Well set up KLE500 on tard me

[Eddieb]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-202385373.htm

Looks like someone has put some effort into setting it up, apparently it was on the South Island safari.

[NordieBoy]

Good price too.
Kawasaki's XF650.

[Oscar]

There are also five Cagiva Canyons on there.
Basically yer F650 at half the price...

[Paladin]

There are also five Cagiva Canyons on there.
Basically yer F650 at half the price...

Since an F650GS Dakar is one possible for my next bike and had never heard of the Cagiva, had a look at some reviews online - seems the majority thought they were problem prone pieces of junk unfortunately!

Anyone got any first hand experience owning one of these?

[Oscar]

Since an F650GS Dakar is one possible for my next bike and had never heard of the Cagiva, had a look at some reviews online - seems the majority thought they were problem prone pieces of junk unfortunately!

Anyone got any first hand experience owning one of these?

Yeah, Stretch from KR has got one, and he really rates it.
He rides it in preference to his Grand Canyon.

They have a version of the early DR600 donk.

Notwithstanding that, I had an F650GSD and I would warn you that they aren't exactly trouble free either. Also as an Adv bike, they rate - great on the road, good on gravel, crap off-road and heeeeavy....

[Tony W]

Auction has closed.
What was the price ?

[Eddieb]

Can't remember exactly now, $5k ish?

The auction was withdrawn by the seller.

[NordieBoy]

Auction has closed.
What was the price ?

I think the asking price was $4000

[Padmei]

The big question is what bike was he selling it to buy?

[Paladin]

Yeah, Stretch from KR has got one, and he really rates it.
He rides it in preference to his Grand Canyon.

They have a version of the early DR600 donk.

Notwithstanding that, I had an F650GSD and I would warn you that they aren't exactly trouble free either. Also as an Adv bike, they rate - great on the road, good on gravel, crap off-road and heeeeavy....

I was under the impression alot of the issues with the Dakar had been sorted with the latest model (2006+)(?), I take your point about the weight tho!

[mazz1972]

My 06 KLE500 is up for sale (just haven't advertised it yet). Done just over 17,000kms. I haven't put all the details together yet but if anyone is interested please PM me.

It's a really nice bike, so smooth to ride (being a twin) and I enjoy riding it. BUT I'm too short - have to pick and choose where I stop, and often have trouble getting on and off, especially when loaded - really embarassing when you need help with that!!

I'm on the lookout for something lighter and lower. Will be looking to replace it with a DR650 (black) - up to 3 years old with mileage under 10,000kms if anyone knows of anything for sale.

Any other suggestions for bikes? Probably an XT600 would be ok too.

Cheers, M

[marks]

My 06 KLE500 is up for sale (just haven't advertised it yet). Done just over 17,000kms. I haven't put all the details together yet but if anyone is interested please PM me.

It's a really nice bike, so smooth to ride (being a twin) and I enjoy riding it. BUT I'm too short - have to pick and choose where I stop, and often have trouble getting on and off, especially when loaded - really embarassing when you need help with that!!

I'm on the lookout for something lighter and lower. Will be looking to replace it with a DR650 (black) - up to 3 years old with mileage under 10,000kms if anyone knows of anything for sale.

Any other suggestions for bikes? Probably an XT600 would be ok too.

Cheers, M

How was the trip down south?

more importantly - where are the photos???

[mazz1972]

How was the trip down south?

more importantly - where are the photos???

It was great thanks :2thumbsup

Photos still on the camera but don't look very interesting - will post some once I've had a sort through if there's any worth a look. It was soooooo hot on Monday that the lads decided we weren't doing any of the gravel bits you suggested. We did Rainbow and I managed it without any mishaps - I did have a wee "rest" in the middle of the first stream crossing at the St Arnaud end - but just me not the bike! Also did the Port Underwood (?) road from Blenheim to Picton which on the Picton side is quite like the Maungatuks.

What's this new bike ya got?

[Oscar]

I was under the impression alot of the issues with the Dakar had been sorted with the latest model (2006+)(?), I take your point about the weight tho!

The motor is still too peaky and it is too expensive for what it is.
Basically it's a good bike if you're aiming at mostly seal, with the odd bit of gravel thrown in. For a real adventure bike, it's got too many flaws - at the same money an 640Adv is 100% better, at less money a DR650 with accessories will run rings around it.

[Eddieb]

The motor is still too peaky and it is too expensive for what it is.
Basically it's a good bike if you're aiming at mostly seal, with the odd bit of gravel thrown in. For a real adventure bike, it's got too many flaws - at the same money an 640Adv is 100% better, at less money a DR650 with accessories will run rings around it.

Yeah buy a 640Adv, then let me ride it ;)

[Oscar]

Yeah buy a 640Adv, then let me ride it ;)

I'm not fussy, I'd settle for a 690E...

[marks]

What's this new bike ya got?

the only thing to replace a KLR with is a newer KLR with so many bells and whistles I don't know what to pull first....:eek:

black is beautiful

<img src=http://webcoda.com/images/bike/IMG_0675.jpg>

[NordieBoy]

the only thing to replace a KLR with is a newer KLR with so many bells and whistles I don't know what to pull first....:eek:

Pull the tyres first?

[mazz1972]

the only thing to replace a KLR with is a newer KLR with so many bells and whistles I don't know what to pull first....:eek:

black is beautiful



"Farkles" as far as the eye can see on that one.

Brand spanking with all the extras?

Black all the way....shows the dust better :cool:

[Paladin]

The motor is still too peaky and it is too expensive for what it is.
Basically it's a good bike if you're aiming at mostly seal, with the odd bit of gravel thrown in. For a real adventure bike, it's got too many flaws - at the same money an 640Adv is 100% better, at less money a DR650 with accessories will run rings around it.

Yep, know what you mean; think I said on another thread that the 640Adv is certainly ticking all the boxes for me, except maybe price. Although i have been craving some comfort after long days on the KLX's plank, the other things, like weight in particular, are going to sway me i think! So yeah, the 640Adv or the DR650 are probably the top 2 at the mo.


Yeah buy a 640Adv, then let me ride it ;)

You can dream mate! :done:

[warewolf]

The F650 seems like a high-tech update of the KLR that performs no better while costing twice as much...

[Paladin]

The F650 seems like a high-tech update of the KLR that performs no better while costing twice as much...

You and Oscar are determined to get me to buy a 640Adv aren't you! :2thumbsup That 2006 is still on TardMe!

Unfortunately if things stay as they are I will have to sell the KLX to afford one; shame really as would be nice to keep it and turn it into a more full-on trail bike.

[Oscar]

You and Oscar are determined to get me to buy a 640Adv aren't you! :2thumbsup That 2006 is still on TardMe!

Unfortunately if things stay as they are I will have to sell the KLX to afford one; shame really as would be nice to keep it and turn it into a more full-on trail bike.

I wasn't trying to get you on the Adv per se, rather trying to help you avoid making a mistake.

Buy a DR650 or KLR, you can farkle it summat awful with the money you save.

[marks]

Pull the tyres first?

The bike is sitting wheel-less outside waiting for the D606's to go on


"Farkles" as far as the eye can see on that one.

Brand spanking with all the extras?

Black all the way....shows the dust better :cool:

Bike was owned by Shards - an occasional poster here - who fitted most of the farkles. Its only 4 months old.

Dust wont be a problem - it'll be hidden by all the mud.....


The F650 seems like a high-tech update of the KLR that performs no better while costing twice as much...

Its funny how people continually compare the DR & KLR simply because of similar pricing where, as you point out, the KLR is really a poor mans Dakar/Pegasaro where as the DR is a (very)poor mans 690E/640E

The BMW makes quite a bit more power but the KLR has such nice lazy torque down low I much prefer it for nasty terrain. The BMW seat is better but the wind protection is worse (the Dakar I rode buffeted the crap out of my helmet) - even if they were priced the same I'd have the klr.


You and Oscar are determined to get me to buy a 640Adv aren't you! :2thumbsup That 2006 is still on TardMe!

Unfortunately if things stay as they are I will have to sell the KLX to afford one; shame really as would be nice to keep it and turn it into a more full-on trail bike.

just remember that they vibrate like an out of balance concrete mixer


Buy a DR650 or KLR, you can farkle it summat awful with the money you save.

If I paid retail for the KLR and all the bits that Shards and I put on it I could probably just about buy a 690E

[Paladin]

The bike is sitting wheel-less outside waiting for the D606's to go on



Bike was owned by Shards - an occasional poster here - who fitted most of the farkles. Its only 4 months old.

Dust wont be a problem - it'll be hidden by all the mud.....



Its funny how people continually compare the DR & KLR simply because of similar pricing where, as you point out, the KLR is really a poor mans Dakar/Pegasaro where as the DR is a (very)poor mans 690E/640E

The BMW makes quite a bit more power but the KLR has such nice lazy torque down low I much prefer it for nasty terrain. The BMW seat is better but the wind protection is worse (the Dakar I rode buffeted the crap out of my helmet) - even if they were priced the same I'd have the klr.



just remember that they vibrate like an out of balance concrete mixer

I think my head may explode before I ever get to decide! :doctor:

Just gonna have to do a bunch of test rides! :niceone:

Ok so who's gonna swap bikes with me during the SCAR? :crazy:

[NordieBoy]

The BMW makes quite a bit more power but the KLR has such nice lazy torque down low I much prefer it for nasty terrain.

Padmei's one felt very lazy down low. Like it had a traction engine type flywheel that needed spinning up and not as much engine braking as I expected.
Looks like I need to expand my KLR ride sample from just 1.

My dual porpoise sample is only...
DR750
DR650 * 3
DRZ400
KLR650
TT350
TS185

[JATZ]

Padmei's one felt very lazy down low. Like it had a traction engine type flywheel that needed spinning up and not as much engine braking as I expected.
Looks like I need to expand my KLR ride sample from just 1.

My dual porpoise sample is only...
DR750
DR650 * 3
DRZ400
KLR650
TT350
TS185

You have gotta try a ktm

[marks]

Ok so who's gonna swap bikes with me during the SCAR? :crazy:

Wait until I get some new brake pads on the 08 and you can take that for a blat.


Padmei's one felt very lazy down low. Like it had a traction engine type flywheel that needed spinning up and not as much engine braking as I expected.
Looks like I need to expand my KLR ride sample from just 1.

The klr responds really well to some simple carb/air box mods and replacing that horrendous muffler with something like a supertrap seems to make the low end much less lethargic (the muffler accounts for over half the bikes total weight - honest). Going from my my stock 08 to my modded 09 there is a dramatic difference - still sedate but with a bit of snap to it. :woohoo:

[Paladin]

Wait until I get some new brake pads on the 08 and you can take that for a blat.



Wicked!!! Would love to. Cheers!

[Paladin]

My dual porpoise sample is only...
DR750
DR650 * 3
DRZ400
KLR650
TT350
TS185


You have gotta try a ktm

Can't believe one of you guys down there haven't put Nordie on one yet!!!!!

[JATZ]

Can't believe one of you guys down there haven't put Nordie on one yet!!!!!

I can't believe he hasn't riden werewolf's yet.

I had a wee pedal of topo's and I don't think I'd rush out and buy one(no offence topo). Mind you the DR 750 suits me at this stage, kind a like an off road Harley, slow, poor handling, lots of noise, but comfortable and it gets me there.

[Paladin]

I can't believe he hasn't riden werewolf's yet.

I had a wee pedal of topo's and I don't think I'd rush out and buy one(no offence topo). Mind you the DR 750 suits me at this stage, kind a like an off road Harley, slow, poor handling, lots of noise, but comfortable and it gets me there.

Sounds like Werewolf should sort him out then! :msn-wink:

Come on Colin!

[pete376403]

My 06 KLE500 is up for sale (just haven't advertised it yet). Done just over 17,000kms. I haven't put all the details together yet but if anyone is interested please PM me.

It's a really nice bike, so smooth to ride (being a twin) and I enjoy riding it. BUT I'm too short - have to pick and choose where I stop, and often have trouble getting on and off, especially when loaded - really embarassing when you need help with that!!

I'm on the lookout for something lighter and lower. Will be looking to replace it with a DR650 (black) - up to 3 years old with mileage under 10,000kms if anyone knows of anything for sale.

Any other suggestions for bikes? Probably an XT600 would be ok too.

Cheers, M

Que? A DR650 is lower than a KLE? Why not just put lowering links on the KLE (assuming they use similar suspension to the KLR) and lift the fork tubes through the yokes a bit?

[NordieBoy]

Going from my my stock 08 to my modded 09 there is a dramatic difference - still sedate but with a bit of snap to it. :woohoo:

Like going from a Cortina to a Cortina with go-faster stripes and fuzzy dice :D

[cooneyr]

I think my head may explode before I ever get to decide! :doctor:...

I recon it is pretty simple. If I was never going to go two up again I would be looking very hard at a 640e with a 18l tank. Cost is bugger all more than a DR and if you are the right weight (70ish kgs I believe) then the suspension is miles better and needs no farkling. For a "big boned" person like me I'd need to modify the suspension on anything I brought so some of the benefit of the KTM is lost. Vibs are "interesting", DR is probably nicer on road but no where near as nice off road.

In saying all this I very much like having a twin. I find it much easier to control the power than a single in the rough stuff. Also the XTZ puts the power down so well i.e. less wheel spin, I find it much easier to climb rough hills and play on slippery stuff.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

Que? A DR650 is lower than a KLE? Why not just put lowering links on the KLE (assuming they use similar suspension to the KLR) and lift the fork tubes through the yokes a bit?

The DR is easily factory lowerable.
No having to purchase anything.

[warewolf]

You and Oscar are determined to get me to buy a 640Adv aren't you! No, rather pointing out other options to the F.


Its funny how people continually compare the DR & KLR simply because of similar pricing where, as you point out, the KLR is really a poor mans Dakar/Pegasaro where as the DR is a (very)poor mans 690E/640EWell put, I hadn't quite made that realisation myself. It is a succinct way to describe the different focus.


I think my head may explode before I ever get to decide! You can over-analyze it. They'll all get the job done, just with different compromises. Buy the one you lay awake at night dreaming about!

[pete376403]

The DR is easily factory lowerable.
No having to purchase anything.

Yeah I've heard the springs sack out fairly easily...

[Oscar]

If I paid retail for the KLR and all the bits that Shards and I put on it I could probably just about buy a 690E

What sort of lunatic buys a new KLR?
I thought they were made second hand...

[warewolf]

I can't believe he hasn't riden werewolf's yet.


Sounds like Werewolf should sort him out then! :msn-wink:

Come on Colin!One of these days. Every time I think of it, I get distracted before it happens.

And he'll have to learn to kick it first!! :devil2:

[Paladin]

...... Buy the one you lay awake at night dreaming about!

Now that sounds like bloody great advice! Do a load of test rides and then see which one my brain REALLY wants as it dreams of Adv bike nirvana! :clap:

Cheers Colin!

[mazz1972]

Que? A DR650 is lower than a KLE? Why not just put lowering links on the KLE (assuming they use similar suspension to the KLR) and lift the fork tubes through the yokes a bit?

The DR is not lower, but the centre of gravity is, and it's 34 kg lighter than the KLE which weighs in at 181kg dry.

We've already lifted the fork tubes as much as possible - speed humps would be a problem if it was lowered any more! The KLE needs someone taller than me.

Hubby has an XT660X and I enjoy riding it at open road speeds but the surging at low speeds drives me nuts. Ideally I'd like a XT660R with mods to cure the surging - but more $$ than I've got!

[MXNUT]

Like going from a Cortina to a Cortina with go-faster stripes and fuzzy dice :D:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Frodo]

Hubby has an XT660X and I enjoy riding it at open road speeds but the surging at low speeds drives me nuts. Ideally I'd like a XT660R with mods to cure the surging - but more $$ than I've got!


Fit a Powercommander to cure the surging. www.xt660.com has some cheaper fixes.

[jafar]

Now that sounds like bloody great advice! Do a load of test rides and then see which one my brain REALLY wants as it dreams of Adv bike nirvana! :clap:

Cheers Colin!

BMW coming to a garage near you is it :jerry:

[Paladin]

BMW coming to a garage near you is it :jerry:

Not after being on the SCAR this weekend!!! I reckon I'm already narrowed down to the KTM 640/690E (or the new R) or the DR650, just gonna suit me more offroad I think. If I was planning mostly seal and gravel then I'd go the 650Dakar route but if i do that i know the trails are gonna be calling me and then I'll be wishing I had a more nimble, lighter machine or money to own two bikes! :laugh:

[jafar]

Not after being on the SCAR this weekend!!! I reckon I'm already narrowed down to the KTM 640/690E (or the new R) or the DR650, just gonna suit me more offroad I think. If I was planning mostly seal and gravel then I'd go the 650Dakar route but if i do that i know the trails are gonna be calling me and then I'll be wishing I had a more nimble, lighter machine or money to own two bikes! :laugh:

KTM 640 or 690 are nothing like the DR 650. :shit:
The BMW G650 X challenge is worth a look. :confused:
Enjoy your test riding & let us know what you decide :doh:

[Oscar]

KTM 640 or 690 are nothing like the DR 650. :shit:
The BMW G650 X challenge is worth a look. :confused:
Enjoy your test riding & let us know what you decide :doh:

The BMW is great.
Just don't take the gearshifter off at the cases ('cause BMW won't wanna know).