2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 Specifications

Name: 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650
Brand: Kawasaki

Super motard • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 Overview

For 2012, Kawasaki offers the KLR 650 as a super motard motorcycle with 651 cc on tap. The 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 is built around a Single cylinder, four-stroke engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.8:1. Out on the road, the KLR 650 delivers 42.1 hp @ 7000 rpm of peak power and 47 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2012 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 16.5 kg lighter than the average super motard motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 spec sheet below.

2012 KLR 650 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: Peak output on the KLR 650 is 42.1 hp @ 7000 rpm and 47 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
Large fuel range: With a 23-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.

Considerations

Tall seat height: A 889 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

With Liquid cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.

Valve clearance checks

Valve clearances on DOHC-equipped engines like the KLR 650's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.

Brake disc and pad wear

Single 280mm disc 2 piston caliper up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by 41mm Air-adjustable forks, up front and Uni-Trak® linkage, 5-way preload shock absorber with 4way rebound damping at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Chain final drive on the KLR 650 means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.

Frame & chassis check

The Semi-double Cradle Made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steel chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

KLR 650 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept KLR 650 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a KLR 650's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A KLR 650 that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

Valve clearance service

There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a KLR 650's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.

2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 have?

The 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 uses a Single cylinder, four-stroke engine with 651 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

How much does the 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 weigh?

The 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 weighs 194 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 make?

The 2012 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 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650?

The 2012 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 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2012 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 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 have?

The 2012 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 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 use?

The 2012 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 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 have?

The 2012 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	48 hp / 35.0 kW @ 6500 rpm	41.7 hp @ 7100 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	196.0 kg / 432.0 lbs	196.0 kg / 432.0 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	-	168 kg / 370.4 lbs	153 kg / 337.3 lbs	153 kg / 337.3 lbs	153 kg / 337.3 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	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	Single cylinder, four-stroke
Top Speed	163.5 km/h	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.	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 / 35.0 in.	889 mm / 35 in	889 mm / 35 in	889 mm / 35 in	889 mm / 35 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	23.00 litres / 6.08 gallons	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	23.08 litres / 6.10 gallons	21.95 litres / 5.80 gallons	23.09 litres / 6.10 gallons	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, four-stroke

Power

42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm

Torque

47 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

194 kg / 432 lbs

Fuel Capacity

23 Litres / 5.8 US gal.

Full 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 Specifications

Year 2012 -13

Colours Red/gray, black/gray, blue/white

Make Model Kawasaki KLR 650

Warranty 12 Months

Ground Clearance (mm) 211 mm

Ground Clearance (in.) 8.3 inches

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

Fuel Capacity 23 Litres / 5.8 US gal.

Wet Weight 194 kg / 432 lbs

Max Power 42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm

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

Fuel Control DOHC

Engine Type Single cylinder, four-stroke

Displacement 651 cc / 39.7 cu-in

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

Fuel System Carburettor. Keihin CVK40

Bore x Stroke 100 x 83 mm.

Compression Ratio 9.8:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Fuel Induction Keihin CVK40

Ignition Transistorized

Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump)

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

Instrumentation Neutral indicator, reverse indicator

Lighting system Dual removable 30w headlights / LED taillight / brake light

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.

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