MotoSpecs

2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 vs 2011 Yamaha XT660R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2011 Yamaha XT660R 2011 Yamaha XT660R

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve
Power
33.8 kW / 48 hp @ 6000 rpm
Top Speed
164.7 km/h / 102.3 mph
Weight
181 kg / 421 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2008 - 092011
ColoursEbony, Sunbeam Red, Oriental Blue-
Make ModelKawasaki KLR 650Yamaha XT660R
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)206 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)8.1 inches-
Seat Height889 mm / 35 in865mm / 34.1 in
Wheelbase1480 mm / 58.3 in 1505 mm / 59.3 in
Ground Clearance210 mm / 8.3 in 210 mm / 8.3 in
Height1350 mm / 53.1 in1230 mm / 48.4 in
Length2295 mm / 90.4 in2240 mm / 88.1 in
Width960 mm / 37.8 in845 mm / 33.2 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight175.5 kg / 387.0 lbs172 kg / 379.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity23 Litres / 5.8 US gal.15 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Oil Capacity-2.9 Litres / 0.19 quarts
Wet Weight194 kg / 432 lbs181 kg / 421 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM7800-
Top Speed149.7 km/h / 93.0 mph164.7 km/h / 102.3 mph
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)5.880 seconds-
Max Power42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm33.8 kW / 48 hp @ 6000 rpm
Max Torque47 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm58.4 Nm / 5.7 kgf-m @ 5250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2057 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile14.400 seconds14.2 sec
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.9 x 3.3 inches-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Displacement (cc)651.00 cc-
Bore x Stroke (mm)100.0 x 83.0 mm-
Stroke4-
Engine TypeSingle cylinder-
Displacement (ci)39.72 cubic inches-
Displacement651 cc / 39.7 cu-in659 cc/ 40.2 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Keihin CVK 40-
Bore x Stroke100 x 83 mm.100 x 84 mm
Compression Ratio9.8:110.0: 1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationSemi-Synthetic, 10W/40-
Fuel Consumption-23 km/lit
Fuel InductionKeihin CVK40Fuel injection, 44 mm throttle body
IgnitionTransistorizedTCI
Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump)Dry sump
Spark PlugNGK, DPR 8EA/9-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
Clutch Wet multi-disc, cable operationWet, multiple-disc coil spring
Final DriveSealed ChainChain
Final Drive Ratio 2.867 (43/15)-
Gear Ratios1st 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-speed-
Primary Drive Ratios 2.272 / 75/33-
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double Cradle Made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steelSteel tubular diamond frame with dual tank rails
Suspension - Front41mm Air-adjustable forks,43 mm Telescopic forks,
Suspension - RearUni-Trak® linkage, 5-way preload shock absorber with 4way rebound damping.Oscillating arm standard Monocross. 200mm wheel travel
Rake 28.0°27.0°
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in107 mm / 4.2 in
Wheel Travel - Front200 mm / 7.8 in225 mm / 8.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear185 mm / 7.2 in200 mm / 7.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.0 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)280 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm-
Brakes - FrontSingle 280mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 298mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 203mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 245mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front90/90 -2190/90- 21
Tyres - Rear130/80 -17130/80-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 Yamaha XT660R

The 2011 Yamaha XT660R edges out the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height, 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 Kawasaki KLR 650 - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.

2011 Yamaha XT660R - Advantages

  • Lighter: 181 kg vs 194 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 865mm vs 889 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 185 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 225 mm vs 200 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 vs 2011 Yamaha XT660R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 and 2011 Yamaha XT660R?
The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 uses Single cylinder, while the 2011 Yamaha XT660R is powered by Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve.
Which is lighter, the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 or the 2011 Yamaha XT660R?
The 2011 Yamaha XT660R is lighter at 181 kg compared to 194 kg for the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 - a difference of 13 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 or the 2011 Yamaha XT660R?
The 2011 Yamaha XT660R has the lower seat at 865mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 sits higher at 889 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 or the 2011 Yamaha XT660R?
The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 has the larger tank at approximately 23 litres vs 15 litres for the 2011 Yamaha XT660R. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 383-460 km vs 250-300 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 or the 2011 Yamaha XT660R?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 has the edge in larger fuel tank, while the 2011 Yamaha XT660R stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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