2008 Kawasaki KLR650 First Ride

What do you do when your eyes are telling you one thing but the rest of your senses indicate something entirely different? Gentlemen, you might have heard this phenomenon commonly, and accurately, described as Beer Goggles. When I first directed my bloodshot eyeballs toward early-release photos of the 2008 Kawasaki KLR650, I certainly could have used an IPA to soften the blow. Having been a staple of the dual-sport community for over two decades, the KLRs of past have always looked like a dirt bike for the street. Now, with over 50 changes to enhance the ""tour-ready dual-purpose"" features, the '08 650 comes across visually as a pavement pounder - and tough sell for the dirt biker crowd.

Kawasaki brought MotoUSA to Monterey, California for the launch of its totally revamped KLR. Our first evening was spent soaking up the technical briefing and a few glasses of the red and white within the ornate bowels of the Sardine Factory's Wine Cellar. Ah-ha! So Kawi really was trying to pull down our Cider Visor, but knowing that 273 miles of riding were waiting for us the following day ensured we awoke clear-headed the following morning.

A lot has changed on this early release '08 machine, but some of the most important changes are those that weren't made. After all, as the industry's most popular dual-purpose machine and Kawi's fourth best-selling bike, there's obviously something to like about the previous model. Kawasaki did extensive consumer research to find out what KLR owners enjoyed about their machines and what needed to be addressed. Basically what they found was that the 21-year-old model is primarily serving middle-aged males as a shrunken adventure-touring bike. Not the type of adventure that takes someone across all of Europe, but one that takes you for overnight camping trips, afternoon joyrides and urban explorations.

Make sure to check out the Kawasaki KLR650 video

The majority of riders are using their bikes for pavement duty with limited time off-road, but having the capability is an important feature, and perhaps the most endearing of the KLR. The bike has never been a beautiful machine, and the new version doesn't quite breach that category, though many of the important changes have given the bike a complete makeover in the looks department. It now has a fairing and windscreen. These were a direct response to an outcry for better protection from wind buffeting and the elements, exactly the kind of thing you'd expect from a riders group with the highest percentage nearing AARP eligibility. Surveys show that the bike's versatility, power, rider comfort, fuel and cargo capacity and affordability are all key features that have drawn in customers.

The head honchos at Kawasaki didn't get there by being daft, so they expounded the good things and took steps to minimize the bad. They kept the ergonomic package the same while adding a firmer seat and wind protection. The 6.1-gallon fuel tank is exactly the same, and the rear luggage rack is 3.5 inches longer and 5.1 inches wider. The windscreen and larger fairing is really a love/hate feature for the KLR. We hate the way they look, but they work so well that we'd rather not ride at all than ride without them. Kawasaki says the matching angle of the front fender helps direct wind onto the upper screen and away from the rider. We couldn't see it in action, but it may be true. All we know is that from the rider's position, the windscreen is unobtrusive and extremely effective. Kawasaki offers a larger wind shield for those who plan to spend most of their time at cruising speeds. Our second day of riding was cut down to just over 100 miles after we embarked in a coastal downpour along Highway 1. It was a great opportunity to test the available protection and it's much better than the older bikes.

Take a look at the rest of the Kawasaki KLR650 photos

Sitting cozily behind the element deflectors is a comfortable, pleasant experience, but when the pavement turns to dirt and a rider needs to stand up, the ergos aren't nearly as agreeable. Rising on the pegs proves the bars are too low and the tank swells uncomfortably fat between the knees. Also, the rubber footpeg covers are slippery as hell when wet, so keep that in mind.

This next bit of information might get confusing for some of you spec-sheet dwellers, so pay attention. Kawasaki made the KLR a better off-road bike by lessening the amount of suspension travel. A little counterintuitive, but basically Kawi realized that it didn't need a whole lot to begin with, but it did need to get more out of what was being offered. The previous 38mm fork offered just over 9 inches of travel, but they were wimpy, flexed and blew through the stroke needlessly fast. In an attempt to stiffen the entire front end, Kawasaki shortened the fork to only 7.9 inches of travel but increased the diameter to 41mm. A more rigid fork not only works better at controlling the heavy bike and giving rider feedback on pavement, but it also bolsters off-road capabilities. The changes prevent dramatic diving while on the brakes and hold up the bulky front end over rough terrain.

Read the Complete 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 Review at Motorcycle USA!