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Kawasaki KLV1000 motorcycle review - Riding

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Kawasaki KLV1000 (2004-2006)

Detail	Value
Used price range	View Kawasaki KLV1000 bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	996cc
Power	98bhp
Top speed	135mph
Insurance group	13

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

When you're looking for a big trailie-type the Kawasaki KLV1000 could be the answer you were looking for.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

It’s Suzuki’s legendary TL1000 V-twin in the Kawasaki KLV1000. Detuned from a genuine 120-odd rear wheel bhp in the sports bike, it’s still got plenty of shove. It’s a little lumpy at very low revs – as all big twins are but the Kawasaki KLV1000's midrange’s like a tidal wave and there’s decent snap if you rev it hard. It suits the KLV1000 well giving instant overtaking power at a moments notice.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Kawasaki KLV1000 is extremely rapid on real roads. Yes on a track it’ll feel wobbly, diving into corners under hard breaking but it’s a rapid if slightly softly sprung road bike. It can’t match the far pricier BMW R1200GS and KTM 990 Adventure and off road ability is minimal. Brakes are modest but if in good condition, work well. The Kawasaki KLV1000 is fine on the road unless you’re a real speed demon.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Kawasaki KLV1000 is well tooled up for touring, less suited to off-road action. The seat and riding position are comfy. The Kawasaki KLV1000's adjustable screen works pretty well but there’s still a little buffeting. Suzuki’s latest version of the V-Strom comes with a centre stand and hard luggage too which the KLV1000 would benefit from.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Kawasaki KLV1000 not without the odd problem. Clutches can have problems causing vibration, coolant hoses can leak and fasteners can vibrate lose. More worryingly it’s not a superbly built motorcycle. Corrosion is quick to appear on the Kawasaki KLV1000 – at least you can tell easily if a bike’s been neglected with a cursory examination.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Kawasaki KLV1000 was cheap when new, especially when discounted. KTM’s 990 Adventure and BMW’s R1200GS may be slightly better bikes but they’re in a different price league. Aprilia’s ETV1000 Caponord is just as cheap but dogged with problems, Yamaha’s TDM900 is comparable but less of a tourer. The Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom is similar priced not surprisingly. Find a Kawasaki KLV1000 for sale.

Insurance group: 13

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2004: Original model introduced.
2006: Model discontinued.

None.

Specifications

Top speed	135mph
1/4-mile acceleration	11.7 secs
Power	98bhp
Torque	78ftlb
Weight	208kg
Seat height	840mm
Fuel capacity	22 litres
Average fuel consumption	42mpg
Tank range	200 miles
Insurance group	13

Engine size	996cc
Engine specification	8v V-twin, 6 gears
Frame	Aluminium beam
Front suspension adjustment	Preload
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound
Front brakes	Twin 310mm discs
Rear brake	260mm disc
Front tyre size	110/80 x 19
Rear tyre size	150/70 x 17

See all Kawasaki KLV1000 motorcycles for sale

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KLV1000

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£3,199

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27757 miles

£3,899

Owners' Overall Rating (1 review)

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klv1000

jay77

Average rating

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Ride and Handling
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cant see why the suzuki DL1000 gets all the credit when the kawasaki klv is exactly the same bike! WHY IS THIS?

02 February 2010