THE DESERT DONKEY – KAWASAKI KLR650

7,000km. No support. Less than 40 horsepower. The ultimate reset.

In this episode of The Desert Donkey – Kawasake KLR650, Adam Riemann sets off on one of his most unconventional rides yet. An 11-day, 7,000km mission across central Australia on a stock KLR650. No support crew, no performance upgrades, and barely 40 horsepower under him. Just a Lone Rider soft-luggage setup, an open road, and a desire to strip it all back.

Long known for his high-horsepower, action-packed content, Adam takes a different approach here. This time, it’s about slowing things down and embracing simplicity. The KLR650, a bike he’s mocked in the past, becomes his companion through bulldust, sand, and punishing desert tracks, which he’s humbly dubbed the Desert Donkey. What begins as a tongue-in-cheek nod to his subscribers quickly turns into a deep respect for Kawasaki’s humble workhorse.

Along the way, Adam gatecrashes the Vagabond Moto ride, trades jabs with DR riders, helps relocate a dislocated shoulder, and clocks over 1,200km in a single day. Despite the odds, the KLR punches above its weight, holding pace with larger, more powerful machines and proving its reputation as a true adventure legend.

The irony? It’s the very limitations of the KLR that make the journey feel so honest. No spec-sheet bragging. Just grit, torque, and determination.

In a world obsessed with tech and top-end performance, the Desert Donkey is a masterclass in keeping it real. This isn’t just a bike, it’s a reminder of why people ride in the first place. Simple freedom. Dust. Fuel. Forward motion.

He told his subscribers he’d ride a KLR one day. They just didn’t expect this. Watch the first episode of the Desert Donkey series below and check out the rest of the series here

The screen mounts used in this video: KLR650 Desert Donkey Screen Mounts