After the return of the faithful KLR650 last year, Kawasaki has just unveiled a new variant for 2023 called the KLR650 S. The new model was unveiled today at the INTERMOT motorcycle show and receives several different configurations targeted to help enhance the rider’s reach to the ground.

One of the main changes the KLR650 S receives is a lowered suspension with dedicated settings. Up front, the 41mm forks offer 6.7” of suspension travel – down from 7.9”. To accommodate the change, the fork spring rate and damping force have been tuned for optimized bump compliance and bottoming resistance while also reducing front-end dive under heavy braking. On the rear, an adjustable Uni-Trak system brings suspension travel down from 7.3” to 7.0”, complementing the new front fork settings. 

In addition, the Uni-Trak rear suspension tie-rod length has been increased by 4mm, optimizing the swingarm’s initial down angle. Similar to the forks, the rear shock spring rate and damping force have been tuned specifically for the lower suspension of the KLR650 S, which helps resist bottoming in rough terrain and accommodates heavy loads. Rear spring preload and rebound damping adjustments allow riders to fine-tune suspension settings to suit the riding conditions and rider’s preference. 

Accompanying the lower suspension settings is a new lower overall seat height. Specifically, the seat thickness has been reduced by 35mm and the urethane inside of the seat has been optimized for comfort and reduced fatigue when out on long adventures. The new low seat, paired with the lower suspension, produces an overall seat height that is 2.3” lower than that of the standard KLR650. 

Also updated on the KLR650 S was the shortening of the side stand length by 30mm to accommodate the new height and ensure ease of use when sitting. Additionally, the gap between the shifter and the footpeg has been increased by 15mm to improve the ease of toe entry and the toe’s degree of freedom around the shifter. This results in enhanced shifter usability for various foot sizes.

KLR650 S HIGHLIGHTS:

• NEW Lower front and rear suspension
• NEW 4mm longer tie-rod
• NEW Spring rates and suspension valving
• NEW Low seat
• NEW Shifter and footpeg positioning

Besides the changes mentioned above, the new S variant carries over all of the same features of the Gen-3 KLR650 platform, including its fuel-injected 652cc single-cylinder engine, multi-functional digital instrumentation panel, high-tensile double-cradle frame, and LED headlight. Kawasaki does mention that the fuel tank design has been fitted to the KLR650 S chassis, “offering a natural fit with the rider’s knees for comfort and controllability.”. And like the standard model, the fuel pump draws from the very bottom of the tank increasing usable volume and contributing to a long cruising range.

Availability and Pricing

The new 2023 KLR650 S is available now with an MSRP of $6,899 USD for the non-ABS model and $7,199 for the ABS equipped one, which is the same as the standard KLR650’s pricing. The Pearl Storm Gray colorway will be available for both models, whereas Candy Lime Green will only be available for the non-ABS KLR650 S.

2023 KLR650 S Specs