Long-awaited 2022 KLR650 Motorcycle Released!

Many adventure moto riders will argue a KLR650 is the best choice for a round-the-world motorcycle: you’re likely to find Kawasaki parts in most countries, and few manufacturers can compete with the KLR’s low price. Not that any of us want our round-the-world steeds stolen, but if your KLR is highjacked, you’re only out about $7,000 versus $15,000-20,000 with other brands.

Updates to the 2022 model will make the new 650 even more desirable for long-distance riders, including optional ABS and fuel injection—a big improvement for fuel-efficiency, and ideal in cold conditions or for high-elevation travels. Various parts have been updated to help with luggage-carrying confidence and reduced vibration. New suspension settings were added to the front and rear, and the fuel tank has a larger usable volume capacity.

This new ADV competitor looks to be a great improvement from older models. Is the 2022 KLR 650 your new adventure partner?

kawasaki KLR 650 black

Below is Kawasaki’s press release fresh from the digital world of motorcycles. This release is unedited, other than for length.

Press Release, January 27, 2021—For 2022, Kawasaki welcomes the return of the widely popular and critically acclaimed all-new KLR®650 motorcycle to its lineup. The legendary dual-sport bike is back and better than ever, refined and ready to make new memories. Featuring new technology you’ve been waiting for, and the same reputable reliability, the KLR®650 is ready for your next expedition. Whether it’s traveling long distances or making the daily commute, this adventure-hungry, on-and off-road machine offers the versatility and toughness required to accommodate any adventure.

The all-new KLR650 features a new LED headlight, is available with optional ABS, provides a terrific riding position for all-day riding comfort and boasts plenty of carrying capacity. For 2022 the KLR650 motorcycle will also be available in two new special edtions featuring a number of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories including side cases, engine guards, LED auxililary light set, and more.

kawasaki KLR 650

kawasaki KLR 650 spoke wheels

2022 KLR650 HIGHLIGHTS

  • NEW Fuel Injected 652 cc Single-Cylinder Engine
  • NEW Multi-Functional Digital Instrumentation With Fuel Gauge
  • NEW LED Headlight
  • NEW Bodywork including fuel tank
  • NEW Larger Front Disc And Optional ABS
  • NEW Greater Wind Protection and Styling
  • NEW Increased Carrying Capacity
  • NEW Updated Clutch
  • NEW Low Maintainence Battery

kawasaki KLR 650 luggage

kawasaki KLR 650 panniers kawasaki KLR 650 dash

 

kawasaki KLR 650 front kawasaki KLR 650 windshield

COLORS

The 2022 KLR650 is available in Pearl Sand Khaki and Pearl Lava Orange. The KLR650 ABS is available in Pearl Sand Khaki. The KLR650 ADVENTURE model is available in Cypher Camo Gray and the KLR650 TRAVELER model is available in Pearl Lava Orange.

kawasaki KLR 650 sand kawasaki KLR 650 lava orange

MSRP

KLR650 – $6,699

KLR650 ABS – $6,999

KLR650 TRAVELER – $7,399

KLR650 ADVENTURE – $7,999

kawasaki KLR 650 2022

ABOUT KAWASAKI

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

 

You can find the rest of the specs and more details on the Kawasaki website.

Prefer something with four-wheels? Here’s a link to Kawasaki’s two newly released side-by-sides.

 

Our No Compromise Clause: We carefully screen all contributors to make sure they are independent and impartial. We never have and never will accept advertorial, and we do not allow advertising to influence our product or destination reviews.

Heather Lea has traveled to over 60 countries, 40 of which were on a BMW F 800 GS during a 708-day round-the-world motorcycle adventure with now-husband, Dave Sears (Trip Blog: Riding Full Circle). Heather has been a freelance writer for over twenty-five years and a book and magazine editor for more than fifteen. Aside from Expedition Portal, her stories can be found in Overland Journal, Canadian Geographic, Kootenay Mountain Culture, and Canadian Alpine Journal. She loves doing anything in the backcountry, including backpacking, four-wheel-driving, ski touring, and climbing. Heather is a Canadian now living in Bellingham, WA. Find her on Instagram @writer_heather_lea or on Facebook @heatherleawriter.