Yamaha Xt600 vs Kawasaki Klr 650
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Yamaha Xt600 vs Kawasaki Klr 650. Yamaha Xt600: 45 hp @ 6,500 rpm hp, 176 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 155 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.5/10. 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.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Yamaha Xt600
Kawasaki Klr 650
Horsepower (hp)
45 hp
40 hp
Torque (Nm)
50 Nm
55 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
155 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
176 kg
202 kg
Type
Dual-sport
Dual-sport
Horsepower
45 hp @ 6,500 rpm
40 hp @ 6,000 rpm (2022+ fuel-injected model; carbureted models ~35 hp)
Torque
50 Nm @ 5,500 rpm
55 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Top Speed
155 km/h
175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world comfortable cruising is closer to 130–145 km/h)
Weight
176 kg (wet/curb weight)
202 kg (wet/curb weight — 2022+ model; earlier carbureted models approx. 193–198 kg)
Fuel
4.5 L/100km (approximately 22 km/L typical real-world average)
4.5–5.5 L/100km (approx. 18–22 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Yamaha Xt600
7.5/10
"A genuinely capable adventure bike that rewards a careful used buyer."
Pros
+Bulletproof single-cylinder engine
+Simple DIY-friendly mechanics
+Excellent long-distance capability
Cons
−Vibration above 80mph
−Carb diaphragms age badly
−Fork seals leak frequently
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
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
