Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Australia / New Zealand
2008 Klr 650 2008 Klr 650
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Australia / New Zealand Topics specific to Australia and New Zealand only.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 28
2008 Klr 650
Have they arrived in NZ yet?
Can anyone compare the 2007 KLR with the new 2008 model having ridden both?
Who stocks them in Christchurch please?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Jul 2007
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Thumbs up
Yes they are here now. The Christchurch agent, Norjo Motorcycles Welcome to Norjo Motorcycles, has one is stock now and tell me that the changes are most cosmetic to the earlier models. The price is NZ$9960, on the road. This is before any negotiation, so some small discount may be in the price. They say they have two '06 models second hand at present too.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Jul 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sydney
Posts: 11
Cosmetic? There are quite a few changes, I had a close look at one today and hope to take a demo for a ride as soon as they have one available.

Main changes:

- Engine slightly more power/smoother
- New radiator supposedly more efficent better cooling
- Suspension less travel but forks now 41mm
- New D section swingarms
- thicker front and rear spokes wheels stiffer
- larger improved brakes
- generator output increased to 17amps

Seem a much improved bike to me first look, and all for just a couple hundred more then the original. I think it's a fantastic bike and after a couple more months saving hope to have one in my garage.

Kawasaki USA have a nice little promo on the bike on you tube.
YouTube - Dirt Bikes - 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 Dual Sport Motorcycle


Cheers,
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Nicholasville,Ky.U.S.A.
Posts: 93
Exclamation 08 klr
Two friends have bought them, one having ridden a '91 model to Alaska last year. I rode one a short distance before it had many miles on it. You notice the larger forks and better brakes right away. Less weavy than the weedy 38 mm ones on the older bikes. Brakes are better enough to catch you attention too.
As for the increased power so far thats not really been evident. Roll ons with the older bikes don't show conclusively superiority for either. This is still early in the bikes life so things may change after some break in miles. Now less than 1000.
The bikes look pretty good, more modern, but thats layered over the same frame. The bulky shrouds on the side of the tank just apear to me to be ground magnets. Also for no reason the side covers are bulked out.
The seat is a posative improvment. The headlight throws out much more and whiter light than the old girls.
It's a new reality for the Krude,Rude Lewde.
__________________
ride,smile,repeat as nessasary
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Jul 2007
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Question
Yeah, well, the lady on the phone said that, and it seemed strange to me that Kawasaki would go to all the trouble of releasing a new model and not go through the bike. Was only passing it on, word for word. Me thinks next time someone rings up with an enquirery, they shouldn't let the office lady do the talking.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Oil Puking 2001 KLR 650 - Any ideas? Sun Chaser Kawasaki Tech 8 30 Jul 2009 07:59
Stolen KLR 650 & 250 NateDenay Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 0 21 Apr 2007 23:55

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:21.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top