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Adventure Motorcycles

2018Kawasaki KLR650

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The 2018 Kawasaki KLR 650 is a dual-sport adventure bike designed for riders seeking reliable off-road capability and long-distance touring versatility. Known for its proven dependability, manageable weight, and excellent fuel range of over 400 kilometers, it excels at tackling both paved roads and rough terrain. Its upright ergonomics and forgiving handling make it ideal for both beginners and experienced adventure riders.

Capacity: 651.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 189.0 kg
Seat height: 889 mm
Power: 42.1 HP (31.4 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2018 Kawasaki KLR650

vs the 2017

Spec	2017	2018
Power	40.0 HP (29.8 kW)	42.1 HP (31.4 kW)
Dry weight	—	189.0 kg (416.7 pounds)

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 2027

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 889mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 2018 Kawasaki KLR650, with a moderate knee angle of around 100 degrees and a slightly forward 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.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

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Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 651.0 ccm
Power: 42.1 HP (31.4 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 81 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: JKAXC.651AAB-005
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 3.45 L/100km (68.2 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 6.1 CO g/km
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2228 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 100.0 x 83.0 mm
Compression: 9.8:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Electric CDI
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, wet
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
Dry weight: 189.0 kg
Wet weight: 196.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 23.10 litres
Ground clearance: 211 mm
Oil capacity: 2.50 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Front suspension: 41mm telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Uni-Trak single-shock system with 5-way preload and stepless rebound damping
Front wheel travel: 201 mm
Rear wheel travel: 185 mm
Rake (fork angle): 28.0°
Trail: 112 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Two-piston calipers.
Front brakes diameter: 280 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Single piston
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
Front tyre: 90/90-21
Rear tyre: 130/80-17

Other

Color options: Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Matte Carbon Gray, Pearl Solar Yellow/Metallic Spark Black, Matrix Camo Gray
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	1997	2007	2017	2018	2027
Capacity	652 cc	652 cc	651 cc	651 cc	651 cc	652 cc
Dry weight	153 kg	153 kg	153 kg	—	189 kg	189 kg
Seat height	889 mm	889 mm	889 mm	889 mm	889 mm	871 mm
Fuel capacity	23 L	23 L	23.1 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

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MotorcycleDB

The 2018 Kawasaki KLR 650 motorcycle is a versatile and reliable machine that is perfect for both on and off-road adventures. Its powerful 651cc engine provides plenty of torque for challenging terrain, while its comfortable seat and ergonomic design make long rides a breeze. The bike's rugged construction and durable components ensure that it can handle whatever you throw at it, making it a top choice for adventure riders.

With its impressive performance and rugged design, the 2018 Kawasaki KLR 650 motorcycle is a top choice for adventure seekers. Whether you're tackling rough off-road trails or cruising down the highway, this bike is up for the challenge. Its reliability and versatility make it a great option for riders of all skill levels, and its affordable price point makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. If you're in the market for a capable and dependable adventure motorcycle, the Kawasaki KLR 650 is definitely worth considering.

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