The KLR650 is one of those bikes that, despite not being a technological marvel or built to claim a RallyRaid crown, has a legion of fans worldwide. It’s revered for its simplicity, reliability and comfort. We wondered if there was room for improvement in such a great bike, so had a word to Evan Byles in South Australia. With a lifetime of racing and riding on- and off-road, and South Australia’s biggest dealership under his care, he’s had plenty of experience with the Kwaka.
“The price is a massive factor in the KLR’s appeal,” revved Evan, from the comfort of SA Motorcycles. “If you want to buy a European bike that’ll do the same thing, you won’t get out of it for less than $15,000. Without haggling you can grab a KLR for $8500, registered in your name, with 22 litres of 98 octane in it, and you can ride that bike straight off the dealer floor to Port Augusta, Cape York…anywhere you like. It’ll do the job.”