Mid year through 2014 the Kawasaki KLR650 is getting a bit of a revamp
From http://www.roadrunner.travel/:
According to Kawasaki the front fork springs are now 40-percent stiffer with rebound damping now 28-percent firmer. Out back the percentage growth is even higher with spring rate climbing 63-percent and rebound damping 83-percent firmer. These changes should result in improved ride and control over varied terrain as well as a higher load capacity.
Also new for 2014.5 is a multi-contoured seat. Tapered at the front, this new throne should afford shorter riders a better reach to the ground. The seat widens toward the rear to maintain comfort. There will also be updated paint and graphics to differentiate the New Edition.
Is this model going to be available in NZ? Sounds like they have ticked ALMOST all of the boxes. No “Doohickey” fix, still needs engine guards, better handlebar, bark busters and maybe a better bash plate.
As far as I can tell it’s a worldwide update, but you may have to wait till existing stock is sold through before Kawasaki NZ get any new stock with the updates.
I was at the Mystery Creek Fieldays yesterday and there was a combined Kawasaki NZ/Dealer stand and they had the KLR650 New Edition on display, and the dealer I spoke to started that it was available here.
Have own one for more than 6 months now, great bike and appreciate the adjustments Kawasaki made as required little extra expenditure to make it good, no suspension mods or new seat needed here
18 months now, Still a great bike (fitted a few bits by now to tweek it a bit)
Fits the bill well for 90% of my ADVriding needs
I am seriously thinking of getting a 2016/17 klr650, just wanted to know are the thermobob and the doohickey still an issue on this bike?
Hi,
In my opinion, the the thermo-bob was never needed.
Details are here: https://klrramblers.wordpress.com/2016/07/25/thermo-bob/
The doohickey is more sturdy on the new edition. I did not change mine.
Andrew
Hey Andrew, Thanks for the info, I’ll check out the link you gave me.
Another question if I may, How do you find the bike, is it as reliable, generally good at all things as I have head?
Adam.
Agree, don’t need those things (unless of course you get bored)
KLR is great all rounder and from from 2014/5 they came stock a lot better set up (harder suspension and better seat)
Thanks Mark, the more I look at it the better suited to what I want out of a bike the KLR seems.