2005 Kawasaki KLR Review

Intro

The 2005 Kawasaki KLR 650 is essentially the same motorcycle it was when it was first introduced in 1987. In fact, Kawasaki never made any major upgrades to it until the 2008 model year. Perhaps the Japanese manufacturer’s theory was, why mess with success. The KLR 650 is the top-selling dual purpose bike in the world, and has been for the last seven consecutive years, Kawasaki bragged in its introduction to the 2012 KLR 650. It is capable of riding calmly across town or down a trail, through a forest or across continents in all sorts of terrain. The KLR 650 is a popular choice for adventurers who are riding a motorcycle around the world. A 6.10-gallon gas tank is standard, making long distance trips feasible. Also standard is a large rear rack that can hold luggage needed for a long trip. The KLR 650 comes with a spark arrestor, which is required by the U.S. Forest Service for riding on forest trails. Major parts for the KLR 650 are made in Japan and assembled in Thailand.

The KLR 250 is the other model available in 2005. It has a 2.9-gallon gas tank that should see riders on the trail for perhaps 50 miles at a time, though official gas mileage estimates are not available. Riders say the KLR 250 is fun to ride, even if you’re only riding from home to a trail. The KLR 250 has universal tires that allow both types of riding. Both the KLR 250 and 650 frames are made from the same high-tensile steel that Kawasaki uses in its KX series of motocross bikes. Both models come in only one color, what Kawasaki calls Aztec Red.

New For 2005

  • Not applicable as the 2005 KLR 650 is a carryover from an earlier model year.

2005 Kawasaki KLR Specs

  • Model: KLR 650
  • Engine Type: Single cylinder, four-stroke
  • Bore and Stroke: 100.0 mm x 83.0 mm
  • Compression ratio: 9.5:1
  • Valve Train: Double overhead cam
  • Induction: Keihin CVK40 carburetor
  • Ignition: Electronic CDI (capacitor discharge ignition)
  • Transmission: Manual, five-speed
  • Final Drive: O-ring drive chain
  • Fuel Capacity: 6.10 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: not available
  • Brakes (Front): Single hydraulic disc
  • Brakes (Rear): Single disc
  • Suspension (Front): Telescopic fork, with adjustable pre-load
  • Suspension (Rear): Uni-Trak twin sided swing arm, with adjustable rebound damping and spring pre-load
  • Wheelbase: 58.9 inches
  • Rake: 28.0°
  • Trail: 4.4 inches
  • Seat Height: 35.0 inches
  • Curb Weight: 337 pounds
  • Tires (Front): 90/90 SR21 tubed
  • Tires (Rear): 130/80 SR17 tubed

Accessories

  • Vinyl saddlebags
  • Handgrips, various styles
  • Vinyl tail bag
  • Vinyl tank bag
  • High windscreen

Key Competitors For The 2005 Kawasaki KLR

  • 2005 KTM 640 LC4 Adventure
  • 2005 BMW F 650
  • 2005 Honda XR 650
  • 2005 Husaberg FE 650
  • 2005 Aprilia Pegaso 650