I always wanted a KLR but never got one because of the seat height. When the S model came out, I jumped on the first one I saw. I’m really liking it.

Good to see manufacturers make bikes for shorter riders.

FINALLY, Got my answer. My S model has a weird handling feeling at slow turns and thought something was wrong with the front end, so upon checking everything out found nothing. So watching this video the rider says it has a slow speed wallow. So there's my answer. Kawasaki changed the rake and trail on the 2023 S.

I test rode the 650 S when the Kawasaki Demo truck came to San Diego. I really liked it! I must have ridden it 5-6 times that day. For short riders such as me (27" inseam) that are thinking about getting into some off road riding, this is an affordable and practical option. Thanks for the info. Love your channel! Subscribed.

You really do make great videos! Thank you. Many years ago, I owned a KLR650, and I loved and hated it. Nothing in between. It was great for my 20km ride to work and for bombing around gravel side roads near where I lived. It sucked on trails and hiways. On trail, it was too heavy and didn't have the power that I needed to get out of situations that my lack of skill got me into. When my job changed, I started commuting over an hour on a local highway. The vibration of 60 minutes at 90 km/h was numbing. Quite literally. It seems to me that your review of the new shorter version hasn't changed the performance but has opened the market to the whole group of riders who shouldn't have to modify a brand new bike. I happen to be 188cm tall, and seat hieght has never been an issue for me, but the two riders that I tour with are both vertically challenged and often discuss this when discussing the "next" bike. For me, I traded my 2000 KLR for 2003 Triumph Tiger 955i and started my obsession with Tigers. Although the 955i Tiger looked like a pregnant dirt bike, it is not good off road either. It did, however, out perform the KLR on gravel, pavement, comfort, and every other category other than price. Since then, Tigers have gotten bigger and smaller. I am big so I went big but everybody raves about the 900 and the 900 Short. I would love to hear your reviews on those bikes. I realize that the KLR and the Tiger are at the opposite ends of the price spectrum, but I found the added improvement, in every aspect, was worth it. I am sure that the same will be true for current models of both. I know that the KLR Nation considers me a traitor, and I will commit further treason by saying that you get what you pay for! I like the look of the KLR, and it was great for limited use, but I just don't see the fascination with the bike. It is outdated, underpowered, and truly uncomfortable to ride. Thanks again for a great video. Tiger Coward 🇨🇦

I dont go froding much , I think I like this . I also like that they aren't going crazy on the advertising about it , it's very clear what you get and what you give up.

I'm 69, 6'1" & 240. I don't off road. I own a '22 Adventure KLR now 15 months with 18,000 miles. I also own a '23 "S" model KLR for 10 months with 8,000. All miles I put on. Recently, I did a 2 day, 925 mile highway ride on the "S". I find the "S" to be more stable on the highway compared to the Adventure, I believe, due to the lower center of gravity. I am with the authors of this vid. $ for $, there is no better motorcycle for whatever u wanna do. Thank u. Ride safe!

Another great video, thanks buddy.

Hi Guys, I live in Australia and only yesterday I placed an order with my local Kawasaki dealer for the new KLR650 S model, the bad news is that the next batch of them will not hit our Australian shores until the end of this August! I think that Australia only gets the ABS model, and only the one colour option the "Pearl Storm Grey" the price was $10600 ( AUD ) ride away The KLR650 here in Australia is designated a LAMS model bike ( Learner Approved Model ) therefore the registration and insurance are a little cheaper Thanks for posting your timely video on the new Kawasaki KLR650 S model

Awesome video! That was quite the feat getting the bike going again after that stall on the steep trail. :)

I finally gave up finding a Moto Guzzi V100 as my fourth bike and succumbed to the recent Kawasaki Sale on the new Gen III KLR 650. Got the S model, which I believe is by far the best for any 80-20 percent on-road, off-road rider. The taller, longer travel models might be best for those well over 6 feet tall and/or single-track riders, but the S model offers better control for all highway riding including rural gravel roads and logging trails. Maiden voyage was with my son in law with a BMW F900 XR. Mountain roads around Boise, ID and dirt service roads around the Boise River Reservoirs. The KLR did a remarkable job keeping up in spirited riding with the XR!😘 (The KLR benefited greatly from the larger front sprocket we added; the stock KLR is geared way too low for all but the most rugged single tracks). The shorter suspention travel on the S model gave better road-control that on the older KLRs.

Nice review. Just bought one and love it. I kept my XT250 for more off road and single track. Seat height was a major consideration in buying both bikes.

Great video . A lot of good information. The KLR 650 looks like a lot Of fun to ride .

I’m 6’-2” and I still got the S. Not big into off-roading on two wheels. That’s what my KRX is for. Great video! Safe riding to you and yours.

I'm looking at the S at the moment No, I don't have duck's disease, I'm a full six footer but found that the standard KLR had me reaching for the ground. A couple of decades ago, that wouldn't have bothered me, but I'm in my late sixties, creaky with it, and not getting any younger so I'm thinking that having better grip on the ground is going to help rather than hinder. Thanks for your review, it gives me confidence in the bike.

Motor bikes are the best!😊

great review 👍👍👍🇦🇺

Just bought one a few days ago. Got it up to 90 downhill..! Yay..lol. Idk if opening up the intake or exhaust helps gain any power but ima try.

Did you notice if the spring rates were softer on the S model? I’m 190 lbs and concerned that it might sag too much under my weight. I like the ~1” shorter chassis and 2.2” lower seat height but am concerned that I might end up needing to buy a shock with a stiffer spring

Exactly what I wanted to see.

I'm 6'2" and can pretty much flat foot a normal KLR, but a new 2023 S ABS just popped up for sale for $5400 and I'm absolutely in love. Probably going to buy it!

In 1986 honda released 250 rebel. This bike had an exceptionally low seat height. Women dived into the market.! Turns out the Japanese had been consistantly over estimating the average height of American riders. I was a triumph dealer 2000-2005. Triumph 955i tiger is great bike. Did not sell even one. Until I dropped front end 20mmm...softened rear preload...and made sure seat on display models was always in lowest position. After these mods...sold 6 in two months! Seat height is one of top considerations when offering a bike for sale.

Not surprised the "S" was not ideal on a single track, but then again it wasn't designed for that. Will definitely checkout this model when i can make it over to my dealer.

Boy I wish these were available in Spain! I have just bought my first bike, a Honda CB 125 f, and as soon as I get my A2 license I will be shopping for something I can travel with

I am glad to see shorter versions of some motorcycles. Of course, aftermarket lowering kits are available, but some change the geometry of the motorcycles enough to degrade handling. As you mentioned, some models of motorcycles have factory lowering kits available, but they tend to be pricey. I have short legs (28"/711mm inseam) and looked at a KTM and its factory lowering kit, but the dealer quoted almost $1000 US for purchase and installation. It only lowered the seat 1" and didn't seem worth it.

I'm 5'6" and have no issues on my Gen1 (stock suspension and not lowered). I think people worry about the height WAY too much.

I love your channel but where do you get your prices? I live in Moncton New Brunswick and a KLR here is almost $13000 out the door. No channel ever tells us viewers what things really cost in Canada.

i'm never going to ride single track. I want a ADV touring capable bike that my SO and I can ride two up on dirt/gravel roads and possibly light dual track trails. But it needs to be able to hand short stints on a freeway as we plan to buy a toy hauling bike to explore in the above conditions. I'm a Kawasaki guy. I've had 4. I like the brand because they are very reliable mark. Just want something that will handle 2 people and still be comfortable to ride around the country side on...

Please have a video on changing or repairing a front tire on the 2023 KLR adventure, thanks

I'm fed up with shorties destroying proper engineering for everyone else 😊 where's the video on the supersport T model for tall men? 😊

I'm 5 ft 7"/8 Do I need an S?

Im 6’8” and have issues still getting on and off my KLR650 😂

It seems to me the Kawasaki 300X ticks all boxes. Seat height 32.1”, decent power to weight ratio compared to the KLR. It rides great on pavement and gravel .

just lean it over you dont need 2 feet on the ground im 5'6" never had an issue with seat height on any bike

An Honda CRF300LS RALLY... That would be perfect.

S ..almost a SM (super moto), cool

🤟🖤🤟

I’d love to see a lower T-7.

Port Hope !!

so what if you were never gonna go off road ..would you get the lower Kawasaki, one of Honda’s 300’s , xt250 , dr650 ? I like the lower seat heights and fuel injection . I have bigger road bikes .

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="54">0:54</a> on KLR they've lowered rear suspension, but done nothing to front?... Then KLX that is fine. That's strange Looked on an official website - they just don't show engine power in any specs... Anyways, imho, single-piston bike shouldn't be more than 400ccm. Otherwise it should be a twin at least: still compact, still ight, but far more convenient on a road.

I just want for Kawasaki to consider importing the KLR to Europe ..

Can you please call your good friend mr. Kawa and get him go sell this bike in my country? Thank you.

Btw, in my places tall bikes are called "fence". Meaning, riding is a sitting astride the fence )

Amazing Apocalypse bike, zombies, nuke attacks, it will survive anything...

They make mopeds for possums.

I just bought a 650 S. I’m tall enough for the standard version, but the shorter seat height is still more comfortable for a taller rider. The thing to consider is, while I paid $8k for a brand new bike, my friends that paid more for their used BMWs, Tigers and even V Stroms are less ballsy because they paid so much more for their bikes. You don’t want to damage an expensive bike so you’ll still be braver on a cheap KLR even if it’s shorter. If you’re going to get a standard over the S, use the extra height. If not, you’re just riding a slightly less comfortable bike for no reason. Kawasaki nailed it to open a wider demographic for an already very popular bike. My only complaint is that the 2023 only comes in the pearl storm grey, the 2022 model had better colour options.

If KTM follows suit... My short ass may get a 690 SMCRS

If a bumblebee lands on the seat of the Honda, it will automatically lower to suit your 5' 7" wife. So soft is the stock suspension

The original is so comfortable. So many bikes are designed for little people that very few seem comfortable for people over 6ft. I just hope they keep the tall seat height available.

Great review Ugly bike

It's still overweight.

Throw in the towel and get ur wife a Honda Monkey🐵

Front tire flat repair when on trail, how ?