Pimp My Ride • 11:00pm
  • Media
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Check out the latest SPEED podcasts on iTunes
  • Mobile
This could be your avatar!
Username
Password
Register
mark_mitchell's avatar
Author:
Mark Mitchell
Login For More
Rate this article:
  • 0/5 Stars
  • Related Photos
SPEEDtv.com Store
REVIEWED: “Rust In Peace” By Malcolm Tucker
Malcolm Tucker delves into the photographic archives of the celebrated motoring historian Mike Worthington-Williams
Our Price: $49.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
"Le Mans", Starring Steve McQueen
The greatest racing film of all time! Dramatization of a man's tentative participation in the Le Mans race
Our Price: $14.99
Visit Button
Buy Button
“Monaco Grand Prix"
A photographic portrait of the world's most prestigious motor race.
Our Price: $75.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
Signed Bobby Allison Coca-Cola 1/24
1/24-scale die-cast replica is now available and personally autographed by Bobby Allison on the windshield!
Our Price: $54.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Man-Made Thunder
Examine how the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has transformed from a performance-based sport into a personality-driven enterprise.
Our Price: $49.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
Footer Bg
  • Zoom More Photos Button
  • Camera Icon
2008 Kawasaki KLR 650:  Primed for Adventure
Written by: Mark Mitchell   
06/24/2008 - 02:25 PM
Charlotte, NC
 
Breathtaking overlooks are the stock in trade of the Blue Ridge Parkway, there are literally hundreds of them along the route. (Photo: Mark Mitchell) ยป More Photos

I rolled out of the garage at 6 am and spent the first 90 miles or so headed up I-77 North out of Charlotte, cruising along comfortably on the 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 at 80 mph it took just over an hour. Then, after a short run up NC-21 the real fun began. But before I get to that let me explain the purpose of my trip.

After a 21 year run as one of the most popular dual-sport mounts available the Kawasaki KLR650 has been upgraded for 2008 in several key areas to make it an even more attractive alternative for both on and off-road touring fun. The newly redesigned KLR650 is primed for adventure and the well thought out mods to the new model make multi-surface long distance touring a very comfortable and attractive option.
With a long-term loan on this unit I am planning a series of adventure rides this summer and fall to seek out deserted highways, byways and trails and see how it measures up. In between I will put the KLR to the test in the challenging terrain of today’s urban landscape while I use it as my daily commuter. My goal: to see if one bike can satisfy my needs as both a daily driver and a weekend tourer, both on and off-road. After two months and some 1500 miles I have already found out a lot about what this machine is capable of and look forward to pushing it to it’s limits in the months to come. First up: the Blue Ridge Parkway and the North Carolina mountains, a motorcycle playground of world class proportions.
Page 1 of 7
Next Page »
1 2 3 > Last »
View All Comments