2012Kawasaki KLR650

47 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, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 175.5 kg
Seat height: 889 mm
Power: 42.1 HP (31.4 kW)

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What’s new for the 2012 Kawasaki KLR650

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Power	40.0 HP (29.8 kW)	42.1 HP (31.4 kW)
Fuel capacity	22.00 litres (5.81 US gallons)	23.10 litres (6.10 US gallons)

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 2012 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.: CKAXC.651AAB-008
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: 0.2399 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: 175.5 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 / 7.9 in.
Rear suspension: Uni-Trak single-shock system with 5-way preload and stepless rebound damping / 7.3 in.
Front wheel travel: 201 mm
Rear wheel travel: 185 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: 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	1997	2007	2012	2017	2027
Capacity	652 cc	652 cc	651 cc	651 cc	651 cc	652 cc
Dry weight	153 kg	153 kg	153 kg	176 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