The Gen 1 (first generation) KLR650 might be one of the best used-bike buys in its category, and maybe some others as well.
“Re-Cycling” is a new series highlighting great bikes–and buys–of the past.
Call it a dinosaur, a pack mule, a two-wheeled Jeep??the KLR650 is all of these and more. Kawasaki?s biggest dual-sport has probably been around the world as many times as any two or three other types of overland vehicles combined, and has done it while also proving itself to be one of the most rugged and budget-friendly commuters and trail bikes ever made.
There are people who will tell you that the KLR is slow, its suspension is crude and its front brake is a joke. These people are all telling you the truth. The liquid-cooled 651cc single?s leisurely climb to redline won?t leave you hanging onto the handlebar for dear life, but there?s enough torque to get you past a semi on the highway, or pull you out of mud or sand on a rutted cow trail. It doesn?t seem to mind droning along the Interstate for hours, either, although you might, especially on the stock seat. Forget that complicated fuel-injection foolishness; the KLR gets its fuel through your basic carburetor clamped to the DOHC four-valve head. Dashboard is as sparsely appointed as the rest of the bike. Speedo, tach, water temp and three indicators tell you all you need to know. No fancy digital stuff here, just needles and lights.
The chassis is a nearly a museum piece, with a simple damper-rod fo...