Touratech Takes the Kawasaki KLR 650 to the Next Level

Many riders develop a love for the durability, adaptability and dependability of the KLR and continue to ride them for years. With that in mind, Touratech recently acquired a 2015 KLR 650 and had staff member Aaron Jennings equip it from top to bottom, with parts designed in Germany specifically for it.

The Kawasaki KLR 650 is a bike that has a reputation as the “gateway drug” for the Adventure Motorcycle culture. Riders with a desire to ride dual-sport can pick one up at a price that’s lower than most entries in the segment and once they’re hooked, they move to a bigger bike and never look back.

Many riders however, develop a love for the durability, adaptability and dependability of the KLR and continue to ride them for years. With that in mind, Touratech recently acquired a 2015 KLR 650 and had staff member Aaron Jennings equip it from top to bottom, with parts designed in Germany specifically for it.

“I have always been curious about the KLR 650, since so many folks choose it for their travels,” said Jennings. “It was great to spend a little time getting one all kitted out with our products. It’s an easy bike to work on, and its utility and performance are even better with upgraded suspension, protection and luggage.”

Touratech started the KLR upgrade with the suspension system and worked out from there, including a skid plate, Zega Mundo panniers and much more. When the build-out was finished the only thing left to do was ride it! Adventure filmmaker, Sterling Noren was on hand to record the testing and the result is a terrific video highlighting the good, the bad and the ugly of the KLR 650.

With a spectacular, desert backdrop, Touratech’s Paul Guillien and Iain Glynn put the bike through its paces over two days in scorching heat and through challenging terrain. They give an honest assessment of the KLR and its strengths and weaknesses and don’t pull any punches. This video gives a clear picture of what a KLR 650 (with a little help from Touratech) can do.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.