Motorcycle Video Review - 2008 Kawasaki KLR650

[touge242]

I have this vision..I want that bike with a couple of side cargo boxes (whatever the proper name is). The one on the left will have all my climbing gear, the right all my running gear. Pick a direction, ride to a trailhead and run till my legs fall off. pick a direction, ride to a crag, climb till my arms fall off. rinse, repeat. or best result, a hot blond on a similar bike next to me.

[leroynoon]

great video..thanks for posting

[parshnipe69]

i'm only 5' 7", will i be too short for comfortably riding this bike?? response would be great. P.S. loved the review

[mvrtvcom]

@parshnipe69 Yes, there is a good chance you won't be happy with the height. A really good off-road rider type won't mind too much - others will. If it fits in your type of riding, check out the new BMW G650GS. 70 mpg!!! More power and a really good street bike. MVR

[parshnipe69]

@mvrtvcom thanks for your advice

[ccowdog72]

@parshnipe69 They have a lowering kit for the KLR , I asked the same question at 5'10

[romdek1234]

@parshnipe69 wuzz up

[TheGarrettCoop]

pft... are you kidding me a GPS??? when I'm going somewhere I don't wanna know where I'm going.. I just wanna ride!!!!

[cmentalppl]

Iv been looking at the dual purpose bikes for quit a while. How are these in the cities? and how are they for cruising on the high way? Nice looking bike though.

[malamute110]

@cmentalppl Of all the dual sports I've ridden, the KLR is the best on the road but not as good off road as some of the others. Considering about 90% of my riding is on the road, I chose the KLR. don't get me wrong, it's capable off road but has it's limits, it's heavy, has a soft suspension for bigger guys like me(275#) and short wheel travel but I love mine, it's the best bike I've owned in the almost 40 years I've been riding.

[histermx]

very, very veryyyyyy nice bike my good friend., saludos desde mexicali, mexico.

[maxebaby]

super cool vid thanks my klr friend . i have a 2006 love it .

[vinman121]

id rather ktm 250

[nofearinthisdojo1]

Is this a good bike for someone that has just begun riding?

[mvrtvcom]

@nofearinthisdojo1 It certainly can be. If the height doesn't bother you then it will be great. MVR

[nofearinthisdojo1]

@mvrtvcom Alright, great. Thank you and awesome video.

[mikek5510]

cool i just bought a new hold over klr 650 2009 so far love it

[mark28105]

Seems like a great bike and it's inexpensive. I might really consider getting one especially with these hard economic times. Safe riding everyone.

[mvrtvcom]

@mark28105 Exactly! MVR

[TheMjs91882]

@mark28105 Its a great Bike!!! I have the 08. It does everything!

[tinywentz]

I am thinking of buying this bike can anyone tell me if it can handle my 300lb+ body weight? and what kind of M.P.G. do you get?

[lixian25]

does this have a fuel gauge?

[thatmonk1972]

@lixian25 No fuel gage, but with a trip odometer you know exactly when to fill up. With its 5.5 gal tank you go a long time on a tank.

[mvrtvcom]

@lixian25 No

[mvrtvcom]

@lixian25 No!

[mattj2217]

What helmet camera do you use for this video?

[madltbo]

Good curves!!

[vizity]

what state is this??

[ericplloyd]

I currently have a '07 BMW F800S and a '75 Suzuki GT380. I'm thinking about adding a dual sport to the stable. I'm looking at all the options. Why did you go with the KLR650 over the XR650L or the DR650SE? Also, why not get a DR-Z400S, an XT250, or a CRF230L? I ride in MD, VA, WV, and PA mostly. Great two lane back country roads, lots of fire trails.  I wouldn't be on the highway too much on a dual sport.

[mvrtvcom]

@ericplloyd Lots for little space. The KLR is capable, comfortable, just enjoyable all around. 650L is far better for serious off-road, too high a set for most riders, too tall a first gear, not as comfortable as KLR - but we like it. DR650 very soft suspension and underpowered (slow) OK for very casual. DRZ400 is more like a dirt bike than the others and overall more off-road capable. XT and CRF not at all in the same class of bike. Smaller, lighter, for beginning type riders for sure. MVR

[simon44]

Fairings like that dont make sense on a bike thats built to be dropped. They will just break. The new Tenere's have gone the right way in this repect with the very strong fairing kit they have on it. I'd like this bike otherwise.

[mvrtvcom]

@simon44 Good points, but have you seen how huge the Tenere's fairing, and every thing else, is? Would certainly like to get my hands on that bike however. MVR

[simon44]

@mvrtvcom The fairing doesnt seem that big on the Teneres but then again I havent seen one up close. However, one negative I will say about the Tenere's fairing is that its not very aerodynamic but it is practical if you drop the bike as mentioned. Both bikes are bullet proof in terms of reliability.

[ThomsonGA2010]

A solid review. And the POV video adds a useful extra dimension. Thank you.

[mycatwilatackyou]

lucky for you and the deer you didnt collide . I hit a bird once . I ride in San Diego's east county all 2 lane mountain roads , fast and fun .

[mycatwilatackyou]

My KLR loves 2 lane highways and so do I and when I need to go off the road do and I enjoy that also . I dont ride on the freeway though

[mvrtvcom]

@mycatwilatackyou Yes, the KLR is really great on two labe back roads. Only if you are running really fast - then it needs far stronger brakes. Had a deer run up a bank and then right in front of me at a 45 degree angle. Barely got stopped - I could hear his breath as he slowly ran past my front wheel. MVR

[eb352mm]

look at the tires, he says hes been riding all morning through the desert?!

[mvrtvcom]

@eb352mm I hope you don't set around looking for people to just slam. What did you pay for this video, it cost me thousands. I didn't say on street or dirt. The dirt comes up in later episodes. I don't like being questioned on my honesty of testing - you will find no more honesty than here! MVR

[justinyoface911]

can they pull off very small jumps?

[mvrtvcom]

@justinyoface911 Yes, very small.

[tuberez]

Uh HELLO ? the KLR is great DUAL SPORT bike, why would you review it on the highway??? unbelievable.

Whats the next review a Katana at a MX track?

[Lonewolf161616]

I love a big rack! :)

[nnas0501]

Would it be advantageous to put road tyres on a dual sport motorcycle if the majority of your riding is going to be on pavement? Would it be possible and sensible to put road tires similar to that on a sport bike?

[mvrtvcom]

@nnas0501 Yes, street tires will work much much better on the street. No problem. Make sure to keep the size similar to stock. MVR

[m109r67]

I had two klr 650's I went back to vstrom's. I love the vstrom,, Not the klr is bad,,It's not they are good bikes.

[frostybigdaddy]

my dad has one and there pretty nice looking bikes

[fukinblowme]

I've got a 2004 KLR 250 and I've run the bike consistently in the red at 90-100 mph for years as a commuter. The bike is rock solid, still running strong at 15k miles...never a problem. My KTM Duke is a piece of junk that spends most of it's life in the shop.

[yenaken]

best motocycle ever ! :D (for tall person :s)

[roninsoul]

lolol seeing as never before , pro guys are a little slow to the onboard video thing on a bike

[marki61422]

well did you like it or not????????.

[kharmht]

How's the KLR for smaller and lighter rider? I've always like a KLR but I think I'm too small in stature to ride it

[mvrtvcom]

Depends how small. It's a bunch smaller than the adventure bikes - though not a feather weight. The bike sags a bunch when you get on it. The wide seat will work against you. It's a very manageable bike when you are moving. MVR

[kharmht]

@mvrtvcom : I'm 5ft8 , 128 pound . A bit light but not impossible to ride the KLR would you think ? I have 5 years of riding experience . I live in Vietnam but will move to Texas next month . Looking to buy a KLR there so I came across your vids. Thanx for your info and advices ;)

[VillageIdiot8055]

they can lower it i know a guy that is 5 foot 4 that rides one i cant ride his i'm to tall at 6'1"

[addvali]

They do sell lowering kits for the KLR (called lowering links). Add a Corbin dished seat and you're looking at a seat height that is about 3 - 4" lower than stock, which is easily manageable for someone down to about 5' 2"

[NAMTRIP]

@kharmht What they dont tell you is that the new KLR 650 uses oil like a Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground in the Prince williams sound,FOR REAL???

[WaterdownBOY]

to mvrtvcom - what then is the best all around dual sport motorcycle, for beginners, and for experienced riders in your opinion. Great vids and reviews btw!

[Philtards]

Shay Carl sent me

[Trashjack101]

That bike is ridiculously tall. I sat on one and I had to tip-toe and I'm 5'10.

[stonesharve]

good concept except I think it would have made much better using the er verseys motor

[stonesharve]

its a good concept but they should used the same motor as the verseys would have made it much more road worthy

[Guitfiddlist]

Does Kawasaki make the GPS on his handlebars???

[cessna40]

I'm looking to sell my street bike because I enjoy the dual sport aspect. Is this bike better than the DR or the XR? How does it go down the interstate and how well is the suspension offroad? Lastly, I'll keep my YZ 250 for the aggeresive riding. Any comments would help me decide what to get, thanks.

[mvrtvcom]

Dual Sport is Great! I've spent too much time on all of these bikes. KLR - better on the street, off-road adventure, no serious off road - but great on smoother surfaces. DR - best for tight stuff, single track, smaller riders, gets swollowed up in large roller type bumps. XR650 too tall, bad in really tight off-road, most comfortable by far, great in open desert, best but not great in larger bumps, fast rollers, etc. Couch of a seat to die for at end of a long day. Can be modified some.

[cessna40]

I've been looking at the DR 650. I've noticed that the DR 650 is cheaper to buy than the smaller DR 400. While these types of bikes aren't the same as my YZ, the suspension travel seems too short for the non sit-down rider, offroad. That was one thing that I liked about the XR 650, suspenion travel. Lastly, the KLR to me, looks fairly odd with it's body work. No matter which bike I choose, I'll enjoy it better than my highway pounder.

[mvrtvcom]

Red this carefully, the DR650 is by far the least off-road rideable of all the bikes - without modification. And, the power delivery is soft and lacking. I do like the bike for street, but in the dirt I just turn around. This isn't to say it couldn't be modified, but it will take work and $s.

The DR will run circles around the DR off-road. Better off-road components. The XR is very tall and does have long suspension travel. MVR

[mtambucho]

Unique review. Thanks

[theteacher95]

Love the review while riding! great road.

[bandguy360]

youll never get the suzuki dr650 on the dirt because of its wheight, if you are interested in this style than i would recomend the drz 400. much lighter, really not any differnce in torque, high end or low. also a big bonus in in the drz is the ability to put on after market accesories. hope you find the right bike

[forrest225]

I'm a fairly experienced rider, right now i'm on an old KE 100. I really like the looks of this, i am about 6" tall, but still growing. I'd like to get this for the commute to highschool when i turn 16. Do you think it's the right bike for me?

I appreciate any help.

[mvrtvcom]

If you are fairly experienced, and don't ind the added weigh and bulk of the KLR, our answer is ABSOLUTELY! A perfect bike for this. We wouldn't hesitate for a second to get the KLR as a commuter. MVR

[forrest225]

Alright, thanks :D

[forrest225]

Thanks again for the help.

I ended up getting a yamaha wr250x used from a guy locally. We got a good deal on it, $3000, it already had new bars, some new black plastic, a FMF slip on, handguards with integrated blinkers, frame sliders, tires, a new mount for the plate and brakelight. Really couldn't pass up the deal. I'm loving the fuel injection as well. Certainly more on road than the KLR, which is good and bad I guess. I have a vid of it idling on my channel if you want to see it.

[WhJeffreyL]

um.. your 16 you will get it bout at 18 cause u need your lisence witch takes 1 year of probabtion and other shit :S im waiting too :(

[SAMOWOW]

where do you live i get my license at 16 1/2

[KendrickMcMurphy]

I would say the KLR650 would be a great bike for you if you don't mind a little extra weight. Check out the Suzuki DR650 & Honda's XR650L too.

[bardtoo]

The intro gets ya pumped and then he puts you to sleep.....zzzzzzzzzz

[speedemon103]

I really want this bike but im about 5"8 will i even be able to toutch the ground....also how did it do off road?

[mvrtvcom]

You will be a little tippy, but not too bad I think. Just go to the dealer and sit on one - they aren't really tall. They do very good off-road with the stock tires. We will cover this in the final videos we are now working on finishing. This is a much lighter and easy to handle bike over any of the adventure bikes. MVR

[ElmerFuddGun]

I am seriously thinking I will be buying a '09 KLR650. Looks like a lot of fun!

Now where is part 2 of this review?

[baker101z]

I am 5'9", about 160 lbs, and looking for my first bike. Is this anything I should be interested in, or would anyone recommend something else? I'm looking for a good DS bike. Ive been looking at the XR600R and 650R also.

[XdeathXpunchX]

I am looking at getting a dual purpose bike. Not to experienced ,Im a bout 205 pounds. Ive read mixed reviews on this bike. Will this bike be somethin i should look at or should i go smaller.

[haxxorboyz]

how tall are you? The seat is quite high. Im 6'4 (205lbs) and its still a stretch for my legs to touch both feet flat. That said, if you do have somewhat long legs, this bike is awesome. Good beginner bike too. Its big, but not overpowered. Great ride overall.

[mvrtvcom]

6'2" plus. Yes, it's high, this is one of the reasons it's so nice to ride. Also a big reason for the long term comfort - less the seat. The seat has to go for rel long rides.

MVR

[joubliksemlytie]

What is the fuel consumption like?

[mvrtvcom]

Off the top of my head it is very good. Something like 55 - 57 mpg. MVR

[accordionman2]

can anyone tell me what the gel seat is like for the 650.

[Tunz]

hows it goin? I've been thinking of purchasing a klr650 for a cross canada tour. Just wondering how you thought it would hold up for such a trek? lots of both highway and dirt.

thanks alot!

[mvrtvcom]

We think it will hold up just fine. It's very good for street to dirt, street to dirt, etc. It's a great bike to live with day after day - so mellow, great fuel range, good mileage and quiet. It would make a great choice and the rack will really help out. I would suggest the Kaw tank bag.

MVR

[NJAZ]

he didn't even ride it off road ... I ride my 08 KLR in some pretty serious off road situations which, after all, is what I bought it for. It would've been nice to see a more thorough review of the bikes intended purpose. Nice concept for a motorcycle review ...

[mvrtvcom]

Oh yes we did! It's in the episodes to come. Unfortunately some other shows have to be done before we can get back to this - sorry for the long delay. You better believe we have dirt! Hey, we even took the Victory Vision off-road through the snow - we are dirt riders to the core.

MVR

[benzo430]

what kind of maximum hiway cruzing speeds do thing the KLR will do?

[bozotrev]

What is the song?

[lazloholyfeild]

I can drive 55!

[mvrtvcom]

Yep, we would guess it to be great for this kind of ride. We actually like it anywhere, this is one of the reasons the bike is so popular. MVR

[kickZtailout]

The pass had to be when the car was pulling over. Nothing wrong with that. Great video! I'd actually love to pick up a 2008 KLR...

[mvrtvcom]

Yes, ours had to go back to Kawasaki - we miss it soooo much! MVR

[mvrtvcom]

To see a little on the Suzuki V-Strom 650 watch the Blue Strada Tours video. MVR

[Bshelton18]

nice video, does the KLR perform well on long tours, Im planning a trip from Omaha NE to somewhere in the Yucatan for next summer, I was thinking either of the new KLR or a Vstrom 650

[mvrtvcom]

THe only down side is the new seat isn't as nice as the last KLR seat - looks good though. We love the V-Strom 650 as well, but it won't go off-road like the KLR. All street I'd go with the V-Strom, with some off-road you need the KLR. Both have great mileage and we love them!

[Bshelton18]

Have you tested the corbin seat for the new KLR, they look more comfy than the old ones, they look more,,,, "saddlish" than the last corbins.

[mvrtvcom]

Sorry, we don't know the answer. MVR

[mvrtvcom]

We love both bikes. The V-Strom is more powerful and better on the street. The Kawasaki is a little smaller and the bike we would certainly choose for off-road or even dirt roads. MVR

[Bkohan1]

Cool video. Great production value. But I have a question:

I want to start riding motorcycles (been riding off-road ATVs for quite some time) and eventually want to ride something like the KLR but I feel that 650 may be too much to start out with. What do you recommend for a beginner? I was thinking about the Suzuki DR-Z400 SM. Anything you can add will be helpful. Thanks!

[mvrtvcom]

The KLR will be about the same as the Suzuki as a learners bike - a little bigger and heavier. Smaller is always better as you learn, even though people don't like to hear that. In todays market, a smaller bike should be easy to sell once you are ready to move up - this hasn't always been the case in the US. Start small, enjoy, then move up.

[mvrtvcom]

The Suzuki would be a little more easy at first. With your off-road experience you would probably be fine with either bike. The Suzuki is smaller, the Kawasaki better on the freeway. MVR

[arkman66]

This vid made me go buy a 08 KLR.

[mvrtvcom]

Great! The KLR is a very easy going, versatile, and enjoyable ride. The gas mileage and range make it all good. Wish we always had one here at our offices. Congrats!

[busa916]

sweet bike. i got a green one. those garmins are cool for on road but not so good for offroad. i have a meridian gold that acts like a map and shows you where you are on that map instead of just showing you intersections and street signs. oh yeah, nice pass on the double yellow. sweet video though.

[mvrtvcom]

OK, we'll look for that pass on a double yellow. Are you sure it wasn't passing in the same lane as a car puled over? We intend only to show responsible riding - but we don't want it to be boring. Thanks, MVRTV

[FazerAddict]

nice vid thaks, hope to see second vid soon

[mvrtvcom]

We'll be posting more soon, and it just gets better. Thanks

[FazerAddict]

ty for this review, exellent bike i liked u showed me how it runs

[mvrtvcom]

Thank you! MVRTV

[tadgeroo]

Top review!!!

[mvrtvcom]

Thank you! MVRTV

[epicstove]

I just got my 2008, had a new one in 2007 also. The new bike is awesome. Thanks for posting video, well done.

[mvrtvcom]

Thank you for your comments - can't wait to show some of the off-road content. MVRTV