2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 Specifications

Name: 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650
Brand: Kawasaki

Enduro / Off-Road • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 Overview

The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 is an enduro / off-road motorcycle built around 651 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Single cylinder engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.8:1. The bore and stroke measures 100 x 83 mm. 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 delivers 42.1 hp @ 7000 rpm of peak power and 47 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 149.7 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2009 KLR 650 tips the scales at 194 kg, carries a 23-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 889 mm and spans a 1480 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 24.6 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 compared with other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category

Here is how the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 stacks up against other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1434 models.

Engine displacement of 651 cc is larger than that of 1053 of the other 1433 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category.
Only 118 of the other 433 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category have a lower power-to-weight ratio than the 160 W/kg of the KLR 650.
Narrowing the field to the 492 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 651 cc is larger than that of 367 of the other 491.

Versus the 2007 model

The figures we track are unchanged from the 2007 model: displacement and seat height all match.

2009 KLR 650 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 makes 42.1 hp @ 7000 rpm with 47 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Strong front braking: The disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
Large fuel range: The 23-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.

Considerations

Tall seat height: The 889 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

The Liquid cooled system on the KLR 650 needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.

Valve clearance checks

DOHC valve actuation on the KLR 650 means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.

Brake disc and pad wear

The disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the KLR 650 runs 41mm Air-adjustable forks, and Uni-Trak® linkage, 5-way preload shock absorber with 4way rebound damping at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Semi-double Cradle Made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steel - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

KLR 650 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 with its 651 cc enduro / off-road, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 17 years old, this enduro / off-road is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained KLR 650 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the KLR 650's 651 cc single cylinder. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With a 9.8:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Carburetor upkeep

Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the KLR 650 has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.

Valve clearance service

Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used KLR 650. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.

2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 have?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 uses a Single cylinder engine with 651 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

What is the top speed of the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 has a factory-quoted top speed of 149.7 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 weigh?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 weighs 194 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 make?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 produces 42.1 hp @ 7000 rpm of power and 47 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 has a 23-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 383-460 km between stops.

Is the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 has a seat height of 889 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 have?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 uses single 280mm disc 2 piston caliper at the front and single 203mm disc 1 piston caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 use?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 runs 90/90 -21 front and 130/80 -17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 have?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.

Kawasaki KLR 650 Spec Evolution

The Kawasaki KLR 650 was produced across 23 model years (1988-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	1988	1990	1992	1994	1996	1997	1998	1999	2001	2003	2005	2007	2009	2011	2013	2014	2015	2017	2018	2020	2021	2022	2023
Max Power	41.7 hp @ 7100 rpm	48 hp / 35.0 kW @ 6500 rpm	41.7 hp @ 7100 rpm	48 hp / 35.0 kW @ 6500 rpm	48 hp / 35.0 kW @ 6500 rpm	-	-	-	48 hp / 35.0 kW @ 6500 rpm	48 hp / 35.0 kW @ 6500 rpm	48 hp / 35.0 kW @ 6500 rpm	48 hp / 35.0 kW @ 6500 rpm	42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm	42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm	42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm	42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm	42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm	42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm	-	-	-	-	-
Wet Weight	189.0 kg / 416.7 lbs	189 kg / 416 lbs	189 kg / 416 lbs	189 kg / 416 lbs	189 kg / 416 lbs	-	-	186.0 kg / 410.1 lbs	189 kg / 416 lbs	189 kg / 416 lbs	189 kg / 416 lbs	189 kg / 416 lbs	194 kg / 432 lbs	194 kg / 432 lbs	194 kg / 432 lbs	194 kg / 432 lbs	194 kg / 432 lbs	196.0 kg / 432.0 lbs	196.0 kg / 432.0 lbs	196.0 kg / 432.0 lbs	196.0 kg / 432.0 lbs	206.9 kg / 456.2 lbs	206.9 kg / 456.2 lbs
Dry Weight	153 kg / 337.3 lbs	153 kg / 337.3 lbs	153 kg / 337.3 lbs	153 kg / 337.3 lbs	168 kg / 370.4 lbs	168 kg / 370.4 lbs	168 kg / 370.4 lbs	-	153 kg / 337.3 lbs	153 kg / 337.3 lbs	153 kg / 337.3 lbs	152.9 kg / 337.0 lbs	175.5 kg / 387.0 lbs	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Engine Detail	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve	-	-	-	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	-	-	-	-	-
Engine Type	Single cylinder	-	-	-	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke
Top Speed	154.0 km/h / 95.7 mph	163.5 km/h / 101 mph	163.5 km/h	163.5 km/h / 101.6 mph	163.5 km/h / 101.6 mph	-	-	160.0 km/h / 99.4 mph	157.0 km/h / 97.6 mph	163.5 km/h	163.5 km/h	163.5 km/h	149.7 km/h / 93.0 mph	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Seat Height	889 mm / 35.0 in	889 mm / 35.0 in	889 mm / 35.0 in	889 mm / 35.0 in	870 mm / 34.3 in.	870 mm / 34.3 in.	870 mm / 34.3 in.	870 mm / 34.3 in.	889 mm / 35.0 in	889 mm / 35.0 in	889 mm / 35.0 in	889 mm / 35.0 in.	889 mm / 35 in	889 mm / 35 in	889 mm / 35 in	889 mm / 35 in	889 mm / 35 in	889 mm / 35.0 in.	889 mm / 35.0 in.	890 mm / 35.0 in.	870 mm / 34.3 in.	871 mm / 34.3 in.	871 mm / 34.3 in.
Fuel Capacity	23 Litres / 6.0 US gal	23 Litres / 6.0 US gal	23 Litres / 6.0 US gal	23 Litres / 6.0 US gal	23 Litres / 6.0 US gal	-	-	14.00 litres / 3.70 gallons	23 Litres / 6.0 US gal	23 Litres / 6.0 US gal	23.08 litres / 6.10 gallons	23.08 litres / 6.10 gallons	23 Litres / 5.8 US gal.	23 Litres / 5.8 US gal.	23 Litres / 5.8 US gal.	23 Litres / 5.8 US gal.	23 Litres / 5.8 gal.	23.09 litres / 6.10 gallons	23.09 litres / 6.10 gallons	23.09 litres / 6.10 US gallons	23.00 litres / 6.08 US gallons	23.09 litres / 6.10 US gallons	23.09 litres / 6.10 US gallons

Key Specifications

Engine

Single cylinder

Power

42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm

Torque

47 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm

Top Speed

149.7 km/h / 93.0 mph

Weight

194 kg / 432 lbs

Fuel Capacity

23 Litres / 5.8 US gal.

Full 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 Specifications

Year 2008 - 09

Colours Ebony, Sunbeam Red, Oriental Blue

Make Model Kawasaki KLR 650

Ground Clearance (in.) 8.1 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 206 mm

Seat Height 889 mm / 35 in

Wheelbase 1480 mm / 58.3 in

Ground Clearance 210 mm / 8.3 in

Height 1350 mm / 53.1 in

Length 2295 mm / 90.4 in

Width 960 mm / 37.8 in

Dry Weight 175.5 kg / 387.0 lbs

Fuel Capacity 23 Litres / 5.8 US gal.

Wet Weight 194 kg / 432 lbs

Maximum RPM 7800

Top Speed 149.7 km/h / 93.0 mph

Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 5.880 seconds

Max Power 42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm

Max Torque 47 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.2057 HP/kg

Standing Start ¼ Mile 14.400 seconds

Stroke 4

Bore x Stroke (mm) 100.0 x 83.0 mm

Displacement (cc) 651.00 cc

Displacement (ci) 39.72 cubic inches

Fuel Control DOHC

Bore x Stroke (in,) 3.9 x 3.3 inches

Engine Type Single cylinder

Displacement 651 cc / 39.7 cu-in

Engine Detail Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Fuel System Carburettor. Keihin CVK 40

Bore x Stroke 100 x 83 mm.

Compression Ratio 9.8:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Engine Oil Specification Semi-Synthetic, 10W/40

Fuel Induction Keihin CVK40

Ignition Transistorized

Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump)

Spark Plug NGK, DPR 8EA/9

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

Clutch Wet multi-disc, cable operation

Final Drive Sealed Chain

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)

Gearbox 5-speed

Primary Drive Ratios 2.272 / 75/33

Transmission / Drive 5 Speed

Frame Type Semi-double Cradle Made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steel

Suspension - Front 41mm Air-adjustable forks,

Suspension - Rear Uni-Trak® linkage, 5-way preload shock absorber with 4way rebound damping.

Rake 28.0°

Trail 112 mm / 4.4 in

Wheel Travel - Front 200 mm / 7.8 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 185 mm / 7.2 in

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 - Front Single 280mm disc 2 piston caliper

Brakes - Rear Single 203mm disc 1 piston caliper

Tyres - Front 90/90 -21

Tyres - Rear 130/80 -17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.