BMW G 650 GS vs. Kawasaki KLR650 | Salsa and Sensibility
Affordable dual-sports are a matter of taste
BMW G650GS
|
| Tech Spec | | |
| Price: $7670 | Front brake: Brembo two-piston caliper, 300mm discs | Top-gear roll-on:5.25 sec. |
| Engine type: l-c single | Rear brake: Brembo single-piston caliper, 240mm disc | Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 51/59/53 mpg |
| Valve train: DOHC, 4v | Front tire: 100/90H-19 Michelin Anakee | Colors: Black, red |
| Displacement: 652cc | Rear tire: 130/80R-17 Michelin Anakee | Availability: Now |
| Bore x stroke: 100.0 x 83.0mm | Rake/trail: 60.5 deg./4.5 in. | Warranty: 3 years, unlimited mi. |
| Compression: 11.5: 1 | Seat height: 29.5-32.2 in. | Contact:
BMW of North America
P.O. Box 1227
Westwood, NJ 07575
201.307.4000
www.bmwmotorcycles.com |
| Fuel system: EFI | Wheelbase: 58.2 in. | |
| Clutch: Wet, multi-plate | Fuel capacity: 4.0 gal. | |
| Transmission: 5-speed | Weight (tank full/empty): 451/427 lbs. | |
| Frame: Steel twin-spar | Measured horsepower: 42.5 bhp @ 7250 rpm | |
| Front suspension: 41mm Showa telescopic fork | Measured torque: 36.9 lb.-ft. @ 4750 rpm | |
| Rear suspension: Single Showa shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. | Corrected 1/4-mile: 13.77 sec. @ 94.41 mph | |
Dyno
Fuel injection is the obvious advantage here. Despite identical bore and stroke figures, the G650 stomps the KLR, pumping out 9 more horsepower in a smoother, friendlier manner. Torque is up substantially as well.
Ergos
Despite its dual-sport intentions, the GS's ergonomics are street-biased, with a short peg-to-seat distance and long seat-to-bars reach. If you're vertically challenged, the GS is for you: Its seat is 5 inches lower than the KLR's.
Kawasaki KLR650
|
| Tech Spec | | |
| Price: $5599 | Front brake: Nissin two-piston caliper, 280mm disc | Top-gear roll-on: 7.06 sec. |
| Engine type: l-c single | Rear brake: Nissin single-piston caliper, 240mm disc | Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 49/39/44 mpg |
| Valve train: DOHC, 4v | Front tire: 90/90-21 Dunlop K750 | Colors: Black, red, blue |
| Displacement: 651cc | Rear tire: 130/80-17 Dunlop K750 | Availability: Now |
| Bore x stroke: 100.0 x 83.0mm | Rake/trail: 28.0 deg. /4.4 in. | Warranty: 1 year, unlimited mi. |
| Compression: 9.8:1 | Seat height: 35.0 in. | Contact:
Kawasaki Motor Corp.
9950 Jeronimo Rd.
Irvine, CA 92618
949.770.0400
www.kawasaki.com |
| Fuel system: 40mm Keihin | Wheelbase: 58.3 in. | |
| Clutch: Wet, multi-plate | Fuel capacity: 6.1 gal. | |
| Transmission: 5-speed | Weight (tank full/empty): 435/399 lbs. | |
| Frame: Steel semi-double cradle | Measured horsepower: 33.7 bhp @ 6250 rpm | |
| Front suspension: 41mm Kayaba telescopic fork | Measured torque: 31.7 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm | |
| Rear suspension: Single Kayaba shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping | Corrected 1/4-mile: 14.48 sec. @ 83.21 mph | |
Dyno
Power isn't the KLR's forte, but it is sufficient to get the job done. Kawasaki's tried-and-true single has been in production for more than 20 years, and what it lacks in brute force it makes up for in reliability.
Ergos
An upright seating position with a commanding view of the trail ahead-that's what you want from a dual-sport. The KLR delivers with a lofty 35-inch-high seat and high, wide handlebar. If you're shorter than 5-foot-10, you'll need a stepladder.
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