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ADVMoto's Dan DiMaio test riding the new 2014 KLR650NE
Kawasaki’s KLR650 is a very popular entry-level adventure bike in North America. It’s cheap enough that just about anyone can afford one (especially if you buy used), it’s light enough that you can actually take one into fairly gnarly off-road territory, and there are countless farkles available to improve your performance.
Riders can debate over the comparative merits of big-bore kits and over-sized brake rotors, but the best upgrade you can buy is something your bike already comes with: Tires. Once your stock rubber wears out, here are some worthy options for your KLR 650.
1. Kenda K270
Kenda K270
They’re cheap. That’s the best thing about the K270s, but they’re also not bad in the other departments that matter - longevity and grip.
Air down your K270s, and they’re pretty good dirt tires (although their reputation isn’t great for mud work). Air them up, and they’re OK on the road - not as good as purpose-built road tires, but they get the job done. Some users don’t like the awkward handling once they get a big squared off, but will bother some people more than others. Plus, while users always report different mileage, K270s have a reputation for outlasting pricier rubber. They’re good 50-50 tires at a cost most users can handle. KendaTire.com
Where to Buy: 
2. Avon Gripsters
Avon Gripsters
Not all adventures take you into the dirt. If you’re planning a street-based adventure, the Gripsters are worth looking at.
The Gripsters earn their name by providing fantastic traction in the pavement. If you’re planning to hit the twisties (say, the Tail of the Dragon or the Triple Nickel), you want sticky tires, the Gripsters fit the bill. They’re good on wet pavement, too.
Although expensive when compared to cheaper tires from Asia, they also last a long time, so with a little planning, you shouldn’t have to switch your tires out in the middle of a tour - a major bonus. Just don’t push them toohard off-road, or you’ll understand quickly why they’re also nicknamed “Slipsters”. AvonMoto.com
Where to Buy:
3. Dunlop D606
Dunlop D606
If you’re willing to put a little more money into a pair of 50-50 tires, the D606s are worth a look. They’re noisy on the street, and they’ll square off in a hurry if you do a lot of highway riding with them, but plenty of riders like their performance in the corners and there’s no question they leave many cheaper tires behind when you compare off-road performance. The D606s really transform a 650-class dual sport’s off-road performance.
If you want to mix and match tires, many users prefer the D606 rear tire to the front, saying the front wears down more quickly. Once nice thing about the Dunlops - that soft rubber may wear down more quickly, but it also makes them easier to change than cheaper tires. DunlopMotorcycle.com
Where to Buy:
4. Kenda Trakmaster II
Kenda Trakmaster II
The Trakmaster II is DOT-approved, but it isn’t much of a street tire. They handle well, but use them on the pavement, and they’ll burn their knobs down in short order. Use them off-road, though, and you’ll find out why they have a reputation as being a great affordable DOT knobbie. A true dirt tire without a street rating will give you more traction off-road, but if you need DOT approval, the Trakmaster II has a great reputation.
The Trakmaster II doesn’t last as long as some more expensive tires in the same usage range, but for the price, you can afford to replace them more frequently. KendaTire.com
Where to Buy:
5. Michelin T63
Michelin T63
Michelin’s T63 are another great 50-50 tire that comes in at a decent price. The tires have well-rounded knobs on the side that make street handling much better than other duallie rubber that often squares off and makes cornering feel weird. Yet, since the T63 is a descendant of Michelin’s Desert lineup, its lugs also hook up well off-road. It even has a good reputation for handling sand, something many dual sport tires struggle with.
Because of the T63’s stiff carcass, some riders who mount their own tires feel they can be a struggle to fit on rims, but take your time and you should be able to get it done. They have a rep for lasting a long time, so you shouldn’t have to whip out the tire irons that often. Motorcycle.MichelinMan.com
Where to Buy:
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