KLX650C vs KLX650R

This question comes often what's the difference. I thought I would start this thread with some obvious differences and other people can add to this thread.

R models have shorter swing arm and slightly different rake. The long swing arm and rake ratio makes the C model better on highway. Also the forks are different. The R has stiffer forks with more suspension travel 300mm for the R and 285mm for the C. Also fork springs are, only 465 mm for the C and 500mm for the R.

Also R frame is slightly more compact, which affect the tank. R tank are slightly smaller than C model tank.

and obviously the R is kick start only, and the C is electric start only.

There are other small differences that I will add as I think of them.

here is a pic taken after a long hard ride, I truly enjoy this bike

nice shot!

this bike was ahead of its time. no puffing here. but when you look at the geometry of the bike, it is what KTM is building now years later. aggressive riding position. no wonder these bikes are loved by supermoto fans

nice shot!

this bike was ahead of its time. no puffing here. but when you look at the geometry of the bike, it is what  KTM is building now years later. aggressive riding position. no wonder these bikes are loved by supermoto fans

yeah it was a bit of an avangardist art project lol

Hey guys, thanks for kicking off this site! I came over from the KLX650 Yahoo group.

Back on topic, the cylinder head, valves, cams, airbox and exhaust are different between the C and R - all the R components are designed for more performance. The C cylinder head has a thermostat and the R does not. That's just a few performance differences off the top of my head. I have a '93 KLX650C with an R airbox, R rear suspension, and an 18" rear wheel laced up to a C cush drive hub (plus other stuff). I would love to have an R motor with a C electric starter...

Kurt138 wrote:Hey guys, thanks for kicking off this site!  I came over from the KLX650 Yahoo group.

Back on topic, the cylinder head, valves, cams, airbox and exhaust are different between the C and R - all the R components are designed for more performance.  The C cylinder head has a thermostat and the R does not.  That's just a few performance differences off the top of my head.  I have a '93 KLX650C with an R airbox, R rear suspension, and an 18" rear wheel laced up to a C cush drive hub (plus other stuff).  I would love to have an R motor with a C electric starter...

ha! what I would love it a C motor with a kick start lol

Hey guys, I have to take ownership for the first mistake on the site, from my earlier post. The valves on the C and the R are the same. I had an R and C head apart last weekend and the valves looked different, but I checked the part numbers just now and they are the same between the two models. One of my sets of valves could be aftermarket (I got both heads used). Anyway, I hate it when people post fake facts.

No sweat man
Glad you caught it. Haven’t looked closely. Eventually we will post sketches from the shop manual so we can compare notes.

The KLR is a completely different bike. Different, more basic engine. A few shared parts, but not many. Turn signals, oil filter, just odds and ends are the same.

KLX-R is the trail version. No electric start, no secondary winding on the stator, so electrical system is basic. Has Nikasil lined cylinder. Both KLX engines are double overhead cams with shim over bucket valves. No doohickey, but the cam chain adjuster is still a sore spot due to poor design, Easily corrected. Plastic tank and seat are more dirt oriented than the C. Suspension is adjustable front and rear. Both versions have 43mm upside down forks.

KLX-C is the road version. Has a 1" smaller rear wheel, different swing arm, chain, sprockets, shock, seat, tank, instruments, plastic, lights, electric system, starter, cylinder has an iron liner so piston and rings are different. Head is the same. I think cams are the same. Crank and trannie are the same. Frame is very close to the same, but has different mounting tabs here and there. Performance is similar, but for the additional 30 pounds or so that the C carries and the slightly less compliant suspension and an inch lower ground clearance. Seat height is similar on the two models.

Credit: R-Dubb

The dogbone and shock is 1 example.
R Swing arm is also shorter which may impact its swing and battery box on C if tried to fit it.

Yes it will fit but takes a bit of stretching to fit.

None of the major electricals will transfer.

R front end is better because it is adjustable for compression and rebound,

but keep in mind it was on a bike that weighed 50# less