Changes Over The Years
Aside from the colors, not much changed between the 1987 introduction and the 2008 revisions. The key differences are:
- 1987: Crankshaft is unique to this year.
- 1988: Beefed up the engine cases with extra bolts between the crank and countershaft; crank has a different part number, and may be lighter.
- 1990: Countershaft improved with longer splines for increased engagement with sprocket.
- 1992: Changes to front brake master cylinder.
- Mid-1996: Changed valve cover, added bracket to hold cam chain bumper; changed crank to heavier unit; improved clutch basket with more clutch plates; changed countershaft sprocket retainer from slotted plate to large nut; changed second and third gear ratios. Kickstarter no longer fits with new clutch basket. At least some early 1996 models had the matte black engine cases and covers rather than the later hammer-finished dark gray coloration found in the 1997 and later models. New left balancer weight/sprocket begins with engine #KLE650AE032206.
- (?) Service manual indicates higher charging system output; only part number change is the rotor. The new power rating is 17 A, 14 V (238 W) @ 7000 rpm; the earlier one was 14 A, 14 V (196 W) @ 8000 rpm (above redline).
- 2001 around this time final assembly moved from Japan to Thailand. All major parts still made in Japan.
- 2007: New shift lever
- 2008: New fairing design, new instrument panel, redesigned handlebar control switches, new bar-end weights, revised powerband, revised suspension has reduced travel but with less static sag, new rear swingarm, new turn signals, larger petal-style vented brake rotors, new twin-piston rear brake caliper, increased radiator capacity, fork diameter increased from 38 to 41 mm (1.5 to 1.6 in), new headlight similar to that used on the Kawasaki Ninja 650R, larger luggage rack, firmer seat, larger-diameter wheel spokes increased from 3.5 mm to 4 mm. Stator "alternator" upgraded to 17 A output, providing an additional 36 watt capacity.
- 2009: New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption.
Read more about this topic: Kawasaki KLR650
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