Kawasaki didn’t reinvent the wheel when it reintroduced the KLR650 in 2021. Despite a three-year hiatus and the dual-sport/adventure market modernizing with every model year, the big thumper returned with a five-speed transmission and the same low-tech electronic suite. On the other hand, Team Green replaced the KLR’s carburetor with electronic fuel injection (EFI), added LED lighting, and offered new ABS options.
That prudent approach may have kept the KLR650 on the simple side, but it kept the dual-sport affordable as well. Customers can easily use those savings to kit out the KLR before or after purchase. In the U.S., Kawi presented the slightly revised platform in three different flavors. The Traveler trim increases the carrying capacity with a top case, improves convenience with a DC socket, and enhances safety with ABS.
