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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.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 17 Feb 2002
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diesel klr
Kawasaki has built a diesel engine for the KLR; 40-60 km/liter= 650 km on 1 tank, 167 kg, topspeed; 130 km/h.
US-marines already ordered 500, and different European Army's ordered 6500.
The diesel engine fits in the normal KLR 650 frame.

Freek (Netherlands)
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  #2  
Old 17 Feb 2002
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Kawasaki has built a diesel engine for the KLR; 40-60 km/liter= 650 km on 1 tank, 167 kg, topspeed; 130 km/h.
US-marines already ordered 500, and different European Army's ordered 6500.
The diesel engine fits in the normal KLR 650 frame.
Freek (Netherlands

Converted:

MPT: 403.9 miles per tank.
Max Speed: 81mph (new sprocket would help that)
Weight: 368 pounds

Very interesting.
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  #3  
Old 18 Feb 2002
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Id take it to the local harley bar! Boy it wouls shake em up. I dont recall ever seeing a diesel motorcycle - or hearing one i should say. very interesting.
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  #4  
Old 16 Aug 2002
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Hi. great to know there's a diesel coming up. But when is it due for commercial use?
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  #5  
Old 23 Aug 2002
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never. i am prety sure KHI never intended that diesel engine for use commercially.
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  #6  
Old 23 Aug 2002
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more under "research" at www.drive.cranfield.ac.uk
it implies that after two years military production it could be available for commercial use. lets get a petition together!
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  #7  
Old 23 Aug 2002
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comment from the man in charge ...
"Thanks for your interst in the bike, but chances (of getting one this year) are nil, I'm afraid. All our efforts are devoted to the military at present."
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  #8  
Old 25 Aug 2002
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the reason for the bike is that NATO have decided that all military vehicles will share one type of fuel within a year or two,which of coarse can only really be diesel.

in the british army bikes have to take the man and his personal equipment(rifle,pack, ammo)and a courier load, so a good capacity for luggage.

and diesel you can get anywhere!
i think enfield did(do?) a diesel bike, and ive seen a custom special chopper with a diesel pump engine in it, it was very odd looking, pull cord starter, about 20hp, but it rode quite smoothly!
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[This message has been edited by DAVSATO (edited 25 August 2002).]

[This message has been edited by DAVSATO (edited 25 August 2002).]
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  #9  
Old 27 Aug 2002
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First of all it's not Kawasaki itself, that puts the diesel bike together!
It's Cranfield Uni with some US-Military and - I think a local company or something...

The chances are pretty good it will be available for commercial use someday and Enfield sadly stopped the production of the Taurus (Diesel) Enfield...

I'm one of the first to get such a bike!!!
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  #10  
Old 10 Nov 2002
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update, there is a report about deisel bikes in this months RIDE magazine, mentioning this bike in particular.
same performance as KLR(but with peak torque at just 2500rpm) and 140 miles per gallon. cant be bad, can it?

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  #11  
Old 11 Nov 2002
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Dear all,

as I believe this US-Marine klr as a bigger 6.7 gallon tank.
Does anybody know whether they are sold commercially as well ?
If so where ??

Cheers,
Gijs.
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  #12  
Old 19 Nov 2002
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The huge military KLR tank is available through IMS (The manufacturer). They do not list it in catalogs, but if you call IMS directly, you can purchase one through them, or so I'm told. I'm pritty sure they can only be had in Olive drab, or the desert sand colour.
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  #13  
Old 4 Jun 2003
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Now a derv KLR with Yam's 2-trac system.... lovely ... how long would we need to wait you think?

John
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  #14  
Old 6 Jan 2004
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http://www.motorbikestoday.com/featu...esel_bikes.htm

That article pretty well sums it up.

The manufacturer will be making either a full bike or a bolt-on conversion available, however, after they meet the military demand and ramp up the production facility for higher volume.

I love my KLR and I might just have to buy one of these puppies if the cost is reasonable.
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  #15  
Old 6 Jan 2004
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Looks like the ideal overlander.

I've long been a convert to diesel cars (my new citreon C2 regularly does in excess of 70mpg compared to 50mpg for my Africa Twin)

The lack of electrical ignition system should make it very reliable and diesels are renowned for doing huge mileages.

I'd love to see one fully kitted out for overlanding.
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