jump in price isn ’ t particularly severe and the KLR650 remains an affordable option for the adventure-minded rider .
UPDATES Starting with the frame , Kawasaki has replaced the problematic subframe , which had a tendency to break its mounting bolts with heavy touring loads . This is now welded to the frame so this should improve reliability ( so long as you don ’ t bin the bike and damage it ). The engine has received a slew of updates as well , with the most prominent being the switch to a Keihin EFI system . Fuelling is quite good , with the best , bit in my book , being the ease of which the big single now comes to life . While other countries will get the option of a
KLR without ABS , NZ models only come in ABS guise . The new ABS regulations appear to have worked in Kawasaki ’ s favour , as they ’ ve killed off the KLR ’ s primary competition – Suzuki ’ s topselling DR650 ( the other notable big capacity adventure single ). The ABS isn ’ t switchable , which is a real shame as I think it might put a few people off , particularly in the NZ market . The KLR ’ s cockpit has had a total redesign as well , with the analogue gauges replaced with a digital display that offers all the usual info , except a tachometer or gear position indicator . It does , however , offer a fuel gauge for the massive 23-litre fuel tank for the first time . The plastics have all been revised with the exception of the front fender , which carries over
100 KIWI RIDER