Kawasaki KLREX650

[bubba zanetti]

Guy over at DSBC has built an amazing KLR EX650 Ninja hybrid. Beutifully done and a tribute to a departed friend.

Have a look ....




http://www.dualsportbc.com/forums/showthread.php?8823-KLRE650-super-Rio-build-thread.&p=91535#post91535

Lots of pics on the build ..

http://superrio.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/super-RIO/14843487_D8k7i#1107401304_B6TPG

[DogBoy]

Very cool story.

Now, if we could just get Kawasaki to build a bunch of them.

[mtrider16]

Some folks just put longer legs on the Ninja.  This is a different build direction.  They did a nice job.

David

[axelwik]

Nice... a KLR with some get up and go!

[ZED]

Good find Bubba.  Thanks.

Of all the things Kawi could have done to the 'new' KLR, the engine was not improved upon.  It's still an old, thumpy, 5speed.  This guy has solved that.  Bummer it's a one-of.

[DogBoy]

The builder stated in the ADVrider thread that he wants to build more examples.  

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=14619346&postcount=41

[Fourstring]

Super cool build.

[MULLETHEAD774]

Way kewl!

[SamM]

My current project is building a KLRE650 out of my lightened 2008 KLR650. The bike is being build professionally and is in a top secret location, only know to a few people. We plan to do this build a little differently than the other KLRE. My bike is being built as a do-everything lightweight dualsport. The thought is to use it as my one and only motorcycle. It will do everything from light singletrack to long-distance touring. As pictured below, but with a JNS skidplate, the KLR weighs 345lbs. Eventually, it will have 1550 Pelican hardcases and a windscreen for touring. The rest will pretty much appear as it is pictured. New 21/18" Excel wheels are in the works. My engine donor was a crashed 2008 Kawasaki Versys (KLE650) with around 4000 miles on it. I have $1500 in the Versys conversion parts. Here are some specs:

'08 Versys 65hp, 6-speed , efi engine
'08 modified KLR frame
'08 KX450F USD forks
Cogent Dynamics MOAB 'long travel' shock
5.5 gal IMS fuel tank
Renazco custom seat

I have plans to cut and modify the motorcycle much more. The goal is 300 to 320lbs wet with an empty fuel tank and without the bags mounted. Most people won't understand this project and that's fine. I think it's worthwhile. With the new suspension, my KLR worked well for me. The KLR engine isn't my favorite, so the logical thing was to replace it. Honestly, the conversion was cheaper than modifying the KLR engine and only getting 45hp. That wouldn't do!  

Here's our starting point.


Trial fitting the Versys engine. It sort of fits!

[Typhoon650]

Noble projects, the thing I hated most about my KLR was the pathetic, fragile engine. All those cc's and no power or torque to be had.

[Giaka]

Would love to build one of those. For now I will stick to dirt roads and gravel on my fugly Versys.

[trippin]

that's a mean looking versys  

[swingset]

that's a mean looking versys  

+1, looks great.

I've thought of ways of improving a KLR, and I think it might just be easier to make an XR650R more comfy.

Something like this would make my boy parts tingle...

[danketchpel]

I've thought of ways of improving a KLR, and I think it might just be easier to make an XR650R more comfy.

I have given the XR650R a lot of thought myself. A couple of my riding buddies had them. The thing that kept away from them was the lack of the magic button. I can start them but to be honest, I've gotten to the point that any 4-stroke single above about 250cc needs electric start. I've owned a couple kick start only big singles so I do understand them and that's why all my current thumpers have the button.

I think there is a e-start kit and I suspect you could swap in the e-start from the quad motor they made based on the same engine, but I suspect the price ain't cheap. The only other drawback is the same as the rest of the Japanese 650 thumpers, no 6th gear.

But all that said, they handle well, have good suspension, make great power, and are bullet proof. And to top it off, you can get big fuel tanks for them.