New 2023 Kawasaki KLR 650 S dual sport launches in US

Kawasaki has launched a new version of the KLR 650 for 2023, as the dual-sport receives an “S” variant. 

The KLR 650 is by no means the only Kawasaki model to make use of a 650cc engine, but it is the one which exploits its potential off-road. 

Since emissions regulations began to tighten in Europe, Kawasaki stopped imports of the dual sport motorcycle, although in the US it has been almost ever-present, even up until the launch of the new model in 2021.

For 2023, the KLR 650 gains an “S” at the end of its name. The KLR 650 S will seemingly also be available only in the US, and is mostly a lowering kit for the KLR 650. 

On the 2021 KLR 650, the seat height is 871mm, whereas on the new KLR 650 S it is reduced to 815mm. Similarly, the front wheel travel is reduced from 200mm to 170mm, and at the rear from 193mm to 185mm. Additionally, there is a new suspension linkage at the rear. 

In the US, ABS is still optional, which means there are two versions of the KLR 650 S: one with ABS, one without. With ABS, the dry weight is 209kg, and without ABS that is reduced to 207kg, but with a 23.1-litre fuel tank there is also plenty of scope to increase that. 

Both the ABS and non-ABS versions are available in “Pearl Storm Grey” and “Candy Lime Green” but they do not share a price. 

As you might expect, the ABS version comes in more expensive than the standard KLR 650 S. In the US, the KLR 650 S ABS will cost $6,899, whereas the ABS version will cost $7,199. So, $300 for ABS, or around £270.

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