I can't believe not one person has bragged on the NEW KLR650NE

W0QNX

W0QNX

Blacksheep Tribal Member
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Pensacola, FL. USA
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06/ST1300 19/R1250RT
2024 Miles
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For just $100 more than the KLR650 (plain edition?).

https://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Product-Specifications.aspx?scid=14&id=802

From Motorcycle.com website…..

Kawasaki revealed an updated version of its popular KLR650 dual-sport at the New York International Motorcycle Show. The new KLR650 isn’t exactly a full model-year replacement as Kawasaki had already announced the 2014 model; instead Kawasaki is calling it the KLR650 New Edition, offering it for a retail price of $6,599, a $100 premium over the “old edition” KLR650.

The extra Benjamin Franklin gets you new springs for both front and rear suspension, multi-contour dimpled seat and revised graphics. According to MO’s reliable sources at Kawasaki, these seemingly minor updates really do make a BIG difference in the KLR’s handling and feel. The bike handles better everywhere, dives less when braking on pavement and feels more like a dirtbike when ridden off-road.

121313-2014-kawasaki-klr650-povAccording to Kawasaki, the upgraded 41mm fork are 40% firmer springs and 27% firmer rebound damping. At the rear, the Uni-Trak linkage suspension offers a 63% higher spring rate while the rebound damping settings are 83% firmer.The rear suspension continues to offer five positions of preload adjustment and rebound damping with four levels of tuning.

The new seat is narrower and more tapered at the front, which should make for a shorter reach to the ground while maintaining its 35-inch seat height. The back of the seat however is wider and less tapered to improve rider comfort.

Otherwise, the New Edition is the same as the old KLR650, with its proven carbureted 651cc Single, five-speed transmission, broad fairing and 6.1-gallon fuel tank. Braking duties are again handled by a two-piston caliper with a single 280mm petal-type disc up front and a single-piston caliper with 240mm disc at the back. Kawasaki claims a curb weight of 432 pounds, the same as the old KLR650.

The 2014 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition will be offered in three color options: Candy Lime Green and Ebony, Metallic Flat Raw Graystone and Ebony or Pearl Stardust White and Ebony.

Source: Kawasaki

And it's been out for a month now?
 
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Not sold here in the neverlands - the KLR has been absent for a while, probably because of environmental requirements as it still has a carburated engine :-(
 
The only difference is a flatter wider seat and stiffer suspension - the two things that most people do to their KLR's. Not enough changes to crow about I guess. Now if they would increase the size to 700cc with a lighter forged piston, add a higher sixth gear, rubber mount the engine and put a 320mm front disc on it then you would have something. I did all this to mine including upgrading the suspension and seat (except the rubber mounts and sixth gear) and it has turned a basic so-so bike into a respectable adventure tourer. Great fun on the dirt and a blast on really twisty roads.

Dan
 
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Those changes should've been made in 2008. The seat on my 2008 was absolutely horrific and was replaced by a Sargent that was much better. The suspension was terrible on and off road. I still think if they made significant upgrades to the suspension, brakes and motor reliability they would have a very fine motorcycle. I could do 500 mile days on two lane roads in comfort. My KLR had a little over a 300 mile range which was nice.

If I bought another one I'd make sure I had about $1500 for upgrades first. I just don't see that happening though, especially, as I'm slowly turning my NC into my adventure bike.
Mike
 
ZIAMON said:
For just $100 more than the KLR650 (plain edition?).

https://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Product-Specifications.aspx?scid=14&id=802

From Motorcycle.com website?..

Kawasaki revealed an updated version of its popular KLR650 dual-sport at the New York International Motorcycle Show. The new KLR650 isn?t exactly a full model-year replacement as Kawasaki had already announced the 2014 model; instead Kawasaki is calling it the KLR650 New Edition, offering it for a retail price of $6,599, a $100 premium over the ?old edition? KLR650.

The extra Benjamin Franklin gets you new springs for both front and rear suspension, multi-contour dimpled seat and revised graphics. According to MO?s reliable sources at Kawasaki, these seemingly minor updates really do make a BIG difference in the KLR?s handling and feel. The bike handles better everywhere, dives less when braking on pavement and feels more like a dirtbike when ridden off-road.

121313-2014-kawasaki-klr650-povAccording to Kawasaki, the upgraded 41mm fork are 40% firmer springs and 27% firmer rebound damping. At the rear, the Uni-Trak linkage suspension offers a 63% higher spring rate while the rebound damping settings are 83% firmer.The rear suspension continues to offer five positions of preload adjustment and rebound damping with four levels of tuning.

The new seat is narrower and more tapered at the front, which should make for a shorter reach to the ground while maintaining its 35-inch seat height. The back of the seat however is wider and less tapered to improve rider comfort.

Otherwise, the New Edition is the same as the old KLR650, with its proven carbureted 651cc Single, five-speed transmission, broad fairing and 6.1-gallon fuel tank. Braking duties are again handled by a two-piston caliper with a single 280mm petal-type disc up front and a single-piston caliper with 240mm disc at the back. Kawasaki claims a curb weight of 432 pounds, the same as the old KLR650.

The 2014 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition will be offered in three color options: Candy Lime Green and Ebony, Metallic Flat Raw Graystone and Ebony or Pearl Stardust White and Ebony.

Source: Kawasaki

And it's been out for a month now?
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They need to fix the balancer chain tensioner that has plagued these bikes for decades. The upgrade is supposed to be easy. Have not done it, yet.

I just bought a 2011 KLR 650 with 2,400 miles, Sargent Seat, HT guards, hiway pegs and skid plate, PR pannier racks, Barkbusters, throttle lock and almost new Dunlop knobbies. The original tires and seat were included. Big old ammo cans are the panniers. Never crashed on pavement, been down in the dirt several times. Runs great.
$3000.00

Can buy a lot of upgrades with the price difference.
 
ZIAMON said:
The 2014 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition will be offered in three color options: Candy Lime Green and Ebony, Metallic Flat Raw Graystone and Ebony or Pearl Stardust White and Ebony.

Source: Kawasaki

And it's been out for a month now?
Click to expand...
Raymond, I have a feeling that one of these might be in your garage. So you know I have to do this.
:worthless
 
Nope, I bought a 2009 with lots of dents already installed. It's perfect for the bad roads and trails around here. I've rode it more hours this year then the ST. I think the "new editions" just hit the dealer floor last week.

Raymond
 
ZIAMON said:
Nope, I bought a 2009 with lots of dents already installed. It's perfect for the bad roads and trails around here.
Click to expand...
Your weather must be a lot better than mine. I know one thing, My DR650 is not a cold weather bike! I rode the ST 37 miles home from work Saturday. It was 27 degrees here. The Gerbings had me nice and toasty.
 
I have to say the KLR is a fantastic bike.

11088092913_9b25d2530a_c.jpg

The new model already has an upgraded suspension over the previous version so this new mod is an interesting development. Buy it! I beefed up 09 springs (front and rear) which was a significant alteration

The Doohickey on the 08 and above has been improved over the previous gen KLRs but I did the Doohickey mod anyway during a local KLR maintenance day. And while I was at it I did a cooling system modification.
 
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