Kawasaki Unveils New KLR650 S Model For Shorter Riders
A new version of the KLR makes it more comfortable to reach the ground.
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
| Engine | 4-Stroke, single cylinder, DOHC |
| Displacement | 652cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 100.0 x 83.0mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel System | DFI w/40mm Throttle Body |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Transmission | 5-speed, return shift with wet multi-disc manual clutch |
| Final Drive | Sealed Chain |
| Maximum Torque | 39.1 lb.-ft. @ 4,500rpm |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | 41mm telescopic fork/ 6.7 in |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | Uni-Trak® single shock with adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload/ 7.0 in |
| Front Tire | 90/90-21 |
| Rear Tire | 130/80-17 |
| Front Brakes | Single 300mm disc with 2-piston calipers (and ABS) |
| Rear Brakes | Single 240mm disc with single-piston caliper (and ABS) |
| Frame Type | Tubular, Semi-Double Cradle |
| Rake/Trail | 29.5°/4.6 in |
| Overall Length | 88.8 in |
| Overall Width | 38.2 in |
| Overall Height | 56.3/54.9 in (screen hi/lo) |
| Ground Clearance | 7.3 in |
| Seat Height | 32.1 in |
| Curb Weight | Non ABS: 456.2 lb / ABS: 460.6 lb* |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.1 gal |
| Wheelbase | 59.6 in |
| Color Choices | Pearl Storm Gray, Candy Lime Green |
| Warranty | 12 Months |
| Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional) | 12, 24, or 36 months |
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Now on my shopping list
Wow Kawasaki really out did themselves. What’s next? A tire update?
But did they fix the dohicky
The doohickey is a myth. I’ve owned 2 KLRs with a combined 100K miles on them. Never did the doo because it never needed doo-ing. Most KLR riders have never heard of it and never have a problem. Those that did probably caused the problem.
It’s about time, I have a 2015 v strom 650 adventure and 2014 v strom 1000 , I will sale the 650 and for sure get a low klr
Thanks
Ben
I have been looking at a KLR650 for about 15 years. I was excited when Kawi decided to bring it back. Unfortunately I had an accident on I-90 in 2012 when we hit a patch of black ice on a small overpass. We rolled the pickup between 8 and 10 times. We were doing the speed limit. My wife and I were ejected and due to the drop off of the embankment we had a 35’ drop to the ground. My wife of 26 years was killed by her head hitting the A post before she was ejected. I pretty much broke everything on my right side and all my ribs except for two. I also fractured 15 vertebrae including 1,3 & 4 in my neck. My skull was fractured from my left eye socket to the base of my skull in the rear. I also had 3 shearing injuries in my brain. It took me 4.5 years to recover. I’m 1.5 inches shorter now and due to the way my pelvis and hip healed my right leg has issues trying to plant my feet solidly down when I’m riding. I have set on the new version of the KLR650 and I couldn’t get it stable enough for me to be safe. This version will let me get around that issue and I will be buying one next spring. This has just made my day!
Very sorry to hear about your horrific accident and losing your wife. Hopefully this bike will be great for you.
Amazing, this is definitely a bike I’ll consider, I currently have a 2016 digital camo now. Being a short rider my options have always been limited and expensive modifications to accommodate my height. 5”4’. Thanks Kawasaki
About time someone took notice that there is short riders out there, thank you kawasaki. Cheers Bev
I think you have it backwards. You should have made one for taller riders. I’ve owned my 2004 KLR650 since 2010 for fact that it’s honestly the most reliable motorcycle on planet, but for someone like me who is 6ft4 its a tad small. That’s the problem with motorcycles,being made mainly for small riders.
will the klr 650 be coming to the uk market