Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
diesel klr diesel klr
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Feb 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Balkbrug Netherlands
Posts: 185
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)
__________________
Freek (NL)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Feb 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 26
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.
__________________
Glenn, Founder of:
/KLR650.NET - Your Kawasaki KLR650 Resource (16+ years and counting) ..I link 2 HU!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Feb 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Hemet, CA , USA
Posts: 35
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.
__________________
[i:]Happy Riding[/i:]
[b:]Ian aka \"Maniac\"[/b:]
[i:]93\' KLR650[/i:]
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Aug 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: MI
Posts: 8
Hi. great to know there's a diesel coming up. But when is it due for commercial use?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Aug 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Hemet, CA , USA
Posts: 35
never. i am prety sure KHI never intended that diesel engine for use commercially.
__________________
[i:]Happy Riding[/i:]
[b:]Ian aka \"Maniac\"[/b:]
[i:]93\' KLR650[/i:]
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Aug 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
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!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Aug 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
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."
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Aug 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
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!
------------------
dave

[This message has been edited by DAVSATO (edited 25 August 2002).]

[This message has been edited by DAVSATO (edited 25 August 2002).]
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 27 Aug 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Meinerzhagen, NRW, Germany
Posts: 67
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!!!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10 Nov 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
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?

------------------
dave
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 Nov 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Braunschweig, Germany
Posts: 42
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.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 19 Nov 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 9
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.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 4 Jun 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 4
Now a derv KLR with Yam's 2-trac system.... lovely ... how long would we need to wait you think?

John
__________________
John (MrTwiglet)
john_h_salisbury@hotmail.com
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 6 Jan 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 5
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.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 6 Jan 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
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.
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:11.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top