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Kawasaki’s Military-Inspired New Adventure Bike Is Equal Parts Affordable and Capable

This versatile and spirited all-terrain soldier can span the globe without emptying your wallet in the process.

Close-up of a black and olive green Kawasaki motorcycle engine and frame with camouflage detailing on the front fairing against a green background.Kawasaki

By Steve Mazzucchi

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A successful off-road motorcycle adventure requires a number of key elements, but one of the biggest is balance.

This concept factors in on a lot of levels, not just on the technique you need to stand up on the pegs, shift your weight and even counter-steer when the terrain gets tricky.

Motorcyclist in black gear riding a camo Kawasaki adventure bike on a dusty dirt trail.
The KLR650 Adventure ABS is so hungry for unpaved terrain, the least you can do is seek it out.
Kawasaki

It can apply just as much to the bike itself, which ideally has a mix of power, size and weight that offers the necessary oomph while still being manageable for the rider. 

If it happens to look awesome and not drain your bank account, that’s just a bonus, really.

With all that in mind, I give you Kawasaki’s new KLR650 Adventure ABS, which at a price just over $8,000 has that elusive balance basically on lock.

Camo king

Let’s quickly address the aesthetics, which while not as important as the performance, do play a key role in getting you excited and confident about your next mission.

Of the five total 2026 KLR650 models, this particular KLR650 is the highest-level option, which manifests not only in what it can do but how it looks.

Olive green and black Kawasaki adventure motorcycle with camouflage front fairing and side panniers.
The fully unnecessary but totally rad-looking camo styling up front adds undeniable flair.
Kawasaki

So it has the classic rugged ADV silhouette, outfitted with factory-installed side cases, LED auxiliary light set, engine guards, tank pad.

Of course what really jumps out with this bike is the paint scheme. Yes, it is available in a good-looking “metallic matte dark green.” 

Kawasaki dual-sport motorcycle with camouflage front fairing, olive green fuel tank, black seat, and side panniers.
The factory-installed side cases signal this bike’s long-haul intentions, as do the DC power outlet and USB socket.
Kawasaki

But where it really pops is with this mouthful: “cypher camo beige/metallic matte/carbon grey.”

This particular look is not for everyone, but for those of who daydream about being two-wheeled tactical action figures in far-flung lands, it offers a bit of military-inspired moto cosplay that’s hard to resist.

Off-road warrior

While the styling may grab the glory, where the KLR650 Adventure ABS really shines is with its guts.

I’m talking about a 652cc engine making a claimed 40 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 39.1 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox, return shift with wet multi-disc manual clutch. 

Motorcyclist wearing black gear riding a black and camo adventure motorcycle on a curved mountain road.
You can ride this thing on the road too, although if that’s where you spend most of your time, you should probably swap in some road tires — or, honestly, sell it to someone more amped to get off the beaten path.
Kawasaki

It’s worth noting that the seat height is 34.3 inches, which is a bit lofty, especially for shorter and newer riders, but one-footing is a bit easier when the bike is not a total beast, and this one’s curb weight thankfully ducks under 500 pounds (487.1, to be exact).

That seat height helps the bike reach 8.3 inches of ground clearance, complemented by a 41mm telescopic fork with 7.9 inches of travel and an adjustable Uni-Trak single shock offering 8 inches of travel. 

Two motorcyclists wearing helmets and gear riding Kawasaki adventure motorcycles on a dusty off-road trail.
The clearance and suspension on this bike should help you stay upright even when the path gets sketchy.
Kawasaki

Translation: Keep the those knobby-tired wheels turning and you can ride this bike over gnarly obstacles, cross rivers and navigate the unexpected in ways you may have never dreamed before

Just remember to, you know, maintain your balance.

Availability and pricing

The 2026 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure ABS is available now starting at $8,199. The premium paint finish shown on this page does come with an upcharge of $100, meaning it starts at $8,299.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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