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.

Also updated on the KLR650 S was the shortening of the side stand length by 30mm, contributing to the lowered seat height and ensuring ease of use when sitting in the seat.

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. Fitted with a new low seat, the seat thickness has been reduced by 35mm and the urethane inside of the seat has been optimized for comfort and to reduce fatigue when out on a long adventure. The KLR650 has long been known for its comfortable, upright riding position, and for 2023 the KLR650 S has been fine-tuned to deliver an easier reach to the ground with a lower overall seat height. A large-diameter front and rear wheel axle contribute to both durability and handling. The front and rear tires are tube types, facilitating roadside repairs. The KLR650 S comes equipped with a 21” front wheel and 17” rear wheel that allows riding to continue even when the paved road ends. Models with and without ABS are available and the ABS offers additional rider reassurance when riding on low-friction surfaces. Similar to the front, the rear disc shape is round. On the rear brakes, the thick disc design provides excellent heat dissipation when under heavy braking. The round disc adds to its tough appearance. Together, the front fork and rear shock settings complement each other for light, sharp handling on smooth roads while providing the capability needed off-road.Ĭomplementing the KLR650 S motorcycle’s powerful engine is a large 300mm front brake disc that delivers substantial braking power. Rear spring preload and rebound damping adjustments allow riders to fine-tune suspension settings to suit the riding conditions and rider’s preference. 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. The Uni-Trak tie-rod length has been increased by 4mm, optimizing the swingarm’s initial down angle. The fork spring rate and damping force have been tuned specifically for the KLR650 S, providing excellent bump compliance and bottoming resistance while also reducing front-end dive under heavy braking.Īn adjustable Uni-Trak system with 7.0” of suspension travel can be found on the rear and complements the new front fork settings. Up front, the 41mm forks offer 6.7” of suspension travel to meet the demands of both on and off-road riding. The KLR650 S model features lowered front and rear suspension with settings that have been optimized to help facilitate a comfortable reach to the ground while retaining the same excellent KLR650 performance.

NEW Spring rates and suspension valving.

Accompanying the lower suspension settings is a new low seat, updated shifter-to-footpeg distance, and shorter side stand. For 2023, the KLR650 S receives lowered front and rear suspension with dedicated settings that help enhance the rider’s reach to the ground yet retain the excellent handling and comfort characteristics of the KLR650. The new KLR650 S is built off of the reputable and reliable KLR650 platform and carries over all of the same great features, including its fuel-injected 652cc single-cylinder engine, multi-functional digital instrumentation panel, high-tensile double-cradle frame, and LED headlight. Whether it’s long distances or making the daily commute, this adventure-hungry on-and-off-road machine offers the versatility and toughness required to accommodate adventure. The legendary dual-sport lineup returns better than ever and now features seven different model configurations. ENVY.Īfter the return of the widely popular and all-new KLR650 last year, Kawasaki expands its KLR650 motorcycle lineup by introducing the KLR650 S model. Kawasaki Press Release: 2023 KAWASAKI KLR650 S ESCAPE. But leaving off the new-fangled brakes drops the price to $6,899 and opens up the Candy Lime Green color option. We’d go for the ABS version if it were us, in Pearl Storm Gray, for $7,199. That takes the seat down to 32.1 inches, says Kawasaki, on a 460-pound moto ready to ride including 6.1 gallons of gas. Its price and performance always assured the KLR was widely available to a huge swath of dual-sport enthusiasts (along with just plain motorcycle enthusiasts): Now it’s even more broadband, thanks to a seat height that’s 2.3 inches lower via shortened and revalved suspension front and rear, combined with a resculpted seat: S for short. Is the Killer 650 the longest-running Japanese motorcycle? I think it is, and it doesn’t count that Kawasaki dropped it from the line-up for a year or two.

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