Kawasaki hasn’t confirmed the rumours and Kawasaki Australia had only this to say when ADB asked about the future of the KLR650: “The KLR650 is part of the Kawasaki 2019 range”. However, a letter sent to U.S. dealers by the Executive VP of Sales for Kawasaki Motors Corp USA, states that this will be the final year of the KLR650. (see image below)
The contradiction could mean the KLR is part of the Australian range simply because there is existing stock to sell and once that is sold it will be removed from the range. The American letter, from Bill Jenkins, says: “Model year 2018 will be the final year of the iconic motorcycle. On 1 October we will discontinue all incentives on KLR650s.”
The letter goes on to say that dealer inventory is low and Kawasaki Motor Corporation has limited supply. Tightening emission laws, new safety regulations like compulsory ABS and the outdated design may have sealed the KLR’s fate.
We’ll keep you up-to-date as more information is made available.
