Best Sport Motorcycle

A Dual-Sport Motorcycle Review Of The Kawasaki KLR 650

For the best of both worlds in the world of motorcycling, the Kawasaki KLR 650 has been the answer for 21 years. Redesigned this year, the Kawasaki KLR 650 is more capable than ever before, providing a ride quality that is second to none in the field of dual-sport motorcycling. With all the comfort of a highway cruiser, you might think that the Kawasaki KLR 650 reduced its trail competence considerably to give it the agile handling that it needs for street use, but you'd be wrong. Improved specs in suspension and use of lightweight materials to make the Kawasaki KLR 650 more balanced combine to make an off-road ride that is nimble and effortless while providing the kind of on-road ride that makes daily commuting to work a pleasure.

The Kawasaki KLR 650 sports a 651cc four stroke single engine with several revisions, making the KLR 650 the most practical machine in Kawasaki's stable. Revisions to the Kawasaki KLR 650 include: Revised cam timing for improved high-rpm performance, new intake porting for improved low-end torque, new piston rings which improve the Kawasaki KLR 650's oil consumption, and a thinner Denso radiator to keep everything cooled down. The liquid cooling of the Kawasaki KLR 650 helps to give tighter tolerances within the engine, making it far more efficient than previous designs. A four-valve cylinder head improves air intake, and higher compression ratio boost your low-end power while using a secondary air system works like a catyletic converter in a car, reducing exhaust emissions. The Kawasaki KLR 650 engine also has a double engine balancer to reduce rider fatigue through vibration, and a five-speed transmission that works great whether you go off-road or keep to the highways.

Kawasaki didn't just revise the engine of their flagship dual-sport motorcycle, however. A revised front suspension with a meatier 41mm front fork translates into better handling through increased rigidity, and a Kawasaki UNI-TRAK rear suspension features 7.3 inches of travel, progressive rate tuning, and five-way adjustable preload with four-way rebound damping. Stronger wheels are made possible by using thicker diameter spokes, giving the Kawasaki KLR 650 a stiffer, stronger ride than ever before.

Other attributes of the Kawasaki KLR 650 include disc brakes, U.S. forest service approved spark arrestors and dual- bulb headlight. If you're in the market for a great dual-sport motorcycle that retails for about $5400, than the Kawasaki KLR 650 might just be the dual-sport you're looking for.