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| | | First look: USA ONLY: NEW 2008 KAWASAKI KLR650 (available in 2007) |  Written: 03/10/2006 : 14:30. Read 26375 times (14/day). | The new KLR650 is well suited to life on the highways, deserts, mountains or even the challenging terrain of today’s urban jungle. For 21 years, the Kawasaki KLR650 has been the smart choice for riders seeking reliable on and off-road performance. Now, the 2008 KLR650 features thorough updates aimed at making it a better tour-ready dual-purpose bike than ever before.
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Featuring new suspension and brakes, the KLR650 is a fun, functional commuter during the week and an adept dirt road blaster on weekends. The new 41mm front forks now have less static sag for a taut, smooth ride on pavement. Front suspension travel is reduced from 9.1 in. to 7.9 in. A redesigned UNI-TRAK® linkage reduces sag and compliments the new front suspension by reducing rear wheel travel from 8.1 in. to 7.3 in. The 2008 KLR650 features enhanced stopping power, thanks to a new 280mm petal-style front brake rotor that’s similar to ones used on Kawasaki’s Ninja® sportbikes. Rear braking performance is also improved, thanks to a new rear brake calliper. These new suspension and brake upgrades boost the KLR650’s on-road performance, without diminishing its versatile off-road capabilities.
Several new refinements help make the KLR650 an even more worthy touring companion. There’s a larger rear luggage rack that’s 3.5 in. longer and 5.1 in. wider than the old rack, and a new, narrower tail section which makes it easier to mount saddlebags. Wind protection is also improved with all-new bodywork featuring a taller windscreen and large shrouds. A large 6.1-gallon fuel tank and miserly fuel economy mean the new KLR650 retains its legendary range between fill-ups.
Riders will be able to take full advantage of the KLR’s range, thanks to a revised seat design and new urethane foam for greater long-distance comfort. A high-capacity 36W alternator powers a new higher-output headlight and offers extra capacity to power the add-on electronic gadgets touring riders can’t live without.
The KLR650 motor, already renowned for being rugged, reliable and powerful, is now even better. There’s improved throttle response from a new throttle position sensor and revised ignition mapping, and revised cam timing contributes to improved high-rpm performance. A redesigned cylinder head boasts new intake porting for greater low-end torque and quicker throttle response in city traffic, as well as improved top-end power for high-speed cruising on the open road.
More on-road competence doesn’t mean less off-road fun. The KLR650 has a U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrestor for access to any road open to licensed vehicles, and a tough engine guard protects the engine from loose rocks and gravel. With an optional Kawasaki tank bag and soft luggage on the larger standard rear rack, KLR650 owners can tote enough gear for an extended trip to any remote location.
All these improvements mean that more than ever, the new KLR650 is the ideal go-farther, multi-surface motorcycle for riders craving on and off-road adventure. 
Engine:
651cc Four-stroke Single (Revised cam timing, new intake porting, new piston rings, new one-piece exhaust pipe)
liquid cooled (new Denso radiator +20% cooling efficiency)
Four-valve Cylinder Head
Double Engine Balancer
Fully Transistorised Ignition
Five-speed Transmission
Handlebar-mounted Choke
Electric Starter
Chassis:
Semi-double Cradle Frame made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steel
Revised Front Suspension: new air-adjustable 41mm front fork (Previously 38mm), stroke reduced from 9.1 in. to 7.9 in.
Revised UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension: travel reduced from 8.1 in. to 7.3 in.
New D-section swingarm
Redesigned UNI-TRAK® linkage
five-way preload shock absorber with four-way rebound damping
Detachable Rear Subframe (Simplifies maintenance by providing better access to the rear shock, airbox and carburetor; large rear cargo rack included)
Wheels:
- New 4mm spokes (up from 3.5mm)
Brakes:
New lightweight front and rear petal discs
Front brake disc diameter increased from 260mm to 280mm.
New rear calliper offers improved feel and power
Lights:
New dual-bulb headlamp
New high-mounted turn signals
Rear taillight parking light
U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrestor
Large 6.1-gallon Fuel Tank
Additional Comfort and Touring Features
All-new and larger fairing
New, easy-to-read instrument panel is mounted to the frame (includes a large-face speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter and water temperature gauge)
Firmer urethane seat foam
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
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