Congrats T-F!Just joined the KLR650 forum and was surprised to see the '08 model. Can't say i like the new fairing, but hopefully the aftermarket or some surgery might do the trick. Already think it's better to buy the new and retro-ize it than buying old and upgrading! I'm sure there's more power to come out of the thumper to make it more amuzing
Think I will head down to the Kawi shop and take a looksie. Keep us posted.
Bryce
Thanks man!
The fairing actually works pretty well for a bike of this type, looks good IMHO
I will be buying a taller windscreen when it is available, I'm 6'2" and it would help.
If you need a hookup at a Ducati dealership, Moto corsa in NW Portland is in our Tonkin dealer network. Arun(a-roon) is the GM.
Congrats! I had an '02 for awhile. Accept it for what it is and don't fall victim to GAS (Gear Aquisition Syndrome), there's more aftermarket stuff available for the KLR than any bike I've owned. With the exception of cams, high compression pistons, ect, (big clue there). I wasted a LOT of money but by god it sure looked cool when I got done :lol:
Significant changes? Cosmetic only, looks more BMW-ish which would explain TWN's latest fixation :dribble:
here are the revisions to the '08 model.
Interestingly, a lot of the older KLR riders are boo-hooing it?
Only negative I can see is a bit less suspension travel?
I will only see maybe 20% off-road time anyway...
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
