Adventure Motorcycles
1997Kawasaki KLR 650
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The 1997 Kawasaki KLR 650 is a versatile dual-sport enduro bike designed for adventure-minded riders seeking reliable off-road capability with street legality. Its single-cylinder 652cc engine delivers modest but dependable power, making it ideal for long-distance touring and light trail exploration. The KLR 650 earned its reputation as an affordable, bulletproof workhorse perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike.
- Capacity
- 652.0 ccm
- Engine
- Single, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 153.0 kg
- Seat height
- 889 mm
- Power
- 48.0 HP (35.8 kW)
What’s new for the 1997 Kawasaki KLR 650
vs the 1996| Spec | 1996 | 1997 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 42.0 HP (31.3 kW) @ 7000 RPM | 48.0 HP (35.8 kW) |
| Torque | 46.1 Nm (4.7 kgf-m or 34.0 ft.lbs) | 47.0 Nm (4.8 kgf-m or 34.7 ft.lbs) |
| Dry weight | 168.0 kg (370.4 pounds) | 153.0 kg (337.3 pounds) |
| Seat height | 870 mm (34.3 inches) | 889 mm (35.0 inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 23.00 litres (6.08 US gallons) | 14.00 litres (3.70 US gallons) |
Other years
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
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1996
1997
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2008
2009
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- 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 usEngine
- Capacity
- 652.0 ccm
- Power
- 48.0 HP (35.8 kW)
- Torque
- 47.0 Nm (4.8 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- Single, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3137 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 100.0 x 83.0 mm
- Compression
- 9.5:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- CDI
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Lubrication system
- Forced lubrication, wet
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
- Clutch
- Wet multi-disc manual clutch
Performance
- Top speed
- 157.0 km/h (97.6 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1490 mm
- Overall length
- 2205 mm
- Overall width
- 940 mm
- Overall height
- 1346 mm
- Seat height
- 889 mm
- Dry weight
- 153.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 187.5 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 14.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 239 mm
- Oil capacity
- 2.50 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
- Front suspension
- 38mm leading axle, air-adjustable fork
- Rear suspension
- UNI-TRAK® single-shock system
- Front wheel travel
- 220 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 200 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 28.0°
- Trail
- 112 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 280 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 230 mm
- Front tyre
- 90/90-21
- Rear tyre
- 120/90-17
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 | 2006 | 2017 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 652 cc | 651 cc | 652 cc | 651 cc | 651 cc | 652 cc |
| Dry weight | 153 kg | 168 kg | 153 kg | 153 kg | — | 189 kg |
| Seat height | 889 mm | 870 mm | 889 mm | 889 mm | 889 mm | 871 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 23 L | 23 L | 14 L | 23.1 L | 23.1 L | 23.1 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki KLR 650?
The 1997 Kawasaki KLR 650 has a Capacity of 652.0 ccm (39.79 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki KLR 650 have?
The 1997 Kawasaki KLR 650 has a Power of 48.0 HP (35.8 kW).
How many gears does the Kawasaki KLR 650 have?
The 1997 Kawasaki KLR 650 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki KLR 650?
The 1997 Kawasaki KLR 650 has a Torque of 47.0 Nm (4.8 kgf-m or 34.7 ft.lbs).
How much does the Kawasaki KLR 650 weigh?
The 1997 Kawasaki KLR 650 has a Dry weight of 153.0 kg (337.3 pounds).
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