2009 Kawasaki KLR™ 650
User Reviews
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Get Off The B10 Path
By (I am an Owner) on Jun 15, 2014Buying a klr650 was one of the best motorcycling decisions i have ever made. The bike lives up to everything i ever read about it and at the price on a new, but year old model - it was practically a throw away price and the value since riding it off the showroom floor - incredible!
I bought ... this bike for adventure tripping and the first one out of the gate started in Ohio into upstate NY to Letchworth State park for a bi-plane flight over the gorges and falls then dropping down into Pennsylvania to Wiiliamsport the day after the little league World Series and on to Gettysburg to roll through the battlefields in order to appreciate what our great nation has come through to get where we are. after that it was a series of twisties shooting down into Maryland just to add a state, running into West Virginia and wrap our trip riding some amazing roads through eastern Ohio before ending the 1300 mile ride back in Columbus.
mods: my mods were mild, adding two single port chargers for phone, gps, etc. Moto expandable soft bags and a recon tail bag for all my clothes and gear. Chatterbox was used to coordinate communication, gps, music while on the go and stops were when and wherever we felt like it.
The bike performed stellar in all areas with the exception of the stock seat. Power is solid and strong and though the bike can get buffeted on the small,stretches of interstate due its light weight, all you need to do is jump on the throttle and push through it. Mileage, even with a full load was 50 mpg avg for me and let me spend my money on what I wanted versus dumping it in the tank.
All around a great commuter, off road ability to see a road and go explore, with styling that kicks the competitions butt on looks.
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Good Bike for the money!
By (I am an Owner) on Oct 01, 2010I have had this bike for 1 year now and have had it on and off road. Does great on both and is extremely reliable. I am 6 foot 1 and 250 and it feels comfortable and has enough power; not great power but enough. The only negative thing I would say is, it gets a bit buzzy (vibrations)on the highway ... at about 70mph.
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09 KLR,,
By (I am an Owner) on Sep 14, 2010I have over 11,000 miles on mine,,tires make all the difference to this bike in the way it rides in the dirt. will not do jumps but will hold 75-80 all day no problem as i drove from Fla. to NC. loaded down with side , tank bags and sleeping bag and 24 can cooler 40 mpg was about the best i could ... get. for 5 grand out the door its the best bike youll ever find.
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None better, really!
By (I am an Owner) on Jul 05, 2010If you want a bike that can do it all and can't afford a 15k dollar KTM 990, here you go.
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Good bike, but weak on power
By (I am an Owner) on Apr 29, 2010I just became the owner of a new 2009 KLR 650. A friend of mine rode it down from Denver to my home in Nicaragua, so it is well broke-in. My only complaint is the weight-to-hp ratio..... about equal to a 1968 Honda 90. Other than that, it's a sweet bike (so long as you mostly stay on pavement ... or decent dirt roads).
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Excellent bike for the price
By (I am an Owner) on Apr 12, 2010No it won't rip a 1/4 mile in a couple of seconds and no it won't jump tall buildings, but it is a capable bike for on and off road.
4,000rpm = 55 MPH with a redline at 7,500.
55MPG
Tank range 250+ to reserve for me.
I'll take versatility and range ... over power.
I just rode through a rain shower and the plastic did a good job of keeping me dry. The screen keeps the wind off my chest for longer rides.
I don't know that I would want to drop the bike - even in a car-park with all that plastic. I'm getting engine guards.
I have had older KLR's. The have upgraded 50 items including brakes, power band, seat, plastics etc
Same neutral steering, but the handling is a little sweeter.
This bike will be used to cross the country - via the occasional dirt road.
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1st Dual Sport...and what a pleasent surprise.
By (I am an Owner) on Dec 02, 2009I traded my 2004 Honda VTX 1300c for this wonderful bike. I read and read all that I could to make certain that this was "the" bike for me. I am 72 years young and I can not express the fun I've had riding the KLR by shedding some 200+ #'s vs the Honda. I have always owned Honda Motorcycles...and ... have always had good service from them. I have only put 900Mi on this bike and so far love everything, with one exception...the seat height. But I have at lease two options to correct that minor problem. Kawi has really built some bike in the KLR 650 and has for years! The '09 is a fine representation of a legion in this class...
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09 kawa 650 klr
By (I am an Owner) on Nov 02, 2009I had an '85 KLR 250, the first one! made, 1985. Very good bike, kick start, would go 70 mph on fwy, with me 230 lbs on it!!! I have had many bikes since 1965. Today I bought an 09 KLR 650 I know it will be a great bike! Havent even ridden it yet bought it without riding it! I know Japanese ... bikes! Great bikes!! Hop over curbs etc
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GREAT first bike.
By (I am an Owner) on Oct 21, 2009This bike is my first bike, i'm 6 feet and 230 lbs, I havent ridden many other bikes but, this bike has enough torque to wheelie and catch up to, and pass most cars. You won't be ahead of a zx-6r but it's a little less powerful than the ninja 650r. If you want this bike to shine though, put some ... avon gripster tires and handlng and performance are dramatically improved, especially off road. I also added a acerbis front fender for less wind resistance and the vance and hines xcr exhaust so it'll get a little extra power and a beautiful sound. Overall this thing is very reliable and powerful enough for a first bike. When compared to other dual purpose bikes, there is no better value out there.
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Nice bike but.....
By (I am an Owner) on Oct 18, 2009The bike has been very reliable, smooth ride, nice handling on the oiled road, but the power is not there.
Off road is scary on this bike. I don't mean gravel roads or dirt roads I mean trails. The bike is way too high geared for trail riding and too heavy for this enviroment.
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If you want a bike for the highway and mild gravel or dirt roads its hard to beat for the price. If you think your going to hit the trails on this bike you better think again.
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Still undecided
By (I am an Owner) on Sep 20, 2009Ive just come back from my second big off-road trip, both thru the deserts of western australia, first was thru to ayers rock (2000kms) and the second, done solo, was about 1600kms on dirt to mt augustus.
Both occasions the bike suffered from bolts and nuts coming loose, prodigously. ... The rear gear plate nearly fell off, and the 2 bolts supporting it thru the top (not the 2 main side screws) have lost their screw and simply cannot be tightened.
I also blew something in the cooler system, and lost all my coolant, cause still yet to be determined. My rear indicators have both fallen out.
Engine has yet to miss a beat, but robustness is an issue I beleive. Whilst the long distances on tracks are an issue, the track quality was expcetional, with speeds over 130km/hr consistently.
Not having owned a KTM or some such , its hard to make a comparison. But I am seriously thinking about trying another bike, one whereby i dont need to spend eveneings bolting the thing back together again.
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VERY NICE BIKE FOR TH E BUCK...
By (I am an Owner) on Sep 03, 2009This is my first dual sport,I love the bike.power is ok, remember its only a single 650.very easy to ride turns on a dime,very light.will go about 100 mph.what else can i say about a around $5700.and get over 50 mpg.
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Great Bike
By (I am an Owner) on Aug 16, 2009Had been off bikes for almost 9 years and so glad to be back. This is my first new bike but not me first enduro. I have owned in the past 3 Honda Xl's. So I really researched and read everything I could find on best endure for me! I included this site in my research and apprciated the other reviews, ... so after owning my 09 for 6 months and having put on over 6000km I feel I can accurately give a review. I will start with negatives because the list is sooo short. With out a doubt I expected a brand modern 650 to more power. The engine is strong don't get me wrong - it will take you where ever you want effortlessly - great in town and off road but highway and passing power is lame for a modern motorcycle. Mind you if you are comparing enduro to enduro the KLR's engine power is average and has a bit more power then my 90's XL's. But according to so many articles, magazines, websites and owners this motor is quite bullet proof and has a track record of easily achieving 100 000 km and more and is easy to work on yourself. That to me was even more important then power. Second complaint is much smaller and I was well aware of from reading but this is a HEAVY bike especially off roading the 23 l tank alone. This enduro is diffently tilted more for road and fire trails. But having said that believe me this bike can go almost any where a dirt bike can just with alot more effort, time, and falls. Invest in nerf bars. Great on gas- once broken in can easily get over 400 km per tank.
The great things about the bike is to me endless. Fabulous ride and adjust ability, very secure on the road, tons and tons and tons of accessories (so you can make it your own) never seen a bike with so many awesome add ons. The fun factor is off the chart, nothing like riding a machine that will happily and comfortably cruise for hours on the highway at 75-80 mph, then with as must gusto jump off at the first sign of a trail along the road. It looks great especially the black - remove all those ugly stickers and it gets even better. It is simple and easy to work on. Powerful brakes for an enduro - no woories about stopping. Quite little vibrations for a single but nerf bar add ons amplify it though. Super Value. Happpy hunting - I hope this helps.
I seriously could on and on. If you are seriously considering an enduro / on road off road style motorcycle this is a serious machine. If you really want to be off road ALOT then the Suzuki Dr 650 is lighter and less plastics to potently break. For me I am realistically 45% highway, 40% city, 15% off road. This bike is a awesome value, lowest sticker price yet you get the only liquid cooled (outside of the almighty KTM models) , a full updated bike, good wind protection, top brakes, super reputations with a great following. All with a price that can not be beat.
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new 2009 klr 650
By (I am an Owner) on Jul 29, 2009i have had mostly enduro bikes, a few cruisers. my last bike is a 1989 xt 600.this klr is getting broke in,the power is getting better, the seat more comfortable. i have put trunk,saddle and tank bags on the bike. this really adds to the use. if your under 6' tall this may not be the bike for you, ... its tall.at first the bike seems a little top heavy,but even with a full tank of gas i don't notice it now. its fun and i recomend it. enjoy!
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Great bike
By (I am an Owner) on Jun 23, 2009Power is mild, enough to stay ahead of trafic, but not enough to get in trouble.
Comfort is excellent, might want to spring for an aftermarket windshield if your around 5'10"-5'11" as the stock windshield creates a tonne of turbulance at your neck.
Change the oil at ... regular intervals and it should run forever.
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Impressive
By (I am an Owner) on Jun 09, 2009I have recently purchased a black 2009 KLR 650. I have been riding on/off bikes since a very young age and am extremely impressed with this bike.
It is the heaviest bike I have owned, but its impressive high speed handling and overtaking power has left no doubt in my mind that this was a ... great purchase. Good going Kawasaki!!
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Good things come to those who wait!
By (I am an Owner) on Jun 04, 2009I just purchased the 2009 KLR 650 in Black w/ green highlites. I have been riding kawi's since my 85' KX 80. I had a few older honda cruisers years ago and finally just got my first brand new bike. After studying the KLR 650 in great detail since the 08' redo I finally bought one mid may of 09'. ... What a bike! Just as advertised, it is smooth on the street, great brakes, suspension, adequate power, and good handling. Comforatable too. My wife and I both enjoy riding together and after one week and 150 miles, I am ready for a full season of fun. If your on the fence, get one, you won't regret it.
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It just got better!
By (I am an Owner) on Apr 30, 2009This is my second KLR650 in a row! I put 25000k on my 2004 and loved it so much I bought a 2009. I seems that they fixed most everything that I didn't like on the 09. I have riden for more than 40 years and I couldn't say how many bikes I've owned. The 09 KLR is an awsome bike for a great price. ... If you think a single cylinder bike just won't cut it, think again!
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It's a nice bike...
By (I am an Owner) on Apr 08, 2009This is my first KLR. Actually it is my first dual sport bike ever. This bike is comfortable, reliable, and extremely fun to ride. Oh yeah, and the gas mileage is as great as I was told about the klr before buying. The only complaint I have about this bike is the power. When I first rode it ... I was worried because it felt so gutless. I was used to riding a CBR, so I attributed some disappointment to the change in motorcycle. After break-in, it became slightly more 'throaty' and it feels now like the power has gotten better. At low speeds in the mountains, the power delivery is very strong and consistent, so the torque is pretty decent. On the highway it feels a little weak, but keeps up with highway traffic just fine. I have no problem doing 75-80 on the freeway, and the handling is exceptional. The acceleration doesn't match the CBR, but that is an obvious statement.
Overall, the bike is comfortable, has 'good-enough' power delivery (post break-in), has exceptional handling, and is extremely fun to ride. The gas mileage is wonderful of course. And the price is excellent. A really good buy.
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Awesome bike!
By (I am an Owner) on Mar 18, 2009I recently purchased a 2009 klr 650. I wish the windshield was a little taller but other than that, i have no complaints.
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