Seeking '08 KLR650 owner's input

[DE OPPRESSO LIBER]

A friend of mine who has purchased an '08 KLR is experiencing what sounds like a defect in material that Kawasaki isn't standing behind. He says that the rubber well nuts that hold the turn signal lamps and other rubber components are literally just rotting inexplicably. Just wondering if any other '08 owners are experiencing the same issue.............and if you're not, you might wanna go out to the garage and take a looksie to make sure! Any info here would be greatly appreciated. I told my friend that even though it sounds like "mad Kawi disease" to me, that the good folks here at the FJR forum might be able to help out with any sharing of knowledge. And yes, it has been put out to the KLR internet base as well. TIA!

 

[08FJR4ME]

Makes me glad i bought a Honda XR650L

 

[spklbuk]

fwiw, the one I traded was showing signs of rubber rot.

Discussed at length on KLR forums.

 

[Mike P]

Discussed at length on KLR forums.

Yes it is... KLR650.net

My friends '08 is not showing any signs of this or the oil burning issues the '08s seem to have. He's got about 10k on his so far.

 

[airboss]

"Mad Kawi Disease", as the former owner of a couple of kawis, I can appreciate that statement. :lol:

 

[exskibum]

YEP -- I had both left side turn signals fall off for this reason in March or April this year after buying the bike new in July '07. First one (left rear), while I was on a brief ride where I did not think I had scraped it up against anything, but figured I must have done something to cause it. I took it off and apart and took it to the dealer, hoping I could just get the rubber part of the assembly for a decent price. Nope -- gotta buy the whole assembly for $56. While waiting 10 days or so for the part to come in, the bike sat in the garage with no one and nothing going near it and no caustic chemicals around -- nothing seemed to be affecting the rubber parts on my other bikes parked near it. The front left simply FELL off while the bike was parked in my garage, the rubber shearing just like the rear had. I noticed it when I had gotten the rear signal part and went down to put it on.

I took that one in and complained that this was clearly a defect. Dealer gave me crap about it, saying I'd taken a screwdriver to it. WTF!?!?! I finally started to escalate to the point of suggesting that I might need to talk to the manager or owner and insisted that the dealer go to bat for me with Kawi -- I bought the friggin bike from them and know my way around wrenches and screwdrivers. He eventually agreed to take the part and submit it. But he didn't track it and I had to follow up every few days. Eventually, they decided it was defective, since they'd had a couple other guys in with the same complaint, and I got the front turn signal part for free. Roseville Cycle Center is the dealer.

Windshield grommets were all deteriorated to point of all being broken, as well. I had NEVER taken shield off before operation to take left front signal off -- despite initial claims to contrary by dealer as purported cause (overtightening claimed). Got those for free on visit to dealer about front left signal after some grumbling. Looking at it carefully today, I see that the fairing mounting grommets are deteriorated and the clutch cable boot is deteriorated so badly that it is now in two pieces. Bike has always been garaged and has only 1010 miles on it.

 

[Silent]

Ya know, after reading all of this I might have to take the KLR off my short list for a DS :blink:

 

[beemerdons]

Ya know, after reading all of this I might have to take the KLR off my short list for a DS :blink:

Silent, I rode my 2006 Kawasaki KLR 650 up the Apache Trail to Roosevelt Lake here in Arizona this morning. Out before daybreak and a gorgeous sunrise; looked just like our Grand Canyon State Flag. I stopped to talk to 3 2008 KLR owners who were at the bridge over the Salt River taking pictures. Their KLR mileages ranged from 6K to 12K miles on their bikes.

They each said that they'd trade their 2008 KLR's to me straight across for my 2006 in a New York minute. I thought that they were kidding at first, but they were as serious as a heart attack. They were long time KLR owners, one even owned a Tengai, and they said that the 2008's were ****. Each was an oil burner and they cannot keep stock rubber parts on these 2008's. They had each done the modification where you fit Buell turn signals, so you wouldn't have the stock ones fall off!

Blew my mind! My 2006 with 8K miles has been absolutely trouble free. It is unbelievable: That Kawi screwed up the '08's!

 

[Silent]

Maybe I'll wait for the Mil Spec diesel KLRs to come out. '08's are off the list :dribble:

 

[Silent]

oster_oops:

 

[beemerdons]

https://www.hdtusa.com/home.htm Silent, if you are serious about the Hayes KLR Diesel (I'm interested in them) then go here and get yourself on the newsletter. With GunMD being in Twenty Nine Palms and Hayes being in Hesperia, we should ask him to ride over to their factory and check them out. Gunny is a Marine, and the Corps is obtaining every Hayes built!!! https://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?sect...;article_id=634 Super Mexico MC!

 

[beemerdons]

MD670F diesel fueled motorcycle

ENGINE

Type: 4-Stroke, IDI, single cylinder, liquid cooled.

Displacement: 667cc

Power: 35 PS @ 5400 RPM

Torque: 43 ft-lbs @ 3300 RPM

Lubrication: Wet sump,

Air Filtration: High capacity, 2-stage, oiled foam, reusable

Transmission: 5-speed, constant mesh, return shift.

Final Drive: Self lubricated, sealed, O-ring roller chain.

ELECTRICAL

Battery: 12 volt, 625 CCA “Dry Cell” Maintenance Free

Alternator: 14 amp, 14 volt, AC, Three Phase

Standard

Lighting: DOT approved lighting system.

CONTROLS & INSTRUMENTATION

Handlebar &

Controls: Heavy duty with integral hand and control guard.

Throttle: Dual cable with auto & manual return, water & dust resistant.

Cables: Nylon lined, water & dust resistant.

Speedometer: Calibrated in MPH & KPH with resettable odometer, illuminated.

Instruments: Tachometer, engine temperature gauge, neutral, directional, high beam, and turn signal indicators.

CHASSIS

Frame: Welded steel mainframe with removable rear section.

Front Suspension: Telescopic forks, hydraulic damped & sealed with non-reflective boots.

Rear Suspension: Swing arm with single shock AUni-Trak@ multi-link system, sealed needle bearings at all pivot points.

Engine Guards: Skid plate with tubular engine & radiator guard.

Foot Pegs: Safety folding, spring return.

Fuel Tank: 6.1 Gallon Capacity.

Wheels: Heavy duty, spoked with high tensile alloy rims.

Tires: Dunlop D607, Dual-Purpose (on/off-road 80/20) tires, DOT approved.

Dunlop D606 Dual-Purpose (on/off-road 20/80) Tires, DOT approved Optional

Brakes: Front, hydraulic disc.

Rear, hydraulic disc.

Plastics: Headlight cover Air filter box

Fenders Seat base

Side panels Chain guard

Tools: Full operator tool kit.

Equipment Rack: Heavy Duty, rear equipment rack with 50 lb capacity standard.

Equipment Case: Side mounted, hard side equipment cases optional.

WEIGHTS & MEASUREMENTS:

Dry Weight: 369 lbs

Max Width: 37 inches

Max Length: 85 inches

Max Height: 49 inches (w/o mirrors)

Wheel Base: 57 inches

Ground Clearance: 10.7 inches

Fuel: Diesel/Aviation Kerosene/Biodiesel

PERFORMANCE:

Acceleration: 0-30 mph (53 kph), 3.1 sec

0-60 mph (106 kph), 9.3 sec

Gradeability: 60% (32E)

Turning Radius: Less than 7 feet

Maximum Speed: In excess of 100 mph.

Minimum

Constant Speed: Less than 3 mph.

Fording Depth: 24 inches

Fuel Mileage: 105 mpg (US) @ 45 mph (Tested)

98 mpg (US) @ 55 mph (Tested)

Range: 630 miles @ 45 mph

588 miles @ 55 mph

Hayes Diversified Technologies

10844 “E” Ave, Suite A1

Hesperia, CA 92345 USA

(760) 947-3140 FAX (760) 947-3142

www.dieselmotorcycles.com

[email protected]

 

[FJRay]

Last time I checked you can buy three stock ones for the price of the diesel version.

 

[beemerdons]

Last time I checked you can buy three stock ones for the price of the diesel version.

Thanks, FJRay. That's what I didn't know about the Hayes, what they're planning on selling the civilian models for. WOW!!!

 

[Hit the Road Jack]

Regarding the diesel KLR's: Don't ya know, the government always pays way too much for everything! They gotta cover the expenses of all the spec writers!

 

[KSFJR]

Have an 02 and an 08. The 08 had the falling turn signal syndrome but they replaced and have come up with a new replacement. Still a fun bike for the price. It is a shame though for other bikes costing 2 or 3 times as much have no problems what-so-ever. :glare:

Chester