2007 KLR vs 2008 KLR Which and why?

[marc11]

Here are the numbers, both brand new, no mileage, full warranty, prices quoted are out the door ready to ride, nothing else to pay:

2007 - $3800
2008 - $5200

Intended purpose, 80% commuting (28 miles each way) 50/50 mix of local and highway, 10% weekend rides with friends and occasional weekend trip, 10% fire and gravel roads.

Talk to me...

[atadaskew]

Here's da ting... go see them both, if you don't feel any perference go with the cheaper bike.  That is a flat out screamin deal.
But, if you dig the newer one more, than whassa point of savingmoney by getting an older one?  Personally I'd drop the coin on the new one, cuz I had the old one and just dig the updates.
Hey, any news on the apparent oiling/engine issues that some of the 08s have?

[marc11]

I like them both; and I will be first to admit the new one is a better bike over all.  But correcting the warts on the old one isn't that hard nor expensive.  It is a tough call.


As for the oil burning, seems Kawi is replacing pistons, rings and valve guides/seals for a lot of the bikes.  It is a concerning issue, but it wouldn't prevent me from buying one.

[atadaskew]

As for the oil burning, seems Kawi is replacing pistons, rings and valve guides/seals for a lot of the bikes.  It is a concerning issue, but it wouldn't prevent me from buying one.

Eesh, hearing that I would pick the much cheaper 07 over the 08 in a heartbeat.  I haven't been to a single Japanese bike dealer that I would trust replacing any of that stuff..
But, I would pick an 09 over the 07!  I never buy first year anything, and time and time again this appears to be sage advice.

[garry]

That $1400 price difference will buy a lot of farkles. I'd get the older one.

[RickC1957]

That $1400 price difference will buy a lot of farkles. I'd get the older one.

 

[Johnny Monsoon]

For that much commuting, I'd rather take the '08.  The fairing will go a long way to keep your more comfortable, and the brakes are a lot better right out of the box.  

You *could* buy a lot of farkles for your bike if you get the older one, but most of the money you'd spend on farkles are to make a KLR more durable offroad.  In your case, that's already done with the newer bike.

There are certainly plusses and minuses to both, but really, I think you'd be happier with the newer unit.  And consider this comes from a die-hard 'they took a step backward with the '08 KLR' guy.

[ZED]

I would pick whichever one is cheaper.  The 08 is mostly a dress up kit anyway, so there isn't that much difference and the $1400 can more than buy you the 320mm rotor kit.

[Johnny Monsoon]

I would pick whichever one is cheaper.  The 08 is mostly a dress up kit anyway, so there isn't that much difference and the $1400 can more than buy you the 320mm rotor kit.

Making the bike work better:  yup, $1400 is a lot of stuff.  I sincerely doubt you'd put that into an older KLR though; especially not for his needs.  And really, the wind protection and better headlight is going to be the beez-kneez here.  Throw $1400 at an older KLR which is being bought primarily as a commuter, and I'll tell you that $1400 won't get you any good bodywork that'll work as well as the new stuff.

Still, I'd say Marc is looking at the wrong bike anyway; he could get a used Dakar version F650GS and it'll do better for his needs, get better gas mileage and commute better still (better brakes, built-in farkles, etc) for less money (or similar) to a new KLR.  I don't recommend the bike very often, but this is one of those instances.

I'd also take a hard look at a Versys.

[ZED]

Making the bike work better:  yup, $1400 is a lot of stuff.  I sincerely doubt you'd put that into an older KLR though; especially not for his needs.  And really, the wind protection and better headlight is going to be the beez-kneez here.  Throw $1400 at an older KLR which is being bought primarily as a commuter, and I'll tell you that $1400 won't get you any good bodywork that'll work as well as the new stuff.

No, $1400 isn't going to get you much body work for a KLR.  That's because you can't get good body work for the KLR.  Don't make me laugh by calling the dinky fairing on the 2008 "wind protection".  

Still, I'd say Marc is looking at the wrong bike anyway; he could get a used Dakar version F650GS and it'll do better for his needs, get better gas mileage and commute better still (better brakes, built-in farkles, etc) for less money (or similar) to a new KLR.  I don't recommend the bike very often, but this is one of those instances.

I'd also take a hard look at a Versys.

Just for a change it would be neat to see people answer the guy's question as opposed to trying to steer them in a completely different direction for a different bike.

[marc11]

Thanks for all the feedback.  I missed out on the deal for the 2007, so it is a dead issue.  So the battle rages on in my mind.  I am not convinced dollar for dollar a 650GS give me that much more bike over the KLR.  The Versys is on my short list, and it is a very short list....sorry Strom owners, your bike doesn't make the cut.

[st2sam]

Versys, no if ands or butts! I'll bet if you do a little shopping you can get a good deal, there are Kawasaki dealers everywhere. and you did say 80% commuting.
IMO it's got to  be the ultimate commuter. (on paper anywho)
Oh, almost forgot, I'd get the 2008.........

[marc11]

Thanks Sam, appreciate the input.