I’ve had a few emails from people wondering what has happened to the KLR650 project that we launched back in January. Good question.
Well, it’s still on. The hold up has been getting all the parts that we have requested. We managed to work a deal with Ontario’s Dual Sport Plus who agreed to supply any parts that we required (and they could get) in exchange for a plug.
Deal done, and we have received a shipment already, but are still waiting for the second which has been held up as they wait for some back ordered product to come in. We’re hoping to get that any day now and once we do, we’ll assess, weigh and start fitting the parts so that we can bring you Part 2 of what is proving to be a slightly drawn out project.
The good news is that we’ve managed to get a pretty good A-list of parts organized based on Dual Sport Plus resident KLR guru Les Clarke’s experience of what works and what doesn’t, and our own criteria for keeping the final project below the $3,000 mark.
Sadly, our attempt to highlight some Canadian product (namely a Britannia Composites fairing and and Elka Suspension rear shock) didn’t come to fruition as both companies declined to send a sample.
I could rant here about the general inability of Canadian business to seize on promotional opportunities (Progressive Suspension from the U.S. jumped at the chance and sent a lovely shock and fork springs) but then there are Canadian companies like Dual Sport Plus who got the idea and have jumped on board big time.
Regardless, rest assured that Project KLR650 Adventure Tourer is still ongoing and we should have that second update for you sometime in May, when I get back from my UK trip … Hey, I have a Ducati lined up and tickets to see TT3D, so the KLR can wait a little longer!
Yes you heard right Mr Vernon, though with that cheek I think you’ll be riding it on the Konker KSM 200!
Did I read somewhere that the KLR Adventure tourer is going to do Labrador in June? I have rad guards!
I like the $3000 mark as a limit of goodies to put on this bike. It is not new, tossing $8000 worth of goodies on a 15 year bike that would only be worth $4000 max is pure obsession. (we all seen the adds of somebody selling an old bike for half of the reciepts of the “recient rebuild”) I’m familiar with the Sussex area and i expect this machine is going to see some real use and is something that most of us could probably do with our tightened real world budgets.
What Canadian company was that again? Dual Sport Plus? Dual Sport Plus, Dual Sport Plus, Dual Sport Plus….. oh! That Dual Sport Plus from Ontario! I’ll have to check out thier website.
“my point was that generally Canadian companies are a lot less likely to go for something like this than American”
Too right, look at their politicians!
Sorry, but I can’t resist, I have seen too many how to-s in bike mags over the years that would never have happened if they had to pay for farkles. Why’ncha do the bike up like the kids do it, with found and scrounged? Check out this DR 650 ‘Adventure’. https://picasaweb.google.com/everiman/Tsawwassen2011#5597680872891833314
Agreed, but that’s why we stipulated the $3000 limit on stuff to ensure that we keep to what’s needed and not more.
“Sadly, our attempt to highlight some Canadian product…” Perhaps they are concerned that handing out freebies might compromise CMG’s journalistic integrity.
I doubt that that was what they were thinking. More to do with questioning whether they would get bang for their buck (cost vs exposure).
Ultimately it’s obviously up to the company to decide this but my point was that generally Canadian companies are a lot less likely to go for something like this than American.
It’s a cultural difference I guess but it is frustrating as we like to spotlight Canadian product whenever possible.
As to the inference, by supplying a part doesn’t get favour. We’re going to appraise everything that is sent to us as we see it. By not supplying a part they’re also avoiding appraisal.
Cheers, Rob