2008 Kawasaki reviews

I love this bike! I have been riding my 2008 1600 Nomad for about two years. It was supposed to be a place holder bike until I got the more expensive bike that I wanted. I ended up riding it much longer than expected. It has good power, it is smooth running, and has never given me a single problem. The bike is comfortable and rides nicely with a passenger,...hardly any different than alone. It starts right up in any kind of weather and always runs the same. The side loading bags are something you have to prefer or get used to. I do not prefer them over top loading but some do for whatever reason. The horsepower is sufficient and the motor has very nice low end torque. The torque shows when riding two up as the acceleration is practically the same as riding alone. It will not blow your socks or any doors off, but the bike is sufficiently powered for fun and safety. Overall, these are great, reliable, smooth running, good looking motorcycles. Show less

The KX85, one of the best ok the market. I own the 2008 model, an wow was it quick. It was easy to work on and rebuilding it was a dream, along with installing a very nice FMF Shorty. Using it for a trail/enduro bike is amazing with the suspension, and it holds its own at motocross. Personally, I would take this bike over a CR85 any day, so I'd you have the means you should most definitely pick one up! Show less

I purchased a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan Custom 903cc in 2014 and from the very first day, it was love at first sight. She rides well, handles awesome. She can lean in the curves or fly down the straight. The 27-inch seat height is perfect. The bike is well balanced. I own three motorcycles and of the others, this is my favorite. It is well built, well-powered, and handles like a dream. My only complaint ever has been it only has 5 gears, no 6th for highway use. Other than that, I would buy this bike over and over again and highly recommend it over higher-priced motorcycles. Show less

This bike was great in every way except riding position for long distance . I didn't care for only one sitting position which was leaned over tank, and a bit of weight on wrists. This position prevented moving into another riding position, after many miles of leaning over tank continuously . Bike was a little top heavy in parking lot settings, but good out on the open road, plenty of power and speed . Very dependable , no problems. Brakes very good . Loved riding her, but didn't like sport bike riding position for long periods cross country. Not confidence riding on curvy tight down hill rides. Everything else was great. Show less

I've had my 1500 since I bought it new in 2008. It's been a great bike. It's reliable, comfortable and just plain good looking. I haven't had any issues with the 1500 although I did make a few changes for comfort's sake. My fuel mileage usually averages around 45 miles to the gallon with the type of riding I do. When I replaced the original Bridgestones at 13,500 miles I used Dunlops just to see how they would hold up this time around. Although, I have to say I did like the Bridgestones. The bike does seem to use a little bit of oil and has since it was new. I usually have to add at least a half pint between oil changes. The stock exhaust is loud enough that I can hear it while traveling down the highway so I haven't changed it, at least not yet. I love the sound of V-twins and the stock bike sounds pretty sweet. I think this bike and I are going to have a very, very long relationship ahead of us! Show less

A buddy of mine bought this bike to get his license on. I've gotten to ride it a good bit since it's stored in my garage. I've been riding for years and am normally a sport/sport-standard type of rider, but this Vulcan 500 is FUN. It doesn't suffer from most of the traditional cruiser flaws - it is relatively light weight, it handles well and it accelerates surprisingly fast. The 500cc parallel twin pulls hard through all the gears, but it's still very newby-friendly. The long wheel base makes it a little tough to maneuver in parking lots, but other than that no complaints at all. Maybe a center stand would have been nice (it is chain driven), but it fits on my rearstand just fine. The swingarm is even the same width as my sport bike. Show less

The KLR 650 has earned its reputation for dependability and very reasonable total cost of ownership as compared to its rivals. What I would like to talk about is the hidden potential of this bike as opposed to the two bikes I owned prior (Suzuki DRZ 400S, DR650s). The KLR is superior in ride comfort for those all-day rides as opposed to a two-hour ride. I don't have to be looking for a gas station every couple hours with the KLR either. I seldom have to switch to reserve as I did with my DRZ. The KLR kowling is a little big at first, but if you are not in heavy woods it is fine. The luggage rack is much more practical than the DR and tool kit is better placed. If you are like me, you have to ride a few miles on the Interstate to get to fresh new trails. The KLR is at home on the Interstate and unlike the DRs, it has more top end speed without winding out the engine to its maximum. Water cooled and temperature gauge go together well and you need both in order to monitor your engine conditions properly. On the fire trails the DRs were great, especially at 5K rpm range. The KLR takes some getting used to as it seems to be better suited for cornering at low RPM and using the sheer torque to accelerate out of turns. Engine braking is just as effective at lower RPMs. If you like to ride your thumper at high RPMs, you will not like gearing down in turns with the KLR. But if you can trust the thrust, you will find that the KLR low end still brings you out of tight switchbacks with the tire throwing mud like you like it!! I must insist that you ditch the stock pipe and re-port your carb and open the airbox or else you will never discover the hidden potential in your KLR!! Show less

I purchased an '08 ZZR600 with 5,600 miles on it about a month ago, and couldn't be happier with it. It is by far the best all-around motorcycle I've ever ridden. Even though it is based on older technology (the carburated '00-02 ZX-6R), it gives up nothing in the way of handling to more modern 600 supersports, and is only a tick or two slower. The riding position (mine has Helibar risers) and seat are VERY comfortable for a sport bike, and there is plenty of leg room as well (I have a 32" inseam). Decent amount of low-end power for a 600, so it's fun around town as well as at higher speeds. The passenger seat is pretty generous, making it a good 2-up bike. I'm averaging 45 mpg. with moderate riding, so no complaints there. However, like a lot of supersport bikes, it does require premium fuel. Sadly, '08 was the last year Kawasaki made this bike. Bottom line: If you want the last of the comfortable, supersport street bikes, find yourself a ZZR. Show less

It's a great little bike. OK, it's not fast, but it is fun. As a first bike, you'll outgrow the speed in a few months. The handling will keep you entertained for years though. It looks and sounds like a proper sports bike. Zooming around corners at full throttle on this thing makes you feel like you're riding in moto GP even though you're only going the speed limit. It's great for commuting - I average 60-65 mpg. with fairly aggressive riding. It's not much good for 2-up, but come on, it's only a 250. Show less

I was debating for a long time over the KX100 and the CRF150R. I came across a deal on an '08 KX100, I couldn't pass up. Wow am I glad I went with this bike! I can't imagine how the 150R could be any faster. It's much lighter than the 150R, too. The bike is really fast for its size. It's a great bike for experienced riders. Show less