1988Kawasaki KLR650

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The 1988 Kawasaki KLR 650 is a versatile single-cylinder dual-sport designed for adventure-minded riders seeking reliable, off-road capability combined with highway competence. Known for its bulletproof 652cc engine, lightweight handling, and genuine go-anywhere character, it excels as an affordable entry point into adventure touring and backcountry exploration.

Capacity: 652.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 153.0 kg
Seat height: 889 mm
Power: 48.0 HP (35.3 kW) @ 6500 RPM

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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 889mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 1988 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.

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 652.0 ccm
Power: 48.0 HP (35.3 kW) @ 6500 RPM
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
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-disc manual clutch

Performance

Top speed: 154.0 km/h (95.7 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: 189.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 23.00 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: 130/80-17

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	1988	1997	2007	2017	2027
Capacity	652 cc	652 cc	652 cc	651 cc	651 cc	652 cc
Dry weight	153 kg	153 kg	153 kg	153 kg	—	189 kg
Seat height	889 mm	889 mm	889 mm	889 mm	889 mm	871 mm
Fuel capacity	23 L	23 L	23 L	23.1 L	23.1 L	23.1 L