Kawasaki KLR® 650 Base vs Kawasaki KLR® 650 S Base (2026)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Kawasaki KLR® 650 Basestacks up against the Kawasaki KLR® 650 S Base. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecKawasaki KLR® 650 BaseKawasaki KLR® 650 S Base
Model year20262026
Price$6,999$6,999
Engine652 cc652 cc
Weight187 kg187 kg
Seat height871 mm815 mm
Fuel capacity23.0 L23.0 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
TransmissionManual, 5 speed, ChainManual, 5 speed, Chain
Front brakesHydraulic DiscHydraulic Disc
Rear brakesHydraulic DiscHydraulic Disc
Tires90/90 R21 / 130/80 R1790/90 R21 54S / 130/80 R17 65S

Kawasaki KLR® 650 Base vs Kawasaki KLR® 650 S Base — which should you buy?

Picking between the Kawasaki KLR® 650 Base and the Kawasaki KLR® 650 S Base usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Kawasaki KLR® 650 Base brings its published horsepower in a 187 kg package, while the Kawasaki KLR® 650 S Base counters with its own power figure at 187 kg. On price, the Kawasaki KLR® 650 S Base has the lower MSRP.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: