Adventure Motorcycles
2012Kawasaki KLR 650
37 fields on record
The 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 is a versatile dual-sport motorcycle designed for adventure riders seeking genuine off-road capability combined with highway comfort. Its lightweight 196 kg frame, 23-liter fuel tank, and commanding ground clearance make it ideal for long-distance exploration on mixed terrain. Best known for reliability and accessibility, it appeals to both beginners and experienced riders seeking an affordable, practical adventure companion.
- Capacity
- 651.0 ccm
- Engine
- Single single, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 196.0 kg
- Seat height
- 889 mm
- Power
- 42.1 HP (31.4 kW)
What’s new for the 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650
vs the 2011| Spec | 2011 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 651.00 ccm (39.72 cubic inches) | 651.0 ccm (39.73 cubic inches) |
| Power | 40.0 HP | 42.1 HP (31.4 kW) |
| Weight | 196.0 kg (432.0 pounds) | 196.0 kg (432.1 pounds) |
| Fuel capacity | 21.95 litres (5.80 gallons) | 23.10 litres (6.10 US gallons) |
| Rear brakes | — | Single disc |
| Wheelbase | 1,481 mm (58.3 inches) | 1481 mm (58.3 inches) |
Other years
1987
1988
1989
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2011
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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
- 651.0 ccm
- Power
- 42.1 HP (31.4 kW)
- Engine type
- Single single, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2148 HP/kg
- Bore x stroke
- 100.0 x 83.0 mm
- Compression
- 9.8:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- Electric CDI
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
- Clutch
- Wet multi-disc manual clutch
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1481 mm
- Overall length
- 2296 mm
- Overall width
- 960 mm
- Overall height
- 1349 mm
- Seat height
- 889 mm
- Wet weight
- 196.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 23.10 litres
- Ground clearance
- 211 mm
- Dry weight
- Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
- Front suspension
- 41mm telescopic fork / 7.9 in.
- Rear suspension
- Uni-Trak single-shock system with 5-way preload and stepless rebound damping / 7.3 in.
- 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
- 240 mm
- Front tyre
- 90/90-21
- Rear tyre
- 130/80-17
Other
- Color options
- Red/gray, black/gray, blue/white
- Warranty
- 12
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 | 2006 | 2012 | 2017 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 652.00 ccm (39.79 cubic inches) | 651.00 ccm (39.72 cubic inches) | 651.00 ccm (39.72 cubic inches) | 651.00 ccm (39.72 cubic inches) | 651.0 ccm (39.73 cubic inches) | 652.0 ccm (39.79 cubic inches) |
| Dry weight | — | 168.0 kg (370.4 pounds) | 152.9 kg (337.0 pounds) | — | — | 189.0 kg (416.7 pounds) |
| Seat height | — | 870 mm (34.3 inches) | 889 mm (35.0 inches) | 889 mm (35.0 inches) | 889 mm (35.0 inches) | 871 mm (34.3 inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 23.00 litres (6.08 gallons) | — | 23.08 litres (6.10 gallons) | 23.09 litres (6.10 gallons) | 23.09 litres (6.10 gallons) | 23.09 litres (6.10 US gallons) |
| Color options | — | — | Kawasaki Lime Green, Aztec Red | Red/gray, black/gray, blue/white | Candy Persimmon Red, Metallic Matte Carbon Gray, Matrix Camo Gray | Metallic Matte/ Old School Green, Pearl Crystal White/ Metallic Carbon Gray |
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 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 has a Capacity of 651.0 ccm (39.73 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki KLR 650 have?
The 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 has a Power of 42.1 HP (31.4 kW).
How many gears does the Kawasaki KLR 650 have?
The 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki KLR 650 weigh?
The 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 has a Wet weight of 196.0 kg (432.1 pounds).
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