metal gas tanks

[David Nichols]

Kawasaki is asking us for input with an online survey. At first it looks like it's only about color and graphics but they do have some questions about how important weight, handling etc. is to you. I used the last question to write what I think they should include as standard equipment. It was asking for comments about color and graphics but I ignored that rule. We should all reply with our wishes, they would have to listen to us if so many spoke up. I didn't talk about the doohickey, that's been done and they would probably throw my survey away... Link to survey: https://kawasaki.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8q9pHGd6NelL4nr Here's my answer: Please consider adding the following as standard equipment: Aluminum skid plate, serrated steel foot pegs, hand brush guards with wrap around aluminum spines connected to the bar ends, Plastic IMS Products gas tank, ATO style fuses instead of glass types, 320 mm diameter front brake rotor with a dual piston caliper, cartridge style front fork with adjustable damping and preload, upgraded rear shock with heavier spring rate, modern MOSFET Regulator/Rectifier, Higher output stator (400 watts), and a louder horn. This would make the KLR650 a perfect Dual Sport/Adventure Bike. P.S. I liked the olive green color scheme with this graphic: https://kawasaki.qualtrics.com/SE/Graphic.php?IM=IM_8tSGbnofRPXGrc1 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Desert Datsuns]

Keep in mind that all those "additions" cost money, and would raise the base price of a stock bike. The low introductory price is one of the reasons the KLR is so popular. I would only include no-cost changes, like the fuses and foot pegs. Also, having a plastic tank isn't possible. In order to be sold as a street bike motorcycles must have a steel tank. This is why all "real" street bikes have metal tanks. That's the difference between the Suzuki DRZ400E and DRZ400S. Ryan Phoenix David Nichols wrote:

>Kawasaki is asking us for input with an online survey. At first it looks like it's only about color and graphics but they do have some questions about how important weight, handling etc. is to you. I used the last question to write what I think they should include as standard equipment. It was asking for comments about color and graphics but I ignored that rule. We should all reply with our wishes, they would have to listen to us if so many spoke up. I didn't talk about the doohickey, that's been done and they would probably throw my survey away... > >Link to survey: >https://kawasaki.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8q9pHGd6NelL4nr > > >Here's my answer: >Please consider adding the following as standard equipment: Aluminum skid plate, serrated steel foot pegs, hand brush guards with wrap around aluminum spines connected to the bar ends, Plastic IMS Products gas tank, ATO style fuses instead of glass types, 320 mm diameter front brake rotor with a dual piston caliper, cartridge style front fork with adjustable damping and preload, upgraded rear shock with heavier spring rate, modern MOSFET Regulator/Rectifier, Higher output stator (400 watts), and a louder horn. This would make the KLR650 a perfect Dual Sport/Adventure Bike. > >P.S. I liked the olive green color scheme with this graphic: >https://kawasaki.qualtrics.com/SE/Graphic.php?IM=IM_8tSGbnofRPXGrc1 > > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[ron criswell]

There was a problem with the survey when I tried to take it. It asked what model year I had but only went back to 2010 and wouldn't let me go forward. A lot of us won't be able to take it. Mines a 1999. Criswell Sent from my iPad

On Mar 7, 2013, at 3:34 PM, David Nichols wrote: > Kawasaki is asking us for input with an online survey. At first it looks like it's only about color and graphics but they do have some questions about how important weight, handling etc. is to you. I used the last question to write what I think they should include as standard equipment. It was asking for comments about color and graphics but I ignored that rule. We should all reply with our wishes, they would have to listen to us if so many spoke up. I didn't talk about the doohickey, that's been done and they would probably throw my survey away... > > Link to survey: > https://kawasaki.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8q9pHGd6NelL4nr > > Here's my answer: > Please consider adding the following as standard equipment: Aluminum skid plate, serrated steel foot pegs, hand brush guards with wrap around aluminum spines connected to the bar ends, Plastic IMS Products gas tank, ATO style fuses instead of glass types, 320 mm diameter front brake rotor with a dual piston caliper, cartridge style front fork with adjustable damping and preload, upgraded rear shock with heavier spring rate, modern MOSFET Regulator/Rectifier, Higher output stator (400 watts), and a louder horn. This would make the KLR650 a perfect Dual Sport/Adventure Bike. > > P.S. I liked the olive green color scheme with this graphic: > https://kawasaki.qualtrics.com/SE/Graphic.php?IM=IM_8tSGbnofRPXGrc1 > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[david zawadzki]

Take it anyway. They need the feedback to improve the bike. There is only one place where to leave your comments so make sure you dont miss it. -David

On Thu, Mar 7, 2013 at 5:40 PM, Ron Criswell wrote: > ** > > > There was a problem with the survey when I tried to take it. It asked what > model year I had but only went back to 2010 and wouldn't let me go forward. > A lot of us won't be able to take it. Mines a 1999. > > Criswell > > Sent from my iPad > > > On Mar 7, 2013, at 3:34 PM, David Nichols > wrote: > > > Kawasaki is asking us for input with an online survey. At first it looks > like it's only about color and graphics but they do have some questions > about how important weight, handling etc. is to you. I used the last > question to write what I think they should include as standard equipment. > It was asking for comments about color and graphics but I ignored that > rule. We should all reply with our wishes, they would have to listen to us > if so many spoke up. I didn't talk about the doohickey, that's been done > and they would probably throw my survey away... > > > > Link to survey: > > https://kawasaki.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8q9pHGd6NelL4nr > > > > Here's my answer: > > Please consider adding the following as standard equipment: Aluminum > skid plate, serrated steel foot pegs, hand brush guards with wrap around > aluminum spines connected to the bar ends, Plastic IMS Products gas tank, > ATO style fuses instead of glass types, 320 mm diameter front brake rotor > with a dual piston caliper, cartridge style front fork with adjustable > damping and preload, upgraded rear shock with heavier spring rate, modern > MOSFET Regulator/Rectifier, Higher output stator (400 watts), and a louder > horn. This would make the KLR650 a perfect Dual Sport/Adventure Bike. > > > > P.S. I liked the olive green color scheme with this graphic: > > https://kawasaki.qualtrics.com/SE/Graphic.php?IM=IM_8tSGbnofRPXGrc1 > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > -- David Z mobile: 646-267-1109 www.thelegendofzarko.com http://www.thelegendof/> www.thevanguardband.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Desert Datsuns]

There used to be a regulation where all street bikes had to have a steel tank. Maybe not on a federal level, but maybe the state level. It could be that it's not in effect any longer, I dunno. But that's the reason the bikes like the XR650L/DRZ400S have a steel tank, and the XR650R/DRZ400E has a plastic tank. Very similar bikes, but they have different gas tanks. Steel for the "street" models, and plastic for the dirt only bikes. If it wasn't an issue I assume the manufacturer would save a lot of money by just using one style of tank. Maybe some of it is because it used to be more difficult to do an evap system on plastic tanks, and easier on the steel tanks. I don't know. Ryan Phoenix, AZ Bill Ahrens wrote:

> So my R1200 GS is not a street bike? > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Mar 7, 2013, at 3:10 PM, Desert Datsuns > wrote: > >> >> >> Keep in mind that all those "additions" cost money, and would raise >> the base price of a stock bike. The low introductory price is one of >> the reasons the KLR is so popular. I would only include no-cost >> changes, like the fuses and foot pegs. >> >> Also, having a plastic tank isn't possible. In order to be sold as a >> street bike motorcycles must have a steel tank. This is why all "real" >> street bikes have metal tanks. That's the difference between the >> Suzuki DRZ400E and DRZ400S. >> Ryan >> Phoenix >> >> David Nichols > > wrote: >> >> >Kawasaki is asking us for input with an online survey. At first it >> looks like it's only about color and graphics but they do have some >> questions about how important weight, handling etc. is to you. I used >> the last question to write what I think they should include as >> standard equipment. It was asking for comments about color and >> graphics but I ignored that rule. We should all reply with our wishes, >> they would have to listen to us if so many spoke up. I didn't talk >> about the doohickey, that's been done and they would probably throw my >> survey away... >> > >> >Link to survey: >> >https://kawasaki.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8q9pHGd6NelL4nr >> > >> > >> >Here's my answer: >> >Please consider adding the following as standard equipment: Aluminum >> skid plate, serrated steel foot pegs, hand brush guards with wrap >> around aluminum spines connected to the bar ends, Plastic IMS Products >> gas tank, ATO style fuses instead of glass types, 320 mm diameter >> front brake rotor with a dual piston caliper, cartridge style front >> fork with adjustable damping and preload, upgraded rear shock with >> heavier spring rate, modern MOSFET Regulator/Rectifier, Higher output >> stator (400 watts), and a louder horn. This would make the KLR650 a >> perfect Dual Sport/Adventure Bike. >> > >> >P.S. I liked the olive green color scheme with this graphic: >> >https://kawasaki.qualtrics.com/SE/Graphic.php?IM=IM_8tSGbnofRPXGrc1 >> > >> > >> >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> > >> >> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> >> > > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com http://www.avg.com> > Version: 2012.0.2240 / Virus Database: 2641/5654 - Release Date: 03/07/13 >

[ron criswell]

I thought the law to have steel tanks came from the days of bikes like Bultaco that used fibre glass tanks which were pretty easy to put a hole in one or grind it down sliding down the street setting yourself on fire. A couple bikes have plastic tanks under the seat (I think) which due to location or more well protected. I knew a guy who could screw up anything. He bought a brand new Bultaco, rode it in the parking lot a little, went to ride it up the ramp (board) into the back of his truck....gas wasn't turned on. He fell over halfway up and put a hole in that brand new tank. Only guy I ever knew who threw a rod out the cases of his single cylinder 2 stroke. Probably a mystery premix fuel and exotic jetting. Fibre glass canoes and kayak's disappeared pretty quickly after much more durable plastic was discovered. I saw a brand new two week old Old Town fibre glass canoe broken in half on a rock in a river one day. As they said in the movie "the Graduate" plastics Benjamin. Criswell Sent from my iPad

On Mar 7, 2013, at 6:10 PM, Desert Datsuns wrote: > There used to be a regulation where all street bikes had to have a steel > tank. Maybe not on a federal level, but maybe the state level. It could > be that it's not in effect any longer, I dunno. But that's the reason > the bikes like the XR650L/DRZ400S have a steel tank, and the > XR650R/DRZ400E has a plastic tank. Very similar bikes, but they have > different gas tanks. Steel for the "street" models, and plastic for the > dirt only bikes. If it wasn't an issue I assume the manufacturer would > save a lot of money by just using one style of tank. Maybe some of it is > because it used to be more difficult to do an evap system on plastic > tanks, and easier on the steel tanks. I don't know. > Ryan > Phoenix, AZ > > Bill Ahrens wrote: > > So my R1200 GS is not a street bike? > > > > Sent from my iPhone > > > > On Mar 7, 2013, at 3:10 PM, Desert Datsuns > > wrote: > > > >> > >> > >> Keep in mind that all those "additions" cost money, and would raise > >> the base price of a stock bike. The low introductory price is one of > >> the reasons the KLR is so popular. I would only include no-cost > >> changes, like the fuses and foot pegs. > >> > >> Also, having a plastic tank isn't possible. In order to be sold as a > >> street bike motorcycles must have a steel tank. This is why all "real" > >> street bikes have metal tanks. That's the difference between the > >> Suzuki DRZ400E and DRZ400S. > >> Ryan > >> Phoenix > >> > >> David Nichols >> > wrote: > >> > >> >Kawasaki is asking us for input with an online survey. At first it > >> looks like it's only about color and graphics but they do have some > >> questions about how important weight, handling etc. is to you. I used > >> the last question to write what I think they should include as > >> standard equipment. It was asking for comments about color and > >> graphics but I ignored that rule. We should all reply with our wishes, > >> they would have to listen to us if so many spoke up. I didn't talk > >> about the doohickey, that's been done and they would probably throw my > >> survey away... > >> > > >> >Link to survey: > >> >https://kawasaki.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8q9pHGd6NelL4nr > >> > > >> > > >> >Here's my answer: > >> >Please consider adding the following as standard equipment: Aluminum > >> skid plate, serrated steel foot pegs, hand brush guards with wrap > >> around aluminum spines connected to the bar ends, Plastic IMS Products > >> gas tank, ATO style fuses instead of glass types, 320 mm diameter > >> front brake rotor with a dual piston caliper, cartridge style front > >> fork with adjustable damping and preload, upgraded rear shock with > >> heavier spring rate, modern MOSFET Regulator/Rectifier, Higher output > >> stator (400 watts), and a louder horn. This would make the KLR650 a > >> perfect Dual Sport/Adventure Bike. > >> > > >> >P.S. I liked the olive green color scheme with this graphic: > >> >https://kawasaki.qualtrics.com/SE/Graphic.php?IM=IM_8tSGbnofRPXGrc1 > >> > > >> > > >> >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > >> > > >> > >> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > >> > >> > > > > No virus found in this message. > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com http://www.avg.com> > > Version: 2012.0.2240 / Virus Database: 2641/5654 - Release Date: 03/07/13 > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Desert Datsuns]

I know that was part of the problem. Bikes like the old Ducati's that had fiberglass tanks would crash, split open the tank, and burn the rider. The metal tanks would just bend and deform, but rarely split wide open from a crash. The fiberglass ones were almost guaranteed to break apart. It's really easy to put a hole in even modern plastic tanks. Something as simple as a branch will go through if you just drop the bike on it's side. I've also personally seen them crack around the mounting inserts and leak fuel. None of those are good scenarios for riding on the street everyday. Ryan Phoenix, AZ Ron Criswell wrote:

> I thought the law to have steel tanks came from the days of bikes like > Bultaco that used fibre glass tanks which were pretty easy to put a hole > in one or grind it down sliding down the street setting yourself on > fire. A couple bikes have plastic tanks under the seat (I think) which > due to location or more well protected. > > I knew a guy who could screw up anything. He bought a brand new Bultaco, > rode it in the parking lot a little, went to ride it up the ramp (board) > into the back of his truck....gas wasn't turned on. He fell over halfway > up and put a hole in that brand new tank. Only guy I ever knew who threw > a rod out the cases of his single cylinder 2 stroke. Probably a mystery > premix fuel and exotic jetting. > > Fibre glass canoes and kayak's disappeared pretty quickly after much > more durable plastic was discovered. I saw a brand new two week old Old > Town fibre glass canoe broken in half on a rock in a river one day. As > they said in the movie "the Graduate" plastics Benjamin. > > Criswell > > Sent from my iPad > > On Mar 7, 2013, at 6:10 PM, Desert Datsuns > wrote: > >> >> >> There used to be a regulation where all street bikes had to have a steel >> tank. Maybe not on a federal level, but maybe the state level. It could >> be that it's not in effect any longer, I dunno. But that's the reason >> the bikes like the XR650L/DRZ400S have a steel tank, and the >> XR650R/DRZ400E has a plastic tank. Very similar bikes, but they have >> different gas tanks. Steel for the "street" models, and plastic for the >> dirt only bikes. If it wasn't an issue I assume the manufacturer would >> save a lot of money by just using one style of tank. Maybe some of it is >> because it used to be more difficult to do an evap system on plastic >> tanks, and easier on the steel tanks. I don't know. >> Ryan >> Phoenix, AZ >> >> Bill Ahrens wrote: >> > So my R1200 GS is not a street bike? >> > >> > Sent from my iPhone >> > >> > On Mar 7, 2013, at 3:10 PM, Desert Datsuns > >> > >> wrote: >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> Keep in mind that all those "additions" cost money, and would raise >> >> the base price of a stock bike. The low introductory price is one of >> >> the reasons the KLR is so popular. I would only include no-cost >> >> changes, like the fuses and foot pegs. >> >> >> >> Also, having a plastic tank isn't possible. In order to be sold as a >> >> street bike motorcycles must have a steel tank. This is why all "real" >> >> street bikes have metal tanks. That's the difference between the >> >> Suzuki DRZ400E and DRZ400S. >> >> Ryan >> >> Phoenix >> >> >> >> David Nichols > >> >> > wrote: >> >> >> >> >Kawasaki is asking us for input with an online survey. At first it >> >> looks like it's only about color and graphics but they do have some >> >> questions about how important weight, handling etc. is to you. I used >> >> the last question to write what I think they should include as >> >> standard equipment. It was asking for comments about color and >> >> graphics but I ignored that rule. We should all reply with our wishes, >> >> they would have to listen to us if so many spoke up. I didn't talk >> >> about the doohickey, that's been done and they would probably throw my >> >> survey away... >> >> > >> >> >Link to survey: >> >> >https://kawasaki.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8q9pHGd6NelL4nr >> >> > >> >> > >> >> >Here's my answer: >> >> >Please consider adding the following as standard equipment: Aluminum >> >> skid plate, serrated steel foot pegs, hand brush guards with wrap >> >> around aluminum spines connected to the bar ends, Plastic IMS Products >> >> gas tank, ATO style fuses instead of glass types, 320 mm diameter >> >> front brake rotor with a dual piston caliper, cartridge style front >> >> fork with adjustable damping and preload, upgraded rear shock with >> >> heavier spring rate, modern MOSFET Regulator/Rectifier, Higher output >> >> stator (400 watts), and a louder horn. This would make the KLR650 a >> >> perfect Dual Sport/Adventure Bike. >> >> > >> >> >P.S. I liked the olive green color scheme with this graphic: >> >> >https://kawasaki.qualtrics.com/SE/Graphic.php?IM=IM_8tSGbnofRPXGrc1 >> >> > >> >> > >> >> >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> >> > >> >> >> >> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> >> >> >> >> > >> > No virus found in this message. >> > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com http://www.avg.com> http://www.avg.com> >> > Version: 2012.0.2240 / Virus Database: 2641/5654 - Release Date: >> 03/07/13 >> > >> >> > > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com http://www.avg.com> > Version: 2012.0.2240 / Virus Database: 2641/5654 - Release Date: 03/07/13 >

[SM]

I ran into the same problem as Mr. Criswell. An owner of a pre-2010 model year can't "take it anyway" unless they lie. And sir, I will not lower myself to that! So, GOOD DAY TO YOU, SIR! PS I like the Lime Green. team green, baby!

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, david zawadzki wrote: > > Take it anyway. They need the feedback to improve the bike. > There is only one place where to leave your comments so make sure you dont > miss it. > > -David > > On Thu, Mar 7, 2013 at 5:40 PM, Ron Criswell wrote: > > > ** > > > > > > There was a problem with the survey when I tried to take it. It asked what > > model year I had but only went back to 2010 and wouldn't let me go forward. > > A lot of us won't be able to take it. Mines a 1999. > > > > Criswell > >

[SM]

I'm sorry, but the "streetbikes must have a steel tank" myth just is flat out not the case today. Neither my 07 Super Enduro nor my 08 TE 610 have metal tanks.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Desert Datsuns wrote: > > There used to be a regulation where all street bikes had to have a steel > tank.

[achesley43@ymail.com]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, David Nichols wrote:

> > Kawasaki is asking us for input with an online survey.+

I went to the web site and answered a couple question till they wanted to know what year my bike was and only gave the last 4 years to choose from. I agree, if you put all the farkles that some people want, the price would be out of site and not many would buy. But, for sure, I would give an extra 500 bucks if they ever put fuel injection on this thing. In fact, I'd even buy a new one. Hard to beat FI when traveling from Sea Level to 14,000+ feet on a trip. Andy in Jennings,La. Luvin his '00 KLR and "07 Bandit