KIWI RIDER FEBRUARY 2021 VOL1 | Page 15

KAWASAKI ’ S OLD DOG IS BACK WITH NEW TRICKS

T he Kawasaki KLR650 returns as a 2022 model with a host of updates to keep the legendary Kawasaki traveller around for a long time yet . It ’ s long been rumoured to be in the works , and now Kawasaki has finally revealed the longawaited new KLR650 as a 2022 model . New Zealand is in line to receive the new ABSequipped KLR650 in mid-2021 in the “ Pearl Sand Khaki ” colour scheme , while the up-specced Adventure variant ( which adds panniers , fog lamps , frame sliders , tank pad , and DC and USB sockets from the factory ) is due to arrive later this year . Pricing for the new KLR is yet to be confirmed , but Kawasaki NZ told the motoring press in an email that “ the 2022MY overhaul ticks the all-important emissions and ABS boxes all while keeping an extremely competitive price point .” Those upgrades build upon the solid base that is the previous second-generation KRL650 and drag it kicking and screaming into this millennium . Starting with the engine , Kawasaki has bucked the industry trend of moving to a parallel-twin engine and kept the 652cc single-cylinder heart of the KLR . However , the engine has been heavily upgraded and re-tuned for the addition of EFI . A 10-hole fine-atomising injector contributes to air-fuel mixing for efficient combustion .

Revised intake and exhaust cam profiles improve mid-range power and torque characteristics . A stronger cam chain guide material and shape add to the increased reliability ( something owners have long complained about ). Kawasaki has also reduced the exhaust pipe diameter by 7.7mm to improve mid-range torque characteristics to better suit everyday riding . Incredibly , the five-speed gearbox remains but Kawasaki says they have also made refinements to improve shifting feel and reduce weight . In the clutch and transmission , the clutch release bearings were changed from ball to thrustneedle bearings , the gear dogs and shift fork have been revised on third gear , and a new finishing treatment is now used for fourth and fifth gears . The overall weight of the KLR650 is still on the heavy side with the bike tipping the scales at 210kg in its base trim , while the KLR650 Adventure with its added crash protection and luggage tips the scales at 222kg . Pulling all that to a stop is an updated brake system which will feature ABS in most markets , however , it is not yet clear whether this is a switchable system or Kawasaki ’ s “ off-road ABS ” as seen in the KLX230 . While the frame remains the tried and true unit of ages past , the subframe has been integrated with the frame to increase
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