KLR 650 Facts

I am still waiting for JPJ Perlis to return Registration Card, Road Tax and the stack of original documents.. without them, i am not allowed to ride my KLR650.. Meanwhile, i wanna share history and facts of Kawasaki KLR 650 (from Wikipedia)..

The Kawasaki KLR650 is a dual-purpose intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads. It has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception.

The KLR650 is heavier than specialized off-road dirt bikes, but it can handle most conditions when ridden carefully by a skilled rider. Its 4-stroke DOHC dual-counter balanced, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine develops a claimed 44 hp at the crank; typical measurements at the rear wheel are 35 horsepower. Typical fuel economy is 5.2–3.9 L/100 km. It has a claimed 22.1 liter fuel tank. The KLR is widely used as an inexpensive adventure/touring bike. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips.. also the dry weight is 337 lb (153 kg)..

Changes on 2008+ Model:

New fairing design, new instrument panel, redesigned handlebar control switches, new bar-end weights, revised powerband, revised suspension has reduced travel but with less static sag, new rear swingarm, new turn signals, larger petal-style vented brake rotors, new twin-piston rear brake caliper, increased radiator capacity, fork diameter increased from 38 to 41 mm, new headlight similar to that used on the Kawasaki Ninja 650R, larger luggage rack, firmer seat, larger-diameter wheel spokes. Stator "alternator" upgraded to 17 A output, providing an additional 36 watt capacity.

2009: New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption. Back to single-piston rear brake caliper. 

The KLR 650 has been used by the US Marine Corps (USMC) since 1999. If the Marine uses the KLR650, there's nothing can go wrong with it..

HooRahh!!!

My Previous Bikes

My first bike was Yamaha YZF-R6.. it was my first bike (600cc, in-line 4).. i could not believe to own it as i never owned a bike until the R6 was the first.. bought the blue R6 in year 2000 when i was studying at Sussex University, UK.. i was only 19 years of age that time and i had a tough time to insure the bike as in UK, to own a superbike must be 21 years old and above.. there were few insurance companies would insure me but it came with a huge price tag for 3rd Party coverage (fooken GBP 2,100.00 !!!)

I sold the bike in 2002 as it was not safe for me to keep it.. the place where i was staying in Brighton, didn't have a proper parking place and the bike was exposed to be stolen.. there was a night when my Leo Vince titanium slip-on exhaust was stolen.. the next day, i noticed someone even tried to cut the chain lock.. finally, i decided to sell the bike rather than losing it..

My second bike was Honda RC51 aka SP1.. i bought it in 2005.. it's powered by 1000cc V-Twin HRC engine.. RC51 is such a torquey bike! it's a rare bike and won WSBK (ridden by Colin Edwards) and AMA Superbike (ridden by Nicky Hayden), that's how it became famous.. I loved the RC51 so much but i had to sell her after 2 years of riding it as i was starting up my own business..

The RC51 was fully modified and loaded with Akrapovic Titanium Full-Exhaust System, Ohlins front suspension, Ohlins steering damper, Ohlins rear shock, Brembo front brake pump, full light-weight carbon fibre fairing, etc...

My third bike was Aprilia Pegaso Strada (650cc, Single-cylinder).. bought in September 2008 but used it for less than 2 months!! sold it as i got fooken furious with local Aprilia management (Motomilia).. also, the quality of the bike is absolutely POOR (broken exhaust pipe after 1800km on mileage, problem with front tank compartment, inaccurate speedo/mileage, high fuel consumption, etc) !! BOOOO!!

And soon, Kawasaki KLR 650 will be my fourth bike.. HooRahh!!!