KLRE650 super Rio build thread.

KLRsuperRIO

New member
Thought I would share my bike project.

I am part owner of a small motorcycle shop in victoria B.C. . Most of the time I work as a mechanic .Four years ago when the Kawasaki Ex650r was released we had a Klr650 and ex in the shop. It came to me that this would be a great splice. We took some measurements and it looked like a winner.
I went home knocked of a drawing and the idea was firmly locked in my head.

Several years went by with no sight of donor bikes. I told my good Friend George Rio Constible about my idea when he worked for me in 2009. George was my mentor and a great mechanic who had built many a cool bike. With his complete enthusiasm for my idea, my fire was lit.

Sadly George was killed June 1st of 2009 riding to meet his family and friends for his favorite outing Monday bike night.

I dedicate this bike to his memory.

This is my EX650R powered KLR. http://superrio.smugmug.com

photo1rk.jpg

By klrsuperrio at 2010-11-28



1-28
 
O

old trials guy

Guest
Very nice work, congratulation on your efforts and it is a great tribute to your friend and mentor. I can see the pride.

otg
 

bubba zanetti

New member
What a great project and very well done. A fitting homage to a good friend !!

So, how about a bit more about how the bike rides and performs?

And please, send this pic to Kawasaki ASAP !!!
 
Last edited:

KLRsuperRIO

New member
What a great project and very well done. A fitting homage to a good friend !!

So, how about a bit more about how the bike rides and performs?

And please, send this pic to Kawasaki ASAP !!!

Love the name. (BUBBA)

Everyone here thinks my bike would be right at home in a Mad Max movie.

The bike is killer fast and smooth. It loves the highway. The off road testing is coming.
 
You need to post this on ADV if you haven't. There would be a lot of guys who'd love to see this...

Awesome work, and a fitting tribute. Nicely done.
 

Bones

Member
I saw this bike today and it is a great tribute to George (Rio). I worked with Rio (as I knew him) 16-17 years ago and had lost contact. I was very saddend to find out he had passed away. But it was very enlightening talking to Scott at Adrenalin Motorcycles about the Rio I knew and some of the great stories he used to tell.
Thanks Scott
Rio Rest in Peace
Cheers
Greg
 

KLRsuperRIO

New member
I saw this bike today and it is a great tribute to George (Rio). I worked with Rio (as I knew him) 16-17 years ago and had lost contact. I was very saddend to find out he had passed away. But it was very enlightening talking to Scott at Adrenalin Motorcycles about the Rio I knew and some of the great stories he used to tell.
Thanks Scott
Rio Rest in Peace
Cheers
Greg

Your welcome was great meeting you today ment alot you came by.
 
Z

ZED

Guest
Nice build!
TwoThumbs.gif

Good to do the suspension too.

I've contemplated such an engine swap but decided I didn't have the time/patience for that big a project at this time. I'm settling for the 685 kit and a set of 46mm USD forks. They're sitting there waiting for me just as soon as I get the time.
FootTap.gif


However, with your setup, you'll have a six speed.
bigok.gif


Have you weighed it? I'm curious how much that engine adds.
 

KLRsuperRIO

New member
:dr: Zed,

The motor was heavier but I saved some wieght here and there, and came out even with stock.

Sixth gear is great 4200rpm at 100kmph.

I would say the single still has a lot to offer.

Cheers.
 

Island Hopper

New member
Very nice build....Things look pretty tight in the airbox, carb/injection area, what type of air filtration system did you end up using, I didn't notice it in your pictures.
 
Top