2008 Kawasaki reviews

First motorcycle, could not be happier with my choice. I agree I wish there was a sixth gear for highway cruising but, I usually hit the back roads and have no problems keeping up with bigger CC bikes. Awesome quality/ fit and finish. Show less

I initially bought this bike as an inexpensive commuter, and the KLR650 has filled that role very well. What made me choose the KLR over other models was the large fuel tank, liquid cooling, rear rack, fairing and upgraded gauges/styling that other bikes didn't offer, not to mention the KLR was less expensive. That was the icing on the cake. I've had 14 or 15 other bikes, most of which were high horsepower sportbikes. What surprised me most about the KLR was that even though it isn't a speed demon, and even though it's not the most powerful bike in the world, the bike is extremely satisfying in many, many ways. I consider it to be one of the best motorcycles I've ever owned to the point where I consider it a keeper. Bikes come and bikes go, but if I get rid of them all one day, there will always be a place for a KLR. The bike is that good. The handling in the twisties is on par (or better) than all the high end sportbikes I've ever owned. If you are mechanically inclined, the single cylinder is a breeze to maintain and adds to the satisfaction of doing the job yourself. I gave it a 4 for reliability due to an improperly routed wire harness that left me stranded going to work one day. Other than that, the bike has been flawless. When I wear this KLR out, I will buy another. One more plus is that the bike looks great dirty! Show less

I had been riding a 750 for almost two years and wanted something faster. I was looking at other bikes and came across the last 08 ZX10R on the showroom floor at my dealership. On my previous bike my legs were too long to tuck under the tank. The ZX10R was cheaper and the plasma blue was an amazing color. So I bought my 1st Kawi. The acceleration was incredible. There is no need to downshift to pass traffic. There is so much power in any gear. The handling is great. I must say the exhaust and rear fender is an eyesore but that's what aftermarket parts are for. 85 MPH in first gear and 150 in 4th gear with room to go on the tach. I always heard about other bikes giving you so much confidence in the twisties, but I have gone 20-30 MPH over the recommended speeds in curves and the bike gives me confidence that I can go faster. I would recommend this bike to anyone. I AM SO GLAD I GOT THIS BIKE. Show less

This is an awesome little machine. It gets lots of attention because it looks European. It handles WAY better than any bike I have previously owned (approximately 25 bikes) in 40 years of riding. Good job Kawasaki. Show less

My 2008 Nomad is my second Kawasaki. Call me a repeat buyer; very satisfied with the quality, safety and comfort of this bike. I put almost 5k miles on it the first season which included a 10 day tour of Nova Scotia. The Nomad is smooth, powerful, confident and well managed in all situations. This bike is one sweet ride! Show less

I absolutely love this bike. It is my first bike and I have never had a problem with it. I love the look and I love the performance. My girlfriend loves to ride my bike as well. I plan on teaching her how to ride with it since it is such a good starter bike. Show less

Well I have had 2 of these bikes. I wrecked the first one due to black ice. Let me tell ya I live in the mountains and this bike eats up the corners, only to consume the straights in record time. It is a solid piece of machinery! I own a black one, but they all look good. WOW! What a liter bike! Show less

Let me start off saying this is the best money spent. that's right - it is thrilling, exciting and tunnel-vision fast. This is my first bike and I am very pleased with the way it handles. It is very responsive, with great maneuverability. This bike takes the cake in getting your adrenaline pumping. One minute you're two miles away from the vehicle you are following; the next you are up close and personal. Show less

Over the last 40 years I've owned and ridden about 20 motorcycles and traveled from Key West to Fairbanks and lots of places in between on them. What I like about the Versys:
Handling: This is the best and easiest handling bike I've ever ridden. It really makes me into a better rider. Nice and light to the touch and that 17 inch front wheel just grooves through curves.
Power: Plenty of that and I can scare myself in the canyons and cruise, loaded up at 85 mph on the freeways. I also get around 52 MPG which I think is great.
Fit and Finish: This is a great quality built motorcycle and looks it.
Service: One of my pet peeves with my past bikes over the years was the frequent and expensive service required. Not the Versys! Pretty much oil and filters and a valve adjustment every 7500 miles and that's about it. And unlike others, there's a Kawasaki dealer in about any medium sized town around the country. you're never far away from one!
This bike does it all and VERY well. I've never owned a bike I liked this much. I think I'll have it for many years. Show less

First of all I would like to say that I am a bigger guy and this bike is comfortable for me. It sits high compared to other brands. I would also like to say that this is my third Kawasaki in three years but I am not brand loyal. I just love bikes. Although the stock damper is not as good as aftermarket, it does a great job. Front end wheel wobble has disappeared. The bike is firm and stays planted in the corners. The power delivery is linear and very smooth. This bike makes you feel like a better rider than you actually are; it does inspire confidence. So far this is the best bike that I have owned. Show less