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KLE 650 Twin, Adventure Bike for 2009? KLE 650 Twin, Adventure Bike for 2009?
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  #1  
Old 24 Dec 2008
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KLE 650 Twin, Adventure Bike for 2009?
Hi everyone.

With the well loved KLE 500 no longer manufactured (2008 last), is Kawasaki going to bring out another dual purpose bike to replace the KLE 500 based around the 650 fuel injected twin cylinder motor of the Kawasaki Versys? I have heard good reviews of the 650 Twin, Fuel injected motor of the Versys. This, coupled to the correct chassis/suspension etc. layout could make this a awsome dual purpose/adveture bike.

Any thoughts?

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SPYE
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Old 24 Dec 2008
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If wishes were horses .
I haven't heard anything ,never do ,but I agree with you it is a great engine to build an adventure touring bike around .Maybe a boost in capacity to 800 or 850 and it would be perfect .
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Old 26 Dec 2008
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I believe that 500cc was OK - not so heavy,flexable for use,reliable...But anyway any legent has end.Will see the decision of KAWASAKI...
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Old 26 Dec 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zografovi View Post
I believe that 500cc was OK - not so heavy,flexable for use,reliable...But anyway any legent has end.Will see the decision of KAWASAKI...
Spot on: looking out for what the big K do next, but the KLE 500 will take some beating for Quality, Value and all round "good bike".
There, had to say it! Probably buy a RE next!
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Old 27 Dec 2008
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Hi. I not sure about the Versys, especially with the muffler underneath the bike, which will be problem for going thru shallow water or floods.
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  #6  
Old 27 Dec 2008
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Hi. The Kawasaki Versys seems more road orientated than adventure bike. On the other end the new KLR 650 thumper seems rather "agricultural", but I'm sure it is capable.

As mentioned before, if Kawasaki can bring out a new adventure/dual purpose bike using the Versys motor then you will have a top contender. Hope someone from Kawasaki design division is listening. (Nudge, nudge, wink, wink...)
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Old 8 Apr 2009
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Hi there.

I found a interesting picture of a KLE 650 Versys. It has spoked wheels and more off road looking tyres. I wonder if someone did this conversion themselves or if you can buy the bike like this these days. This would make a perfect dual purpose replacement for the KLE 500.

Any comments?
Last edited by SPYE; 20 Mar 2011 at 05:58.
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Old 8 Apr 2009
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Smile
With a bit of time to waste I tried to find the pic above to see if I could get some more information.
No luck with that but I did find reference to a new 2010 Versys 1000! http://www.visordown.com/motorcyclenews/view/all_new_kawasaki_versys_1000/1393.html.
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Old 8 Apr 2009
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That pics photoshopped the versys chain is on the left but on the pic the chain is on the right and disc on the left
looks like f800gs suspension

although i would buy one if it looked like that and the headlight was changed
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  #10  
Old 9 Apr 2009
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Great bike, I am waiting for the first conversion to adventure bike..

Torque a plenty, nice long forks that might work on dirt roads (not single track), but still rigid enough to be a great road bike.
Spoke wheels, upswept exhaust, ditch the instrument panel, change the triple clamps to a more lightweight version.

My calculation is that with less than 1500 euro, access to a parts bin and some welding skills it could be done.
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  #11  
Old 25 Sep 2009
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Hi there

I found this picture on the net of someone that modified their KLE 650 Versys.

Something along these lines with that motor will be great.

I hope someone from Kawasaki is taking note.
Last edited by SPYE; 20 Mar 2011 at 05:58.
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