The adventure bike, perfect for riders who want to escape it all

The modern world is a complex, somewhat bizarre place. While it’s great to be able to stay connected to loved ones around the world, there are times when we need to step away from it all. Getting out and exploring on a motorcycle is certainly one way to do this, and manufacturers seem to know this. After all, there is an adventure bike available to us in every color, shape and size.

If you really want to go off-grid, there are only a handful of bikes that are really up to the task. You definitely need something that’s capable off-road, because there’s no telling what you’ll encounter. It’s also advisable to keep it fairly simple, so that if you run into any problems, the average shade tree technician – or yourself – can fix it. This limits it even further, and we feel that the bike Kawasaki has been making since 1987 is the best fit.

In order to provide you with the most current and accurate information, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Kawasaki. While the opinions are ours.

The KLR650 Adventure ABS is perfect for riders who want to escape it all

MSRP: $8,099

In terms of use, the KLR650 Adventure is an adventure bike. But beneath its farkle-clad exterior beats the heart of a familiar dual-sport. A recent refresh in 2022 introduced fuel injection to the range, as did this adventure model. The KLR has won legions of fans around the world thanks to its durability and affordability. However, there are some equally affordable alternatives.

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is one of the most affordable motorcycles in the market. Although it does not appeal to the imagination as its predecessor, it has almost twice as much power thanks to a thoroughly modern drivetrain. It’s also significantly cheaper than the KLR, and you can easily get it for less at the same specification level.

If you’re looking for something a little more modern, the KTM 390 Adventure R is a great option. It may not be as proven as the KLR, but it offers a long list of features that you just won’t find on any of the other bikes competing in this field. If you’re willing to sacrifice a little off-road prowess in the name of on-road comfort, then the Honda NX500 is definitely worth a look. It’s been around for centuries – previously called the CB500X – and has proven to be exceptionally reliable.

A bulletproof Thumper powers the KLR650

Power: 40 hp

Fuel injection isn’t usually touted as a “new feature,” but in the case of the venerable KLR, it really is quite new. Since the powertrain was introduced in the 1980s, there have been few updates. There’s a good reason for that too, because there was no need to fix anything that wasn’t already broken. The only real problem these bikes have had over the years is something colloquially known as the ‘doohickey’. This “doohickey” is actually the countershaft lever. Its mechanical function is to maintain tension on the counterbalance chain. This was eventually addressed in the 2022 update.

Those not so good vibrations

Although they are almost metronomically reliable, large singles are rarely used in street bikes due to the amount of vibration they have. With its adventure motorcycle pretensions, Kawasaki has added rubber mounts all over the KLR, yet it still shakes like a paint shaker at highway speed. Unfortunately, this is something you have to accept as part of the deal. Long stints on the highway are certainly within the realm of possibility, but all you need to do is stop a few times to reduce fatigue.

The KLR650 Adventure can really go anywhere

One of the KLR’s biggest assets is its off-road capabilities. At its core, this is still a simple dual-sport with decent ground clearance, long-travel suspension and a certain ruggedness that lets you tackle almost any terrain with confidence. It’s definitely not the lightest bike in the world, and it will take some effort and proper technique to lift it, but you won’t have too much trouble if you drop it or take a tumble.

The wear-resistant plastics don’t deform easily, and a few battle scars even make it look better. If something breaks, it is cheap and easy to replace. But that’s not why you would buy a KLR. You’d buy this bike primarily for travel, and with its side cases, fog lights and crash protection, it’s fully equipped for exploration straight from the factory. The one feature Kawasaki doesn’t mention in its brochure is the built-in community these bikes come with. There are so many helpful owners ready to give advice if you’re in trouble, which is an underrated part of the ownership experience.

Although he can go most places, he doesn’t go anywhere fast

The KLR is truly the ass of the motorcycle world. It literally takes you everywhere, but you don’t get there very quickly, and certainly not at ease. A tough bike like this will only appeal to a certain kind of rider who is willing to accept it for its flaws. Ultimately, this is a motorcycle that is deeply compromised, but if you’re looking for a motorcycle that can leave the world behind, this is it. It will actively encourage you to take the road less traveled. It will also force you to slow down and take in your surroundings. It doesn’t matter if you’re just driving it down a local fire road or through the Darién Gap, it’ll get you to your destination, and that’s exactly why it’s so easy to love.

Chassis, suspension and weight specifications