2024 Kawasaki KLR650 S Review | Motorcycle Test

Kawasaki KLR650 S 2024 Motorcycle Review

Kris Hodgson’s test. Image Linda Read

The Kawasaki KLR650 got an update a few years ago that sent the internet into a frenzy. Kawasaki did the unthinkable and gave the bike a minimal update to modernize it, including ABS, LED headlights, and EFI, while adding 44 pounds to the bike. No, that’s not $20,000, that’s 44 pounds.

Instead of a ‘new’ adventure bike, we’ve got a nearly-old KLR from the 80s, priced at just $11,000. There’s no chasing the adventure trend of the month, just a modern take on a bike that’s been around for a long time. In a way, that makes sense.

Now we have the KLR650 S, where the S clearly stands for ‘Short’, or maybe ‘Small’…

The KLR650 S is a factory-lowered version of the popular off-roader, dropping the seat height from 870mm to 815mm, sacrificing suspension travel to achieve that height, along with a few other minor tweaks.

Remember, the KLR650 S is a LAM, despite its big single-cylinder engine, and one of the most accessible ADVs around, even with a kerb weight of over 200kg and 23L of fuel on board. And despite its reduced height, there’s still over 170mm of suspension travel at each end.

While the KLR may seem a little dated, it’s actually an incredibly capable machine and I can almost say I prefer the S model to the fully equipped ‘Adventure’ version I tested a few years ago.

Here’s why…

The KLR650 S drops the seat height, cuts some suspension travel, and also lowers the bike’s center of gravity in a way that helps with handling and overall feel, making it a little less top-heavy. Some of that height is in the seat, but some of it is in the suspension.

The 815mm seat height is a bike that’s easy to jump on, not that the KLR is a small bike by any means. It’s still quite wide, but the rear end is quite low to get your legs over.

‘The bars curve towards you and aren’t too high, although they’re quite wide. And you’re hidden behind a nice screen that you can manually adjust. The dashboard and controls are simple but functional.

That screen also doesn’t completely block air from reaching your chest, which should help prevent overheating in sweaty ADV conditions. This is really a bike for cyclists. Nothing extra or necessary.

Of course, around 40 horsepower isn’t much even for a more powerful LAM, but just over 50 Nm is enough to get the bike going. I even found myself having to push the clutch quite hard to get it moving because there was a bit of bottom-end thrust.

The KLR has a tractor-like engine, with a big single motor that idles fast and rumbles up to speed, before finally smoothing out when you push it hard enough. Want to cruise down the highway at 75mph? No problem. There’s no tachometer, but you can upshift five gears surprisingly well.

I often find myself looking for a different gear after a year, and the ratios feel like one gear is too hard to accelerate and another gear is too low at around-town speeds, but once I get used to riding the bike as it is, rather than as I want it to be, it really doesn’t matter. Those ratios make more sense on fire trails and some of the overgrown fields I’ve found.

It feels like a two-wheeler, only that big single operates at lower rpm, and the bike accelerates from very low rpm. Remember, there’s no tachometer. And the space to read the gear indicator on the dashboard is just… empty.

Commuting around town? No worries. Torque is good and the KLR can certainly handle more mundane commuting duties during the week, while you wait to have some fun on the weekends.

The lower seat makes it easier to put your feet down and the bike is also a little lower on the suspension, which helps with handling a little better, but at the cost of a slightly less comfortable ride.

I was a little unsure about that compromise at first, but after spending some time on the KLR650 SI, I really like the setup. I can still cruise down a gentle fire trail with ease, and even tackle more extreme speed bumps with ease, while over nice bitumen turns the KLR remains firm and stable.

If your roads are really rough or you’re into more extreme off-road riding, then the standard KLR with its extra 200mm of suspension travel is definitely the way to go.

At very low speeds on the road the car feels a bit boat-like, and the front end tends to sway a bit, however this disappears as you accelerate a bit.

Standing on gravel or grass is a breeze, this bike is well designed and gives you confidence where you really want to go.

Exploring uncharted terrain is certainly not something to be afraid of on the KLR S, making it a great choice for beginner adventure bike rides.

For more information check out Kawasaki Motor Australia website (link).

I like the Kawasaki KLR650 S because…

• This is a simple but effective invention from the past.
• Will pull the tractor through almost anything.
• Low seat and shorter travel make for easier and more controlled riding.

I would prefer the Kawasaki KLR650 S if…

• Please give me a more comfortable seat!

Kawasaki KLR650 S 2024 Specifications

Kawasaki KLR650 S 2024 Collection