KLX 650 for North Africa Trip

**EM25** · #1 30 May 2002

Hello,

Someone can comment on this bike (KLX650)?
I'm planning to go to Morocco 50% tarmac 50% off tarmac some dunes and the KLR looks too street-designed for that. See a lot of people travelling to Africa in KLR and no one in KLX, wonder why could be that? Thanks.

**dicky767** · #2 4 Apr 2010

Hi,we too have a klx650 and cant find any help or info;we are also planning to go to morocco,if you find any good info or websites/forums please let us know and we will do likewise,regards H&R

**nrgizr** · #3 21 Apr 2011

Hi, KLX owners are few and hard to find. This bike in it's C (city) version was only produced for no more than 4 years whilst it's off road ready to race version the R (Rally) was way ahead of it's time produced for several years and in the nineties gave the XLR and the later XR 650 something to think about.
The R version can be found second hand in mainland Europe and is THE IDEAL MACHINE for the dunes and long white top roads you find in N. Africa. It has plenty of power, an electric start and the reliability of an old style thumper. Acerbis still produce the large tank for it.
The C version is not quite up to it. I know because I went to Tunisia on one and although capable of taking you pretty much any ware you want you'll find the bike a little sluggish on the dunes and when the sand isn't particularly firm the bike will make you struggle.....a lot. The rear suspension is not up to the task, the tires available for a 17" rear rim are not that many for sort of terrain you'll encounter. Ideally you'd want Michelin Desserts...if you can find them.
Look at this:YouTube - Kawasaki KLX 650 C in the Tunisian Sahara