--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Blake Sobiloff" wrote:
>
> On 9/23/06, Matt Knowles wrote:
> > Well it sounds like there's a lot to like in the new model. Better
> > alternator, stiffer forks, better brakes, better suspension, better
> > seat. A bit more power, and a nicer fairing.
>
> Don't forget a little larger gas tank,
Not sure of that. Claimed gas tank capacity is same as Kawasaki has
always claimed for the KLR.
> twin headlights, better
> radiator,
They probably had to change the radiator (and the thermostat) in order
to get better temperature control in order to meet emissions. The
headlights will be greatly appreciated though!
> and a "double engine balancer" revised balancer system!
Uhm, they didn't say they revised it. Look at the bigger picture at
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=3748&Page=1
You'll see that KHI hasn't changed anything about the engine that they
weren't forced to change by emissions. The engine basically has a new
head and new piston and rings, and that's it. That's all they had to
do, so that's all they did. Well, they also upped the electrical
capacity slightly to deal with the new headlight system, big whoop. My
suspicion is that Eagle Mike is still in the doohickey business for a
while to come :-}.
>
> I'm not so keen on the reduced suspension travel, and we don't know
> what the overall weight is, but I'm guessing that it'll be a bit
> lardier than ever. [sigh]
Frame looks identical in the big Kawasaki publicity still too. Even
the front engine mounts look identical. My suspicion is that there's
basically no change in weight, or if any change, maybe 10 pounds more
up at the beak.
> Really bummed there isn't a 6-speed transmission,
We're talking Kawasaki. They never redesign anything they don't have
to redesign LOL! It's clear from the publicity stills that they
haven't touched the bottom end of the engine, other than to perhaps
re-balance the crankshaft for the new piston.
> and I doubt the new
> brakes offer much improvement (20 mm isn't that big of a
> difference--probably just enough to keep up with the additional
> weight).
Any improvement is welcome. The stock front brake is pretty scary on
the street.
> Sure wish there were some HP/torque specs.
Kawasaki has never released HP/torque specs for the current KLR. Why
do you expect them to do so for the new one?
_E
. The interesting thing will
be noting how long it takes the boys at Happy Trail to gin up some new
PD Nerf bars to protect the bigger radiator and plastics... my
suspicion is that six weeks after the first new KLR hits Boise, we'll
have new PD Nerfs