Cagiva Canyon 500 vs Kawasaki KLE 500

**far queue** · 17th July 2007, 22:04

Originally Posted by Robignevil

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

Originally Posted by Robignevil

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?

DR's can handle 100,000kms before a top end rebuild if well maintained and I suspect the KLR is pretty similar. I dont think that engine top end life is really an issue with these singles. An XR, KTM, Hsuky or Husaburg is another story though but they are more enduro weapons than road runners.

Cheers R

**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 has been improved (some would say); They have now plug and play gear for it (see photo). Another link 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!

**NordieBoy** · 18th July 2007, 09:55

Originally Posted by windboy

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

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

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...

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

Originally Posted by pete376403

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

Same 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.