2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge vs 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 vs 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
165.0 km/h / 102.5 mph
Weight
343.9 pounds
2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder
Power
42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
93.0 mph
Weight
428.0 pounds
2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
432.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year-2008 - 09
Colours-Ebony, Sunbeam Red, Oriental Blue
Make Model-Kawasaki KLR 650
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-211 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-8.3 inches
Seat Height930 mm / 36.6 in.889 mm / 35 in
Wheelbase1,500 mm / 59.1 in.1480 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance-210 mm / 8.3 in
Height1,915 mm / 75.4 in.1350 mm / 53.1 in
Length2,205 mm / 86.8 in.2295 mm / 90.4 in
Width-960 mm / 37.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight144 kg / 317.5 lbs175.5 kg / 387.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity9.50 litres / 2.51 gallons23.08 litres / 6.10 gallons
Wet Weight156.0 kg / 343.9 lbs194 kg / 432 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM-7800
Top Speed165.0 km/h / 102.5 mph149.7 km/h / 93.0 mph
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)-5.880 seconds
Max Power-42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm
Max Torque60.00 Nm (6.1 kgf-m or 44.3 ft.lbs) @ 525047 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.3631 HP/kg0.2057 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile-14.400 seconds
Engine
Stroke-4
Fuel Control-DOHC
Displacement (cc)652.00 cc651.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)100.0 x 83.0 mm100.0 x 83.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.9 x 3.3 inches3.9 x 3.3 inches
Displacement (ci)39.79 cubic inches39.72 cubic inches
CO283.5 CO-
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement-651 cc / 39.7 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection / BMW engine management, twin spark ignitionCarburettor. Keihin CVK 40
Bore x Stroke-100 x 83 mm.
Compression Ratio11.5:19.8:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Engine Oil Specification-Semi-Synthetic, 10W/40
ExhaustEuro 3-
Fuel Consumption3.60 litres/100 km (27.8 km/l or 65.34 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Keihin CVK40
Fuel Reserve2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons-
Ignition-Fully transistorized
Lubrication- Forced lubrication (wet sump)
Spark Plug-NGK, DPR 8EA/9
Starter-Electric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated Wet multi-disc, cable operation
Final DriveChainChain
Final Drive Ratio- 2.867 (43/15)
Gear Ratios-1st 2.266 (34/15) 2nd 1.444 (26/18) 3rd 1.136 (25/22) 4th 0.954 (21/22) 5th 0.791 (19/24)
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary Drive Ratios- 2.272 / 75/33
Transmission / Drive-5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeBridge-type steel section frame with bolted-on cast aluminium side elements, bolted-on aluminium rear sectionSemi-double Cradle Made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steel
Suspension - FrontUpside-down front fork, Ø 45 mm, rebound and compression damping adjustable41mm telescopic fork / 7.9 in.
Suspension - RearCast aluminium dual swing arm, Air Damping System, spring pre-load and damping continuously variable by air pressureUNI-TRAK® single-shock system with 5-way preload and stepless rebound damping / 7.3 in.
Rake27.5° 28.0°
Trail118 mm / 4.6 in.112 mm / 4.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front270 mm / 10.6 in.200 mm / 7.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear270 mm / 10.6 in.185 mm / 7.2 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.0 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-280 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-240 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.4 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Optional ABSSingle 280mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Optional ABSSingle 203mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front90/90-2190/90 -21
Tyres - Rear140/80-18130/80 -17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge

The 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge edges out the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 thanks to its fuel injection, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 270 mm vs 185 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 270 mm vs 200 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 889 mm vs 930 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge vs 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge and 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650?
The 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge uses Single cylinder, four-stroke, while the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 is powered by Single cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge or the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650?
The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 has the lower seat at 889 mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge sits higher at 930 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge or the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge has the edge in fuel injection and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.