The KLR650 is Kawasaki’s long-running single-cylinder dual-sport, and for 2027 Kawasaki USA lists three versions: the KLR650, the lower KLR650 S and the KLR650 Adventure ABS (see the KLR650 range page). This article covers the standard 2027 KLR650 and compares it with the KLR650 S. It’s a spec-based overview, not a ride review: every figure is copied from Kawasaki USA’s 2027 KLR650 page, checked on 22 October 2026.
2027 Kawasaki KLR650 at a glance
| US MSRP | $6,999 (non-ABS); $7,299 (ABS) (base MSRP as listed by Kawasaki on 22 Oct 2026; destination charge $685 extra) |
| Engine | 4-stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 652cc |
| Maximum horsepower | 40 hp @ 6,000 rpm (ISO 4106) |
| Maximum torque | 39.1 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Seat height | 34.3 in |
| Curb weight | 460.6 lb (ABS), 456.2 lb (non-ABS) |
| Fuel capacity | 6.1 gal |
| Source | Kawasaki 2027 KLR650 |
2027 Kawasaki KLR650 price
Kawasaki lists the 2027 KLR650 at $6,999 base MSRP without ABS and $7,299 with ABS, plus a $685 destination charge (MSRP as listed by Kawasaki on 22 Oct 2026). The KLR650 S is listed at the same prices. The only listed color for the standard model is Metallic Spark Black.
2027 Kawasaki KLR650 specs
Engine and drivetrain
| Engine | 4-stroke, single cylinder, DOHC |
| Displacement | 652cc |
| Bore x stroke | 100.0 x 83.0mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Maximum horsepower | 40 hp @ 6,000 rpm (ISO 4106) |
| Maximum torque | 39.1 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Fuel system | DFI® with 40mm throttle body |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Transmission | 5-speed, return shift with wet multi-disc manual clutch |
| Final drive | Sealed chain |
| Electronic rider aids | Anti-lock Brake System (ABS only) |
Chassis
| Front suspension / wheel travel | 41mm telescopic fork/7.9 in |
| Rear suspension / wheel travel | Uni-Trak® single shock with adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload/8.0 in |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tire | 130/80-17 |
| Front brakes | Single 300mm disc with 2-piston caliper (and ABS) |
| Rear brakes | Single 240mm disc with 2-piston caliper (and ABS) |
| Frame type | Tubular, semi-double cradle |
| Rake/trail | 30.0°/4.8 in |
Dimensions and weight
| Overall length | 89.8 in |
| Overall width | 38.2 in |
| Overall height | 57.7/56.3 in (screen hi/lo) |
| Ground clearance | 8.3 in |
| Seat height | 34.3 in |
| Estimated dry weight | 416.6 lb (ABS), 412.1 lb (non-ABS) |
| Curb weight | 460.6 lb (ABS), 456.2 lb (non-ABS) |
| Fuel capacity | 6.1 gal |
| Wheelbase | 60.6 in |
| Special features | All-digital multi-function instrumentation, Adjustable windscreen, Hand guards, Rear carrier |
Kawasaki’s curb weight includes all fluids and more than 90 percent of a full tank. Its horsepower figure is measured to ISO 4106, which Kawasaki says can read higher than SAE methods.
Who the KLR650 suits
The KLR650’s spec sheet is about range and simplicity rather than performance: a 6.1 gal tank (the biggest in this comparison), a single-cylinder engine with a five-speed gearbox, a 21-inch front wheel, hand guards and a rear carrier as standard, and no electronics beyond optional ABS. That suits riders who want a road-legal bike for long gravel routes, back roads and commuting, and who value a low price and a simple machine over power or rider aids. It’s tall (34.3 in) and, at 460.6 lb curb with ABS, much heavier than a small dual-sport such as Yamaha’s XT250, which our seat height guide lists at 291 lb wet. Our adventure vs dual sport vs enduro guide explains where a dual-sport like this sits, and whether it’s street-legal and how it’s titled is something to check with your state DMV.
Strengths and trade-offs (from the spec sheet)
- Range. 6.1 gal of fuel capacity.
- Price. $6,999 is $4,000 less than the Ténéré 700 below.
- Long suspension travel. 7.9 in front and 8.0 in rear, with rebound and preload adjustment at the shock.
- Modest output. 40 hp and 39.1 lb-ft, both at low rpm (6,000 and 4,500 rpm).
- Five-speed gearbox. One fewer gear than most twins in the class.
- No traction control or ride modes listed.
KLR650 vs KLR650 S vs Yamaha Ténéré 700
| Model (model year) | US MSRP (as listed 22 Oct 2026) | Engine | Seat height | Weight (as published) | Fuel capacity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki KLR650 (2027) | $6,999 / $7,299 ABS | 652cc single; 40 hp (ISO 4106) | 34.3 in | 460.6 lb curb (ABS) | 6.1 gal | Kawasaki |
| Kawasaki KLR650 S (2027) | $6,999 / $7,299 ABS | 652cc single; 40 hp (ISO 4106) | 32.1 in | 460.6 lb curb (ABS) | 6.1 gal | Kawasaki |
| Yamaha Ténéré 700 (2026) | $10,999 | 689cc inline twin | 34.4 in | 459 lb wet | 4.2 gal | Yamaha |
- KLR650 S: the same price and engine, with a 32.1 in seat (2.2 in lower). Kawasaki lists shorter suspension travel to get there (6.7 in front, 7.0 in rear) and 7.3 in of ground clearance instead of 8.3 in. That’s a straight trade of off-road capability for reach.
- Yamaha Ténéré 700: $4,000 more for a 689cc twin, a fully adjustable 43mm fork, 9.4 in of ground clearance, selectable ABS, traction control and a 6.3-inch TFT, per Yamaha, at almost the same seat height and weight. It carries less fuel. See our 2026 Yamaha Ténéré 700 overview.
Kawasaki KLR650 FAQ
How much is the 2027 Kawasaki KLR650?
$6,999 base MSRP, or $7,299 with ABS, plus $685 destination, per Kawasaki (checked 22 Oct 2026).
What is the KLR650 seat height?
34.3 in for the standard KLR650 and 32.1 in for the KLR650 S, per Kawasaki.
How much does the KLR650 weigh?
Kawasaki lists a curb weight of 460.6 lb (ABS) or 456.2 lb (non-ABS).
How much horsepower does the KLR650 have?
40 hp at 6,000 rpm (ISO 4106) and 39.1 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm, per Kawasaki.
How big is the KLR650 fuel tank?
6.1 gal.
Related overview: 2026 KTM 390 Adventure R.
Before you buy
Licensing rules are set by each state, so check your state DMV (or equivalent) for the motorcycle license or endorsement you need, and consider a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. You can look up any open safety recalls by VIN with NHTSA before buying a used example.
Sources
All figures were checked on the manufacturer pages on 22 October 2026. Manufacturers can change prices and specifications without notice, so check the linked page, and confirm with a dealer, before you buy.