KLR650: The Fuel-Injected Adventure Returns

For decades, the Kawasaki KLR650 has reigned supreme as the quintessential do-it-all motorcycle, a true workhorse equally at home on bustling city commutes as it is traversing continents. Since its initial release in 1987, this touring-hungry dual-purpose machine has carved out a legendary status, celebrated for its remarkable versatility, impressive carrying capacity, and an engine known for its efficiency and robust nature. Riders have long cherished its comfortable, all-day ergonomics and a generously sized fuel tank that promises extended journeys between fill-ups. The KLR’s inherent ability to tackle both tarmac and challenging off-road excursions with its 21-inch front wheel and ample suspension travel has cemented its place in the hearts of adventure enthusiasts worldwide. For the 2022 model year, Kawasaki has introduced a significant transformation that promises to elevate this beloved icon even further, addressing one of the most anticipated updates: the adoption of modern fuel delivery.

The Long-Awaited Arrival of Fuel Injection

The question on every KLR enthusiast's lips for years has finally been answered: Does the 2022 KLR650 have fuel injection? Indeed, it does! This is arguably the most pivotal upgrade for the latest iteration of the KLR650, marking a monumental shift from the carburetted system that had defined the model for over three decades. Despite Kawasaki having utilised fuel injection technology in other motorcycles since the early 1980s, it has taken until now for this crucial advancement to make its way to the venerable 652cc single-cylinder engine of the KLR650. The introduction of a new Keihin throttle body, equipped with a 10-hole fine atomising injector, precisely sprays 60-micron fuel droplets into the cylinder. This sophisticated system delivers more precise and efficient fuel/air ratios, leading to several tangible benefits for the rider.

Firstly, the new fuel injection system significantly enhances the bike's reliability. Gone are the days of finicky carburetors that could be sensitive to altitude changes or require meticulous tuning. The KLR650 now offers consistent, crisp throttle response, regardless of elevation. During testing, the fueling was flawless, performing without a hitch from nearly 10,000 feet down to sea level. Secondly, it drastically improves fuel efficiency, working in tandem with the KLR's already impressive 23-litre (6.1-gallon) fuel tank to extend the range between fill-ups. Kawasaki has even redesigned the fuel tank, optimising the fuel pump's position at the lowest point to minimise residual fuel volume, effectively reducing the "unusable" fuel from over 0.3 gallons to a mere 0.1 gallons. This means more usable fuel for those long-haul adventures. Lastly, this technological leap ensures the new KLR650 meets stringent modern emissions requirements across various global markets, including Australia, Canada, Thailand, and the U.S., making it a more environmentally conscious choice without compromising its legendary capabilities.

Engine Refinements and Power Delivery

While the core of the 2022 KLR650 remains its reliable 652 cm3 (652cc) four-valve, liquid-cooled, DOHC single-cylinder engine, Kawasaki has implemented several internal refinements beyond just fuel injection. The engine is designed to produce a flat power curve, ideal for navigating trails and cruising highways with ease. To complement the new fuel injection, the intake and exhaust cam profiles have been revised, and the exhaust diameter has been reduced from 42.7mm to 35mm. These changes are engineered to deliver improved mid-range power, making the KLR even more tractable in varied riding conditions. An O2 sensor and catalyzer are also integrated into the exhaust system, ensuring the KLR exhales as cleanly as possible and adheres to contemporary emission standards.

Further internal updates include revisions to the clutch, transitioning from ball bearings to more robust thrust needle bearings, along with revised third gear dogs and shift forks. A new finishing process on fourth and fifth gears is also said to aid in overall durability. Despite these enhancements, the KLR650 retains its five-speed transmission, a characteristic that has remained largely unchanged since its inception. While some riders might wish for a sixth gear for extended highway cruising, the current setup remains adequate for the KLR’s intended purpose. One persistent point of discussion among KLR enthusiasts is the "doohickey" – the balancer chain tensioner. While the plate component of this system was made more robust in the 2008 redesign, the spring itself was often too long, failing to maintain adequate tension on the chain. Kawasaki indicates that the tensioner remains largely the same from the Gen 2 era, suggesting this known issue has not been fully resolved despite a more robust cam chain guide.

Chassis and Handling: A Sturdier Foundation

The 2022 KLR650 also benefits from significant chassis updates, aiming for increased stability and carrying capacity. The semi-double cradle frame, renowned for its toughness, now features a rear frame integrated with the main frame, forming a one-piece unit. This addresses a common weak point in older KLRs, where subframe bolts could fail under heavy off-road use or when carrying substantial loads. While this enhances strength for carrying capacity, it's worth noting that many adventure riders prefer bolt-on subframes for easier replacement in the event of a severe off-road tip-over. Kawasaki has also beefed up the axles and the swingarm pivot bolt, further contributing to the bike's overall stability and robustness.

The geometry of the KLR has been tweaked to enhance its long-distance comfort and stability. The rake has increased from 28 degrees to 30 degrees, and the trail has grown to 4.7 inches from 4.4 inches. Additionally, the swingarm has been extended by 30mm (1.18 inches), resulting in a longer wheelbase of 60.6 inches (up from 58.3 inches on the previous model). These changes collectively contribute to a more planted feel, particularly at higher speeds and when laden with luggage. While this might not make the KLR a corner-carving machine, it solidifies its role as a stable and reliable touring platform. Ground clearance stands at 8.3 inches, which is respectable for an adventure bike, though riders should still be mindful of the vulnerable drain plug when tackling rough terrain.

Suspension and Braking: Balancing Performance

Suspension on the 2022 KLR650 sees subtle but important changes. The front features a 41mm leading axle hydraulic telescopic fork, offering 7.9 inches of travel. This fork remains static, without adjustability. At the rear, the Uni-Trak linkage suspension provides 7.3 inches of movement and is adjustable for both preload and rebound. These suspension settings have been fine-tuned to complement the updated frame setup, aiming for a balanced ride. In practical terms, while the KLR is capable off-road, it doesn't take extreme speeds over rough terrain to bottom out the suspension, a point riders should consider.

Braking performance has also received an upgrade. The front wheel now features a larger, single 300mm disc (up from 280mm) squeezed by a two-piston caliper, while the rear is managed by a 240mm disc (thickened by 1mm) and a single-pot unit. For the Australian market, both the KLR650 and KLR650 Adventure models come standard with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), offering an added layer of safety. It's important to note that if you choose an ABS-equipped model, the system can only be disabled by pulling a fuse, which might be a consideration for dedicated off-road enthusiasts. Despite the larger rotor, the braking performance has been described as "modest," suggesting that while improved, it remains adequate rather than exceptional.

Comfort and Ergonomics: The KLR Experience Refined

The KLR650 has always been praised for its all-day comfort, and the 2022 model further refines this aspect. Kawasaki has fine-tuned the handlebar and foot-peg positions, moving them 10mm outwards to promote a more relaxed riding posture. The new seat, combined with rubber mounts for the handlebars, footpegs, and seat, significantly reduces vibrations, making long journeys more pleasant. The redesigned windscreen, fairing, and cockpit area provide enhanced shelter for the rider, effectively shielding from windblast even at higher motorway speeds. The new windscreen is also two-position adjustable, offering almost two inches more height than the outgoing unit, and can be further raised by 1.2 inches in its higher setting, albeit requiring four allen bolts to adjust.

While the 34.3-inch seat height is somewhat tall, the KLR's neutral ergonomics are immediately apparent, contributing to its reputation as a supremely comfortable dual-sport machine, surpassing competitors like the Suzuki DR650 and Honda XR650L in touring comfort. However, some ergonomic quirks remain. The rubber-mounted footpegs, while excellent for quelling highway vibrations, were noted by test riders as a detriment off-road due to their flex, giving a sensation of potentially sliding off. More rigid, aggressive footpegs would be a recommended aftermarket upgrade for serious off-roaders. Additionally, the side stand has been shortened by 1.2 inches, which can make parking a precarious situation at times.

Tech Upgrades and Practicality

The 2022 KLR650 embraces modern technology with an all-digital instrument panel, replacing the old analogue gauges. This large, easy-to-read LCD screen provides essential at-a-glance information, including speed, odometer, trip meters, clock, and a fuel gauge, along with various indicator lamps. However, a tachometer and temperature gauge are notably absent, which some riders might miss. A convenient accessory bar above the display, just behind the windscreen, allows for easy mounting of GPS devices or other accessories.

Electrical capacity has also seen a significant upgrade. The KLR now uses a more modern sealed battery and features an AC generator with a robust 26A output, providing a total of 80W of power available for accessories. This is a welcome improvement for riders who rely on heated gear, auxiliary lighting, or charging electronic devices on their adventures. The new LED headlight, which shares its design with Kawasaki's Z line-up, is impressively bright on its own and, when combined with auxiliary lights, performs exceptionally well for nighttime riding.

Models and Accessories: Tailoring Your Adventure

For the Australian market, Kawasaki offers two versions of the 2022 KLR650: the standard KLR650 and the KLR650 Adventure. Both models come standard with ABS, providing enhanced braking safety. The KLR650 Adventure variant builds upon the base model by adding a suite of practical accessories, making it even more ready for extended tours straight from the showroom floor. These additional features include:

• Lockable panniers (21-litre plastic side cases, lightweight at just 5 lbs each, with an option for a one-key system using the ignition key).
• Fog lamps (LED auxiliary lights for improved visibility).
• Frame sliders (often referred to as crash bars, offering protection in the event of a tip-over).
• DC and USB sockets for convenient charging of electronic devices.
• A tank pad for paint protection.

Kawasaki also offers a comprehensive range of genuine accessories for both models, allowing owners to further customise their KLR650 to suit their specific needs. These include grip heaters for cold weather riding, a low seat option for shorter riders, a top box, and additional frame sliders, DC, and USB sockets.

KLR650 Model Comparison (Australian Market)

Riding Impressions: Still the KLR You Know and Love?

Despite the multitude of changes, the overriding sentiment from test riders is that the 2022 KLR650 remains, at its core, a KLR. The sum of its small changes adds up to the familiar experience that Kawasaki’s adventure machine has always delivered: adequate performance coupled with a steadfast resolve to get the job done reliably. It’s not a powerhouse designed to compete with the current middleweight adventure class, and comparing it to them would only lead to disappointment. Instead, the KLR excels at what it has always been: a low-cost, simple, and incredibly versatile adventure bike.

The neutral ergonomics, despite the somewhat tall seat height, immediately convey a sense of comfort. Torque off idle is plentiful, making it easy to manage in slow-speed situations or light off-road. On the motorway, touring comfort is bountiful; the windscreen and fairing provide excellent protection from windblast, even during extended periods at high speeds. The added weight, largely due to the fuel injection system and emissions equipment, is carried well, making the KLR feel planted both on and off-road. On long stretches of gravel, the bike remains stable whether seated or standing. While its modest power delivery means breaking the rear loose for slides is limited to the loosest surfaces, the KLR impresses with its predictable traction and quick recovery.

The Dunlop K750 tyres, in 90/90-21 front and 130/80-17 rear, proved to be excellent all-terrain performers, consistently surprising riders with their grip in gravel and silty conditions. The KLR’s true appeal shines through in its ability to be both fun off-road and comfortable enough to get you there without feeling spent. It’s an easy bike to ride, perhaps the easiest adventure bike, period. Its simplicity, low price point, and the model's enduring popularity mean there’s a vast aftermarket of accessories that will likely still fit the 2022 model, allowing for endless customisation.

The KLR's Enduring Appeal: Why It Matters

The Kawasaki KLR650 has become a legendary motorcycle for very clear reasons: its unwavering simplicity, low cost of entry, and remarkably affordable ownership. In a market increasingly dominated by complex, high-performance adventure bikes, the KLR continues to fill a unique niche, offering a no-nonsense, go-anywhere machine that doesn't break the bank. It represents the purest form of an adventure bike – a vehicle designed for exploration, reliability, and sheer riding enjoyment without unnecessary frills.

The 2022 KLR650, with its long-overdue addition of fuel injection and a host of other thoughtful improvements, has managed to evolve without losing its soul. It retains the character that has endeared it to a dedicated following for decades, ensuring it remains the ultimate companion for those who seek adventure on two wheels, whether it's a quick trip to the shops or a multi-country expedition. It manages. It always manages. Off-road, on-road, and whatever in between, the KLR650 is easy.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 KLR650

Q1: Is the 2022 KLR650 a completely redesigned motorcycle?

A1: While the 2022 KLR650 has received numerous significant upgrades, most notably the addition of fuel injection and a redesigned chassis, it largely retains the core character and single-cylinder engine layout that has defined it since the 1980s. It’s an evolution, not a radical departure.

Q2: How does the fuel injection improve the KLR650?

A2: The new fuel injection system offers increased reliability, especially at varying altitudes, more precise fuel delivery for enhanced efficiency, and helps the bike meet modern emissions standards. It provides more consistent and crisp throttle response compared to the previous carburettor.

Q3: Is ABS standard on all 2022 KLR650 models?

A3: In the Australian market, both the standard KLR650 and the KLR650 Adventure models come with ABS as standard. In other markets (like the US), ABS might be an option on base models or standard on specific trims like the Traveler.

Q4: Has the infamous "doohickey" issue been resolved in the new model?

A4: While the balancer chain guide is more robust, Kawasaki indicates that the tensioner spring, which was the primary cause of issues with the "doohickey" (balancer chain tensioner), remains largely the same as the Gen 2 era. Many owners may still consider aftermarket upgrades for this component.

Q5: Is the 2022 KLR650 heavier than its predecessor?

A5: Yes, the 2022 KLR650 is heavier, with the base model weighing 210kg (463 lbs), which is 16kg heavier than the outgoing model. The Adventure model weighs 222kg (489 lbs). Much of this added weight is attributed to the fuel injection system and required emissions equipment.

Q6: Can I take the 2022 KLR650 off-road?

A6: Absolutely. The KLR650 is designed as a dual-purpose machine with a 21-inch front wheel and ample suspension travel, making it highly capable for off-road excursions. Its robust frame, ground clearance, and all-terrain tyres allow it to confidently tackle gravel roads, trails, and light off-road challenges, making it a true adventure partner.

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