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