Enduro / offroad

1996
Kawasaki KLR 650

17 fields on record

The 1996 Kawasaki KLR 650 is a versatile dual-sport enduro bike renowned for its reliability and affordability, making it ideal for adventure riders and beginners. Its single-cylinder 651cc engine delivers modest but usable power with strong low-end torque, while the lightweight 168kg chassis and manageable seat height ensure accessible handling both on-road and off-road.

Capacity: 651.00 ccm
Engine: Single cylinder
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 168.0 kg
Seat height: 870 mm
Power: 42.00

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail82%

Cornering35%

City riding45%

Daily riding55%

Touring65%

Two-up40%

Track10%

Best for: Built as a rugged, affordable dual-sport for long-distance overlanding, gravel roads, and light off-road exploration rather than outright speed or cornering precision.
Built for: A rider who values reliability, simplicity, and go-anywhere capability over performance, and who enjoys a slow-and-steady, torque-driven riding style.
Not ideal for: This bike is not for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, high-speed highway comfort, or track-day thrills.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 870mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with tip-toe one foot on the 1996 Kawasaki KLR 650, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 651.00 ccm
Engine type: Single cylinder
Power: 42.00 hp
Torque: 46.10 Nm

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission typefinal drive: Chain

Dimensions & weight

Dry weight: 168.0 kg
Seat height: 870 mm
Ground clearance: Not on record - add it

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Single disc

Other

Model: Kawasaki KLR 650
Year: 1996
Category: Enduro / offroad
Stroke: 4
Valves per cylinder: 4
Power/weight ratio: 0.2500 HP/kg

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1987	1996	1997	2007	2016	2026
Capacity	652.00 ccm (39.79 cubic inches)	651.00 ccm (39.72 cubic inches)	652.00 ccm (39.79 cubic inches)	651.00 ccm (39.72 cubic inches)	—	652.0 ccm (39.79 cubic inches)
Dry weight	—	168.0 kg (370.4 pounds)	168.0 kg (370.4 pounds)	152.9 kg (337.0 pounds)	—	—
Seat height	—	870 mm (34.3 inches)	870 mm (34.3 inches)	889 mm (35.0 inches)	889 mm (35.0 inches)	—
Fuel capacity	23.00 litres (6.08 gallons)	—	—	23.08 litres (6.10 gallons)	23.09 litres (6.10 gallons)	—
Color options	—	—	—	Kawasaki Lime Green, Aztec Red	Candy Lime Green, Ebony	—