08 KLR Owner input wanted

[SWriverstone]

For the record (and many know this already but some might not):

I took my modded '06 KLR on a 5,000-mile tour from West Virginia to Newfoundland and back hauling 80lbs of gear. It was a GREAT touring bike!   (Especially with a Corbin flat seat.) I avoided the slab about 90% of the way, and never had a reason to ride more than 60-70mph, which it did with no problem, even hauling me (225lbs) and the gear. Not a problem the entire trip, and only needed to add about a pint of oil in 5,000 miles.

Regarding the '08 doohickey: it *has* been significantly improved by Kawasaki, and is no longer made from two separate pieces brazed together. I suspect the new one is good for life...but Eagle Mike's doohickey is *still* beefier than the '08 one, so many owners are replacing it for 100% "Bombproof Assurance."  

Scott

PS...
The stock '08 is better than a stock pre-08.
A stock '08 is NOT better than a heavily modded pre-08.
A modded '08 is better than any previous KLR, period.  

[Andrew]

For the record (and many know this already but some might not):

I took my modded '06 KLR on a 5,000-mile tour from West Virginia to Newfoundland and back hauling 80lbs of gear. It was a GREAT touring bike!   (Especially with a Corbin flat seat.) I avoided the slab about 90% of the way, and never had a reason to ride more than 60-70mph, which it did with no problem, even hauling me (225lbs) and the gear. Not a problem the entire trip, and only needed to add about a pint of oil in 5,000 miles.

Regarding the '08 doohickey: it *has* been significantly improved by Kawasaki, and is no longer made from two separate pieces brazed together. I suspect the new one is good for life...but Eagle Mike's doohickey is *still* beefier than the '08 one, so many owners are replacing it for 100% "Bombproof Assurance."  

Scott

PS...
The stock '08 is better than a stock pre-08.
A stock '08 is NOT better than a heavily modded pre-08.
A modded '08 is better than any previous KLR, period.  

Well if any of you know my history with bike you can make a sure bet that the, soon to be new bike in may garage, will be highly modified in no time.
Maybe after the first of the new year

[marc11]

Just got back from the bike show and have to say, I am smitten with the KLR650.  Wow is all that comes to mind.  The had all three colors there, the red one is really really nice.  The bike felt so very comfortable, everything seemed to fit me just right.  They also had one with the Kawi tall screen and soft side and top bags, what a nice set up.

Gotta try and find one I can ride, but overall I walked away extremely impressed with the look, feel, ergo's, fit and finish and price.