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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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  #61  
Old 23 Sep 2007
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A new 1200 GS ?

Does that mean BMW think they have a lemon on their hands that needs a redesign ?
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  #62  
Old 24 Sep 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodger View Post
A new 1200 GS ?

Does that mean BMW think they have a lemon on their hands that needs a redesign ?

Naah, the rumours say that the 1200 will be upgraded so it becomes ”much better” then the new 800GS. Someone says it’s just minor details.

Most of the issues with the 1200 are ironed out (except the ring antenna, rear brake…)
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  #63  
Old 24 Sep 2007
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6 new bikes for BMW

More detail of the Beemer rumours are contained in posts no 20/21 here:-

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub.../f800gs-8365-2

Now the BMW rumours are complete and together, for today at least!

Oh yes, for what it is worth, a couple of guys on 1200GSs were looking at various other bikes; when asked why (knowing how loyal BMW riders are to the marque) it is because they are now too common on the road and these two want to be riding something that is different.
Bikes really have become fashion accessories for some folk.
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  #64  
Old 24 Sep 2007
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Hi Walkabout, bad news regarding no replacement to the kle, i was disapointed so i emailed kwak uk for their reasons for no replacement for our brill machine..just waiting for the excuses
TDMalcolm


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Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
No sign of a dual sport/adv version of the Versys for 08 (not so versatile as it might be then! Versys = versatile system apparently).

Nor will a new KLE be available in the UK next year (and I guess in Europe as well - Euro 3 regulations).

New models: 2008
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  #65  
Old 24 Sep 2007
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Kle 500

Hi TDMalc,
I've seen your post elsewhere about the reply from Kawa; good news; the more bikes available to the public, the better basically.
Strange how they don't list them on their webpage for 08, because they were listed on the UK webpage a few weeks ago (or my memory is playing tricks which is quite possible).
No matter, so long as bikes can be supplied is the main thing!

Cheers,
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  #66  
Old 25 Sep 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
kiwiron,
Here's what Honda are importing into the UK, officially, at present:-

Honda (UK) - Motorcycles

Not a very inspiring range for dual sport, considering how little things have changed for so long now (that will be another new paint colour for this year then!); maybe Honda are happy with their sales figures and won't change, but you might think there would be some developments and announcements soon, in light of what their competitors are doing (not to mention Euro 3 exhaust emission rules which should turn everyone toward FI).

For the "08 Dakar": have you heard something new? There are lots of stories around (see my post of about 3 days ago on here).

Cheers,
It appears that Honda will have a developed Transalp for 08:-

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...524#post151896

Shame that the Honda UK webpage does not tell anything about it, but I suppose it would not do to reveal too much, too soon (even if Yamaha & Kawasaki, to name 2, have got their whole 08 range on their webs).
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  #67  
Old 26 Sep 2007
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Kawi's back in the dual sport game too...

Check out the new KLX250S.
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Last edited by mollydog; 21 Mar 2009 at 23:40.
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  #68  
Old 28 Sep 2007
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Dr800 ?

I've heard Suzuki are to re-launch the DR800 as a full on GS beater, anyone else heard any whispers?
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  #69  
Old 28 Sep 2007
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I've heard Suzuki are to re-launch the DR800 as a full on GS beater, anyone else heard any whispers?
:confused1:

Haven't heard that one Ten660; that's a great rumour though - where did you get it?
I'll have to get around to a Suzi dealer! The MCN webpages say that their 08 bikes are being announced at the Paris show which kicks off tomorrow for the journos.

It will be a "BIG" no doubt.

Cheers,
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  #70  
Old 28 Sep 2007
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Mate of mine works freelance all over and has heard whispers of some suprises Suzuki has in store for us all at Tokyo. I know it only took around 5yrs for them to release the B-king so who knows! I've always fancied the DrBig but the age put me off a bit.
Although if one was to be available at the right price.....
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  #71  
Old 28 Sep 2007
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Hi Dave, Just had a look on the uk web site under "dual purpose" machines and it's there with the versys official price is steep @£3995 but can get them for £2995-£3299 if you look around
keep ewe a troshin bouy!
TDMalcolm



Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
Hi TDMalc,
I've seen your post elsewhere about the reply from Kawa; good news; the more bikes available to the public, the better basically.
Strange how they don't list them on their webpage for 08, because they were listed on the UK webpage a few weeks ago (or my memory is playing tricks which is quite possible).
No matter, so long as bikes can be supplied is the main thing!

Cheers,
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  #72  
Old 1 Oct 2007
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KLE lives on

Thanks for the info TMalc! Maybe you will be changing your name to KLE something or other?

As you mention, the KLE can be bought for much less than the list price; with a quick trawl around Autotrader I found a dealer selling new for about £2700 a while ago. I guesstimate that the 500cc will be available to the UK market at least until a new "versys" design of dual sport comes along.
I've talked with a couple of owners of the latter recently, and they have nothing bad to say about that 650cc engine or, indeed, the bike and its design and performance; it is another excellent value bike.

Cheers,
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  #73  
Old 1 Oct 2007
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Paris show

Well the Paris show has produced the XL700V from Honda:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...4-3#post152694

but not much else of interest (lots of plastic crotch rockets, as ever).

That leaves Milan or Birmingham (UK) in the next 6 weeks or so for Yam and BMW to do their thing + anymore who might be sitting on a new bike release for 08 ( Moto Guzzi?).

Just to repeat the BMW 800GS rumour: it is about ready for release and if a "spy" picture gets out to the media then BMW will announce the bike at the next available bike show - it seems to be a case of drip feeding the new Beemers for 08 (6 of them in total with one announced at the Paris show - another variation on the HP2).

Paris show 2007: See the 2008 motorcycles and highlights - Motorcycle News - MCN
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  #74  
Old 1 Oct 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
Thanks for the info TMalc! Maybe you will be changing your name to KLE something or other?

As you mention, the KLE can be bought for much less than the list price; with a quick trawl around Autotrader I found a dealer selling new for about £2700 a while ago. I guesstimate that the 500cc will be available to the UK market at least until a new "versys" design of dual sport comes along.
I've talked with a couple of owners of the latter recently, and they have nothing bad to say about that 650cc engine or, indeed, the bike and its design and performance; it is another excellent value bike.

Cheers,
Umm sounds like an idea hatching!!! a new "versys" version of the KLE will have a lot to live upto.....so we await with bated breath
TDMalcolm
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  #75  
Old 1 Oct 2007
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I can see a lot of "mileage" in a dual sport Versys; I hope it is going to happen - the bike as it is now performs very well and the pricing at present is very competitive; as I mentioned, every owner I have spoken with has good things to say about this Kawasaki.

Another dual sport can only increase the choice of such types of bikes on the roads and provide more incentive to other manufacturers to get their pricing correct while providing well designed and specified products straight out of the crate.
In the meantime, when I look at the Versys I see really good detailing on the existing specification. e.g. compare their swinging arm with the latest version of the Honda Transalp. I guess the new TA is going to be around for quite a few years --- just had a thought -- maybe not. Perhaps it is an interim measure while Honda get their act together and produce a real dual sport???!!
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