2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 vs 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 vs 2012 Honda NC700X

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 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
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
2012 Honda NC700X 2012 Honda NC700X

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
480.6 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Model ID: TRX680FA
Year2008 - 09-
ColoursEbony, Sunbeam Red, Oriental BlueRed/black, black, silver/black, black/white
Make ModelKawasaki KLR 650-
Warranty-One year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)8.1 inches6.5 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)206 mm165 mm
Seat Height889 mm / 35 in830 mm / 32.7 in.
Wheelbase1480 mm / 58.3 in1,540 mm / 60.6 in.
Ground Clearance210 mm / 8.3 in-
Height1350 mm / 53.1 in1,285 mm / 50.6 in.
Length2295 mm / 90.4 in2,210 mm / 87.0 in.
Width960 mm / 37.8 in830 mm / 32.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight175.5 kg / 387.0 lbs-
Fuel Capacity23 Litres / 5.8 US gal.14.10 litres / 3.73 gallons
Wet Weight194 kg / 432 lbs218.0 kg / 480.6 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM7800-
Top Speed149.7 km/h / 93.0 mph-
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)5.880 seconds-
Max Power42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm-
Max Torque47 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm60.00 Nm (6.1 kgf-m or 44.3 ft.lbs) @ 4750
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2057 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile14.400 seconds-
Engine
Stroke4-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.9 x 3.3 inches1.4 x 2.9 inches
Fuel ControlDOHCOverhead Valves (OHV)
Displacement (cc)651.00 cc670.00 cc
Displacement (ci)39.72 cubic inches40.88 cubic inches
Engine TypeSingle cylinderTwin, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (mm)100.0 x 83.0 mm36.0 x 73.0 mm
Displacement651 cc / 39.7 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Keihin CVK40Injection
Bore x Stroke100 x 83 mm.-
Compression Ratio9.8:110.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Emissions-Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) off-road emissions standards.
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Engine Oil SpecificationSemi-Synthetic, 10W/40-
Fuel InductionKeihin CVK40-
Fuel Reserve-4.54 litres / 1.20 gallons
IgnitionTransistorizedComputer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump)-
Spark PlugNGK, DPR 8EA/9-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
Clutch Wet multi-disc, cable operationManual (DCT version = D mode/S mode/Manual mode)
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-speed3-speed
Primary Drive-Direct front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential
Primary Drive Ratios 2.272 / 75/33-
Transmission / Drive5 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double cradle, high-tensile steel-
Suspension - Front41mm telescopic fork / 7.9 in.41mm telescopic fork, 153.5mm travel
Suspension - RearUNI-TRAK® single-shock system with 5-way preload and stepless rebound damping / 7.3 in.Monoshock damper, Pro-Link swingarm, 150mm travel
Rake 28.0°-
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in-
Wheel Travel - Front200 mm / 7.8 in175 mm / 6.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear185 mm / 7.2 in203 mm / 8.0 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.0 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)280 mm320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm240 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle 280mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle 203mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle disc
Rims-Multi-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres - Front90/90 -21120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear130/80 -17160/60-ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 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

2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 210 mm vs 165 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More front wheel travel: 200 mm vs 175 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 830 mm 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: 203 mm vs 185 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 vs 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 and 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650?
The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 uses Single cylinder, four-stroke, while the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 or the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650?
The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 has the lower seat at 830 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 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 or the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 has the edge in liquid cooling and greater ground clearance, while the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 stands out for lower seat height and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.