KLR650 Parallel Twin Poll. Lets try anyway - Page 7

RideAbout · 05-19-2011, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danketchpel

Ya, the high footpeg position was my number 1 turn off to the Versys, same with the Tiger 800XC I rode. It not only makes the knee bend tighter but also the standing position is just awkward. You can see the street bike genes showing through in both bikes.

My sentiments exactly. I actually bought a Versys thinking it would feel like my KLR only with a better motor... always felt cramped/locked in on the bike and sold it. Wanted to love the new T800, but it feels cramped and the motor only makes power when revved higher.

The ergo's of the KLR have spoiled me.

KLRnit · 06-26-2011, 12:17 PM

TTT. Cant let it die

SamM · 06-30-2011, 10:15 AM

KLRnit,
Here's a bump for your thread with a picture of my new KLRE650. This is one of the early pictures that doesn't really show much. Hopefully, this will stir some interest in the KLRE. My builder could possibly offer a kit to do this conversion. He is looking seriously into doing that. The KLRE conversion isn't just a straightforward bolt-in. A number of things need to be addressed. Everything from the radiators to the rear sprocket spacing will need looked at. The Versys engine is very wide and this presents a few small problems. Nothing that can't be overcome.

I'm sorry that the picture doesn't show much. That was the plan. We can't give away the farm just yet. If you look hard, you can see that the lower engine cradle tubes look very nice. They closely follow the engine contour and have complex compound bends. He has spent a lot of time on those and still isn't sure whether he's going to keep the tubes shown in the picture.

At this point, I'm not sure which way I want to go with the build. Lightweight or more touring oriented. All this time I've been looking for one do-everything dualsport motorcycle. However, the thoughts of a KLR based touring machine with the stock '08 KLR windscreen and a bigger '08 KLR fuel tank (Safari Tanks is getting ready to release this now) is very intriguing. I'm not in any hurry to decide.

We'll show more as we go forward. I hope you enjoy this one.

SamM

danketchpel · 06-30-2011, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamM

At this point, I'm not sure which way I want to go with the build. Lightweight or more touring oriented. All this time I've been looking for one do-everything dualsport motorcycle. However, the thoughts of a KLR based touring machine with the stock '08 KLR windscreen and a bigger '08 KLR fuel tank (Safari Tanks is getting ready to release this now) is very intriguing. I'm not in any hurry to decide.

SamM

Personally, I'd lean towards the touring setup. With the twin I just don't think heading in the light weight direction will turn out fruitful. If you want light weight look to your KLX 250.

The KLRE 650 has all the right ingredients for a nice Adventure Touring bike.

That's awesome news on Safari Tanks getting ready to release a tank for the '08+ models. I'm glad they changed their mind. I contacted them last year and got a "not interested" answer. I'm still interested in one for my KLR.

Keep the good news coming

SamM · 06-30-2011, 06:24 PM

The problem with that is that I no longer own a KLX250. My daughter now has that bike! It's been stripped and turned into a dirtbike.

SamM

tremor38 · 06-30-2011, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Süsser Tod

Sure, it would be darn nice to have a really new KLR instead of just an update...

But that's not going to happen. Kawasaki won't risk losing Versys sales to a new KLR, both would overlap.

Well, they will at least have to come-up with a solution to the oil guzzling woes that riders are experiencing with the late model KLR. That's totally unacceptable to me.

KLRnit · 07-05-2011, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tremor38

Well, they will at least have to come-up with a solution to the oil guzzling woes that riders are experiencing with the late model KLR. That's totally unacceptable to me.

Proper brake-in cures that....Bump # infinity. Thanks for the pic Sam. I'd be interested in a kit for sure

Ko · 07-05-2011, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WormShanks

$8k is too much for anything built on a KLR platform, so no. I bet they could do something interesting from the ground up for about that much though.

If Kawi were to listen to us, they would keep the KLR as what it is, a bike with an outdated technology but a very good work horse, and adventurize the Versys, or build a more off-road able version of this bike. This way people looking for a cheap and reliable bike would still have the KLR, and folks willing to spend more would get the other version, call it whatever you want...I don't think there would be somethings to loose here for them, in fact the they might lose more by changing the KLR into something else where the whole array of aftermarket products won't fit anymore...

.

Slowphil · 07-14-2011, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ko

If Kawi were to listen to us, they would keep the KLR as what it is, a bike with an outdated technology but a very good work horse, and adventurize the Versys, or build a more off-road able version of this bike. This way people looking for a cheap and reliable bike would still have the KLR, and folks willing to spend more would get the other version, call it whatever you want...I don't think there would be somethings to loose here for them, in fact the they might lose more by changing the KLR into something else where the whole array of aftermarket products won't fit anymore...

.

Have to agree, that's why a twin klr 650 would do it, everything on the market would fit, the aftermarket suppliers would have spasms of joy over something like that. If Kawasaki came out with something before Jan 2012 I'd grab one for my trip south next year.

Edited already: I didn't buy a klr because it was cheap I bought it because it's a work horse to get me south and back.

SamM · 07-15-2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

That's why a twin klr 650 would do it, everything on the market would fit, the aftermarket suppliers would have spasms of joy over something like that. If Kawasaki came out with something before Jan 2012 I'd grab one for my trip south next year.

Edited already: I didn't buy a klr because it was cheap I bought it because it's a work horse to get me south and back.

This is why an aftermarket kit to do this is exactly what the KLR community needs. Sadly, it's probably not going to happen before January.

SamM

Propfrwrd · 07-17-2011, 12:14 AM

I have an 05 that I've done just about everything i can do aside from the 685/705 and cogent rear shock. I love the fact that KLRs are cheap, reliable, versatile and have a massive aftermarket.

That said, I just can't accept not having a 6th gear and decent set of forks in 2011. Everything else can be modded. If Kawi dropped in the Versys twin, added KLX forks and ditched some of the plastic, I would gladly spend 8k on a new KLR.

If and when my Darth Thumper dies I'm thinking a 690 Enduro will replace it unless Kawi can get a slightly better KLR out.

KLRnit · 07-20-2011, 09:05 PM

To bad the 2011 KLR'S are out and all KAWI did was change colors.........again. I do think it'll happen, one day. A kit would be great but liability insurance will keep anyone from attempting it.

Hey Sam whats the status on.your bike? I got my engine sold and money saved up. Just need to find a wrecked Versys.

SamM · 07-21-2011, 05:14 AM

We are moving forward. I'll be sending a few parts out next week. These things take time. Basically, I've told him that he can keep it as long as he needs it. This year's riding season is a bust for me anyway. Right now, I'm looking for a Versys or Ninja header. We have learned some interesting things about this swap. My hat is off to Repsolrider and what he did. I know what it takes to pull this off. It's a big deal and not an easy task.

Look Kawasaki is NOT going to do this. We would like to see any KLR owner be able to accomplish this swap and are doing what we can to see that it happens. Many may not believe this but that's the deal. My builder does this for a living. As for me, I just happened to have a Versys engine and a spare KLR sitting in my garage. Quality is the goal. I'm not looking for a quick solution. I want a bike that I can ride anywhere for many, many years to come.

SamM

dochstader · 07-21-2011, 05:32 AM

Wait for the '12 model announcement - KTM, look out!

KLRnit · 07-21-2011, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dochstader

Wait for the '12 model announcement - KTM, look out!

You know something we dont....? LoL..Man I wish

View Results: Kawasaki Parallel Twin Poll
Yes I would buy one	406	82.69%
Nope not interested	47	9.57%
Why mess with a good thing	38	7.74%
Voters: 491. You may not vote on this poll

06-26-2011, 12:17 PM	#92
KLRnit ^OP Adventurer Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Alabama Oddometer: 61	TTT. Cant let it die __________________ *2009 Ebony KLR650* *Wish list: KLX450 forks with Emig Racing front end conversion, KLE650 VERSYS engine swap,rear long travel shock, and a butt load of your typical "bolt-on's !!!!"*

07-17-2011, 12:14 AM	#101
Propfrwrd Studly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Oddometer: 513	I have an 05 that I've done just about everything i can do aside from the 685/705 and cogent rear shock. I love the fact that KLRs are cheap, reliable, versatile and have a massive aftermarket. That said, I just can't accept not having a 6th gear and decent set of forks in 2011. Everything else can be modded. If Kawi dropped in the Versys twin, added KLX forks and ditched some of the plastic, I would gladly spend 8k on a new KLR. If and when my Darth Thumper dies I'm thinking a 690 Enduro will replace it unless Kawi can get a slightly better KLR out. __________________ Now banned for forever-er-er from klr650.net for respectfully disagreeing with Glenn. Apparently he is angry at the world for being stuffed into lockers and living in his mom's basement.

07-20-2011, 09:05 PM	#102
KLRnit ^OP Adventurer Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Alabama Oddometer: 61	To bad the 2011 KLR'S are out and all KAWI did was change colors.........again. I do think it'll happen, one day. A kit would be great but liability insurance will keep anyone from attempting it. Hey Sam whats the status on.your bike? I got my engine sold and money saved up. Just need to find a wrecked Versys. __________________ *2009 Ebony KLR650* *Wish list: KLX450 forks with Emig Racing front end conversion, KLE650 VERSYS engine swap,rear long travel shock, and a butt load of your typical "bolt-on's !!!!"*

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06-30-2011, 10:15 AM	#93
SamM Adventurer Joined: Nov 2004 Location: West Virginia Oddometer: 1,461	KLRnit, Here's a bump for your thread with a picture of my new KLRE650. This is one of the early pictures that doesn't really show much. Hopefully, this will stir some interest in the KLRE. My builder could possibly offer a kit to do this conversion. He is looking seriously into doing that. The KLRE conversion isn't just a straightforward bolt-in. A number of things need to be addressed. Everything from the radiators to the rear sprocket spacing will need looked at. The Versys engine is very wide and this presents a few small problems. Nothing that can't be overcome. I'm sorry that the picture doesn't show much. That was the plan. We can't give away the farm just yet. If you look hard, you can see that the lower engine cradle tubes look very nice. They closely follow the engine contour and have complex compound bends. He has spent a lot of time on those and still isn't sure whether he's going to keep the tubes shown in the picture. At this point, I'm not sure which way I want to go with the build. Lightweight or more touring oriented. All this time I've been looking for one do-everything dualsport motorcycle. However, the thoughts of a KLR based touring machine with the stock '08 KLR windscreen and a bigger '08 KLR fuel tank (Safari Tanks is getting ready to release this now) is very intriguing. I'm not in any hurry to decide. We'll show more as we go forward. I hope you enjoy this one. SamM

06-30-2011, 06:24 PM	#95
SamM Adventurer Joined: Nov 2004 Location: West Virginia Oddometer: 1,461	The problem with that is that I no longer own a KLX250. My daughter now has that bike! It's been stripped and turned into a dirtbike. SamM

07-21-2011, 05:14 AM	#103
SamM Adventurer Joined: Nov 2004 Location: West Virginia Oddometer: 1,461	We are moving forward. I'll be sending a few parts out next week. These things take time. Basically, I've told him that he can keep it as long as he needs it. This year's riding season is a bust for me anyway. Right now, I'm looking for a Versys or Ninja header. We have learned some interesting things about this swap. My hat is off to Repsolrider and what he did. I know what it takes to pull this off. It's a big deal and not an easy task. Look Kawasaki is NOT going to do this. We would like to see any KLR owner be able to accomplish this swap and are doing what we can to see that it happens. Many may not believe this but that's the deal. My builder does this for a living. As for me, I just happened to have a Versys engine and a spare KLR sitting in my garage. Quality is the goal. I'm not looking for a quick solution. I want a bike that I can ride anywhere for many, many years to come. SamM

07-21-2011, 05:32 AM	#104
dochstader Adventurer Joined: Mar 2006 Oddometer: 56	Wait for the '12 model announcement - KTM, look out!