2013 Kawasaki KLR Review

For most of the last decade, the Kawasaki KLR 650 has sat atop the industry sales charts in the dual-sport category, and there is reason why. It has been carefully designed to be the adventurer’s tool of choice, delivering fuel efficiency, cargo-carrying capabilities, and effective wind protection, so that adventurous riders need only pick their course and hit the road - or dirt.

The KLR 650 offers all of the comfort and agility as other bikes but with a higher level of comfort without compromising all the fun. This bike takes all of the best elements of Jekyll and Hyde: it’s comfortable and smooth around town, but on the dirt and muddy terrain, the grit comes out and it handles itself fairly well. And speaking of comfort, with a long-range fuel capacity translating into a long day in the saddle, good wind protection is a must. This is handled by the frame-mounted bodywork, which includes a tall windscreen and large shrouds. Rider comfort is enhanced further by the seat design and plush urethane foam. A high-capacity 36-watt alternator pumps out enough juice for a high-output headlight and has the extra capacity to power the add-on electronic gadgets that no touring rider can live without.