2008 Kawasaki KLR650 User Ratings

I've been riding 40 years now, and have owned over 40 different bikes ranging from full MX to touring and sport bikes over the years. I currently own 5 bikes and my last purchase was a 2008 KLR 650.This is a bike I've curiously entertained owning for the past 20 years and decided it was time to get one. After riding a Harley and a few other cruisers over the past few years, the KLR simply brought back that thrill of motorcycling into my life. I can honestly say that this is one of the best handing bikes I've ever owned on the road and it inspires confidence in the twistys. It's a fun bike and perfect for backroad riding in the country. The two things I didn't like , was the weight and height of the bike. I'm 5 ft. 10 in. 205 lbs,and it was all I could do to get on the bike. When riding with my wife on the back I could touch the ground with my feet after finding the right preload adjustment on the rear shock. The KLR also felt too top heavy for any serious trail riding and I feared any single track trails where I might have to put my foot down in a hurry. But...., since then, I have recently added a Corbin dual platform saddle that is not only wider and more comfortable on longer jaunts, but shaves off about an inch and a half from the ground to seat height, making the bike much easier the mount and handle over various terrain.A few other upgrades such as a taller wind screen, aluminum skid plate, tires, etc.,and I now love everything about the bike. I've not had any mechanical problems yet and love riding this bike anytime or anywhere. My personal thought is that if I had to choose only one bike that would fill all my needs, it would hands down be my KLR 650.The review mentions how ugly the bike is, but I love the new fairing and overall appearance of the newer KLR's.

There are some days that I have regrets about buying this bike. The first 2,000 miles were rough. Muffler fell off, speedo cable was stripped out, and the engine froze on the freeway after only 1,250 miles. Mine burns oil like crazy and there have been some reliability issues since the beginning. Still, for the price, it was a great way to get into riding and now I'm looking for something that will get me from Point A to Point B in the same fun manner. I'll probably keep this as a second bike forever because I love the ruggedness of it and it can handle the worst mountain roads and the best twisties with a smile.

Northern Alberta is where I call home. With all the frost heaved roads and the short seasons, just the normal daily commute puts a lot of demand on the bike. As a novice rider, I know this bike has more capability than I have ability. But spending twice as much for a KTM or BMW over the KLR does not make sense to me. I love my KLR, and it has stood up well to anything that I have thrown at it. It may not be huge on power, but it is fast enough to get a ticket. Reliable affordable and fun, it has never let me down, and I have never regretted buying it.