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2012 Kawasaki KLR650

2012 Kawasaki KLR650

2012 Kawasaki KLR650

– 2012 Kawasaki KLR650

2012 Kawasaki KLR650 Review

The Best-Selling Dual-Sport Goes the Distance

Across sand, dirt, forests, and of course pavement, nothing else adapts like the KLR™650. Built for almost any terrain an adventurous rider could dream up, this dual-sport can go the distance with its rugged single-cylinder engine and incredible fuel efficiency. Effective wind protection and a 5.8-gallon fuel tank ensure incredible range between stops. Combine that with an aluminum rear cargo rack that accommodates saddlebags or a tailbag, and it’s a winning combination – so much so that the KLR has been the best-selling dual-sport seven years in a row.

A single-cylinder, 651cc four-stroke engine propels this world traveling powerhouse. Its quick throttle response and healthy low-end grunt is the perfect power profile to carve through trails or deal with traffic jams.

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, 5.8-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.

Anywhere, Anytime

Wherever the destination, whatever the distance, over any kind of terrain, Australia’s favourite Adventure bike, the KLR650, is the motorcycle to get you there in style and comfort. With its large powerful engine, long travel suspension and massive fuel carrying capacity combined with rock-solid reliability and unbreakable toughness, the big KLR makes short work of rugged forest trails, wide open deserts and inner city traffic alike.

The 2012 KLR650 continues its reputation for being more rugged, more reliable and higher performing, delivering the ultimate in all-round fun.

 

 

2012 Kawasaki KLR650 Features and Benefits

Key Features

• Ultimate on
• and off-road motorcycle is the best-selling dual-sport seven years in a row
• Durable 651cc single-cylinder engine produces smooth, user-friendly power
• Comfortable wind protection and 5.8-gallon fuel tank allows for long-range adventure touring
• Aluminum rear cargo rack provides plenty of space for luggage
• 41mm telescopic fork supplies all-day rider comfort
• Adjustable Uni-Trak® rear suspension offers a smooth, controlled ride
• Twin-piston front disc brake and single-piston rear disc brake furnish excellent stopping power

Long-distance-minded 651cc Four-stroke Single

• Cam timing and tuning combination aid in producing a broad, user-friendly powerband
• Smooth bends on the one-piece exhaust pipe permit exhaust efficiency at all rpm
• Light, silent cam chain contributes to a quieter engine
• Double engine balancer helps engine run smoothly from idle to redline for less fatigue on long rides
• Advanced piston ring design helps minimize oil consumption
• Oil-level window permits easy and accurate inspection

Four-valve Cylinder Head

• Compact combustion chamber allows increased compression ratio with less detonation yet provides maximum valve area for optimum flow
• Boosts low-end torque with sufficient power at all rpm
• Secondary air (ASV) system helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions

Liquid Cooling

• Thin and lightweight Denso radiator fitted with a lightweight and thin cooling fan for maximum cooling efficiency, even at low speeds
• Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power during hard use
• Allows tighter engine clearances for quieter running
• Includes a temperature gauge

Fully Transistorized Ignition

• Fully transistorized ignition unit more precisely controls timing no matter how fast the rpm changes
• Long, trouble-free lifespan

Electric Starter

• Easy and convenient starting

Handlebar-mounted Choke

• Convenient location makes starting and warm-up easier

Five-speed Transmission

• The engine’s broad torque curve means only five speeds are needed for off-road sprinting and relaxed highway cruising
• O-ring drive chain for reduced maintenance and long chain service life

Capable Suspension

• Beefy, 41mm front fork with 7.9 inches of travel is rigid and plush enough to tackle on
• and off-road terrain and provide all-day comfort to the rider
• High-mounted front fender for any adventure-touring situation
• Rear Uni-Trak® suspension features a five-way preload shock absorber with four-way rebound damping and 7.3 inches of rear wheel travel
• Progressive rate provides a smooth, controlled ride
• D-section swingarm contributes to the bike’s excellent traction

Strong Wheels

• 4mm spokes provide wheel stiffness, further enhancing handling performance and improving steering response

Chassis

• Semi-double cradle frame made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steel
• Detachable rear subframe provides access to the rear shock, airbox and carburetor for easy maintenance
• Large rear cargo rack included

Engine Guard

• Protects engine from rocks and trail debris when the going gets tough

Front and Rear Disc Brakes

• Lightweight 280mm front and 240mm rear petal-style discs offer excellent braking

Lighting

• Dual-bulb headlamp offers great night illumination
• Tail light, parking light and the high-mounted turn signals improve the KLR650’s visibility at night or in poor visibility conditions

Large 5.8-gallon Fuel Tank

• Generous capacity permits serious adventure touring

Additional Comfort and Touring Features

• Bodywork includes a large fairing for great wind protection
• Alternator output is 17 amps, with a total capacity of 36 watts to provide ample power for the headlight as well as add-on grip heaters and other accessories
• Easy-to-read instrument panel is mounted to the frame and includes a large-face speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter and water temperature gauge
• Urethane seat foam offers all-day comfort for long-distance riding
• Optional extended warranty

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2012 Kawasaki KLR650 – USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $6,299 USD

Engine Four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single

Displacement 651cc

Bore x Stroke 100.0 x 83.0mm

Compression ratio 9.8:1

Cooling System Liquid

Carburetion Keihin CVK40

Ignition Electric CDI

Transmission Five-speed

Final drive Chain

Frame Type Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel

Rake/Trail 28 degrees / 4.4 in.

Front suspension / wheel travel 41mm telescopic fork / 7.9 in.

Rear suspension / wheel travel Uni-Trak® single-shock system with 5-way preload and stepless rebound damping / 7.3 in.

Front Tire Size 90/90×21

Rear Tire Size 130/80×17

Front brakes / rear brakes Single 280mm petal-type disc, two-piston caliper / Single 240mm disc, single-piston caliper

Overall length 90.4 in.

Overall width 37.8 in.

Overall height 53.1 in.

Ground clearance 8.3 in.

Seat height 35.0 in.

Curb weight 432 lbs.

Fuel capacity 5.8 gal.

Wheelbase 58.3 in.

Color Choices TBD

Good Times™ Protection Plan 12, 24, 36 or 48 months

Warranty 12 Months

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2012 Kawasaki KLR650 – Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: See Canadian Kawasaki Dealer for pricing.

ENGINE
Type 4-stroke, Single
Displacement 651cc
Bore and Stroke 100.0 x 83.0 mm
Cooling Liquid
Compression Ratio 9.8:1
Valve System DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel System Keihin CVK40 carburetor
Ignition Digital CDI
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump)

DRIVETRAIN

Transmission 5-speed, constant mesh, return shift
Final Drive Sealed Chain
Primary Reduction Ratio 2.272 (75/33)
Gear Ratio: 1st 2.267 (34/15)
Gear Ratio: 2nd 1.444 (26/18)
Gear Ratio: 3rd 1.136 (25/22)
Gear Ratio: 4th 0.955 (21/22)
Gear Ratio: 5th 0.792 (19/24)
Final Reduction Ratio 2.867 (43/15)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, cable operation

FRAME

Type Tubular semi-double cradle, high tensile steel
Wheel Travel: Front 200 mm (7.9 in.)
Tire: Front 90/90-21
Wheel Travel: Rear 185 mm (7.3 in.)
Tire: Rear 130/80-17
Caster (Rake) 28.0°
Trail 112 mm (4.4 in.)

SUSPENSION

Suspension, Front 41 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, Rear Uni-Trak single-shock system with 5-way preload and stepless rebound damping adjustment

BRAKES

Front: Type Single 280 mm petal disc
Front: Caliper 2-piston caliper
Rear: Type Single 240 mm disc
Rear: Caliper 2-piston caliper

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length 2,295 mm (90.4 in.)
Overall Width 960 mm (37.8 in.)
Overall Height 1,350 mm (53.1 in.)
Wheelbase 1,480 mm (58.3 in.)
Ground Clearance 210 mm (8.3 in.)
Seat Height 890 mm (35.0 in.)
Curb Mass** 196 kg (432.1 lbs.)
Fuel Capacity 22 litres (4.8 gal.)
Fuel Consumption 4.3 L/100 km (66 MPG)
** Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied)

PERFORMANCE

Maximum Power‡ 15 kW {20.4 PS} @ 4,500 rpm
Maximum Torque‡ 40 N·m {4.1 kgƒ·m} @ 3,000 rpm
‡ Power / Torque figures measured at the crankshaft.

DETAILS

MSRP* TBA
Colours Candy Persimmon Red / Galaxy Silver, Metallic Flat Raw Graystone / Ebony
Warranty 12 months warranty

ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS

Good Times Protection Plan 24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins after the standard limited warranty expires)

The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market.

 

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2012 Kawasaki KLR650 – UK/European Specifications/Technical Details
UK/EU MSRP Price: See UK/EU Kawasaki Dealer for pricing.

Not available

 

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2012 Kawasaki KLR650 – Australian Specifications/Technical Details
Australia MSRP Price: See Australian Kawasaki Dealer for pricing.

ENGINE

Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single
Displacement 651 cm³
Bore and Stroke 100.0 x 83.0 mm
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Valve system DOHC, 4 valves
Carburetor Carburettor: CVK40
Ignition CDI
Starting Electric
Cooling Liquid
Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump


DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 5-speed, return
Final drive Chain
Primary reduction ratio 2.272 (75/33)
Gear ratios:
1st 2.266 (34/15)
2nd 1.444 (26/18)
3rd 1.136 (25/22)
4th 0.954 (21/22)
5th 0.791 (19/24)
Final reduction ratio 2.866 (43/15)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual


FRAME
Type Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Suspension:
front 41 mm telescopic fork
rear Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with 5-way adjustable preload and stepless rebound clamping adjustment
Wheel travel:
front 200 mm
rear 185 mm
Tyre:
front 90/90-21 54S
rear 130/80-17 65S
Inflation:
front 150 kPa (1.5 kgf/cm²)
rear 150 kPa (1.5 kgf/cm²)
Caster (rake) 28°
Trail 112 mm
Steering angle (left/right) 44° / 44°


SUSPENSION
Front: Type 41 mm telescopic fork
Rear: Type Uni-Trak
Rebound damping
Stepless
Spring preload
5-way


BRAKES
Front Single 280 mm petal disc
Front caliper Twin-piston
Rear Single 240 mm petal disc
Rear caliper Twin-piston


DIMENSIONS
Overall length 2,295 mm
Overall width 960 mm
Overall height 1,350 mm
Wheelbase 1,480 mm
Ground clearance 210 mm
Seat height 890 mm
Curb mass 194 kg
Fuel capacity 22.1 litres