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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 1 Jun 2008
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klr 650 08 any info
does anyone know

when the klr is available as my mate was asking as he is after a new bike and has tryed mine but would like to test ride the new klr.
i know it is out in america hass anyone got one or tryed one.
all info welcome.
thanks
neil .
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  #2  
Old 1 Jun 2008
Riq Riq is offline
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Sorry
I have only had the chance to drool on them. The 2 guys across the road from me traded their older models in on the 08's and now when we go riding they can't quit talking about how much better the new one is. I also notice they seem afraid to scratch the paint. Straange what a new bike will do to a person.

Kawasaki has had 20 years to figure out how to improve the old model so I am sure they put the time to good use.

Rick
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  #3  
Old 1 Jun 2008
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Plenty of info on the following website of KLR owners' forum
KLR650.NET - Your Kawasaki KLR650 Resource! - Forums Home
and
KLR650.NET - 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 Review with specifications.

Cheers from Turkey

cozcan
klr2004
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  #4  
Old 2 Jun 2008
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I'm very happy with mine. Close to 7000 miles. Just finished a 3100+ trip into Wyoming and Montana. Uses a little oil running at interstate speeds for any duration.

Could use some suspension work if you're a large rider like me. 285 lbs, 6'2
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  #5  
Old 8 Jun 2008
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I have a new 08. Dont have many bikes to compare. But it seems like a good bike. Only 1200 miles on it so far. Dont use any oil, seems to ride good. When new, they seem to have an issue starting until a few hundred km. Then they start good. Uses no oil. Drive about 60mph on highway. The guage cluster seems much better then the old bike. I have been getting about 60 mpg. Or 50 mile/US gallon. if you add panniers and such it will probably drop. And i didnt have the bike on any long highway trips, where I continue to drive until I run out of gas and fill up. That is a mix of riding. So I wouldnt be suprised if I get a little more mileage per tank. Maybe this week i will know for sure.
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  #6  
Old 9 Jun 2008
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+1 on the '08 KLR. I'm just going through break-in and think it will fill the bill.......nice all around bike. Lot's of tech info available and not so expensive as to bankrupt you.



New Mexico to Belize '10!!!!!!!!!!
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  #7  
Old 9 Jul 2008
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2008 Klr650
Hoi All,

I am currently on a 2008KLR 650 riding from the US to TDF & back up. I have had very few issues with the bike so far. I recently rode an older KLR & the difference is quite stark. 20 years to get it right eh!!

I am a big guy & loaded with some big Jessie panniers so did have to upgrade the back spring as the stock one was useless. I also put some fork braces on the front which make a big difference on highway speeds. The oil consumption is no problem unles I decide to do freeway speed which I cannot see myself doing in Central & South America. One recent issue has been the foot pegs which have vibrated of a few times & am looking into a solution for them?? Help if you have a suggestion!!

I have a list of the other items that I did on the bike on my Blog. Mojoriding

If you have any other questions then please feel free to ask me.

Ciao Mojo.
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  #8  
Old 13 Jul 2008
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That's excellent to hear, Mojo!

I'm currently trapped at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station (well, it was my choice, and it will buy my KLR for me). I've been reading many books on US to TdF/Ushuia adventure touring. My riding crew in Colorado are all dual-sporters, and include Chris and Erin Ratay, round-the-worlders extraordinaire.

I'm planning on atleast Deadhorse, Alaska to PanamaCanal in 2009 via 2009 KLR. Great to hear your comments on the new one. I've logged considerable off-road miles on R100GSes and older KLRs.

Bon voyage!
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