Wilsons Sandbox

At 5:32 PM +0000 4/5/06, Randy Shultz wrote:

>When you are targeting such low sales numbers, with such limited >availability, you aren't marketing to the average Joe.

I think the not-so-average Joe won't give a crap about the bike at that price. With the cash to spend on an interesting bike he will go the extra grand on a BMW HP2, or grab a 1200 GS Adventure and pocket the change. The problem all comes down to performance, and people with the money to spend will want to spend it on a performance toy, not a 2-wheeled lawn tractor that smells like a semi-truck.

>It's what they >price them at when they are ramping up civilian production in future >years that counts.

But was does the future hold? I'll bet these guys have no special treatment from Kawasaki, nor any guarantee that the KLR will even be around next year. I think it's a partially seat-of-the-pants operation. If they were really in bed with KHI, they (KHI) wouldn't force them to buy the complete rolling chassis with all the stock bodywork, etc. If KHI sees a replacement for the KLR, they certainly aren't going to keep making it soley for HDT's few hundred diesel bikes a year that they'll produce and maybe sell. IIRC, a year ago, there were only 125 Diesel bikes actually deployed, and I think the original order was for 600. I don't see the Marines wanting to buy shitloads of these, maybe just a couple thousand total.

>Personally, I hope they are willing to sell the >engine for retrofit projects. In future years, I wouldn't mind having >a deisel engine option when my original KLR gas engine needs >replacement.

That would be a likely way to go, especially if KHI drops the KLR650 from the lineup. Who knows, maybe KHI will sell HDT the KLR tooling at a yard sale price since it paid for itself a decade ago.

>Just my opinion, and pure speculation on my part.

Me too. I think the Diesel KLR is very cool. Not $18,999 cool; more like $8,999 cool and I'd buy one at that price. Mark

On Thu, 06 Apr 2006 01:13:05 -0000 "ericfunzales" writes:

> Recently purchased an 05 KLR and need all the gear (jacket, pants, > boots). Looking for an all around jacket that works well in winter, > > light for the summer (with removable liner), protective, and can be > > easily cleaned. Was looking at cortech GX sport but cashier told me > > that it would get really dirty and not good for dual sport purposes. > > Was pointed towards really light shell jackets that offered very > little protection. As far as pants does anyone have suggestions for > > something that slips on over jeans with waterproof protection and > durability? Boots- looking for something sturdy and stylish. Not > full blown dirt bike boots but something with protection. Any > comments appreciated. > > Thanks. >>>>>>>>>>>>>

ericfunzales, I suggest you consider the First Gear Kilimanjaro Air Mesh jacket. It has a great liner that's water and wind proof. I've used one on the last two summer tours I've been done. Excellent protection as tested on asphalt. Wind and water proof like you wouldn't believe. I used it in temps from below freezing to over 100 degrees and never put on more than a tee shirt and the liner and jacket. Cleans easily and has useful pockets and fasteners. I also suggest the First Gear Air Mesh over pants. They also worked great. Easy on and off and again great protection from road rash and the elements. For boots I've just bought Oxtar Infinity boots but they've been taken off the US market. I also use the Oxtar Matrix boots but they are a more street oriented boot. Both work well, are comfortable and the Matrix is very waterproof. I haven't tested the Infinity boots yet but I bet your pay check they're waterproof too. Best. Jeff Saline ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal Airheads Beemer Club www.airheads.org The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT

This jacket just came out recently, but I would look into it if I were you. http://www.newenough.com/firstgear_kilimanjaro_4_jacket_page.htm Rick

> > Recently purchased an 05 KLR and need all the gear (jacket, pants, > boots). Looking for an all around jacket that works well in winter, > light for the summer (with removable liner), protective, and can be > easily cleaned. Was looking at cortech GX sport but cashier told me > that it would get really dirty and not good for dual sport

purposes.

> Was pointed towards really light shell jackets that offered very > little protection. As far as pants does anyone have suggestions for > something that slips on over jeans with waterproof protection and > durability? Boots- looking for something sturdy and stylish. Not > full blown dirt bike boots but something with protection. Any > comments appreciated. > > Thanks. >