for sale: 2002 klr 650 with sputnik sidecar & dauntless subframe $55

[stevedyer@cox.net]

It's a matter of perspective. Just bought a second Honda CT110 - seven roaring horsepower and 45 mph. After farting around with these all week then hopping on the KLR for a Sunday ride it -feels- like a Hayabusa. Pavement-ripping, eyeball-flattening, breath-taking fast. Steve ---- notanymoore wrote: Can't say I agree. Nobody wants Hayabusa type power on the KLR, but fact is it is underpowered and undergeared. Yes, the 650 is a great ride - inexpensive, (relatively) low maintenance, easy to handle, go anywhere and all day on a tank of gas. It's not a happy medium, more like what they say about a true compromise - nobody's really happy.

[Mike Frey]

They could have kept the KLX-650 but didn't. They could make the KLX-450 street legal but haven't. The new KLR is a good bike, but is more street oriented, and for that reason alone, I lost interest in it even though 90% of the riding that I do is on paved roads. Mike notanymoore wrote:

> > Kaw would do themselves a big favor by offering the KLR in two models, > primarily onroad, pirimarily off-road. ] > > > >

[Rick McCauley]

I think everyone is in the same boat. Most days the KLR has plenty of power and is a joy to ride. Every once in a while something comes up that makes you wish you had a few extra ponies. Overall, we all seem plenty satisfied with the KLR just the way it is. If I really wanted more git up and go, all I would have to do is lose the extra 60 lbs my 50 year old body is carrying. If I could change one thing on the KLR it would be the ridiculous gap between first and second gear. It should be a 6 speed gearbox. Make first lower and stick a gear between first and second. Plus you could move gears 2, 3, 4, & 5 up a little so that 5th would be a good road gear. Rick A17

--- On Mon, 3/9/09, notanymoore wrote: From: notanymoore Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Dyno Results for stock and modified KLR To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Date: Monday, March 9, 2009, 10:39 AM Can't say I agree. Nobody wants Hayabusa type power on the KLR, but fact is it is underpowered and undergeared. Yes, the 650 is a great ride - inexpensive, (relatively) low maintenance, easy to handle, go anywhere and all day on a tank of gas. It's not a happy medium, more like what they say about a true compromise - nobody's really happy. Kaw would do themselves a big favor by offering the KLR in two models, primarily onroad, pirimarily off-road. A few things that would greatly improve the KLR 650: - Fuel injection - would address power and altitude issues. Probably improve gas mileage as well. - 6 speed tranny with lower first gear and higher sixth. Greatly improve roadability without sacrificing off-road. - Go back to the original plastic color scheme, but use current layout. The new "on-road" plastic doesn't fit the KLR image IMHO and won't stand up as well off-road. - Get rid of the damn doohickey. - A lighter 685 CC head wouldn't hurt either. I'd pay an add'l $500 - $1000 for the KLR 650 with the above improvements. --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com, Martin Polach wrote: > > > > Come on guys...all this talk about needing more power from our KLR's > > > > Face it (A) Most of us are either in our 40's, 50's or gasp 60's...and we really don't even fully utilize the 35 hp (or what ever) of our STOCK KLR's. Realistically how many of us split traffic on our real wheels at mach 1? > > They are an inexpensive, versatile and fun bikes that will take us places that few go....and will probably return us home to our family or loved ones (Can be mutually exclusive) > > > > (b) If you really feel the need for horsepower ..go out and buy a Hyabusa or the like (lot's of them for sale) > > I am willing to wager that 90% of our membership would crack the throttle ONCE in second gear..and promptly put it up for sale (That is why a used Hyabusa is reatively affordable) Virtually NOBODY (other than a few testosterone challenged 18 yr old's have the courage AND the reflexes to even come remotley close to taming that kind of power) > > > > Accept the KLR for the happt medium that it gives us...PLEASE don't moan that you NEED another 20 hp to get really enjoy it..Buddy you DON't! > > > > That's not to say that a few incremental changes are couterproductive. .ie the 685 cc piston ..(lighter.. less vibration and a little more snap) sounds like an excellent choice or those that want to spend a few bucks but ..let's just go out and enjoy...Before the whole shitting economy crashes around our ears!!! > > > > Brotherhood to all > > > > Martin (Snowbound in Canada!) > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Jud Jones]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Rick McCauley wrote:

> > I think everyone is in the same boat. Most days the KLR has plenty of power and is a joy to ride. Every once in a while something comes up that makes you wish you had a few extra ponies. Overall, we all seem plenty satisfied with the KLR just the way it is. > > If I really wanted more git up and go, all I would have to do is lose the extra 60 lbs my 50 year old body is carrying. > > If I could change one thing on the KLR it would be the ridiculous gap between first and second gear. It should be a 6 speed gearbox. Make first lower and stick a gear between first and second. Plus you could move gears 2, 3, 4, & 5 up a little so that 5th would be a good road gear. > > Rick > A17

The one thing the KLR needs that the aftermarket cannot supply is a wider spread of ratios. Six speeds would be nice, but a slightly wider spread on the 5-speed would suit me fine.

[Arden Kysely]

After 19 years enjoying KLRs, I thought the torque and BHP were great for twisty two-lanes and off-pavement riding, but I got pretty tired of not being able to pass traffic on a two-lane road without a ton of room to get 'er going and make the pass (and I weigh a whopping 150 pounds). The ride on the slab was OK, even though you have to keep close to WFO to not get run over on a California freeway. As a package, it's well balanced for most riding. With more horsepower, the KLR's suspension and braking would be stressed even further. I wanted something to ride farther, faster in more comfort to two-track dirt roads, then spend the rest of my time exploring and camping. Kawi wouldn't build a new KLR-Twin for me with the Versys motor, so I had to buy the F800GS or grow old without the right ride. There is no perfect bike for all things, we just buy what's available and make it into what works for the kind of riding we do. Many of us probably have more than one bike because there are many ways to enjoy motorcycling. __Arden

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Rick McCauley wrote: > > I think everyone is in the same boat. Most days the KLR has plenty of power and is a joy to ride. Every once in a while something comes up that makes you wish you had a few extra ponies. Overall, we all seem plenty satisfied with the KLR just the way it is. > > If I really wanted more git up and go, all I would have to do is lose the extra 60 lbs my 50 year old body is carrying. > > If I could change one thing on the KLR it would be the ridiculous gap between first and second gear. It should be a 6 speed gearbox. Make first lower and stick a gear between first and second. Plus you could move gears 2, 3, 4, & 5 up a little so that 5th would be a good road gear. > > Rick > A17 > > > > --- On Mon, 3/9/09, notanymoore wrote: > > From: notanymoore > Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Dyno Results for stock and modified KLR > To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com > Date: Monday, March 9, 2009, 10:39 AM > > > > > > > Can't say I agree. Nobody wants Hayabusa type power on the KLR, but fact is it is underpowered and undergeared. Yes, the 650 is a great ride - inexpensive, (relatively) low maintenance, easy to handle, go anywhere and all day on a tank of gas. It's not a happy medium, more like what they say about a true compromise - nobody's really happy. > > Kaw would do themselves a big favor by offering the KLR in two models, primarily onroad, pirimarily off-road. > > A few things that would greatly improve the KLR 650: > > - Fuel injection - would address power and altitude issues. Probably improve gas mileage as well. > - 6 speed tranny with lower first gear and higher sixth. Greatly improve roadability without sacrificing off-road. > - Go back to the original plastic color scheme, but use current layout. > The new "on-road" plastic doesn't fit the KLR image IMHO and won't stand up as well off-road. > - Get rid of the damn doohickey. > - A lighter 685 CC head wouldn't hurt either. > > I'd pay an add'l $500 - $1000 for the KLR 650 with the above improvements. > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com, Martin Polach wrote: > > > > > > > > Come on guys...all this talk about needing more power from our KLR's > > > > > > > > Face it (A) Most of us are either in our 40's, 50's or gasp 60's...and we really don't even fully utilize the 35 hp (or what ever) of our STOCK KLR's. Realistically how many of us split traffic on our real wheels at mach 1? > > > > They are an inexpensive, versatile and fun bikes that will take us places that few go....and will probably return us home to our family or loved ones (Can be mutually exclusive) > > > > > > > > (b) If you really feel the need for horsepower ..go out and buy a Hyabusa or the like (lot's of them for sale) > > > > I am willing to wager that 90% of our membership would crack the throttle ONCE in second gear..and promptly put it up for sale (That is why a used Hyabusa is reatively affordable) Virtually NOBODY (other than a few testosterone challenged 18 yr old's have the courage AND the reflexes to even come remotley close to taming that kind of power) > > > > > > > > Accept the KLR for the happt medium that it gives us...PLEASE don't moan that you NEED another 20 hp to get really enjoy it..Buddy you DON't! > > > > > > > > That's not to say that a few incremental changes are couterproductive. .ie the 685 cc piston ..(lighter.. less vibration and a little more snap) sounds like an excellent choice or those that want to spend a few bucks but ..let's just go out and enjoy...Before the whole shitting economy crashes around our ears!!! > > > > > > > > Brotherhood to all > > > > > > > > Martin (Snowbound in Canada!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >

[Rick McCauley]

I know exactly what you mean. My problem is, that the more power the bike has, the faster I go. The KLR is happy to run along at 65 without to much complaint. Any faster, and I feel like I am abusing it. If I had a faster bike, I would ride faster. If the power is there, I am going to use it. The KLR keeps me out of trouble. Rick A17

--- On Tue, 3/10/09, Arden Kysely wrote: From: Arden Kysely Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Dyno Results for stock and modified KLR To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 12:55 PM After 19 years enjoying KLRs, I thought the torque and BHP were great for twisty two-lanes and off-pavement riding, but I got pretty tired of not being able to pass traffic on a two-lane road without a ton of room to get 'er going and make the pass (and I weigh a whopping 150 pounds). The ride on the slab was OK, even though you have to keep close to WFO to not get run over on a California freeway. As a package, it's well balanced for most riding. With more horsepower, the KLR's suspension and braking would be stressed even further. I wanted something to ride farther, faster in more comfort to two-track dirt roads, then spend the rest of my time exploring and camping. Kawi wouldn't build a new KLR-Twin for me with the Versys motor, so I had to buy the F800GS or grow old without the right ride. There is no perfect bike for all things, we just buy what's available and make it into what works for the kind of riding we do. Many of us probably have more than one bike because there are many ways to enjoy motorcycling. __Arden --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com, Rick McCauley wrote: > > I think everyone is in the same boat. Most days the KLR has plenty of power and is a joy to ride. Every once in a while something comes up that makes you wish you had a few extra ponies. Overall, we all seem plenty satisfied with the KLR just the way it is. > > If I really wanted more git up and go, all I would have to do is lose the extra 60 lbs my 50 year old body is carrying. > > If I could change one thing on the KLR it would be the ridiculous gap between first and second gear. It should be a 6 speed gearbox. Make first lower and stick a gear between first and second. Plus you could move gears 2, 3, 4, & 5 up a little so that 5th would be a good road gear. > > Rick > A17 > > > > --- On Mon, 3/9/09, notanymoore wrote: > > From: notanymoore > Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Dyno Results for stock and modified KLR > To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com > Date: Monday, March 9, 2009, 10:39 AM > > > > > > > Can't say I agree. Nobody wants Hayabusa type power on the KLR, but fact is it is underpowered and undergeared. Yes, the 650 is a great ride - inexpensive, (relatively) low maintenance, easy to handle, go anywhere and all day on a tank of gas. It's not a happy medium, more like what they say about a true compromise - nobody's really happy. > > Kaw would do themselves a big favor by offering the KLR in two models, primarily onroad, pirimarily off-road. > > A few things that would greatly improve the KLR 650: > > - Fuel injection - would address power and altitude issues. Probably improve gas mileage as well. > - 6 speed tranny with lower first gear and higher sixth. Greatly improve roadability without sacrificing off-road. > - Go back to the original plastic color scheme, but use current layout. > The new "on-road" plastic doesn't fit the KLR image IMHO and won't stand up as well off-road. > - Get rid of the damn doohickey. > - A lighter 685 CC head wouldn't hurt either. > > I'd pay an add'l $500 - $1000 for the KLR 650 with the above improvements. > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com, Martin Polach wrote: > > > > > > > > Come on guys...all this talk about needing more power from our KLR's > > > > > > > > Face it (A) Most of us are either in our 40's, 50's or gasp 60's...and we really don't even fully utilize the 35 hp (or what ever) of our STOCK KLR's. Realistically how many of us split traffic on our real wheels at mach 1? > > > > They are an inexpensive, versatile and fun bikes that will take us places that few go....and will probably return us home to our family or loved ones (Can be mutually exclusive) > > > > > > > > (b) If you really feel the need for horsepower ..go out and buy a Hyabusa or the like (lot's of them for sale) > > > > I am willing to wager that 90% of our membership would crack the throttle ONCE in second gear..and promptly put it up for sale (That is why a used Hyabusa is reatively affordable) Virtually NOBODY (other than a few testosterone challenged 18 yr old's have the courage AND the reflexes to even come remotley close to taming that kind of power) > > > > > > > > Accept the KLR for the happt medium that it gives us...PLEASE don't moan that you NEED another 20 hp to get really enjoy it..Buddy you DON't! > > > > > > > > That's not to say that a few incremental changes are couterproductive. .ie the 685 cc piston ..(lighter.. less vibration and a little more snap) sounds like an excellent choice or those that want to spend a few bucks but ..let's just go out and enjoy...Before the whole shitting economy crashes around our ears!!! > > > > > > > > Brotherhood to all > > > > > > > > Martin (Snowbound in Canada!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Bogdan Swider]

> suspension and braking would be stressed even further. > > I wanted something to ride farther, faster in more comfort to two-track dirt > roads, then spend the rest of my time exploring and camping. Kawi wouldn't > build a new KLR-Twin for me with the Versys motor, so I had to buy the F800GS > or grow old without the right ride. >

Just curious, Arden. What made you choose the BMW over the WeeStrom? Also did you opt for ABS? Bogdan [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Arden Kysely]

Hi Bogdan, I rode the first DL650 at the press intro and then had a test bike for a few weeks and don't think it has the off-pavement capability of the GS. It's a great bike (I don't even mind the looks), and I know that people ride them all kinds of crazy places, but the shorter suspension, 19" rim, cast wheels, low cylinder/pipe and dangling oil cooler make it a smooth dirt road bike for me. I haven't done a lot of dirt with my GS yet, but the rocky creek crossings I've done and a pretty tough section of dirt in at the press intro in S. Africa convinced me the GS will do what I need it to. It better, it cost a hell of a lot more! And yes, I did get ABS. Haven't needed it yet, and it's a pain to remember to turn it off when you head down a dirt road, but I figure that needing it just once might be worth the price. The GS is a cool bike, ride one if you get a chance. __Arden

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Bogdan Swider wrote: > > > suspension and braking would be stressed even further. > > > > I wanted something to ride farther, faster in more comfort to two-track dirt > > roads, then spend the rest of my time exploring and camping. Kawi wouldn't > > build a new KLR-Twin for me with the Versys motor, so I had to buy the F800GS > > or grow old without the right ride. > > > Just curious, Arden. What made you choose the BMW over the WeeStrom? Also > did you opt for ABS? Bogdan > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >

[E Hines]

I have found that my KLR has a sweet spot at 72-73mph indicated where it stops vibrating and actually runs the smoothest. ________________________________ From: Rick McCauley To: dsn_klr650@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 3:26:10 PM Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Dyno Results for stock and modified KLR I know exactly what you mean. My problem is, that the more power the bike has, the faster I go. The KLR is happy to run along at 65 without to much complaint. Any faster, and I feel like I am abusing it. If I had a faster bike, I would ride faster. If the power is there, I am going to use it. The KLR keeps me out of trouble. Rick A17

--- On Tue, 3/10/09, Arden Kysely wrote: From: Arden Kysely Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Dyno Results for stock and modified KLR To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 12:55 PM After 19 years enjoying KLRs, I thought the torque and BHP were great for twisty two-lanes and off-pavement riding, but I got pretty tired of not being able to pass traffic on a two-lane road without a ton of room to get 'er going and make the pass (and I weigh a whopping 150 pounds). The ride on the slab was OK, even though you have to keep close to WFO to not get run over on a California freeway. As a package, it's well balanced for most riding. With more horsepower, the KLR's suspension and braking would be stressed even further. I wanted something to ride farther, faster in more comfort to two-track dirt roads, then spend the rest of my time exploring and camping. Kawi wouldn't build a new KLR-Twin for me with the Versys motor, so I had to buy the F800GS or grow old without the right ride. There is no perfect bike for all things, we just buy what's available and make it into what works for the kind of riding we do. Many of us probably have more than one bike because there are many ways to enjoy motorcycling. __Arden --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com, Rick McCauley wrote: > > I think everyone is in the same boat. Most days the KLR has plenty of power and is a joy to ride. Every once in a while something comes up that makes you wish you had a few extra ponies. Overall, we all seem plenty satisfied with the KLR just the way it is. > > If I really wanted more git up and go, all I would have to do is lose the extra 60 lbs my 50 year old body is carrying. > > If I could change one thing on the KLR it would be the ridiculous gap between first and second gear. It should be a 6 speed gearbox. Make first lower and stick a gear between first and second. Plus you could move gears 2, 3, 4, & 5 up a little so that 5th would be a good road gear. > > Rick > A17 > > > > --- On Mon, 3/9/09, notanymoore wrote: > > From: notanymoore > Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Dyno Results for stock and modified KLR > To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com > Date: Monday, March 9, 2009, 10:39 AM > > > > > > > Can't say I agree. Nobody wants Hayabusa type power on the KLR, but fact is it is underpowered and undergeared. Yes, the 650 is a great ride - inexpensive, (relatively) low maintenance, easy to handle, go anywhere and all day on a tank of gas. It's not a happy medium, more like what they say about a true compromise - nobody's really happy. > > Kaw would do themselves a big favor by offering the KLR in two models, primarily onroad, pirimarily off-road. > > A few things that would greatly improve the KLR 650: > > - Fuel injection - would address power and altitude issues. Probably improve gas mileage as well. > - 6 speed tranny with lower first gear and higher sixth. Greatly improve roadability without sacrificing off-road. > - Go back to the original plastic color scheme, but use current layout. > The new "on-road" plastic doesn't fit the KLR image IMHO and won't stand up as well off-road. > - Get rid of the damn doohickey. > - A lighter 685 CC head wouldn't hurt either. > > I'd pay an add'l $500 - $1000 for the KLR 650 with the above improvements. > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com, Martin Polach wrote: > > > > > > > > Come on guys...all this talk about needing more power from our KLR's > > > > > > > > Face it (A) Most of us are either in our 40's, 50's or gasp 60's...and we really don't even fully utilize the 35 hp (or what ever) of our STOCK KLR's. Realistically how many of us split traffic on our real wheels at mach 1? > > > > They are an inexpensive, versatile and fun bikes that will take us places that few go....and will probably return us home to our family or loved ones (Can be mutually exclusive) > > > > > > > > (b) If you really feel the need for horsepower ..go out and buy a Hyabusa or the like (lot's of them for sale) > > > > I am willing to wager that 90% of our membership would crack the throttle ONCE in second gear..and promptly put it up for sale (That is why a used Hyabusa is reatively affordable) Virtually NOBODY (other than a few testosterone challenged 18 yr old's have the courage AND the reflexes to even come remotley close to taming that kind of power) > > > > > > > > Accept the KLR for the happt medium that it gives us...PLEASE don't moan that you NEED another 20 hp to get really enjoy it..Buddy you DON't! > > > > > > > > That's not to say that a few incremental changes are couterproductive. .ie the 685 cc piston ..(lighter.. less vibration and a little more snap) sounds like an excellent choice or those that want to spend a few bucks but ..let's just go out and enjoy...Before the whole shitting economy crashes around our ears!!! > > > > > > > > Brotherhood to all > > > > > > > > Martin (Snowbound in Canada!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[roncriswell@sbcglobal.net]

Mine runs smoothest at 5200 Rpm. Criswell

On Mar 11, 2009, at 7:47 AM, E Hines wrote: > I have found that my KLR has a sweet spot at 72-73mph indicated > where it stops vibrating and actually runs the smoothest. > > ________________________________ > From: Rick McCauley > To: dsn_klr650@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 3:26:10 PM > Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Dyno Results for stock and modified KLR > > I know exactly what you mean. My problem is, that the more power > the bike has, the faster I go. The KLR is happy to run along at 65 > without to much complaint. Any faster, and I feel like I am abusing > it. > If I had a faster bike, I would ride faster. If the power is > there, I am going to use it. The KLR keeps me out of trouble. > > Rick > A17 > > --- On Tue, 3/10/09, Arden Kysely wrote: > > From: Arden Kysely > Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Dyno Results for stock and modified KLR > To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com > Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 12:55 PM > > After 19 years enjoying KLRs, I thought the torque and BHP were > great for twisty two-lanes and off-pavement riding, but I got > pretty tired of not being able to pass traffic on a two-lane road > without a ton of room to get 'er going and make the pass (and I > weigh a whopping 150 pounds). The ride on the slab was OK, even > though you have to keep close to WFO to not get run over on a > California freeway. As a package, it's well balanced for most > riding. With more horsepower, the KLR's suspension and braking > would be stressed even further. > > I wanted something to ride farther, faster in more comfort to two- > track dirt roads, then spend the rest of my time exploring and > camping. Kawi wouldn't build a new KLR-Twin for me with the Versys > motor, so I had to buy the F800GS or grow old without the right ride. > > There is no perfect bike for all things, we just buy what's > available and make it into what works for the kind of riding we do. > Many of us probably have more than one bike because there are many > ways to enjoy motorcycling. > > __Arden > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com, Rick McCauley > wrote: > > > > I think everyone is in the same boat. Most days the KLR has > plenty of power and is a joy to ride. Every once in a while > something comes up that makes you wish you had a few extra ponies. > Overall, we all seem plenty satisfied with the KLR just the way it > is. > > > > If I really wanted more git up and go, all I would have to do is > lose the extra 60 lbs my 50 year old body is carrying. > > > > If I could change one thing on the KLR it would be the ridiculous > gap between first and second gear. It should be a 6 speed gearbox. > Make first lower and stick a gear between first and second. Plus > you could move gears 2, 3, 4, & 5 up a little so that 5th would be > a good road gear. > > > > Rick > > A17 > > > > > > > > --- On Mon, 3/9/09, notanymoore wrote: > > > > From: notanymoore > > Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Dyno Results for stock and modified KLR > > To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com > > Date: Monday, March 9, 2009, 10:39 AM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Can't say I agree. Nobody wants Hayabusa type power on the KLR, > but fact is it is underpowered and undergeared. Yes, the 650 is a > great ride - inexpensive, (relatively) low maintenance, easy to > handle, go anywhere and all day on a tank of gas. It's not a happy > medium, more like what they say about a true compromise - nobody's > really happy. > > > > Kaw would do themselves a big favor by offering the KLR in two > models, primarily onroad, pirimarily off-road. > > > > A few things that would greatly improve the KLR 650: > > > > - Fuel injection - would address power and altitude issues. > Probably improve gas mileage as well. > > - 6 speed tranny with lower first gear and higher sixth. Greatly > improve roadability without sacrificing off-road. > > - Go back to the original plastic color scheme, but use current > layout. > > The new "on-road" plastic doesn't fit the KLR image IMHO and > won't stand up as well off-road. > > - Get rid of the damn doohickey. > > - A lighter 685 CC head wouldn't hurt either. > > > > I'd pay an add'l $500 - $1000 for the KLR 650 with the above > improvements. > > > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com, Martin Polach > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Come on guys...all this talk about needing more power from our > KLR's > > > > > > > > > > > > Face it (A) Most of us are either in our 40's, 50's or gasp > 60's...and we really don't even fully utilize the 35 hp (or what > ever) of our STOCK KLR's. Realistically how many of us split > traffic on our real wheels at mach 1? > > > > > > They are an inexpensive, versatile and fun bikes that will take > us places that few go....and will probably return us home to our > family or loved ones (Can be mutually exclusive) > > > > > > > > > > > > (b) If you really feel the need for horsepower ..go out and buy > a Hyabusa or the like (lot's of them for sale) > > > > > > I am willing to wager that 90% of our membership would crack > the throttle ONCE in second gear..and promptly put it up for sale > (That is why a used Hyabusa is reatively affordable) Virtually > NOBODY (other than a few testosterone challenged 18 yr old's have > the courage AND the reflexes to even come remotley close to taming > that kind of power) > > > > > > > > > > > > Accept the KLR for the happt medium that it gives us...PLEASE > don't moan that you NEED another 20 hp to get really enjoy > it..Buddy you DON't! > > > > > > > > > > > > That's not to say that a few incremental changes are > couterproductive. .ie the 685 cc piston ..(lighter.. less vibration > and a little more snap) sounds like an excellent choice or those > that want to spend a few bucks but ..let's just go out and > enjoy...Before the whole shitting economy crashes around our ears!!! > > > > > > > > > > > > Brotherhood to all > > > > > > > > > > > > Martin (Snowbound in Canada!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]