2008 Kawasaki reviews

I've got to say that I absolutely could not be happier with this bike. It is ridiculously fast. It's not as fast off the line as a 600, but believe me after about 1 second you start hauling the mail! The equipment on this bike is awesome. The lap timer is easy to use and the guages are very bright and easy to read. I've had no problems with the tires, I never break traction..unless I want to of course! Just be careful...keep your weight down when you're getting on it because the front end likes to grow wings. Buy this bike, it's freakin awesome in every way! Show less

Nice bike especially for the price. Has plenty of power around town and can still get up to speed when on the highway. Although it feels like it needs a 6th gear but 5th gear still can hit triple digits (not that you should be going that fast) *wink wink* Only thing I had a problem with was how quiet it was. Most stock bikes are quiet so that's not much of a complant. I just put some vance and hines slash cut staggered on, and it sounds amazing. Show less

My first bike was a Honda Shadow 750. It was a great bike, but I wanted a serious long distance cruiser. The first time I saw a Nomad it was love at first sight. That was in 2005. When I had a shot at owning the 08 Nomad I couldn't pass it up. It was everything I wanted. Terrific looks, easy handling, and quiet power. One year and 10,000 miles later I have not a single regret. Show less

I just bought a used 2008 Mean Streak with 424 miles on the odometer. I've ridden it for the past couple of days and am truly impressed. For all its power, it is very civilized, not at all squirrley, and exceptionally well balanced for a 650# machine. It has a broad and smooth power band, so it's very easy to find yourself going 70 MPH without even noticicing it. I have the black tank (not flames) and it's a real head turner. People walk up to it when parked and study it. Now selling my Yamaha Classic V Star 650 whis is an exceptional bike as well. Show less

Well I am very pleased so far with the ZX-14. Like the previous reviewer I too am the proud owner of a 1999 Super Blackbird. They are simlar in many ways. I can't ride a a bike with bars below the top of the triple tree but I am an addict for power. These being 2 of the 3 most powerful bikes made, the comparisons are inevitable. Both of these bikes I own are completely stock.T he ZX-14 feels lighter, has a lot more power than the blackbird and although it doesn't look like it, it is a lot more comfortable than the blackbird for my build. The engine seems to run a little more raw so to speak than the blackbird. The 14 has an awesome set of brakes but if you're used to a blackbird there is no linked braking so it takes some practice to get back into stopping correctly. The only downside to the 14 that I have noticed is fuel mileage. I can't seem to get better than 34 mpg. The Honda is much better in this respect. But hey let's face it no one buys a bike like this because they are worried about gas mileage. Mine is the midnight blue pearl color and gets many compliments from other riders and people in general. I never thought I would part with the blackbird but the 14 is a much more advanced version of the same style of bike. So I think now is the time for me to part ways with the Honda. Show less

Had my 09 Thumper now since Oct 08. Took the correct precautions with break-in which is a make or breaker(went by on-line forums, not the manual)and this thing is SWEET! Adjusted the rear shock pre-load and return pressure for my weight, as it comes pre-set for smaller folks, and I've been very pleased with it. Anyway, the KLR is a great machine as long as you keep it in it's realm. Too heavy for a real dirt bike...and the OE tires pretty much suck. It's more of a logging road, dirt/gravel road type of bike, but if you're looking for something that you can ride on the street to get there(5 plus gals of gas), and then ride off the street once you arrive, it's right up your alley, and seems to be dependable with some of the problems of earlier models (dohickey) worked out. I commute on it and I love it. Good price too! All in all a fun piece, durable of equipment. Show less

I bought my bike in July of 2008 and love it. My last bike I owned was a 1982 Yamaha Exciter 250 back in the early 80s. This bike run great and I do plan on buying a bigger bike in the near future and a sport bike (all Kawasaki's)and planning to get a tourer bike (Kawasaki also--YES KAWASAKI YOU SOLD ME TO YOUR COMPANY...LOL). I would recommend this bike for beginners and advanced bikers. It holds it own with bigger bikes twice it's size. One ride I took last month, I kept up with sport bikes that were in 1000cc range and smaller, it surprised me with its power to keep up with them. Show less

What can i say? We had a 86 goldwing years ago, missed our bike and this is the first one we found. Went to dealer saw it loved the looks...didn't even try it out!! Just bought it and haven't looked back! All our harley rider friends really like this bike..it even turned their heads!! Try one, you won't be disappointed. Show less

I'v been riding for 10+ yrs., and have been on everything from harleys to 1000cc. ss bikes. I have to say this is one of the funnest bikes I have riding and have no plan to go to a ss bike after this. Very nice in traffic around the city and enough power to get you into trouble on the open roads! Show less

I love this bike. Great out of the box. But a bit corked up. I have done a few mods. JD jet kit, FMF pipe and powerbomb header. NOW HOLD ON. This baby rocks. Tons of bottom end, plenty top speed, and great suspension. I have owned over 30 bikes and this is the BEST ONE!! Show less