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New 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 Refines On-Road Capabilities for Improved Touring Performance The new KLR650 is well suited to life on the highways, deserts, mountains or even the challenging terrain of today’s urban jungle. For 21 years, the Kawasaki KLR650 has been the smart choice for riders seeking reliable on and off-road performance. Now, the 2008 KLR650 features thorough updates aimed at making it a better tour-ready dual-purpose bike than ever before. Several new refinements help make the KLR650 an even more worthy touring companion. There’s a larger rear luggage rack that’s 3.5 in. longer and 5.1 in. wider than the old rack, and a new, narrower tail section which makes it easier to mount saddlebags. Wind protection is also improved with all-new bodywork featuring a taller windscreen and large shrouds. A large 6.1-gallon fuel tank and miserly fuel economy mean the new KLR650 retains its legendary range between fill-ups. Riders will be able to take full advantage of the KLR’s range, thanks to a revised seat design and new urethane foam for greater long-distance comfort. A high-capacity 36W alternator powers a new higher-output headlight and offers extra capacity to power the add-on electronic gadgets touring riders can’t live without. The KLR650 motor, already renowned for being rugged, reliable and powerful, is now even better. There’s improved throttle response from revised ignition mapping, and revised cam timing contributes to improved high-rpm performance. A redesigned cylinder head boasts new intake porting for greater low-end torque and quicker throttle response in city traffic, as well as improved top-end power for high-speed cruising on the open road. More on-road competence doesn’t mean less off-road fun. The KLR650 has a U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrestor for access to any road open to licensed vehicles, and a tough engine guard protects the engine from loose rocks and gravel. With an optional Kawasaki tank bag and soft luggage on the larger standard rear rack, KLR650 owners can tote enough gear for an extended trip to any remote location. All these improvements mean that more than ever, the new KLR650 is the ideal go-farther, multi-surface motorcycle for riders craving on and off-road adventure. ----   2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 Features651cc Four-stroke SingleRevised cam timing contributes to improved high-rpm performanceNew intake porting offers greater low-end torque New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, for improved oil consumption New one-piece exhaust pipe features smoother bends for improved exhaust efficiency at all rpm Special tuning to improve low- and mid-range power Light, silent cam chain reduces engine noise Oil-level window permits easy and accurate inspection Liquid CoolingNew Denso radiator is thin and lightweight. Fitted with a lightweight and thin cooling fan, the new radiator has a greater cooling area and offers a 20% increase in cooling efficiencyMaintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power during hard use Allows tighter engine clearances for quieter running Automatic fan keeps things cool in all conditions Includes a temperature gauge Four-valve Cylinder HeadBetter breathing for more power at all rpmCompact combustion chamber allows increased compression ratio with less detonation The use of a secondary air (ASV) system helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow Boosts low-end torque Double Engine BalancerEngine runs smoothly from idle to redline for rider comfort and less fatigue on long ridesFully Transistorised IgnitionFully transistorised ignition unit replaces the earlier analog CDI for better ignition performanceMore precisely controls timing no matter how fast the rpm changes Fewer moving parts for long, trouble-free life Five-speed TransmissionDesigned to handle the engine’s unique power characteristicsThe engine’s broad torque curve only requires five speeds for off-road and relaxed highway cruising O-ring drive chain reduces maintenance and increases chain service life Handlebar-mounted ChokeConvenient location makes starting and warm-up easierRevised Front SuspensionNew, beefier 41mm front fork is offers increased rigidity. (Previous unit was 38mm)Re-calibrated suspension offers less static sag and now offers greater on-road riding performance. Front suspension stroke was reduced from 9.1 in. to 7.9 in. High-mounted front fender for any adventure-touring situation Revised UNI-TRAK Rear SuspensionRear suspension travel was reduced from 8.1 in. to 7.3 in. but usable travel is unaffected due to a reduction in static sagNew D-section swingarm contributes to the bike’s excellent traction Redesigned UNI-TRAK linkage compliments front suspension changes Progressive rate provides a smoother, more controlled ride Features a five-way preload shock absorber with four-way rebound damping Stronger WheelsNew 4mm spokes (up from 3.5mm) provide increased wheel stiffness, enhanced handling performance and improved steering response.Semi-double Cradle FrameMade of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steelEngine GuardProtects engine from rocks and trail debris when the going gets toughDetachable Rear SubframeSimplifies maintenance by providing better access to the rear shock, airbox and carburetorLarge rear cargo rack included Front and Rear Disc BrakesNew lightweight front and rear petal discs offer excellent braking.Front brake disc diameter increased from 260mm to 280mm. New rear calliper offers improved feel and power Electric StarterEasy and convenient startingLighting and USFS-Approved Spark ArrestorNew dual-bulb headlamp offers greater night visibilityNew high-mounted turn signals improve the KLR650’s visibility at night or under poor visibility conditions Rear taillight parking light U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrestor Large 6.1-gallon Fuel TankSignificant capacity permits adventure touringAdditional Comfort and Touring FeaturesAll-new bodywork features a larger fairing, which contributes to increased wind protectionAlternator output has been increased from 14.5A to 17A. Total capacity is 36W to provide ample power for the new headlight as well as add-on grip heaters and other accessories New, easy-to-read instrument panel is mounted to the frame, contributing to lighter steering Full instrumentation includes a large-face speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter and water temperature gauge Firmer urethane seat foam offers greater comfort for long-distance riding Seat height is lower, but reduced suspension sag means the rider’s ability to reach the ground is about the same Optional extended warranty ----  2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 SPECSEngine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single Displacement: 651cc Bore x stroke: 100mm x 83mm Compression ratio: 9.8:1 Carburetion: Keihin CVK40 Transmission: Five-speed Final drive: O-ring chain Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel Rake: 28 degrees Front suspension: 41mm telescopic fork, 7.9 inches of travel Rear suspension: UNI-TRAK single-shock system with five-way preload and stepless rebound damping, 7.3 inches of travel Front tire: 90/90-21 Rear tire: 130/80-17 Front brake: 280mm petal disc with hydraulic dual-piston caliper Rear brake: 240mm petal disc with hydraulic dual-piston caliper Overall length: 90.3 inches Overall width: 37.8 inches Overall height: 53.1 inches Seat height: 35 inches Wheelbase: 58.3 inches Ground clearance: 8.3 inches Fuel capacity: 6.1 gallons Dry weight: 386 pounds MSRP: $5,349  2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 First impressionThe Kawasaki KLR650 has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki’s lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. Kawasaki has announced that the 2008 model will be the first significant redesign of the KLR650. For 2008 the Kawasaki KLR650 has received many updates aimed at continuing its tradition as being the most reliable and touring ready dual sport on the road. It includes new front and rear suspension that both reduce the wheel travel. It also features a new petal style front rotor for increased heat dissipation, and resistance to warping. The KLR650 motorcycle is heavier than specialized off-road dirt bikes, but it can handle most conditions when ridden carefully by a skilled rider. To improve upon its touring abilities Kawasaki lengthened the luggage rack 3.5 inches, added all new body work with a taller windscreen. It now features high output headlights, and the time tested engine has been updated with a throttle position sensor, revised ignition mapping and cam timing, as well as a revised cylinder head. This motorcycle is considered by many to be one of the best all-round motorcycles made, with legions of fans and websites for support & add-ons. KLRs have been ridden to the Arctic, across North and South America, and throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as on full global circumnavigation rides. Nicknames include "The Mule" and "The Tractor." 24 comments: Kawasaki KLR 650 ttttt (6682) - Posted on 03.27.2008 I am quite interested in this bike. I have a crf450 that I ride/race off-road. I’m looking for something primarily on-road with some off-road capability. The new changes seem to fit my needs.
miltonbum (6682) - Posted on 03.5.2008 personaly i like the new klr its faster so thats a definite plus and im going from a honda 919 to a klr 650, yeah i know some call me crazy buy i misss the offroad , with new style i get to keep a street look too,lets face it id rather go 100 mile an hour on a paved corner than dirt!!
I had a 00’. It was the perfect urban bike. However, taking it to out of the city wasn’t good at all. Little power and uncomfortable ride. There are some major elevation changes between Santa Fe and Albuquerque on I25 North. On some of those hills my KLR bearly made it to the top. Anyone who takes this bike offroading lost his mind. I am talking real off roading, not just the dirt road behind the house. For off roading this bike is huge. The 08 KLR in my opinion lost its cool, bad-ass look. It kinda looks like the Vstrom.
I also rememer, that it took me 1 year on the brand new bike to finally replace all the loose factory parts, screws that were falling off because of either poor design or bad installation.
Overall it was a good bike, but I would not get another one.
 Alternator output has been increased from 14.5A to 17A. Total capacity is 36W to provide ample power for the new headlight as well as add-on grip heaters and other accessories, for those who did not read or write correctly.......
I think this is a GREAT, cheap, all around bike, compared to other brands.
"jacob" --bahgdad--- (6682) - Posted on 12.2.2006 and by the way the "08" looks to -good- to take off road i’ll stick with my "06"
"jacob"--baghdad-- (6682) - Posted on 12.2.2006 as some of you may be aware of this most however may not be, of all the bikes throughout history that have served the U.S.Military, the KLR 650 is the current one serving the U.S.Mil. and it is doing a fine job from what I here. It is being used by the U.S. Marines, it is hoever modified, ’more aggresive tires, ---diesel mods,—yes, converted to diesel eng.----and an even larger fuel tank,mpg still remain in the same area may be a little better --- top speed in the neighborhood of 80-85 mph and a subdued desert sand paint job,plus some more mods. I sure, ///// Before I bought the "06" that I have at the house,I had looked and researched,what type of bike I wanted and would fit my style for six months,and then looked around for about a year,to find out if there were any changes and find the least price dealer,o.k. and to also generate the money to buy it out right,and now I only look back in the mirrors — and I miss it very much being deployed at this time,but it is in good hands with my brothers  who have had nothing but great comments about it since i first got it in OCT. 05 and they will exercize it regularly for the year that i am gone unless I’m extended, ?:-!
(6682) - Posted on 11.21.2006 What about the doo-hickey??? I have a 02 and my buddy a 00 and when we checked out the so called doo-hickey our’s both had broken springs. I haven’t seen where this problem was covered. Also I’m curious how much more they will be asking for the bike. I’ll guess $1000.00 plus..
a pride (6682) - Posted on 11.17.2006 I will stick with my aztec red 2006.Do not purchase the new bike until it can prove better than the old bikes. I have aftermarket brakes,braided lines,corbin seat,high performance spark plug and a comfortable rear spring.with each upgrade I made sure the new parts weighed less than the oem parts if possible. I bet my 06 will outrun the new 08. AND MOST OF ALL JUMP BETTER,MUD BETTER,ETC> just better off road manners. if i take that new bird beak thru one of my playgrounds(the clay pits or the 50 ft. drop in albany ga.) i bet that suspension will not hold up.
Gunner (6682) - Posted on 11.14.2006 Has anyone seen any rider reviews? How dirtable will this "new" KLR be?
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Posted on
05.15.2008 @ 09:13
I just bought the bike less than 2-weeks ago it is everything that I could have expected.
I have owner Honda XL enduros in the past and still maintain an XR for strictly off road but I needed a street commuter with gas prices as they are and this is my first time on the street in over 10-years.
I would have rather had the KTM Adventurer or Triumph Tiger but those bikes are out of my budget and also because of the price a high theft liability. This bike is perfect for me and I researched it well since last year on KLR forums. The previous model was much more dirt worthy than this model. The 2008 as Kawasaki describes is a street bike with a little bit of dirt built in. Over 80 improvements over the 2007 model including suspension, brakes, instrumentation, cylinder head, frame, seat, etc. So far during break in its been a joy to ride and for those who ride mostly street it is great at that.