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All Bikes/Compare/Kawasaki Klr 650 vs Honda Xr650l

Kawasaki Klr 650 vs Honda Xr650l

Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers

Kawasaki Klr 650 vs Honda Xr650l. Kawasaki Klr 650: 40 hp @ 6,000 rpm (2022+ fuel-injected model; carbureted models ~35 hp) hp, 202 kg (wet/curb weight — 2022+ model; earlier carbureted models approx. 193–198 kg) weight, top speed 175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world comfortable cruising is closer to 130–145 km/h), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Honda Xr650l: 34 hp @ 6,000 rpm (note: US-spec figures; often cited as low due to EPA/CARB restrictions) hp, 166 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 155 km/h (estimate — actual varies with gearing and rider; note: factory-restricted), Motoryk rating 7.8/10.

Performance at a Glance

Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value

Kawasaki Klr 650 Honda Xr650l
Horsepower (hp)
40 hp
34 hp
Torque (Nm)
55 Nm
52 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
175 km/h
155 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
202 kg
166 kg
Type
Dual-sport
Dual-sport
Horsepower
40 hp @ 6,000 rpm (2022+ fuel-injected model; carbureted models ~35 hp)
34 hp @ 6,000 rpm (note: US-spec figures; often cited as low due to EPA/CARB restrictions)
Torque
55 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
52 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
Top Speed
175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world comfortable cruising is closer to 130–145 km/h)
155 km/h (estimate — actual varies with gearing and rider; note: factory-restricted)
Weight
202 kg (wet/curb weight — 2022+ model; earlier carbureted models approx. 193–198 kg)
166 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
4.5–5.5 L/100km (approx. 18–22 km/L typical real-world average)
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No

Individual Reviews

Kawasaki Klr 650
Kawasaki Klr 650
7.5/10

"The world's most capable mediocre motorcycle — buy it used without hesitation."

Pros
+Nearly indestructible engine
+Parts and community support everywhere
+Handles dirt roads competently
Cons
Doohickey failure kills engines
Brutal highway vibration
Suspension embarrassingly basic
Honda Xr650l
Honda Xr650l
7.8/10

"The definition of reliable, if you accept its 1993 soul."

Pros
+Nearly indestructible engine
+Cheap parts everywhere
+Comfortable all-day ergonomics
Cons
Factory jetting criminally lean
Heavy for true off-road
Dated suspension technology

Top 10 Accessories

Picks that work on either bike.

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SW-Motech Crash Bar System Kawasaki KLR 650
SW-Motech · Crash Bars
SW-Motech Crash Bar System Kawasaki KLR 650
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Touratech Aluminum Skid Plate Kawasaki KLR 650
Touratech · Skid Plate
Touratech Aluminum Skid Plate Kawasaki KLR 650
View on Amazon →
Givi Trekker Outback Side Cases OBK37 KLR 650
Givi · Panniers
Givi Trekker Outback Side Cases OBK37 KLR 650
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Barkbusters Storm Hand Guards Universal ADV
Barkbusters · Hand Guards
Barkbusters Storm Hand Guards Universal ADV
View on Amazon →
SW-Motech GPS Handlebar Mount Kawasaki KLR 650
SW-Motech · GPS Mount
SW-Motech GPS Handlebar Mount Kawasaki KLR 650
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Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
Helmet
Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
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Riding Gloves
Gloves
Riding Gloves
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Mesh Riding Jacket
Jacket
Mesh Riding Jacket
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Riding Boots
Boots
Riding Boots
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Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
Chain Lube
Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
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