In their debut appearance, Klanks only appear in two levels, Target Terror and Rickety Race. They have a different role between each level. Klanks can only be defeated if the Kongs jump on them with their Roller Coaster, or ram into them while the Roller Coaster is traveling at a high speed.
Klanks are featured in a variety of colors, including: red, blue, yellow, pink, light green, and dark green. Every Klank acts the same, regardless of their color.
In Target Terror, Klanks drop barrels behind at the Kongs, attempting to knock them out of their Roller Coaster. In Rickety Race, Klanks do not perform this attack; in the level, Diddy and Dixie Kong can optionally run over ten Klanks (or pass them) to obtain a DK Coin before reaching the end. Every time they do so, a chequered flag appears on-screen, showing the Kongs' current position.
Unlike their predecessor Krash, Klanks do not attempt to ram into the Kongs, except in Rickety Race's Bonus Area. In both Target Terror and Rickety Race, Klanks also ride in the same direction as the Kongs, rather than the opposite.
During the end credits, Klank is categorized under "Kremling Kuthroats" with the other Kremlings.
In Donkey Kong Land 2, Klanks only appear in one level, Rickety Race. Unlike Donkey Kong Country 2, the Kongs must pass five Klanks to obtain a DK Coin, half of that from Donkey Kong Country 2. During the end credits, a Klank appears under "The Baddies" category along with the other enemies and bosses.