Is the KLR replacement out yet? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Is the KLR replacement out yet?

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timtune

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after 30+ years I'm wondering what the replacement looks like.
 
Prolly not for a few years since they just discontinued it.
 
If a 450 thumper is light it is also going to be expensive, light bikes with quality components cost big bucks, thus has it always been.
The replacement is called Husqvarna ;)
 
Maybe they'll take the 650 Vulcan motor and build an ADV around it like they did with the EX300
 
TK4 said:
Maybe they'll take the 650 Vulcan motor and build an ADV around it like they did with the EX300
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The 650 Vulcan motor is used in the Versys 650 which is adventure styled but not offroad ready.
I have a versys 650 and the motor would be fun in a more klr type bike.

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I doubt Kawi needs to bring a replacement for the KLR anytime soon. They are still selling '17 and '18 models, so it's not like they need to fill a gap in demand, they are probably filling that gap with the Versys 300. That new

I think the ADV segment is getting confusing -- it's a mix of hardcore adv bikes designed for anywhere travel, standard bikes re-configured for light off , and there are some just decorated to look like ADV bikes.
 
" Can you tell me where you saw them please.tk4"
I haven't any evidence to support - it just makes sense to use an existing powerplant to build that type of bike around.
Witness Suzuki SV650/DL650, any one of the BMW variants or the Kawasaki EX300/Versys300.
Why make more work for yourself ?
Which begs the question - when does the Versys300 get upgraded to the EX400 motor ? Soon I hope.
 
Honda has done very well using the 500 twin as a modular powerplant. And there's always Yamaha's 700 if it ever gets introduced (late 2020 ???)
 
Which begs the question - when does the Versys300 get upgraded to the EX400 motor ? Soon I hope.
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Now that makes sense tho I still think there is a market for thumper in the 450 range, lighter better clearance etc. Honda still sells the xR650.

Honda's twin is only 471 cc making it insurance friendly and keeping weight down but the motor has serious engineering chops

The 2017 CB500X’s DOHC, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin layout offers a great combination of compact physical size and flexible output. The ‘triangle’ proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is very similar to that of Honda’s four-cylinder RR engines and much of the internal structure and engineering is taken directly from both the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR.

Bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 66.8mm; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180° and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s center of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.

PGM-FI fuel injection provides superb throttle response; the gasflow route from airbox to exhaust is as straight as possible and a plate in the airbox separates the airflow to each cylinder. Peak horsepower of 49.6 arrives at 8,500 RPM, with 31.7 lb ft torque delivered at 7,000 RPM.

The 2017 CB500X engine acts as a stressed member, reinforcing the frame’s rigidity with four frame hangers on the cylinder head. Internally the cylinder head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction. A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against dust. Inlet valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm.


Bore size of 67mm is identical to that of the CBR600RR. The piston shape is based upon those used in the CBR1000RR to reduce piston ‘noise’ at high rpm. Friction is reduced by the addition of striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). As with the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR, an AB 1 salt bath process, used after isonite nitriding, forms a protective oxidization membrane.
The crankcase uses centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves, and the same bore interval as the CBR600RR helps them be as compact and light as possible. Their internal design reduces the ‘pumping’ losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. Using the same internal relief structure as that of the CBR1000RR, the oil pump features improved aeration performance, with reduced friction; a deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking. Oil capacity is 3.4 quarts.
A six-speed gearbox mirrors that of its RR cousins which use the same gear change arm structure and link mechanism. In an update last year, the shift drum stopper spring load has been revised, along with the shape of the shift drum center, for smoother, easier gear changing.
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This is the NInja 400 and that could translate to a light weight adventure machine tho not sure of the RPMs at 60 mph/100 kph - higher than I would like at 6k.
2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 First Look | 13 Fast Facts
 
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"Honda still sells the xR650"

No, they discontinued it this year with the introduction of the 450L.
It certainly had a good run, introduced in 1993 and mechanically unchanged until 2018.

I owned one for a few years in the mid-2000's. Added a larger IMS tank, lowered the gearing a little, added a fork brace and re-valved the suspension and that big, HEAVY, old-fashioned dirt bike could move. I surprised a few guys in the woods, but if you lost concentration for a moment it would drive you into the ground like a tent peg. A fun and versatile bike, and bullet proof to boot as long as you didn't try to up the HP from stock.

As much as I like "new and improved" there was a lot to be said for "technical sophistication of a ball-peen hammer."
 
Didn't know that as there were still some for sale new. Sort of reinforces my thoughts about a 450 single replacement for the 650 klr but make it a bit more to the ADV side than the dirt.

So Honda finally tamed the beast for the streets .....sort of.....when my son bought a CRF450 the guy we got is from was hard nosed gas fitter, tats, Harley rider, tough guy and the Honda scared the **** out him ?

2019-CRF-450L-dual-sport-motorcycle-3jpg-561x411.jpg

Honda CRF450L Unveiled: The Dual Sport Everyone's Been Wanting? - ADV Pulse

Even the article mentions an ADV version CRF450 - that is a really well thought out bike

.....the window is there for KLR for something a bit more road oriented than the CRF and lighter weight than the 650KLR.
 
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I don't get this bike -- looks like another confused marketing move by Honda. $12K -- what? fuel range of 150KM? LOF every 1000km (vs 12000 for a KLR)? Rebuilds ever 30,000KM?.

I cant' see it appealing to KLR buyers, they are generally looking for low entry price, low cost of ownership, durability and farkleability.
 
Mad Mike said:
I don't get this bike -- looks like another confused marketing move by Honda. $12K -- what? fuel range of 150KM? LOF every 1000km (vs 12000 for a KLR)? Rebuilds ever 30,000KM?.

I cant' see it appealing to KLR buyers, they are generally looking for low entry price, low cost of ownership, durability and farkleability.
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That bike is not aimed at klr riders. Its is aimed at wr250r or drz riders who want to go more offroad but dont want to sacrifice the blue plate.

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Iceman said:
That bike is not aimed at klr riders. Its is aimed at wr250r or drz riders who want to go more offroad but dont want to sacrifice the blue plate.

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Too expensive for all the DRZ riders I know hahaha. I quoted one and it was over 14k. No thanks.
 
KWDRZ said:
Too expensive for all the DRZ riders I know hahaha. I quoted one and it was over 14k. No thanks.
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I get that. Lots of drz riders do wind up wanting to get into more serious off road riding. Many wind up looking at buying a ktm as a more dedicated offroad beast with a blue plate. For those guys there is no difference in ktm or honda pricing.

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I cant' see it appealing to KLR buyers, they are generally looking for low entry price, low cost of ownership, durability and farkleability.
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Yep that's why there is a window for a KLR 450 with " low entry price, low cost of ownership, durability and farkleability."
for another decade run and they can offer an electric version in a few years.

Stick with the 21" wheel. 10" travel, 400 lb, a seat like the existing KLR that can have some third party options and some clever luggage.
$5k US retail, $6500 Cdn.
Japan, Australia and Europe are always good markets for Learner level bikes.

The BMW310 is priced at $6450 Cbn.
First ride: BMW G310GS | Canada Moto Guide

Kawi could go directly at it with more power than the 310 and the larger front wheel and still be under the Honda 500 series in price with more off pavement appeal and still be able to fill the KLR650 niche.
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