🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kawasaki

Model:

KLR650

Generation:

First Generation (A Series)

Model Code:

A2

Year:

1988

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Kawasaki KLR650, particularly the early A-series models, established itself as a highly capable and rugged dual-sport motorcycle. It was positioned as an affordable and reliable option for adventure touring, commuting, and off-road exploration, often seen as a workhorse in its segment.

Competitors:

Competed with other dual-sport motorcycles of the era, such as the Honda Transalp and Suzuki DR650, but often differentiated itself with its more utilitarian design and robust single-cylinder engine, appealing to riders prioritizing durability and simplicity.

Key Features Of Vehicle:

Durable 651cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, long-travel suspension, robust steel frame, large fuel tank, comfortable ergonomics for extended riding, and a reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Fuel System, Carburetion, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Transmission, Clutch, Drive Train, Suspension (Front & Rear), Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires, Frame, Electrical System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Bodywork, Troubleshooting, Specifications, Torque Values, Maintenance Schedules

Page Count:

Approximately 400+ pages

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

Manual Completeness:

Complete official workshop service manual covering all aspects of repair and maintenance.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Complete coverage of all mechanical, electrical, and chassis systems specific to the Kawasaki KLR650 A2 model year.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, detailed disassembly and reassembly, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, component testing, adjustments, specifications, and repair techniques.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic service tasks to complete engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics. Suitable for both novice mechanics and experienced technicians.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Provides diagnostic procedures for electrical faults, engine performance issues, and mechanical system malfunctions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printable:

Printable pages for convenient in-workshop use.

Image Quality:

High-resolution diagrams, illustrations, and photographs.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder

Displacement:

651 cc

Bore X Stroke:

100.0 x 83.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.3:1

Horsepower:

Approximately 47 HP @ 6500 RPM (claimed, may vary)

Torque:

Approximately 53 Nm @ 5000 RPM (claimed, may vary)

Carburetor:

Keihin CVK-D36 (Constant Velocity)

Fuel Capacity:

18 Liters (4.7 US gal)

Ignition System:

Digital CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)

Cooling System:

Liquid-cooled with electric fan

Lubrication System:

Forced lubrication, wet sump

Starter:

Electric starter

Valvetrain Design:

4 valves per cylinder, shim-under-bucket adjustment

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed constant mesh

Clutch Type:

Wet multi-plate

Final Drive:

O-ring sealed chain drive

Gear Ratios:

Detailed in manual (specific ratios for each gear)

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

2,245 mm (88.4 in)

Overall Width:

880 mm (34.6 in)

Overall Height:

1,340 mm (52.8 in)

Wheelbase:

1,470 mm (57.9 in)

Ground Clearance:

210 mm (8.3 in)

Dry Weight:

176 kg (388 lbs)

Wet Weight:

193 kg (425.5 lbs)

Payload Capacity:

Refer to manual for specifics

Front Suspension:

Telescopic fork, 41 mm, 230 mm (9.1 in) travel

Rear Suspension:

Bottom-link uni-trak, gas-oil shock, adjustable preload, 205 mm (8.1 in) travel

Front Brake:

Dual-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 260 mm

Rear Brake:

Single-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 240 mm

Front Tire:

80/100-21 51P

Rear Tire:

130/80-17 65P

Wheel Type:

Spoked wheels

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

As a motorcycle of this era, specific standardized crash safety ratings are not applicable in the same way as automobiles. Safety relies on rider skill and the inherent design of the motorcycle.

Active Safety Features:

Disc brakes front and rear for reliable stopping power, robust suspension for stability during cornering and over rough terrain.

Passive Safety Features:

Sturdy frame construction, durable bodywork, handguards (often fitted as an accessory but standard on some trims), protective fairing for rider comfort and minor protection.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

As a 1988 motorcycle, this model features a purely analog instrument cluster and no integrated infotainment system.

Driver Assistance Features:

No electronic driver assistance features are present on this model.

Connectivity Features:

No electronic connectivity features are present on this model.

Instrumentation Type:

Analog speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, coolant temperature gauge, and indicator lights (turn signals, oil pressure, neutral, high beam).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Cleaning:

Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or as needed based on conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 18,000 km (11,200 miles).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-40 (or SAE 20W-40 depending on ambient temperature). Refer to manual for detailed temperature chart.

Engine Oil Capacity:

2.3 L (2.4 US qt) without filter change, 2.5 L (2.6 US qt) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Permanent type antifreeze coolant (50% solution with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Fork Oil Type:

SAE 10W fork oil.

Fork Oil Capacity:

440 ml per fork leg.

Common Issues:

The DooHickey (tensioner arm for the counter-balancer chain) is a known failure point; replacement with an upgraded aftermarket part is highly recommended. Carburetor can be finicky if not properly cleaned and adjusted. Some oil burning can occur on high-mileage engines. Suspension can feel a bit soft for aggressive off-road riding. Cam chain tensioner may require manual adjustment over time.

Troubleshooting Sections:

The manual provides detailed troubleshooting flowcharts and symptom-based diagnostic procedures for all major systems.

Torque Values:

Detailed torque specifications provided for all critical fasteners and components throughout the manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Kawasaki has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for performance, reliability, and innovation across various categories, including sportbikes, cruisers, and dual-sport motorcycles.

Model Evolution Klr650:

The KLR650 was introduced in 1987 as a successor to the KLR600. The 'A' series models, like the 1988 A2, were the foundational generation. Significant updates occurred with the introduction of the 'C' series in 1996 (minor revisions) and the major redesign with the 'E' series in 2008, which included fuel injection and a revised chassis. The KLR650 has maintained its core philosophy of being a go-anywhere, do-anything dual-sport machine throughout its lineage.

Production Years:

The KLR650 'A' series was produced from 1987 to 1995.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 1988 model are not widely documented, the KLR650 platform has consistently been recognized for its durability, value, and go-anywhere capability by motorcycle publications and riders worldwide. It's often lauded as an 'adventure touring icon' or 'benchmark dual-sport'.

Rider Ratings:

Highly rated by owners for its reliability, low running costs, and versatility. Commonly praised for its ability to handle long distances and varied terrain with ease.