MotoBro 0 Posted April 26, 2007 Kawasaki will offer an updated version of their venerable KLR650 dual-sport machine for next year, although the bike will be badged as a 2008 model. Below is Kawasaki's press release regarding the new model. NEW 2008 KAWASAKI KLR650 REFINES ON-ROAD CAPABILITIES FOR IMPROVED TOURING PERFORMANCE Tougher, faster, more comfortable and better-performing than ever 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 Featuring new suspension and brakes, the KLR650 is a fun, functional commuter during the week and an adept dirt road blaster on weekends. The new 41mm front forks now have less static sag for a taut, smooth ride on pavement. Front suspension travel is reduced from 9.1 in. to 7.9 in. A redesigned UNI-TRAK® linkage reduces sag and compliments the new front suspension by reducing rear wheel travel from 8.1 in. to 7.3 in. The 2008 KLR650 features enhanced stopping power, thanks to a new 280mm petal-style front brake rotor that’s similar to ones used on Kawasaki’s Ninja® sportbikes. Rear braking performance is also improved, thanks to a new rear brake calliper. These new suspension and brake upgrades boost the KLR650’s on-road performance, without diminishing its versatile off-road capabilities. 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 a new throttle position sensor and 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. Features and Benefits 651cc Four-stroke Single Revised cam timing contributes to improved high-rpm performance New 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 Cooling New 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 efficiency Maintains 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 Head Better breathing for more power at all rpm Compact 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 Balancer Engine runs smoothly from idle to redline for rider comfort and less fatigue on long rides Fully Transistorised Ignition Fully transistorised ignition unit replaces the earlier analog CDI for better ignition performance More precisely controls timing no matter how fast the rpm changes Fewer moving parts for long, trouble-free life Five-speed Transmission Designed to handle the engine’s unique power characteristics The 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 Choke Convenient location makes starting and warm-up easier Revised Front Suspension New, 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. Air-adjustable front forks High-mounted front fender for any adventure-touring situation Revised UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension Rear suspension travel was reduced from 8.1 in. to 7.3 in. New 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 Wheels New 4mm spokes (up from 3.5mm) provide increased wheel stiffness, enhanced handling performance and improved steering response. Semi-double Cradle Frame Made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steel Engine Guard Protects engine from rocks and trail debris when the going gets tough Detachable Rear Subframe Simplifies maintenance by providing better access to the rear shock, airbox and carburetor Large rear cargo rack included Front and Rear Disc Brakes New 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 Starter Easy and convenient starting Lighting and USFS-Approved Spark Arrestor New dual-bulb headlamp offers greater night visibility New 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 Tank Significant capacity permits adventure touring Additional Comfort and Touring Features All-new bodywork features a larger fairing, which contributes to increased wind protection 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 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 Optional extended warranty Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hammerin Hammon Posted April 26, 2007 Wow, Thanks that thing sounds like a sweet bike. I would love one to ride to Cabo on, My wife likes it too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikeslut 1 Posted April 26, 2007 Looks even more street focused than before... does eagle Mike have a doohickey for this? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crawdaddy 96 Posted April 26, 2007 Looks even more street focused than before... I agree - reduced suspension travel, monster tank, etc.......this bike doesn't appeal to me..... I'm more interested in lightweight dirt bikes with blinkers than piggish road bikes with knobbies.....as the saying goes, different strokes (bores?) for different folks......one of the guys I rode the Dualies route with the past two weekends rides a 2006 dual sported 250cc Husqvarna......nice/light/agile.......basically a 230lb mountain bike with a motor......yet it can still maintain ~60mph on those brief/boring/necessary stretches of pavement between trails.....but clearly made for a different mission.....a day looper not a multiday, pannier ladden, traveler.....the new Kawi may be a great bike for that purpose, but my focus is elsewhere..... 2006 "50 State DOT Street Legal" Husqvarna TE250 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sandiegoland 0 Posted April 26, 2007 Tend to agree that the bike looks more street... but I'm a big fan of the KLR. I was rescued on one once... Anyway, I could see some farkles... maybe redo the top of the fairing Dakar style... let's see what the cheap b@s-turds on ADVrider do in the coming year. I'll pass official judgment on 3/12/2008... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PastaPilot 17 Posted April 26, 2007 I can only imagine how happy the KLR guys are now that their 20 year old bike is finally getting updated. Hello? Honda? Are you there? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
husky4me 0 Posted April 26, 2007 Well, each bike is built for a different purpose... the KLR is a big bike which is very well rounded for the longer rides, commuting and just about everything.... with the huge gas tank.. rack etc... The 08 seems like a good upgrade but geared more for the street (or at least it seems)... I recently purchased my new BMW G650X which has incredible suspension, is very smooth in the street, good looking, but just does not have the fun factor of my lighter dirt oriented Husqvarna TE450 (when ridden on dirt)... now the roads are a pleasure in the heavier BMW, and the husky just feels like getting out in the dirt (out of place in the road).... Is there ever going to be a bike that just does everything perfect for dual-sport enthusiasts?? Well, I think there will always be some compromise.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ADV Bum 205 Posted April 26, 2007 Is there ever going to be a bike that just does everything perfect for dual-sport enthusiasts?? HONDA XR650L!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on now! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
husky4me 0 Posted April 26, 2007 HONDA XR650L!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on now! O.Key Bum, I'm going to get one tomorrow!!! Do they come in blue like yours?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hammerin Hammon Posted April 27, 2007 HONDA XR650L!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on now! O.Key Bum, I'm going to get one tomorrow!!! Do they come in blue like yours?? You see the light now :i-m_so_happy: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carguy 1 Posted April 27, 2007 Less suspension? If I had any less it would hurt. Sounds like we are regressing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ride-Orange 2 Posted April 27, 2007 Sounds like we are regressing. :i-m_so_happy: Looks a little like that Mil Spec Diesel you posted a while ago, carguy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carguy 1 Posted April 28, 2007 Sounds like we are regressing. Looks a little like that Mil Spec Diesel you posted a while ago, carguy The Diesel had more travel I think, and 100MPG. Imagine 2.5 gl tank going 250 miles. I still want to ride a Diesel Dirtbike. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
husky4me 0 Posted May 20, 2007 I heard some dealers should be getting 08's in the next few weeks!! Who, from SDAR GREEN TEAM, is getting the first one??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ADV Bum 205 Posted May 21, 2007 I heard some dealers should be getting 08's in the next few weeks!! Who, from SDAR GREEN TEAM, is getting the first one??? I sat on one two weeks ago at North county house of Motorcycles off of emerald. The salesman came over an told me what a good dual sport bike it was. Then we laughed and laughed! Good times! It looks good, but is more oriented towards street. They way I crash it would be fugly real quick! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RSalvarez 0 Posted August 2, 2007 Who remember the TENGAY FROM 1990, LOOKS LIKE A KLR WITH NINJA FAIRING, THEY DO THE SAME AGAIN Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hammerin Hammon Posted August 2, 2007 I think it looks just like the KTM> 640 LC4. Less than half the price and much more reliable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pyro 1 Posted August 27, 2007 Looks like they are catering to the 'cant afford a beemer' segment of the dualsport population. I've heard mixed reviews on the bike. I'll reserve judgement until next year too. I wonder if they fixed the doohicky. I heard they did not, because that would be admting that it was (is) in-fact flawed, all those years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntmo 887 Posted August 27, 2007 Looks like they are catering to the 'cant afford a beemer' segment of the dualsport population. I've heard mixed reviews on the bike. I'll reserve judgement until next year too. I wonder if they fixed the doohicky. I heard they did not, because that would be admting that it was (is) in-fact flawed, all those years. Latest I heard on the doohickey is that they changed it a bit, but it hasn't fixed the problem. I like the "classic" KLR more than the new one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
backhoedoc 0 Posted August 31, 2007 I agreeeeee I bottom out my 06 KLR now This new 08 KLR is going to be a better street bike than dirt because of the weight and neg. suspension so called improvements. But for someone who wants to get out and have fun and not be competitive it will fit the need especially for us guys over 50 Have fun and ride safe THE DOC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
