MotoSpecs

2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 vs 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 vs 2011 Triumph Tiger 800

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
2011 Triumph Tiger 800 2011 Triumph Tiger 800

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
69.1 kW / 93.9 hp @ 9300 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
209.6 kg / 462 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2008 - 092011
ColoursEbony, Sunbeam Red, Oriental Blue-
Make ModelKawasaki KLR 650Triumph Tiger 800
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)211 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)8.3 inches-
Seat Height889 mm / 35.0 in.810 mm -830 mm / 31.9 in- 32.7 in adjustable
Wheelbase1480 mm / 58.3 in1530 mm / 60.2in
Ground Clearance210 mm / 8.3 in-
Height1,349 mm / 53.1 in.1350 mm / 53.1 in
Length2,296 mm / 90.4 in.2215 mm / 87.1in
Width960 mm / 37.8 in.795 mm / 31.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight175.5 kg / 387.0 lbs-
Fuel Capacity23.08 litres / 6.10 gallons18.9 Litres / 5.0 gal / 4.2 Imp gal
Wet Weight196.0 kg / 432.0 lbs209.6 kg / 462 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 rpm69.1 kW / 93.9 hp @ 9300 rpm
Max Torque47 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm79 Nm / 8.1 kgf-m /58 ft.lb @ 7850 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2057 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile14.400 seconds-
Engine
Displacement (ci)39.72 cubic inches-
Displacement (cc)651.00 cc-
Bore x Stroke (mm)100.0 x 83.0 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.9 x 3.3 inches-
Engine TypeSingle cylinder-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Stroke4-
Displacement651 cc / 39.7 cu-in799 cc / 48.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Keihin CVK 40-
Bore x Stroke100 x 83 mm.74 x 61.9 mm
Compression Ratio9.8:112.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationSemi-Synthetic, 10W/40-
Exhaust-Stainless Steel, 3 into 1, high-level stainless steel silencer
Fuel InductionKeihin CVK40Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
IgnitionTransistorizedDigital CDI
Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump)Wet sump
Spark PlugNGK, DPR 8EA/9-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
Clutch Wet multi-disc, cable operationWet, multi-plate
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-speed-
Primary Drive Ratios 2.272 / 75/33-
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double Cradle Made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steelTubular steel trellis frame. Swingarm: twin-sided, cast aluminum alloy wheels
Suspension - Front41mm Air-adjustable forks,Showa 45mm upside down forks
Suspension - RearUni-Trak® linkage, 5-way preload shock absorber with 4way rebound damping.Showa monoshock with remote oil reservoir, hydraulically adjustable preload, rebound damping adjustment
Rake 28.0°23.9°
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in92.4mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front200 mm / 7.8 in180 mm / 7.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear185 mm / 7.2 in170 mm / 6.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)280 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.0 inches-
Brakes - FrontSingle 280mm disc 2 piston caliper2 x 308 mm Floating discs, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper (ABS available), Nissin master cylinder, 14mm diameter
Brakes - RearSingle 203mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 255 mm disc, Nissin single-piston floating caliper (ABS available)
Tyres - Front90/90 -21110/80 ZR19
Tyres - Rear130/80 -17150/70 ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 Kawasaki KLR 650

The 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 edges out the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 thanks to its higher torque, lower seat height, fuel injection, dual front discs and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 185 mm vs 170 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 200 mm vs 180 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 79 Nm vs 47 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 810 mm -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.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • Larger displacement: 799 cc vs 651 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

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 Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
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 810 mm -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 higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 stands out for higher torque and lower seat height. 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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