Whatshot
Kawasaki KLR650
Kawasaki KLR650
25 years on since its birth, receiving relatively small upgrades, yet they still fly off the shelf like "deathbed" certificates for convicted police bosses. (Cough cough) parole... I mean pardon me. So, the question beckons, why are they still so popular? Well, just ask the U.S Marine Corps; after all it has been their official combat bike since the early 1990s. With some tinkering to the engine they even have themselves diesel versions of it, capable of 600kms+ per a tank, yawl.
As KMSA's website describes, the KLR is "as fragile as an anvil". At the heart of all this insane durability is the 651cc water cooled DOHC 4 stroke power plant producing 42bhp and 50Nm. Granted it is not the most sophisticated engine in the world, yet its simplicity is one of its draw cards in the exceptional value for money you get, never mind strength.
Heavy duty 41mm telescopic forks coupled with a Unitrak rear suspension offer versatile performance off and on road. Having ridden the KLR in alien territory for a dual-purpose bike, in the form of Redstar Raceway, I was amazed that even when aggressively tackling the tight bends, somehow or the other I still lived to tell the tale.
However, it is in its natural habitat that it really comes to life... the dreaded rush hour. Nimble enough to easily squeeze through cars, trucks, donkey carts or whatever means of transportation you may come across, then with its abundant low down grunt you are able to safely pull away from the donkeys. It's off road manners are highly commendable, well capable of negotiating serious dirt with its 210mm ground clearance. Eating up the miles is effortless thanks to its plush seat and soft suspension, making mincemeat out of swimming pool size pot holes and the like. Then comes yet another of its previously mentioned draw cards, the 22.1 litre petrol tank capable of ringing up over 400km on the clock before you need to fill up again. Stopping power is provided by a 280mm petal disc with a twin piston calliper on the front end, and a 240mm petal disc also with a twin piston on the rear. All round then, an exceptional buy by any means and priced at only R59 995 brand spanking new, it's no wonder they still fly off the shelves. So if an anvil is not strong enough for you then pop into East Coast Motorcycles at 10 Meridian Drive in Umhlanga Ridge or call them on 031-566 3024.