Kawasaki KLR650 in the UK
Discussion
Gen 3 just announced and the timing couldn't be better for me as I'm planning to come back to the UK once you lot sort out this WuFlu mess, is there a way I can order one in the UK now? 
Happy to pay up front to reserve my order of course of it's with a reputable business.
I've had both the Gen 1 and 2 in New Zealand.
Happy to pay up front to reserve my order of course of it's with a reputable business.I've had both the Gen 1 and 2 in New Zealand.
Love love love love love the updated KLR... the simplicity of the original with just enough updates for the 21st century. No doubt there will be plenty of negative comments from those who expect a KTM for $6699, but this is a work-horse. This competes with the Royal Enfield Himalayan, NOT stuff at a different price-point like the Tenere.
However, the bad news is that today's announcement is only on US sites.... No mention of it appearing in the UK
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE KAWASAKI... BRING THE KLR TO THE UK & EU. I'LL GET MY DEPOSIT DOWN STRAIGHT AWAY IF YOU DO !!!!!!!!!
However, the bad news is that today's announcement is only on US sites.... No mention of it appearing in the UK
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE KAWASAKI... BRING THE KLR TO THE UK & EU. I'LL GET MY DEPOSIT DOWN STRAIGHT AWAY IF YOU DO !!!!!!!!!
Not announced in the UK yet?
It looks to me like they've just engineered out the weaknesses from the prior generation with improved cam tensioner, improved suspension, fuel injection (unfortunately), improved electrics, bigger brakes etc. which where all popular upgrades on the Gen2. $ for $ the best bikes I've ever owned in terms of just enjoying motorcycling. Now Kawasaki, shut up and take my money! I liked the last one and just want the same again thanks.
It looks to me like they've just engineered out the weaknesses from the prior generation with improved cam tensioner, improved suspension, fuel injection (unfortunately), improved electrics, bigger brakes etc. which where all popular upgrades on the Gen2. $ for $ the best bikes I've ever owned in terms of just enjoying motorcycling. Now Kawasaki, shut up and take my money! I liked the last one and just want the same again thanks.
Nope. No announcement for the UK, and I'm not anticipating one either unfortunately. Much like Dacia cars, there was doubt in 2013 over whether they would even launch in the UK as apparently we're "too sophisticated" and "enjoy higher levels of specification in our cars" than Dacia would offer. In other words, typical Marketing BS that says we're really the mug punters who can be charged a higher sum for a few extra electric trinkets on our vehicles. Roll forward to 2021 and Kawi don't look like they're going to bring the KLR650 to the UK/EU. Maybe their research has indicated that we're a nation of KTM/GS/Tenere fan-boys who wouldn't want a 'basic' bike like the KLR? I know the UK bike scene is full of Euan & Charley wannabes who think that if it doesn't cost 5-figures then it's not a 'real' bike. All-the-gear-no-idea sunny Sunday riders who only have a bike for kudos points at the bank's Christmas dinner and whose idea of adventure is parking on the pavement at South Queensferry while they have a chin-way with their fellow 'over-landers', but there are actually some people in the UK who use their bikes for year-round basic transport, rain or shine. Who'd have thought it!
Romford4 said:
Nope. No announcement for the UK, and I'm not anticipating one either unfortunately. Much like Dacia cars, there was doubt in 2013 over whether they would even launch in the UK as apparently we're "too sophisticated" and "enjoy higher levels of specification in our cars" than Dacia would offer. In other words, typical Marketing BS that says we're really the mug punters who can be charged a higher sum for a few extra electric trinkets on our vehicles. Roll forward to 2021 and Kawi don't look like they're going to bring the KLR650 to the UK/EU. Maybe their research has indicated that we're a nation of KTM/GS/Tenere fan-boys who wouldn't want a 'basic' bike like the KLR? I know the UK bike scene is full of Euan & Charley wannabes who think that if it doesn't cost 5-figures then it's not a 'real' bike. All-the-gear-no-idea sunny Sunday riders who only have a bike for kudos points at the bank's Christmas dinner and whose idea of adventure is parking on the pavement at South Queensferry while they have a chin-way with their fellow 'over-landers', but there are actually some people in the UK who use their bikes for year-round basic transport, rain or shine. Who'd have thought it!
Best part is theres plenty of cheap used bikes with loadsa gadgets for the less financially secure people. Kawasaki have looked at the market, decided it's not worth going through all the hassle to import a bike that'll be bought by about 3 people.
Romford4 said:
Maybe their research has indicated that we're a nation of KTM/GS/Tenere fan-boys who wouldn't want a 'basic' bike like the KLR? I know the UK bike scene is full of Euan & Charley wannabes who think that if it doesn't cost 5-figures then it's not a 'real' bike. All-the-gear-no-idea sunny Sunday riders who only have a bike for kudos points at the bank's Christmas dinner and whose idea of adventure is parking on the pavement at South Queensferry while they have a chin-way with their fellow 'over-landers', but there are actually some people in the UK who use their bikes for year-round basic transport, rain or shine. Who'd have thought it!
They are basic, minimalism is half the appeal of motorcycling. Bikes like the Kawasaki KLR650, Suzuki DR650 and Honda XR650L are loved in the offroad community here because they have proven to be simple, cheap and tough. Same appeal the old (propper) Defender had in the car world.kingb said:
Read somewhere that it’s not coming to the UK - can’t remember where - might have been the bikeshed
That's unfortunate if true. I think that Honda has showed with the Grom and Trail 125 that one of the joys of motorcycling is that you don't need deep pockets to have a bit of fun and a laugh which has attracted younger riders. 🙂Romford4 said:
BTW, at today's exchange rate the base KLR650 (but with the EU/UK required ABS) is listed at $6999....
That's £5049 GBP.
I WANT THIS BIKE SOOOO MUCH!.... And not at the usual jacked-up EU/UK prices. Keep it to £5-6k and Kawasaki are on to a winner.
It never works like that ! It would be £6999That's £5049 GBP.
I WANT THIS BIKE SOOOO MUCH!.... And not at the usual jacked-up EU/UK prices. Keep it to £5-6k and Kawasaki are on to a winner.
Like speedy says, they're "simple, cheap and tough".
thatdude, I currently live in central Scotland, and "plenty of cheap used bikes with loadsa gadgets" sounds good on the face of it, but bike dealers round here are useless at performing even the basic servicing and repairs. Any out of warranty repairs needed on a used 'loadsa gadgets' bike is basically like asking the dealer to kick you hard in the plums whilst being charged a premium for their trouble. I know more technologically advanced bikes are better catered for by dealers around the south of England, but in Scotland we have dealers advertising for 'Service Assistants'... no actual motorcycle mechanic qualifications required; just a decent standard of DIY skills and some enthusiasm. The standard/dangerousness of some of their work is scary!
Maybe the KLR would never meet the EU/UK emissions regs anyway, and yeah Bimsb I agree that it probably would be more like £6999 (or more) once it landed here.
Hoping it would come here was probably wishful thinking on my part
thatdude, I currently live in central Scotland, and "plenty of cheap used bikes with loadsa gadgets" sounds good on the face of it, but bike dealers round here are useless at performing even the basic servicing and repairs. Any out of warranty repairs needed on a used 'loadsa gadgets' bike is basically like asking the dealer to kick you hard in the plums whilst being charged a premium for their trouble. I know more technologically advanced bikes are better catered for by dealers around the south of England, but in Scotland we have dealers advertising for 'Service Assistants'... no actual motorcycle mechanic qualifications required; just a decent standard of DIY skills and some enthusiasm. The standard/dangerousness of some of their work is scary!
Maybe the KLR would never meet the EU/UK emissions regs anyway, and yeah Bimsb I agree that it probably would be more like £6999 (or more) once it landed here.
Hoping it would come here was probably wishful thinking on my part
Romford4 said:
Nope. No announcement for the UK, and I'm not anticipating one either unfortunately. Much like Dacia cars, there was doubt in 2013 over whether they would even launch in the UK as apparently we're "too sophisticated" and "enjoy higher levels of specification in our cars" than Dacia would offer. In other words, typical Marketing BS that says we're really the mug punters who can be charged a higher sum for a few extra electric trinkets on our vehicles. Roll forward to 2021 and Kawi don't look like they're going to bring the KLR650 to the UK/EU. Maybe their research has indicated that we're a nation of KTM/GS/Tenere fan-boys who wouldn't want a 'basic' bike like the KLR? I know the UK bike scene is full of Euan & Charley wannabes who think that if it doesn't cost 5-figures then it's not a 'real' bike. All-the-gear-no-idea sunny Sunday riders who only have a bike for kudos points at the bank's Christmas dinner and whose idea of adventure is parking on the pavement at South Queensferry while they have a chin-way with their fellow 'over-landers', but there are actually some people in the UK who use their bikes for year-round basic transport, rain or shine. Who'd have thought it!
Well that sorted you lot out... glad I'm a Power Ranger now!! By the way the United Nations still have an opening for a Diplomat in the " We all motorcycle toghether" department...
LOL!! hope you can get hold of one.
I've never really thought about it but then I just have USB ports.^ A lot of people use KLRs for long distance rough road touring. Heated grips, heated jacket, GPS, aux lights..... pick any two!
After I read about the alternator output, I had a read on some KLR forums and it looks like everyone upgrades the alternator. It must put a lot of people off buying it though.
After I read about the alternator output, I had a read on some KLR forums and it looks like everyone upgrades the alternator. It must put a lot of people off buying it though.
Romford4 said:
M&P wanting £2495 for a 20 yr old, 38k miles, 16 owner, described as average to poor condition, KLR650
I know the used car/bike game is currently on fire, but this is ridiculous!!! Makes a new US import £7k one look like a gift.
There isn't much to worry about buying one. You can tear down and reassemble the engine in an afternoon with just a standard tool kit in your garden shed, parts are easy to get and they have had a great following in the ADV community for years.I know the used car/bike game is currently on fire, but this is ridiculous!!! Makes a new US import £7k one look like a gift.
It's not that surprising they are holding value.
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