Cagiva Canyon 500 vs Kawasaki KLE 500 [Archive]

HTFU

16th July 2007, 23:22

I have been riding a year now on my GN250 which I am going to keep. Have done 20000 km of what will be my normal yearly riding habits i.e road and gravel rides around the king country, commuting 120km round trip between Otorohanga and Hamilton on the weekends and 400-500km round trip Coromandel to Hamilton/Otorohanga in the summer from the beach. Have set the GN up with straight bars and dual purpose tires and it has done me well since I have been on a learner/restricted license this past year. Open throttle it will sit on 110 which is the speed I generally travel everywhere at. I find it really comfortable to ride and have done trips from Otorohanga to Kaitaia only stopping for fuel etc and my commute in summer from the beach is fairly long but not a problem. Bike just lacks power for passing which is my biggest issue on the windy roads where I don't want to be held up.

Budget is stretched at $8000-9000 and both the KLE 500 and Cagiva Canyon 500 retail around there. Have looked at the specs for both but really would like some user feedback on each bike. I know the KLE is a bit heavier being a Parallel twin and water cooled but would like to know how each is on the fuel, cruising performance and comfort and reliability. I am only 175 cm tall so seat height is an issue . Also cannot see any NZ based Cagiva website so a bit weary of this brand. Here is one on trademe for $8000 they have 4 for sale.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-106402031.htm
My other option was to look at a second hand suzuki v-strom 650 but would prefer to have the bike from new as this purchase will be it for a while which put the v-strom out of budget. Plus not that happy with Suzuki New Zealands re-intro of the GN250 from China and subsequent quality problems I and others have had, combined with their poor warranty support for obvious warranty problems i.e speedo, rev counter, every bulb, muffler, rust, fuel switch and wiring.

Appreciate any information.

Hillbilly

17th July 2007, 03:37

The KLE500 is the better choice. There will always be parts, and if you want a single as an alternative, take a look at Kawasaki's KLR650 pictured below.

JimO

17th July 2007, 07:23

Triumph NZ are the nz agents for cagiva

limbimtimwim

17th July 2007, 08:30

Make sure you sit on what you are interested in.

The seat high on paper is only one factor in several that effect how well you can get your feet down. Don't discard the idea of a particular bike because the spec sheet makes you think the seat is a bit lofty.

I am comforatble on my DR-Z, and I am about your height, because the bike is extremely thin and light. The spec sheet makes the DR-Z seem almost impossible for me, but once on and moving, no problem!

Ruralman

17th July 2007, 11:11

I have been riding a year now on my GN250 which I am going to keep.

Budget is stretched at $8000-9000 and both the KLE 500 and Cagiva Canyon 500 retail around there.

Appreciate any information.

My question is why keep the GN?
If the next purchase is likely to be it for quite a while then I agree with a previous post that the new KLR 650 should be looked at in addition to the KLE 500. But why keep the GN - an extra set of insurance, rego etc and theres nothing that you would do on it that the others won't do, differences in fuel consumption will be small and over a year a lot less than the extra costs of having 2 bikes.
The 650,if you can fit on it (the new one is meant to be a bit lower than the older model) will be a bike you will be happier owning for a long time. The KLE500 will still struggle a bit to pass logging trucks etc without plenty of room, especially if you're loaded up. If you trade the GN it will give you a little more $ to spend.
Just my 2c worth.

Garry.W

17th July 2007, 11:41

Have fun :yes:

terbang

17th July 2007, 11:50

The KLE is a fantastic little bike that has been around for a while but the Cagiva has a great lineage as well that will put a big grin on your face. I went the Cagiva way (navigator) and it is perhaps a bit of an orphan but it is clearly a fine Italian motorcycle and I am very pleased with my choice.

HTFU

17th July 2007, 14:38

I do a lot of off-road running, hunting and fly fishing around the area and have been using it to get to the entry spots and then leaving the bike in the bush. Not wanting to do that with a bigger more expensive model covering it in crap and blood etc and a target for locals with nothing to do. Plus partner and bro will use it from time to time so would rather keep it.

Would get $1000 max in the condition it is in. Really tried to look after it as I got it new, but with all the things that have gone wrong with it I lost patience with the local shop and eventually motivation to fix the problems and keep it in original working condition.
All the wiring burnt out on a short that somehow the fuse did not prevent, so had to do home repair as shop refused to warranty it, muffler is rusty from a crap warranty repair on the baffle, and speedo and rev counters have stopped working for the second time. Therefore general condition is average for the 20000km it has done, I have serviced it every 4000km with good oil and filter but the other stuff out of my control has made the bike worthless, does not look like any of the Auckland GNs you see on trademe with 500km on the clock and still showroom shiny. Just over a year old so don't want my new bike to go down the same path. Will also start using it down the beach to get to some surf casting spots so will be running it into the ground so to speak. Will keep up the washing and servicing though.

Want the new bike for the long trips I have to do to get to work and for the odd touring trip in the future. The new bike, what ever it is, will be doing the miles but hopefully everything else will hold up for as long as the motor does. Five years from now can see all that will be left of the GN will be a solid motor and some wheels (they are alloy so in theory shouldn't rust). Feel a bit ripped off with my first new bike experience so hoping for a bit more luck this time around and some good kiwibiker advice to see me right.:yes:

Oscar

17th July 2007, 18:18

Hi Rob

Are the guy we met on the Awakino-Te Anga road earlier this year?
Fish & chips at Kawhia?

If you are, yer well ready for a bigger bike - the boys were well impressed with how you punted that GN.

Anyways, I digress - whomever you are, we just torture tested a Cagiva Canyon and it came through with flying colours. See here on ADVRider:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242185&highlight=Awakino

Probably the only drawback for the Cagiva is that weren't many sold so resale could be problematical. Apart from that, the Canyon is stupidly good value for money (you can buy two for the price of one GS650D), and both from a build and component point of view, superior to the Kawa. I understand that the next Kiwi Rider will have a full test on the one that Strech is riding on that ADVRider report (and that one is for sale).

NordieBoy

17th July 2007, 18:52

Why do I have the music from that episode of the Simpsons running through my head?

"Canyonairo! Canyonairo! Canyonairo! Blah blah blah"

HTFU

17th July 2007, 20:03

Are the guy we met on the Awakino-Te Anga road earlier this year?
Fish & chips at Kawhia?

Indeed that was I. It was my first ride in a group so learnt a heap that day. Was nice of you guys to invite me along for a bit of your journey and shout me lunch, funny f**kers I must say.

Changed my bike setup, put on some better rubber since and done another 15000km so do feel ready to progress to something a bit bigger.

People here seem to recommend both bikes, so not really any clearer at this stage. Resale won't be a problem as I will be hanging on to the next ride like the GN so the Cagiva looks ok to me and at $8000 new seems a good buy. But just saw the new 2008 KLR 650 at $9300 which is now more like the KLE 500 in body shape with screen and semi fairing so this could be an option. I do want something that is going to give some protection in the winter and all three of these bikes seem to have it. Will be a matter of sitting on them if I can get a chance (Hamilton shops had no KLE or Cagiva bikes when I was last up). May have to make a trip to Auckland.

Ruralman

17th July 2007, 20:15

Indeed that was I. It was my first ride in a group so learnt a heap that day. Was nice of you guys to invite me along for a bit of your journey and shout me lunch, funny f**kers I must say.

Changed my bike setup, put on some better rubber since and done another 15000km so do feel ready to progress to something a bit bigger.

People here seem to recommend both bikes, so not really any clearer at this stage. Resale won't be a problem as I will be hanging on to the next ride like the GN so the Cagiva looks ok to me and at $8000 new seems a good buy. But just saw the new 2008 KLR 650 at $9300 which is now more like the KLE 500 in body shape with screen and semi fairing so this could be an option. I do want something that is going to give some protection in the winter and all three of these bikes seem to have it. Will be a matter of sitting on them if I can get a chance (Hamilton shops had no KLE or Cagiva bikes when I was last up). May have to make a trip to Auckland.

If you can ride the 650 and stretch the budget to reach it then buy it - at the end of the day there is no substitute for cubes, especially on longer trips and with loads. The KlR 650 is another step in refining a bike with a very long lineage and with a huge worldwide following - it is a very well sorted machine.
I have also witnessed how well the old version can go with a crazy bastard like Red KLR650 on board (Hi Stu - OK maybe not crazy, just enthusiastic). When you ride in a group with a few riders on bigger bikes on longer trips it is a lot easier if you have the extra cc's to help pull back into the group after passing manoevres etc - if you are going to own it for a long time then you will end up doing a few trips like this.
That must be 4 cents worth now!!

HTFU

17th July 2007, 20:32

If you can ride the 650 and stretch the budget to reach it then buy it - at the end of the day there is no substitute for cubes, especially on longer trips and with loads. The KlR 650 is another step in refining a bike with a very long lineage and with a huge worldwide following - it is a very well sorted machine.

Thanks for that. Do you think at my 175cm 5 foot 9 the KLR wouldn't be too high. Will be doing mostly gravel and road no dirt stuff (as far as I can crystal ball gaze)

NordieBoy

17th July 2007, 20:55

At that height the DR650 would probably be better than the KLR out of the box but the KLR has the better ergos for road out of the box.

Transalper

17th July 2007, 21:01

lol, i'm only 176cm without my boots on. You could ride almost anything you got your heart set on.

far queue

17th July 2007, 22:04

Thanks for that. Do you think at my 175cm 5 foot 9 the KLR wouldn't be too high. Will be doing mostly gravel and road no dirt stuff (as far as I can crystal ball gaze)You'll have no trouble. I can vouch for the KLR as well. They go well off road and on, they're fairly economical on fuel, have a big tank. I don't own one so I'm not biased either. Thoroughly recommended, go get yourself a KLR, it would be great for what you've said you want to do with it.

HTFU

17th July 2007, 23:16

Thanks people for the good advice just a bit more needed as I want to get this thing in the next week or so. Have since read a couple of reviews of KLE vs KLR and both have similar top speed but KLR is redlining at 165 where as KLE twin is 2000 revs below redline at its top speed of 155. Reviews and people here say KLR has better acceleration etc. Was wondering then would the twin do more ks than the single before a overhaul of the motor. I want this thing to last a while as I will be doing 100000km in the next five years at least. Wouldn't mind if the KLE is a bit lower on power if it means it will do a heap more ks before an overhaul plus it may be a bit better on the gas being lower revving, or is that negated by the extra cylinder?

crazybigal

17th July 2007, 23:47

i took a v-storm out for something to do not so long ago.
great bike, bit ag tractor like for my tastes but i could see me sitting on it all day at 110, but you wouldnt want to be a short ass on one of those.
I loved how stable it is at slow speed, tight turning circle and feels light.
id also look at a transalp, the klr and dr suzuki are great bikes but id rather ride a twin on the highway.
If you have not been on a v storm id do that before you make your choice.

Hillbilly

18th July 2007, 04:51

To put the "engine thing" in perspective, the KLE500 has the old engine from the ER500 road bike. Say no more! More power in the mid to upper rev range, which is where it'll be happiest. The KLR will have a lot more low end grunt, which is more practical for what you want to use the bike for. However, at the end of the day, forget the spec sheets etc. Go to your local dealer and take all three bikes for a ride, then decide which one you like best. After all, it's you that's going to be riding the bike, and only you know exactly what you want in terms of "feel", handling, acceleration, etc.

cooneyr

18th July 2007, 08:16

windboy

18th July 2007, 08:33

Sounds like you're off the idea of the Cagiva 500... If you're coming to jafaland I'd give that one a go too, from memory they have a demo one round takanini, I think the guys have an ad on trademe. Down side is the 19" front... The KLR650 2008 (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3329669&postcount=261)has been improved (some would say); They have now plug and play gear for it (see photo). Another link (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4532409&postcount=1) here.

It's true what they say about twins, they rock in the open road and they also have that much needed low to mid range torque for off road but depends where you ride, you may find there's a substantial weight toll for it. It also depends how "big" a guy are you.

The transalp for gravel and open road is great and very comfy but they are a 200kg bike. Leave the weight out and the bike is bloody awesome.

Re. which motor to get more miles before overhaul; I guess a single has higher compression hence more wear than a twin...? However, some twins (not all) require more maintenance.... Damn, you gonna have fun! :Punk:

NordieBoy

18th July 2007, 09:55

Re. which motor to get more miles before overhaul; I guess a single has higher compression hence more wear than a twin...?

DR650 - 9.5:1
KLR650 - 9.5:1
TransAlp - 9.8:1
DL650 - 11.5:1
DL1000 - 11.6:1

I do like that Cagiva though...

windboy

18th July 2007, 10:20

DR650 - 9.5:1
KLR650 - 9.5:1
TransAlp - 9.8:1
DL650 - 11.5:1
DL1000 - 11.6:1

I do like that Cagiva though...

:doh: On my defence I can only say that I was basing my single bore wear analysis on the dakar.... (11.5:1) vs 9.8:1 on the tranny...

I guess, yet another reason to go single?

later,

HTFU

18th July 2007, 10:21

Go to your local dealer and take all three bikes for a ride, then decide which one you like best

Have gone to the local dealer but not able to even find the bike in Hamilton last time I was up there when I was looking at the KLE or KLR. Have been using this site to gather some knowledge so I have an idea of what I should be looking for before trying to organise a test ride when I get up to Auckland (400km return trip). Would never buy a bike for $9000 without riding it first. Finding it good to have others experiences with the bikes in question especially regarding all-round performance and reliability as they are information a test ride does not tell you, this is my first year regarding anything motorbike so really have no idea. My 1998 Mazda 626 was the best car I test drove but shame I didn't know about the weak electronic transmission until it died climbing the kaimai ranges, a quick forum search would have warned me of the problem. Once bitten I guess.

Those new KLRs are starting to look good. Thanks for the links windboy.
Will be trying to find a new KLR 650, KLE 500 and the Canyon 500 for test rides next week. I am leaning towards the KLR 650 at this stage but will still try for a ride on the others for comparison.

warewolf

18th July 2007, 11:26

Ride the bike, not the spec sheet

Get your arse on them, ride 'em, buy the one that rings your bell. They're all good, they're all different. Outside of Jap brands made in 'mainland' Asia (eg GNs) they're all reliable and well made. If you have to travel to get a test ride, do it.

terbang

18th July 2007, 11:30

The Cagiva looks like excellent value. Cagiva is now MV Agusta which owned Ducati and all sorts of Italian stuff. It is a well designed amd built bike.

pete376403

18th July 2007, 11:53

New KLR650 is available now. I got my one last Friday. A bit too new to have discovered performance limits, but so far it's one very nice bike. Much of a muchness regards size / height etc when compared to DR650 or Dakar 650s although I'd guesstimate it's a fair bit lighter than the Dakar. Goes very well, very comfortable, lots of improvements over the older KLR for only another $305 (old - $9290, new - $9895). Much better looking (subjective I know) that the old model, better wind protection than the DR and on a par with the Dakar.
The DR650 might be a better off roader when the going gets *really* snotty, but my opinion is that if thats the sort of riding you're into, a proper enduro bike is better for that sort of thing. However for gravel road/back road scratching the KLR is great. Has a huge, almost cult-like following in the States - have a look at www.klr650.net, klrworld.com or advrider.com

Also - singles have a reputaion for vibration. Up to the 5000 rpm that I've so far taken it, vibes are very minor and the image in the rear view mirros is perfectly useable. 5000 rpm = 130km/hr, adequate so far.
People o the US forums are claiming 100mph (160km/hr) more or less off the showroom floor but I'd take that with a grain of salt - maybe when it's run in properly

limbimtimwim

18th July 2007, 12:26

Perhaps because I own one (As is always the way on KB) but if you are considering a DR650 (Which you are not really) see if you can find a DR-Z400 to have a go on. Similar power as a DR650 (The DR-Z is water cooled) but it claims to be nearly 30Kg lighter. Yes, the seat is higher on the DR-Z.

No mention of the F650GS here either, which is suprisingly good, but they are not cheap new.

far queue

18th July 2007, 12:43

Also - singles have a reputaion for vibration. Up to the 5000 rpm that I've so far taken it, vibes are very minor and the image in the rear view mirros is perfectly useable. 5000 rpm = 130km/hr, adequate so far.
People o the US forums are claiming 100mph (160km/hr) more or less off the showroom floor but I'd take that with a grain of salt - maybe when it's run in properlySame for the DR650. I've never noticed any vibration, and it did 160kph brand new. Mine won't do 160 now though because I've geared it down.

Transalper

18th July 2007, 12:57

I think the DR650 is cheeper than DRZ400 new and the DRz400 I also think has a short skirt piston, the DR650 one is old school, less stressed, should last a little better, but I'm not a mechanic and hate pulling engines apart so this is just hear/say.
None of my info will help when buying a KLR or KLE or the Cagiva of course.

limbimtimwim

18th July 2007, 13:02

I think the DR650 is cheeper than DRZ400 new and the DRz400 I also think has a short skirt piston, the DR650 one is old school, less stressed, should last a little better, but I'm not a mechanic and hate pulling engines apart so this is just hear/say.
Yes, it is more expensive. And more highly strung. The maintenance will be more expensive. Swings and roundabouts really.

NordieBoy

18th July 2007, 19:55

Goes very well, very comfortable, lots of improvements over the older KLR for only another $305 (old - $9290, new - $9895).
Another $605?

However for gravel road/back road scratching the KLR is great. Has a huge, almost cult-like following in the States - have a look at www.klr650.net, klrworld.com or advrider.com

The same can be said for the DR and BMW as well.

It really comes down to riding one of each and seeing which one suits you better.

They will all do the job but you'll find one that pushes more of your buttons.
It may be the seat on the Dakar, the flickability of the DR, or the colour of the KLR.

But hey when it all comes down to the nitty-gritty and you've chosen your bike, we'll all be here to tell you how to get it dirty :Punk:

bell

18th July 2007, 21:11

Those new KLRs are starting to look good. Thanks for the links windboy.

Eh? "Windboy"? Is there something you're not telling us Nordie? A flatulence issue that we don't know about? Was it a Freudian slip perhaps?

Good to see the KR spirit of helping out with the inevitable questions that arise when buying bikes is alive and well.

I recall getting the same practical no bs advice when I asked similar questions as a new KBer.

Incidentally I'm 188cms and the DL fits me like a glove. I would've thought it was considered a "tall" persons bike. As mentioned though, these things can be worked around if the machine really does it for you. Best of luck with your purchase. I'm returning to Australia in the next 6 months and the bike shortlist is actually rather long - GSX1400, DL650, Versys 650, R1150GS...aaah, gotta have dreams eh?

NordieBoy

18th July 2007, 21:24

Eh? "Windboy"? Is there something you're not telling us Nordie? A flatulence issue that we don't know about? Was it a Freudian slip perhaps?
Or "Windboy" is another user perhaps? :scooter:

I'm returning to Australia in the next 6 months and the bike shortlist is actually rather long.
Voluntary or forced return?
:dodge:

far queue

18th July 2007, 21:50

Voluntary or forced return?:dodge:Back to the penal colony you think?

pete376403

19th July 2007, 19:34

Another $605? :Punk:

crap. Maths never was my long suit.:sick:

NordieBoy

19th July 2007, 20:29

crap. Maths never was my long suit.:sick:

Nor metaphor.
Strong suit.

:dodge:

pete376403

19th July 2007, 21:13

Nor metaphor.
Strong suit.

:dodge:

I've seen both forms.

http://www.answers.com/topic/long-suit.

NordieBoy

19th July 2007, 21:32

If it was a long suit you'd have to roll up the cuffs and it'd look totally bogan.
Now, wear a strong suit and no-one would mess with you.

bell

19th July 2007, 21:37

Or "Windboy" is another user perhaps? :scooter:

Voluntary or forced return?
:dodge:

Er, er....I'd had a long day. It started with a 3:15am wake up call - fire up on Walters Bluff to assist with. Spent the day there and got home at 5:30pm.

Apologies to windboy.

How is the flatulence by the way....

Re returning to the penal colony: my wife is applying for nursing vacancies in Qld to start next year. I'm trying to steer her decision making toward those parts of Qld that have some twisty bits! That pretty much narrows it down to the SE corner or the Atherton Tablelands up north.

See you round.

windboy

20th July 2007, 08:50

Hey Bell,

no problem, flatulence problem still there, especially with these storms... :o

sorry to hear you back doing time

have a good time in oz

later,

Old Grant

20th July 2007, 20:30

I've owned a KLE 500for about nine months but sadly because of work pressure have only done 5000k's. It is a good little bike,not overly powerfull but very easy to ride and very stable off the seal. Compared to some of the big bore singles it is very smooth with virtually no vibration. I am over 100kilos and the KLE will maintain 100/110kph all day but i need to make use of the gears. It will do about 350 k's of easy road work on a tank. I am told that a performance pipe will give a significent increase in power. I think it was excellent value for the price.

kro

20th July 2007, 21:18

My personal preference would be a GSXR 11, plus 4k to spend on booze.

ZReX12

24th July 2007, 20:40

I haven't ridden the KLE but have ridden the Cagiva, ended up buying an F650GS.
The Cagiva is one dodgy motorcycle. For a "modern" bike it had the clunkest starter motor engagement system I've ever come across. This combined with a unbelievabley bad fairing put me right off the thing. At 100kmph the buffeting was so bad and of such a high frequency I couldn't read road signs. Someone taller or shorter may fine it OK, but at around 5'10" I found it dangerous.

Even without riding the KLE my advise would be to go with the Kawasaki.

Noote

30th July 2007, 17:03

If you can hold off a week or two you can take my KLR650 for a burst, I live
handy at Te Awamutu, I'm away in Singapore till the 11/08/07
Cheers Michael

HTFU

30th July 2007, 22:26

Ruralman

2nd August 2007, 13:48

Have been doing the rounds looking at different bikes and sitting on a few and going over the thread. Thinking I am going to put a few more dollars in the bank over the next few months and look at a Versys or V-Strom (80% Versys, 19% V-strom (1% KLR 2008) at this stage). They both fit really well and after my latest Friday ride seem to fit my present interest and riding direction. Heading back from the naki on my kiwi road adventure I realised I have no real desire to go bush on a motorbike as thats what I have spent the last 15 years doing on my mountain bike. After spending 30% of the ride on gravel on the GN250 scrambler and having fun sliding it around and then cranking it up with a tailwind home, I think a road oriented dual purpose 650 twin is the ticket.

So all you DR and KLR riders, don't hate me, just laugh at me and say I told you so if it don't work out. :o:stupid:

I really like the look of the Versys too but that small front wheel is a bit of an issue if you're going to do a lot of back country gravel - most of the mag reviews haven't rated it that good on the gravel. It also lacks a bit of underbody protection if you're going to do some back country road adventures that might involve the odd river crossing or ford - the underbody exhaust in particular looks like a real rock catcher.
I wouldn't dismiss the KLR as a road bike either just because its a single - they do go really well and the new one even looks OK!! I have ridden an ER6n which has the same engine as the Versys and it can certainly get up and go when you give it a bit but unless your racing hard there won't be a lot of difference on the seal, less in tight twisty stuff and the KLR will come into its own on the rough roads and where theres heavy shingle etc

HTFU

2nd August 2007, 20:02

I wouldn't dismiss the KLR as a road bike either just because its single

I hear ya. Just did the very windy Rangitoto ranges back road from Otewa to Te Kuiti today and at this stage a heap more power wouldn't have made it any more enjoyable (a little bit more would have been good though). Was scraping the pegs on most of the corners getting my lean on :yes:. Nice sunny dry day in the King Country :sunny:.

I have not had a chance to get on the new version KLR so that will be my first priority. Trouble is I have been riding a bike with a low seat height and have got use to it, so every time I try something else that is the first thing I notice.

Ruralman

2nd August 2007, 20:15

I hear ya. Just did the very windy Rangitoto ranges back road from Otewa to Te Kuiti today and at this stage a heap more power wouldn't have made it any more enjoyable (a little bit more would have been good though). Was scraping the pegs on most of the corners getting my lean on :yes:. Nice sunny dry day in the King Country :sunny:.

I have not had a chance to get on the new version KLR so that will be my first priority. Trouble is I have been riding a bike with a low seat height and have got use to it, so every time I try something else that is the first thing I notice.

Well the Versys won't feel any lower than the KLR - I'm 6ft1 and it felt about right, similar to my Transalp

mbazza

2nd August 2007, 20:59

I've had a DL 650 V-strom for a year 10,000k after 3 years on an XT600.
The strom is excellent on the road, but on the gravel I have to tiptoe about in comparison to the XT. Could be that I need to ride with more vrooooooom on the gravel!
So I reckon I should buy that 'one senior owner' one at M&V in Dunners.
Not much help with your decision. I like the v-strom! Cheers:yes:

windboy

3rd August 2007, 08:06

Hey man,

If you're considering the heavy weights, you have to have a go on a tranny to be fair...

just a thought...

later,

Garry.W

3rd August 2007, 14:29

Should arrive next week sometime, brand new 07 for my wife.

She's emotional about getting rid of her TRX850, it's been a great bike but will be a good buy for someone else now.

But, once she figures out she can get into loads of new places she couldn't go on the TRX and gets a crack at all the neat places we've been, she'll be so over it!!

May not affect your decision Robin, but I hear that Kawasaki has stopped manufacture of the KLE500 and no more coming to NZ as of last week. Not really a problem there though, other models with EN5 engine and plenty parts available for many years to come. At $9000 it's a pretty good buy for a new bike.

All the other bikes mentioned on the thread so far are great as well, at the end of the day it'll come down to what you like the best - get out and ride them all.

Motu trip coming up in a couple of weeks, looking forward to that :yes:

Ruralman

8th August 2007, 09:23

Hey man,

If you're considering the heavy weights, you have to have a go on a tranny to be fair...

just a thought...

later,

Yeah - he probably should buy my one

pete376403

8th August 2007, 22:23

I've got about 750 km on my new '08 KLR650, mostly road although have done the Hinakura - Gladstone gravel road a couple of times. Very very competent on the road, plenty of power within the running in limits, not much over 6000 yet, but that translates to 135 -140 on the road. very little vibration, mirrors give a clear view at all times. Seat is very good, brakes are excellent and handling is far better than I am capable of using to full advantage. It's a real hoot on the Rimutakas. Stock tyres (K750 Dunlop) work very well on the road (wet or dry) ok on hard pack dirt, a bit squirrely on loose gravel. Gas mileage is good - 315 on first tank to reserve. Fairing works well to deflect wind and the rad shrouds keep the knees out of the breeze.
All in all I am very pleased with it.

RedKLR650

9th August 2007, 22:06

I wouldn't dismiss the KLR as a road bike either just because its a single - they do go really well and the new one even looks OK!! I have ridden an ER6n which has the same engine as the Versys and it can certainly get up and go when you give it a bit but unless your racing hard there won't be a lot of difference on the seal, less in tight twisty stuff and the KLR will come into its own on the rough roads and where theres heavy shingle etc

Good to see someone else sticking up for the KLR for a change :-) :gob:

Cheers Ruralman..... :innocent:

Gizzit

3rd January 2008, 17:43

Well the Versys won't feel any lower than the KLR - I'm 6ft1 and it felt about right, similar to my Transalp

I second that, regarding the seat height on the Versys. I rode one recently, only for a short blast on a motorway and on city roads. They go really well. I found it real grunty for a 650 twin, and very flickable. I think they are about 181Kg dry from memory, so not sure what it weighed with a half tank of gas, but up and running it was easy to handle.

I haven't had the opportunity to ride a new KLR yet, as I haven't found one. However I did sit on an 07 model today, and thought it was about the same height as the Versys. I'm 5'10" in the old measurement, and had no trouble getting enough foot down on each side of either of the Versys or KLR, so wouldn't hesitate to buy either on that basis.

I have been following this thread and others regarding 650cc adventure bikes, and having only sat on a new DR650SE, and an XT660 (not had the opportunity to ride either though), ridden the Versys which I really liked .... However, I'm feeling drawn more towards the 08 KLR, purely based on what I have read in many reviews, feedback on here from owners or those who have ridden them, ...... and the fact that Kawasaki have been making/developing the KLR for 21 years. I am hoping to get to ride one (an 08 model) soon, but the local dealer in Whangarei only has a second hand 07 model. I was in Auckland last week and visited Red Barron, but they didn't have an 08 KLR there either.

Good luck with your choice of bike. I don't think you would be unhappy with any of your choices .... but my choice would probably come down to the KLR 650 or the Versys. Versys 90/10% road/gravel where the KLR maybe more 70/30% ?? but I'm sure would be able to cruise very comfortably at 120 -130kmh ... which would be fine for me.

Has anyone got any input into two up and/or touring on a KLR ?

cheers,
Grant.

Cheers,
Grant.

pete376403

3rd January 2008, 19:38

I've had my grandson on the back of my '08 KLR - he's only 12 but he's a big guy. Bike handled it well, didn't bother adjusting the rear spring preload, went over a few local hills (road only). I had to use the gears a bit more but I'm still getting used to a 650 after the previous Suzuki 1100 - ie leaving it in 5th gear all day.
Had no trouble staying ahead of a BMW GS1200 over the Akatarewas last night both up and down.
Did a bit of touring (three days, lower north island - both sealed and gravel roads) last Cold Kiwi weekend in the company of a DR650, Dakar 650 and a KTM950. Very much on par with the Dakar, the DR was quicker in the loose gravel (more confident rider perhaps) and the KTM was gone whenever there was a hint of straight. I had a whole lot of fun and the bike was in all respects totally satisfying. Looking forward to this years Brass on a smallish bike after 13 years of taking the GS1100 down.
The only fault that has occurred so far (4000 km) has been the left indicator not working - traced to a chafed wire under the tank and repaired under warranty. I'm supposed to take it in to have the muffler bolts retorqued under a recall as there have been reports of the muffler falling off but neither has happened yet.

awayatc

4th January 2008, 01:34

My 1998 Mazda 626 was the best car I test drove but shame I didn't know about the weak electronic transmission until it died climbing the kaimai ranges, a quick forum search would have warned me of the problem. Once bitten I guess.

My 2 cts worth: researched cagiva canyon extensively, but its biggest downfall is extremely long wait for parts....from a very uncooperative manufacturer.....

Good luck!