MotoSpecs

2006 BMW F 650GS vs 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 vs 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
2006 BMW F 650GS 2006 BMW F 650GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin
Power
37.3 kW / 50 hp @ 6800 rpm
Top Speed
183.4 km/h / 114 mph
Weight
423.3 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
Year20062008 - 09
Colours-Ebony, Sunbeam Red, Oriental Blue
Make ModelBMW F 650GSKawasaki KLR 650
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-8.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-211 mm
Seat Height780 mm / 30.7 in.889 mm / 35.0 in.
Wheelbase1479 mm / 58.2 in.1,481 mm / 58.3 in.
Ground Clearance-210 mm / 8.3 in
Height1265 mm / 49.8 in.1,349 mm / 53.1 in.
Length2175 mm / 85.6 in.2,296 mm / 90.4 in.
Width910 mm / 35.8 in.960 mm / 37.8 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight176 kg / 388 lbs.175.5 kg / 387.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity17.3 Litres / 4.6 US gal.23.08 litres / 6.10 gallons
Wet Weight191 kg / 421.1 lbs.196.0 kg / 432.0 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM-7800
Top Speed183.4 km/h / 114 mph149.7 km/h / 93.0 mph
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)-5.880 seconds
Max Power37.3 kW / 50 hp @ 6800 rpm42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm
Max Torque60 Nm / 6.12 kgf-m / 44.25 lb-ft. @ 5200 rpm47 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2828 HP/kg0.2057 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile13.4 sec14.400 seconds
Engine
Stroke44
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.9 x 3.3 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-100.0 x 83.0 mm
Displacement (cc)-651.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-39.72 cubic inches
Fuel Control-DOHC
Engine TypeTwinSingle cylinder
Displacement652 cc / 39.8 cub. in.651 cc / 39.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection / BMW engine management, dual ignitionCarburettor. Keihin CVK40
Bore x Stroke100 x 83mm100 x 83 mm.
Compression Ratio11.5:19.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Oil Specification-Semi-Synthetic, 10W/40
Fuel Consumption4.7 l/100 km / 60.5 US mpg-
Fuel InductionFuel inductionKeihin CVK40
Fuel Range370.2 kms / 230 miles-
Fuel ReserveApprox. 4.5 Litres / 1.2 US gal.-
IgnitionCapacitor Discharge Ignition system Fully transistorized
LubricationDry sump Forced lubrication (wet sump)
Spark Plug-NGK, DPR 8EA/9
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V / 12Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated Wet multi-disc, cable operation
Final DriveChainChain
Final Drive Ratio- 2.867 (43/15)
Gear Ratios1st 2.75 / 2nd 1.75 / 3rd 1.31 / 4th 1.05 / 5th 0.88:11st 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 / Drive5 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeBridge-type steel section frame with bolted-on rear sectionSemi-double Cradle Made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front41mm Telescopic fork with stabilizer bridge41mm Air-adjustable forks,
Suspension - RearSpring setting and rebound stage damping continuously adjustableUni-Trak® linkage, 5-way preload shock absorber with 4way rebound damping.
Rake29.2° 28.0°
Steering Head Angle60.8°-
Trail123 mm / 4.8 in.112 mm / 4.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front170 mm / 6.6 in200 mm / 7.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear165 mm / 6.4 in185 mm / 7.2 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 400W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm280 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches11.0 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm240 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle ∅300mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle ∅240mm disc, 1 piston caliperSingle disc
Tyres - Front100/90-19 90/90-21
Tyres - Rear130/80-17 130/80-17
WheelsWire spoke wheels-
Wheels - Front2.50 x 19-
Wheels - Rear3.00 x 17-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2006 BMW F 650GS and the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2006 BMW F 650GS - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 60 Nm vs 47 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 889 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 185 mm vs 165 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 200 mm vs 170 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2006 BMW F 650GS vs 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2006 BMW F 650GS and 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650?
The 2006 BMW F 650GS uses Twin, while the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2006 BMW F 650GS or the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650?
The 2006 BMW F 650GS has the lower seat at 780 mm, 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 should I buy, the 2006 BMW F 650GS or the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650?
Both are strong choices. The 2006 BMW F 650GS has the edge in higher torque and lower seat height, while the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 stands out for higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. 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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