2012 Kawasaki KLR650 Comparison Photo Gallery

Kawasaki has a tremendous on/off-road platform and once again it laughs in the face of newer, shinier motorcycles.

See photos of the 2012 Kawasaki KLR650 as we enjoy its Adventure Touring capabilities on dirt roads and twisty pavement. Read the full details in the 2012 Kawasaki KLR650 Comparison.

Smooth, usable power makes the KLR effective for riders of all skill levels. It's not going to set a land speed record, but it gets the job done.

What the KLR lacks is amenities. The rock-bottom $6299 pricetag leaves little room for creature comforts.

The KLR has one of the best stock seats we've encountered.

We needed to increase the shock preload (only shock that requires tools) to help keep the front end from pushing on the pavement.

The brakes work fine on the pavement with predictable feel and smooth operation from the dual piston, 280mm disc front and single-piston, 240mm disc rear.

2012 Kawasaki KLR650 Dyno Chart

The ergonomics are easy to appreciate with a high level of rider protection from the windscreen, fairing and handguards.

Ground clearance can be a factor on or off the pavement.

2012 650 Adventure Touring Dyno Horsepower

2012 650 Adventure Touring Dyno Torque

The chintzy steel handlebars are an easy reach and the footpegs are low enough to give our relatively tall test riders a measure of comfort.

Obviously it’s not a racer, but potholes, embedded rocks, debris and washboard chatter are all handled best by the Kawasaki’s 41mm fork and Uni-Track shock.

Despite it’s fairly barebones approach, the Kawi has enough in just the right places to make it an effective adventure touring bike.

Kawasaki has managed to build a bulbous-looking motorcycle that handles as if it weighs half of its actual 434 pounds.

The Metallic Imperial Blue/Pearl Stardust White combination with black wheels and fenders finally sparked our interest.