Cagiva Canyon 500 vs Kawasaki KLE 500

**HTFU** · 30th July 2007, 22:26

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.

**Ruralman** · 2nd August 2007, 13:48

Originally Posted by Robignevil

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.

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

. Nice sunny dry day in the King Country

.

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

Originally Posted by Robignevil

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

. Nice sunny dry day in the King Country

.

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

**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

**Ruralman** · 8th August 2007, 09:23

Originally Posted by windboy

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

Originally Posted by Ruralman

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 :-)

Cheers Ruralman.....

**Gizzit** · 3rd January 2008, 17:43

Originally Posted by Ruralman

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

Originally Posted by Robignevil

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!