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Edition:
Kawasaki KLR 650 DOHC - [2018]
This edition of the Kawasaki KLR 650 DOHC is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2018. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2019 Yamaha XSR 700 XTribute and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin.This particular Kawasaki KLR 650 has a 651cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, V-Twin Petrol powerplant with 1 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative V-Twin engine, Off-Road style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 XTribute - [2019]
The 2018 KLR 650 shares its V-Twin engine and Off-Road style configuration with the likes of the 2019 Yamaha XSR 700 XTribute and the 2019 Norton Atlas 650 Ranger. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the KLR 650's Off-Road style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2019 Yamaha XSR 700 XTribute | 2019cc.2019 Norton Atlas 650 Nomad | 2019cc.
Weighing in at 194 kgs (427 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki KLR 650 DOHC in the same weight category as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 or the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS, give or take 50kg.
The 2018 Kawasaki KLR 650 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]
In terms of power the 651cc 4 valve V-Twin 1 cylinder engine produces 42.1 bhp (31 kW) @ 7000 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 34.6 lb-ft (46.9 Nm) @ 5000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki KLR 650 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1996 Honda XR 250 R has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2018 Kawasaki KLR 650 DOHC.
The 2018 Kawasaki KLR 650 DOHC has a Power to weight ratio of 217.0 bhp per ton and 178.6 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2018 KLR 650 competing with the 1996 Honda XR 250 R [241.9 bhp\ton] and the 2004 Honda XR 250 R [241.9 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki KLR 650 generating around 178.6 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1984 Honda VT 700 C Shadow [203.5 lb-ft per ton] and the 1985 Yamaha XJ 700 S Maxim [203.5 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 17.0 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 17.4 secs, this makes the Kawasaki KLR 650 DOHC similar in acceleration to the 2016 Kawasaki KLR 650 Coma Limited Edition (17.0 secs) and the 2016 Kawasaki KLR 650 DOHC (17.0 secs). This Kawasaki KLR 650 DOHC also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2018 Kawasaki KLR 650 DOHC and the 2001 Honda XR 400 R
When talking about the performance of the 2018 Kawasaki KLR 650 DOHC on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.8 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2001 Honda XR 400 R (14.8 secs) and the 1987 Kawasaki KLR 650 DOHC (14.8 secs).
The 2018 version of the Kawasaki KLR 650 DOHC has a maximum speed of 94mph.
Top Speed of the 2018 KLR 650 equals the 2024 Honda VT 750 C Shadow Aero
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2018 Kawasaki KLR 650 DOHC then how about a 2024 Honda VT 750 C Shadow Aero (105 mph) and the 2024 Honda VT 750 C Shadow Phantom (105 mph).
