Motorcycle Racing Forum

Racing Discussion => Racing Discussion => Topic started by: BlueRidgePerformance on November 17, 2005, 07:33:09 AM

Title: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on November 17, 2005, 07:33:09 AM
Any of you planning on racing one next season?
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: grasshopper on November 17, 2005, 08:20:43 AM
You sure are hell bent on it aren't you? ;D

Jeesh Gary! If you have an itch scratch it man!

Let me ride yours and then I'll let you know if I want one to.

When will they be available? Whats the earliest people will have there hands on them?

How long do you figure it will take to prep it for 06?

Is it practical to race for 06?

What about suspension? Aftermarket parts? Tire sizes? Motorwork? Are parts available?
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: guzziboy on November 17, 2005, 08:42:52 AM
Are there any tests available from magazines etc.?
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on November 17, 2005, 08:57:59 AM
There have been a few reports from overseas.Nothing very in depth.They are supposed to be released in early December.
From what I have been able to find, they are 2007 EPA compliant, where the 2006 SV is not. So looks to be down just a bit on power.
I've ordered 2, for endurance.
Kawi is paying quit well, in most orgs, so yes, it should be a money maker.
Some manufactures will be using my bikes as a prototype for thier products.Cheetah for one.And Traxxion for the suspension.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: grasshopper on November 17, 2005, 10:11:11 AM
QuoteThere have been a few reports from overseas.Nothing very in depth.They are supposed to be released in early December.
From what I have been able to find, they are 2007 EPA compliant, where the 2006 SV is not. So looks to be down just a bit on power.
I've ordered 2, for endurance.
Kawi is paying quit well, in most orgs, so yes, it should be a money maker.
Some manufactures will be using my bikes as a prototype for thier products.Cheetah for one.And Traxxion for the suspension.


What about exhaust? Doesn't it have that goofy under the motor/frame buell style exhaust?

It sounds like you have a money maker. If the bike does well you mite have every aftermarket company in the book calling and knocking on your door to test their products on your bikes.

I smell... SNIFF SNIFF!!! I smell, Weisco calling to test an over bore kit! I smell race gas!

You smell that?
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on November 17, 2005, 12:35:39 PM
The plan is not to build the engines.Can't really compare them to a SV, if they are built. As far as the exhaust, I guess that's the look of the future.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: Green_Knight on November 17, 2005, 03:50:09 PM
If I had the money I'd get one for light weight racing.  Maybe I'll get lucky and find a crashed one to race in 2007?  :D
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: NumbskullzSE on November 17, 2005, 07:08:04 PM
Aren't they ugly as sh*t though? Or am I thinking of the wrong bike? Don't they have burgundy color forks? Yuck.
SV650 all the way.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: LoneWolfRacing on November 17, 2005, 07:30:07 PM
Yeah Numbskullz..the color kinda reminds me of some 1980's BMX parts.. Tioga MX-3 brake lever..bleeech....
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on November 18, 2005, 04:28:59 AM
QuoteAren't they ugly as sh*t though? Or am I thinking of the wrong bike? Don't they have burgundy color forks? Yuck.
SV650 all the way.
$$$$ I'm awaiting approvial for Team Green Racer support. If so, I'll have 2 of them for under $10k. Plus $500 in OEM parts. In full bodywork, they should not look that bad. Mine will be black, so the burgundy should be ok.Plus, I'm sick of worring about rods or cranks snapping.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: MZGirl on November 18, 2005, 05:02:52 AM
ASMA is considering creating a spec class for the Kawi 650 for next year.  If it happens, I'm selling my R6 and getting one to race that class.  That would be soooo much fun!

And I don't care that the forks are burgundy.  I don't care what color they are.  And I'm a girl!   ;D
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on November 18, 2005, 05:51:08 AM
QuoteAnd I don't care that the forks are burgundy.  I don't care what color they are.  And I'm a girl!   ;D
They are saying that it's geared towards the female rider, lower seat height, with a taller seat being a option.I think the black and burgundy look pretty good. The Euro models have gold frame and forks.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on November 18, 2005, 06:26:15 AM
http://multimedia.kawasaki-europe.com/Multimedia/Movies/ER-6f_2_h.wmv
A little teaser
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: james-redsv on November 19, 2005, 03:37:41 AM
Quote$$$$ I'm awaiting approvial for Team Green Racer support. If so, I'll have 2 of them for under $10k. Plus $500 in OEM parts. In full bodywork, they should not look that bad. Mine will be black, so the burgundy should be ok.Plus, I'm sick of worring about rods or cranks snapping.
How do you know the rods and cranks will hold up on these Kawis at race pace????
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on November 19, 2005, 09:43:29 AM
Quote How do you know the rods and cranks will hold up on these Kawis at race pace????
Time will tell on that.Can't be any worse than the SV.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: x2468 on November 21, 2005, 12:54:57 PM
i asked this question a month ago.


But would anyone like to fill me in on the SV breaking rods and cranks? I've been looking at a few used race read SVs, but now u scarred me.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on November 21, 2005, 02:28:29 PM
It's really a hit or miss situation. Last season, blew 2 engines:both the same coniguration, 2mm over, stock rods. Never had an issue with the crank, but several had either rotor side sheer, or snapped in half. Mine snapped the rods. Ran a stock engine for the rest of the season in both my endurance, and sprint bikes, no problems.Round 1 this year the sprint engine did the same, snapped rod thru the front of the cases.
Built a 3mm engine, with Falicon bilet crank, and rods, everything you could think of, fast as hell.
Had an issue with the clutch, so I tore it down for inspection.Found a cracked case at the crank bearing.On a second engine, I had the case crack between the front and rear cylinder.Both case cracks were at a casting mark.
Thus time to switch brands.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: x2468 on November 23, 2005, 08:19:45 AM
wow, yeah i see. thats scary, especially for the wallet. hopefully the parallel twin does u better.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: Thingy on November 23, 2005, 02:16:51 PM
Roadracing World had an article about it a few months ago with some pretty detailed explanations.  You might want to see if they posted that article to their website.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: x2468 on November 23, 2005, 03:49:55 PM
which month. i have a sub to rrw. might have been the month just befor emy 1st issue came.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: H-man on November 23, 2005, 04:31:00 PM
Two articles actually.  In the May 2005 issue of RRW.

E-mail me with a fax number if you can't locate a copy and I'll fax the articles to you.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on November 24, 2005, 03:17:34 AM
QuoteRoadracing World had an article about it a few months ago.
Eddie Kraft wrote one, and Nolan from AOD/Notorious Pigs wrote the other. Nolan's basically said that you need to keep rpms below 10k. And brought up the theory of the crank shimming.The Pigs had thier case crack and start to weep oil at Nelson Ledges.
Good read though.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: james-redsv on November 24, 2005, 02:45:36 PM
QuoteIt's really a hit or miss situation. Last season, blew 2 engines:both the same coniguration, 2mm over, stock rods. Never had an issue with the crank, but several had either rotor side sheer, or snapped in half. Mine snapped the rods. Ran a stock engine for the rest of the season in both my endurance, and sprint bikes, no problems.Round 1 this year the sprint engine did the same, snapped rod thru the front of the cases.
Built a 3mm engine, with Falicon bilet crank, and rods, everything you could think of, fast as hell.
Had an issue with the clutch, so I tore it down for inspection.Found a cracked case at the crank bearing.On a second engine, I had the case crack between the front and rear cylinder.Both case cracks were at a casting mark.
Thus time to switch brands.
You do all that to a Kawi twin and you are gonna have the same problems. The thing is the cases and everything else is designed for 65-75 hp, you bump it to 90+ and they are going to break, doesnt matter the brand. You would have been safe with 2mm over, balance/shim the crank with carillo rods. Keep it about 80 hp on your SV. That paralel kawi twin is not going to be the anwser.  
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on November 25, 2005, 05:11:19 AM
QuoteThe thing is the cases and everything else is designed for 65-75 hp, you bump it to 90+ and they are going to break, doesnt matter the brand. You would have been safe with 2mm over, balance/shim the crank with carillo rods. Keep it about 80 hp on your SV. That paralel kawi twin is not going to be the anwser.  
Nolan's engine was very close to stock, I would guess in the 80hp range, and his cases did the same thing.There are plenty of 85hp SVs out there, that have not had this happen. I'm calling it a quality control issue.
As far as the Kawi is concerned, mods will be keep to a minimum.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: grasshopper on December 11, 2005, 01:08:50 PM
I have spy pictures of brand new one. I'll download them later. I spotted one here in Japan. My co-workers are tired of me, all I talk about is motorcycles.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: grasshopper on December 11, 2005, 11:57:11 PM
Straight from Japan spie pictures, personally, I don't like it, I'll stick to my SV.

I thought for a second the guys at the shop were going to drag me out of their because everyone came out to the show room to see what was going on.

I about flipped out, I was like STOP THE CAR STOP THE CAR!!!! I HAVE TO GO BACK AND TAKE PICTURES AND CHECK OUT THAT BIKE. My Coworkers hate me :(



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Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on December 12, 2005, 10:26:32 AM
Thanks, that's the Euro nakid verson. I find it pretty fuggly.The 650R's are supposed to start hitting the showrooms this week.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: jamesredsv on December 13, 2005, 04:41:31 AM
That thing will take a ton of work to get race ready if it is even possible. Just a few things from the pics, how are you going to take off the passenger pegs and keep the rider pegs, they are all one unit. Hack saw? How much would aftermarket rearsets cost, even if they could make them. Looks like a heavy steel swingarm, junk shock(which the SV has as well). Worse forks than the SV.The steel frame isnt even close to being as strong or light as an SV. A parallel twin sucks compaired to a V-twin. Exhaust? You are going to have to core the stock one for now. The only thing I can find on it worth anything for racing is the wave rotors?  Hehehe Looks like the price of used SV are going to be holding steady!
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: J Farrell / Speed Tech Motorsp on December 13, 2005, 06:34:54 AM
Don't be so quick to judge a book by its cover! Who knows it could be an Ed Key beating formula!! ;D

Hell if I rode it I would leave the stock pegs on for fun!
For a second there I thought I would have to break out the old White LP stand to put it on a pedistal but it came with swingarm spool nuts welded to the swingarm!!  :D
I'm sold!!

Passenger grab rails make great plate hangers too!!
-Farrell
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on December 13, 2005, 01:30:55 PM
First off, as I said that's the naked verson. Vortex,Attack, and others already are working on rearsets.The new dyno charts are coming out from the various exhaust manufactures. With a full system the numbers are very close to a SV with the same.
No comment on the 300lb 100hp SS SV ::)
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: andy342 on December 13, 2005, 08:50:20 PM
I wonder if a shortened KTM dirtbike shock would fit that thing.  

We sell parts for KTMs all day, though.  Who knows if it would be cost effective to come up with valving and springs for this bike.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on December 21, 2005, 09:12:06 AM
Just wanted to give a quick update.
I picked one of mine up yesterday, only had a little daylight to run my first run. First impression is very good. The 650R is fast and responsive. Turns very quickly, in stock trim.
I've raced SV's for 4 years, and I fell the Kawi is as good, or better, in stock trim. Most reports from the exhaust manufactures show a 6+ hp gain with a full system.Add a FI management system and you good to go. :)
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: tengonada on December 23, 2005, 09:47:25 AM
The SV is gonna spank the cowasaki....hands down...no contest
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: RCR_531 on December 23, 2005, 12:08:53 PM
I can't wait to see what the rear sets are going to look like the stock ones are huge. I liked the rest of the bike I will be getting mine Feb.
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on December 23, 2005, 12:48:59 PM
QuoteThe SV is gonna spank the cowasaki....hands down...no contest
Would you like to donate say $50 to the Wegman Fund if they don't?
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on December 23, 2005, 12:51:06 PM
QuoteI can't wait to see what the rear sets are going to look like the stock ones are huge. I liked the rest of the bike I will be getting mine Feb.
There are a couple of ideas right now.
One is to make adapter plates and use 600RR rearsets. I'm sending a bunch of oem parts off mine to Vortex, so the can work on design.
Stockers weigh 4lbs each :o
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: tengonada on December 23, 2005, 01:59:04 PM
QuoteWould you like to donate say $50 to the Wegman Fund if they don't?

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Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on December 23, 2005, 02:22:10 PM
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The SV is gonna spank the cowasaki....hands down...no contest . You're words, so if you're so sure, put your money where your mouth is ::)
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: Gixxer124 on December 24, 2005, 07:23:20 AM
Sounds like an upstanding wager. I care. ;)
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on December 24, 2005, 07:57:06 AM
QuoteSounds like an upstanding wager. I care. ;)
What's up Kevin.  :-*
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: Gixxer124 on December 24, 2005, 09:08:03 PM
QuoteWhat's up Kevin.  :-*

My SV is going to spank your cowasaki. ;)
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on December 25, 2005, 05:19:58 AM
QuoteMy SV is going to spank your cowasaki. ;)
Well then come to the National @ Joliet  ;)
Merry Christmas buddy :)
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: tengonada on December 27, 2005, 07:24:31 AM
QuoteWell then come to the National @ Joliet  ;)
Merry Christmas buddy :)

Hey gary the fairy...ya got martin the fergenier ridin for you again this year?  What about mark?
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: BlueRidgePerformance on December 27, 2005, 08:37:11 AM
QuoteHey gary the fairy...ya got martin the fergenier ridin for you again this year?  What about mark?
Yes Martin, not sure about Mark, he might be taking a new job, which won't allow him to travel. Homo :P
Title: Re: Kawasaki 650 Twin
Post by: tengonada on December 27, 2005, 11:17:00 AM
QuoteYes Martin, not sure about Mark, he might be taking a new job, which won't allow him to travel. Homo :P

Want me to ride in his place :D

Always thought mark/martin were a cool punch to race with :)