KLRE650 super Rio build thread.

What is a KLRE650?





I am part owner of a small motorcycle shop in victoria B.C. . Most of the time I work as a mechanic .Four years ago when the Kawasaki Ex650r was released we had a Klr650 and ex in the shop. It came to me that this would be a great splice. We took some measurements and it looked like a winner.
I went home knocked of a drawing and the idea was firmly locked in my head.

Several years went by with no sight of donor bikes. I told my good Friend George Rio Constible about my idea when he worked for me in 2009. George was my mentor and a great mechanic who had built many a cool bike. With his complete enthusiasm for my idea, my fire was lit.

Sadly George was killed June 1st of 2009 riding to meet his family and friends for his favorite outing Monday bike night.

I dedicate this bike to his memory.

This is my EX650R powered KLR. https://superrio.smugmug.com

nice looking KLR!

I've been waiting for this here thread. George has left a nice mark with this bike.

nice. more or less what kawi should have done with the versys.
funny how kawi has all the pieces to build a bike like and sell it like hotcakes
...yet they don't.

every thread needs a pic

After looking around at pics, very impressive build. What is the ground clearance? How is the handling off-road? can you tell and difference in weight? Also looks like you may have widened the frame, if so how much?


That should be enough questions right out of the gate

you need to send a link of this thread to Kawasaki.

That is the coolest looking "KLR" I've ever seen...

Cheers!

Thanks for the great reply. I enjoyed your klr ride report and love your bike.

The Rio is 10inches under the rear of the skid plate.

The bike felt heavier today the happy trails rad guards are bulky. I will have it wieghed again.

The frame is no wider over all, just at the front its now the same as the rear. The lower crash guards come off with quick pins. gives you the option.





Todays ride.

Very nice work. It looks like it came out of the factory that way.

KLRE650 Super Rio, wow what a perfect name for a fantastic bike.

I love the KLR650's and I have tried a few others, but just seem not to be able to let go of my KLR. I have wanted a little more out of it and look at what you got here.

It is good looking realiable bike that runs great and the suspension is perfect. That engine has to be fun in the KLR body and will preform with the big boys on and off road.

Good job.

you have 10" of ground clearance, have you increased suspension travel?

How much lower are the frame rails with the twin?

Nice work.

Mezo.

Brilliant!!

It looks a little too Good

Like a Phactory bike!!! Well Done

John, the rails are 1-1/2 inches lower, but the rear wheel is now 18" with a tall 140/80-18 tire.

The stock clearence I had at 11" so not much lost. Hope this makes sense.

Thanks for all the great feed back.

sounds like good engineering to me So did you keep the stock 9" of travel or did you increase it when you redid the forks?

How is the frame stiffness with the new found power?

thanks for taking the time to answer a million questions

I wish.

How does the performance measure up against a 685 or 705? What about gas mileage? I Love it.

Wow. Sweet build.

it will have to run well considering that the versys has 60 rwhp it stock trim. With a after market exhaust system stgII head and 705 big bore your only looking at 45 rwhp. If you add a exhaust to the 650 twin then your looking at about 66 rwhp. now that bike will run


lets look at this:

model weight rwhp power to weight
klr 650 single 410 wet 32hp 0.08
klre 650 twin 420 wet 66hp 0.16
bmw 800gs 456 wet 76hp 0.16


seems like the klre would be a good runner. a lot better than stock

Belated condolences on the loss of your friend. This bike is a fitting and beautiful tribute.

And I agree wholeheartedly that the factory should produce this!