🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Kawasaki Model: KLR500 / KLR650 Year: 1987 Product Type: Repair Service Manual 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Primarily professional technicians, but also suitable for do-it-yourself mechanics with basic electrical and mechanical knowledge. Purpose: To provide comprehensive guidance for maintaining and repairing the Kawasaki KLR500/KLR650 1987 model. Competitive Analysis Comparison To Paper Manuals: Functionally equivalent to paper manuals, offering the same detailed information with the advantage of instant digital access and searchability. Key Features Instructional Style: Step-by-step procedures designed to teach factory-level knowledge. Visual Aids: Includes illustrations and pictures (as typical for factory manuals). Decision Making Aid: Empowers owners to make informed decisions regarding maintenance and repairs. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Kawasaki KLR500 and KLR650 motorcycles Model Year Coverage: 1987 Page Count Estimated Page Count: Refer to factory specifications (typically 300-500 pages for a comprehensive service manual) Manual Type Type: Factory-style Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format File Format: PDF Digital Delivery: Instant Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Comprehensive engine overhaul, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, and tuning. Fuel System: Carburetor service, fuel pump operation, fuel tank maintenance, and fuel line routing. Ignition System: Ignition timing, spark plug specifications, CDI unit testing, and related components. Transmission: Gearbox disassembly, inspection, lubrication, and clutch service. Drivetrain: Final drive chain and sprocket inspection, adjustment, and replacement procedures. Suspension: Front fork service, rear shock absorber maintenance, spring rates, and damping adjustments. Brakes: Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures. Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, component testing, battery maintenance, lighting systems, and starter motor operation. Cooling System: Radiator service, coolant specifications, fan operation, and thermostat replacement. Chassis And Frame: Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, and wheel bearing maintenance. Bodywork: Fairing removal and installation, seat service, and fender care. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance checks, lubrication schedules, filter replacements, and fluid changes. Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic guides and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and uncommon issues. Disassembly Assembly: Detailed instructions for component disassembly and reassembly. Cleaning: Specific cleaning procedures for various engine and chassis components. Reinstalling: Procedures for correctly reinstalling all serviced components. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution PDF, allowing for Zoom IN/OUT capability. Print Quality Printability: Full Printable Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC, Single-cylinder (KLR650), Single-cylinder (KLR500 - typically a smaller displacement variant sharing architecture) Displacement Klr650: 651 cc (39.7 cu in) Displacement Klr500: Approximately 461 cc (28.1 cu in) - exact specification may vary based on specific market variants. Performance Bore X Stroke Klr650: 100.0 mm x 83.0 mm (3.94 in x 3.27 in) Compression Ratio Klr650: 9.5:1 Horsepower Klr650 Estimated: Approximately 40-45 HP @ 6500 RPM (factory figures may vary). Torque Klr650 Estimated: Approximately 35-40 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM (factory figures may vary). Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Mikuni VM32SS carburetor (typical for KLR650, KLR500 may differ slightly) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum) Lubrication Oil Type: SAE 10W-40 motorcycle oil, API SG or higher. Oil Capacity Klr650: Approximately 2.4 Liters (2.5 US qt) with filter change. 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Constant-mesh, 6-speed return Optional Availability: N/A (Single transmission option for the model year) Features Clutch: Wet, multi-disc Gear Ratios: Detailed ratios available within the manual, specific to each gear. Transmission Fluid Type: API GL-4, SAE 80W-90 gear oil. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Overall Length Klr650: Approx. 2,235 mm (87.9 in) Overall Width Klr650: Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in) Overall Height Klr650: Approx. 1,455 mm (57.3 in) Weights Dry Weight Klr650 Estimated: Approx. 160 kg (353 lbs) Wet Weight Klr650 Estimated: Approx. 176 kg (388 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: N/A (Motorcycle, not subject to automotive crash testing standards) Active Features Braking System: Dual-piston caliper front, drum brake rear (typical for the era, KLR650 might have disc option). Suspension Stability: Telescopic front fork and Uni-Trak rear suspension designed for stability. Passive Features Lighting: Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Features: Basic instrumentation: speedometer, odometer, tachometer, trip meter, neutral indicator, high beam indicator. Driver Assistance Features: N/A (No electronic driver assistance systems found on this vintage motorcycle). Connectivity Features: N/A (No modern connectivity features). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Air Filter Cleaning Replacement: Every 6,000-10,000 km (3,700-6,200 miles) or annually. Spark Plug Replacement: Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,200-9,300 miles). Chain Lubrication Adjustment: Every 500-1,000 km (300-600 miles) or after riding in wet conditions. Fluid...
Primarily professional technicians, but also suitable for do-it-yourself mechanics with basic electrical and mechanical knowledge.
Purpose:
To provide comprehensive guidance for maintaining and repairing the Kawasaki KLR500/KLR650 1987 model.
Competitive Analysis
Comparison To Paper Manuals:
Functionally equivalent to paper manuals, offering the same detailed information with the advantage of instant digital access and searchability.
Key Features
Instructional Style:
Step-by-step procedures designed to teach factory-level knowledge.
Visual Aids:
Includes illustrations and pictures (as typical for factory manuals).
Decision Making Aid:
Empowers owners to make informed decisions regarding maintenance and repairs.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Kawasaki KLR500 and KLR650 motorcycles
Model Year Coverage:
1987
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Refer to factory specifications (typically 300-500 pages for a comprehensive service manual)
Manual Type
Type:
Factory-style Repair Service Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
File Format:
PDF
Digital Delivery:
Instant Download
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Comprehensive engine overhaul, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, and tuning.
Fuel System:
Carburetor service, fuel pump operation, fuel tank maintenance, and fuel line routing.
Ignition System:
Ignition timing, spark plug specifications, CDI unit testing, and related components.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, lubrication, and clutch service.
Drivetrain:
Final drive chain and sprocket inspection, adjustment, and replacement procedures.
Suspension:
Front fork service, rear shock absorber maintenance, spring rates, and damping adjustments.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, battery maintenance, lighting systems, and starter motor operation.
Cooling System:
Radiator service, coolant specifications, fan operation, and thermostat replacement.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, and wheel bearing maintenance.
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat service, and fender care.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, lubrication schedules, filter replacements, and fluid changes.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic guides and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and uncommon issues.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed instructions for component disassembly and reassembly.
Cleaning:
Specific cleaning procedures for various engine and chassis components.
Reinstalling:
Procedures for correctly reinstalling all serviced components.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Quality:
High-resolution PDF, allowing for Zoom IN/OUT capability.
Print Quality
Printability:
Full Printable
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
Requirements
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC, Single-cylinder (KLR650), Single-cylinder (KLR500 - typically a smaller displacement variant sharing architecture)
Displacement Klr650:
651 cc (39.7 cu in)
Displacement Klr500:
Approximately 461 cc (28.1 cu in) - exact specification may vary based on specific market variants.
Performance
Bore X Stroke Klr650:
100.0 mm x 83.0 mm (3.94 in x 3.27 in)
Compression Ratio Klr650:
9.5:1
Horsepower Klr650 Estimated:
Approximately 40-45 HP @ 6500 RPM (factory figures may vary).
Torque Klr650 Estimated:
Approximately 35-40 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM (factory figures may vary).
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Mikuni VM32SS carburetor (typical for KLR650, KLR500 may differ slightly)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
Lubrication
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 motorcycle oil, API SG or higher.
Oil Capacity Klr650:
Approximately 2.4 Liters (2.5 US qt) with filter change.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
Constant-mesh, 6-speed return
Optional
Availability:
N/A (Single transmission option for the model year)
Features
Clutch:
Wet, multi-disc
Gear Ratios:
Detailed ratios available within the manual, specific to each gear.
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Overall Length Klr650:
Approx. 2,235 mm (87.9 in)
Overall Width Klr650:
Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in)
Overall Height Klr650:
Approx. 1,455 mm (57.3 in)
Weights
Dry Weight Klr650 Estimated:
Approx. 160 kg (353 lbs)
Wet Weight Klr650 Estimated:
Approx. 176 kg (388 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Motorcycle, not subject to automotive crash testing standards)
Active Features
Braking System:
Dual-piston caliper front, drum brake rear (typical for the era, KLR650 might have disc option).
Suspension Stability:
Telescopic front fork and Uni-Trak rear suspension designed for stability.
N/A (No electronic driver assistance systems found on this vintage motorcycle).
Connectivity
Features:
N/A (No modern connectivity features).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Every 6,000-10,000 km (3,700-6,200 miles) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,200-9,300 miles).
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Every 500-1,000 km (300-600 miles) or after riding in wet conditions.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-40
Engine Oil Standard:
API SG, JASO MA
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Known Issues
Cam Chain Tensioner:
Early models sometimes experienced issues with the automatic cam chain tensioner (ACT), leading to rattling noises. Manual replacement or upgrade may be required.
Carburetor Cleaning:
Carburetors can become gummed up with age and sitting, requiring regular cleaning and potentially jet replacement for optimal performance.
Doohickey:
The 'doohickey' (often referring to the cam chain tensioner lever) is a known weak point in some KLR models, and aftermarket upgrades are popular.
Charging System:
Over time, stator or regulator/rectifier issues can affect the charging system, requiring diagnostic checks and potential replacement.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Kawasaki Motorsports:
Kawasaki has a long history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for performance and durability in various racing disciplines and street bikes.
Model Evolution
Klr Lineage:
The KLR series, particularly the KLR650, is renowned for its adventure touring capabilities, blending on-road comfort with off-road prowess. The 1987 model represents an early iteration of this enduring platform.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Model Significance:
The KLR650 became a benchmark for dual-sport motorcycles, praised for its ruggedness and versatility. The KLR500 likely served as a precursor or regional variant with similar design principles.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Model Reputation:
The KLR650 model is widely recognized for its reliability, longevity, and value, making it a popular choice for long-distance touring and adventure riding.
Ratings
Community Reviews:
Consistently praised by riders for its ruggedness and ability to withstand demanding conditions.
Certifications
Emissions Standards:
Meets the emissions standards applicable for the 1987 model year in its primary markets.