2008 Kawasaki reviews

This is my fourth motorcycle. I've owned two Suzukis and one Yamaha - all good bikes - but I am here to tell you, for a cruiser, this bike has a lot of power. It is great for the highway and long rides. The engine, seat and frame has a really impressive look. The bike is great for my body frame and size. Now for the bad news. The seat can become a little uncomfortable during long rides. The bike requires 90 octane gas. I was told you can use 89 octane. Medium grade will not harm the engine. The bike tends to backfire during deceleration. I purchased a fuel management system which reduced the backfiring a lot. This bike is heavy, but once you start moving it glides like no other. Overall I love riding this bike. I have put over 3,000 miles on this year. Show less

It's been a year since I've gotten this beast! Being a short guy made me a bit reluctant to adapt, but am past that stage now. I cut loose anytime I can on my KLR! This bike will stop at nothing! It's mechanically sound, and handles itself very well under any circumstances. I have only done city and highway riding thus far! On the highway I have had it up to 80 mph. Beware, on a windy day, you feel it more than the bikes with a lower center of gravity. Mileage consumption is now around 50 if I ride it hard, 55+mpg. if I baby it. The KLR is truly a do-it-all bike. I am getting a cruiser to add to the family, but no way I am getting of my big THUMPER!! Show less

I upgraded from a Honda Shadow. I purchased it used from the first owner who had dropped it several times causing cosmetic damage. I must respect the weight and the awesome power. It handles highway and city speed well. I've had it for two months and have enjoyed it so far. The Vance and Hines pipes added by the first owner had a lot of popping at decel. I added a Cobra SI2000r and the problem reduced significantly. Show less

I bought it July 10 for my wife. She had just completed a bike course. She tried out several different bikes, and found this one to be the best overall for easy of handling, and power vs. size. Plus it seems to have been made with a smaller framed person in mind. The bike is excellent around town, and for short day trips; but, it's a little light for extended trip riding. I just bought her the 900 Vulcan for extended trips. The saleswoman at the dealership was great. Show less

I have an '04 meanstreak and love it. It handles very well and has plenty of power. It's a very smooth ride. I think this '08 is a steal at a great price. Show less

I've been riding bikes since I was 18, now I'm 27 and this bike really got me. It has great turns, amazing top speed (181 mph) and no wheelie when you put all the power (I love that for my own security). It breaks like crazy. I love the design (ZX-6R Special Edition Ebony). I just love it. I would change my seat, after a while you can feel it. I forgot - love the 20,000 RPM!!! Show less

After not riding a bike for over 25 years I can't stay off this one. It's a nice ride, has plenty of power and it's a fun bike in town or on the highway. I put 800 miles on one trip to the U.P. It's a very smooth ride. Show less

Being a lady in my late 50's and wanting to ride - this bike is wonderful. My son and I along with a friend all go riding on weekends and it is able to keep up with the bigger bikes. Never did I think I would be riding a bike. But I choose the right one as it is easy to handle. I love it. Show less

This bike handles suprisingly well in the pipe. It has a heck of a lot of power, great for those spur-of-the-moment-jumps. Green is such an easy color to pick out among all the other bikes. Great bike! Show less

Very good, reliable and strong bike with a certain retro look and feeling in a modern package. I get a lot of compliments everywhere I go with her. The only thing I do not like that much is the low gas mileage, true, I ride fast... Very ergonomic off the shelf, I sat on a stock Road King and immediately wanted to change the seat, bar, etc - the Nomad feels cozy compared to a few bikes. I just simply love her - as the last year of her production I can feel that it is a well thought through bike. Show less