For the adventurer whose sense of fun includes a jaunt into the dirt or an expedition deep into the woods, Kawasaki->ke299 has a new touring motorcycle that opens up that world to limitless possibilities.

Imagine that, right?

The Japanese motorcycle brand recently unveiled their new touring bike, the KLR 650->ke1748. Built to handle just about every imaginable terrain save for the Moon's surface, the KLR 650 is the kind of bike you'd want to take just about everywhere. It's got looks that'll make people stand up and take notice; it's got an engine that's both powerful and fuel efficient; and on top of that, it won't cost prospective buyers a fortune.

It’s a package that riders have flocked to; the KLR650 has been the best-selling dual-sport six years in a row and you only need to look and ride at this bike for a short time to find out why.

Find out more about the 2011 Kawasaki KLR 650 Dual Purpose Motorcycle after the jump.

2011 Kawasaki KLR 650

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Kawasaki KLR 650
  • Engine/Motor: Four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single
  • Transmission: Five-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior Design

Looks can be deceiving, especially if you don't play close attention. But the Kawasaki KLR 650, with its frame-mounted bodywork that includes a tall and adjustable windscreen and large shrouds, will definitely catch your attention. The bike also comes with a large rear luggage rack has enough space to fit plenty of items for the touring rider. The seats are also ergonomically-designed with plush urethane foam to make the ride as comfortable as possible. There's also a high-capacity 36-watt alternator that releases enough juice to power a high-output headlight while also having the extra capacity to power the add-on electronic gadgets that no touring rider can live without.

Gas tanks are also not a problem for the KLR 650, thanks to a huge 5.8-gallon fuel tank that can last for longer than usual distances, giving the rider enough time to enjoy his ride without worrying about looking for the next gas station. In the event the bike is resting idly, there's also an engine guard that keeps the litters away while a US Forest Service-approved spark arrestor allows the bike to travel across just about any terrain that's open to licensed vehicles.

Performance

The Kawasaki KLR 650 provides plenty of meat and bones courtesy of a single-cylinder, 651cc four-stroke engine. This all-around drivetrain has the kind of capabilities that gives off quick throttle responses with a healthy low-end grunt that's ideal for just about any terrain, be it city pavements or off-road trails.

Suspension and Brakes

Now that we've covered the car's design and powertrain, the last item of the whole set-up is the suspension and brakes of the bike. For the KLR 650, the former comes in the form of a 41mm fork with 7.9-inches of suspension travel up front to go with a Uni-Trak linkage system that's capable of 7.3-inches of wheel travel in the rear. Meanwhile, the bike's braking system comes courtesy of a dual-piston caliper gripping a 280mm petal-style disc at the front, and a 240mm petal-style disc squeezed by a single-piston caliper at the rear. Combined with the suspension package, the brake set-up turns the Kawasaki tourer into a fun, functional commuter on just about every imaginable surface it gets on.

Pricing

It's really affordable at just $5,999 so it shouldn't be a problem to buy if you're in the market for a touring bike.

Specification

Engine

Four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single

Displacement

651cc

Bore x stroke

100.0 x 83.0mm

Compression ratio

9.8:1

Cooling

Liquid

Carburetion

Keihin CVK40

Ignition

Electric CDI

Transmission

Five-speed

Final drive

Chain

Frame

Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel

Rake / trail

28 degrees / 4.4 in.

Front suspension / wheel travel

41mm telescopic fork / 7.9 in.

Rear suspension / wheel travel

Uni-Trak® single-shock system with 5-way preload and stepless rebound damping / 7.3 in.

Front tire

90/90x21

Rear tire

130/80x17

Front brake

Single 280mm petal-type disc, two-piston caliper

Rear brake

Single 240mm disc, single-piston caliper

Overall length

90.4 in.

Overall width

37.8 in.

Overall height

53.1 in.

Ground clearance

8.3 in.

Seat height

35.0 in.

Curb weight

432 lbs.

Fuel capacity

5.8 gal.

Wheelbase

58.3 in.

Color choices

Metallic Flat Raw Graystone / Ebony,Candy Plasma Blue / Galaxy Silver,Candy Burnt Orange / Galaxy Silver

Warranty

12 months


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