  30 HP

  Torque

  38.2 LB-FT

  Transmission

  5-speed manual

  Driveline

  RWD

  MSRP

  $6,999

Honda put together a capable bike in the XR650L with knobbies more at home on soft/loose surfaces, so firmer surfaces, maybe not so much. Honda went off-road all the way with wire wheels and some serious stems that turn out 11.6 inches of travel ahead of 11 inches out back, which means it will tackle much rougher terrain than Kawi's entry. The trade-off, naturally, is in the road manners, or lack thereof as the case may be. The suspension travel exacts another cost with a 37-inch tall seat height that will tax shorter riders something fierce, and the 2.8-gallon fuel tank gives it short legs at less than half the Kawi's capacity.

Honda powers the XR650L with a 644 cc thumper that has an even lower compression ratio of only 8.3:1, and an old-fashioned constant-velocity carburetor handling the induction rather than EFI. It measures around 30 ponies at the rear wheel to leave the KLR with a significant power advantage, but the torque pans out at 38.2 pound-feet to almost tie. At more than 100 pounds lighter than the KLR, however, the torque isn't moving as much weight so fun factor goes to Honda. Honda lets its dual-sport XR650L loose for $6,999 which is right in line with the KLR.

How The KLR 650 S Compares To The Yamaha Ténéré 700

• 2023 Kawasaki KLR 650 S

  8.5 / 10

  Expert Opinion: The KLR 650 S expands Kawasaki's KLR stable with an off-road-capable dual-sport bike that verges on the edge of a proper adventure bike. The lower seat height and improved padding on the saddle increases comfort and puts the KLR 650 S into reach of a broader range of riders looking for that off-road experience.

  Model

  KLR 650 S

  Engine:

  652 cc Single-cylinder

  Power Output

  40 HP

  Torque

  39.1 LB-FT @ 4,500 RPM

  Transmission

  5-speed manual

  Driveline

  RWD

  MSRP

  $6,899

• 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700

  8.5 / 10

  Expert Opinion: New for 2024, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 has three-mode switchable ABS, a five-inch TFT display, and comes pre-wired for Yamaha's accessory Quick Shifter. Developed from the high-tech MT-07 engine, the parallel-twin engine in the Ténéré 700 has proven off-road capabilities in a chassis, ready-made for cross-country journeys.

  Model

  Ténéré 700

  Engine:

  689 cc Parallel-twin

  Power Output

  72 HP

  Torque

  50 LB-FT

  Transmission

  6-speed manual

  Driveline

  RWD

  MSRP

  $10,799

Next up the price ladder)is the Yamaha Ténéré 700. With its almost-adventure bike build. It still falls short of the Kawi in bodywork and protection with a small front structure and short windscreen. At least the handguards come stock. Yamaha breaks with convention and powers the Ténéré 700 with a parallel-twin engine in a 689 cc displacement. This necessarily comes with a boost in compression ratio up to 11.5:1 that demands the top-price ethyl at the pump.

Yamaha also bests the KLR's stems with fully-adjustable front forks, adjustable preload and damping out back, and more travel to boot. Wire wheels are another constant, as are the street knobbies that actually look street friendly. They're certainly more confidence inspiring than the Honda in that respect. That spicy compression and twin-cylinder layout lets it develop more power with 72 ponies on tap and 50 pounds o' grunt to shame both of the other machines quite thoroughly.

Yamaha's ABS is also switchable that lets you mix and match, or turn it off in its entirety, which is a nice feature to be sure. You'll pay for all that extra yummy-goodness, to the tune of $10,799 which is far beyond both the Kawi and the Honda, but it's definitely more bike.

He Said/She Said

He Said

My husband and fellow motorcycle writer, TJ Hinton, says,

She Said