Have you wished for the perfect motorcycle?  You know, a motorcycle you can ride to work during the week and on weekends hit the country roads and trail ride. if so Kawasaki has just the motorcycle you might want. the KLR 650 dual sport is one heck of a versatile motorcycle, especially for the money. A new one sells for $5249, just $150 more than last years motorcycle, and for a motorcycle of this quality that you can commute on and also use as an adventure bike you will have a difficult finding a better deal. This is one motorcycle that is comfortable, easy to ride, fun on winding roads and affordable to purchase and maintain. And the Kawasaki KLR 650 has a proven track record for reliability since the bike has been in production for twenty years. this is a motorcycle that can get you a few miles to your job or take you on a cross country tour and handle both with ease. Kawasaki understands the need to keep this popular motorcycle up to date and the new 2008 model is full of new features and up-grades. and they have accomplished this without sacrificing any of the motorcycles long standing reputation for reliability.

The more important improvements are in the engine and chassis. The 651cc dohc mill is treated to a new cylinder head, cams and ignition mapping for more top-end power. The motorcycle also has a lighter, thinner radiator and higher-output alternator to power all the trick gadgets you end up adding. We all do this! The steel-tube frame might appear to be the same but it is new, along with a new D-section steel swingarm and rear shock linkage. The forks are beefed up to 41mm along with stiffer springs and this much needed improvement has eliminated the sometimes vague and weak feedback the past forks had. The rear shock also has less sag, and is adjustable for preload and rebound damping. Suspension travel at both ends has been reduced almost 2 inches to 7.9 inches in front, and 7.3 inches on the rear but the actual usable travel is the same because of the lack of suspension compression when you sit on the motorcycle.

The front brake rotor has also received attention and is now 20mm-larger (280mm) and is the petal-style. the new front rotor is grabbed by a new two-piston caliper, and the rear brake gets the two-piston caliper upgrade as well.

One of the most visible changes made for the new 2008 KLR 650 is the sexy new body panels and great paint schemes. The great looking new body panels include a frame mounted fairing and a higher windshield. The seat has a new shape and firmer foam and a somewhat high 35 inch height but this is not noticeable at all once you are riding the motorcycle. Plus the 22-pound-capacity luggage rack is wider and has a better carrying capacity. The fuel tank has not been altered and holds the same 6.1-gallons of your favorite go juice. this large capacity fuel tank will get you an easy two hundred, fifty miles of cruising range between pit stops.

This motorcycle continues its tradition of easy starting, despite using the traditional choke and carburetor. The motor is actually smoother running than the old bike, and despite not having the power to play with the crotch rockets this motorcycle will easily move you down the road at 80 mph all day long without complaint. Figure on around one hundred mile a hour being the best you can get out of this motorcycle engine.

At freeways speeds there’s plenty of comfort. The new seat is more comfortable and will not pack down as quickly as the old KLR motorcycle but figure two to three hours max in the saddle before needing a break. The windscreen is an improvement over the weak one it has replaced and offers more wind protection and this results in less rider fatigue.

Where the Kawasaki KLR 650 dual-sport motorcycle earns its pay is on those two lane black-top country road with a few rough spots and plenty of dirt side roads to explore. The motorcycle on these roads is a blast to ride and is agile with a light responsive feeling. The engine has a nice responsiveness and will move you fast enough to pump the adrenaline. There are other mid-size dual-sport motorcycle rides available but for the money the Kawasaki KLR 650 has to be a serious contender for the best in class.