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Adventure Motorcycles

2023Kawasaki KLR650

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The 2023 Kawasaki KLR 650 is a versatile middleweight adventure bike designed for both on-road and off-road exploration. Its reliable 652cc single-cylinder engine delivers steady torque ideal for varied terrain, while the proven platform appeals to riders seeking affordable, low-maintenance adventure touring capabilities. Known for durability and practicality, it suits beginners and experienced riders alike exploring diverse riding conditions.

Capacity: 652.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 189.0 kg
Seat height: 871 mm
Power: 40.0 HP (29.4 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage 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 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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 871mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with tip-toe one foot on the 2023 Kawasaki KLR650, with a moderate knee angle of around 95 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: 652.0 ccm
Power: 40.0 HP (29.4 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 116 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: PKAXC.652AAA-017
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 4.94 L/100km (47.6 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 4.5 CO g/km
Torque: 53.0 Nm (5.4 kgf-m) @ 4500 RPM
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2116 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 100.0 x 83.0 mm
Compression: 9.8:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Electric CDI
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, wet
Spark plugs: NGK DPR8EA-9, NGK DPR8EIX-9

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-disc manual clutch
Sprockets: 15/43 (front/rear)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1539 mm
Overall length: 2281 mm
Overall width: 970 mm
Overall height: 1466 mm
Seat height: 871 mm
Dry weight: 189.0 kg
Wet weight: 206.9 kg
Fuel capacity: 23.10 litres
Ground clearance: 210 mm
Oil capacity: 2.50 litres
Carrying capacity: Aluminum rear carrier

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Tubular, Semi-Double Cradle
Front suspension: 41mm telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Uni-Trak single-shock system with 5-way preload and stepless rebound damping
Front wheel travel: 200 mm
Rear wheel travel: 185 mm
Rake (fork angle): 30.0°
Trail: 122 mm
Fork tube size: 38 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Two-piston calipers. Optional ABS.
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Single piston. Optional ABS..
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
ABS: Optional
Front tyre: 90/90-21
Rear tyre: 130/80-17
Brake fluid: DOT 4
Tire pressure front: 22 PSI (1.5 Bar or 150 kPa)
Tire pressure rear: 29 PSI (2 Bar or 200 kPa)

Other

Color options: Pearl Storm Gray, Pearl Solar Yellow, Candy Lime Green
Warranty: 12
Comments: Small windscreen. ABS adds 4.4 lbs.
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

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	2023	2027
Capacity	652 cc	652 cc	651 cc	651 cc	652 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	871 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 2023 Kawasaki KLR 650 is a versatile, affordable, and dependable motorcycle that offers a smooth ride on both pavement and dirt roads. Its 651cc single-cylinder engine provides ample power for both experienced riders and beginners, making it a popular choice for adventure touring and off-road riding. With a comfortable seating position and long-travel suspension, the KLR 650 is well-suited for long distance rides and exploring rugged terrain.

One of the standout features of the 2023 Kawasaki KLR 650 is its impressive fuel efficiency, allowing riders to cover more ground without constantly needing to refuel. The bike's straightforward and rugged design make it easy to maintain and customize to suit individual preferences. With its proven reliability and all-around performance, the KLR 650 is a solid option for riders looking for a capable and affordable dual-sport motorcycle.

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