2008 KLR650
September 23, 2006
budlight
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 (possibly a negative for the adventure minded rider). It also features a new petal style front rotor for increased heat dissipation, and resistance to warping. 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. It will come in three colors: Galaxy Silver/Blue, Galaxy Silver/Sunbeam Red, and Galaxy Silver/Candy Lime Green.
Read about older KLR’s and add more information as it comes about the 2008 KLR650 here in the Motorcycle Wiki. Also view Kawasaki’s official 2008 KLR650 Spec sheet.
More pictures:
Jon_r said,
February 15, 2007 at 12:28 pm
I like the new beefier shocks and brakes, seat, fairing, and rad shroud, stronger spokes. It reminds me of the Teniere more than the regular klr. I don’t really like swiss-army-style do it all bikes-everything is a compromise-I should know I’ve owned one for 7 years. I tried hard to accommodate the dirt but the old klr did not have the pedigree to keep up with the more nimble kx, drz, or husabergs, or ktm’s, so I’m glad they are finally taking it on the road-which is where it spends most of it’s time anyways,and where it belongs -pavement and fireroads
Rob Pace said,
February 16, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Because: “…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,” does any one know if these are significant material changes to be concerned about? I would love to buy the 2008 if I thought (or knew) that the engine was equally reliable as the old one. Also, does anyone know the interval between valve adjustment for the 2008? Thanks.
budlight said,
February 17, 2007 at 11:40 pm
I agree Jon, definitely looks more like the KLE’s (non us models), or the Tengai (which was similar to the Honda Transalp).
Rob: I’m sure they won’t mess up a model which has sold well for 20 years. That’s right 20 years of KLR650s, and even more if you count the KLR600. For all we know these changes could have been planned for 5 or more years, and they decided it was finally time to commit them. Time will tell however.
I’ve also added a link to a Kawasaki spec sheet for the bike, I’ll keep updating this post as more information becomes available.
budlight said,
March 17, 2007 at 1:38 pm
I’ve just received word from Kawasaki that the KLR650 is due to ship in May with accessories starting to become available in June.