From: "Darrel & Deanna" Subject: (klr650) Cannondale Moto Machine Date: 30 Jun 1998 23:13:49 -0700 > David, I like your idea. Is there a web site where we can view > the Cannondale motorcycle? > CA Ron (who'd be skeptical, but bicycles launched the Wright Bros.) Ron- There's a spy photo of an incomplete Cannondale dirt bike in the last two issues of "Cycle World". Your local library should have copies. Darrel ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Todd Emsley Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: (NKLR)Re: Break-in and oil (long) Date: 01 Jul 1998 07:26:11 -0400 List, I had heard a rumor that auto engines were broken-in on the assembly line with light weight mineral oil, because of the exteremly light oil, the engine would break-in in a very short time, before the car left the factory. Anybody else heard this? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dale W. Borgeson" Subject: (klr650) Kick starter Date: 01 Jul 1998 09:04:03 -0500 (CDT) I've got a KLR kick starter kit and since it has no instructions I thought I'd ask how hard it is to install. From the parts I got and the illustrations in the Kaw manuals it looks pretty straightforward. Are there any problem areas I need to consider? Second, does the kick starter really work? Can you really kick start a KLR? Cheers -- Dale Borgeson dalebor@tiny.net Minneapolis, MN U.S.A. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Roy Cope Subject: (klr650) 1999 KLR Date: 01 Jul 1998 08:11:51 -0600 >Well here is a picture of the 1999 KLR: > > http://www.koups.com/sales/kawasaki/images/1999%20models/kl650a13.jpg > >Comments anyone? > >> Right now, however, I'm just sitting here wondering if I should >> paint the plastic on the bike, because whoever came up with that blue-green >> mix was obviously intoxicated beyond measure. >I wouldn't. I would wait until you come to Moab next year and see 50 other bikes the >same color and really really really...come to dislike it. I happen to like the looks of the blue-green KLR's even if they sound like a garden tractor. Roy Cope 96KLR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Ortlieb Drybags +KLR Date: 01 Jul 1998 09:12:56 -0600 Conall O'Brien wrote: > > I am in the process of figuring out the best way to mount Riderwearhouse > drybags. I have a corbin seat and Driveline side racks. > Do I run the main two wide straps of the bags under the seat so the bags > don't slide around? Does that mean I slip the side racks in and install > them after I lay the straps under the seat, install seat and plastic > side covers? I'm unable to remove plastic side covers(and seat) with the > driveline side racks in place. > I want the most secure way to mount these bags and any feedback would be > greatly appreciated. Thanks for the bandwidth. > Pleae reply direct to digesified subscriber. > Conall > 90 KLR 50k Conall, Bill Haycock has put more miles on a KLR with Dry Bags then anyone I know. When I received mine I asked him the same question, here is what he wrote: > Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998 11:58:46 -0500 > From: Bill Haycock > Subject: (klr650) Dry bags > > > On the dry bag mounting: > > There is a bag designed for the right and left side - the left side bag > is the one with the long strap on the upper left. > > first, position the bags so that the height is even with the top of the > seat, don't want them mounted lower then the seat height. > > Adjust the velcro so the bags sit right > > on the left bag you take the long strap and wrap it around under the top > rack (above the tail light section) and connect it to the connector on > the top of the right bag. Pull it snug! > > Go to the lower strap on each bag (the strap on the lower front of the > bag) take the strap and feed it through the opening in the passenger > foot peg mount - snug them up and you are done. > > To recap: you have three straps to deal with: one that goes from the > top of the left bag, around the fender above the stop light and connects > to the top of the right bag. > > you have two front straps (one on each bag) that connect to the > passengers foot peg mount. > > The bags should be adjusted with the velcro straps to sit even with the > top of your seat. > > On the Pannier bags: > > I have the larger ones and they fit fine but if you can carry what you > want with the smaller bags then that is fine too! The larger bags do > restrict your legs somewhat if you are over 5'10" > > Just mount them over the tank and get the height up toward the top of > the tank, don't want them way down low - mine sit about 1/3 of the way > down from even with the tank top. > > On the bungii cords, I bring the rear one down and hook it to my skid > plate, the front cord is pulled around the front and connected to the > center frame plate - not really critical where you attach them as long > as you have them so the bags are kept in close to the bike. > > Bill -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 Oingo Boingo Subscribe to KLRDSN ...ask me how ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "David" Subject: (klr650) Lying mechanic??? Date: 01 Jul 1998 17:29:05 +0200 This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0017_01BDA515.BF2C7520 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Hi all listers.=20 (I really do apologise if someone already has been kind enough to answer = this question for me, but a lot of my incoming mails have been lost due = to a complete server crash here at work.) I have put this question to the list once before and the answer I got = was to get an owners manual, but I have not been able to get hold of one = here in Sweden, despite trying for weeks. Therefore I'll try again.=20 My 93 KLX (street model) with electric starter makes a nasty rattling = sound when cold. It is only noticeable when the rpm's are low. When I = rev up it goes away. It sounds as if something is loose in there (like a = chain). My mechanic says it's something I'll have to get used to, and = that there is nothing he can do to correct it. But I suspect he hasn't = really any experience with the KLX. I have heard people on the list talking about a balancer chain that = might be the culprit, could this be the case with my bike as well? The = shop guy says that on my bike there is no balancer chain.=20 Has anyone had the same problem? I would be very grateful for some = advice, because the engine really sounds terrible. And if so, can I = correct it my self? Regards//David ------=_NextPart_000_0017_01BDA515.BF2C7520 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

Hi all listers.

(I really do apologise if someone already has been kind enough to = answer this=20 question for me, but a lot of my incoming mails have been lost due to a = complete=20 server crash here at work.)

I have put this question to the list once before and the answer I got = was to=20 get an owners manual, but I have not been able to get hold of one here = in=20 Sweden, despite trying for weeks. Therefore I'll try again.

My 93 KLX (street model) with electric starter makes a nasty rattling = sound=20 when cold. It is only noticeable when the rpm's are low. When I rev up = it goes=20 away. It sounds as if something is loose in there (like a chain). My = mechanic=20 says it's something I'll have to get used to, and that there is nothing = he can=20 do to correct it. But I suspect he hasn't really any experience with the = KLX.

I have heard people on the list talking about a balancer chain that = might be=20 the culprit, could this be the case with my bike as well? The shop guy = says that=20 on my bike there is no balancer chain.

Has anyone had the same problem? I would be very grateful for some = advice,=20 because the engine really sounds terrible. And if so, can I correct it = my=20 self?

Regards//David

------=_NextPart_000_0017_01BDA515.BF2C7520-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: kris.cichon@gsa.gov Subject: (klr650) Cannondale Moto Machine Date: 01 Jul 1998 10:38:00 -0400 --UNS_gsauns2_2898674143 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Disposition: inline Hi there .. guys wanna see a Cannondale ... up close.. check april's Motocross Journal ... 360 degree pictures .. and some tech details on engine .. atc .. ;-) Kris&Mariola --UNS_gsauns2_2898674143-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: (klr650) Re:(NKLR)Break-in and oil Date: 01 Jul 1998 09:46:42 -0600 Skip Faulkner wrote: > > Eric, the only info I have on the use of synthetic for break-in comes > from Mobil and Shell Oil in which they both advise against the use of > their own synthetics and semi-synthetics until the engine is > sufficiently broken in or around 2500 miles (they admitted that this was > a safe estimate). I agree with this, as in my research on synthetics for > a talk on oil I was giving to the Montana Pilots Association I found > that the synthetics high shear and higher thermal stability at high > pressures are precisely what you DON`T want for initial break in. Thats > why I recommend not babying the engine at break in because you want some > friction and wear on the peaks and irregular surfaces of the cylinder > walls against the rings. Skip, based on your advice, I've been starting to run my A12 harder in the past week.It might be my imagination but it seems like it is running smoother and more powerfully. In fact, I caught a little air in first gear on the way to work this morning...But, I have to say, I only felt comfortable doing this when I had the first 1,000 miles underneath it. Thanks for your comments on the synthetic thing...I have 12 quarts of Mobil 1 ready to start using and unless you or someone else says otherwise. I'll start at 2,500 miles. BTW, I read that Porsches and Corvettes come stock from the factory with synthetics. What do you recommend for oil change intervals with synthetics? Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) supertrapp (again) Date: 01 Jul 1998 09:51:24 -0600 Ryan Combs wrote: > > I'm sorry, I know this has been covered many times, but I can't seem to > remember who/when. I got my supertrapp quiet installed today, and was > wondering what the magic number of discs for best milage/performance. > Here's the basic info: > k&n filter in stock airbox > 140 dynajet jet > needle in the medum setting (third clip I think) > usally run 91 otcane > I started with 10 discs, and seems to run good > I live about 1000msl, but will be using it in the mountains also > I was getting about 230-250 miles to reserve > > Has anyone had a problem with the spacer for the 650 that keeps the pipe > from melting the fender, but gets really close to the side cover. > It looks like it could be cut in half, and be about right. > Thanks again, Ryan I run 12 discs, frankly, I don't think it is going to make a big difference on the quiet series. Ryan, why not join Robert Morgan and I and get an emissions check on your setup? Check the CO and HC at idle, 2500 RPM and 5000 RPM. I know what you mean about the spacer. Oddly enough, I received the Dual Star exhaust shield and instead of using it where they intended (I had the Driveline Rack) over the Trapp, I installed it beneath the side cover. It works perfectly but is a shame to hide such a beautiful piece of stainless... -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 Oingo Boingo Subscribe to KLRDSN ...ask me how ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Self-locking axle nuts... Date: 01 Jul 1998 09:16:20 -0700 >Kurt Simpson wrote: >> >> Dual Star now sells self-locking axle nuts for the KLR. The part number for the front >> (22mm) is 20-39110. The rear nut (24mm) is part no. 20-39111. Both sell for $6.95. I >> put a set on last night as I've sometimes found that removing and reinstalling cotter >> pins is the worst part of getting the wheel off... >> >> -- >> Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 > >Kurt, > >Can you reuse these locking nuts or do you have to replace them each >time? > I spoke to Dual Star yesterday, and he said that the nuts can be reused forever. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "David Sim" Subject: (klr650) drain plug Date: 01 Jul 1998 12:55:23 -0400 That KLR I brought home yesterday leaked oil overnight. Closer inspection showed it dripping right at the drain plug. I'm currently draining the oil and have a question. The previous owner has a drain plug with a nylon washer. Never seen this on a bike before. Is this right? I'm thinking he put this on cause he buggered the threads. Drip,drip,drip Dave Sim STOC 244 Kitchener, Ontario ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chris Beasley Subject: Re: (klr650) supertrapp (again) Date: 01 Jul 1998 10:05:25 -0700 In the same situation, I went up to 12 discs but didn't notice any change from seven disks. Then I took the door off of the airbox. WOW! I think beyond seven or eight disks, the flow is limited by the airbox. What do the rest of you guys think? b Ryan Combs wrote: > I'm sorry, I know this has been covered many times, but I can't seem to > remember who/when. I got my supertrapp quiet installed today, and was > wondering what the magic number of discs for best milage/performance. > Here's the basic info: > k&n filter in stock airbox > 140 dynajet jet > needle in the medum setting (third clip I think) > usally run 91 otcane > I started with 10 discs, and seems to run good > I live about 1000msl, but will be using it in the mountains also > I was getting about 230-250 miles to reserve > > Has anyone had a problem with the spacer for the 650 that keeps the pipe > from melting the fender, but gets really close to the side cover. > It looks like it could be cut in half, and be about right. > Thanks again, Ryan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chris Beasley Subject: Re: (klr650) Kick starter Date: 01 Jul 1998 10:09:55 -0700 I have one too. I'm going to install it but I want a new clutch at the same time. The Kickstarter installation looks easy. How hard is it to do the clutch? Does Barnett make a clutch kit for the KLR? Anyone know of a good heavy duty replacement clutch pack for our bikes? I have an '89 if that makes a difference. Cheers! CA Chris (Hi Ron!) Dale W. Borgeson wrote: > I've got a KLR kick starter kit and since it has no instructions I thought > I'd ask how hard it is to install. From the parts I got and the > illustrations in the Kaw manuals it looks pretty straightforward. Are > there any problem areas I need to consider? > > Second, does the kick starter really work? Can you really kick start a > KLR? > > Cheers > -- > Dale Borgeson dalebor@tiny.net Minneapolis, MN U.S.A. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) drain plug Date: 01 Jul 1998 11:33:14 -0600 -----Original Message----- >That KLR I brought home yesterday leaked oil overnight. >Closer inspection showed it dripping right at the drain plug. >I'm currently draining the oil and have a question. >The previous owner has a drain plug with a nylon washer. >Never seen this on a bike before. >Is this right? I'm thinking he put this on cause he buggered >the threads. >Drip,drip,drip > >Dave Sim >STOC 244 >Kitchener, Ontario > > Dave, I am pretty sure that the original sealing washer was aluminum. Nylon washers don't tighten very well and will leak. If the threads are messed up in the engine you can have them "heli-coiled" This is a cheap good fix for any stripped threads. If you need a magnetic drain plug, I've got 'em. Fred Hink moabmc@lasal.net Arrowhead Motorsports http://cctr.umkc.edu/user/khink/moabmc/index.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steve Deckert Subject: (klr650) test2 Date: 01 Jul 1998 10:30:09 -0700 This message is in MIME format. Since your mail reader does not understand this format, some or all of this message may not be legible. ------ =_NextPart_001_01BDA4DB.39F284B0 Content-Type: text/plain test2 ------ =_NextPart_001_01BDA4DB.39F284B0 Content-Type: text/html

test2

------ =_NextPart_001_01BDA4DB.39F284B0-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) Kick starter Date: 01 Jul 1998 11:38:13 -0600 Hey Chris, I can get you an EBC clutch kit for $67.00 and the springs for $9.00 Fred -----Original Message----- Cc: klr650@lists.xmission.com >I have one too. >I'm going to install it but I want a new clutch at the same time. >The Kickstarter installation looks easy. How hard is it to do the clutch? >Does Barnett make a clutch kit for the KLR? Anyone know of a good heavy duty >replacement clutch pack for our bikes? I have an '89 if that makes a >difference. >Cheers! >CA Chris (Hi Ron!) > > >Dale W. Borgeson wrote: > >> I've got a KLR kick starter kit and since it has no instructions I thought >> I'd ask how hard it is to install. From the parts I got and the >> illustrations in the Kaw manuals it looks pretty straightforward. Are >> there any problem areas I need to consider? >> >> Second, does the kick starter really work? Can you really kick start a >> KLR? >> >> Cheers >> -- >> Dale Borgeson dalebor@tiny.net Minneapolis, MN U.S.A. > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kuss.Todd" Subject: (klr650) 99 KLR650 Date: 01 Jul 1998 12:55:41 -0500 My comments, Of course we are all impressed with the updated graphics, and I can't wait to read a road test review to see how the new decals faired. Seriously, when I bought my 95, I was impressed that this model has been around for so long virtually unchanged. (If it aint broke don't fix it.) Certainly KAWAsaki would not have kept it around if it were disappointing people. I actually like the appearance of the new one and printed out a copy for my cubicle wall. Remember Mine (95) has the wonderful mailbu Ken graphics. Now if I only had a Big Jim sports camper with a trailer to pull it. I actually like the dark blue green on the newer ones, the 95 front fairing and brush guards are light Aqua, and it matches many of the little girls bicycles in the neighborhood. But, as we all recognize the futility in road testing decals, Can anyone tell me if the changes made in 96 (flywheel/ balancer weight, and clutch discs, did I miss anything??? ) acutally give the rider a noticeably different feel. My 95 is like new (1500 mi), but I've actually considered looking at newer ones just to test ride to see if I can tell the difference. (smoother engine due to flywheel change???) Has anyone done this???? or do the clutch differences just give you 50 more wheelies before a rebuild is needed??? Curious if anyone the camparison test on the engine changes, can anyone shed light on this, But I do like the 99, as someone said maybe it will stay forever. It wouldn't be all bad. for now, I'll ride my like new 95. Todd Kuss 95klr, 97arctic cat ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bill Haycock Subject: (klr650) GPS Article Date: 01 Jul 1998 14:13:33 -0400 To the LIST: A number of you on the LIST have asked about GPS receivers and some of the features common to GPS usage. I have just finished and posted a "Basic GPS" article to the KLRDSN Page. You can read it at: http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page38.html The article is basic and designed to be used by a new user or one contemplating the purchase of a GPS - this author is not an expert and only providing basic information and opinions. Bill Haycock Webmaster-KLRDSN ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kuss.Todd" Subject: (klr650) 99 KLR650 Date: 01 Jul 1998 13:51:49 -0500 First of all thanks for the picture!!! Comments on the 99 klr650, (as though anyone should care) Of course we are all impressed with the updated graphics, and I can't wait to read a road test review to see how the new decals faired. Seriously, when I bought my 95, I was impressed that this model has been around for so long virtually unchanged. (If it aint broke don't fix it.) Certainly KAWAsaki would not have kept it around if it were disappointing people. I actually like the appearance of the new one and printed out a copy for my cubicle wall. Remember Mine (95) has the wonderful mailbu Ken graphics. Now if I only had a Big Jim sports camper with a trailer to pull it. I actually like the dark blue green on the newer ones, the 95 front fairing and brush guards are light Aqua, and it matches many of the little girls bicycles in the neighborhood. But, as we all recognize the futility in road testing decals, Can anyone tell me if the changes made in 96 (flywheel/ balancer weight, and clutch discs, did I miss anything??? ) acutally give the rider a noticeably different feel. My 95 is like new (1500 mi), but I've actually considered looking at newer ones just to test ride to see if I can tell the difference. (smoother engine due to flywheel change???) Has anyone done this???? or do the clutch differences just give you 50 more wheelies before a rebuild is needed??? Curious if anyone has done the camparison test on the engine changes, can anyone shed light on this, But I do like the 99, as someone said maybe it will stay forever. It wouldn't be all bad. for now, I'll ride my "like new" 95. Todd Kuss 95klr, 97arctic cat ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) BeanTown to Chile! Date: 01 Jul 1998 14:18:23 -0600 Peter M. Anderson wrote: > > 2. What is the best type of hard luggage to get? w/ locks? Everything > I find on the web is soft luggage... First thing I would recommend Peter is to write Gino Pokluda (off the web page) and send him $46 for a one year subscription and all back issues. I three-hole punched mine and have them so dog eared you would think that I was a missionary and it was my bible. Gino has lots of pictures and info about hard cases. On the list, the three most popular options are: GIVI, especially at least a tailbox; Pelican (low cost durable option); and Al Jesse aluminum panniers. But there are others described in the newsletter. If you want additional info on these options just ask the list. > > 3. What are the essential modifications I should make to my KLR before > I hit the road? Here are my personal top upgrades and mods posted slightly in jest totally in earnest just a couple of days ago. The mods are 18-20: For now start with the best upgrades: 1) Excellent helmet; 2) Aerostitch Darien or FirstGear riding suit; 3) bash plate; 4) aluminum handguards; 5) throttle lock; 6) progressive springs/ss brakelines; 7) soft or hard luggage; 8)driveline racks/highway pegs; 9) centerstand; 10) new shifter/footpegs 11) jet kit; 12a) aftermarket exhaust; 12b) Corbin, Russell, or Travelcade seat/kit;...then if you still have an SO and anything left in your wallet write the list for the next 12 STEPS... To go on: 13) new windscreen w/stealth edging 14) Kawi Tank Bag/DualStar Co-Pilot 15) Top of the Line Luggage Rack 16) Dual Star light guard 17) deactivate sidestand switch and neutral safety switch 18) modify the airbox 19)remove emissions stuff 20) buy spare parts that break including rear master stay, plastic thingee that goes into the master cylinder, carb float bowl screw set from Jake Jakeman What about everyone else on the list?.... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: (klr650) Re: (NKLR) Break-in and "fish oil " Date: 01 Jul 1998 09:56:01 -0600 Todd Emsley wrote: > > List, > > I had heard a rumor that auto engines were broken-in on the assembly > line with light weight mineral oil, because of the exteremly light oil, > the engine would break-in in a very short time, before the car left the > factory. Anybody else heard this? LOL Forgive the humor but this reminds me of when I got Jake Jakeman going on the subject of Fork oils and he claimed it was important to dump the factory "fish oil" ("don't believe me he said, smell it!") after break-in. -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 Oingo Boingo Subscribe to KLRDSN ...ask me how ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Kick starter Date: 01 Jul 1998 10:00:01 -0600 Dale W. Borgeson wrote: > > I've got a KLR kick starter kit and since it has no instructions I thought > I'd ask how hard it is to install. From the parts I got and the > illustrations in the Kaw manuals it looks pretty straightforward. Are > there any problem areas I need to consider? > > Second, does the kick starter really work? Can you really kick start a > KLR? > > Cheers > -- > Dale Borgeson dalebor@tiny.net Minneapolis, MN U.S.A. Dale, I don't recall any posts about this but here is a quote from Eldon Carl's article in the November/December 1997 issue of the K650/DSN newsletter: From Eldon's wish-list: "Recall the optional kick starter kit which fits poorly and won't start the bike." Eldon can be reached at: 619-440-2960. -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 Oingo Boingo Subscribe to KLRDSN ...ask me how ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) supertrapp (again) Date: 01 Jul 1998 14:20:19 -0600 Chris Beasley wrote: > > In the same situation, I went up to 12 discs but didn't notice any change > from seven disks. Then I took the door off of the airbox. WOW! I think > beyond seven or eight disks, the flow is limited by the airbox. What do the > rest of you guys think? > b If performance is the primary interest I can't imagine not wanting to increase the flow in as well as the flow out, but again, that is the grand thing about the KLR, there are several hundred of us on this list that like it just the way we like it...(I put 12 1" holes in the top of the box) Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jeffrey P Moorbeck Subject: (klr650) break lines Date: 01 Jul 1998 14:29:51 -0700 (MST) I will be upgrading my front brake lines to stainless steel. I remember several people recommended Fastline stainless steel lines, but my dealer couldn't find their phone number. Does anyone have the number? Thanks in advance. Jeff Moorbeck ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: nocoffee@juno.com (Norman D Coffenberry) Subject: Re: (klr650) 99 KLR650 Date: 01 Jul 1998 18:05:22 EDT It's a funny thing... Honda's big single marketing disappointment, the NX650 was very much like the new 650 BMW and had the same-ish high tech dark silver blue as the new KLR and they couldn't sell them in the USA for more than two years (I had one). Now the color is popular and BMW has a winner with the same thing 10 years later... go figure. >First of all thanks for the picture!!! Comments on the 99 klr650, >(as >though anyone should care) Of course we are all impressed with the >updated graphics, and I can't wait to read a road test review to see >how the new decals faired. I actually like the appearance of the new one >and >printed out a copy for my cubicle wall. I actually like the dark blue >green >on the newer ones _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) break lines Date: 01 Jul 1998 16:49:20 -0700 >I will be upgrading my front brake lines to stainless steel. I remember >several people recommended Fastline stainless steel lines, but my dealer >couldn't find their phone number. Does anyone have the number? Thanks in >advance. > > Does anybody know of a reliable source? I ordered a Fastline about a month ago, and still haven't received it. The same goes for my Moose bash plate, although I have been told that it is finally being shipped. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Lying mechanic??? Date: 01 Jul 1998 17:06:58 -0700 This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0024_01BDA512.A859E560 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable My 93 KLX (street model) with electric starter makes a nasty = rattling sound when cold. It is only noticeable when the rpm's are low. = When I rev up it goes away. It sounds as if something is loose in there = (like a chain). My mechanic says it's something I'll have to get used = to, and that there is nothing he can do to correct it. But I suspect he = hasn't really any experience with the KLX. I have heard people on the list talking about a balancer chain that = might be the culprit, could this be the case with my bike as well? The = shop guy says that on my bike there is no balancer chain.=20 =20 I don't know anything about the KLX, but I've been told the motor = is similar to the KLR. If so, then it has a balancer chain. If you = look at the bottom of your case on the left side and see a rubber plug, = then remove it. Loosen the bolt under the rubber plug a few turns, then = tighten it back up and replace the rubber plug. This will adjust the = tension in the balancer chain. If the noise doesn't go away, then its = possible that either the cam chain tensioner is worn past its service = limit, or the balancer chain or chain tensioner have worn, if this is = indeed the problem. =20 I for one would never go back to a mechanic who told me that I'd = have to learn to live with the awful noise my motor is making. I think = that if you are having doubts about the competency of your mechanic, = then indeed he's incompetent and should be fired. Just today I read an = account of doctor's cures for cholera during the epidemic of 1849-1850 = here in the U.S. This doctors treatment was a tobacco smoke enema, = accompanied by a beeswax plug. Of course the patients mostly died. = Symbolic of the medical profession blowing smoke up the patients' asses, = just like your mechanic is doing to you. =20 Hope I've helped, =20 Jeff ------=_NextPart_000_0024_01BDA512.A859E560 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

My 93 KLX (street model) with electric starter makes a nasty = rattling=20 sound when cold. It is only noticeable when the rpm's are low. When = I rev up=20 it goes away. It sounds as if something is loose in there (like a = chain). My=20 mechanic says it's something I'll have to get used to, and that = there is=20 nothing he can do to correct it. But I suspect he hasn't really any=20 experience with the KLX.

I have heard people on the list talking about a balancer chain = that might=20 be the culprit, could this be the case with my bike as well? The = shop guy=20 says that on my bike there is no balancer chain.

 

I don't know anything about the KLX, but I've been told = the  =20 motor is similar to the KLR.  If so, then it has a balancer=20 chain.  If you look at the bottom of your case on the left side = and see=20 a rubber plug, then remove it.  Loosen the bolt under the = rubber plug a=20 few turns, then tighten it back up and replace the rubber = plug.  This=20 will adjust the tension in the balancer chain.  If the noise = doesn't go=20 away, then its possible that either the cam chain tensioner is worn = past its=20 service limit, or the balancer chain or chain tensioner have worn, = if this=20 is indeed the problem.

 

I for one would never go back to a mechanic who told me that I'd = have to=20 learn to live with the awful noise my motor is making.  I think = that if=20 you are having doubts about the competency of your mechanic, then = indeed=20 he's incompetent and should be fired.  Just today I read an = account of=20 doctor's cures for cholera during the epidemic of 1849-1850 here in = the=20 U.S.  This doctors treatment was a tobacco smoke enema, = accompanied by=20 a beeswax plug.  Of course the patients mostly died.  = Symbolic of=20 the medical profession blowing smoke up the patients' asses, just = like your=20 mechanic is doing to you.

 

Hope I've helped,

 

Jeff

------=_NextPart_000_0024_01BDA512.A859E560-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) BeanTown to Chile! Date: 01 Jul 1998 21:13:03 EDT In a message dated 98-07-01 16:31:27 EDT, ajax@xmission.com writes: << Pelican (low cost durable option); >> I have seen the Pelican line of cases everywhere now that I am looking. Marine stores, sports stores, catalogs, Well built, but they are not that cheap ! I called Pelican ( live about 4 miles from them) they will sell direct but at list price ! Dealers will give you only about 15% discount. That brings a 1520 series case to about $128.00. You can buy a Givi for this amount. Granted you must use the Givi mounts, but they do come off the bike and have locks ect. Undecided ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) drain plug Date: 01 Jul 1998 18:20:35 -0700 >That KLR I brought home yesterday leaked oil overnight. >Closer inspection showed it dripping right at the drain plug. >I'm currently draining the oil and have a question. >The previous owner has a drain plug with a nylon washer. >Never seen this on a bike before. >Is this right? I'm thinking he put this on cause he buggered >the threads. >Drip,drip,drip > The stock drain plug uses an aluminum crush washer. My case has a big gouge on the sealing surface of the washer where some previous idiot tried to pry the washer off with a screwdriver, so I had to use other means. I use a hardened rubber (not nylon, but the stuff that's designed for heat like for gasket material) washer. I also used some red ATV high heat silicon sealant on the threads near the head of the drain bolt. I haven't dripped since, and I have removed and reinstalled the bolt twice since that fix. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Fwd: Hello! Date: 01 Jul 1998 22:01:12 EDT This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --part0_899344872_boundary Content-ID: <0_899344872@inet_out.mail.aol.com.1> Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Any ideas for John's problem here? Gino --part0_899344872_boundary Content-ID: <0_899344872@inet_out.mail.aol.com.2> Content-type: message/rfc822 Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Content-disposition: inline Return-path: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Gino, Hi, how have you been? Been riding alot, as usual, I have been. My '97KLR has over 7000miles already, and I'm enjoying every minute of it. Do have one question, seems to be having problems with the choke, it seems to not be opening up all the way, even once the bike warms up it doesn't go past 3000RPM's. I bleeded the carb., adjusted the choke, still the same, once it's warmed up, with the choke off it's fine. Just yesterday I was headed just past my driveway still with the choke on a little, gave some gas and it bogged out almost, you would think with the choke on, like it's done before, that the RPM's would be higher, but it's like not feeding through the carb correctly, or something. I use the highest octane gas I can get, and I usually let the tank get pretty low, before I fill it up again. Well, just was wondering if you ever had that problem, and have any suggestions, hope to hear from you, bye! John Carbaugh Jr. York, PA --part0_899344872_boundary-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Crystal & Fred Olsen Subject: (klr650) Motor gone Date: 01 Jul 1998 22:14:56 -0400 Good Evening, After having the seals replaced by a local shop who swore he know what was making the noise and causing my concern, yesterday, seven miles out of the shop at about 80MPH the motor siezed blowing oil all over the road and gravel where it got parked (uprights thanks in great part to the MSF course). Having not popped it apart and assuming the worse, (connecting rod, pistion, bearings, crank) does anyone have any suggestions. Used? Rebuild? Parts? FJO '89KLR650 5884 miles (so states odometer) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Who needs a dual sport? Date: 01 Jul 1998 22:16:28 EDT So you think you need 13 inches of travel, premium tires, mando fuel capacity and custome luggage, eh? Check out the RD350 set up as a dual sport in the latest issue of Cycle World in the Readers Rides special section. Has high fender, army duffel bag luggage and headlight guard. Looks like it has seen bunches of mud too. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Oh God, another jacket! Date: 01 Jul 1998 22:18:49 EDT Just when you thought it was afe to put away your check book, First Gear comes out with the Kenya jacket. Looks exactly like a Kilimanjaro but is a shorter waist length version. I didn't even dare to look at the price. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Fwd: (klr650) supertrapp (again) Date: 01 Jul 1998 22:37:12 EDT This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --part0_899347033_boundary Content-ID: <0_899347033@inet_out.mail.aol.com.1> Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII In a message dated 98-07-01 13:07:46 EDT, beez@Cyra.COM writes: << In the same situation, I went up to 12 discs but didn't notice any change from seven disks. Then I took the door off of the airbox. WOW! I think beyond seven or eight disks, the flow is limited by the airbox. What do the rest of you guys think? b >> I agree, I went to 14 and it really made a difference. Then I put the air box door back on and it really could be felt. IMHO of course. MN Ron (SOP dyno not calibrated, but who's is?) --part0_899347033_boundary Content-ID: <0_899347033@inet_out.mail.aol.com.2> Content-type: message/rfc822 Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Content-disposition: inline Return-Path: Received: from rly-za01.mx.aol.com (rly-za01.mail.aol.com [172.31.36.97]) by air-za03.mail.aol.com (v45.13) with SMTP; Wed, 01 Jul 1998 13:07:46 -0400 Received: from lists.xmission.com (lists.xmission.com [198.60.22.7]) by rly-za01.mx.aol.com (8.8.8/8.8.5/AOL-4.0.0) with SMTP id NAA10622; Wed, 1 Jul 1998 13:07:14 -0400 (EDT) Received: from domo by lists.xmission.com with local (Exim 1.82 #1) id 0yrQJh-0005fH-00; Wed, 1 Jul 1998 11:05:09 -0600 Received: from (sparc1) [192.215.96.78] by lists.xmission.com with smtp (Exim 1.82 #1) id 0yrQJd-0005fB-00; Wed, 1 Jul 1998 11:05:06 -0600 Received: from cyra.com ([192.9.200.158]) by sparc1 (8.6.9/8.6.9) with ESMTP id KAA22712; Wed, 1 Jul 1998 10:10:58 -0700 Message-ID: <359A6C54.B4E18C78@cyra.com> X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.05 [en] (Win95; I) CC: klr650@lists.xmission.com References: <14131-3599C582-91@mailtod-162.iap.bryant.webtv.net> Sender: owner-klr650@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: Chris Beasley Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit In the same situation, I went up to 12 discs but didn't notice any change from seven disks. Then I took the door off of the airbox. WOW! I think beyond seven or eight disks, the flow is limited by the airbox. What do the rest of you guys think? b Ryan Combs wrote: > I'm sorry, I know this has been covered many times, but I can't seem to > remember who/when. I got my supertrapp quiet installed today, and was > wondering what the magic number of discs for best milage/performance. > Here's the basic info: > k&n filter in stock airbox > 140 dynajet jet > needle in the medum setting (third clip I think) > usally run 91 otcane > I started with 10 discs, and seems to run good > I live about 1000msl, but will be using it in the mountains also > I was getting about 230-250 miles to reserve > > Has anyone had a problem with the spacer for the 650 that keeps the pipe > from melting the fender, but gets really close to the side cover. > It looks like it could be cut in half, and be about right. > Thanks again, Ryan --part0_899347033_boundary-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Who needs a dual sport? Date: 01 Jul 1998 22:47:58 EDT on 7/1/98 7:18:30 PM, K650dsn@aol.com wrote: snip >....Check out the RD350 set up as a dual sport..... >Looks like it has seen bunches of mud too. >Gino Never fear fellow listers. Kawasaki has answered the call with their all new KLR NOMAD Dual Sport Cruiser. See the (3rd) reply below to my delicately worded inquiries. I've sent a 4th note hoping to clear this up, but I'm not optimistic. Calling the DoM on the phone tomorrow is gonna be fun;) [ Ron's 3rd attempt at getting information ] on 7/1/98, kmc!wavkb01@kmcusa.attmail.com wrote: snip >We have no information or illustrated brochures for our 1999 >products yet. Did you read my earlier note? Am I talking to myself here, or is there someone else who can respond? Please forward to me the email address of the Director of Marketing, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., Motorcycle Division. Below is my last post that you responded to with basically the same form letter as the first! 6/30cloudhid wrote: [deleted earlier note of whispered sweet nothings] [ Kawasaki's 3rd reply ] In-Reply-To: The letter of Wednesday, 1 July 1998 9:57am PT You are correct with regard to the Kawasaki Nomad - a 1999 early release. We can send you a brochure with your name and mailing address. However, we have no other early releases for other models per your inquiry. We have forwarded your comments to the department in charge of our website. I hope this answers your questions. Thank you for contacting Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. CA Ron (just a friendly, inquisitive fellow lister) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) BeanTown to Chile!-Cheaper Luggage Options Date: 01 Jul 1998 23:29:48 -0700 At 09:13 PM 7/1/98 EDT, Snafu11@aol.com wrote: >In a message dated 98-07-01 16:31:27 EDT, ajax@xmission.com writes: > ><< Pelican (low cost durable option); >> >I have seen the Pelican line of cases everywhere now that I am looking. >Marine stores, sports stores, catalogs, Well built, but they are not that >cheap ! Try gun shows. Sometimes people set up there and sell them at fair prices. >I called Pelican ( live about 4 miles from them) they will sell direct but at >list price ! >Dealers will give you only about 15% discount. That brings a 1520 series case >to >about $128.00. You can buy a Givi for this amount. Granted you must use the >Givi mounts, but they do come off the bike and have locks ect. Then again, the Pelicans will survive abuse that would turn Givis to powder. As an alternative, Doskosil makes some excelent pistol cases that are roughly comperable to the Pelicans for durability and are less than half the price. I fully intend to buy a pair (for about $110 wholesale) and use 'em for luggage on my R60/7 tourer. -Tom '96 KLR 650 26,000 miles Bought a '81 750 Virago today for next to nothing! Woooo... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) break lines Date: 01 Jul 1998 23:31:11 -0700 At 02:29 PM 7/1/98 -0700, Jeffrey P Moorbeck wrote: >I will be upgrading my front brake lines to stainless steel. I remember >several people recommended Fastline stainless steel lines, but my dealer >couldn't find their phone number. Does anyone have the number? Thanks in >advance. Dont know about Fastline, but Russells work just fine on my bike. -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Who needs a dual sport? Date: 01 Jul 1998 23:35:41 -0700 At 10:16 PM 7/1/98 EDT, K650dsn@aol.com wrote: >So you think you need 13 inches of travel, premium tires, mando fuel capacity >and custome luggage, eh? Check out the RD350 set up as a dual sport in the >latest issue of Cycle World in the Readers Rides special section. Has high >fender, army duffel bag luggage and headlight guard. Looks like it has seen >bunches of mud too. > I may not need a full 13 inches of travel, but I sure as hell like having 9 on the KLR! An RD two-stroke? I dont *think* so. :) -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Carlos Yonan Gonzalez Subject: (klr650) Fork boots Date: 01 Jul 1998 23:03:13 -0500 (CDT) Hello listers, I'm in dire need of new fork boots, but I can't find any aftermarket boots that will match the color of a 91 KLR, which is blue and white (the boots are also blue, and I'd like to keep them that way). I may end up buying the oem boots, but at almost $80 for a pair, it will be a last resort. Has anyone had luck with this color? If so who makes them, and how can I get them. Fred, do you have any leads? TIA, Carlos ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert frey" Subject: (klr650) 1999 KLR Date: 02 Jul 1998 00:08:25 -0400 Looks good to me, though its not a KTM-Davidson..... MudDog 96 KTM RXC620 Check -Out-What-Happened-To-The-Son's-'93KLR-At-The-Hooch-On-The-Favorite-Ri des-Page ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Michael Magnatta" Subject: Re: (klr650) Fork boots Date: 02 Jul 1998 00:26:02 -0400 Carlos: I got my Daystars from Fred, real inexpensive. I know how you felt when I heard the parts guy quote me that price. The blue (there are two blues, I forget which one I got) is close enough for me, especially considering the price (definitely under twenty). Mike Magnatta -----Original Message----- Hello listers, I'm in dire need of new fork boots, but I can't find any aftermarket boots that will match the color of a 91 KLR, which is blue and white (the boots are also blue, and I'd like to keep them that way). I may end up buying the oem boots, but at almost $80 for a pair, it will be a last resort. Has anyone had luck with this color? If so who makes them, and how can I get them. Fred, do you have any leads? TIA, Carlos ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: KdB Subject: (klr650) my "new" '94 KLR! Date: 01 Jul 1998 23:31:55 -0500 I've been lurking for a couple of months and recently bought a '94 KLR. Mine has only 3,000 miles but has set outside and looks rough. The original owner repainted it. It's a pretty pearl white, but he didn't prep the plastic properly, so it's pealing BADLY. I'm willing to replace the plastic pieces with something that will look good with the pearly white tank, any suggestions? Esp. interested in aftermarket, non Kawi. fenders. I have already had needed to call Kawasaki, they told me how to disable the clutch "safety" switch. The switch is junk, but I was impressed that Kawasaki was so helpful. I told them that I was broke down on the road and they called me back promptly! Looking forward to enjoying the bike, I've already been enjoying the list! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) my "new" '94 KLR! Date: 01 Jul 1998 22:33:46 -0700 >I've been lurking for a couple of months and recently bought a '94 KLR. >Mine has only 3,000 miles but has set outside and looks rough. The >original owner repainted it. It's a pretty pearl white, but he didn't >prep the plastic properly, so it's pealing BADLY. I'm willing to replace >the plastic pieces with something that will look good with the pearly >white tank, any suggestions? Esp. interested in aftermarket, non Kawi. >fenders. Unless someone else knows better, you're stuck with factory plastic. I haven't seen an aftermarket front fender that has the vents that allow airflow to the radiator (very necessary!), unless you go with the Acerbis lowered fender. A while back there was a great post that covered all of the prep work and materials needed to properly paint the plastic. Since you're only looking at seven pieces of plastic to paint, it might well be worth your time and money to do the job right. You could even use aftermarket graphics and trim to come up with your own scheme. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bill Wright Subject: Re: (klr650) BeanTown to Chile! Date: 02 Jul 1998 06:46:22 -0400 Snafu11@aol.com wrote: > Dealers will give you only about 15% discount. That brings a 1520 series case > to > about $128.00. You can buy a Givi for this amount. Granted you must use the > Givi mounts, but they do come off the bike and have locks ect. > Undecided If you've been looking at sporting goods stores, you should have seen some Doskocil gun cases. They have 2 cases that correspond roughly with the Pelican 1500 and 1520. They sell here for about $60 and $85 respectively. You can recognize them right away from the 4 latches on the case. Two are on the front and one on each side. They are waterproof to 30 feet for those of you with snorkels on your KLRs. Check em out! Bill Wright Hotlanta, GA. 98 KLR650 - 11725 miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Michael Magnatta" Subject: (klr650) klr650 tire pressures Date: 02 Jul 1998 09:26:47 -0400 Thanks. Not that anyone noticed (little joke) but for some strange reason most of the time I can't post to this list. I contacted Kurt, and we're pretty much convinced the problem is at my end. So sorry if I don't immediately respond or thank others members for their advice. (Thanks) BTW, if this message does not post, don't bother acknowledging (he-he). Mike Magnatta ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) break lines Date: 02 Jul 1998 08:36:58 -0600 Tom Simpson wrote: > > At 02:29 PM 7/1/98 -0700, Jeffrey P Moorbeck wrote: > >I will be upgrading my front brake lines to stainless steel. I remember > >several people recommended Fastline stainless steel lines, but my dealer > >couldn't find their phone number. Does anyone have the number? Thanks in > >advance. > > Dont know about Fastline, but Russells work just fine on my bike. > > -Tom > '96 KLR 650 I use Russells front and back on mine. I don't think Fastline makes a rear. Fred Hink has both. MAW has Russells. For those worried about the Russells not being coated, I followed Rick Clarke's suggestion and used Spiral Wrap, it worked perfectly. Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: George Basinet Subject: Re: (klr650) GPS Article Date: 01 Jul 1998 09:59:57 -0700 Bill Haycock wrote: > > To the LIST: > > A number of you on the LIST have asked about GPS receivers and some of > the features common to GPS usage. > > I have just finished and posted a "Basic GPS" article to the KLRDSN > Page. You can read it at: > > http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page38.html > >> > Bill Haycock > Webmaster-KLRDSN Bill, Great article. At http://www.rei.com they now have USGS maps available for downloading (for a fee). These maps have GPS locations, etc. George Basinet San Jose, CA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Brian Macha Subject: (klr650) I'm new Date: 02 Jul 1998 12:43:32 -0500 Greetings bikers, I'm looking to buy a 1997 or later KLR650. I'm in Wisconsin and am willing to travel to any neighboring state for the right bike (what better way to get acquainted with it than to ride it home from southern IL? ;)) Sorry if this isn't the place to do this. Thanks in advance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Brian Roth Subject: (klr650) Happy 4th! Date: 02 Jul 1998 14:33:02 -0400 Hey everybody, Just thought I'd wish all of you a happy 4th of July. My vacation is over, since I just did Americade and the COG National in Texas (on the Concours). Time to even out the mileage and start riding the KLR. Have a safe weekend! Brian C. Roth COG #1722, AMA #394789 Middletown, RI 92 Concours 97 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) On Vacation Date: 02 Jul 1998 16:21:55 EDT I'll be on vacation from 7/3 to 7/9. have a safe and happy 4th. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "J. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) GPS Article Date: 02 Jul 1998 14:34:10 -0700 (PDT) On Wed, 1 Jul 1998, George Basinet wrote: > Bill Haycock wrote: > > > > To the LIST: > > > > A number of you on the LIST have asked about GPS receivers and some of > > the features common to GPS usage. > > > > I have just finished and posted a "Basic GPS" article to the KLRDSN > > Page. You can read it at: > > > > http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page38.html > > > >> > Bill Haycock > > Webmaster-KLRDSN > > > Bill, Good article, esp. for beginners. However in your article you stated that Lat/Lon was the least accurate. That's correct if someone is using a road map, but it should be pointed out that for accurate orienteering, a 1:50,000 scale map should be used. These are available from the USGS, for a price, but there are also North American maps that the military uses. I will try to find a good source for these, as the circulation is not restricted. Lat/Lon by itself is a pretty wide fix, but this is narrowed down to minutes and seconds. This method can be somewhat confusing at times, especially for those not practiced with it. The NATO method for mapreading involves the "Grid" system, based on the Cartisian graphing system, where the X axis is East/West, and the Y axis is North/South, and the scale is in meters. With a 1:50,000 military map, and a protractor, it is possible to get a "8 digit grid" fix, which is accurate to ten meters (your GPS reciever isn't that accurate though.) With you there in Columbus, GA, at the "Home of the Infantry" (Spent a LONG time there!) you should be able to pick up some maps and protractor for at least your local area. Try "Ranger Joe's" on Victory Drive, or the countless other surplus stores. Do you ever ride on Post? Maybe I could have you go out and look for the watch I lost in Ranger School, I'll send you the grid! Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Michael Magnatta" Subject: Re: (klr650) On Vacation Date: 02 Jul 1998 17:50:17 -0400 Why do only my klr posts take 18 frickin' hours to arrive?!?!?!?!?!? Just venting. Mike Magnatta -----Original Message----- I'll be on vacation from 7/3 to 7/9. have a safe and happy 4th. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "J. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Oh God, another jacket! Date: 02 Jul 1998 15:10:45 -0700 (PDT) On Wed, 1 Jul 1998 K650dsn@aol.com wrote: > Just when you thought it was afe to put away your check book, First Gear comes > out with the Kenya jacket. Looks exactly like a Kilimanjaro but is a shorter > waist length version. I didn't even dare to look at the price. > > I think I heard that they sell for around $280 or so. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Michael Magnatta" Subject: Re: (klr650) On Vacation Date: 02 Jul 1998 18:21:22 -0400 Except the last one - why me?!? -----Original Message----- Why do only my klr posts take 18 frickin' hours to arrive?!?!?!?!?!? Just venting. Mike Magnatta -----Original Message----- I'll be on vacation from 7/3 to 7/9. have a safe and happy 4th. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "J. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Motor gone Date: 02 Jul 1998 15:24:28 -0700 (PDT) On Wed, 1 Jul 1998, Crystal & Fred Olsen wrote: > Good Evening, > > After having the seals replaced by a local shop who swore he know what > was making the noise and causing my concern, yesterday, seven miles out > of the shop at about 80MPH the motor siezed blowing oil all over the > road and gravel where it got parked (uprights thanks in great part to > the MSF course). Having not popped it apart and assuming the worse, > (connecting rod, pistion, bearings, crank) does anyone have any > suggestions. Used? Rebuild? Parts? > > If the case isn't holed or bent or otherwise messed up, and if the head isn't scrapped, then I'd look to rebuild the origional motor. If the case is holed, the look for another used case and rebuild. Same for the head, a new head with the cam bearings, and internal oil pipe and fittings, costs well over $500. I believe that the crankshaft can be straightened, to a point. (this should be done by a pro). But if the rod is bent it must be replaced. Bear in mind that the cylinder is a slip in, and there are three sizes of pistons and rings available, and these are replacable and somewhat affordable. Though I havn't found an aftermarket suplier for these yet (Fred?). There is just no way to tell what kind of damage was done until you tear into it though, but it my opinion, its worth the time to do so and asess the damage, and possibly salvage what parts you can if you have to get anoter motor. I also recommend that you do as much work as you feel comfortable doing, as this will save you money, like removing the engine yourself at least to take it to the shop. Sorry about your luck, Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "J. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR: Mobil 1 motorcycle oil vs Mobil 1 car oil Date: 02 Jul 1998 15:34:06 -0700 (PDT) On Tue, 30 Jun 1998, Johnny Knight wrote: > The test Jeff refers to was done by MCN magazine about 2 years ago. I am > sure reprints would be available if anyone wants them. I also agree with > Jeff as to the info being hogwash. I have used car oil in all my bikes > over the last 35 years with no ill effects. I am currently running Mobil > 1 and have had no problems (even with clutch slippage). The bike I am > riding a 1986 Honda GL-1200 Goldwing which should produce enough power > to cause slippage when you nail the throttle open, but all I ever get is > tire spin. (don't fuss at me I'm working on getting a dual sport, just > watching the list to gather great info). I pissed this guy off at a stop light today. He was on a Goldwing. I pulled up next to him, then asked him if his RV had air conditioning, pointing at his bike. I didn't hear his response as I left him in my mirrors, but his look said it all! Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) break lines Date: 03 Jul 1998 09:56:43 +1000 Kurt Simpson wrote: [...] > has both. MAW has Russells. For those worried about the Russells not being coated, I > followed Rick Clarke's suggestion and used Spiral Wrap, it worked perfectly. Oingo Boingo, earthlings, I've been considering fitting a braided line to my 600. Noticing that the stock line has a pretty thick clear tube over the rubber hose, and that the stock hose is clamped on the fork, I wonder how you guys keep the line up the fork leg straight so that the bend up at the headlight does the flexing. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: NKLR Re: (klr650) Happy 4th! Date: 03 Jul 1998 10:26:33 +1000 Happy 4th from Down Under. I'll have a drink for you guys. I wish I could be celebrating as I did some years ago, by driving my '69 Buick Electra, playing Hendrix's Star Spangled Banner on the tape deck, but I don't have the Buick any more :-( I guess I'll have to make do by driving a Z28 or Dodge Viper on my PlayStation :-) Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "SAM DILLINGHAM" Subject: Pelican Bags (was (klr650) BeanTown to Chile!) Date: 02 Jul 1998 21:58:50 -0700 > Date: Wed, 1 Jul 1998 21:13:03 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) BeanTown to Chile! > In a message dated 98-07-01 16:31:27 EDT, ajax@xmission.com writes: > I called Pelican ( live about 4 miles from them) they will sell > direct but at list price ! Dealers will give you only about 15% discount. That brings a 1520 > series case to about $128.00. Two other options for Pelican: 1. Check the ads in the back of photography magazines. There are a couple of companies back East (NY?) that sell 1520's for about $70 each. 2. Jake Jakeman, Sagebrush Machine Shop, 435-387-5575, has told me he has a source that will sell for that or less. I didn't get the name of the company, but give Jake a call, he's a GREAT guy to talk with! Jake also has worked up a design for mounts for the Pelican bags that he'll be happy to share with you. When you call him, tell him I said Hi! Sam Dillingham - AZ '97 KLR650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Skip Faulkner Subject: Re: (klr650) Forktubes Date: 02 Jul 1998 23:06:34 -0600 Bryce Hysjulien wrote: > > I've read on the list recently that the forktubes on a KLR should be > flush with the top for clamp. Is this correct? My fork tubes are 2 1/4 > inches above the top clamp(from clamp to top of tube). The bike came this > way from the dealer. I'm installing the lowering kit over the 4th and don't > want to drop the tubes in the clamps if I don't have to. > > Thanks in advance, Bryce. Bryce, As you will find out, the general consensus is that you should not have the fork tubes protruding very far above the clamps if any at all. I recommend you heed this advice as it is coming from experienced and knowledgeable riders with your welfare in mind. Also you may effect handling in certain situations because you are basically altering the rake geometry. I personally have mine at 2.5 inches below and have lowered the clamps on several of my bikes with no disconcertable changes in handling but I lowered gradually under different weights and conditions and also was willing to accept the consequences of my experimenting. Now, if you install lowering links (lower mount of mono-shock) you should be able to lower the front clamps correspondingly because you would be restoring the geometry you upset by lowering the base bike. Is that right listers? I`ve never used the links and need to be corrected for Bryce`s sake if that`s not correct. -----------------Skip--------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Skip Faulkner Subject: Re: (klr650) 1999 KLR Picture Date: 02 Jul 1998 23:20:43 -0600 David M. King wrote: > > According to that web site, the price remains at $4799.99. Which > is good news for those that were looking for '98s and can't find > them. > > I find it hard to believe that there were no mechanical modifications. > Anybody have any more information on that? > > David M. King > > > Dave, I think it's ok. I dig it ..... but I still like my 95. > > > At 5:20 PM -0500 6/30/98, David M. King wrote: > >>Well here is a picture of the 1999 KLR: > >>Comments anyone? > > > Steve (who has no taste at all) Looks like CRAP to me. Where`s the tasteful but nauseating graphics we`ve all come to hate. And that awful color, almost as bad as the 97. What happened to the beautiful Granny Smith green with the purple seat that my perfect 1995 has? What has the world come to? That bike won`t make old ladies scream,BMWers wretch and Biker Babes laugh like mine will. -------Skip-(who DOES have good taste,bellbottoms are back aren`t they?! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Skip Faulkner Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR More Synthetic vs Convetional Oil Date: 03 Jul 1998 00:34:42 -0600 Cloudhid@aol.com wrote: > > > Skip, sounds like the benefits of using a synthetic oil might be > realized in a bike engine that redlines at 7500 or 8000 (klr600), > (5-6000rpm sustained cruise). More so than in our planes that > typically redline below 3000 rpm and usually have a steady > stream of cooling air, not stuck in stop and go traffic with > grinding gears. Did the CHT gauge that you used confirm this? > > CA Ron (wondering how often you have to replace the sneak in helmet;) You`re right Ron, although if I still was running an air-cooled bike like my old NX or maybe a DR650, I believe I could justify it more as the less stable temps of an air-cooled bike could make better use of the synthetics. Maybe even the semi-synthetics (blends) would be a better choice money wise, as you know Aeroshell`s 15W50 has had an excellent track record as multi-grades go. But then again, justification has never been a great motivator for me. I believe I`ll stay with synthetics awhile and see how they pan out. As I told Kurt, after seeing the synthetics report and breakdown analysis in that article you pointed me to, I`m switching to Mobil 1, the automotive version,not the motorcycle version. I`m calling next week a Mobil tech rep I know and have gotten a lot of info from before to see if there is any appreciable difference between the two and not some marketing scam. By the way, trainers and tow-planes would be excellent candidates for synthetics as they made good use of them before Mobil got sued. The CHT gauge I used was never calibrated for true temp as I was more interested in the relative readings of trend and didn`t take the time to do it. I was surprised though at the wide temp ranges my XL displayed between mid-range cruising and stop-and-go traffic. Since my bike is now water-cooled, and I want to check out this synthetic oil, I`m going to install an oil temp gauge and run the bike for 1000 miles on the synthetic and then switch back to the conventional oil and see what my results are. Alas, I believe my old Nolan has sustained it`s last blow of the cast iron skillet (what a wicked blugeon it makes)and until I get my new helmet, I`ll be using and old deep sea diving helmet, which of course will severely limit my peripheral vision and in doing so I`ll not be able to anticipate the blows as well. So, should you no longer see these lengthy and boring monologues any longer, you will know that I have succumbed and faced a demise worse than falling over on a buddy`s R1100GS at an intersection with deep wheel grooves with the bike on a high center hump, surrounded by motorists who were deeply appreciative of the spectacle.( especially in watching me try to pick up the damn 500+ pound thing) ----------Skip-(who doesn`t know the meaning of the word foolish)------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Skip Faulkner Subject: Re: (klr650) drain plug Date: 03 Jul 1998 00:47:42 -0600 Jeffrey L. Walker wrote: > > gasket material) washer. I also used some red ATV high heat silicon sealant > on the threads near the head of the drain bolt. I haven't dripped since, > and I have removed and reinstalled the bolt twice since that fix. > > Jeff Is that a 3-wheel or 4-wheel ATV Jeff? -------------Skip---(Sorry, if I hadn`t somebody else would have)------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) 1999 KLR Picture Date: 03 Jul 1998 08:16:24 -0600 Skip Faulkner wrote: > > David M. King wrote: > > > > According to that web site, the price remains at $4799.99. Which > > is good news for those that were looking for '98s and can't find > > them. > > > > I find it hard to believe that there were no mechanical modifications. > > Anybody have any more information on that? > > > > David M. King > > > > > Dave, I think it's ok. I dig it ..... but I still like my 95. > > > > > At 5:20 PM -0500 6/30/98, David M. King wrote: > > >>Well here is a picture of the 1999 KLR: > > >>Comments anyone? > > > > > Steve (who has no taste at all) > Looks like CRAP to me. Where`s the tasteful but nauseating graphics > we`ve all come to hate. And that awful color, almost as bad as the 97. > What happened to the beautiful Granny Smith green with the purple seat > that my perfect 1995 has? What has the world come to? That bike won`t > make old ladies scream,BMWers wretch and Biker Babes laugh like mine > will. > > -------Skip-(who DOES have good taste,bellbottoms are back aren`t they?! They sure are BABY! Kurt "Austin Powers" Simpson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR More Synthetic vs Convetional Oil Date: 03 Jul 1998 08:19:20 -0600 Skip Faulkner wrote: > > > to, I`m switching to Mobil 1, the automotive version,not the motorcycle > version. I`m calling next week a Mobil tech rep I know and have gotten a > lot of info from before to see if there is any appreciable difference > between the two and not some marketing scam. > > ----------Skip-(who doesn`t know the meaning of the word foolish)------- Skip, what are you thinking for oil change intervals with Mobil 1? -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 Oingo Boingo Subscribe to KLR650DSN ...ask me how ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: (klr650) Hink's parts list... Date: 03 Jul 1998 08:32:22 -0600 Fred Hink has an extensive list of KLR parts and accessories available via email. To his credit, he is reluctant to post to the list for not wanting to offend anyone. Please email Fred and request the list if you are interested. Fred is at : moabmc@lasal.net. Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: (klr650) Valve Adjustment.... Date: 03 Jul 1998 08:41:57 -0600 > I spent the evening checking my valves using Eldon Carl's instructions > at: > http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page4.html > > Eldon, on my '88 KLR, I had to unmount the radiator and move it aside > in order for the valve cover to clear the cam chain sprockets. I > noticed you'd asked for comments, so that's something you might want > to add. Otherwise, the instructions were great! Thanks Eldon! > > Question: Do I ~really~ need to adjust my valves? > > Eldon's Specs My valves > Exhaust: .006~.010" Left .004 Right .008 > Intake: .004~.008" Left .005 Right .006 > > Service Manual Specs My valves > Exhaust: .150~.250mm Left: .102 Right .203 > Intake: .100~.200mm Left .127 Right .152 > > The only one that is really out of spec is the Left Exhaust. The bike > has 20,000 miles on it. > I've only put 2000 on it since I bought it and I don't know the repair > history. > > Question Detail: > Do I really need to go to the trouble of removing the cams just for > that one valve? I think that someone said the valves have a tendency > to only get tighter. > How quickly might this happen? > Should I just wait and check them again after another couple thousand > miles? > > The only reason I checked the valves was because they seem to make a > LOT of racket. > Is this common to KLR's or a symptom of my left exhaust valve being > too tight? > > Any help appreciated! > > I'm still ruminating all the excellent "to BMW or not to BMW" > information. > That one's gonna take some deep thought. > > John Bennett > > ===================================== > Visit my page! http://www.lcc.net/~jbennett John, there is a lot of room within the adjustment specs but when they are out of the specs it is time to act. You don't need to be nagged by that question for the next 5,000 miles. Adjust the valve!. No, you do not need to remove the cam. After removing the tensioner, simply unbolt the camshaft caps for the exhaust cam. If you want to follow Carl's advice you'll have to remove the left intake camshaft cap to remove leftside caps and oil line as a unit (I wouldn't be too worried about this, just be gentle when reinstalling not to damage the o-ring inside the left exhaust camcap where the oil line fits). Next, just lift the rightside of the cam and ziptie it to the frame. Then take a thin probe or magnet and lift the shim. The service manual has a table for the correct shim to substitute. If you email me with the number on your shim I can tell you which one you need from the table. Kurt BTW, your message BOUNCED as a non-member submission, you need to subscribe to the list or subscribe from the email address you used to generate the message... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Kawi Saddle & Tail Bags Date: 03 Jul 1998 11:24:14 EDT Dear Listers: I, too, have been "lurking" on the list for nearly a month now, after buying a 98 KLR 650 in May, and enjoy the goings on here. I plan to do a lot of riding over the 4th of July and am preparing for my "Big Ride" of the summer. I live in Concord, NH (the "Live Free or Die" state, CA Ron), and will be heading north at the end of the month to Montreal, west on the Trans-Canadian and then down into the upper peninsula of Michigan. What better way to get to a business meeting in Traverse City? Why fly when you have a KLR 650? (My family and in-laws think I've lost it. I think I've found it.) FYI, I added the Kawasaki softside saddle bags and tail bag to my bike yesterday. They went on real easy, fit perfect and look great, to me. How substantial is the highway speed comfort level improvement of adding the Clearview +4 windshield and Stealth Edging? What about just adding the Stealth Edging to the original shield? That's the next modification I'm considering, since I'll be spending many days in the saddle soon. Happy 4th of July all...and happy vacation, Gino. JerLittle (declaring his independence) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Kawi Saddle & Tail Bags Date: 03 Jul 1998 09:36:14 -0600 JerLittle@aol.com wrote: > > Dear Listers: > > How substantial is the highway speed comfort level improvement of adding the > Clearview +4 windshield and Stealth Edging? What about just adding the > Stealth Edging to the original shield? That's the next modification I'm > considering, since I'll be spending many days in the saddle soon. > > Happy 4th of July all...and happy vacation, Gino. > > JerLittle (declaring his independence) This windshield thing is not a perfect one...I run the Clearview 7" w/stealth and the wind cuts just above my eyebrow but I do get some turbulence around the sides of the screen. It is definitely better than no shield but with any kind of crosswind you have a feeling of being buffeted. I'm going to take it Montana next week and I'm sure the ear plugs will cut down on the "sense" of turbulence. I say try the stock screeen and see what you think. It will cost you $10/foot to try it. -- Kurt Simpson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: (klr650) SS Brakelines... Date: 03 Jul 1998 09:40:40 -0600 Mr.T, when I put my ss brakelines in I cut some pieces of innertube and used them as kind of a grommet around the line in a couple of places. I left the top hole off the fork loose (the way it was with the stock line). After your post I watched my line while braking (as best I could without loosing it) and I couldn't detect any flex above or below. -- Kurt Simpson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert frey" Subject: (klr650) RXC Page.... Date: 03 Jul 1998 12:50:33 -0400 Setting up a RXC 620 page at www.geocities.com/Baja/Canyon/5245/ktm.html Send your pics and stuff! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: frjsmithjr@webtv.net (Francis Smith) Subject: (klr650) Hink's Parts List Date: 03 Jul 1998 12:12:56 -0700 (PDT) I just ordered a magnetic oil plug and clutch cable from Fred after viewing his rather extensive KLR parts list on e-mail. A nice touch. I've saved it and will forward it to anyone who wants it. Jim - Palmdale '98 KLR '98 GL 1500 '98 1200 Bandit S (What a blast!) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bill Haycock Subject: (klr650) Fastline brake line source Date: 03 Jul 1998 17:43:16 -0400 Tom, Following is from the KLR Page: changing to a steel braided brake line! Fastline brake line kits increase brake stopping power, while improving brake feel. Stock rubber lines expand on hard braking, reducing brake effectiveness. Fastline stainless covered brake lines don't expand, offering better modulation and feedback. Colored vinyl covering protects brake line and fenders, body work, etc. from damage. The catalog number for KLR650 (93-96) brake line kit is: 24-625. This is the number for the White Brother's Catalog. your dealer can order these kits as well. White Brother's Web Site is: http://www.whitebros.com Their phone number is: (714) 692-3404 Bill Haycock ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Skip Faulkner Subject: (klr650) Re: 1999 KLR Picture Date: 03 Jul 1998 21:28:32 -0600 Cloudhid@aol.com wrote: > > In a message dated 7/2/98 10:21:45 PM, you wrote: > > >bellbottoms are back aren`t they > > only if you fly a piper;-) > > Ron Hey, hold on Daddy-O, Tomahawks and Trail 90`s rule man! -------------------Skip------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Skip Faulkner Subject: (klr650) Re: (NKLR) Carb ice Date: 03 Jul 1998 22:38:11 -0600 Cloudhid@aol.com wrote: > > > chance to review my carb ice post? Did you find any errors > or omissions in it? Thanks Skip. > > CA Ron (who better check his own helmet) Ron, I did and you are correct Sir. Ole Mr.Bernouli`s principle is the bedrock of aviation, not just in fuel and fluid dynamics but is the basis for aerodynamics as well.(I`m sure you remember this from ground school) There are three basic types of carb ice; (1) fuel evaporation ice (2) throttle ice (3) impact ice I`ll leave off impact ice as it mostly applies to aircraft. Fuel evaporation ice is formed because the decrease in air temp resulting from the evaporation of fuel AFTER it is introduced into the airstream. It usually occurs in systems where fuel is injected into the air UPSTREAM from the carb throttle, as is the case of float carbs. It occurs less frequently in systems in which the fuel is injected downstream of the carb throttle. This type of icing can occur at carb air temps as high as 100 dgs F. over a wide range of humidity conditions, even at reletive humidities WELL below 100%. Generally, fuel evaporation ice tendsto accumulate on the fuel distribution nozzle and any protuberances in the carb. Throttle ice is formed on the rear side of the throttle, usually when the throttle is in a partially "closed" position. The rush of air across and around the throttle valve causes a low pressure on the rear side; this sets up a pressure differential across the throttle, which has a cooling effect on the fuel/air charge. Moisture freezes and collects as ice on this low pressure side. Throttle ice usually collects in a restricted passage. A small amount will cause a large reduction in airflow. Throttle ice seldom occurs at temps above 38dgs.F. From my personal experience,most carb ice in motorcycles is a result in moisture laden fuel. As you know Ron and other pilots, if you leave a motorcycle tank with half or less fuel, you`ll get enough condensation to cause you some problems. In the winter and cooler months I use a little HEET in my fuel,not much because it can cause substantial damage if to much is used. -------------------Skip------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Skip Faulkner Subject: (klr650) Re: (NKLR)Break-in and oil Date: 03 Jul 1998 23:03:11 -0600 Thanks for your comments on the synthetic thing...I have 12 quarts of > synthetics. What do you recommend for oil change intervals with synthetics? > > Kurt Kurt, When Mobil was selling it`s Av 1,(synthetic) they said you could effectively double your oil change intervals but should stick to the recommended filter change intervals. I personally may go around a thousand over of my normal of 3000 which would put me at every 4000 miles. This is a personal thing because I realize Kawasaki recommends every 6000 miles or every year, but it`s cheap insurance and it`s cheaper than doing my truck at every 3000. I recommend you don`t push it much past the factory`s 6000 mile mark. What it comes down to is are you going to the synthetic to save wear on your engine or to save a few bucks? Either way would work. ---------------------Skip----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Skip Faulkner Subject: Re: (klr650) Kawi Saddle & Tail Bags Date: 03 Jul 1998 23:17:18 -0600 have a feeling of being buffeted. I'm going to take it Montana next week and I'm sure > Kurt Simpson Kurt, You wouldn`t happen to be going to the BMW Rallye in Missoula next weekend would you? I`ll be there Friday night, Saturday and Sunday if I can clear my hangar out next week. Let me know. Are any other Listers going? Maybe a KLR Cadre showing up would get some interesting comments as we all know, the GS guys are jealous of the KLR650, I know, I had one (R100GS) but am planning on getting a R80GS one of these days, the best GS BMW ever made and more reliable too! -------------------Skip------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Skip Faulkner Subject: (klr650) (KLR: carb box and side-protectors Date: 03 Jul 1998 23:43:36 -0600 Listers, On the KLR650 specifically (1995) what has worked best in drilling holes in the carb box. I`m basically satisfied (for the time being)with the performance of my bike but want it to breathe a little easier and I`m not ready for a K&N filter yet. Kurt, where did you drill YOUR 12 holes? I want to do it right the first time because on my NX650 I ended up getting more debris in the box till I sealed the first holes and moved them to the engine side, but all bikes are a little different and I`m still learning this KLR and would apreciate the help. I`m still wrestling with this thing off-road as it weighs more than twice what I do and either it`ll kill me or I it. Also, is there somewhere in the archives about side protectors? I`ve seen the ones on the KLR/DS page but have heard mention of others in the posts of other listers. Which ones have worked out best? I`m trying to stay around a pound a side or less, if they`re heavier than that I`ll make my own. Thanks ----------------------Skip---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: West Hovland Subject: Re: (klr650) (KLR: carb box and side-protectors Date: 04 Jul 1998 08:49:59 -0700 Skip Faulkner wrote: > Listers, > On the KLR650 specifically (1995) what has worked best in drilling > holes in the carb box. I`m basically satisfied (for the time being)with > the performance of my bike but want it to breathe a little easier and > I`m not ready for a K&N filter yet. > Kurt, where did you drill YOUR 12 holes? I want to do it right the > first time because on my NX650 I ended up getting more debris in the box > till I sealed the first holes and moved them to the engine side, Skip, Ask your dealer or favorite mail order joint to get you a half a dozen UNI filter air box vents. You drill 3/4" holes in your air box and snap these little air filters in the holes and waa-laa! nothing gets past them but AIR! West ( 93' reluctantly up for sale) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: (klr650) Re: BMW Rally Date: 04 Jul 1998 10:22:04 -0600 Skip Faulkner wrote: > > have a feeling of being buffeted. I'm going to take it Montana next > week and I'm sure > > Kurt Simpson > > Kurt, > You wouldn`t happen to be going to the BMW Rallye in Missoula next > weekend would you? I`ll be there Friday night, Saturday and Sunday if That's it...It looks like I'll be there on the same schedule...Alex Jamaron said he was coming but that was before his 3,000 mile roundtrip to SLC plus the 1500 he did in 26 straight hours...Let's plan a meet Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) (KLR: carb box and side-protectors Date: 04 Jul 1998 10:27:39 -0600 West Hovland wrote: > > Skip Faulkner wrote: > > > Listers, > > On the KLR650 specifically (1995) what has worked best in drilling > > holes in the carb box. I`m basically satisfied (for the time being)with > > the performance of my bike but want it to breathe a little easier and > > I`m not ready for a K&N filter yet. > > Kurt, where did you drill YOUR 12 holes? I want to do it right the > > first time because on my NX650 I ended up getting more debris in the box > > till I sealed the first holes and moved them to the engine side, > > Skip, > > Ask your dealer or favorite mail order joint to get you a half a dozen UNI > filter air box vents. You drill 3/4" holes in your air box and snap these > little air filters in the holes and waa-laa! nothing gets past them but > AIR! > > West ( 93' reluctantly up for sale) West is right (actually I have an extra package I would be willing to bring you in Montana) I bought about three bits trying to get the right combo. If you get it to loose you have to use some goop to hold them in so you want them tight and as perfectly circular as you can get. I think I used an 11/16 and then used a file after that. I placed them close together and avoided the front left chamber that draws in crankcase fumes. Needless to say I took the box out to do the work so I could blow it clean afterwards. It would be a great time to put in a jet kit because of having to break the subframe to get the airbox out (scared you yet?). Driveline side protectors are the way to go. They are beautiful things and powder coated to boot... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bill Haycock Subject: (klr650) GPS Basics article Date: 04 Jul 1998 12:41:14 -0400 I have updated and added to the basic GPS article recently placed on the KLR Page. If interested it can be found at: http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page38.html Bill ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "F B" Subject: (klr650) Bike Comparison (Advice) Date: 04 Jul 1998 11:32:18 PDT Greetings! I recently stumbled upon this list after researching the web for sites regarding dual purpose motorcycles. I've got the bug to purchase a dual purpose. I plan to use the bike for touring which will include about 90% blacktop and Interstate, 10% off road. I've been looking at the KLR 650, the BMW F 650, and the KTM Adventurer. Can anyone riding these machines give me some advice regarding my possible purchase. Is one bike better than the other. Will one better suit my needs than the other, etc. Thanks in advance! Frank ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: Re: (klr650) Bike Comparison (Advice) Date: 04 Jul 1998 17:03:17 -0500 I plan to use the bike for touring which will include about 90% >blacktop and Interstate, 10% off road. I've been looking at the KLR 650, >the BMW F 650, and the KTM Adventurer. Hey frank, I imagine the answer you'll get out of this list will be biased towards the KLR. personally I've had mine for 3 years, and I'm still loving every minute of it. The comparo between the KTM Adventure and the KLR ... hmmm 7.4 gallons for the KTM and 6.1 for the KLR ... I believe the KTM is a little more dirt oriented .... the big difference as far as I read in Cycle World is the price .... $4500 for the klr and $7500 for the ktm if I don't remember wrong .... > >Can anyone riding these machines give me some advice regarding my >possible purchase. Is one bike better than the other. Will one better >suit my needs than the other, etc. Thanks in advance! > >Frank Don;t get me wrong ... I love my klr, but if I had $7500 to spend on a bike ... I don;t know what I'd do ..... Steve (who has the KTM Adventure as wallpaper on the PC at work) Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC (Undernet) Email: tuca@tampabay.rr.com Email: steve@vvd.com Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: Re: (klr650) Bike Comparison (Advice) Date: 04 Jul 1998 17:15:06 -0500 http://www.ionet.net/~jhanna/THUMPER.HTML check out this site that has articles on both ... the klr and the ktm !! Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC (Undernet) Email: tuca@tampabay.rr.com Email: steve@vvd.com Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jeffrey P Moorbeck Subject: (klr650) eliminating Cal emissions junk Date: 04 Jul 1998 20:15:05 -0700 (MST) I have just begun doing some work on my '89 KLR and need a little bit of advise. I am pulling off the California emissions stuff (seperator, cannister, assorted hoses, etc.) and not sure what needs to be left on. Specifically, there is a hose (not the main fuel hose) that runs from the petcock to a 'T'. One side of the 'T' runs to the seperator and the other to the front of the carb. Do I just run a hose from the petcock to the carb (again, to clarify, I'm not talking about the main fuel line - on the California emissions models there are two hoses coming off the petcock). Second, one hose ran from the cannister to the air box, I'm assuming I can just pull this hose and plug the hole in the air box, is this the case? Finally, there are two hoses from the gas tank (I believe they are vents). One runs directly to the cannister and the other to the seperator. Do I simply pull the hoses? Or do I need to plug the vents? Or should I run new hoses? I recall a thread about this sometime ago and thought I had saved the messages, but I can't find them now (Lost in Cyberspace)! -Jeff Moorbeck ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) eliminating Cal emissions junk Date: 05 Jul 1998 10:18:38 EDT on 7/4/98 8:15:59 PM, jmoorbec@U.Arizona.EDU wrote: >I am pulling off the California emissions stuff (seperator, >cannister, assorted hoses, etc.) and not sure what needs to be left on. Jeff, the smaller hose coming off the petcock is the vacuum line that needs to connect to the top of the carb. The 'blue' hose coming off the gas tank is a breather hose that must remain open. The 'red' hose next to it is a fuel return line. I'm unsure whether that needs to be left open. For now I've let it dangle with the breather hose. I've temporarily covered the hole that's left in the airbox with foam. Mr.T's post about putting filters on the breather hoses makes sense, and I'll put them on when I find some that work. CA Ron (Eureka, a tangled woven web) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: snsi@win.bright.net Subject: (klr650) Them Darn Panniers Date: 05 Jul 1998 10:57:18 +0000 Howdy All, Well I got my Aerostich Tank Panniers, How do you mount them? Kurt Anyone? Jeff Smith Barnes, WI '71 A-HD Sprint 350; '97 Kawasaki KLR650 (King o'La Road) "Beware the dirt bike ... Ground shaking dirt bike" TMBG ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Them Darn Panniers Date: 05 Jul 1998 12:17:47 EDT on 7/5/98 8:53:42 AM, snsi@win.bright.net wrote: >Well I got my Aerostich Tank Panniers, How do you mount them? Kurt >Anyone? Jeff, these are from our hosts at the klr site and newsgroup. CA Ron on Sat, Feb 21, 1998 Bill Haycock wrote: snip > On the Pannier bags: > > I have the larger ones and they fit fine but if you can carry what you > want with the smaller bags then that is fine too! The larger bags do > restrict your legs somewhat if you are over 5'10" > > Just mount them over the tank and get the height up toward the top of > the tank, don't want them way down low - mine sit about 1/3 of the way > down from even with the tank top. > > On the bungii cords, I bring the rear one down and hook it to my skid > plate, the front cord is pulled around the front and connected to the > center frame plate - not really critical where you attach them as long > as you have them so the bags are kept in close to the bike. > > Bill --------------------- on Mon, June 1, 1998 Kurt Simpson wrote: snip >The combo works very well in either the competition or regular size. >With the panniers the trick is to get BOTH straps way forward of the >tank cap and loosen them so they fit very low. If you work with it you >can get them to clear your knees and still give you room to reach >highway bars if you have them.. >Kurt A12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert Morgan" Subject: Re: (klr650) eliminating Cal emissions junk Date: 05 Jul 1998 11:00:13 -0700 Hi Ron I recently tuned up both my McCollough chainsaws. I went to the Home Depot to get parts and purchased tune up kits. In them were fuel pickup filters about the diameter of a dime and not much longer. They have a tiny vacuum size hose barb on one end and are designed to be sumberged in the tank, they are made of black plastic. I bet they would make perfect fuel tank vent filters. Check em out. later Morgan./ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com Subject: (klr650) NKRL: Motard Date: 05 Jul 1998 17:00:55 -0400 I just read about the KLX Motard in the KLR650 DS newsletter. This may seem like a strange question: I know a motard or a super motard when I see one, but what is the unofficial definition. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Them Darn Panniers Date: 05 Jul 1998 18:38:29 -0600 snsi@win.bright.net wrote: > > Howdy All, > > Well I got my Aerostich Tank Panniers, How do you mount them? Kurt > Anyone? > > Jeff Smith Barnes, WI > '71 A-HD Sprint 350; '97 Kawasaki KLR650 (King o'La Road) > "Beware the dirt bike ... Ground shaking dirt bike" TMBG Thanks to Ron for posting Bill's advice on the panniers...I have the large ones as well and benefitted greatly from watching the way Gino had his competition's slung with both straps forward of the gas filler cap. I have mine a little lower than Bill, as low and as forward as I can string them and still get my feet on the highway pegs. It blocks a little air flow to my legs in the hot weather but the cooling system doesn't seem to suffer. They are a beautiful thing... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) NKRL: Motard Date: 06 Jul 1998 13:04:09 +1000 PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com wrote: > This may seem like a strange question: I know a motard or a super > motard when I see one, but what is the unofficial definition. Just about any traillie set up to perform on sealed roads. The most visible mod is usually re-spoked wheels with smaller diameter and wider rims to take sticky sports bike tyres. Suspension is generally stiffer and shorter travel. Brakes are often uprated to take advantage of extra traction as well. Just a roadified traillie, mainly. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Mike Ratta Subject: (klr650) KLX650 kickstarter kit? Date: 06 Jul 1998 07:31:35 -0400 Does a kickstarter kit for the KLX650c exist? Has anyone pulled one from a dead KLX650a (and the swingarm and rear damper for that matter..) I miss my KLR's kickstarter. Should my battery go flat on this thing, I'm SOL without it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: rycomm@webtv.net (Ryan Combs) Subject: (klr650) klrs in Montana Date: 06 Jul 1998 11:07:34 -0500 (CDT) I had planned to go to Missoula, but I'm not going to make it, so all you other klrists make sure you have fun crashing thier party. My gs/pd friend left this mornig. I helped (watched) him do the final tuning and packing, and I sure felt like I should have been too. Any way, I am going to FSSNOC and Steamboat in September. Is there anyone else planning on these? Ryan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) klrs in Montana Date: 06 Jul 1998 10:28:25 -0600 Ryan Combs wrote: > > I had planned to go to Missoula, but I'm not going to make it, so all > you other klrists make sure you have fun crashing thier party. My gs/pd > friend left this mornig. I helped (watched) him do the final tuning and > packing, and I sure felt like I should have been too. Any way, I am > going to FSSNOC and Steamboat in September. Is there anyone else > planning on these? Ryan -- Ryan, I'm planning on Steamboat in September as I want to watch GO9 legend J.D. Hord win on his HawkGT in what I hear is going to be the final year of running roadraces... Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 Oingo Boingo Subscribe to KLRDSN ...ask me how ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) PBI 16 tooth countershaft sprocket... Date: 06 Jul 1998 10:26:43 -0600 Bill Wright wrote: > > Kurt Simpson wrote: > > > But Donna will send you the sprocket UPS COD if you have a deliverable > > mailing address. > > > > Caveat...she does not guarantee that there is clearance (we have to do that) but you > > can return the sprocket if you can't make it fit. I ordered one for OB and now if > > someone will order one for their earlier model we can share notes with the list... > > > > Kurt, > > Have you received your 16T sprocket yet? Does it fit? How does it effect your RPM at > highway speeds. > > Bill Wright > Hotlanta, GA > 98 KLR650 - 12061 miles Bill, Donna told me the sprocket batch wouldn't be in stock for two weeks (I'll check soon), so no I haven't received it. According to lister Pat Hensley's very fine GearCalc program here is what we can expect: Stock 15x43=Final reduction ratio of 2.8667, with my 76.5 circumference rear tire that yields 59.8 MPH at 4,200 RPM and 5,696 RPM for 80 MPH. With 16X43=Final reduction ratio of 2.6875, with same rear tire yields 62.9 MPH at 4,200 RPM and 5,340 RPM at 80 MPH. By way of comparison, Jake Jakeman runs a 15x39=final reduction of 2.6000, with same tire yields, 65.8 MPH at 4,200 RPM and 5,166 at 80 MPH. When I go off-road and feel I have to swap out sprockets, I'll run a 14x43=final reduction of 3.071 with same rear tire yielding 55.1 MPH at 4,200 RPM and 6,183 at 80 (NOT). Kurt -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 Oingo Boingo Subscribe to KLRDSN ...ask me how ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "John Doe" Subject: (klr650) Electrical failure Date: 06 Jul 1998 10:57:28 -0600 I have a 1992 KLR650 with about 11,000 miles on it. I returned from a day ride to Telluride and parked the motorcycle at the curb while I opened the garage door. Then I went to start the bike to put it in the garage, and when I turned the ignition key to the "on" position the neutral light came on momentarily and then went off. The headlight is off, the horn does not work, and neither does the starter. Apparently a complete electrical failure, though I checked the park position on the ignition switch and the tail light will light up. I didn't have time to do any checking yet. Does anyone have any suggestions of what I should be looking for? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Electrical failure Date: 06 Jul 1998 12:04:35 -0600 John Doe wrote: > > I have a 1992 KLR650 with about 11,000 miles on it. I returned from a day > ride to Telluride and parked the motorcycle at the curb while I opened the > garage door. Then I went to start the bike to put it in the garage, and > when I turned the ignition key to the "on" position the neutral light came > on momentarily and then went off. The headlight is off, the horn does not > work, and neither does the starter. Apparently a complete electrical > failure, though I checked the park position on the ignition switch and the > tail light will light up. I didn't have time to do any checking yet. Does > anyone have any suggestions of what I should be looking for? How old is the battery? Check the battery connections... -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 Oingo Boingo Subscribe to KLRDSN ...ask me how ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Michael Magnatta" Subject: Re: (klr650) Electrical failure (3:35- 7/6 est message) Date: 06 Jul 1998 15:36:11 -0400 John: After many mysterious episodes of fuse blowing (an '89), the battery shorted out internally, this time no fuse blowing, but with symptoms very similar to yours. I replaced the battery, and the problem was gone. I also replaced the glass type of fuse holder with auto type blades in a waterproof type of fuse holder, just for the heck of it. I figure that one banger does a job on the older style fuses, cheap insurance. Hope this helps. Mike Magnatta -----Original Message----- I have a 1992 KLR650 with about 11,000 miles on it. I returned from a day ride to Telluride and parked the motorcycle at the curb while I opened the garage door. Then I went to start the bike to put it in the garage, and when I turned the ignition key to the "on" position the neutral light came on momentarily and then went off. The headlight is off, the horn does not work, and neither does the starter. Apparently a complete electrical failure, though I checked the park position on the ignition switch and the tail light will light up. I didn't have time to do any checking yet. Does anyone have any suggestions of what I should be looking for? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jeffrey P Bauerr Subject: Re: (klr650) klrs in Montana Date: 06 Jul 1998 20:20:55 -0500 Ryan Combs wrote: > > I had planned to go to Missoula, but I'm not going to make it, so all > you other klrists make sure you have fun crashing thier party. My gs/pd > friend left this mornig. I helped (watched) him do the final tuning and > packing, and I sure felt like I should have been too. Any way, I am > going to FSSNOC and Steamboat in September. Is there anyone else > planning on these? Ryan I will be leaving for Missoula Wed night from York NE. ETA fri night. However I will riding my RS. If I see any KLR folks there, I hope I can meet you for a beer. I will be the one on the silver RS. Do you think that will narrow it down any? I took the KLR to Baja this spring so it's only fair to take my other bike on this trip. Jeff Bauer 98 KLR-650-A12 77 R-100/RS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Marcus_Young@ceo.cudenver.edu (Marcus Young) Subject: (klr650) Stealth Edging Date: 07 Jul 1998 08:30:38 -0600 Anyone have the URL for the company that makes Stealth Edging? I've searched for it with no luck. thanks in advance, Marcus Young ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bill Wright Subject: Re: (klr650) Stealth Edging Date: 07 Jul 1998 10:33:18 -0400 Marcus Young wrote: > Anyone have the URL for the company that makes Stealth Edging? I've > searched for it with no luck. > > thanks in advance, > > Marcus Young Marcus, Check out http://www.saeng.com/ Bill Wright Hotlanta, GA. 98 KLR650 - 12111 miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) Whitehall Date: 07 Jul 1998 14:18:21 While on vacation last week I say a KLR parked just north of Whitehall, NY on NY route 22. Could it have been one of the list persons? It was a light blue with a lot of graphics, definitely not a '97 or '98. Nobody was nearby so I couldn't stop and say hi. Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) Coolant Date: 07 Jul 1998 14:31:07 Has anyone used the new, long life coolants such as Texaco Dex-Cool yet? It would seem that you would never have to change it since it's rated for 100,000 miles in cars. Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Marcus_Young@ceo.cudenver.edu (Marcus Young) Subject: (klr650) Side Protectors Date: 07 Jul 1998 13:14:41 -0600 Can someone give me an idea of what Tim Bernard charges for his side protectors, and what kind of turn around I might expect? I've tried to call him but can't get through. Thanks ~marcus young~ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: RE: (klr650) Side Protectors Date: 07 Jul 1998 13:31:02 -0600 -----Original Message----- Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 1998 1:15 PM Can someone give me an idea of what Tim Bernard charges for his side protectors, and what kind of turn around I might expect? I've tried to call him but can't get through. Thanks ~marcus young~ My invoice shows $124 for the racks, $16 for the powdercoating, and $12 for shipping and handling (I bought a couple of other items included in the S&H). Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chris Beasley Subject: (klr650) Progressive Springs Date: 07 Jul 1998 13:53:58 -0700 Hey folks. Last time the list was talking about progressive suspension springs and other manufacturers of aftermarket M.C. springs, there was some discussion about Progressive's use of 'cheap' steel. It was even suggested that they didn't use spring steel and that there were other manufacturers who did and thus provided a lighter, stronger spring. So, I'm wondering several things. How did Progressive Suspension get to be the standard for all aftermarket springs if their product is not optimal. How much better are 'real' spring steel springs? Who sells them and how much (more) do they cost. Can I get them for my KLR-89 and my VFR-90? Thanks for the info! CA Chris (who's VFR fork bottomed in a tight fast bend the other day prompting the need for stiffer springs) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "TGKessel" Subject: (klr650) KLR for sale Date: 07 Jul 1998 17:30:32 -0700 This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_000A_01BDA9CC.F1B5FBE0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Well my Suburban's engine went south on me, so my KLR must be sold. = Here are the details: -1995 KLR 650 with 13k miles -IMS plastic tank- 1 month old -Good tires front and rear -Decals removed (so its plain white, green and purple) -Everything stock -New carb (with receipt) -Stock tank (no dents or scratches) -Eclipse tail bag -Both factory manuals *$2900 firm (Consumer News says $3100) I've got to sell quickly to pay the bill, so call or email if you're = interested. Tim Kessel 520-634-2428 kessel@verdenet.com I'm in Clarkdale, Arizona ------=_NextPart_000_000A_01BDA9CC.F1B5FBE0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Well my Suburban's engine went south = on me, so=20 my KLR must be sold.  Here are the details:
 
-1995 KLR 650 with 13k = miles
-IMS plastic tank- 1 month = old
-Good tires front and = rear
-Decals removed (so its plain white, = green and=20 purple)
-Everything stock
-New carb (with = receipt)
-Stock tank (no dents or = scratches)
-Eclipse tail bag
-Both factory manuals
*$2900 firm (Consumer News says $3100)
 
I've got to sell quickly to pay the bill, so call or = email if=20 you're interested.
 
Tim = Kessel
520-634-2428 kessel@verdenet.com
I'm in Clarkdale,=20 Arizona
------=_NextPart_000_000A_01BDA9CC.F1B5FBE0-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ken Hall" Subject: (klr650) klr 650 manual? Date: 07 Jul 1998 21:38:22 +0000 Can anyone suggestion a good shop manual for my klr? The little manual that came with it isn't worth diddley. I have a '98 klr 650. Thanks, Ken ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) klr 650 manual? Date: 07 Jul 1998 19:50:56 -0600 Ken Hall wrote: > > Can anyone suggestion a good shop manual for my klr? > > The little manual that came with it isn't worth diddley. > > I have a '98 klr 650. > > Thanks, > Ken Ken, the only choice is the Kawi Service Manuals, this list, and the website: The base manual,"KLR600 Service Manual" K#99924-1050-01 and the supplement,"KLR650/500 Supplement" K#99924-1080-55 The base manual contains procedures that are not covered in the supplement. -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 OB HawkGT '89 FS XS-650 '77 FS XS-650 '79 FS XS-650 '80 FS Ask me how to subscribe to the KLR Dual Sport Newsletter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) break lines Date: 04 Jul 1998 15:07:23 -0700 >I use Russells front and back on mine. I don't think Fastline makes a rear. Fred Hink >has both. MAW has Russells. For those worried about the Russells not being coated, I >followed Rick Clarke's suggestion and used Spiral Wrap, it worked perfectly. > Spoke to the guy at Dual Star (didn't catch the name), and he said that they are having Fastline make rear brake lines. They got one from Fastline, but it wasn't the right length, so they sent it back. But they are definitely planning on having Fastline rear brake lines for sale when they get them right. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: (klr650) Newbie Mistake Date: 08 Jul 1998 05:13:25 -0700 Hello everyone, I'm new on this list and I have all the new list member questions. I've been on the VFR list for a couple of years and know how frustrating those questions can sometimes be but I hope you'll indulge me. But first I believe I may have screwed up and want your advice. I went to adjust the valves and failed to follow the manual instructions. It says that if you're going to pull the cams, you must first pull out the cam tensioner. I've failed to do this and heard a clicking noise as I tilted the cam to get it out from under the cam chain. I've since found the tech notes which seem very well written on this procedure at the list homepage and it says something to the effect of before pulling the cams "pull out tensioner cap, washer and spring and don't put them back in until the valve cover is torqued into place'. This sounds rather foreboding. So here's the question. Can I just remove the cam tensioner now, out of sequence? I'm worried from the clicking sound and some comments in the service manual that maybe a spring in the tensioner has expanded some kind of mechanism which will not reset now. I hope I'm being paranoid but would really appreciate your comments. I'm in digest mode and either it isn't working or there is not a lot of volume on this list as I've received no mail, so could you please mail me directly with any comments. I hoping to reassemble it tonight. Mail to vfr750@gte.net Thanks, Dean in Seattle 95 VFR750 94 KLR650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) RD200 Date: 08 Jul 1998 09:22:59 Does anybody know of a list for Yamaha two-strokes? I'm looking to sell an RD200B and getting on a list would help. Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: RE: (klr650) RD200 Date: 08 Jul 1998 08:36:14 -0600 -----Original Message----- Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 1998 3:23 AM Does anybody know of a list for Yamaha two-strokes? I'm looking to sell an RD200B and getting on a list would help. Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 [Kurt Simpson] Bob, try www.micapeak.com/info/mlist.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: RE: (klr650) Newbie Mistake Date: 08 Jul 1998 08:43:28 -0600 -----Original Message----- Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 1998 6:13 AM Hello everyone, I'm new on this list and I have all the new list member questions. I've been on the VFR list for a couple of years and know how frustrating those questions can sometimes be but I hope you'll indulge me. But first I believe I may have screwed up and want your advice. I went to adjust the valves and failed to follow the manual instructions. It says that if you're going to pull the cams, you must first pull out the cam tensioner. I've failed to do this and heard a clicking noise as I tilted the cam to get it out from under the cam chain. I've since found the tech notes which seem very well written on this procedure at the list homepage and it says something to the effect of before pulling the cams "pull out tensioner cap, washer and spring and don't put them back in until the valve cover is torqued into place'. This sounds rather foreboding. So here's the question. Can I just remove the cam tensioner now, out of sequence? I'm worried from the clicking sound and some comments in the service manual that maybe a spring in the tensioner has expanded some kind of mechanism which will not reset now. I hope I'm being paranoid but would really appreciate your comments. I'm in digest mode and either it isn't working or there is not a lot of volume on this list as I've received no mail, so could you please mail me directly with any comments. I hoping to reassemble it tonight. Mail to vfr750@gte.net Thanks, Dean in Seattle 95 VFR750 94 KLR650 [Kurt Simpson] Dean, the cam tensioner needs to come out to be reloaded. If you have the cams out you have a lot of slop in the chain anyhow. The big thing will be to get everything lined up when you put them back in. I don't take the cams out for that reason...I just tilt them from the rear (rightside) and ziptie them to the frame. When you get it back together if you have any question load it in the trailer or truck and have your friendly mechanic double check your work. The $20 you have to pay will be worth it in peace of mind. Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Mr. Mendez" Subject: (klr650) Anyone listening..... Date: 08 Jul 1998 11:59:53 -0000 I'm at Puerto Rico ( considered U.S territory), can pick up anywhere on the iland, to arrange for delivery. Looking for dual-sport Kawasaki KLR 650 not over $3,000 (if that's even possible), since there will still be import taxes ( 6.6% of total invoice ) plus registration/tags +_ $200. Any information on any other dual-sport ( Triumph Tiger 900, KTM DUKE, etc. ) is apreciated. I realize that those other are more expensive, reason I'm only asking for information on them. Let me know if I'm on a fool's errand about the KLR. Best regards Javier Mendez Note please: kl R not kl X, very, veery usual mistake. For anyone curious, yes it would still be cheaper then to get one over here in good conditions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Marcus_Young@ceo.cudenver.edu (Marcus Young) Subject: (klr650) Deja Vu Date: 08 Jul 1998 11:00:43 -0600 If I remember back a few weeks ago, a lister mentioned taking his bike in for service, and getting it back with too much tire pressure. Well, two weeks ago I purchased my 96 KLR out of the paper. The first few rides (a few hundred miles) I was impressed by the way the bike handled any situation, expect for 70 + mph cruising. I figured that those of you who use yours as touring mounts (one of my primary interests with the KLR) must have put some money into higher wind screens, lower fenders, and such. You see, at that speed my bike would wander all over the road, at times feeling on the verge of developing speed wobbles. I wrote it off to the way the stock machine handled wind buffeting. Well, last night I finally took some time to go over the entire machine, and lo and behold, the previous owner had filled the tires to 70 psi! I let 1/2 the air out of each, taking it to the manufacturer recomended 35 psi. Today's ride to work was a joy, 85 mph + was no problem, and none of the wandering/wobling was present. Cornering was of course improved (which I was already more than happy with even with rock hard tires). Just another reminder to check out your mount when you get it back from a dealer or purchase it. I consider myself lucky that I didn't have any sort of accident. Marcus Young ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "David D. Kessler" Subject: (klr650) Newbie w/questions Date: 08 Jul 1998 08:02:33 -0700 Hi Folks....I'm new to the list....A buddy of mine just picked up a 89 klr and got my jucies flowing for one also....My question is....is there better years to look for when going out to purchase.....what should I look for in reference to known problems or high maintaince areas. I also checked a local dealer....he has a left over NEW 95 KLR that he said he would sell me for $2650.00.......Don't know if that is a good deal or not. Seems like it to me....Is this a good year? Any help will be appreciated....Thanx Dave Kessler Free web-based email, Forever, From anywhere! http://www.mailexcite.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: RE: (klr650) Newbie w/questions Date: 08 Jul 1998 12:44:06 -0600 On Wednesday, July 08, 1998 9:03 AM, David D. Kessler [SMTP:daviddkessler@mailexcite.com] wrote: > Hi Folks....I'm new to the list....A buddy of mine just picked up a 89 klr > and got my juices flowing for one also....My question is....is there better > years to look for when going out to purchase.....what should I look for in > reference to known problems or high maintain areas. I also checked a local > dealer....he has a left over NEW 95 KLR that he said he would sell me for > $2650.00.......Don't know if that is a good deal or not. Seems like it to > me....Is this a good year? Any help will be appreciated....Thanx Dave > Kessler > > > Free web-based email, Forever, From anywhere! > http://www.mailexcite.com The only substantial changes/improvements on the KLR occurred from 1996 (sometimes reported on late '95 models) on. Here is a summary from reports in the Kawasaki 650 Dual Sport News, I can't personally attest to any of it except the counter shaft system: In the 1996 model year the counter shaft utilizes a washer and threaded nut to hold the sprocket on, replacing the old 'C' clip system. The crankshaft halves were supposed to have been made heavier for smoother power transfer. The transmission gears were supposed to have been redesigned for quieter operation, more strength, and taller gearing in second and third gear. The clutch gained an extra plate which required a change in the basket design. Kick start kits for '87-'95 models will not fit the '96 on KLR650. Listers have reported improvements in the stock seat as well. Eldon Carl reports that there are two potentially catastrophic problems with the pre '96 design. The first involves the clutch basket which he claims has brittle springs in the back side which eventually fracture and break. Because of the poor design, the boils can get out of the basket and into the flow of oil. He believes that nearly all pre-1996 KLR650's will have broken clutch basket springs by 25,000 miles. In 1996 the redesigned clutch basket included heavier springs with proper heat treatment. There are no after market replacements for the defective springs. Eldon urges all owners of pre-'96 KLR's and Tengai's to remove the clutch cover and pull the clutch basket for inspection. Check the filter screen and clean it. He says that the new clutch can be installed but some machining must be done and several other '96 parts must be installed including the primary drive spur gear. The other problem he reports concerns the balancer chain adjuster bolt on the pre-'96 models. He claims that if the bolt has been overtightened the adjuster may be inoperative. If this happens, the balancer chain can run off its sprocket and take out the cam chain. Because the adjuster lever is not properly supported on the back side, the lever can be crushed and the spring loaded adjuster arm can't move because it is deformed and drags against the case. The solution is to pull the dyno cover and examine the plate. If you have a crushed lever you will find an inoperative adjuster. The best thing is to not overtighten the bolt. In any case, Eldon suggests installing the redesigned '96 on parts including: 670B1507 o-ring 92150-1923 Adjuster bolt, idler 92200-1263 adjuster bolt washer 92144-1860 adjuster spring, idler The price on the '95 sounds great, I wouldn't hesitate. Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: David M. King Subject: (klr650) 1998 KLR 650 Specifications Date: 08 Jul 1998 14:31:32 -0500 If someone out there has the following specifications for the 1998 KLR would you E-mail them to me? Compression Max. Horsepower and at what rpm. Max. Torque and at what rpm. Max. rpm's. (Redline) Ground Clearance Swingarm construction (Material, shape, etc.) I'm doing a comparison and can't find these figures on the Kawasaki web site. Thanks, David M. King E-mail: dking-klr@jdtv.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: RE: (klr650) 1998 KLR 650 Specifications Date: 08 Jul 1998 14:56:07 -0600 On Wednesday, July 08, 1998 1:32 PM, David M. King [SMTP:dking-klr@jdtv.com] wrote: > If someone out there has the following specifications for the > 1998 KLR would you E-mail them to me? > > Compression > Max. Horsepower and at what rpm. > Max. Torque and at what rpm. > Max. rpm's. (Redline) > Ground Clearance > Swingarm construction (Material, shape, etc.) > > I'm doing a comparison and can't find these figures on the Kawasaki > web site. > > Thanks, > > David M. King > > E-mail: dking-klr@jdtv.com > Compression 9.5:1 Ground Clearance 9.4 in. Max HP 35.3 kW (48 PS) @6500 rpm Max torque 54.9 N-m (5.6 Kg-m, 40.5 ft-lb @5500 rpm uni-trak rear suspension (double-sided swingarm) consisting of a rear shock, uni-track arm, and link Frame: tubular semi-double cradle Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ken Hall" Subject: (klr650) Kickstart kit Date: 08 Jul 1998 17:40:06 +0000 I'm sure this has to have been asked before. Is there a kickstart kit available for the '98 klr? Thanks, Ken ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: RE: (klr650) Kickstart kit Date: 08 Jul 1998 16:44:47 -0600 On Wednesday, July 08, 1998 11:40 AM, Ken Hall [SMTP:klh@tricountyi.net] wrote: > I'm sure this has to have been asked before. > > Is there a kickstart kit available for the '98 klr? > > Thanks, > Ken > A short answer...no... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: conallob@webtv.net (Conall O'Brien) Subject: (klr650) Holiday KLR ride. Date: 08 Jul 1998 17:40:36 -0700 (PDT) Thanks to Kurt S. for forwarding Bill Haycock's installation tips for the Ortleib Dry Bags, things make alot more sense with everyone's well written instructions and suggestions. Just returned yesterday from a leisurely 5 day 1000 mile minitour of Calif. Escaping the urban jungle they call Silicon Valley as quick as possible I head east up the very narrow and twisty road to Mt. Hamilton., site of Lick Observatory. Several short miles later I'm above the cold fog of the bays' natural airconditioning and marveling at the spring like weather and miles of tight twisties ahead, no traffic to boot either.Past the Lick Observatory which is run by UC Santa Cruz,and continuing down the steep and desolate land I stop for a quick bite at the Junction, the only business around in 30 miles for a quick bite.Popular place on the weekends for bicyclists and bikers both, hunters as well. After leaving San Antonio Valley Rd. its onto Del Puerto cyn and through Raines Regional Park which is a MC park w/ camping,motocross and Trials course. then its through free range cattle country (look out for that cow-just like road rash for the playstation), then continuing on past I-5 where for little more than a campsite I find a cheap motel. Fireworks stands sprung up all over the roadsides with big No smoking signs and ridiculous prices. Next morning its off to Mariposa- gateway to yosemite . First afternoon there I did about 30 miles of dirt in the sierras Westfall rd + Chowchilla Mtn finally finding my way out near Fish Camp. KLR was loaded down with all my gear and the Avon Gripsters didn't let me down on the semi-rough , small rock trail which got progressively smoother to a "GS1100 forest road". Tioga pass (elev approx 9500 ft) finally reopened since the winter, just a couple of days ago and was my destination for the next day, continuing to Mono Lake near Lee Vining. 2 ft of snow still capped the areas on the side of the road and the KLR pulled me along all day long at the higher elevations no problem.It's springtime in Yosemite right now and is beautiful with spring flowers and gushing waterfalls.After refilling the petrol and the camelback for me its off to Benton Hot Creek about 60 miles of more dirt desert likeroads ,but still in Calif.Hot Creek is on the map if you look real hard and is my favorite hot creek but dangerous if rare outbursts of super hot sulpher water scares you. After soaking my bones for awhile and enjoying the natural beauty of several fine European women I become lightheaded and decide to head back to Yosemite. To be continued Conall ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: conallob@webtv.net (Conall O'Brien) Subject: (klr650) Holiday ride Part 2 Date: 08 Jul 1998 18:45:04 -0700 (PDT) The ride back to Yosemite was even better than the ride up with little traffic and 65-70 mph all the way back. Roads here have been freshly paved and very smooth. I find that alot of people are scared away from the park by the so-called big crowds but if you stay out of the yosemite valley it's rather uncongested. Yosemite park is very receptive to M/C,only charging 10 bucks for a week pass compared to 20 dollars for a auto. That night I listen to a pretty decent garage band in the Miner's Inn lounge and then retire. Next day its to Hetch Hetchy dam and Camp Mather which is really beautiful ride as well. Go a couple of miles before i realize something is missing. Hey wait a minute my Throttle Rocker-it's gone. Some lowlife clipped my throttle rocker off the grip while I slept the previous night. Oh well 7 bucks but I sure hope whoever stole it is mature enough to know how to use it without killing themselves.that day I leave to another motel where I can park my bike right in front of my room. Next day it's off to the central coast. decent ride down Hwy 140 to the agrilcultural belt on to Hollister where i pass the Corbin Factory (huge building). Hollister is rather deserted considering they just had another "Wild Ones" reunion over the 4th. Guess all those harley riders got tired of having police helicopters following them everywhere they rode.thens it's onto rt 25 through pinnacles and back roads to king city where i pick up hwy 101 down to Paso Robles and then west to Cambria and Hwy 1. My two favorite rides are yosemite and Hwy 1 central coast and now I'm doing both in one trip. YEEEHAWW. Next day it's up Hwy one where huge sections several hundred yards of the coastal mountains had to be cleared this spring due to about 20 washouts along the route.Once again Caltrans spent millions to get this road in primo repaved shape. they spent more to repair the road this year then as it cost to build the whole 80 mile stretch originally. Hit a few side fire roads for some quick exploring before stopping for lunch in Big Sur. Gotta get a weekend cabin here someday.If only there was work down here, guess you could make tie dye shirts or jewelry NKLR content.Arriving in Santa Cruz i take yet another back road HWY 9 through boulder creek and felton up to skyline . Another successful trip and hope everyone has a chance to ride roads like these. Conall PS I'm going to road rider in San Jose to get another throttle rocker throttle control device if anyone wants me to pick them up one.You can switch them from bike to bike and are really fun to use. if you don't already have cruise control. Approx $8 plus shipping. Fred Hinks I could send you a sample if you want. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Rick Clarke" Subject: Re: (klr650) Motor gone Date: 08 Jul 1998 22:04:09 -0400 > Having not popped it apart and assuming the worse, > (connecting rod, pistion, bearings, crank) does anyone have any > suggestions. Used? Rebuild? Parts? I bought a decent used '89 motor for $300. You might want to explore this option. -Rick R.P.Clarke (rpclarke@mindspring.com) "What traffic?" RTP, NC, USA DoD#5811 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: (klr650) [Fwd: We need a clutch refurbish guide!!!] Date: 08 Jul 1998 20:21:00 -0600 This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --------------5AA15BA95347B05907B72376 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 OB HawkGT '89 FS XS-650 '77 FS XS-650 '79 FS XS-650 '80 FS Ask me how to subscribe to the KLR Dual Sport Newsletter. --------------5AA15BA95347B05907B72376 Content-Type: message/rfc822 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Disposition: inline Return-path: Envelope-to: ajax@xmission.com Delivery-date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 20:10:38 -0600 Received: from (stan.lcc.net) [207.70.172.244] by mail.xmission.com with esmtp (Exim 1.82 #2) id 0yu6AO-0006Az-00; Wed, 8 Jul 1998 20:10:36 -0600 Received: from jbennett (lfkn-ddas8-a29.lcc.net [207.70.144.167]) by stan.lcc.net (8.8.5/8.7.5) with SMTP id VAA28797 for ; Wed, 8 Jul 1998 21:10:20 -0500 (CDT) Message-ID: <01bda9ef$0405aa80$0100007f@localhost> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.71.1712.3 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.71.1712.3 Kurt Simpson wrote: >Eldon Carl ...believes that nearly all pre-1996 KLR650's will have broken clutch >basket springs by 25,000 miles. I'd like to attempt a clutch refurbish, but I'm afraid it might be beyond my capabilities. Please Eldon Carl give us a guide on how to re-do the clutch!!!! If you write it up, I volunteer take pictures as I do my clutch, then HTMLize the pics and text and mail it to Kurt to put on the web page. --------------5AA15BA95347B05907B72376-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Alex Jomarron Subject: (klr650) counterbalancer location Date: 08 Jul 1998 21:19:25 +0000 KLRists, Tomorrow I'm going to fiddle with my KLR for the first time. I want to adjust the counterbalancer. On the left side of the engine there are 2 grey round plastic covers with a slot in them. The lower one looks to be an access point for the crankshaft. Correct? Is the upper one the cover for the counterbalancer????? Thanks for the assistance. Please reply direct as I get the digested (!) version. Alex Jomarron alex319@idt.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) counterbalancer location Date: 08 Jul 1998 20:43:27 -0600 Alex Jomarron wrote: > > KLRists, > > Tomorrow I'm going to fiddle with my KLR for the first time. > I want to adjust the counterbalancer. On the left side of the engine there are 2 grey round plastic > covers with a slot in them. The lower one looks to be an access point for the crankshaft. Correct? > Is the upper one the cover for the counterbalancer????? > > Thanks for the assistance. Please reply direct as I get the digested (!) version. > > Alex Jomarron > alex319@idt.net Alex, the 2 gray covers are well above the counterbalancer. The top cover is the viewing location for the crank timing. The bigger one underneath is the nut on the crank that you turn to rotate the crank for the timing. The counterbalancer is on the way way way bottom a bit forward of those two gray covers. If you have a Moose Bash Plate you can barely see it. But with a flashlight and on your knees man you can make out a black rubber plug. Pop that off and you'll see the adjuster a 10 mm allen loosen three turns to the left, tap the outside of the case gently with a rubber hammer or the like, and retighten being sure not to overtighten. That's it... Aren't you supposed to be in Missoula? -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 OB HawkGT '89 FS XS-650 '77 FS XS-650 '79 FS XS-650 '80 FS Ask me how to subscribe to the KLR Dual Sport Newsletter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Carlos Yonan Gonzalez Subject: Re: (klr650) Deja Vu Date: 08 Jul 1998 22:29:33 -0500 (CDT) On Wed, 8 Jul 1998, Marcus Young wrote: > If I remember back a few weeks ago, a lister mentioned taking his bike > in for service, and getting it back with too much tire pressure. Well, last night I finally took some time to go over the entire > machine, and lo and behold, the previous owner had filled the tires to > 70 psi! I let 1/2 the air out of each, taking it to the manufacturer > recomended 35 psi. Today's ride to work was a joy, 85 mph + was no > problem, and none of the wandering/wobling was present. Cornering was of > course improved (which I was already more than happy with even with rock > hard tires). > > Just another reminder to check out your mount when you get it back from a > dealer or purchase it. I consider myself lucky that I didn't have any sort > of accident. > > Marcus Young Marcus, That was me who had the overinflated tires. Does anybody know if this much overinflation can cause damage to the innertube or tire, like bulging or something? Carlos ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Anyone listening..... Date: 09 Jul 1998 00:03:15 -0700 At 11:59 AM 7/8/98 -0000, Mr. Mendez wrote: >I'm at Puerto Rico ( considered U.S territory), can pick up anywhere on the >iland, to arrange for delivery. >Looking for dual-sport Kawasaki KLR 650 not over $3,000 (if that's even >possible), since there will still be import taxes ( 6.6% of total invoice ) >plus registration/tags +_ $200. Any information on any other dual-sport ( >Triumph Tiger 900, KTM DUKE, etc. ) is apreciated. I realize that those >other are more expensive, reason I'm only asking for information on them. > Let me know if I'm on a fool's errand about the KLR. Some of the older ones trade for under $3,000. You should be able to find one. Sorry, but you can't have my '96. :) -Tom '96 KLR 650 26,600 miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Newbie w/questions Date: 09 Jul 1998 00:05:39 -0700 At 08:02 AM 7/8/98 -0700, David D. Kessler wrote: > Hi Folks....I'm new to the list....A buddy of mine just picked up a 89 klr and got my jucies flowing for one also....My question is....is there better years to look for when going out to purchase.....what should I look for in reference to known problems or high maintaince areas. I also checked a local dealer....he has a left over NEW 95 KLR that he said he would sell me for $2650.00.......Don't know if that is a good deal or not. Seems like it to me....Is this a good year? Any help will be appreciated....Thanx Dave Kessler Good Lord! You had better jump on it before Mr. Mendez does. :) That, my friend, is a downright cheap deal. -Tom '96 KLR 650 couldnt find a leftover '95 2 1/2 years ago...hmmm... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Rex Hefferan Subject: (klr650) Steamboat - Colorado Springs Get-together Date: 08 Jul 1998 22:09:56 -0700 (PDT) Ryan & Kurt, I guest I'd better go to Steamboat this year if I'm ever going to attend the races. Things just kept interfering with it in previous years since I moved to Colorado. So maybe we could try and meet up. Well, so far only one email concerning the COS Get-together, I guess it's still early. Our hope is that everyone that attends this event would choose to stay at one of the B & Bs. If you've never stayed in a Bed & Breakfast it can be a big improvement over a motel. I just want to make it clear that there is of course no obligation where you stay. We as coordinators will make no money from this and will in effect will cost us to host it regardless. We really think everyone will enjoy a trip here. We hope that if the first week in October won't work for some of you, that you will consider visiting this area any other time. If you do please call or drop by if we can be of assistance or to just say hello. == Rex (93 KLR650) For the Colorado Springs Get-together info see http://shell.rmi.net/~avbb/cos.htm _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Chain master link Date: 09 Jul 1998 01:48:44 EDT I can't find a master link on my 94 Klr.......Is this something new? I've never had a bike without a master link.......I just want to take the chain off to clean it...Input appreciated......Thanks, Todd. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Chain master link Date: 09 Jul 1998 01:59:45 -0700 At 01:48 AM 7/9/98 EDT, TRA1115@aol.com wrote: >I can't find a master link on my 94 Klr.......Is this something new? I've >never had a bike without a master link.......I just want to take the chain off >to clean it...Input appreciated......Thanks, Todd. The OEM chain on my '96 KLR was continuous as well...no master link. Mine was worn out before I had to remove it, so I cut it off with a side grinder. Your alternatives are to use a chain break ot remove a link or to remove the rear swing arm. -Tom ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "David Andersson" Subject: (klr650) The sound of silence... Date: 09 Jul 1998 09:40:37 +0200 Thanks to Eric, Jeffrey and others who were kind enough to answer my question about a rattling balancer chain. Sometimes the Internet can be a beautiful thing. However: there is no balancer chain on the '93 KLX, the balancer shaft is gear driven. The horrible noise I asked about actually came from the cam chain. The same chain my old mechanic told me he had fixed, but had actually loosened! I took the advice of someone on the list and went to a new shop, and the guy there fixed it for me in two minutes (free of charge!). Now the engine runs like a turbine. Someone suggested I should shoot the old guy before he makes any more damage, and believe me, I'm thinking of it! Thanks again//David PS: Does anyone know of an URL that contains info on how to set up carbs? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: (klr650) Okay, who was it? Date: 09 Jul 1998 07:14:50 -0600 So there I was walking in downtown Durango, CO on the evening of July 4th at about 7:00 p.m. when a beautiful KLR650 early ninties vintage pulled onto Main from 9th. It had some driving lights mounted to the fairing and the rider was wearing a Bell open face. Was it any of your guys/gals? Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: snsi@win.bright.net Subject: (klr650) Pannier Thanks and next project Date: 09 Jul 1998 08:52:28 +0000 Howdy all, The panniers are on, not on right, but on. I have the unexpected benefit of heat pooling on the left side. Since Wisconsin is barely ever overly warm a little recycled warmth never hurts. Now how big are the panniers? Big enough to hold my next project, a lambs skin seat cover. Not sure how I'm attaching it but I did have a chance to sit on it last night heaven. Thanks Kurt and Ron of California for the pannier advice. PS I had to take a white, the family of the woman who sold me it felt to close to the previous owner of the black lambs skin. Jeff Smith Barnes, WI '71 A-HD Sprint 350; '97 Kawasaki KLR650 (King o'La Road) "Beware the dirt bike ... Ground shaking dirt bike" TMBG ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert frey" Subject: (klr650) SITE Info Date: 09 Jul 1998 08:18:35 -0400 Does anyone know of any model-specific sites, like the KLR page or the KTM RXC page for: Yamaha XT Suzuki DR Honda XR/XRL BMW GS etc. Or Other dual sport club sites that we can add to our web pages. Looking to make the most complete dual-sport site on the web.... Thanks in advance for your help! Robert "MudDog" Frey Withlacoochee Dual Sport Riders KTM RXC620 Still-In-Pieces-Since-Crashing-Down-A-Mountain 93 KLR650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Chain master link Date: 09 Jul 1998 07:13:41 -0700 > > The OEM chain on my '96 KLR was continuous as well...no master link. >Mine was worn out before I had to remove it, so I cut it off with >a side grinder. Your alternatives are to use a chain break ot remove a link >or to remove the rear swing arm. > > I'd recommend that you file off or grind off the tips of the links you intend to use the chain breaker on before you go cranking on it with the breaker. This makes the job a lot easier, unless you have an air impact wrench. Master links are cheap, but make sure you get one that matches you chain. I once got one that was just a little bigger that the chain, and it took me a while to figure out what that annoying "click, click, click" was as I went down the road. (the master link rubbing on the chain guides). Not sure why Kawa used a continuous chain, as this definitely makes maintenance harder. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: vesannlewis@juno.com Subject: (klr650) klr250 Date: 09 Jul 1998 07:41:19 -0700 Okay. listers. I'm privileged to own a KLR650 AND a KLR250. I find the combination quite satisfying, one for trail busting and the other for blacktop and forest service roads, all of which I ride regularly. My question has to do with other KLR250 owners. Please respond separately from the KLR650 list so we can communicate experience, changes, adaptations, improvements, etc. The 250 has fewer aftermarket products than the 650. Sometimes I've had to "make do" with my own stuff. Thanks. -Ves 98 KLR650 93 KLR250 _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: vesannlewis@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Lowering Links Date: 09 Jul 1998 07:45:27 -0700 Previous posts have encouraged me to investigate lowering links for my KLR650. I'm not too short in the inseam except when backing up slight inclines; I sometimes have to get off to push it backwards. What I want are the advantages/disadvantages of the links. They evidently improve road handling (when coupled with lowering the front), lower ground clearance, do not change peg to seat height, and do not change the sidestand use. Did I miss anything significant? Well, yes, they cost, but what doesn't? -Ves 98 KLR650 93 KLR250 _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Deja Vu Date: 09 Jul 1998 06:58:41 -0700 >That was me who had the overinflated tires. Does anybody know if this >much overinflation can cause damage to the innertube or tire, like bulging >or something? > I doubt that it would have caused anything more than abnormal wear in the center of the tire, where the tread was in contact with the road. The proper inflation creates a larger contact patch. Anyway, tire rubber is tough and not very stretchy, so once the inner tube expanded against it, it didn't stretch much further than it was supposed to, it just got rock hard. No flats, no worries. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Alex Jomarron Subject: (klr650) (KLR) newbie field maintenance Date: 09 Jul 1998 11:57:47 +0000 KLRists, I know that this question is going to raise some eyebrows, but hey, gimme a break, I haven't had a chain drive in 10 years, and when I did, it had a centerstand!!!! ;-)) I'm looking for tips on how to adjust the chain while on the road. I can't bring a paddock stand, maybe I can bring a piece of wood. What do you DPers do???? Thanks for indulging me. Alex Jomarron semi-clueless in Oak Park, IL PS- I had the opportunity to use the archives last night for the first time. I went to the very first "issue." This list has come a long way. I want to thank Kurt Simpson, Gino Pokluda, and Bill Haycock for their efforts in putting together this electronic and print media where we can share information. Thanks guys!!!!!!!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Fred Hink" Subject: (klr650) Fw: Super motard Date: 09 Jul 1998 12:18:11 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Hi Fred, >Just sending you an update on the project.Got some pictures to get >developed of it. Finally got the F2 rear wheel and the 900RR fnt wheel >mounted up. Took some machining by our bud, Ron Kessinger. >Got the motor back in it.Starting on the wiring harness.The one I got is >cut up, so I'm looking for a fresh one. > Got the volt reg. on the way. Thinking about doing a thumb operated >rear brake set up using an ATV thumb throttle??? So it's coming along , >slowly but surely.Will try and get some pictures to you >soon.Do you know anyone who would know the best aftermarket pipe for the >KLR? The Supertrapp is ugly, but most the ones I've seen use it. >Also any cheap motor hop-ups would be cool.It's a tight budget you know! > Talk to you later,Jason > > Jason is building a super trick super motard KLR. If you would like to see some photos send him a note to see if we can get them on this list. You can write to Jason at: jason@ericomotorsports.com Fred Hink moabmc@lasal.net Arrowhead Motorsports http://cctr.umkc.edu/user/khink/moabmc/index.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Vervaeke Subject: (klr650) For Sale - 1998 KLR650 - Colorado Date: 09 Jul 1998 11:48:51 -0700 (PDT) Hello: I still have my 1998 KLR650 for sale. I'm located in Colorado. A used Ducati 900SS just arrived in my garage and my wife says something has to go (hey, maybe she means me?). Details: - 2.8K miles. - Had first service at 500 miles (including valve check) - Oil changed every 1K miles - now has Mobil 1 Synthetic in it. - Like new condition. - Extras: White Brothers Skid Plate, K&N Airfilter, Honda service manual. Price: $3800 - $4000/obo. Delivery within a reasonable distance can be arranged, i.e. 500 miles, as I have a bike trailer. Regards, === Tom Vervaeke Colorado Springs, CO USA tom_vervaeke@rocketmail.com work: 719-590-2133 home: 719-495-2152 _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: RE: (klr650) Lowering Links Date: 09 Jul 1998 13:23:41 -0600 On Thursday, July 09, 1998 8:45 AM, vesannlewis@juno.com [SMTP:vesannlewis@juno.com] wrote: > Previous posts have encouraged me to investigate lowering links for my > KLR650. I'm not too short in the inseam except when backing up slight > inclines; I sometimes have to get off to push it backwards. > > What I want are the advantages/disadvantages of the links. They > evidently improve road handling (when coupled with lowering the front), > lower ground clearance, do not change peg to seat height, and do not > change the sidestand use. Did I miss anything significant? Well, yes, > they cost, but what doesn't? > > -Ves 98 KLR650 > 93 KLR250 > > _____________________________________________________________________ > You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. > Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com > Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] > Uhhhhhh I think the side stand needs to be changed as well as a centerstand if you have it. Dual Star has both. Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Alex Jomarron Subject: (klr650) Acerbis Rallye Guard Spoilers for $10!!! Date: 09 Jul 1998 15:52:34 +0000 Well folks it is with great despair that I sell my Red Acerbis Spoilers that fit the Acerbis Rallye Guards. I ordered purple hand guards and white spoilers from my dealer for the first service. I thought they would look very fashionable on my 98 KLR 650 matching the tank graphics (thank you very much Martha Stewart!) Imagine my horror when I picked up my bike with the Hawaiian Punch colored hand gaurd/spoiler combo! Today when I went to the dealer to get the header heat shield (which fell off) warranteed ( I thought only Harleys lost parts on the road!) and an oil filter, the parts guy pulls out the white spoilers. I was guilted into buying them. SOOOOOO. Here's the deal. YOU can have these RED spoilers with the mounting stuff (I'll even include the directions!), for $10 U.S. INCLUDING shipping to the lower 48 (regularly $18.95). The spoilers have never been scratched. They do have bugs on them, which I'll try to clean. If I don't get an offer within 48 hours, I'll accept some bullshit story why you have to have them for free! Make it good! First response based on time stamp gets 'em! Supplies are limited! ;-) Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL 98 KLR 650---kinda lookin' like a cross between Barney and Casper right now........... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Peter M. Anderson" Subject: (klr650) 97 or 98? Date: 09 Jul 1998 12:35:44 -0700 (PDT) Here's my dilemma... I have contacted all the dealers in the area and here are my options... 1. A brand new 1999 for $4,700, out the door, or 2. A brand new 1998 for $4,400, here's the kicker -- On the serial plate on the front fork, the date says 9/97 or 10/97. Is this still a 98? If anyone knows the answer please respond. Thanks in advance, Peter M. Anderson ps, Gino's newsletters Rock! == Peter Michael Anderson Hero On Ice _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: " Skip Faulkner" Subject: Fw: (klr650) Newbie w/questions Date: 09 Jul 1998 15:12:03 -0600 -----Original Message----- > >-----Original Message----- >From: David D. Kessler >To: KLR Owners Group >Date: Wednesday, July 08, 1998 12:05 PM >Subject: (klr650) Newbie w/questions > > >> Hi Folks....I'm new to the list....A buddy of mine just picked up a 89 klr >and got my jucies flowing for one also....My question is....is there better >years to look for when going out to purchase.....what should I look for in >reference to known problems or high maintaince areas. I also checked a local >dealer....he has a left over NEW 95 KLR that he said he would sell me for >$2650.00.......Don't know if that is a good deal or not. Seems like it to >me....Is this a good year? Any help will be appreciated....Thanx Dave >Kessler >> >> >>Free web-based email, Forever, From anywhere! >>http://www.mailexcite.com >> >> Dave, > 1995 was a terrible year and the price is way high. Uhh, so I can really >get on this guy for trying to take advantage of you, give me his name and >phone number as quickly as you can, I won`t leave the computer till I hear >from you . Hurry! > >-------------------------Skip --(always looking out for >others)------------------- > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) masterlink/ Thanks Date: 09 Jul 1998 17:24:31 EDT Thanks to all who responded...Todd 94 Klr ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: (klr650) KLR Prices Date: 09 Jul 1998 15:04:34 -0700 I thought I had really scored till this guy writes in about a new 95 for $2600. I hope it's just an anomaly (that as many people can take advantage of as possible). I bought a pristine 94 with 4500 miles for $1900. So here's the question: in general, for this model of bike are the prices listed in MCN reasonable? They showed a 94 going for around $2800. Is that fairly accurate? Thanks, Dean in Seattle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: (klr650) Brake pads Date: 09 Jul 1998 15:08:19 -0700 Let the question inundating begin: This 94 just doesn't seem to stop well. I'm going to purge the fluid tonight. I've already bought EBC carbon series (black) of brake pads but have somewhat learned my lesson and want to ask for opinions. Is this going to significantly improve performance (on the street, if that matters) over the stock pads? Are there better choices? thanks, Dean in Seattle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) 97 or 98? Date: 09 Jul 1998 16:11:09 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Here's my dilemma... > >I have contacted all the dealers in the area and here are my options... > >1. A brand new 1999 for $4,700, out the door, or > >2. A brand new 1998 for $4,400, here's the kicker -- On the serial >plate on the front fork, the date says 9/97 or 10/97. Is this still a >98? > >If anyone knows the answer please respond. > >Thanks in advance, > >Peter M. Anderson > >ps, Gino's newsletters Rock! > > > > >== > >Peter Michael Anderson >Hero On Ice >_________________________________________________________ >DO YOU YAHOO!? >Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com > > I'm sure it is an A12 ('98) if there is any question have 'em type up the W85 Notification of Retail Sale/Warranty registration, on it it will say Model-KL650-AXXL, The two XX's will be your answer, if they are 12 it is a '98 if they are an 11 it is a '97. My A12 was manufactured in July, '97. BTW, I'd offer them 4,300 for the A12 and put the $400 toward goodies... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Mr. Mendez" Subject: (klr650) I'm getting confused... Date: 09 Jul 1998 18:05:50 -0000 Skip Faulkner wrote to David Kessler: > 1995 was a terrible year and the price is way high. Uhh, so I can really >get on this guy for trying to take advantage of you, give me his name and >phone number as quickly as you can, I won`t leave the computer till I hear >from you . Hurry! > >-------------------------Skip --(always looking out for >others)------------------- Is this for real, does it applies to the late "95's models???? The issolated-newbie J.Mendez ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Brake pads Date: 09 Jul 1998 16:13:02 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Let the question inundating begin: > >This 94 just doesn't seem to stop well. I'm going to purge the fluid >tonight. I've already bought EBC carbon series (black) of brake pads but >have somewhat learned my lesson and want to ask for opinions. Is this going >to significantly improve performance (on the street, if that matters) over >the stock pads? Are there better choices? > >thanks, Dean in Seattle > > Yes, put ss brake lines on and progressive springs (so that you won't go oingo boingo with the new stopping power). Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: Re: (klr650) Chain master link Date: 09 Jul 1998 18:11:57 -0500 Todd, My 95 had no master link, The OEM was an endless chain, When I replaced it I had to get my Dremel and cut one link. Good luck ! >I can't find a master link on my 94 Klr.......Is this something new? >to clean it...Input appreciated......Thanks, Todd. Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC (Undernet) Email: tuca@tampabay.rr.com Email: steve@vvd.com Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: Re: (klr650) I'm getting confused... Date: 09 Jul 1998 18:24:52 -0500 Mendez !! Skip was just messing with you !! No, it's not for real ! It's just an attempt for humor in our happy klr650's owners lives ! 1995 was a terrible year and the price is way high. Uhh, so I can >really >>get on this guy for trying to take advantage of you, give me his name and >>phone number as quickly as you can, I won`t leave the computer till I hear >>from you . Hurry! >> Skip --(always looking out for others) >Is this for real, does it applies to the late "95's models???? >The issolated-newbie >J.Mendez Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC (Undernet) Email: tuca@tampabay.rr.com Email: steve@vvd.com Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: (klr650) automatic compression release/ newbie valves Date: 09 Jul 1998 15:32:37 -0700 After almost hosing up my valves and having you guys bail me out, I've got a few more questions (get used to it). 1. Following the tech tips (it's about time, I know) says to check the cam/crank alignment after changing shims but before installation of the cam chain tensioner. I don't understand how this works. When the tensioner is not in place, aren't the cams free to rotate to a degree due to the slack in the chain? 2. I was fortunate to have an obnoxious drunk neighbor to help supervise the cam installation and barely noticed that the comp. release spring had come loose. Assuming the spring didn't damage the engine, what would have happened? I would have an engine running in a state of low compression? 3. The tech tip makes a comment about not removing the spark plug because KACR (comp. release) is always on duty. I assume this is an attempt at levity (hey, I'm not batting so good here- I'm asking every question I can think of). 4. In one of Kurt S. posts he mentions the importance of not overtightening the balancer chain adjuster. Does anybody have a magic torque number for this? With the number of loose/lost fasteners on this bike I'm worried I'll overtighten everything. Thanks, Curious Dean in Seattle (don't worry, I'm almost at the end of the questions) 94 KLR650 95 VFR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Mr. Mendez" Subject: (klr650) De-confused Date: 09 Jul 1998 18:37:00 -0000 I'll just blame the language-barier for that one Thanks for the quick respond. Now Mr. Huebner wrote: >Hey, did you see the message about the dealer with a "new" 95 for 2700? >Much better deal than mine (which for some odd reason did not start this >morning...) As sorry as I am for his not starting, I would like to know if anyone else knows ; WHAT-WHERE & WHO's message is he refering to ( since the main issue here is to get ME a bike...me-me-me....), I would aprciate anyone's assistance Regards, the Other-Newbie J.Mendez ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) automatic compression release/ newbie valves Date: 09 Jul 1998 21:08:16 EDT In a message dated 98-07-09 18:32:04 EDT, you write: << I don't understand how this works. When the tensioner is not in place, aren't the cams free to rotate to a degree due to the slack in the chain? >> You have to keep the slack out of the chain on the front side of the engine to prevent what you are talking about. This is not as hard as it might sound. Put the chain over the cam sprockets in what you estimate to be the correct position and turn the cams clockwise by hand to take up the slack. Verify that the arrows are pointing forward (parallel to the surface of the head). If they do not, then readjust your chain on the cam sprockets and try again. Greg '88 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: (klr650) Tech tip on oil level Date: 09 Jul 1998 19:33:01 -0700 Hey, it's me again. Is the Tech Tip on oil changing telling me to ignore the sight glass and fill an additional 10 ounces of oil above it? It says to check it stone cold and 'When the oil touches the top line in the sight glass, I add 10 ounces,' I don't get it. Dean in Seattle 94 KLR650 95 VFR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Side Protectors Date: 09 Jul 1998 21:06:41 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Kurt, >Are these side protectors for keeping saddle bags off the exhaust pipe? I >just bought the new Kawa bags and my gear inside the bag gets extremely hot >on the exhaust side. If these protectors are the cure, who can I buy them from? > >Thanks, > >Rick Bridgman >Elizabethtown, PA >98 KLR Rick, Bill Haycock has a nice picture and write-up describing the functional uses of Tim Bernard's sideracks. I recommend them highly. They are a beautiful thing.... >http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/frameset.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: WARNING LONG ARCHIVE POST FOLLOWS...Re: (klr650) Tech tip on oil level... Date: 09 Jul 1998 21:30:13 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Hey, it's me again. Is the Tech Tip on oil changing telling me to ignore >the sight glass and fill an additional 10 ounces of oil above it? It says >to check it stone cold and 'When the oil touches the top line in the >sight glass, I add 10 ounces,' I don't get it. > >Dean in Seattle > >94 KLR650 >95 VFR Dean, you have stumbled on one of the most perplexing topics to hit the list since we started. As near as I can tell it starts with the article you mention from Eldon Carl. It first appeared in Gino's newsletter. Here is a summary of the discussion from the archives and remember...."you asked for it": Eldon tells us to fill our crankcases with 2 quarts, 19 ounces of oil after doing a COMPLETE draining of the engine. (This means, in Eldon's article, to let it drain overnight with the bike leaning slightly to the right after a ride to make sure that the oil is warm.) He tells us that if the oil is at the top line of the sight-glass (when LEVEL) we have 2 quarts, 7 ounces of oil in the engine. So, he goes on to tell us that if the oil is at the top line, he then adds 10 ounces. In a message dated 98-03-14 07:58:50 EST, you write: << Gino says "above the glass", Mr. Carl says ADD 10 ounces if it's at the top line. Does anybody really know the relationship of the crank to oil level at these recommendations? >> My experience as well as Eldon's is if you drain the oil out of the bike when warm, fill the bike with the recommended 2.5 liters of oil, run the bike for 5-10 minutes, let it sit and then check the oil, the oil level will be above the glass. How far above the glass, I don't know, these damn xray glasses don't work as advertised ;-) Gino Just saw a couple posts and read Mr. Carl's note about oil level. The direction seems to be (with the oil all drained down on level bike) that we want the oil above the top line? Gino says "above the glass", Mr. Carl says ADD 10 ounces if it's at the top line. Does anybody really know the relationship of the crank to oil level at these recommendations? We don't want the crank whipping up the oil and introducing air. Is it ok to just absolutely drain the thing (long process, turn the crank to get all the oil off of it during draining, etc.) and then just put back in the suggested amount? I believe this results in oil above the top line. I'm not trying to stip up a lot of discussion about this topic.....if "best practice" is really to add ten ounces above the line I'm gonna figure you guys did your homework and I'm gonna go out and add ten ounces above the line. Thanks, Bob In a perfect world, engineers would always be right. I don't know if the Kawi engineers are right or not. When I change my oil, I drain well, change the filter, and put in 2.50 qts. This puts the level well above the top line even when cold. Kawi says to check hot after allowing to sit for a few minutes, This raises the level even more because of thermal expansion of the oil. So am I damaging my engine by overfilling? Nope. It's easy to tell if the oil is foaming. Hold the bike upright while it's running and look at the sight glass. You should notice the oil level drops a good bit while the motor is running. Tilt the bike to the right until you can see the top of the oil. See any foam? The more you rev the motor, the lower the oil level will drop as oil gets pumped up in to the moving parts faster than it drains down. If you think your whipping up the oil, just take a look. What gets me is how could engineers get something like recommended oil level wrong? there has been alot of talk about proper > oil level in our bikes( don't trust the sight > glass ) and I remember that my bike was > delivered to me with the oil level reading > BETWEEN the two lines and I drove it this > way for the first 700 miles. Also like Tom, I had never heard this was a problem before. I know the chain adjustment is too tight and I keep mine looser but that is because as the shock fails the chain adjustment comes into spec. In any event It's not likely I'll break anything being a little too loose. Now as to the oil level... I haven't gotten the manual out since I read the 10 oz rule but I'll bet it says something like DO NOT OVERFILL. I will need to write Kawasaki and get a letter from them for my files before I start putting the extra 10 oz. in. - -- Jim Barthell - TX '97 'C-O-O-O-W'...asaki KiLleR 650 FSSNOC #2421 Lots of discussion about "correct" oil level. Mr. Carl seems to base his assertion that the sight glass is "wrong" on the fact that we can't refill with the recommended quantity without exceeding the top line. He may indeed be right, but let's give Kawasaki a little credit. If they have actually employed engineers, those engineers will be thinking of the oil level required during running, on level ground, on inclines, on side slopes etc.....an oil level that does not starve the oil pump (a very bad thing). While the residual amt of oil in any particular owner's engine is impossible to predict ( some will hang on the crank, in pockets, etc.) the physical relationship between the sight glass lines and the actual level those engineers want us to maintain is a fairly easy thing to nail down. Unlike in money banking, for oil it's the level that counts, not the amount. Remember, overfilling can lead to crank whipping up the oil and introducing foam....also a bad thing. Unless anyone can prove that the oil level lines in the sight glass do not provide adequate supply to avoid starvation, I'll assume those engineers worked on the basis of absolutes (the lines' relationship to required levels, etc.) rather than on estimates (refill quantities based on unknown residual bike to bike). The amts are to get you in the ballpark, the lines are to get you to your seat. I may stir up a controversy, but given the very real risk of foaming....I'll use that top line as a max and try to keep it near there. If you don't see me at the ballpark, it's because I was wrong and I'll write later about the damage caused by running at that top line. Enjoy the game. Bob Jeff, On the subject of oil level....... I've always made it level with the top of the glass. 4000 miles later I notice nothing out of the ordinary. The manual states "If the oil is too high, remove excess oil....." As far as suing KHI, (even if it's true), I'll bet their legal team could convince a jury that I was at fault if I filled it beyond the glass level and something happened :-) Ron (checking his homeowners policy to see if it covers suing Japan) ================================================== (snip) >>If the sight oil level glass window is so off in regards to true >>then kawasaki should be sued for any damage resulting from >>low oil levels run in the motor. >>jeff > there has been alot of talk about proper > oil level in our bikes( don't trust the sight > glass ) and I remember that my bike was > delivered to me with the oil level reading > BETWEEN the two lines and I drove it this > way for the first 700 miles. that sure > makes me feel good. Thats how Ive run mine for almost 21,000mi. Why shouldnt I continue to do so? this is hte first I have heard of this. - -Tom '96 KLR 650 and getting ready to go to Golden Spectro semi-synthetic.. do I realy need to buy another quart? For what it is worth: Since 1972, my first bike, I have always followed the mfg's recommendation for oil levels. Normally, after the initial change, the oil level is ever so slightly above the line in the sight glass or sometimes the line on the dipstick. After sometime the level will drop to the line, due to usage and oil remaining in the head, oil filter, etc. I have never experienced an oil related engine failure. Also, I don't know exactly how true this is, but I've been led to believe that there is another problem associated with too high of an oil level and that is excessive crankcase pressure. Apparently too high of an oil level can possibly cause premature seal failure from excess crankcase pressure. I know most bikes have bleed off systems, but this mechanic told me that they sometimes cannot handle the excess if too much oil is used. My firm belief is to change the oil religiously, along with the filter, and unless there is another unknown problem, you should be safe and without worry. >>>>> What gets me is how could engineers get something like recommended oil level wrong? <<<<< Every time I add water to my KLR battery I think to myself that the engineer who designed the wacky battery setup and wiring on the KLR must be the same guy that designed the placement for oil site window. Pat Has anyone in the real world, ( I'm not pulling over 1.2g's very often) had engine failure due to oil starvation? Are we creating an invisible problem? Todd '97 KLR RKJ38 wrote: > Just saw a couple posts and read Mr. Carl's note about oil level. The > direction seems to be (with the oil all drained down on level bike) that we > want the oil above the top line? Gino says "above the glass", Mr. Carl says > ADD 10 ounces if it's at the top line. Does anybody really know the > relationship of the crank to oil level at these recommendations? So far, in the checking I've been doing, both schools of thought may be correct. The service manual says 2.5 liters. This is what Gino and Eldon seem to be doing. On the other hand I took my bike into the dealer for the 10k mile service and got it back with the oil at the top of the sight glass. I wrote Kawasaki but still haven't heard back. - -- Jim Barthell - TX '97 'C-O-O-O-W'...asaki KiLleR 650 FSSNOC #2421 ---------------------------- I emailed Kawasaki again last night over the oil level thing, 2.5 liters or sight glass level. The voice mail they left today, (they are very responsive), was to use the sight glass to determine the proper oil level. - -- Jim Barthell - TX '97 'C-O-O-O-W'...asaki KiLleR 650 FSSNOC #2421 OK, so Bill asked for a Moab report, here goes. Here are some of my personal bests: Best Bench Race: Gino and Bogdan Swider trying to put a period to the oil level thing...upshot? Put 2.5 liters of oil (2.6 qt) after a thorough drain (not necessarily all night) and smile and be happy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Hirofumi A. Watanabe" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLE Date: 09 Jul 1998 21:20:08 -0700 Cloudhid@aol.com wrote: > >On 7/8/98, Hiro wrote: > >I'm still not able to sign on to the klr list. Any ideas? > >Hiro > > Try deleting the hyphen as it appears in the DSNewsletter. > Are you enjoying your new kle400? My apologies to you and > your wife for that interruption on the phone. Hope it all > turned out. > > CA Ron Thank you Ron. I have just finished reading the archives. I see you have found yet another list to victimize. You must have left your translator on when you forwarded my mail. Next time you are in Kobe I will have to find a suitable way to repay you. I am enjoying my KLE400 very much. Too bad you will not get your's until next year. I also see that your frontal assault on Kawasaki has yet to meet victory. I most humbly suggest you re-read the Art of War. JP Hiro ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: rycomm@webtv.net (Ryan Combs) Subject: (klr650) tires (agian) Date: 10 Jul 1998 00:35:03 -0500 (CDT) I know this has been coverd every month or so, but I need some 50/50 tires. I've pretty much narrowed to the IRCs and the Avons. My only question is which ones last longer, or is it better to upgrade to the Metzelers or Pirellis? Is this on the web page somewhere, or only in the archives. Some pictures would be cool. I stopped by a dealer today and looked at their books (none in stock). They did have a new '98 (.3 mi). The sign on the board was 4799. This is a small dealer in Lawrence KS, if anyone is interested let me know, and I can get more info. Thanks Ryan '89 klr 650 (un-named) up to a huge 3926 miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) tires (agian) Date: 10 Jul 1998 07:22:20 -0700 At 12:35 AM 7/10/98 -0500, Ryan Combs wrote: >I know this has been coverd every month or so, but I need some 50/50 >tires. I've pretty much narrowed to the IRCs and the Avons. My only >question is which ones last longer, or is it better to upgrade to the >Metzelers or Pirellis? The Avon AM24 Gripsters are going to be very hard to beat in this regard, especialy at any comperable price. The rears go 7,500-8,000 on the KLR and my front now has about 14,000 and still looks servicable. I ride about 9-10,000 miles a year and I had to install a heavy touring tire (AM21 Roadrunner) to beat the Gripsters performance there. BTW, at 1,000 miles the Roadrunner shows virtualy no wear. For %98/%2 people like me, this is proving to be a most viable option. -Tom '96 KLR 650 26,700 miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLE Date: 10 Jul 1998 08:17:07 -0600 -----Original Message----- Cc: Cloudhid@aol.com >Cloudhid@aol.com wrote: > >> >On 7/8/98, Hiro wrote: >> >I'm still not able to sign on to the klr list. Any ideas? >> >Hiro >> >> Try deleting the hyphen as it appears in the DSNewsletter. >> Are you enjoying your new kle400? My apologies to you and >> your wife for that interruption on the phone. Hope it all >> turned out. >> >> CA Ron > >Thank you Ron. I have just finished reading the archives. I >see you have found yet another list to victimize. You must >have left your translator on when you forwarded my mail. Next >time you are in Kobe I will have to find a suitable way to >repay you. I am enjoying my KLE400 very much. Too bad you >will not get your's until next year. I also see that your >frontal assault on Kawasaki has yet to meet victory. I >most humbly suggest you re-read the Art of War. >JP Hiro > > Welcome Hiro, you are well known to this list and I know that we will benefit from your perspective. It has been quite awhile since we have heard from your friend Ron and it is good to know that he has been up to something constructive. In time, maybe, you can help the list come to have a better understanding of this most complicated person. In the meantime, I wonder if you can tell us more about the KLE, considering that it is to be the replacement of a most venerable bike I'm assuming that it is quite a ride. BTW, did you ever seriously consider my offer on the African Twin? Kurt Simpson A12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Brake pads Date: 10 Jul 1998 08:34:44 -0700 >This 94 just doesn't seem to stop well. I'm going to purge the fluid >tonight. I've already bought EBC carbon series (black) of brake pads but >have somewhat learned my lesson and want to ask for opinions. Is this going >to significantly improve performance (on the street, if that matters) over >the stock pads? Are there better choices? > Well, you should measure your disk to make sure its still within the service limit, as I found out that mine wasn't after only 20,000 miles. (I believe the previous owner has them turned--BIG NO NO!) So I replaced my disks and pads with the EBC disk kits, front and rear. I also put in a Fastline on the front. I am now very happy with my stopping power. Seattle Cycle Center has the EBC pads and stuff, or can order it. They can also order Dunlopads. Or you can get it from Fred. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Carlos Yonan Gonzalez Subject: Re: (klr650) tires (agian) Date: 10 Jul 1998 11:25:15 -0500 (CDT) On Fri, 10 Jul 1998, Ryan Combs wrote: > I know this has been coverd every month or so, but I need some 50/50 > tires. I've pretty much narrowed to the IRCs and the Avons. My only > question is which ones last longer, or is it better to upgrade to the > Metzelers or Pirellis? Is this on the web page somewhere, or only in the > archives. Some pictures would be cool. I stopped by a dealer today and > looked at their books (none in stock). They did have a new '98 > (.3 mi). The sign on the board was 4799. This is a small dealer in > Lawrence KS, if anyone is interested let me know, and I can get more > info. > Thanks Ryan > '89 klr 650 (un-named) up to a huge 3926 miles Ryan, If your looking for real 50/50 tires I wouldn't go with the avon gripsters, they are just too slippery on anything other than dry packed dirt. Besides these tires are described as being more as 20%dirt/80%road. I have had Avon am24 tires for about 3000 miles on my bike, and I can say they are unbeatable on the road, as they offer really good grip on the corners. But I've been off road with them several times and I can say they are less than pleasant if the going gets a little gnarly (be prepared to break things on your bike if you do 50% of your riding off road with the AM24's). If you want to enjoy your time off-road, a better (but a little more expensive) alternative is to go with the Pirelli MT70's, which are described as 50/50 tires. I previously had these on my bike and I reached the wear limit at about 7000 miles of mostly street riding. Offroad performance was a lot better, and I didn't cringe every time I saw mud. They offer good grip on the road also, but I wouln't try to get extreme with them like you can with the gripsters. If you do 50% of your riding off-road, spend the extra money on the pirelli's. Carlos P.S. I just went on the Pirelli web site and saw some 40%offroad/60%street tires called MT40's. They may be worth checking out too. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: (klr650) Tires (sort of) and oil level Date: 10 Jul 1998 10:05:44 -0700 Thank you gentlemen for the comments and information on the oil level debate. Here's a different sort of tire question, although the recent post on 50/50 tires is really helpful as I need the tires too. I'm used to road tires and having to take them to a dealer. This is going to be nice to be able to do yourself for a change and thats the question. Is this what I'll need overall or are there additions I should get? 2 tires - brand to be decided 4 tubes- I figured I'd get some extras (1) set of tire irons- do I get these in plastic or metal. ****Is one set enough?***** Then, after mounting, how do you balance these things? Or do you take it somewhere for that? Thanks, Dean in Seattle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Tires (sort of) and oil level Date: 10 Jul 1998 16:24:47 EDT Dean.......Having changed tires in the past on my old mx bikes, I found that by the time you pinch a tube, tear up your hands and cuss like a sailor its much easier just to pay the $5.00 for mounting at the dealer. (The dealer only gives me the $5.00 price for mounting when I buy the tires through him however) Also I would recommend a bottle of "slime" in each to keep from getting a flat.......Good luck and enjoy!..Todd 94 Klr. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Marcus_Young@ceo.cudenver.edu (Marcus Young) Subject: Re(2): (klr650) Tires (sort of) and oil level Date: 10 Jul 1998 14:32:26 -0600 Question about Slime. Has anyone who rides primarily on the street used this? If so, how does it affect handling and highway comfort? Thanks Marcus Young TRA1115@aol.com,Internet writes: >Dean.......Having changed tires in the past on my old mx bikes, I found >that >by the time you pinch a tube, tear up your hands and cuss like a sailor >its >much easier just to pay the $5.00 for mounting at the dealer. (The dealer >only >gives me the $5.00 price for mounting when I buy the tires through him >however) Also I would recommend a bottle of "slime" in each to keep from >getting a flat.......Good luck and enjoy!..Todd 94 Klr. > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: Re(2): (klr650) Tires (sort of) and oil level Date: 10 Jul 1998 16:35:34 EDT I Can't tell a difference with slime or without........... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) synthetic oil Date: 10 Jul 1998 16:47:06 EDT I just recently purchased a '99 KLR650. After a thorough break in, I had planned to start using synthetic oil. Due to the wet clutch, my dealer has recommended not using synthetic oil in the KLR. Comments? Thanks, Kevin ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Tires (sort of) and oil level Date: 10 Jul 1998 14:56:12 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Thank you gentlemen for the comments and information on the oil level >debate. > >Here's a different sort of tire question, although the recent post on 50/50 >tires is really helpful as I need the tires too. I'm used to road tires and >having to take them to a dealer. This is going to be nice to be able to do >yourself for a change and thats the question. Is this what I'll need >overall or are there additions I should get? > >2 tires - brand to be decided >4 tubes- I figured I'd get some extras >(1) set of tire irons- do I get these in plastic or metal. ****Is one set >enough?***** > >Then, after mounting, how do you balance these things? Or do you take it >somewhere for that? > >Thanks, Dean in Seattle I like changing the tires with only the equipment I carry with me. You learn a lot in a hurry. For example, that there is no wrench in the KLR kit for the front axle. Anyways, you will need 3 tire irons, some baby powder, some plastic rim savers (w/o these you will gouge your rims and put aluminum shavings in your tire to rupture your tube). I would buy 3 tubes a heavy duty front a heavy duty rear and a regular duty front (carry this as an extra with you, it can be used in the rear), a patch kit, a motopump with 3 CO2 cylinders, an air gauge, and some band-aids. Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) synthetic oil Date: 10 Jul 1998 15:01:07 -0600 -----Original Message----- >I just recently purchased a '99 KLR650. After a thorough break in, I had >planned to start using synthetic oil. Due to the wet clutch, my dealer has >recommended not using synthetic oil in the KLR. Comments? > >Thanks, >Kevin > This is an old debate that has gone round and round. There are a bunch of us who are or plan on using Mobil I (auto) or Castrol Synthetic. No problems reported. One lister has reported possible slip but the CW is that it may be his penchant for wheelies... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) synthetic oil Date: 10 Jul 1998 17:02:05 EDT On 7/10/98, Kevin861@aol.com wrote: >I just recently purchased a '99 KLR650. After a thorough break in, I had >planned to start using synthetic oil. Due to the wet clutch, my dealer has >recommended not using synthetic oil in the KLR. Comments? Kevin, congrats on the bike. Kawasaki told me that the '99 KLR wouldn't be out 'till October. Will you confirm whether you bought the A12 or A13 model? The consensus is that you should _not_ use a syn oil to break in your engine. Mobil has developed a syn specifically for motorcycles. At $9 a quart (US), I'm sticking with the auto formula for now. There are many here who use other brands of motorcycle specific syn, with only one mention of any problems so far. CA Ron (an unabashed syner) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Marcus_Young@ceo.cudenver.edu (Marcus Young) Subject: Re(2): (klr650) synthetic oil Date: 10 Jul 1998 15:12:29 -0600 Dealers here in Denver, Colorado have 1999 models, A13. Different decals, but the same as the 1998 otherwise. Marcus Young Cloudhid@aol.com,Internet writes: >On 7/10/98, Kevin861@aol.com wrote: >>I just recently purchased a '99 KLR650. After a thorough break in, I had >>planned to start using synthetic oil. Due to the wet clutch, my dealer >has >>recommended not using synthetic oil in the KLR. Comments? > > Kevin, congrats on the bike. Kawasaki told me that the '99 KLR > wouldn't be out 'till October. Will you confirm whether you bought > the A12 or A13 model? > > The consensus is that you should _not_ use a syn oil to break in > your engine. Mobil has developed a syn specifically for motorcycles. > At $9 a quart (US), I'm sticking with the auto formula for now. > There are many here who use other brands of motorcycle specific > syn, with only one mention of any problems so far. > > CA Ron (an unabashed syner) > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLE Date: 10 Jul 1998 17:32:10 EDT On 7/9/98, hawatanabe@earthlink.net wrote: snip >frontal assault on Kawasaki has yet to meet victory. I >most humbly suggest you re-read the Art of War. Hiro, thanks for the tickle. A great book, but with Japan's rich history of wise warrior samurai, why would you steer me to a Chinese philosopher? I've the utmost respect for Eastern thought, but I benefit most from Western interpretations from the likes of Watts and Pirsig. I'm guilty of shooting from the lip, but I'm not at war with Kawa. My intent wasn't to have them fall on their sword, but to awaken the sleeping giant within. It took 3 whacks on the head to get them to admit that any new early releases were available. I've given them a chance to save face. My next step will be to contact vi.brown's boss, the HR Director, Mr. Jim Klein, at jim.klein@kmcusa.attmail.com. I'll follow up to the Director of Marketing, and the President. If these don't get the answers that a paying customer needs, I'll proceed to the parent company's headquarters in Kobe. As a last resort I'll appeal directly to the stockholders of KHI. I'll bet they don't blame all of their problems on the falling yen! ..........You're still my Hiro. CA Ron ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) synthetic oil Date: 10 Jul 1998 17:34:28 EDT My '99 KLR650-A13 was purchased in Wisconsin. $4375.00 + tax, tit, Lic. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: (klr650) Cheap tire recommendations/archives Date: 10 Jul 1998 15:11:13 -0700 The things I won't do for you guys! I spent the afternoon reading your archives to avoid having to ask so many damn questions and take up your valuable time. And you know what? It's just raised more questions. So here we go: 1. You guys have a resident parts guy named Fred??? If this is correct, where can I reach said Fred? I'm wanting to buy a front SS brake line. The VFR list had a resident parts guy and it was great. 2. I thought one of the tirades in the archives was great about all the confusion on motorcycle specific oils and the like, synthetic or Dino. I couldn't agree more- it's more an issue of marketing than rocket science, I think. One thing I found confusing and interesting was that Mobile 1 comes out with $9/qt motorcycle specific synthetic oil and then on their web site says there is no need to switch to it from their auto synthetic. I had to go there and read it to believe it. If you can figure that one out, help me. 3. Here's the one I really need advice on. I know you hear it weekly on this list about which tires are best. I want to know what can I get that's reasonable but CHEAP. On someone's web page they said a good 50-50 tire was the IRC GP-1. I called MAW and they say they don't make a tire for this bike. Anybody know if that's true? Otherwise, what can I get in the more modest price range? 4. Glad I read the archives about these bikes have a tendency to surge at low RPM. I thought it was my imagination. Fortunately, the fix seems simple enough. Anyway, please give me advice on the 'reasonable' tires. Doesn't have to be the bottom of the barrel but an intermediate range. That reminds me, I read a long term report in MCN on this bike from last year and the guy was buying $12 tires for his bike. I don't need 'em that cheap. I didn't really research this bike well before buying it. I'm glad it seems so well respected in the motorcycling circles. Thanks, Dean in Seattle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "David D. Kessler" Subject: Re: (klr650) synthetic oil Date: 10 Jul 1998 15:20:58 -0700 >I just recently purchased a '99 KLR650. After a thorough break in, I had >planned to start using synthetic oil. Due to the wet clutch, my dealer has >recommended not using synthetic oil in the KLR. Comments? > >Thanks, >Kevin Kevin....I have used systhetic oil in amost every motorcycle I have owned over the years....The only thing that I consistantly notice is that the tranny shifts better and the engine seems to be more responsive (refering to 4 Strokes). The best Synthetic I have found is Mobil One 15w-50 Dave Kessler Current Stable: 93 Goldwing 92 KX 250 97 Polaris 500 Explorer 86 Yamaha Big Wheel 200 Free web-based email, Forever, From anywhere! http://www.mailexcite.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Slime Date: 10 Jul 1998 18:42:16 EDT What is the verdict on the Slime products ? I see they have tubes as well now. Any stories out there ? Snafu ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "David D. Kessler" Subject: (klr650) Auto verses Motorcycle Synthetic oil Date: 10 Jul 1998 15:47:40 -0700 I recently had the privilage to see the specs on Mobil One auto oil and Mobil One Motorcycle oil in a head to head comparison sheet.....With out getting real techical the only real difference was in the Zinc content.....the Motorcycle oil being much higher. The reason it is higher for motorcycles is because they don't have catalitic converters .....which Zinc raises hell with .....therefore the goverment limits the oil manufactures as to how much they can use in autos.When oil breaks down it is called shearing which tears apart the oil molicules. In extreme circumstances if this where to happen you would have metal to metal contact and therefore accelerated wear.....This is where the Zinc comes in.....When running thru the engine suspended in the oil, Zinc has a tendency to coat all the metal parts....So if and when there is a shearing of the oil the zinc coating is still avoiding metal to metal contact.......My opinion....based on my experience.... standard oil protected engine and tranny with no ill effects.....Then came synthetic which upped the anti on protection....Now we have MOTORCYCLE SYNTHETIC oil which is upping the anti even more....It seems to me that maybe we are killing flies with a sledge hammer! Don't get me wrong....I am a advocate of synthetic oils....I don't know if I can justify the extra cost of " Motorcycle Synthetic Oil " When I feel that I already protected to the ENTH DEGREE.......Just my 2 cents......Back to lurk mode.....Dave Kessler Free web-based email, Forever, From anywhere! http://www.mailexcite.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com Subject: (klr650) Maint Free Bat Date: 10 Jul 1998 20:10:28 -0400 All: I just put a maintenance free battery in my KLR. I while back several on the list where looking for one and the verdict came back that they were no longer available. For what it's worth, All Cycle Sales in Phoenix, AZ still has two left on the shelf. I don't have any interest in All Cycle, but I think there are a good shop. They have always treated me fair. Pat Austin, TX 8,027 miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) Slime Date: 10 Jul 1998 18:17:42 -0600 -----Original Message----- >What is the verdict on the Slime products ? >I see they have tubes as well now. Any stories out there ? >Snafu > > Slime is one of the best tire sealants on the market. Much better than some. The tubes that Slimes sells with the sealant already in are made by Cheng Chin (cheap tubes) and cost more than a good tube and the slime sold seperately. Fred ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: vesannlewis@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Third Leg Date: 10 Jul 1998 17:37:58 -0700 For what it's worth: A flat 25 miles into the boonies. Tire repair kit in place. How do I get the rear wheel off without a center stand and presuming I can't locate something susitable in the field. I've seen some solutions. Here's mine. I cut a 3/4 inch diameter conduit about 17' long and secured it with a hose clamp to the underside of the right swing arm. If I have a problem I can tip the bike, lodge the conduit piece against the footpeg support and do my thing with the wheel, albeit a little off tilt. Okay, it isn't glamorous but it is functional and I'm known to go flat at the most inopportune time. Try it if you will. -Ves 98 KLR650 93 KLR250 _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: conallob@webtv.net (Conall O'Brien) Subject: (klr650) Reflective Harness Date: 10 Jul 1998 17:44:43 -0700 (PDT) Gino- Whitehorse Press in NH has both reflective vests and harnesses for sale for $20 and $18 respectively. Lots of good M/C books,videos,and accessories too. 1-800-531-1133 WhitehorsePress@compuserve.com http://www.WhitehorsePress.com Conall 90 KLR650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: vesannlewis@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Counterbalancer Adjustment Date: 10 Jul 1998 17:54:51 -0700 Cautioned against overtightening the 8mm (that's the size hex head, not Allen, on my A13) bolt after adjusting the counterbalancer I wondered who extended a caution to the guy who put it in SUPER tight in the first place. I was beginning to worry that a larger hammer might break the box end wrench. But, I got the job done. -Ves 98 KLR650 93 KLR250 _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) synthetic oil Date: 10 Jul 1998 18:29:56 -0700 -----Original Message----- >My '99 KLR650-A13 was purchased in Wisconsin. $4375.00 + tax, tit, Lic. > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>nice to get a tit when buying the bike I suppose. ericR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: Re: (klr650) Slime Date: 10 Jul 1998 21:00:36 -0500 At 06:17 PM 7/10/98 -0600, Fred Hink wrote: > >Slime is one of the best tire sealants on the market. Much better than >some. The tubes that Slimes sells with the sealant already in are made by >Cheng Chin (cheap tubes) and cost more than a good tube and the slime sold >seperately. > >Fred > > > > Fred, Does the slime throw your tires out of balance? Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLE Third Leg Date: 10 Jul 1998 22:01:25 EDT On 7/10/98, vesannlewis@juno.com wrote: snip >.........a little off tilt. Okay, it isn't glamorous but it is functional >and I'm known to go flat at the most inopportune time. Ves, I used to have the same problem. Viagra turned my pipe into a third leg. CA Ron (keeping a stiff upper lip) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Randolph Schack Subject: (klr650) Brand spankin' new KLR Date: 10 Jul 1998 23:46:53 -0400 Just thought I'd update everyone to the details of my fascinating life: I got the 1999 KLR650 out the door for $4765. Insurance was only $83 a year (no comp and collision - I'm a gambler). I actually have a good chunk of change to spend on this, so so far I've gotten (or at least ordered) highway pegs and side protector racks, a centerstand from Dual Star, some Acerbis plastic (handguards, disk protector), a throttle lock, a Kawasaki tail bag, and of course a complete collection of the DSN. No performance mods yet - I want to ride it stock for a while. I also must confess that I, er, dropped the bike unloading it from my truck. Well, dropped is a harsh term... tipped over would be more accurate. No damage, and it was a lot easier to pick up than I thought it would be (6'2", 185# and swim a lot, non-smoker, seeking... oh, wait, wrong forum), so live and learn. The only hard part will be waiting until my MSF course next week to ride - I don't want to teach myself any bad habits... Question: Will transporting it tied-down in a pickup with the fork springs compressed do any damage? Is there a limit to how long they can be compressed like that? I seem to recall someone hauling their cycle across country like that and ending up having to replace the springs, or something like that. Still contemplating taking it to some body shops for paintjob quotes, Randolph http://anguish.org/~greyson/index.shtml ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) Slime Date: 10 Jul 1998 23:16:30 -0600 -----Original Message----- >At 06:17 PM 7/10/98 -0600, Fred Hink wrote: >> >>Slime is one of the best tire sealants on the market. Much better than >>some. The tubes that Slimes sells with the sealant already in are made by >>Cheng Chin (cheap tubes) and cost more than a good tube and the slime sold >>seperately. >> >>Fred >> >> >> >> > >Fred, > > Does the slime throw your tires out of balance? > > >Thanks >Chadd Thompson >chadd@accessus.net > > > Chadd, >From my experience Slime will effect tire balance slightly when you first start up from cold but after you have riden a couple of miles you can't tell it is in there. Slime isn't supposed to freeze but it does get thicker. Riding off road you can never tell it is in there anyway. (until it leaks out!) The only negitive thing I have about Slime is that after you put it in you can't patch a leak, with out vulcanizing. I prefer to use heavy duty tubes rather than Slime. Fred ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: James Naus Subject: RE: (klr650) Third Leg Date: 11 Jul 1998 02:02:45 -0400 That is what I do or I always carry a large strap on my rack to hold down my tool bag. If I don't have anything to put under the foot peg I just park close to a tree and lean the bike up on the side stand and use the strap to hold the wheel off the ground. This probably will not work so good in Colorado where there are not as many trees as we have in the east. James Tallahassee, FL '95 KLX650C > -----Original Message----- > From: vesannlewis@juno.com [SMTP:vesannlewis@juno.com] > Sent: Friday, July 10, 1998 8:38 PM > To: klr650@lists.xmission.com > Subject: (klr650) Third Leg > > For what it's worth: > > A flat 25 miles into the boonies. Tire repair kit in place. How do I > get the rear wheel off without a center stand and presuming I can't > locate something susitable in the field. I've seen some solutions. > Here's mine. I cut a 3/4 inch diameter conduit about 17' long and > secured it with a hose clamp to the underside of the right swing arm. > If > I have a problem I can tip the bike, lodge the conduit piece against > the > footpeg support and do my thing with the wheel, albeit a little off > tilt. > Okay, it isn't glamorous but it is functional and I'm known to go > flat > at the most inopportune time. Try it if you will. > > -Ves 98 KLR650 > 93 KLR250 > > _____________________________________________________________________ > You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. > Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com > Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Brand spankin' new KLR Date: 11 Jul 1998 16:34:54 +1000 Randolph Schack wrote: [...] > Question: Will transporting it tied-down in a pickup with the fork > springs compressed do any damage? Is there a limit to how long they This was covered in some detail a while ago here. You can check the archives (don't ask me how, I can't remember: nightshift this weekend). But briefly, you can put a chunk of 4x2 wood between the tyre and the front mudguard to avoid compressing the springs excessively. You can figure out the length of wood without difficulty. Whether the 4x2 trick works on the rear is open to conjecture, but I don't see why not. You may have to be a bit fussy about where the wood contacts under the rear, however. _Really_ fussy people may consider putting a radius at the tyre contact end of the wood chunk, or even bolting small metal tabs under the guards to locate the wood more securely. In the absence of such sophisticated accessories, once the front is tied down release air from each fork. Your new springs shouldn't need much more than about 4-5" compressed when tied down. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: (klr650) Suspension settings Date: 11 Jul 1998 07:43:40 -0700 I know squat about off road riding. I've searched the archives and haven't come across any mention of suspension setup (not modifications). Racetech did a great article for street bikes. Can someone point me to information on initial setup? Or is the use of this bike so wide range that it's hard to state an initial setup (terrain, rider weight,etc)? Also, is sag on the forks done with internal fork spacers? I don't see any adjustments for this. I have the shop manuals but the bike didn't come with the owners manual to cover the idiot questions. Thanks, Dean in Seattle 94 KLR, 95 VFR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert frey" Subject: Re: (klr650) Suspension settings Date: 11 Jul 1998 11:59:27 -0400 The KLR IS NOT A DIRT BIKE! Its a hand full off road. It is good on fireroads etc, but if your looking for single track trail action get a different bike. It makes no sense to set up a street bike for off-road use, too heavy! MudDog KTM RXC 620 Still-Broken-In-The Garage-From-The-Trailride 93 KLR650 -----Original Message----- >I know squat about off road riding. I've searched the archives and haven't >come across any mention of suspension setup (not modifications). Racetech >did a great article for street bikes. Can someone point me to information >on initial setup? Or is the use of this bike so wide range that it's hard >to state an initial setup (terrain, rider weight,etc)? > >Also, is sag on the forks done with internal fork spacers? I don't see any >adjustments for this. I have the shop manuals but the bike didn't come with >the owners manual to cover the idiot questions. > >Thanks, Dean in Seattle 94 KLR, 95 VFR > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Carlos Yonan Gonzalez Subject: (klr650) Fix-a-Flat Date: 11 Jul 1998 11:03:37 -0500 (CDT) List, While were on the subject of slime and fixing flats, can somebody tell me if it is safe to use regular automotive fix-a-flat in tubed tires? I've heard of people using it in tubeless motorcycle tires, even though the instructions on the can say not it is not for use in motorcycles. I get the feeling that this statement may be to cover themselves legally. Has anybody on the list used this stuff successfully? Thanks, Carlos ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: Re: (klr650) Suspension settings Date: 11 Jul 1998 09:22:42 -0700 So what are you saying? You use the exact same setup for your suspension as you do a sportbike? Sag= around 33% of travel?? I would have thought there still would be slightly different criteria on fire roads with pot holes and such at speed. ---------- > From: Robert frey > To: Dean Harrison ; KLR650 list > Subject: Re: (klr650) Suspension settings > Date: Saturday, July 11, 1998 8:59 AM > > The KLR IS NOT A DIRT BIKE! Its a hand full off road. It is good on > fireroads etc, but if your looking for single track trail action get a > different bike. It makes no sense to set up a street bike for off-road use, > too heavy! > > MudDog > KTM RXC 620 > Still-Broken-In-The Garage-From-The-Trailride 93 KLR650 > -----Original Message----- > From: Dean Harrison > To: KLR650 list > Date: Saturday, July 11, 1998 10:43 AM > Subject: (klr650) Suspension settings > > > >I know squat about off road riding. I've searched the archives and haven't > >come across any mention of suspension setup (not modifications). Racetech > >did a great article for street bikes. Can someone point me to information > >on initial setup? Or is the use of this bike so wide range that it's hard > >to state an initial setup (terrain, rider weight,etc)? > > > >Also, is sag on the forks done with internal fork spacers? I don't see any > >adjustments for this. I have the shop manuals but the bike didn't come with > >the owners manual to cover the idiot questions. > > > >Thanks, Dean in Seattle 94 KLR, 95 VFR > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "David D. Kessler" Subject: Re: (klr650) Suspension settings Date: 11 Jul 1998 10:06:52 -0700 So what are you saying? You use the exact same setup for your suspension as you do a sportbike? Sag= around 33% of travel?? Dean....You are on the right track...that is a good place to start....from there settings are based on your personal preference...The concept that you always have to keep in mind are the balance between comfort and control....there are to many variables to give exact settings for all riders and conditions. You are the ultimate judge if your suspension is setup properly or not...when you tune it to profection for you ....I might jump on your bike and hate it....I might be heavier... different riding style...riding different terrain, etc....you get the picture. If you have any other specific questions you can E-mail me privately. Good luck.....Dave Kessler Free web-based email, Forever, From anywhere! http://www.mailexcite.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Jasniewicz" Subject: (klr650) Motard info Date: 11 Jul 1998 13:56:08 -0400 This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0004_01BDACD3.A8157F60 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Anyone have info on turning the KLR into more of a streetbike, a la = super-motard type? Former sportbike rider, specifically looking to bolt up street wheels = (tubeless) to mount grippier street rubber. Anyone have experience = doing this? TIA ------=_NextPart_000_0004_01BDACD3.A8157F60 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Anyone have info on turning the KLR into more of a = streetbike,=20 a la super-motard type?
 
Former sportbike rider, specifically looking to bolt = up street=20 wheels (tubeless) to mount grippier street rubber.  Anyone have = experience=20 doing this?
 
TIA
------=_NextPart_000_0004_01BDACD3.A8157F60-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Carlos Yonan Gonzalez Subject: (klr650) Kickstands Date: 11 Jul 1998 13:59:08 -0500 (CDT) Hello all, I,m getting kind of tired of having such an extreme angle when I park my bike on its kickstand. It makes it almost impossible to park on dirt or grass without having it eventually tip over. Does anyone know of a aftermarket stand which is a little longer and will make the bike stand more upright? I've thought of having someone weld an extention to the bottom of the kickstand, but I'd rather buy one than have one made. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Carlos ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Kickstands Date: 11 Jul 1998 13:25:53 -0600 Carlos Yonan Gonzalez wrote: > > Hello all, > > I,m getting kind of tired of having such an extreme angle when I park my > bike on its kickstand. It makes it almost impossible to park on dirt or > grass without having it eventually tip over. Does anyone know of a > aftermarket stand which is a little longer and will make the bike stand > more upright? I've thought of having someone weld an extention to the > bottom of the kickstand, but I'd rather buy one than have one made. Any > suggestions would be appreciated. > > Thanks > Carlos Carlos, why not carry a cover for an electric outlet box and put it under the stand? What about a centerstand? Kurt -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 OB HawkGT '89 FS XS-650 '77 FS XS-650 '79 FS XS-650 '80 FS Ask me how to subscribe to the KLR Dual Sport Newsletter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com Subject: (klr650) Re: Slime Date: 11 Jul 1998 15:49:30 -0400 Has anyone ever used those tube replacement inserts that I see in the Chaparral Catalog? I forget how much they cost, but they will NEVER go flat and would last FOREVER. Pat Austin, TX ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "J. Taylor" Subject: Re: (klr650) Slime Date: 11 Jul 1998 18:44:31 -0400 I have been running Slimed tubes (self-slimed, usually cheaper) for over three years now on my KLR. NO FLATS-have pulled several nails over the years with nary a problem. Until I hear otherwise (safety concerns, etc) I will continue to do so. Jake in Jax,FL Snafu11@aol.com wrote: > > What is the verdict on the Slime products ? > I see they have tubes as well now. Any stories out there ? > Snafu ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "J. Taylor" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: Slime Date: 11 Jul 1998 18:53:31 -0400 Pat, I assume you're talking about the mousse replacements? Michelin makes a mousse that supposedly never goes flat; I'm sure other mfgrs do also. I used a similar product for a brief period on my mtn bike and they were quite difficult to install and unlike a tube, would not deflate for easy tire removal. BUT, they never went flat ( and felt funny in a hard corner ). Jake in Jax,FL PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com wrote: > > > Has anyone ever used those tube replacement inserts that I see in the > Chaparral Catalog? > > I forget how much they cost, but they will NEVER go flat and would last > FOREVER. > > Pat > Austin, TX ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Solid Foam Tube Date: 11 Jul 1998 22:09:38 EDT on 7/11/98, PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com wrote: > Has anyone ever used those tube replacement inserts that I > see in the Chaparral Catalog? > > I forget how much they cost, but they will NEVER go flat > and would last FOREVER. Pat, I tried them in my bicycle. It was great in the dirt, but offered too much rolling resistance on the street. Dennis Kirk lists one for the front tire only, at $94.99. Says it hold a steady 13psi feel. Perfect for the dirt, but if it's the same as running a tube at 13#, seems like it would wear the tire out pretty fast on the highway. Anyone else try these on motorcycle? CA Ron (hmmm.........$95 = 5 HD tubes..........but no leaks) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jeffrey P Moorbeck Subject: (klr650) fork oil level Date: 11 Jul 1998 19:27:11 -0700 (MST) Am installing Progressive springs this weekend, but not sure how much fork oil to add. The manual states with legs compressed the level should be 170mm (approx. 6.9 inches) from top of leg. The article on the web site states the oil level should be 2 inches from the top of the leg with full compression. Hmmmm, big discrepency here! Would rather ask first than blow out fork seals. Thanks in advance. Jeff Moorbeck ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: wass Subject: (klr650) Tires Date: 11 Jul 1998 21:26:12 -0500 Another question that has been asked a million times. I have a 95 KLR 650......upp the ugly one but I love it anyway. The question I have is the stock rear tire went 4K and I replaced it with a IRC GP 110 and about all I am going to get out of that is about 4K I run 35psi in it and I was under the impression that the IRC was suppose to get quite a bit better milage than this am I running to much air about 80% of the miles are highway but I don't want to give up anything in the dirt is the Gripster that much worse on gravel roads? I am thinking of going to Alaska next summer and I'll need a tire that can go the distance any help on the tires or the Alaska trip would be welcome. Also the stock chain & sprockets went at about 7K is about normal and whats the prefferd method of lubing the chain.. chain lube 80-90wt,or chain wax I've used all three and was just wondering thanks. please e-mail direct or use the digest....thats all I get Scott Wass ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Carlos Yonan Gonzalez Subject: Re: (klr650) Kickstands Date: 11 Jul 1998 21:45:29 -0500 (CDT) On Sat, 11 Jul 1998, Kurt Simpson wrote: > Carlos Yonan Gonzalez wrote: > > > > Hello all, > > > > I,m getting kind of tired of having such an extreme angle when I park my > > bike on its kickstand. It makes it almost impossible to park on dirt or > > grass without having it eventually tip over. Does anyone know of a > > aftermarket stand which is a little longer and will make the bike stand > > more upright? I've thought of having someone weld an extention to the > > bottom of the kickstand, but I'd rather buy one than have one made. Any > > suggestions would be appreciated. > > > > Thanks > > Carlos > > Carlos, why not carry a cover for an electric outlet box and > put it under the stand? What about a centerstand? > > Kurt > -- Kurt, I usually do end up using things like wood planks or large rocks that I find laying around when I put the bike on its stand, just to keep it from sinking into the dirt. But my problem is more with the angle the bike leans at, which puts a lot of weight on the stand and makes it difficult to stand it up when you have poor footing or the terrain itself is angled (such as in offroad situations). Ironically, my friend who has a DR350 has the opposite problem. His kickstand is so tall that it nearly stands the bike perfectly upright. There is very little weight on the stand, but it usually falls over opposite the stand when the terrain is uneven. I'm trying to find a happy middle ground. I'm thinking of trying to find a welder to cut the "pad" at the bottom off at the seam, and having an inch or so of tube added, and the pad reattached to the bottom. Kind of a complicated pain, but... Centerstands are cool but they wouldn't help me out much if the terrain is uneven, and their expensive. Carlos ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Carlos Yonan Gonzalez Subject: Re: (klr650) fork oil level Date: 11 Jul 1998 22:02:34 -0500 (CDT) On Sat, 11 Jul 1998, Jeffrey P Moorbeck wrote: > Am installing Progressive springs this weekend, but not sure how much fork > oil to add. The manual states with legs compressed the level should be > 170mm (approx. 6.9 inches) from top of leg. The article on the web site > states the oil level should be 2 inches from the top of the leg with full > compression. Hmmmm, big discrepency here! Would rather ask first than > blow out fork seals. Thanks in advance. > Jeff Moorbeck Jeff, The KLR650 supplement to the shop manual says to fill the forks to 190 +/-2 mm (don't ask me how they came up with such a ridiculous tolerance) with forks compressed and main spring out. This is what I put in with my progressive springs, and I've run about 5000 miles without problems or poor suspension handling. Seems to me that what progressive states is a bit high, plus it would probably require buying a second quart of fork oil (I'm to cheap to do that). There was a discussion on this a while back, but I don't remember the verdict. Hope this helps. Carlos ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Michael Magnatta" Subject: Re: (klr650) Kickstands Date: 11 Jul 1998 23:04:08 -0400 Carlos: I use a small length of a 2 x 4 when I Park it in my garage (or in my yard in good weather for that matter). The thickness of a 2 x 4 is actually 1.5", and I find that the perfect height. Mike Magnatta -----Original Message----- Cc: klr650@lists.xmission.com On Sat, 11 Jul 1998, Kurt Simpson wrote: > Carlos Yonan Gonzalez wrote: > > > > Hello all, > > > > I,m getting kind of tired of having such an extreme angle when I park my > > bike on its kickstand. It makes it almost impossible to park on dirt or > > grass without having it eventually tip over. Does anyone know of a > > aftermarket stand which is a little longer and will make the bike stand > > more upright? I've thought of having someone weld an extention to the > > bottom of the kickstand, but I'd rather buy one than have one made. Any > > suggestions would be appreciated. > > > > Thanks > > Carlos > > Carlos, why not carry a cover for an electric outlet box and > put it under the stand? What about a centerstand? > > Kurt > -- Kurt, I usually do end up using things like wood planks or large rocks that I find laying around when I put the bike on its stand, just to keep it from sinking into the dirt. But my problem is more with the angle the bike leans at, which puts a lot of weight on the stand and makes it difficult to stand it up when you have poor footing or the terrain itself is angled (such as in offroad situations). Ironically, my friend who has a DR350 has the opposite problem. His kickstand is so tall that it nearly stands the bike perfectly upright. There is very little weight on the stand, but it usually falls over opposite the stand when the terrain is uneven. I'm trying to find a happy middle ground. I'm thinking of trying to find a welder to cut the "pad" at the bottom off at the seam, and having an inch or so of tube added, and the pad reattached to the bottom. Kind of a complicated pain, but... Centerstands are cool but they wouldn't help me out much if the terrain is uneven, and their expensive. Carlos ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Michael Magnatta" Subject: Re: (klr650) fork oil level Date: 11 Jul 1998 23:15:45 -0400 The parts guy where I bought my fork oil looked up the specs and said that a dry fork tube takes between 424 and 434 ml. Mike Magnatta -----Original Message----- On Sat, 11 Jul 1998, Jeffrey P Moorbeck wrote: > Am installing Progressive springs this weekend, but not sure how much fork > oil to add. The manual states with legs compressed the level should be > 170mm (approx. 6.9 inches) from top of leg. The article on the web site > states the oil level should be 2 inches from the top of the leg with full > compression. Hmmmm, big discrepency here! Would rather ask first than > blow out fork seals. Thanks in advance. > Jeff Moorbeck Jeff, The KLR650 supplement to the shop manual says to fill the forks to 190 +/-2 mm (don't ask me how they came up with such a ridiculous tolerance) with forks compressed and main spring out. This is what I put in with my progressive springs, and I've run about 5000 miles without problems or poor suspension handling. Seems to me that what progressive states is a bit high, plus it would probably require buying a second quart of fork oil (I'm to cheap to do that). There was a discussion on this a while back, but I don't remember the verdict. Hope this helps. Carlos ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Kickstands Date: 11 Jul 1998 23:18:05 EDT On 7/11/98, aviator@csd.uwm.edu wrote: snip >I'm thinking of trying to find a welder to cut the "pad" at the >bottom off at the seam, and having an inch or so of tube added, >and the pad reattached to the bottom....... Carlos, unless someone finds a fault with this, I think it might be easier/faster to drill a hole in the existing pad, then bolt an extra pad of a suitable thickness and diameter for your terrain. CA Ron (laziness is the father of invention) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Solid Foam Tube Date: 11 Jul 1998 23:22:28 EDT on 7/11/98, PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com wrote: > Has anyone ever used those tube replacement inserts that I > see in the Chaparral Catalog? > > I forget how much they cost, but they will NEVER go flat > and would last FOREVER. Pat, I tried them in my bicycle. It was great in the dirt, but offered too much rolling resistance on the street. Dennis Kirk lists one for the front tire only, at $94.99. Says it hold a steady 13psi feel. Perfect for the dirt, but if it's the same as running a tube at 13#, seems like it would wear the tire out pretty fast on the highway. Anyone else try these on motorcycle? CA Ron (hmmm.........$95 = 5 HD tubes..........but no leaks) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) Kickstands Date: 11 Jul 1998 20:27:35 -0700 -----Original Message----- Cc: klr650@lists.xmission.com >On Sat, 11 Jul 1998, Kurt Simpson wrote: > >> Carlos Yonan Gonzalez wrote: >> > >> > Hello all, >> > >> > I,m getting kind of tired of having such an extreme angle when I park my >> > bike on its kickstand. It makes it almost impossible to park on dirt or >> > grass without having it eventually tip over. Does anyone know of a >> >Centerstands are cool but they wouldn't help me out much if the terrain is >uneven, and their expensive. > >Carlos > >########### yeah I think the centerstand is expensive too.....my problem is a little different as I lowered the suspension.....so now the stand is too tall, and bike wants to stand straight up....and if it's wrong slope then it wants to fall over like your friends' bike. Of course before i lowered it i had the same problem you have now. Now i'm just gonna cut out some of the kckstand...maybe an inch will work (it's lowered 1.5" as per standard lowering kit) good luck, ericR > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Solid Foam Tube Date: 11 Jul 1998 23:46:16 -0700 At 11:22 PM 7/11/98 EDT, you wrote: >on 7/11/98, PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com wrote: >> Has anyone ever used those tube replacement inserts that I >> see in the Chaparral Catalog? >> >> I forget how much they cost, but they will NEVER go flat >> and would last FOREVER. > > Pat, I tried them in my bicycle. It was great in the dirt, but > offered too much rolling resistance on the street. Dennis Kirk > lists one for the front tire only, at $94.99. Says it hold a steady > 13psi feel. Perfect for the dirt, but if it's the same as running > a tube at 13#, seems like it would wear the tire out pretty fast > on the highway. Anyone else try these on motorcycle? > > CA Ron (hmmm.........$95 = 5 HD tubes..........but no leaks) These are offroad items ONLY. They overheat quickly at highway speeds. -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) tires (agian) Date: 11 Jul 1998 23:55:18 EDT In a message dated 98-07-10 01:36:00 EDT, rycomm@webtv.net writes: << I've pretty much narrowed to the IRCs and the Avons. My only question is which ones last longer, or is it better to upgrade to the Metzelers or Pirellis? >> I just mounted the 3rd set of Avon Gripster AM24s. These have to be the easiest to mount, easiest to balance tires in the world. I wish I could get them for all of my bikes. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Solid Foam Tube Date: 12 Jul 1998 00:04:52 EDT you wrote: >overheat quickly at >highway speeds. That's what I thought. Thanks Tom. Ron ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) tires (agian) Date: 11 Jul 1998 21:23:21 -0700 -----Original Message----- >In a message dated 98-07-10 01:36:00 EDT, rycomm@webtv.net writes: > ><< I've pretty much narrowed to the IRCs and the Avons. My only > question is which ones last longer, or is it better to upgrade to the > Metzelers or Pirellis? >> > >I just mounted the 3rd set of Avon Gripster AM24s. These have to be the >easiest to mount, easiest to balance tires in the world. I wish I could get >them for all of my bikes. > >Gino >$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ do you own stock in Avon? ..just kinda wondering :) > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) fork oil level Date: 11 Jul 1998 22:45:33 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Am installing Progressive springs this weekend, but not sure how much fork >oil to add. The manual states with legs compressed the level should be >170mm (approx. 6.9 inches) from top of leg. The article on the web site >states the oil level should be 2 inches from the top of the leg with full >compression. Hmmmm, big discrepency here! Would rather ask first than >blow out fork seals. Thanks in advance. >Jeff Moorbeck > I had the same problem..GO WITH THE MANUAL...Gino wrote me and said the 2 inch thing was an anomaly and he was going to correct it with Bill. Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Tires Date: 11 Jul 1998 22:55:23 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Another question that has been asked a million times. I have a 95 KLR >650......upp the ugly one but I love it anyway. The question I have is >the stock rear tire went 4K and I replaced it with a IRC GP 110 and >about all I am going to get out of that is about 4K I run 35psi in it >and I was under the impression that the IRC was suppose to get quite a >bit better milage than this am I running to much air about 80% of the >miles are highway but I don't want to give up anything in the dirt is >the Gripster that much worse on gravel roads? I am thinking of going to >Alaska next summer and I'll need a tire that can go the distance any >help on the tires or the Alaska trip would be welcome. Also the stock >chain & sprockets went at about 7K is about normal and whats the >prefferd method of lubing the chain.. chain lube 80-90wt,or chain wax >I've used all three and was just wondering thanks. please e-mail direct >or use the digest....thats all I get > >Scott Wass > Scott, Gino has used both and he is running A24 Gripsters now. I'm just guessing but I think the IRC's are a bit more off-road oriented. You should be able to get better wear out of your sprockets and chain. Fred Hink can set you up...most listers believe that O-Ring chains DO need to be lubed and cleaned very regularly...Jake Jakeman uses a heavy gear oil...I like a good wax. Bill Haycock and I use WD-40 to clean. Be careful not to run your engine while you are cleaning or lubing. We need all of our digits to keep up with the traffic on the list.... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) tires (agian) Date: 12 Jul 1998 01:00:42 -0700 At 11:55 PM 7/11/98 EDT, K650dsn@aol.com wrote: >In a message dated 98-07-10 01:36:00 EDT, rycomm@webtv.net writes: > ><< I've pretty much narrowed to the IRCs and the Avons. My only > question is which ones last longer, or is it better to upgrade to the > Metzelers or Pirellis? >> > >I just mounted the 3rd set of Avon Gripster AM24s. These have to be the >easiest to mount, easiest to balance tires in the world. I wish I could get >them for all of my bikes. You bother to ballance them? :) All of mine have been nearly perfectly true wothout any need for ballancing them. The AM24 is going to be almost impossible to beat as a cost-effective, road-biased DS tire. -Tom ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "David D. Kessler" Subject: Re: (klr650) Suspension settings Date: 11 Jul 1998 23:30:00 -0700 Dean...Lets start from the top...I'm in the mood to type tonite, so lets see if I can cover all the bases in one post....Generaly the manufactures try to work within the parameters of an intermediate rider between 150 and 200 lbs. Unless you are a animal rider or out of the weight parameters you can get good results working with factory stuff and not spend a ton of money...It just takes a little time and a understanding on how suspension works....lets start with theory first...Springs support the weight of the bike and rider....Shocks Via the oil in them (this also includes the oil in the front forks) control the springs....Never try to compensate springs for a damping problem or visa versa. Example = you are bottoming out in the rear....don't try to increase the compressoin damping to stop the bottoming....the right thing to do is either put more preload on the spring or go to a stiffer spring....In my earlier post to you I said you have to achieve a balance between comfort and control...This is where the finer points of tuning come in....Lets say your bottoming in the rear....the first thing I would do is increase the preload...then test ride....No more bottoming...BUT....now the ride is way harsh on studder bumps....This tells me that I have to go to a stiffer rate spring with a softer preload setting...assuming that I do this, I now have stoped the bottoming problem....and by having a softer preload setting...I also have a plush ride on the studder bumps also...OK...now that the spring is set now I would go to the damping...which is going to control the spring setting....Unless you own a modern Moto Cross bike, the only thing you can adjust is the rebound damping.... the compression damping is set by the manufacture at the factory.... It can be changed, but usually is not nessary. Example = off that jump we used to set the spring....on landing the bike rebounds like a basket ball and almost leaves the ground again...the rebound damping is to lite...Increase the rebound damping until the bike rebounds in controlled manner that gives you the feeling that it is not kicking you in the Ass. The way you can tell if you have to much rebound damping is on a series of medium sized bumps...the rear wheel is skipping across the tops of the bumps instead of following ground between the highs and lows...What is happening here is the shock is packing up...in other words...because the rebound damping is returning the spring to its extended state slower than you are hitting the next bump therefore you are progressivly losing suspension travel....So as you can see there is a fine line that you have to walk...Now that you have the rear set up now it is time to go to the front ..... The concept here is the same as the rear...There are three basic variables in tuning a front fork....oil volume....oil viscosity...and spring rate.lets say the front is mushy(which is usually the case). Take the bike out on a test beat...ah umh I mean ride...lets say that over all the action seems good...but the font end seems mushy and has a tendency to bottom although it is not terrible...I would start with the oil volume...using the factory recommended viscosity...Lets say it is 10 wt oil. Remove the springs...try to let all the oil run off them back into the fork tubes. Assumiming you have the bike up on a stand and have the front wheel off....push the tubes all the way to the collapsed position....then measure how far down the oil is in the tube....Lets say that it is 6 inches...I usually rough in the volume in 1/2 inch increments...so I add a half inch off 10 wt oil...Now do this to the other tube....don't be suprised if the inichial reading is different....in the end both tubes should read the same...In this case 5 1/2 inches from the top of the tube. Put everything back together and try it...oh by the way, what you just did by adding extra oil is decrease the air volume in the top of the tube....so now when the fork tube is being colapsed with less air volume the air pressure goes up and therefore helps support the spring to resist bottoming. At this point you are probably thinking....this is stupid....I can just add air and save all this happy horse shit....WRONG...By adding air pressure for inichal preload usually makes for a harsh fork for two reasons...1...the extra air pressure adds squeeze presure to the fork seals...therefore creating sticksion which makes the fork resist moving smooooothly....2....adding extra air is like putting in a stiffer spring...with TONS of preload....the fork doesn't want to move on the studder bumps...Back to the test ride.....what you should notice is that the fork still moves nicely in the first few inches of travel but as it reaches mid stroke you notice it firms up quicker than before...also when braking you will notice the front end has less tendency to dive. After your test ride lets say you are happy with over all performance...but...the front seems alittle springy...the ride is good but the control feels less than confidence inspiring....This means that the oil is to lite.(not enough viscosity)....OK...back to the garage dump the fork oil....pull the springs and refill with 15 wt oil this time....allready knowing that your oil level based on the last test ride should be at 5 1/2 inches. With everything back together...back out to try it again...Now using the same course... you see that the over all fork action is the same as before....however now the springyness is gone no more loose feeling....AH YES...confidence!!!.....Now the last thing.....Is the front and the back balanced with EACH OTHER! the way to tell is get a milk crate and put it next to the bike...Get on the bike....use the milk crate to keep your balance put as much of your body weight as you can on the opposite foot peg and jump up and down.... Both the front and the rear should go up and down together evenly....the relative damping between the two should feel the same also. Everything that I just talked about is based on hypathecital situation....the numbers that I used is based on much experience tuning suspensions using XX wt oils and oil volume measurements in alot of different bikes...Refer to your manual and or favorite shop to give you the stock setting (BASE LINE) to start from..This proceedure is not a one nite stand....RATHER it is a process that might take a month to sort out....However it is the best time you will spend on you bike....And when your done you will be amased at the difference it makes....And if you noticed all it probably cost you is a couple quarts of fork oil.....Hope this helps........ HAPPY TUNING..........Dave Kessler Free web-based email, Forever, From anywhere! http://www.mailexcite.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) tires (agian) Date: 12 Jul 1998 09:53:52 EDT In a message dated 98-07-12 00:21:44 EDT, you write: << Gino >$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ do you own stock in Avon? ..just kinda wondering :) > >> Nope, just appreciate an all around good tire :-) Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Tires Date: 12 Jul 1998 09:56:35 EDT In a message dated 98-07-12 00:53:32 EDT, you write: << Jake Jakeman uses a heavy gear oil...I like a good wax. Bill Haycock and I use WD-40 to clean. >> I used to be of the gear oil persuassion, but have switched to wax. Just a better product if applied correctly. Be sure to wait 10 minutes after being applied to a warm chain to allow it to setup. I apply it at fillups first, then fill the tank, visit the boys room all of that; then it is ready to go when I am. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) tires (agian) Date: 12 Jul 1998 09:59:20 EDT In a message dated 98-07-12 01:02:21 EDT, you write: << You bother to ballance them? :) >> Keeps me in practice. I notices the last set i got from MAW did not have the yellow weight mark on it. So I had to put them on the stand before I filled them with air to get the best spot. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Tires Date: 12 Jul 1998 10:01:49 EDT In a message dated 98-07-12 03:03:28 EDT, you write: << The question I have is the stock rear tire went 4K and I replaced it with a IRC GP 110 and about all I am going to get out of that is about 4K I run 35psi in it >> Yep, I noticed this with my last IRC. My first GP110 rear went 7K miles, my last one managed only 5.5K before the TWI showed up. I wonder if they changed compounds or something. The Avon Gripsters seem to provide the best, consistent perfromance. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Solid Foam Tube Date: 12 Jul 1998 10:24:51 -0400 --openmail-part-11671e25-00000001 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; name="(klr650)" Content-Disposition: inline; filename="(klr650)" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit CA Ron wrote:>>> (hmmm.........$95 = 5 HD tubes..........but no leaks) <<<< Actually, it was the economics of a recent flat that got me to considering the foam insert. Last month during ONE day or riding I had: - *TWO* rear tire flats (at least $20 in tubes) - Used a can of Fix a Flat (at least $5) - Took the tire to the shop on Monday to install a new tube (say ~$25 for the tube and labor) - Four bottles of GatorAide that I drank in the desert heat after changing both flats (~$5) -Beer tab to have my buddy to come fetch me in his truck after the 2nd flat. (~$10) **Total cost adds to $65 at least. Plus it screwed up the ride, the time to fix it, etc. 100 bucks for the foam insert is not a bad price if they are dirt AND street worthy. I would like to hear any street comments about the foam inserts. Pat Austin, Tx ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Author: Non-HP-Cloudhid (Cloudhid@aol.com) at HP-USA/o2=mimegw4 on 7/11/98, PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com wrote: > Has anyone ever used those tube replacement inserts that I > see in the Chaparral Catalog? > > I forget how much they cost, but they will NEVER go flat > and would last FOREVER. Pat, I tried them in my bicycle. It was great in the dirt, but offered too much rolling resistance on the street. Dennis Kirk lists one for the front tire only, at $94.99. Says it hold a steady 13psi feel. Perfect for the dirt, but if it's the same as running a tube at 13#, seems like it would wear the tire out pretty fast on the highway. Anyone else try these on motorcycle? CA Ron (hmmm.........$95 = 5 HD tubes..........but no leaks) --openmail-part-11671e25-00000001 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; name="1.txt" Content-Disposition: inline; filename="1.txt" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Received: from atlrel2.hp.com (atlrel2.hp.com [15.10.184.10]) by i3125om4.atl.hp.com with ESMTP (8.7.1/8.7.3 TIS 5.0 Openmail) id WAA02600 for ; Sat, 11 Jul 1998 22:12:43 -0400 (EDT) Received: from imo26.mx.aol.com (imo26.mx.aol.com [198.81.17.70]) by atlrel2.hp.com (8.8.6/8.8.5tis) with ESMTP id WAA17996 for ; Sat, 11 Jul 1998 22:11:53 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Cloudhid@aol.com by imo26.mx.aol.com (IMOv14_b1.1) id DESTa04520; Sat, 11 Jul 1998 22:09:38 +2000 (EDT) Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: AOL 3.0 for Mac sub 79 --openmail-part-11671e25-00000001-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Suspension settings Date: 12 Jul 1998 08:29:15 -0600 -----Original Message----- Cc: KLR Owners Group >Dean...Lets start from the top...I'm in the mood to type tonite, so lets see if I can cover all the bases in one post Excellent post Dave, thanks for sharing your expertise... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Call for articles Date: 12 Jul 1998 11:47:27 EDT Okay gang, Here's your chance to get your writing published. The Sept/Oct issue of K650DSN will cover jackets and helmets. Send me a write up of your favorite jacket and/or helmet by 8/10 and I'll get it into the next issue. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) tires (agian) Date: 12 Jul 1998 09:49:22 -0700 -----Original Message----- Cc: klr650@lists.xmission.com >On Fri, 10 Jul 1998, Ryan Combs wrote: > >> I know this has been coverd every month or so, but I need some 50/50 >> tires. I've pretty much narrowed to the IRCs and the Avons. My only >> question is which ones last longer, or is it better to upgrade to the >> Metzelers or Pirellis? Is this on the web page somewhere, or only in the >> archives. Some pictures would be cool. I stopped by a dealer today and >> looked at their books (none in stock). PRICEY$$!! If you want a good performing 50/50 tire, then its hard to beat the IRC GP-1's front and rear. That's what I ride. For the price, you can get two sets of these for the cost of the Pirellis. Another good tire to check out is the Maxxis Dual Sport. These are a 50/50 tire that have a harder rubber compound, so are supposed to last longer. Plus the price is very reasonable. Nobody usually carries these, but most can order them. There is a link to these different manufacturers, when I find it I'll send it to you. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Kickstands Date: 12 Jul 1998 09:58:34 -0700 > >> Carlos Yonan Gonzalez wrote: >> > >> > Hello all, >> > >> > I,m getting kind of tired of having such an extreme angle when I park my >> > bike on its kickstand. It makes it almost impossible to park on dirt or >> > grass without having it eventually tip over. Does anyone know of a >> > aftermarket stand which is a little longer and will make the bike stand >> > more upright? I've thought of having someone weld an extention to the >> > bottom of the kickstand, but I'd rather buy one than have one made. Any >> > suggestions would be appreciated. >> > >> > Thanks >> > Carlos >> >> Carlos, why not carry a cover for an electric outlet box and >> put it under the stand? What about a centerstand? >> >> Kurt >> -- > >Kurt, >I usually do end up using things like wood planks or large rocks that I >find laying around when I put the bike on its stand, just to keep it from >sinking into the dirt. But my problem is more with the angle the bike >leans at, which puts a lot of weight on the stand and makes it difficult >to stand it up when you have poor footing or the terrain itself is angled >(such as in offroad situations). > >Ironically, my friend who has a DR350 has the opposite problem. His >kickstand is so tall that it nearly stands the bike perfectly upright. >There is very little weight on the stand, but it usually falls over >opposite the stand when the terrain is uneven. I'm trying to find a happy >middle ground. I'm thinking of trying to find a welder to cut the "pad" >at the bottom off at the seam, and having an inch or so of tube added, and >the pad reattached to the bottom. Kind of a complicated pain, but... > >Centerstands are cool but they wouldn't help me out much if the terrain is >uneven, and their expensive. A very simple technique that my buds and I always used with our MX bikes in the desert (no kickstands at all): You have one guy lock his front brake, then then rev and spin and dig the rear wheel in the ground and "plant" it. Pack the dirt around the tire. You then can have your riding partners lean their bikes against yours. Works best when you have two guys lean their bikes from the opposite sides. Works best in sand, but will work in other types of dirt also. Just don't dig past the sprocket. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Kickstands Date: 12 Jul 1998 13:04:37 EDT Jeff, this method might work well but it does nothing to keep us in good graces with others who might want to close OHV areas. It only gives them ammo when they see large ruts dug in the sand, dirt or whatever. I love to go off road just as much as the next guy but we are in a sensative sport. We must go out of are way to prove that we respect and care about the land and others who use it. Hey, if I could I would be rippen through woods, desert, etc with out a care in the world but unfortunately life doesn't work that way. We have to do all we can to protect and save the shrinking land that we do have access to. If we didn't COHVCO or The Blue Ribbon Coalition wouldn't exist. Walter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: (klr650) Saw your KLR in Seattle Date: 12 Jul 1998 10:08:37 -0700 Did anyone on the list have their bike parked on Western Avenue under the Pike Street Market on Friday, July 9th? Looked to be a ?93 or 94?? (I'm still learning the various graphic schemes per year). Anyway, saw it. Write me and we'll go riding sometime. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Cheap tire recommendations/archives Date: 12 Jul 1998 10:22:20 -0700 >3. Here's the one I really need advice on. I know you hear it weekly on >this list about which tires are best. I want to know what can I get that's >reasonable but CHEAP. On someone's web page they said a good 50-50 tire was >the IRC GP-1. I called MAW and they say they don't make a tire for this >bike. Anybody know if that's true? Otherwise, what can I get in the more >modest price range? > Hey Dean, MAW doesn't know what they are talking about. You want the IRC GP-1 3.00-21 on the front, and the IRC GP-1 5.10-17 on the back. You can have SCC order these and mount and spin balance them for just a little more than you'd pay for the tire at MAW, plus they will back their work, In case something happens to the tire. Make sure you just bring in the wheels, or they will charge more, and if you sweet talk them, they usually knock $$ off the price. Anyway, these are the tires I'm running, and I'm happy with. You could also check out the Maxxis Dual Sport tire. These are also cheap, are a 50/50, and are supposed to be made with a harder rubber compound so they last longer. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Suspension settings Date: 12 Jul 1998 10:53:04 -0700 >The KLR IS NOT A DIRT BIKE! Its a hand full off road. It is good on >fireroads etc, but if your looking for single track trail action get a >different bike. It makes no sense to set up a street bike for off-road use, >too heavy! > >MudDog >KTM RXC 620 >Still-Broken-In-The Garage-From-The-Trailride 93 KLR650 Funny, walks like a duck, sounds like a duck, must be a big fat duck. KLR, looks like a dirt bike, set up like a dirt bike, sounds like a dirt bike, but not a big fat dirt bike? I think that it depends on your level of experience and riding ability and your physical size and strength. At 6'2", 225 lean and mean pounds, I have no problem with my KLR on the same type of trails that I used to ride on my RM 125, YZ 250, or CR 480 (oldie but a goodie). But like my Isuzu Rodeo compared to my old Jeep CJ, I can go almost everywhere the CJ went (Mind the scratches in the paint!), but I can't get there as fast. I can still take the whoops on the KLR that I took with my MXers, but not as fast. You just have to adjust your riding to compensate for the extra weight. Interestingly enough, on the track, I was much faster on the 125 and 250 than the 480, but out in the open desert, the 480 was AWESOME! Hey, you want to ride a dirt bike offroad, then buy a dirt bike, then buy a truck to get the bike there...You want to ride to the dirt then go dirt riding, get a KLR. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) Kickstands Date: 12 Jul 1998 10:55:50 -0700 -----Original Message----- >Jeff, this method might work well but it does nothing to keep us in good >graces with others who might want to close OHV areas. It only gives them ammo >when they see large ruts dug in the sand, dirt or whatever. I love to go off >road just as much as the next guy but we are in a sensative sport. We must go >out of are way to prove that we respect and care about the land and others who >use it. Hey, if I could I would be rippen through woods, desert, etc with out >a care in the world but unfortunately life doesn't work that way. We have to >do all we can to protect and save the shrinking land that we do have access >to. If we didn't COHVCO or The Blue Ribbon Coalition wouldn't exist. > >Walter > >#### I understand and agree with what you say. However, your approach accepts an inevitability which I think it should not, and intrinsically limits itself to a purely paliative relief of symptoms. I'd say we should deal with the problem, not symptom. The idea that "life doesn't work that way" is not a good justification for giving up on the basic issue, since it's completely within our power to remedy. .....just a thought. ericR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) fork oil level Date: 12 Jul 1998 10:57:42 -0700 > >> Am installing Progressive springs this weekend, but not sure how much fork >> oil to add. The manual states with legs compressed the level should be >> 170mm (approx. 6.9 inches) from top of leg. The article on the web site >> states the oil level should be 2 inches from the top of the leg with full >> compression. Hmmmm, big discrepency here! Would rather ask first than >> blow out fork seals. Thanks in advance. >> Jeff Moorbeck > >Jeff, >The KLR650 supplement to the shop manual says to fill the forks to 190 >+/-2 mm (don't ask me how they came up with such a ridiculous >tolerance) with forks compressed and main spring out. This is what I put >in with my progressive springs, and I've run about 5000 miles without >problems or poor suspension handling. Seems to me that what progressive >states is a bit high, plus it would probably require buying a second quart >of fork oil (I'm to cheap to do that). There was a discussion on this a >while back, but I don't remember the verdict. > >Hope this helps. I went between the Progressive and the Kawa levels, and measured my fork oil level at 6 inches, a nice even number. No problems at all, and still leaves me room to adjust the level for tuning. (although I'm happy with the level where its at.) Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert frey" Subject: Re: (klr650) Cheap tire recommendations/archives Date: 12 Jul 1998 14:27:37 -0400 Cheng Shin makes a good cheap tire, good for 2500 miles on a KLR and will hook up alright on turf and sandy conditions... -----Original Message----- >>3. Here's the one I really need advice on. I know you hear it weekly on >>this list about which tires are best. I want to know what can I get that's >>reasonable but CHEAP. On someone's web page they said a good 50-50 tire was >>the IRC GP-1. I called MAW and they say they don't make a tire for this >>bike. Anybody know if that's true? Otherwise, what can I get in the more >>modest price range? >> >Hey Dean, MAW doesn't know what they are talking about. You want the IRC >GP-1 3.00-21 on the front, and the IRC GP-1 5.10-17 on the back. You can >have SCC order these and mount and spin balance them for just a little more >than you'd pay for the tire at MAW, plus they will back their work, In case >something happens to the tire. Make sure you just bring in the wheels, or >they will charge more, and if you sweet talk them, they usually knock $$ off >the price. Anyway, these are the tires I'm running, and I'm happy with. >You could also check out the Maxxis Dual Sport tire. These are also cheap, >are a 50/50, and are supposed to be made with a harder rubber compound so >they last longer. > >Jeff > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Mr. Mendez" Subject: Re:(klr650) Suspension settings Date: 12 Jul 1998 14:28:52 -0000 On 7/12 Jeff wrote: > Hey, you want to ride a dirt bike offroad, then buy a dirt >bike, then buy a truck to get the bike there...You want to ride to the dirt >then go dirt riding, get a KLR. > >Jeff Spoken like the spirit of the KLR I fI'm mistaken, then I ask; What's the whole idea of a DS??? (KLR650 being the most 50/50% according to all info I've come aroun so far) "Everyone-is-entitled-to-an-opinion-Mendez" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Mr. Mendez" Subject: Re:(klr650) Kickstands , keep in mind..... Date: 12 Jul 1998 14:34:12 -0000 It's a kickstand issue not a kickeachother issue By the way, looove the Sunday-vocabulary being used J.Mendez ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bill Haycock Subject: (klr650) Question on Center Stand Date: 12 Jul 1998 14:28:51 -0400 Reid, I have submitted your question to the KLR650 LIST for a possible answer. If you are not aware of the KLR650 LIST you can find out information about signing on at: http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page60.html Check it out! Bill Name: Reid Douglas E-mail address: grisaigle@aol.com Homepage URL: Comments: Question after installation of Dual-Star centerstand on 96 KLR650/lowered w/Quality R+D links, and forks adjusted. 1) Technique for deploying stand w/o help of gorilla....what is the trick? RD Date: Sat Jul 11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Kickstands Date: 12 Jul 1998 11:50:27 -0700 >Jeff, this method might work well but it does nothing to keep us in good >graces with others who might want to close OHV areas. It only gives them ammo >when they see large ruts dug in the sand, dirt or whatever. I love to go off >road just as much as the next guy but we are in a sensative sport. We must go >out of are way to prove that we respect and care about the land and others who >use it. Hey, if I could I would be rippen through woods, desert, etc with out >a care in the world but unfortunately life doesn't work that way. We have to >do all we can to protect and save the shrinking land that we do have access >to. If we didn't COHVCO or The Blue Ribbon Coalition wouldn't exist. > Hey, I didn't say not to fill the hole in when you're done with it, I guess I assumed that most people would. Actually, the hole can perform a double duty. Whey you're done parking your bike in it, you can use it as a cat hole to relieve your bodily functions in. (when there isn't a convenient Port'o let nearby). Hey, I'm the last guy you want to argue green issues over, because you'll get no argument from me, mostly. Except where they closed my favorite trail to mountain bikes, on the premise that they cause erosion, while continuing to allow horses on the trail. Everybody knows that horses cause just as much, if not more erosion, and fecal problems too. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Kickstands Date: 12 Jul 1998 11:57:19 -0700 > > >>Jeff, this method might work well but it does nothing to keep us in good >>graces with others who might want to close OHV areas. It only gives them >ammo >>when they see large ruts dug in the sand, dirt or whatever. I love to go >off >>road just as much as the next guy but we are in a sensative sport. We must >go >>out of are way to prove that we respect and care about the land and others >who >>use it. Hey, if I could I would be rippen through woods, desert, etc with >out >>a care in the world but unfortunately life doesn't work that way. We have >to >>do all we can to protect and save the shrinking land that we do have access >>to. If we didn't COHVCO or The Blue Ribbon Coalition wouldn't exist. >> > > >Hey, I didn't say not to fill the hole in when you're done with it, I guess >I assumed that most people would. Actually, the hole can perform a double >duty. Whey you're done parking your bike in it, you can use it as a cat >hole to relieve your bodily functions in. (when there isn't a convenient >Port'o let nearby). Hey, I'm the last guy you want to argue green issues >over, because you'll get no argument from me, mostly. Except where they >closed my favorite trail to mountain bikes, on the premise that they cause >erosion, while continuing to allow horses on the trail. Everybody knows >that horses cause just as much, if not more erosion, and fecal problems too. > >Jeff > One more thing. A hole dug in a sand dune will be gone by the next big wind storm. There are no such things as erosion issues in the desert. Only increased desertification caused by increased greenhouse gasses, poor habitat and water management. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Question on Center Stand Date: 12 Jul 1998 13:37:19 -0600 -----Original Message----- Cc: grisaigle@aol.com >Reid, > Name: Reid Douglas > E-mail address: grisaigle@aol.com > Homepage URL: > Comments: >Question after installation of Dual-Star centerstand on 96 >KLR650/lowered w/Quality R+D links, and forks adjusted. >1) Technique for deploying stand w/o help of gorilla....what is the >trick? > >RD > Reid, do you have the lowered version of the centerstand? If not, that is your problem. Sell the one you've got to the list and order a lowered version from DualStar. In either case the trick is to get to the rear of the bike. From the leftside, I plant my LEFT foot on the stand and get it stabilized. Next I put my right hand on the rear part of the driveline side rack (luggage rack will do) and my left hand on the front of the driveline side rack (passenger peg will do) and then I give a good healthy heave and up she goes.... Mike Walburn promised to show us how to do this with one hand at Moab, but we had pity on him because he and his lovely wife were tryin so hard to keep their display tent from blowing to Monticello...but next year we will have our way with him.... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Kickstands Date: 12 Jul 1998 16:33:20 EDT Jeff, I agree about the horses. I also am a mtn biker. I have seen more erosion and severe trail damage from horses than any other kind of off road activity. Did I sound preachy? I am getting some kinda hostile feedback. All I am saying is I don't think motorcylists have the luxury of not worrying about who else uses the land. I don't want to attack anybody and I am always willing to listen (and hopefully learn) from thought out ideas and opinions. Have fun on the trails...at least the ones that are left. ;-) Walter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Kickstands Date: 12 Jul 1998 16:35:02 EDT Jeff, you are absolutely right...but, unfortunately people will still say "geez those bikers leave a nasty mark" regardless of the facts. Stereotypes are the hardest to battle. Walter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Question on Center Stand Date: 12 Jul 1998 23:24:16 EDT In a message dated 98-07-12 14:40:12 EDT, whaycoc@ibm.net writes: << Question after installation of Dual-Star centerstand on 96 KLR650/lowered w/Quality R+D links, and forks adjusted. 1) Technique for deploying stand w/o help of gorilla....what is the trick? >> Hopefully you got the center stand for the lowered klr and not a standard height stand. Put left hand on left seam of fuel tank where it meets the frame. Put right hand under left passenger peg bracket. Put right foot against center stand foot on ground. pull klr backwards, don't try to lift up. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: Re: (klr650) Motard info Date: 12 Jul 1998 23:51:31 -0500 Anyone have info on turning the KLR into more of a streetbike, a la super-motard type? Hey Eric, I've got a 95, I'd like to do the same thing with mine, So far what I've done is Metzlers enduro 4 (the closest thing to street tires in the sizes we need for the KLR), and UFO low front fender. Now, I know that real super motards should have 17" or 18"s rims. When I went to purchase the rims, I got quoted $317 for the aftermarket rim (NO spokes, NO hub, NO lacing job) and I thought it was a little too rich for my pocket. So, so far I've stayed the way it is, It kinda looks supermotard but it really ain't ! Oh I've replaced the back fender with the one from a 93/4 (White) so now it matches the front fender, And the bike is a 95 so it has the white, green, purple and yellow graphics. Fred Hink can get u in touch with "erico motorsports?", there's a guy doing a klr ... I thinks he has a pretty nice budget to work with !! Ask Fred if u want to ! Good luck and keep me posted of what u find ! Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC (Undernet) Email: tuca@tampabay.rr.com Email: steve@vvd.com Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert Morgan" Subject: Re: (klr650)aerostitch dispatch bags Date: 12 Jul 1998 20:48:25 -0700 Hi gang I've been contemplating luggage options, hard options....soft options, lately I've been looking at aerostitch's courier and dispatch rear bags. Anybody have any opinions , thoughts or experiences? I know that they are not waterproof but that is not critical for me. Also does anybody have any experience with the European hard luggage mounts from Touratech or Hepco-Becker ? I'm not opposed to spending the cash but I'd rather not make an expensive mistake. peace Morgan, San Diego (where the sun did not come out at the beach all day today, whats up with that?) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Mike Magier Subject: (klr650) KLR newbie w/ a coupla questions Date: 12 Jul 1998 21:08:59 -0700 Hi all - I've been reading the list for a few weeks, had my 97 KLR for a few months. It's my first bike, and I'm still pretty green. Took the MSF course which did wonders for my road confidence/competence. OK, now for the questions: 1) Anyone know of any organization that teaches basic offroad skills? 2) Engine temp - how high should the temp gauge be going? When I'm in town (25 mph speed limit - living in a semi-desert), it doesn't max out, but gets maybe 80% of the way there on a hot day. Problem or no? Also, I see where the K&N air filter is supposed to help the KLR run cooler, is this an important advantage? 3) Electrical (yecch). There are 2 wire connectors inside the fairing that go to nowhere. They run right next to the wires for the right turn signal. I wanted to check them out, so I threw my $5 special ohm/amp/voltmeter and immediately blew both the fuse in the meter and the 10A fuse on the bike. After replacing the bike fuse w/ the spare, there doesn't seem to be any other damage. What gives? I'm no electrical wizard, but I cant' figure out how this happened. Anybody know what those wires are? 4) Ride stuff - I'm going to Big Sky Montana the 2nd week of August, planning on riding out. I live in central Washington state. I'll be at a conference that whole week, but it's only in the mornings - I'll have all the afternoons to play. Can anyone on the list point me toward some sweet dayrides in the area? As you probably figured out from question 1, I haven't ridden anything trickier than some local gravel/dirt roads, so I don't think I'm up for hardcore singletrack (not to mention 6feet, 240# and WAY out of shape!) If any of you listers live in the area, maybe we could meet for a ride, a beer or a chat. OK, I'll sign off now and look forward to hearing from you. BTW, this list is a godsend for bike ignoramuses like me!! MM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650)aerostitch dispatch bags Date: 13 Jul 1998 00:19:34 EDT I have a catalog from a UK dealer called M&P . They list the Hepco/Becker Rack complete 152.50 looks like about 12-5/8 dia. Rear rack only 80.00 30 L poly bag 183.50 top case 90.00 Aluminum panniers 475.00 aluminum top case 205.00 all prices given in the UK pound X 1.66 = US $ As you see Very expensive !! Steve Redondo Bch. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) Motard info Date: 12 Jul 1998 21:29:57 -0700 This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_000A_01BDADDC.37FA41C0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable -----Original Message----- From: Steve Rottenberg To: Eric Jasniewicz Cc: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Sunday, July 12, 1998 8:51 PM Subject: Re: (klr650) Motard info =20 =20 =20 =20 Anyone have info on turning the KLR into more of a streetbike, a = la super-motard type? =20 =20 Hey Eric, I've got a 95, I'd like to do the same thing with mine, So far what = I've done is Metzlers enduro 4 (the closest thing to street tires in the = sizes we need for the KLR), and UFO low front fender.=20 ???????????????? I ordered the Acerbis fender. Do oyu have = any opinion which is better? ericR ------=_NextPart_000_000A_01BDADDC.37FA41C0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
 
-----Original = Message-----
From:=20 Steve Rottenberg <tuca@tampabay.rr.com>
T= o:=20 Eric Jasniewicz <ericjazz@mindspring.com>Cc:=20 klr650@lists.xmission.com=20 <klr650@lists.xmission.com&g= t;
Date:=20 Sunday, July 12, 1998 8:51 PM
Subject: Re: (klr650) = Motard=20 info


Anyone have info on turning the KLR into more = of a=20 streetbike, a la super-motard=20 type?

Hey = Eric,
I've=20 got a 95, I'd like to do the same thing with mine, So far what I've = done is=20 Metzlers enduro 4 (the closest thing to street tires in the sizes we = need=20 for the KLR), and  UFO=20 low front fender.=20
????????????????        I = ordered the=20 Acerbis fender.  Do oyu have any opinion which is = better? ericR ------=_NextPart_000_000A_01BDADDC.37FA41C0-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650)aerostitch dispatch bags Date: 13 Jul 1998 01:24:57 EDT On 7/12/98, robertlmorgan@worldnet.att.net wrote: snip >looking at aerostitch's courier and dispatch rear bags. Hey Morgan I looked into these a couple months ago and was told by Aero that they had been discontinued, with none left in inventory. Settled on the Kawa bags for now. Redondo Ron ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: (klr650) Joe Rocket? Date: 13 Jul 1998 00:37:34 -0500 Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone has had any exp. with the Joe Rocket line of riding gear? I was looking at the Ballistic Jacket and Pants. I currently have a Aero Stitch road crafter and it is starting to get small for me and is going to be past on to my wife who has started riding with me. Anyway I would like another Aero Stitch but the $600+ price tag hurts!! and the Joe Rocket is very cost effective, or so it seems. So any info would be welcomed. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR newbie w/ a coupla questions Date: 13 Jul 1998 01:45:02 EDT on 7/12/98, magier@bentonrea.com wrote: snip >2) Engine temp - how high should the temp gauge be going? When I'm in town >(25 mph speed limit - living in a semi-desert), it doesn't max out, but gets >maybe 80% of the way there on a hot day. Problem or no? Also, I see where >the K&N air filter is supposed to help the KLR run cooler..... Mike, according to the manual it's only a problem if the needle reaches the thick line on the guage. I'm not sure the easier breathing K&N would contribute any to engine cooling, but a richer fuel mixture will. >3) Electrical (yecch). There are 2 wire connectors inside the fairing that >go to nowhere. They run right next to the wires for the right turn signal... > Anybody know what those wires are? There are two wires near the headlight that aren't utilized on the US and Canadian versions of our bikes. Other countries use these for a 4 watt 'city' light. CA Ron (who is usually pretty lit up by this hour) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) Joe Rocket? Date: 12 Jul 1998 22:50:47 -0700 -----Original Message----- >Hey guys, > > I was wondering if anyone has had any exp. with the Joe Rocket line >of riding gear? I was looking at the Ballistic Jacket and Pants. I currently >have a Aero Stitch road crafter and it is starting to get small for me and >is going to be past on to my wife who has started riding with me. Anyway I >would like another Aero Stitch but the $600+ price tag hurts!! and the Joe >Rocket is very cost effective, or so it seems. So any info would be welcomed. > > >Thanks >Chadd Thompson >chadd@accessus.net >########################### >Some of that joe rocket stuff looks pretty good, but you should hang on to your receipt, or so i've heard.......whatever your experience is, you could share here. ericR > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR newbie w/ a coupla questions Date: 12 Jul 1998 22:56:03 -0700 -----Original Message----- > >on 7/12/98, magier@bentonrea.com wrote: snip > > use these for a 4 watt 'city' light. > > CA Ron (who is usually pretty lit up by this hour) > >%%%%% if you aren't too lit yet, where would you put a 'city light' ? (did i mangle my meanings a little?) anyway, ericR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Where to put a 'city light' Date: 13 Jul 1998 02:19:12 EDT ON 7/12/98, eroads@europa.com wrote: snip >> >use these for a 4 watt 'city' light. >> >CA Ron (who is usually pretty lit up by this hour) >if you aren't too lit yet, where would you put a 'city light' ? Eric, At only 4 watts....I'd have to say....put it where the sun don't shine.... CA ON (o/~ there's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: snsi@win.bright.net Subject: Re: (klr650) Joe Rocket? Date: 13 Jul 1998 08:40:17 +0000 Howdy All, > Hey guys, Hey Chadd > I was wondering if anyone has had any exp. with the Joe Rocket line > of riding gear? I was looking at the Ballistic Jacket and Pants. I currently > have a Aero Stitch road crafter and it is starting to get small for me and > is going to be past on to my wife who has started riding with me. Anyway I > would like another Aero Stitch but the $600+ price tag hurts!! and the Joe > Rocket is very cost effective, or so it seems. So any info would be welcomed. I've had my ballistic jacket for two years now and I like it to a point. It works well in the rain, has nice long arms, is warm enough (with liner zipped in) for most riding (I must admit at 32F you need more than liner), the is holding up well after the two years. Where this all break down is when its hot the jacket is HOT, the venting SUCKS for the KLR. To get air it needs to travel up the sleaves and with the brush guards, well it just don't. I hope some time in the future the Joe Rocket company looks at a back vent and under the arm vents the replace the upper arm vents the jacket has now. Jeff Smith Barnes, WI '71 A-HD Sprint 350; '97 Kawasaki KLR650 (King o'La Road) "Beware the dirt bike ... Ground shaking dirt bike" TMBG ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Germain Gagnon" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR newbie w/ a coupla questions Date: 13 Jul 1998 09:58:43 -0400 > De : Mike Magier > A : klr650@lists.xmission.com > Objet : (klr650) KLR newbie w/ a coupla questions > Date=A0: 13 juillet, 1998 00:08 >=20 > 3) Electrical (yecch). There are 2 wire connectors inside the fairing that > go to nowhere. They run right next to the wires for the right turn signal. I > wanted to check them out, so I threw my $5 special ohm/amp/voltmeter an= d > immediately blew both the fuse in the meter and the 10A fuse on the bik= e. > After replacing the bike fuse w/ the spare, there doesn't seem to be an= y > other damage. What gives? I'm no electrical wizard, but I cant' figure out > how this happened. Anybody know what those wires are? Hi Mike I don't know the utility of these connectors. Concerning your fuses blow up, It looks like you were checking the amps with your multimeter. Becaus= e you didn't put any load, the meter was making a short circuit with your t= wo wire connectors. This is why the internal fuse of your meter blow up and the 10A fuse on your bike also . I guess both fuse are at 10A. The purpose of the fuse is to protect the wiring. It looks like the short circuit was very fast so, any dommage should be done on the bike. Good luck Germain =20 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bill Wright Subject: Re: (klr650) tires (agian) Date: 13 Jul 1998 11:10:17 -0400 K650dsn@aol.com wrote: > Keeps me in practice. I notices the last set i got from MAW did not have the > yellow weight mark on it. So I had to put them on the stand before I filled > them with air to get the best spot. > > Gino Gino, This is all new to me. How do you balance your own tires. And what's up with this yellow weight mark? Bill Wright Hotlanta, GA. 98 KLR 650 - 12374 miles (about to buy first new front tire) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Peter M. Anderson" Subject: (klr650) jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 08:39:35 -0700 (PDT) Looking into Tourmaster Coretech Jacket. Does anyone own this jacket or have any comments on other great jackets? thanks, '98 KLR in three days!!!!!!! == Peter Michael Anderson Hero On Ice _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 11:56:08 -0700 At 08:39 AM 7/13/98 -0700, Peter M. Anderson wrote: >Looking into Tourmaster Coretech Jacket. Does anyone own this jacket >or have any comments on other great jackets? I ahve had a Cortech for severl years now. I like it pretty well, though the sleeves soak through in heavy rain now. Ventilation is pretty good, as is the overall build quality. The only complaint I have now is that the collar has bever been very well thought out or comfortable. -Tom '96 KLR 650 26,800 miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Marcus_Young@ceo.cudenver.edu (Marcus Young) Subject: Re: (klr650) jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 10:00:44 -0600 I just purchased a Fieldsheer riding suit. One of hte local BMW dealerships here in Denver (Foothills Cycle) has a number of them in black and gray and black and red on sale for $250! This is something like a $200 mark down because they are older models. They are brand new though. I got mine on Thursday, and thus far have loved it. It has a fleece lining which I haven't worn, but I assume it'll do the trick when the temp drops a bit. The ventillation isn't perfect, but it's not too bad, even in the near 100 degree heat we've had. It has a back vent and arm pit vents. On Friday I rain tested it, and it performed wonderfully. This suit is easy to get into and out of, though not as easy as the First Gear model which is very similar in other ways. The only complaint I have is that it's a bit bulky in the knees because of the shape of the padding and the zippers. I'd recomend it to anyone looking for a budget riding suit. Marcus Young 96 KLR ___________________________________________________ Looking into Tourmaster Coretech Jacket. Does anyone own this jacket or have any comments on other great jackets? thanks, '98 KLR in three days!!!!!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Rex Hefferan Subject: (klr650) Re: Kickstands (now about trail M/C vs MTB) Date: 13 Jul 1998 09:07:13 -0700 (PDT) Hi All, I had a small incident with a couple of Mountain Bikers while 3 of us where riding a Multi-use trail here in the Colorado Springs area Saturday. (lower Captain Jacks trail) We were going slow due to a tricky scree section and there was little room for passing. I was waiting about 50 yards ahead off the trail. They were given as much room as possible to let them carry their bikes ahead of us and the lead guy lost control just after riding again in the scree. This must have been enough for him and he began to curse motorcycles aloud. "#@%~!! MOTORCYCLES, YOU'RE RUINING THE TRAIL!" etc. Well, I wanted to say how I thought he was wrong, but I didn't think he was ready to listen, so I said nothing. I've been on that trail several times in the last 4 or 5 years (50/50 MTB/KLR) and with the amount of use it gets I don't see very much use erosion. Being a multi-use person I have a different perspective than the pure Hiker,MTB or Horse rider. I prefer to think of it as not so narrow a view of trail sharing. I wish I could rationally discuss the issues with people like him. Perhaps some of us might join in a email discussion list on the subject. Anyone know of a list for this? == Rex (93 KLR650) For the Colorado Springs Get-together info see http://shell.rmi.net/~avbb/cos.htm _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Christian Kindarji" Subject: (klr650) Tampa-Montreal Date: 13 Jul 1998 10:24:37 -0400 I'm planning for 3 days trip from Tampa to Montreal on my KLR650. That will be my first long ride. Does anybody knows where I could get a list of preventive stuff I should take with me? tools ? Should I get a kind of AAA road assistance kind of membership ? I'll appreciate any help or recommendation. Thank you. Chris ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: (klr650) Yellow weight mark. Date: 13 Jul 1998 10:26:09 -0600 >>This is all new to me. How do you balance your own tires. And what's up with this yellow weight mark? Tire manufacturers normally mark the light part of the tire with a yellow circle. When mounting the tire, you align the yellow mark with you valve stem, this gives the wheel/tire some form of balance then you fine balance it with weights. I don't get too carried away with balancing dual sport tires, I don't even try to balance knobbies. I have a balance stand from Spec II with different sized axles and adhesive weights. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: Kickstands (now about trail M/C vs MTB) Date: 13 Jul 1998 12:30:32 EDT Cudos. I mtb/KLR also. Sorry it happened. I hope for every nasty mtb/mtrcycle/horse/atv/4x4/hiker there is 20 just like you. Walter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: MOTORMIKEHAWAII@webtv.net (Michael I Haber) Subject: (klr650) Re: Jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 07:39:26 -1000 (HST) Price being the concern of most then you will have to make your choice on buget alone . Have been an a serious motorcyclist both street and off road for over 30+ years I have worn many jackets & helmets. Starting off with my trusty old Barbour / Belstaf waxed cotton suit. This was my choice for about 25 of my motorcycling years, it always worked with out a hitch but after hundreds of mud and rain soaked adventures it started to rot so I decided to up grade to a fieldsheer coated nylon with it's new to the time zip out liner not really any better jacket but a little liter and slightly more high tech fabric That proved sufficiant until the new wave of more purpose specific off road style jackets arived on the scene.When Motoport came out with their CANYON jacket came out I thought at last a jacket with all the style and comfort of my old Belstaf But made with new age materials. This jacket works well is comfortable has good vents and has proven to wear very well, so well in fact that I past it on to my wife and is still going strong after 5 years of abuse, it is also affordable. Getting on to my most resent purchase firstgears KILAMANJARO, this jacket is a little pricey but it has some seriuos bells and whistles it,s lite has lots of storage seems to be well made and well thought out I wish it was gortex but with all the vents it many not pass Gores wwet weather tests. I live in Hawaii so I don't wear the liner that often but I do like the fact that the liner is made of polarfleece a matrial that keeps you warm even if soaking wet this is a definate plus. there are so many choices out there now that price may very well play the most important part of your in your choice. good luck and happy shopping. The BIG ISLAND of HAWAII is a wonderful dualsport ride well more on that latter ALOHA Mike MOTORMIKEHAWAII@webtv.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Nathan Brown Subject: (klr650) Engine Noises and Heat Date: 13 Jul 1998 11:07:52 -0700 (PDT) Hi, just joined the list this morning. I have a 94 KLR 650 with 3,600 miles (I hang my head in shame at this mileage, please trust me, there are good reasons that are all behind me now) anyway ever since new there have been few small things that have bothered me. The dealer tells me they are normal. I don't know anyone else with a KLR so hopefully someone on this list can help. 1. The bike runs hot in the city and off road. The indicator isn't actually pointing at the Hot mark on the temp gage but it does get really close. When it is hot it knocks. 2. There is a noise in the engine that sounds like the cam chain or something else is loose. (noise seems worse when hot) I have tried the cam tensioner but it doesn't have any impact. Are both of these normal? If not, any ideas? Nathan _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Air box Date: 13 Jul 1998 14:37:12 EDT Hi, I just got my 92 KLR a mounth ago and am just started to enjoy it as it was in bad shape and had to do alot of maintenance on it. The prvious guy just did not bother put an air filter in it! as an example! I need to change the box as it was also broken. I read about the NKR air box and think that may be the good time to do that. What are the advantages? What is the price and who has it? I still have a lot to do on it and enjoy every single lines of ypour messages as I learn a lot from it. Tires, Oil, fork, etc. Also, I saw the same bike as mine 92 in Trenton, NJ on Sunday 7/13/98. Is it someone from the list? Let me know, we will ride together. I live in Lawrenceville, NJ. Ride Safely, Yann ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 15:00:28 EDT I have been wearing a Motoport Canyon jacket for the past 4-5 years and have been quite satisfied with it. Except for color fading from many hours of desert sun it has held up very well. Ventilation is good if you wear summer gloves that allow good airflow up the sleeves. When in cooler climes I don't use thier liner but rather a polar fleece pullover and layer a supplex windshirt over it and under the jacket-lightweight and very warm and comfortable. Kurt Grife 91 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jeffrey P Moorbeck Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR newbie w/ a coupla questions Date: 13 Jul 1998 12:08:50 -0700 (MST) On Sun, 12 Jul 1998, Mike Magier wrote: > 2) Engine temp - how high should the temp gauge be going? When I'm in town > (25 mph speed limit - living in a semi-desert), it doesn't max out, but gets > maybe 80% of the way there on a hot day. Problem or no? Also, I see where > the K&N air filter is supposed to help the KLR run cooler, is this an > important advantage? I had the same question when I first got my '89 a year or so ago. The responses seemed to indicate that the gauges are not very accurate, so as long as you're not boiling over and the cooling fan is kicking on and off I wouldn't worry about it too much. Three things I did were: replace the radiator cap (the gasket looked as if it was deteriorating), checked to make sure the thermostat was opening and closing and refilled the coolant with a High Perf. pre-mix coolant I bought at the local dealership. Since then it seems to run a little cooler in stop and go traffic and I haven't had any boil overs (living in the heat of southern Arizona). Jeff M. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dale J. Voigt" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR newbie w/ a coupla questions Date: 13 Jul 1998 12:25:03 -0700 Hi Mike, Me and my '93 live in Kennewick and would love to get together for a ride. Drop me a line djvoigt@gte.net Dale -----Original Message----- >Hi all - I've been reading the list for a few weeks, had my 97 KLR for a few >months. It's my first bike, and I'm still pretty green. Took the MSF course >which did wonders for my road confidence/competence. OK, now for the >questions: >1) Anyone know of any organization that teaches basic offroad skills? >2) Engine temp - how high should the temp gauge be going? When I'm in town >(25 mph speed limit - living in a semi-desert), it doesn't max out, but gets >maybe 80% of the way there on a hot day. Problem or no? Also, I see where >the K&N air filter is supposed to help the KLR run cooler, is this an >important advantage? >3) Electrical (yecch). There are 2 wire connectors inside the fairing that >go to nowhere. They run right next to the wires for the right turn signal. I >wanted to check them out, so I threw my $5 special ohm/amp/voltmeter and >immediately blew both the fuse in the meter and the 10A fuse on the bike. >After replacing the bike fuse w/ the spare, there doesn't seem to be any >other damage. What gives? I'm no electrical wizard, but I cant' figure out >how this happened. Anybody know what those wires are? >4) Ride stuff - I'm going to Big Sky Montana the 2nd week of August, >planning on riding out. I live in central Washington state. I'll be at a >conference that whole week, but it's only in the mornings - I'll have all >the afternoons to play. Can anyone on the list point me toward some sweet >dayrides in the area? As you probably figured out from question 1, I >haven't ridden anything trickier than some local gravel/dirt roads, so I >don't think I'm up for hardcore singletrack (not to mention 6feet, 240# and >WAY out of shape!) If any of you listers live in the area, maybe we could >meet for a ride, a beer or a chat. > >OK, I'll sign off now and look forward to hearing from you. >BTW, this list is a godsend for bike ignoramuses like me!! > >MM > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jeffrey P Moorbeck Subject: Re: (klr650) jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 12:20:06 -0700 (MST) On Mon, 13 Jul 1998, Peter M. Anderson wrote: > Looking into Tourmaster Coretech Jacket. Does anyone own this jacket > or have any comments on other great jackets? > > thanks, > > '98 KLR in three days!!!!!!! > > Peter Michael Anderson > Hero On Ice> > I bought the Cortech about a year ago, and I'd say its not bad. It works well in the cooler temperatures to keep you warm. The styling is nice and there is plenty of pockets for storage. I've had no rain experience with it (live in the desert) so I can't say how it would do. Two sore points: the collar is extremely uncomfortable (cuts into my neck) and it is miserable in warm weather - the ventilation is inadequate. I was also told by someone who went down in one to make sure the waist band is as tight as you can get it because the jacket will 'ride up' to your chest if you're sliding feet first thus eliminating protection. The price was right and the styling is there but if I had to do it over I would get a quality leather jacket instead for street riding and a rain suit. Jeff M. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Fw: BOUNCE klr650@lists.xmission.com: Non-member submission from [Michael Kovaliv ] Date: 13 Jul 1998 13:23:45 -0600 -----Original Message----- [Michael Kovaliv ] >>From MKovaliv@rossroycanada.com Mon Jul 13 07:09:10 1998 >Received: from (mail-acct.rossroy.ca) [206.191.73.195] > by lists.xmission.com with esmtp (Exim 1.82 #1) > id 0yviLt-0007l6-00; Mon, 13 Jul 1998 07:09:09 -0600 >Received: by mail-acct.rossroy.on.ca with Internet Mail Service (5.0.1460.8) > id <33P6TT8S>; Mon, 13 Jul 1998 09:09:42 -0400 >Message-ID: >From: Michael Kovaliv >To: klr650@lists.xmission.com >Subject: RE: (klr650) Joe Rocket? >Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 09:09:41 -0400 >MIME-Version: 1.0 >X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.0.1460.8) >Content-Type: text/plain > >Hi, > >I live in Windsor, Ontario where the Joe Rocket line is made. A lot of this >stuff is in all the bike shops here. From what I have seen (I have Joe >Rocket boots and gloves and two friends have Ballistic Jackets) the quality >is medium at best. I think the designs are good and the price is reasonable >but the jackets don't seem to be put together very well. Both my friends >had things come undone or fall off. The sewing is what looks cheap to me. > >Michael > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Eric Rhoads [SMTP:eroads@europa.com] >> Sent: Monday, July 13, 1998 1:51 AM >> To: klr650@lists.xmission.com >> Subject: Re: (klr650) Joe Rocket? >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Chadd Thompson >> To: klr650@lists.xmission.com >> Date: Sunday, July 12, 1998 10:40 PM >> Subject: (klr650) Joe Rocket? >> >> >> >Hey guys, >> > >> > I was wondering if anyone has had any exp. with the Joe Rocket >> line >> >of riding gear? I was looking at the Ballistic Jacket and Pants. I >> currently >> >have a Aero Stitch road crafter and it is starting to get small for me >> and >> >is going to be past on to my wife who has started riding with me. Anyway >> I >> >would like another Aero Stitch but the $600+ price tag hurts!! and the >> Joe >> >Rocket is very cost effective, or so it seems. So any info would be >> welcomed. >> > >> > >> >Thanks >> >Chadd Thompson >> >chadd@accessus.net >> >########################### >> >Some of that joe rocket stuff looks pretty good, but you should hang on >> to >> your receipt, or so i've heard.......whatever your experience is, you >> could >> share here. >> ericR >> >> > >> >> > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Royer, Timothy E." Subject: (klr650) Jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 14:46:33 -0500 Hey, back from Lurking Land again Following this thread about jackets, and thinking about a riding jacket myself, I have a couple of questions. 1. has any one had the bad luck of dumping his ride while wearing a jacket with " body armor", if so, what was the result, did the "body armor" save body parts from impact and or road rash. 2. Does any of the Texas, New Mexico, Arizona riders have any input on hot weather body protection??? thanks Tim Royer ( 98 KLR650 Kaw-Thump, the back road bomber) PS: On cooling system function. I sat in a Houston Traffic jam (I45north) for 45 min. at 100 degF+ with out boiling over. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Cool Jackets NKLR Date: 13 Jul 1998 16:08:30 EDT On 7/13/98, Timothy.Royer@bakeroiltools.com wrote: snip >I sat in a Houston Traffic jam (I45north) >for 45 min. at 100 degF+ with out boiling over. Tim it's good to know you're a man who can keep his cool in a jam. The LA freeways could use more riders like you. But how did the bike fare? CA Ron (it's no upwardly mobile freeway....no, it's the road to hell) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chris Beasley Subject: Re: (klr650) Engine Noises and Heat Date: 13 Jul 1998 14:30:25 -0700 Hmmm Nathan Brown wrote: > Hi, just joined the list this morning. > > I have a 94 KLR 650 with 3,600 miles (I hang my head in shame at this > mileage, please trust me, there are good reasons that are all behind > me now) Oh, that's your problem. :p > anyway ever since new there have been few small things that > have bothered me. The dealer tells me they are normal. I don't know > anyone else with a KLR so hopefully someone on this list can help. > > 1. The bike runs hot in the city and off road. The indicator isn't > actually pointing at the Hot mark on the temp gage but it does get > really close. When it is hot it knocks. > Hmmm, it could be lean, does this happen more when your putting around at low RPMs? And low speeds? These combined put the engine in the lean part of the carby and also don't provide much airflow for cooling. Does the electric fan come on as it should? If you let the bike idle for a few minutes when hot, the fan should come on. If not, pull the wire off the sensor at the bottom of the rad. short it to a bolt on the engine. The fan should come on then. If no fan, check the fuse. If fan then, replace the temp sender ( the thing you removed the wire from). > 2. There is a noise in the engine that sounds like the cam chain or > something else is loose. (noise seems worse when hot) I have tried > the cam tensioner but it doesn't have any impact. > Dunno what's normal and what's not. I assume you have plenty of good quality oil in the motor? It should be up to the top line on the sight glass (or higher) when on level ground, motor warm but not running. > Are both of these normal? > Have you ever had the valves adjusted by a reputable mechanic? Make sure all the bolts are tight, especially those that mount the engine to the frame. Mine get loose after a while and then noises start cropping up due to the engine moving around in it's mounts. > If not, any ideas? > > Nathan > > _________________________________________________________ > DO YOU YAHOO!? > Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com "Rodeo clowns sir! And they're naked!" Good luck! b ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: JVOLKER@prodigy.com (MR JOSEPH W VOLKER) Subject: Re: (klr650)aerostitch dispatch bags Date: 13 Jul 1998 17:36:20, -0500 Steve,, I still say I an going with soft stuff. it's the cost thing$$$$ soft is less than 100$ and that is US not pounds sterling. Maria has hijacked the key board... (I guess he really thinks he's going anywhere at all!!!....) I have wresteled it back... she is unchoncious on the floor so I have to type quick befor she comes around. I hear tell you and B.P. are Escondito bound. for info.. I can't make it that weekend but if you acn slip it back a week or too my problem is the massive amount of "stuff" I have to pack out in the garage,,, I can't trust the movers with all the gear. --[ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ]----------------- I have a catalog from a UK dealer called M&P . They list the Hepco/Becker Rack complete 152.50 looks like about 12-5/8 dia. Rear rack only 80.00 30 L poly bag 183.50 top case 90.00 Aluminum panniers 475.00 aluminum top case 205.00 all prices given in the UK pound X 1.66 = US $ As you see Very expensive !! Steve Redondo Bch. ----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE HEADER ----- Return-Path: Received: from lists.xmission.com (lists.xmission.com [198.60.22.7]) by clmin2-int.prodigy.com (8.8.5/8.8.5) with SMTP id AAA39644 for ; Mon, 13 Jul 1998 00:21:24 -0400 Received: from domo by lists.xmission.com with local (Exim 1.82 #1) id 0yva6Y-0006EW-00; Sun, 12 Jul 1998 22:20:46 -0600 Received: from (imo26.mx.aol.com) [198.81.17.70] by lists.xmission.com with esmtp (Exim 1.82 #1) id 0yva6W-0006DX-00; Sun, 12 Jul 1998 22:20:44 -0600 Received: from Snafu11@aol.com by imo26.mx.aol.com (IMOv14_b1.1) id OKNTa04521 for ; Mon, 13 Jul 1998 00:19:34 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <8d882358.35a98ad7@aol.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: AOL 3.0 16-bit for Windows sub 86 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: klr650@lists.xmission.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Rex Hefferan Subject: (klr650) Re: M/C vs MTB, Yellow marks and Jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 14:41:58 -0700 (PDT) (sorry to group all of these together, I'm on the digest mode) Re: M/C vs MTB, Thanks Walter, I wouldn't be too surprized that the 20:1 ratio (tolerant/intolerant) is pretty close if a study were to be done. You've all heard that it's just a few percent that cause most of the problems, well unfortunately a few percent are vocal and or get involved or lead organizations that influence or control land use. (and just about everything else in the world). Re: Yellow weight marks, Gino, I seem to remember someone posting that they got a tire without a weight mark, do you think it could be that the tire was "perfect" and a heavy side could not be determined? Re: Jackets, FWIW, I have a Answer Adventure Wear which doesn't seem to have any special model name. It appealed to me at the time for it's price and features. PROS: $150, Heavy all-weather Cordura, zip out liner vest, removable sleeves, 4 large front pockets, vest pocket, Huge back cargo pocket that's very useful and you can fold the entire jacket into the back pocket inside out to make a fanny pack. CONS: Not enough ventilation for really hot weather and not enough insulation in the vest alone for really cold weather. I've had it about 2 years and I haven't really used the zip off sleeves feature or the fanny pack conversion, but overall I'm satisfied with it. I recently looked over the current stock at the local dealer and liked the Kilimanjaro best. If I had it to do over I would probably get one of those instead. The stock also consisted of Joe Rocket, Tour Master, Moose, AXO, MSR, Belstaff, and a couple others. == Rex (93 KLR650) For the Colorado Springs Get-together info see http://shell.rmi.net/~avbb/cos.htm _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) Engine Noises and Heat Date: 13 Jul 1998 15:53:31 -0600 >2. There is a noise in the engine that sounds like the cam chain or >something else is loose. (noise seems worse when hot) I have tried >the cam tensioner but it doesn't have any impact. Have you adjusted the counter balancer chain? Simple operation. Loosen the bolt behind the rubber plug on the lower left side of the engine. Loosen a couple of turns (only) and retighten (not too much). That's it. Fred Hink moabmc@lasal.net Arrowhead Motorsports http://cctr.umkc.edu/user/khink/moabmc/index.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: Jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 14:57:41 -0700 Getting on to my most resent purchase firstgears KILAMANJARO, this jacket is a little pricey but it has some seriuos bells and whistles it,s lite has lots of storage seems to be well made and well thought out I wish it was gortex but with all the vents it many not pass Gores wwet weather tests. I live in Hawaii so I don't wear the liner that often but I do like the fact that the liner is made of polarfleece a matrial that keeps you warm even if soaking wet this is a definate plus. there are so many choices out there now that price may very well play the most important part of your in your choice. good luck and happy shopping. Gortex won't hold up to the rain riding that I do up here in Washington. Having plenty of experience with Gortex gear in the Army, I can tell you that once the Gortex fabric is saturated, it ceases to be water repellent. The Kilimanjaro material doesn't breath like Gortex, put it sure is waterproof in the hard rain at 60+ MPH. I'd rather be cold than wet and cold. But, with the Kilimanjaro jacket, I'm neither. The venting works well also, as long as your moving. Its murderously hot in the sun when your stopped at the lights though. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR newbie w/ a coupla questions Date: 13 Jul 1998 15:02:28 -0700 -----Original Message----- >Hi Mike, >Me and my '93 live in Kennewick and would love to get together for a ride. >Drop me a line djvoigt@gte.net >Dale Hey Dale, I'm from Richland originally. I'm thinking about moving back. Anyway, I have a buddy in Richland (NX 650), and I'm trying to talk him into doing a couple of Dual Sport rides. Drop me a line. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: (klr650) RE: jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 16:04:09 -0600 >>Following this thread about jackets, and thinking about a riding jacket myself, I have a couple of questions. >>1. has any one had the bad luck of dumping his ride while wearing a jacket with " body armor", if so, what was the result, did the "body armor" save body parts from impact and or road rash. >>2. Does any of the Texas, New Mexico, Arizona riders have any input on hot weather body protection??? I was wearing my Kilimanjaro HT when I crashed. Definitely saved my skin. The longish style of the jacket also protected my hip from being abraded like my leg. The jacket is tolerable on the hottest of New Mexico days as long as you are moving and drinking plenty of water. On trips, I usually douse my shirt as well as my Head Silk with water and that helps tremendously through evaporative cooling. Just one point on jackets I'd like to make. Many riders complain about paying $300.00 for a motorcycle specific jacket, yet have no problem spending that much on a pipe and other bike goodies. A good motorcycle jacket is well worth the price you pay. Even the worst bike jackets are better than an expensive non-motorcycle jacket. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: Re: (klr650) jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 15:19:32 -0700 I've had one of these for two years. Actually I've had two of these in two years. The first one leaked (extreme leakage) and so did the second one. I didn't have the receipt so had to take an exchange. I like the fit but take rain gear. Don't really care for sound of tearing Velcro every time I unzip it either, but that's a matter of preference. Dean in Seattle ---------- > From: Peter M. Anderson > To: klr650@lists.xmission.com > Subject: (klr650) jackets > Date: Monday, July 13, 1998 8:39 AM > > Looking into Tourmaster Coretech Jacket. Does anyone own this jacket > or have any comments on other great jackets? > > thanks, > > '98 KLR in three days!!!!!!! > > > > > == > > Peter Michael Anderson > Hero On Ice > _________________________________________________________ > DO YOU YAHOO!? > Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Engine Noises and Heat Date: 14 Jul 1998 08:32:49 +1000 Nathan Brown wrote: > 1. The bike runs hot in the city and off road. The indicator isn't > actually pointing at the Hot mark on the temp gage but it does get > really close. When it is hot it knocks. Maybe the thermo fan switch isn't switching. I've replaced my sensor once when it failed to engage the fan. The sensor is a weak link, these things fail in cars often as well. My 600 fan cuts in at about 3/4 up the gauge, normally, then never goes above. I'll add that it's important to make sure there is as little air as possible in the cooling system. For some bizarre reason, the factory base manual shows a coolant level checked with the bike presumably vertical, with airspace in the header tank (page 5-5). Looking the cooling system diagram on page 5-2, if the coolant was at spec level, it would hardly get up to the right/left radiator crossover pipe! Any radiator system running coolant recovery, as on the KLR, should have the radiator quite full, with as little airspace as possible. The overflow tank and the special radiator cap keeps it that way. When my twin-radiator 600 was new, it was set up as per the manual, but I found that the temp on the gauge varied quite a bit. Once I filled the cooling system right up, the temp was much more stable, operating as I think it should. Cruising on my 600, the higher the ambient temp is, the lower the indicated temp. In cold ambient temps (for Australain conditions, anyway), my gauge shows about half. In hot temps, like 100degF+, it will cruise at about a bit over 1/4 up the gauge. Might be some nifty Kawasaki design to help the oil temp moderate, not sure why it behaves like this, but I guess that the thermostat hanging out in the breeze on the side of the head may be a factor. > 2. There is a noise in the engine that sounds like the cam chain or > something else is loose. (noise seems worse when hot) I have tried > the cam tensioner but it doesn't have any impact. Could be them old manual balancer chain adjuster neglectment blues. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Rex Hefferan Subject: (klr650) Re: Engine Noises and Heat Date: 13 Jul 1998 15:11:01 -0700 (PDT) Nathan, I have experienced a slight knocking noise occaisionally when runnning on trails at a slow speed on a warm/hot day. This noise is not noticeable at other times. I did find that when I changed from the Spectro oil the dealer used at the 600 mile service to Honda HP4 and adding Prolong it reduced or eliminated a cold start up clunking noise. This noise occured after a week or more of not starting the engine and would go away after a few seconds. It has never made the clunking sound since the change. I would bet other synthetics would have worked the same, I just had the HP4 already. My fan seems to run more that I think it should when running at slow speeds. I plan to replace the coolant and add some coolant additive that is supposed to improve cooling system performance. I'll post my results in about 2 weeks. == Rex (93 KLR650) For the Colorado Springs Get-together info see http://shell.rmi.net/~avbb/cos.htm _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: Re: (klr650) Motard info Date: 13 Jul 1998 18:29:56 -0500 right,left UFO low front fender. I ordered the Acerbis fender. Do oyu have any opinion which is better? ericR Hey Eric, Yes, it's a UFO Low fender. When I went to RTM (The place I do business with) to buy the fender, they showed me the catalog and the UFO was the one that fit KLR's and the price was around $30. I've read about the acerbis, I've never seen it. They might be the same thing ! right,left Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC (Undernet) Email: tuca@tampabay.rr.com Email: steve@vvd.com Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR newbie w/ a coupla questions Date: 13 Jul 1998 15:54:26 -0700 Looks like Germain's right about the meter. I'm not sure if it's clear though that he's telling you to set the meter to VOLTAGE if you're checki= ng to see if the connector is hot or not. The only time you use AMPS is when you put the meter in series with a load and are trying to determine how many amps the load is drawing. At least you were lucky and the meter was fused. Dean in Seattle ---------- > De : Mike Magier > A : klr650@lists.xmission.com > Objet : (klr650) KLR newbie w/ a coupla questions > Date=A0: 13 juillet, 1998 00:08 >=20 > 3) Electrical (yecch). There are 2 wire connectors inside the fairing that > go to nowhere. They run right next to the wires for the right turn signal. I > wanted to check them out, so I threw my $5 special ohm/amp/voltmeter an= d > immediately blew both the fuse in the meter and the 10A fuse on the bik= e. > After replacing the bike fuse w/ the spare, there doesn't seem to be an= y > other damage. What gives? I'm no electrical wizard, but I cant' figure out > how this happened. Anybody know what those wires are? Hi Mike I don't know the utility of these connectors. Concerning your fuses blow up, It looks like you were checking the amps with your multimeter. Becaus= e you didn't put any load, the meter was making a short circuit with your t= wo wire connectors. This is why the internal fuse of your meter blow up and the 10A fuse on your bike also . I guess both fuse are at 10A. The purpose of the fuse is to protect the wiring. It looks like the short circuit was very fast so, any dommage should be done on the bike. Good luck Germain =20 ---------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: rycomm@webtv.net (Ryan Combs) Subject: (klr650) jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 18:45:25 -0500 (CDT) I have a Vanson Avenger in cordura that works very well in the heat and high humidity. The jacket is very well constructed, and includes good integral armour. A liner is available, but I think a regular fleece pull over would work better. I got mine in blue, which matches the '94 and earlier perfectly (too perfectly). I liked the Kilimanjaro/Kenya's, but they only came in black. I thought a lighter color would be better for a summer jacket (my previous jacket was thick black leather). It has a lot of reflective pipeing. I wear it with my Darien pants, and have been mistaken for Lake Patrol rangers / officers (though they don't have a bike). This jacket is a bit more expensive than the Firstgear, and it is not water proof. It has quite a bit of competition leather on it (which takes a while to break-in), and I had a waterproof parka anyway. Gino, if you want some more info for the newsletter, let me know Ryan (89 klr 650) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Stuart Heaslet Subject: Re: (klr650) jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 20:29:01 -0400 Ryan, does the Vanson Avenger jacket have a number of ventilation slots? I'm another who's looking for a hot weather jacket in south Florida... Stuart 1998 KLR 650 At 06:45 PM 7/13/98 -0500, Ryan Combs wrote: >I have a Vanson Avenger in cordura that works very well in the heat and >high humidity. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: Engine Noises and Heat Date: 13 Jul 1998 21:21:05 EDT My 91 KLR also has a knocking sound on occasion while at low rpm trail riding, since I have only had this bike for about 3000 miles and am new to this list I am curious to learn if any others have had this noise. I used a stethascope to find that the noise is coming from the top end. I had my trusted local mechanic check the cam chain tensioner and the top end in general. He told me that the tensioner was ok and that there appeared to be a very small amount of end play on the cams which could account for this noise. This is a problem that I was familiar with as the owner of two GS series Suzuki street bikes which were notorious for this problem but which ran forever despite the noise at low rpm. I was always told that this was because the cams were centered only by the chain and as a result tended to rattle at idle. In any case I am going to check the top end regularly to make sure the problem,if it is one,doesn't get any worse. The bike currently has 17,000 miles. Kurt Grife Avila Beach, Ca ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Bob Zeliff" Subject: Re: (klr650) Tampa-Montreal Date: 13 Jul 1998 22:00:43 -0400 You should get an Canadian insurance coverage card from you insurer. they should give you one for free. I've never had to show one in Canada....but their tourist guides always mention to have proof of mandatory minimun insurance if asked. Better to be prepared than having to buy insurance on thespot. Bob Zeliff A10 -----Original Message----- >I'm planning for 3 days trip from Tampa to Montreal on my KLR650. That will >be my first long ride. >Does anybody knows where I could get a list of preventive stuff I should >take with me? tools ? >Should I get a kind of AAA road assistance kind of membership ? >I'll appreciate any help or recommendation. Thank you. > >Chris > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Hirofumi A. Watanabe" Subject: (klr650) KLE and Africa Twin Date: 13 Jul 1998 18:54:59 -0700 Mr. Kurt Simpson wrote >Welcome Hiro, you are well known to this list and I know that we will >benefit from your perspective. It has been quite awhile since we have heard >from your friend Ron and it is good to know that he has been up to something >constructive. In time, maybe, you can help the list come to have a better >understanding of this most complicated person. > >In the meantime, I wonder if you can tell us more about the KLE, considering >that it is to be the replacement of a most venerable bike I'm assuming that >it is quite a ride. > >BTW, did you ever seriously consider my offer on the African Twin? > >Kurt Simpson A12 Thank you for a most warm welcome Mr. Simpson. I have not actually witnessed Ron being constructive:p Please let me know if you do. I can help you with information on the KLE but first I need to clear up a few misconceptions that are being perpetrated here. I am currently assigned to a position in Kobe, Japan but I was born in West L.A. and had my KLR650 shipped to me. I ride with a friend who owns a KLE so I know a little something about them. The first difference you might notice is the KLE runs smoother at most speeds. I think this is partly due to the increased weight and the fact that it is a twin engine. It has the same size tires as the KLR but comes with twin calipers on the front brake. My friend can keep up on the street or dirt and he stops much faster. He also has to be more alert for hazards because the KLE exhaust runs under the engine. There is much turmoil here. The Yen took another dive today. If this lasts long enough you should see lower prices for Japanese motorcycles and other products. I was not sure when talking to Ron that you were serious about trading for an Africa Twin. If you are, then I can search here for you. I can send you a web site for a motorcycle export company here in Japan. Do I attach it to my files that I send here? Peace on your heart, Hiro A10 Thunderbolt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Joe Rocket? Date: 13 Jul 1998 22:51:01 EDT I have been using the Ballistic jacket and I like it a lot. I will also shortly purchase the pants to complete the "suit." As you may have already heard the ventilation SUCKS, but in Seattle that usually isn't that big a deal, for long anyway! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 23:13:03 EDT In a message dated 98-07-13 19:48:36 EDT, you write: << Gino, if you want some more info for the newsletter, let me know Ryan (89 klr 650) >> Yes, send it in. Thanks. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert Morgan" Subject: Re: (klr650) jackets Date: 13 Jul 1998 20:33:40 -0700 howdy Here is a page with a review of the Darien and Kalahari jackets. Well written, very thorough, with lots of references, links, sources, and comparisons. I'm shopping for a jacket myself. This was helpful. eagle.onr.com/ibmwr/prodreview/jacket.html I hope thats right, if it don't link somebody hollar. peace Morgan (just because everything is different doesn't mean that anything has changed) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Alex Jomarron Subject: (klr650) (KLR) Trip report (long) Date: 13 Jul 1998 22:38:37 +0000 Size DOES matter. Once I committed to attending the AMA Vintage Days at Mid-Ohio my only di= fficulty was deciding=20 which bike to ride. Do I take the K75S which I just recently completed a = 4 day round trip blast to=20 Utah with, or do I take the KLR which I=B9m riding to Davis, West Virgini= a next week for the=20 Blackwater 200. I took the KLR reasoning that I=B9m not in a hurry this t= ime, plus I=B9ve never ridden=20 the KLR fully loaded with all my camping gear.=20 I decided on an itinerary avoiding the interstate, taking the KLR=B9s abi= lity to slow tour to a test.=20 Leaving Chicago around noon, I decided to stop and eat in Valparaiso, Ind= iana. Just north of=20 Hwy 30 on Washington street I spied a green sign, Suzie=B9s Cafe & Cateri= ng, Homecooking at its=20 Best!. I=B9m a sucker for anyplace that has homecooking on its sign. Walk= ing in, I found trays of=20 freshly made breads and muffins. After riding through Gary, Indiana, this= change in aroma was=20 welcomed! I ordered a delicious meatloaf sandwich and topped off the meal= with an incredible=20 serving of warm bread pudding. Getting back to the KLR, I mused that I sh= ould increase the=20 preload of the shock a notch. Unlike my blitz around Lake Superior, the K= LR really seemed to=20 be in its element riding the two lane highways at 60-70 mph. While riding= my BMW I find myself=20 using my peripheral vision to enjoy the scenery. On this ride, I found my= self swiveling my head=20 from shoulder to shoulder actually looking at the view. One unusual site = was a guy on a GL1500=20 wearing nothing but shorts. He was even barefoot. I hope he never hits th= e deck.=20 One of the negatives of riding the two laners is the cross traffic. Ridin= g behind a =8C76 Goldwing, a=20 car pulled partially out from an intersection nearly causing the Wing to = lose control under a=20 momentary heavy brake maneuver. The positives, however, far outweigh the= negatives. As I=20 passed through a number of small towns I noticed all the homes with massi= ve porches and=20 swings anchored to their ceilings. Dean Koontz, author of a few aviation-= oriented books once=20 wrote, =B3A summer evening in small-town America. I like it more than wor= ds can express. My life is=20 passing quickly, but by God, I am spending it well.=B2 There is indeed so= mething here that is so=20 Rockwellian, so Americana, I dig it. As I=B9m riding through, my mind dri= fts back to 1975 when I was=20 16. I dreamed of owning either a Yamaha DT 125 or a Honda MT 125. I reall= y liked the blue=20 Honda XL 250 too! How cool would it be to travel the back roads of this c= ountry and explore off=20 road? I could only smile as I flashed forward to the present and listened= to the KLR=B9s mill thump=20 away. The bike hit reserve at 231 miles. The sensation is like opening a = parachute after a free=20 fall. Switching the petcock to reserve, I scan the map and there are plen= ty of towns ahead.=20 Besides, I should be able to go 50 miles on reserve. Wrong! The two towns= I cruised through=20 had no gas stations. Down the road the engine sputtered and finally died = of fuel starvation.=20 Across the road was a guy sitting on his mower shortening his lawn. I chu= ckled at the recollection=20 of the list opinions that the stock KLR sounded like a lawn tractor. Than= ks to the KLR list I leaned=20 the bike 45 degrees to the left and found the secret reserve which propel= led me just a couple of=20 miles. Still stranded. A guy on a Concours (you meet the nicest people on= a Kawasaki! ;-)) stops=20 to offer assistance, but taking his tank off was too much to ask. Instead= I push the bike 50 yards=20 to a house. I ring the bell and an elderly gentleman answers. Using my Vu= lcan (Star Trek, not=20 Kawasaki!) mind control I proceed to ask if I can leave my bike on his pr= operty while I find gas. All=20 the while I=B9m sending telepathic vibes to get him to offer gas. He give= s me directions twice. As I=20 thank him, he says, =B3hold on=B2, then asks me what kind of gas does the= motorcycle take. I=20 respond, =B3sir, it=B9ll run on ANYTHING but diesel.=B2 He walks into his= garage with a plastic 5 gallon=20 can of gas. Hurrah! I thank the Concours rider for stopping and waiting a= nd put fuel in the tank.=20 After thanking the elderly man , I offer to pay him for the fuel, but he = would have none of it. I ask=20 his name and he says, =B3Perkins=B2. Ya gotta love a guy who introduces h= imself using only his last=20 name. Kinda like MacGyver or Bond! He asks me mine. Unable to resist, I o= ffer my hand, and say,=20 =B3Jomarron, Alex Jomarron.=B2=20 I finally arrive at Mid Ohio. I meet with some friends and make some new = ones. I was surprised to=20 hear the many inquiries about the KLR. Many people told me they were look= ing to buy a Dual=20 Purpose bike for their next acquisition. Naturally, I was happy to talk a= bout this new found love of=20 mine. I also mentioned the support available through Gino=B9s excellent n= ewsletter and the=20 Internet website and mailing list. We may have new brethren among us soon= !=20 The campsite adjacent the track had large gravel paths in a grid pattern.= I gleefully rode through=20 them knowing the bike was more capable than I. I even rode into the woods= where I saw dozens=20 of vintage dual sports, trials bikes and motocrossers disappear into. Qu= ickly I was in over my=20 head. I turned around nearly dumping the bike, but I gassed it, and the K= LR bulldozed me out of=20 trouble. I emerged from the trees grinning with some mud on the bike. Vir= gins no longer!!!! I=20 putted around the campsite and the perimeter of track ogling and being og= led. The bike has=20 some fans out there.=20 IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED, SKIP THIS PARAGRAPH. I walked the vendor areas window shopping. I saw a few Honda CB 400Fs, an= MT 125!, and a lot=20 of junk! There were many sticker and t-shirt vendors. Many were, of cours= e crass, but I admit to=20 being a bit sophomoric. Here=B9s two: Back of a T-shirt: =B3If you can read this, the bitch fell off.=B2 Sticker: =B3If its got two wheels or a dick, I can ride it.=B2 Imagine the chick who puts THAT on her bike! I did squeeze in watching a few races. I was introduced to a racer (Alex = McLain) who patiently=20 answered my questions. He=B9s headed off to the Isle of Man soon. I also = did a demo ride. I am=20 interested in adding a third bike to the stable. Something different. A (= GASP!) Cruiser. I rode a=20 Yamaha V-Star. My first choice, a Vulcan, was unavailable, as was my seco= nd the Royal Star. I=20 actually liked it. The weird thing was trying to find the pegs to upshift= after leaving a stop. I had to=20 visually look for the pegs! They were reeeeeally forward. All in all, it = had comfy ergonomics. I=20 won=B9t buy the V-Star, but one day, I=B9ll own a cruiser. Saturday night= my friends and I enjoyed a=20 carnivore fest at a restaurant just north of the track called The Roadhou= se. I had the steak and=20 ribs combo. Many Vintage Days spectators and participants packed the plac= e.=20 The next day, a new friend of mine and I headed an hour south to Westervi= lle, home of the AMA=20 offices and Heritage Museum. The roads taken there were all farm roads, r= olling green hills=20 everywhere. The museum held longer hours due to the AMA sponsored event a= t the track. The=20 current museum theme is: You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda, commemora= ting Honda=B9s=20 50th Anniversary. A lot of memories are in that museum. It reminded me of= the feeling I had=20 when I visited the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. It was just = short of a religious=20 experience. After an hour, we returned to the track which was nearly dese= rted. I packed up my=20 tent, bid adieu and headed home.=20 At 233 miles the bike hit reserve. I was 10 miles south of the Ohio Turnp= ike. No problem I=20 thought as I pass a few gas stations. Surely there will be a gas station = at the pike entrance or, I=B9ll=20 just get gas at the first service center on the pike. I take my ticket at= the entrance to the on ramp.=20 As I=B9m entering the curve, in big black letters on an orange background= read, =B3NEXT SERVICES=20 33 MILES.=B2 Shit!!!!!!! Not again!!!!!! I quickly do the math, at 233 m= iles I went to reserve. I have=20 40 miles. Damn! I will fall 3 or 4 miles short!! I immediately went into = the left lane doing 80-85mph=20 looking for a break in the wall to do the illegal U-turn. Mile after mile= passes no break. I am=20 screwed again! Finally, 5 miles later is the break. I pull into the left = shoulder and stop as the=20 oncoming traffic rushed by. I know Murphy=B9s law will rear its ugly head= and I will get nailed. I make=20 the u-turn, check the mirrors. Ha!!! Another motor vehicle law broken wit= h no consequences!! I=20 ride back to the exit and debate on telling the attendant that I lost my = ticket. No, I don=B9t want to=20 pay the toll from the east border. I told her the truth. She charges me $= 4.70 for my stupidity.=20 Then she asks me for my name and address. Before I can give her false inf= ormation, I blabber all=20 my info. Must have been that Vulcan mind control technique. I then ask he= r if I=B9m going to get in=20 trouble for the u-turn. She says no, and thanks me for my honesty. Now I = sit here and wait for an=20 Ohio summons, wondering what her commission is for catching idiots like m= e.=20 It is now past sunset, I get gas and return the to the Turnpike. The 100 = watt bulb I recently=20 installed makes the KLR light work like it should. Just over the Indiana = border I see a dark car on=20 the shoulder. I long haired blonde is at the back of the car. Wanting to = repay Perkins, my good=20 Samaritan, AND meet a damsel in distress, I pulled onto the left shoulder= , ride down the grass=20 median, back up the other side and ride back to the car (Man, this DPing = is fun!). Imagine my=20 sheepish grin under my helmet when Ted Nugent=B9s twin walks up to me. Oh= well. I imagine=20 Perkins would have preferred Sofia Loren needing gas over me too! I let T= ed use my cell phone=20 to summon help and was on my way after passing on Perkins=B9 favor. Cruis= ing along at 70 mph I=20 noticed that cars passed in packs. Riding my BMW, I wasn=B9t used to that= . I did the passing. A pair=20 of headlights came up quickly from behind, changed lanes and passed. It w= as a late model white=20 Ford Econoline Passenger van. Stenciled on the side was the name of a pas= tor and his church.=20 On the back, in large blue block letters was, CHURCH VAN. Here was my rab= bit. I barreled along=20 in tow at 80 mph. Finally, God himslef was my copilot. I arrived home at = 330 am, not having run=20 out of gas. I did make one gas stop, not wanting to tempt fate again.=20 Postscript: The KLR now has 4026 miles. The rear Dunlop is not long for t= his world. Before the=20 trip, I adjusted the counterbalancer (thanks for the help guys!) and it i= s still quiet. Although it was=20 short and slow, I really enjoyed the trip. The love affair continues.=20 Next weekend, I=B9m off to Davis, West Virginia to try my novice hand at = the Blackwater 200 AMA=20 Dual Sport Run. This was my second trip report. If you would like me to p= ost the next one, =20 please let me know as I do not want to impose this on the majority if it = is not wanted. Gino, if you=20 have read this, I would be willing to do a story with pics on the Blackwa= ter for the newsletter. Let=20 me know if you=B9re interested. Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL, USA 88 BMW K75S 98 Kawasaki KLR 650 The most expensive thing I own is my photo album! ".....I could go east, I could go west, it was all for me to decide............." = -Bob Seger; Roll Me Away ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert Morgan" Subject: Re: (klr650) Cool Jackets some more Date: 13 Jul 1998 20:46:29 -0700 http://eagle.onr.com/ibmwr/prodreview/jacket.html ok so try this instead Morgan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kathleen" Subject: Re: (klr650) (KLR) Trip report (long) Date: 13 Jul 1998 22:35:25 -0700 Alex, Good report and I sure hope that you post your next one! Kath ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Todd Emsley Subject: Re: (klr650) (KLR) Trip report (long) Date: 14 Jul 1998 07:19:10 -0400 Alex, I, for one, enjoyed your trip report. It was fun to read it and ride along in my mind, before another long day of work with no riding for another 9 hours! Todd A11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) Coolant Level Date: 14 Jul 1998 08:29:27 I'm wondering if the list could come to a concensus about the proper fill level for the radiator and overflow tank. Mine came from the dealer about half way up the sight glass on the tank. I'm assuming that the radiator is completely full all the time and the expansion volume is handled by the overflow tank. The engine never overheats but the gauge does vary a lot depending on the ambient temperature. This leads me to believe that the thermostat doesn't control the engine temp quite as rigidly as the thermostat in an auto engine and opens up completely at a fairly low temp and then depends on air flow to keep the engine within limits. My gauge has never gone above the half way point even on the hottest day around here (high 80's so far). Currently running 20w50 oil. Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Coolant Level Date: 14 Jul 1998 23:42:36 +1000 Robert Kaub wrote: [radiator/overflow bottle level question] > half way up the sight glass on the tank. I'm assuming that the radiator is > completely full all the time and the expansion volume is handled by the > overflow tank. Don't assume this, check it yourself, don't trust the dealer/whoever to bleed the air out of the system properly. The level in the overflow tank is ok if it's between the marks. As long as the hose from the rad to the bottle stays full of coolant, everything is dandy. > The engine never overheats but the gauge does vary a lot > depending on the ambient temperature. As long as it doesn't vary a lot while you're riding, it's ok if it's somewhere around 1/4 to 1/2 way up the gauge. If you see the gauge vary, for example between 1/4 and 1/2 way during a ride in fairly constant running and ambient temp, I suspect the rad level is a bit low. A dealer did a bad service on my bike and didn't bleed the cooling system. On the ride home, the gauge would vary from 1/4 to 3/4 and back in minutes, and this was at night. There wasn't even enough coolant to get to the top of the radiator cores. I made sure that dealer never touched my bike again. > This leads me to believe that the > thermostat doesn't control the engine temp quite as rigidly as the > thermostat in an auto engine and opens up completely at a fairly low temp What does your temp gauge show on cruise in hot weather? (The colder the ambient temps, the warmer my gauge indicates). > and then depends on air flow to keep the engine within limits. My gauge has > never gone above the half way point even on the hottest day around here > (high 80's so far). Currently running 20w50 oil. Thanks. While a 650 single-radiator system appears to have less cooling area than my twin-rad 600, it should still be enough in normal use. The temp on my bike is quite stable. I can't remember the last time the fan even engaged, so I assume that the thermostat (original, from 1985) is doing it's job. Perhaps my twin rads have a greater reserve supply of cool water to draw on. I've always mixed my own coolant using concentrate and distilled water. It's only a litre and a bit, so it doesn't break the bank to change it every year. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: James Naus Subject: RE: (klr650) (KLR) Trip report (long) Date: 14 Jul 1998 10:39:39 -0400 Nice report. Keep them coming. James Tallahassee, FL '95 KLX650C > -----Original Message----- Snip.=20 > Next weekend, I=B9m off to Davis, West Virginia to try my novice hand = at > the Blackwater 200 AMA=20 > Dual Sport Run. This was my second trip report. If you would like me > to post the next one, =20 > please let me know as I do not want to impose this on the majority if > it is not wanted. Gino, if you=20 > have read this, I would be willing to do a story with pics on the > Blackwater for the newsletter. Let=20 > me know if you=B9re interested. >=20 > Alex Jomarron > Oak Park, IL, USA > 88 BMW K75S > 98 Kawasaki KLR 650 > The most expensive thing I own is my photo album! >=20 > ".....I could go east, I could go west, > it was all for me to decide............." > =20 > -Bob Seger; Roll Me Away ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Cool Jackets some more Date: 14 Jul 1998 09:57:48 -0600 -----Original Message----- >http://eagle.onr.com/ibmwr/prodreview/jacket.html >ok so try this instead >Morgan Nice link Robert, there are comments from riders on other jackets as well. I have a Roadcrafter and a Darien. I like them both but love the Darien.... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Air Box Date: 14 Jul 1998 12:18:40 EDT Does anyone knows about the advantages of NKR air box, Price and where to get them for? Thanks, Yann ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Air Box Date: 14 Jul 1998 11:02:42 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Does anyone knows about the advantages of NKR air box, Price and where to get >them for? > >Thanks, > >Yann > > Yann, do you mean the K&N products? I've not heard of NKR. If you are talking about K&N, a lot of us run them and you can get them through Fred Hink, MAW or almost anywhere. They work very well. You do need a stock airbox to mount them though...I seem to recall you saying your box was toast. You might try a uni "sock" that mounts directly to the carby and see how it works. Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Anton Perdices" Subject: (klr650) Date: Tue, 14 Jul 1998 13:09:02 -0400 Date: 14 Jul 1998 11:11:25 -0600 Anybody willing to trade a klr650 for a GPZ 750 trubo? Anton Perdices Specialist, Development and Support Information Services NORTEL CALA Inc. * 954-851-8753 (ESN 228) * 954-851-8499 (ESN 228) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Anton Perdices" Subject: (klr650) KLR Trade? Date: 14 Jul 1998 13:28:51 -0400 > Anybody willing to trade a klr650 for a GPZ 750 trubo? > > Anton Perdices > Specialist, Development and Support > Information Services > NORTEL CALA Inc. > * 954-851-8753 (ESN 228) > * 954-851-8499 (ESN 228) > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "David Sim" Subject: Re: (klr650) jackets Date: 14 Jul 1998 13:23:28 -0400 I had been looking at enduro jackets for several years and really couldn't justify the $300 price for them. Well I just bought an MSR for $93 CDN. It's not goretex and it doesn't fold into it's own fanny pack. It is unlined with no armour. I got it extra big to fit over my chest protector (when I'm riding my WR) or my Aerostitch fleece jacket (when I'm riding my KLR). It's well ventilated and ideal for the hot stuff. For the price, I am ecstatic! I got it at Royal Distributing (a snowmobile parts retailer) Call 1-800-265-2970. Dave Sim STOC 244 Kitchener, Ontario ---------- > From: Stuart Heaslet > To: klr650@lists.xmission.com > Subject: Re: (klr650) jackets > Date: July 13, 1998 8:29 PM > > Ryan, does the Vanson Avenger jacket have a number of ventilation slots? > I'm another who's looking for a hot weather jacket in south Florida... > Stuart > 1998 KLR 650 > > At 06:45 PM 7/13/98 -0500, Ryan Combs wrote: > >I have a Vanson Avenger in cordura that works very well in the heat and > >high humidity. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chris Beasley Subject: Re: (klr650) Date: Tue, 14 Jul 1998 13:09:02 -0400 Date: 14 Jul 1998 13:42:29 -0700 Yeah, I would. Except I don't have the GPZ anymore :) And I got a KLR :p b Anton Perdices wrote: > Anybody willing to trade a klr650 for a GPZ 750 trubo? > > Anton Perdices > Specialist, Development and Support > Information Services > NORTEL CALA Inc. > * 954-851-8753 (ESN 228) > * 954-851-8499 (ESN 228) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dave Wormmeester Subject: RE: (klr650) (KLR) Trip report (long) Date: 14 Jul 1998 17:03:25 -0400 -----Original Message----- Sent: Monday, July 13, 1998 6:39 PM This was my second trip report. If you would like me to post the next one, please let me know as I do not want to impose this on the majority if it is not wanted. Keep it coming! Anyone else? Dave W. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Nathan Brown Subject: Re: (klr650) Tampa-Montreal Date: 14 Jul 1998 15:07:37 -0700 (PDT) Chris, it's not an offical list but here's what's in my toolbag when I go on a long trip, any motorcycle, hope you find it useful... - Chain Lube (small can wrapped in a plastic bag) - Spark Plug - Oil Filter (the KLR's are small so why not?) - 1 quart oil (sometimes more) - 2 pieces of clothes line (cotton rope) about 4' each - Cargo net - Brake fluid - The tools that came with the bike (they aren't great but I don't worry about loosing them) - adjustable wrench and vise grips - Screw driver with multiple types and sized bits - hacksaw blade with small handle - 1 fine, 1 course emery cloth - rags - duct tape - tube of silicon - gasket in a tube - Bic lighter - 2 motorcycle tie downs (used for large ferrys or when all goes bad and a kind person with a truck or trailer comes along.) - 2 large garbage bags (to put things in when it rains) - small tube of hand cleaner - Paper towels - Sharp swiss army knife - spare bulbs - spare fuses - Air pressure gauge - I forget the name of it but it looks like a giant syringe (with a hose instead of a needle) and is used to adjust the air pressure in the forks. - a few coffee filters (in case I need to get water for the radiator from a stream) - Small first aid kit wrapped in plastic - Small flashlight - I then get really carried away because I also bring a small amount of cleaner (honda bright or S100 and wax so I can work on the bike if I am waiting for something or someone. - Soon I will add the tools necessary to repair a flat. - I haven't adjusted the valves on my KLR myself yet (only 3,600 miles)but on my old Honda I also always brought my valve adjusting tools. - I want to add Electricals diagnostic tools - If you don't know the bike real well, bring a manual. I probably missed some things, this is from memory. I know it looks like a lot but most are small, light items that you will hopefully never need. My KLR is my first water cooled bike. Anyone have any suggestions on what to bring for street/trail repairs for the cooling system? Oh yeah, I will never, ever, again pack my tools with my clothes. Ever see what happens when a can of chain lube punctures? ---Christian Kindarji wrote: > > I'm planning for 3 days trip from Tampa to Montreal on my KLR650. That will > be my first long ride. > Does anybody knows where I could get a list of preventive stuff I should > take with me? tools ? > Should I get a kind of AAA road assistance kind of membership ? > I'll appreciate any help or recommendation. Thank you. > > Chris > > > _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Lowell Mattox" Subject: Re: (klr650) Tampa-Montreal Date: 14 Jul 1998 17:53:34 -0500 Chris K. wrote: >I'm planning for 3 days trip from Tampa to Montreal on my KLR650. That will >be my first long ride. >Does anybody knows where I could get a list of preventive stuff I should >take with me? tools ? >Should I get a kind of AAA road assistance kind of membership ? >I'll appreciate any help or recommendation. Thank you. Hello Chris, a couple of things: 1. Buy Bill Stermer's book Motorcycle Touring and Travel (Whitehorse Press carries it). It covers everything about long distance travel, has a packing list etc.etc. 2. I've used Motorcycle Towing Service protection for the last 3 years. Had to use it yesterday, as a matter of fact. They're in Las Vegas at 1-800-999-7064. They claim to only ever send crews who know about moving motorcycles, have 24-hour dispatch, trip routing, etc. 3. Always wear ear plugs. Make sure they're in all the way. You'll be 100% less fatigued if you use them. My $.02 Lowell Mattox St. Louis ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Alex Jomarron Subject: Re: (klr650) (KLR) Trip report (long) Date: 14 Jul 1998 19:31:05 +0000 Thanks for the kind words David. Alex ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jacynthe et Robert" Subject: (klr650) klr site Date: 14 Jul 1998 21:49:51 -0400 does anybody would give me the internet adress of the klr 650 owners grou= p from Bill haycock and Gino Pokluda please thank you very much robert bujold=20 qu=E9bec, Canada ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) klr site Date: 14 Jul 1998 21:52:57 EDT This is it Robert. http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Riding wear Date: 14 Jul 1998 22:05:35 EDT I recieved a new Competion accessories catalog today that has a new line of Jackets and pants called La Trek (made by fieldshear). The Patriot jacket @239.00 looks to be full of options- underarm vents-rear vent-fleece liner- large rear cargo pocket- kevlar reinforced elbows-shoulder&elbow armor-lots of pockets- cordura construction(no weight given) and does tell if it is poly coated or what ? Pants -@99.00 Cordura/poly coating - padded seat hips Anyone have any experience with this product ? Steve ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: JVOLKER@prodigy.com (MR JOSEPH W VOLKER) Subject: Re: (klr650) RE: jackets Date: 14 Jul 1998 22:55:40, -0500 what kind of speeds and terain did you "get off" --[ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ]----------------- >>Following this thread about jackets, and thinking about a riding jacket myself, I have a couple of questions. >>1. has any one had the bad luck of dumping his ride while wearing a jacket with " body armor", if so, what was the result, did the "body armor" save body parts from impact and or road rash. >>2. Does any of the Texas, New Mexico, Arizona riders have any input on hot weather body protection??? I was wearing my Kilimanjaro HT when I crashed. Definitely saved my skin. The longish style of the jacket also protected my hip from being abraded like my leg. The jacket is tolerable on the hottest of New Mexico days as long as you are moving and drinking plenty of water. On trips, I usually douse my shirt as well as my Head Silk with water and that helps tremendously through evaporative cooling. Just one point on jackets I'd like to make. Many riders complain about paying $300.00 for a motorcycle specific jacket, yet have no problem spending that much on a pipe and other bike goodies. A good motorcycle jacket is well worth the price you pay. Even the worst bike jackets are better than an expensive non-motorcycle jacket. Gino ----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE HEADER ----- Return-Path: Received: from lists.xmission.com (lists.xmission.com [198.60.22.7]) by clmin2-int.prodigy.com (8.8.5/8.8.5) with SMTP id SAA09148 for ; Mon, 13 Jul 1998 18:05:41 -0400 Received: from domo by lists.xmission.com with local (Exim 1.82 #1) id 0yvqhl-0006Jr-00; Mon, 13 Jul 1998 16:04:17 -0600 Received: from (sass165.sandia.gov) [132.175.109.1] by lists.xmission.com with esmtp (Exim 1.82 #1) id 0yvqhi-0006JS-00; Mon, 13 Jul 1998 16:04:14 -0600 Received: from mailhub.sandia.gov (sass2373.sandia.gov [134.253.181.7]) by sass165.sandia.gov (8.9.1/8.9.1) with ESMTP id QAA04057 for ; Mon, 13 Jul 1998 16:04:10 -0600 (MDT) Received: from x400.sandia.gov by mailhub.sandia.gov (X.400 to RFC822 Gateway); Mon, 13 Jul 1998 16:04:10 -0600 X400-Received: by mta mtaSNL in /c=US/admd= /prmd=USDOE/; Relayed; 13 Jul 1998 16:04:09 -0600 X400-Received: by /c=US/admd= /prmd=USDOE/; Relayed; 13 Jul 1998 16:04:09 -0600 X400-MTS-Identifier: [/c=US/admd= /prmd=USDOE/; 06CF835AA8459D64-mtaSNL] Content-Identifier: 06CF835AA8459D64 Content-Return: Allowed X400-Content-Type: P2-1988 ( 22 ) Conversion: Allowed Original-Encoded-Information-Types: IA5-Text Disclose-Recipients: Prohibited Alternate-Recipient: Allowed X400-Originator: efpoklu@sandia.gov X400-Recipients: non-disclosure; Message-Id: <"06CF835AA8459D64*/c=US/admd= /prmd=USDOE/o=SNL/ou=msmail/s=efpoklu/"@MHS> (IPM Return requested) Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: klr650@lists.xmission.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: mcpete@juno.com (Peter J McMahon) Subject: (klr650) Re: jackets and hot weather Date: 14 Jul 1998 22:23:42 -0500 On a recent trip through 105 degree west Texas, I filled the pockets of my Aerostich with ice everytime I stopped for gas or gatoraid. Helped big time. Much better than I would have guessed and better than socking my t-shirt or helmet liner. Next time I am taking ziplock baggies that fit the pockets so the ice lasts longer. Between that and wearing gym shorts under the pants, I was comfortable. Pete McMahon _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) Riding wear Date: 14 Jul 1998 20:27:19 -0700 -----Original Message----- >I recieved a new Competion accessories catalog today that has a new line of >Jackets and pants called La Trek (made by fieldshear). The Patriot jacket >@239.00 looks to be full of options- underarm vents-rear vent-fleece liner- >large rear cargo pocket- kevlar reinforced elbows-shoulder&elbow armor-lots of >pockets- >cordura construction(no weight given) and does tell if it is poly coated or >what ? >Pants -@99.00 Cordura/poly coating - padded seat hips >Anyone have any experience with this product ? >Steve > >###### I'm pleased with my Fieldshear jacket. I paid $185, discounted, and it has great pockets, plenty of kevlar armor, zip-out lining, looks good, seems well made. Negative is it has no venting. I'd definitely look at Fieldshear stuff again, but ventilated. ericR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: yefimov@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Tampa-Montreal Date: 15 Jul 1998 01:58:13 EDT Chris, AAA road assistance for motorcycles is not very good. I read it over about a month ago. As far as I remember, I do not think that they will tow the bike if it breaks down. -- Alex _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: frjsmithjr@webtv.net (Francis Smith) Subject: (klr650) Roadside Assistance for Bikes Date: 14 Jul 1998 23:09:36 -0700 (PDT) Chris, Alex: Look into MTS (Motorcycle Towing Svc.) out of Las Vegas. For $25.00 a year, through the AMA, you get a great plan. I've been with them since '92 and have all three bikes covered. Jim ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Todd Emsley Subject: Re: (klr650) Coolant Level Date: 15 Jul 1998 06:49:34 -0400 List, After rejetting my A11, temperature concerns are a thing of the past for me. The only time my fan comes on is after extended idling, 5 to 10 mins. When the bike is moving the temp stays at around 1/8 to 1/4. My humble opinion is the hotter engine temp is a byproduct of the factory lean jetting across the entire rpm range, not just the low speed mix. Anyone with engine temp concerns could try going a little richer to cool things down. It has worked great for me. The great power is just a BONUS! Todd A11 cooler than ever ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: Re: (klr650) Roadside Assistance for Bikes Date: 15 Jul 1998 03:56:14 -0700 I'm considering using them too. The VFR came with membership in the Honda riders club of America which was great since they'd pay for the MSF Advanced rider course every year as part of membership. They won't let me add the KLR though. So I was wondering the following: 1. Have you ever used the towing service? 2. Is that $25 per bike you want covered? 3. I assume it's like the HRCA where they send trucks setup for hauling a motorcycle? Thanks, Dean in Seattle 94 KLR 95 VFR ---------- > From: Francis Smith > To: klr650@lists.xmission.com > Subject: (klr650) Roadside Assistance for Bikes > Date: Tuesday, July 14, 1998 11:09 PM > > Chris, Alex: > > Look into MTS (Motorcycle Towing Svc.) out of > Las Vegas. For $25.00 a year, through the AMA, you get a great plan. > I've been with them > since '92 and have all three bikes covered. > > Jim > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: wass Subject: (klr650) Jackets Date: 15 Jul 1998 05:55:56 -0500 I've been seeing alot of interest in jackets the last couple of days and I am in the market for a new one as well and was wondering are the gore-tex jackets actually WATERPROOF I mean could you leave home without a rainsuit I am looking at the Joe Rocket,Cortech,Hein Geirke Ballastic, or the motoports any help would be great. Scott Wass ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bill Wright Subject: Re: (klr650) Jackets Date: 15 Jul 1998 07:27:59 -0400 wass wrote: > I've been seeing alot of interest in jackets the last couple of days and > I am in the market for a new one as well and was wondering are the > gore-tex jackets actually WATERPROOF I mean could you leave home without > a rainsuit I am looking at the Joe Rocket,Cortech,Hein Geirke Ballastic, > or the motoports any help would be great. > > Scott Wass Scott, My Aerostich Darien jacket and pants have worked a number of times in the wet. Most recently I road 108 miles in a driving rain. The only water that I noticed was about 4 inches of the bottom of my pant legs were damp. I forgot to pack my galoshes!. This is also with a stock windshield. A taller windshield would provide even more protection. One note: the exterior pockets do allow some water in. I got my map wet this way. Bill Wright Hotlanta, GA. 98 KLR 650 - 12427 miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) Ride Your Bike Day Date: 15 Jul 1998 08:12:17 Today was supposed to be the day everyone who could would ride their bikes to work. To promote positive awareness of folks who ride bikes and all that. Well, I rode mine and saw only one other rider, a Harley-dude who looked like he wasn't quite sure what planet he was on. This was 7AM on a slightly foggy and cool morning but I expected to see more bikes. I guess I'm kinda disappointed. Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Nathan Brown Subject: (klr650) Manuals Date: 15 Jul 1998 06:01:31 -0700 (PDT) Before I go to the dealer... Does anyone know of any other options for a good manual for the KLR than spending $80 at the dealership for the base and supplemental factory manuals? Nathan _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: (klr650) Blackwater write up Date: 15 Jul 1998 07:04:14 -0600 >>Gino, if you have read this, I would be willing to do a story with = pics on the Blackwa ter for the newsletter. Let >>me know if you=B9re = interested. Absolutely! You can leave the part about the stickers out, though ;-) Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: vesannlewis@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Gas Tank Date: 15 Jul 1998 06:06:23 -0700 Okay, so I have a KLR650 with a LARGE gas tank. What use is it if I never fill more than 4 1/2 gallons when just switched to reserve? Am I carrying 3/4 of a gallon around I never get to use, probably going stale, adding weight without benefit, etc. Any solutions to my "non-problem?" -Ves _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: (klr650) And people wonder... Date: 15 Jul 1998 07:37:56 -0600 So, I get this message that a fellow named Rick is desperate to talk to me about KLR's. I call him up and he is somewhat frantic. He wants me to look at his bike because he is leaving on a motorcycle trip on Sunday and he wants my opinion as to the condition of his bike. I tell him I'm not a certified bike mechanic, but bring it over and we'll have a look. He comes over. He has a beautiful 97 KLR in perfect condition except for a small scrape on a side cowl. Has new Avon Gripsters and 5,000 miles on the clock. I ride the bike at his request and it runs perfect. The bike is in great repair, so I ask him why he is concerned about the trip. "The guys I am riding with are concerned that the bike will not make the trip (3000 miles)", he says. "One guy has even thought about not going because he doesn't want to have to keep stopping while I get my bike repaired". "What kind of bikes are your friends riding?", I ask. He replies, "BMW R100GS's." And people wonder why I have a hard time dealing with the BMW crowd. I rest my case. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) And people wonder... Date: 15 Jul 1998 11:06:40 -0700 At 07:37 AM 7/15/98 -0600, Pokluda, Gino F wrote: >So, I get this message that a fellow named Rick is desperate to talk to >me about KLR's. I call him up and he is somewhat frantic. He wants me >to look at his bike because he is leaving on a motorcycle trip on Sunday >and he wants my opinion as to the condition of his bike. I tell him I'm >not a certified bike mechanic, but bring it over and we'll have a look. > He comes over. He has a beautiful 97 KLR in perfect condition except >for a small scrape on a side cowl. Has new Avon Gripsters and 5,000 >miles on the clock. I ride the bike at his request and it runs perfect. > The bike is in great repair, so I ask him why he is concerned about the >trip. "The guys I am riding with are concerned that the bike will not >make the trip (3000 miles)", he says. "One guy has even thought about >not going because he doesn't want to have to keep stopping while I get my >bike repaired". > >"What kind of bikes are your friends riding?", I ask. > >He replies, "BMW R100GS's." > >And people wonder why I have a hard time dealing with the BMW crowd. I >rest my case. You have my sympathies, but I think the real problem is some of the later BMWs, especialy the paralever GSs and the oilheads. The pre-paralever airheads (like my R60/7) actualy (almost) live up to their reputations. Aside from the valve maintnence, they realy are just about bulletproof. If they ever had made a DOHC, shim-over-bucket airhead, it realy would be an almost maintenece free ride. However, it should be noted that I have taken my KLR far further from home that I hever have my R60/7. This may remain the case, too. -Tom '96 KLR 650 '77 R60/7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Manuals Date: 15 Jul 1998 11:08:09 -0700 At 06:01 AM 7/15/98 -0700, Nathan Brown wrote: >Before I go to the dealer... > >Does anyone know of any other options for a good manual for the KLR >than spending $80 at the dealership for the base and supplemental >factory manuals? > No, but you need to find another dealership. My manuals cost me about $45. -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) And people wonder...why I sold my BMW Date: 15 Jul 1998 11:27:46 EDT On 7/15/98, efpoklu@sandia.gov wrote: snip >....And people wonder why I have a hard time dealing with the >BMW crowd. I rest my case. I hang my head in shame as a former BMW owner. Luckily I woke up one night while visiting a local brew pub. An obviously intoxicated fellow stumbled up to the bar and shouted, "All BMW riders are @$$holes." The room became very quiet until another man approached and screamed back, "Hey buddy, I take offence to that remark". The first guy was taken back and sheepishly asked, "Do you ride a BMW?". The second gent replied, " NO, I'm an @$$hole!!". CA Ron (livin' in the land of credit filled streets;) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Coolant Level Date: 15 Jul 1998 09:31:22 -0600 -----Original Message----- Cc: klr650@lists.xmission.com >List, > > After rejetting my A11, temperature concerns are a thing of the past >for me. The only time my fan comes on is after extended idling, 5 to 10 >mins. When the bike is moving the temp stays at around 1/8 to 1/4. My >humble opinion is the hotter engine temp is a byproduct of the factory >lean jetting across the entire rpm range, not just the low speed mix. >Anyone with engine temp concerns could try going a little richer to cool >things down. It has worked great for me. The great power is just a >BONUS! > > Todd A11 cooler than ever > I've been wondering why my A12 is similarly blessed, temps in the 100's this week in Salt Lake City and my temp gauge is generally around 1/3 and never more than 1/2 in traffic. Maybe you are right. Mine is running like a freight train since I popped off the airbox cover.... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Jackets Date: 15 Jul 1998 09:34:10 -0600 -----Original Message----- Cc: klr650@lists.xmission.com >wass wrote: > >> I've been seeing alot of interest in jackets the last couple of days and >> I am in the market for a new one as well and was wondering are the >> gore-tex jackets actually WATERPROOF I mean could you leave home without >> a rainsuit I am looking at the Joe Rocket,Cortech,Hein Geirke Ballastic, >> or the motoports any help would be great. >> >> Scott Wass > > Scott, > >My Aerostich Darien jacket and pants have worked a number of times in the >wet. Most recently I road 108 miles in a driving rain. The only water that >I noticed was about 4 inches of the bottom of my pant legs were damp. I >forgot to pack my galoshes!. This is also with a stock windshield. A >taller windshield would provide even more protection. One note: the >exterior pockets do allow some water in. I got my map wet this way. > >Bill Wright >Hotlanta, GA. >98 KLR 650 - 12427 miles > Ditto for me Bill, a couple of weeks ago I found myself caught in a torrential thunder and hailstorm. The cagers were looking on with pity at me (I appreciated that...) but I was dry as a bone in the Darien.... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Ride Your Bike Day Date: 15 Jul 1998 09:38:07 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Today was supposed to be the day everyone who could would ride their bikes >to work. To promote positive awareness of folks who ride bikes and all >that. Well, I rode mine and saw only one other rider, a Harley-dude who >looked like he wasn't quite sure what planet he was on. This was 7AM on a >slightly foggy and cool morning but I expected to see more bikes. I guess >I'm kinda disappointed. Thanks. >Bob Kaub >SUNY Binghamton >Watson School Student Shop >PO Box 6000 >Binghamton, NY 13902 >607-777-2715 > > I rode today...I'm waving at you Bob... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Royer, Timothy E." Subject: (klr650) light jacket Date: 15 Jul 1998 10:39:57 -0500 Hey from that B'mer jacket review I found this for hot weather. Body Gard from Motoport (1-800-777-6499) $99. I called, and they are sending Info It sound like just what I need. Anybody on the list tried one? It's not that I'm not willing to shell out for good equipment, it's just that I have to go groveling on my knees to my better half whenever I spend money on my one and only hobby (back road bombin). I carry a cheap ($24) rain suit rolled up on my bike at all times, and cold weather in south Texas is a one month phenomena. I do have an aversion to road rash though (been there, done that, long time ago). So I'm doing my research and getting the best value for my buck. Tim Royer (98 KLR650 Kaw-Thump, the back road bomber) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Alex Jomarron Subject: (klr650) KLR in the midst of GSes Date: 15 Jul 1998 11:15:29 +0000 In response to Gino's post about the guy whose friends were afraid his KLR couldn't hang on a 3000 mile trip: That poor guy riding his KLR in the company of BMW GSes is going to be stuck when his friends diode boards and rotors go south. If his friends Paralevers have over 40k, those too will frag causing the poor KLR guy to be stuck at some BMW shop waiting for his friends repairs................. Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL 88 BMW K75S 98 KLR 650 & FORMER owner of an Airhead ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "J. Taylor" Subject: (klr650) Body-Gard Armor Date: 15 Jul 1998 12:38:21 -0400 I have been riding in my Motoport Body-Gard Armor For nearly 2 years now. It is the ULTIMATE in ventilation and washes with the armor in in the washing machine no problemo. It fits nicely under my Gericke rainsuit and provides a nice little pocket of ventilation between me and the rain suit. I bought it after one of the guys in a south Florida riding club I was in went down in one and suffered no ill effects. The Motoport folks will replace just the jacket should you wipe and can still use the armor. MAKE SURE THEY HAVE ONE IN STOCK-Motoport is notorious for backorders. Some jackets they will only "sew up" based on monthly orders. The Body-Gard was that way for a while but I think its changed over the last year. @ $99 its been a nice addition but expect about a month of steady wear before the armor, which is quite thick I might add, finally breaks in. Jake in Jacksonville,FL (where 100% humidity/100degree temps laugh in the face of ventilated riding gear.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Rex Hefferan Subject: (klr650) Aluminum and Plastic repairs Date: 15 Jul 1998 09:26:00 -0700 (PDT) DIY Listers, I had a email exchange with Ted Palmer some time ago and the question of silver soldering Aluminum radiators was asked. Here may be just the product to do such repairs and much more. For those of us who have done damage to our plastic side covers, check out the last site. If anyone has used any of these or similar products please let me know. For Aluminum (and other metals) repair using a soldering method with propane torch and solder stick Durafix has the best website IMHO; http://www.durafix.com/ Here's another source; http://www.divescoinc.com/ Solder-It is a paste style product better for smaller more delicate repairs or projects. (electronics) Of particular interest is "Solder-It Plastic Weld" which could be used to repair plastic body parts. http://www.solder-it.com/solderit.htm There may be other sources you may know of, please reply Thanks _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Coolant Level Date: 15 Jul 1998 09:35:16 -0700 >List, > > After rejetting my A11, temperature concerns are a thing of the past >for me. The only time my fan comes on is after extended idling, 5 to 10 >mins. When the bike is moving the temp stays at around 1/8 to 1/4. My >humble opinion is the hotter engine temp is a byproduct of the factory >lean jetting across the entire rpm range, not just the low speed mix. >Anyone with engine temp concerns could try going a little richer to cool >things down. It has worked great for me. The great power is just a >BONUS! Did you do any other mods besides the rejetting? And what jets specifically did you use? Thanks, Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Stuart Heaslet Subject: Re: (klr650) Ride Your Bike Day Date: 15 Jul 1998 12:32:57 -0400 I'm trying to wave at you, but I'm waiting for this pesky Level Five thunderstorm to pass. Stuart 1998 KLR Juno Beach, Florida At 08:12 AM 7/15/98 +0000, Robert Kaub wrote: >Today was supposed to be the day everyone who could would ride their bikes >to work. To promote positive awareness of folks who ride bikes and all >that. Well, I rode mine and saw only one other rider, a Harley-dude who >looked like he wasn't quite sure what planet he was on. This was 7AM on a >slightly foggy and cool morning but I expected to see more bikes. I guess >I'm kinda disappointed. Thanks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) KLR vs. BMW Date: 15 Jul 1998 12:40:31 In regard to the post about the BMW folks afraid to ride with a KLR, I think that those guys are really not your (our) friends. There could be an elitist dynamic at work here. Since BMW bikes cost so much that a relative few can afford them, some of those who ride them might consider themselves special and resent the poor folks trying to attach themselves to the fringes of their group for whatever reason. If I felt unwelcome, I wouldn't go with them. At least they do wave to other bikers, though. Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) CHEAP? Date: 15 Jul 1998 12:51:12 I just turned 2000 miles on the bike and am gonna change the oil. I've already changed the oil and filter twice, once at 500 miles and again at 1000 miles. The question is do I really need to change the filter again with only 1000 miles on it? Or, am I just being too cheap? Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Jackets Date: 15 Jul 1998 10:00:10 -0700 wrote: > >> I've been seeing alot of interest in jackets the last couple of days and >> I am in the market for a new one as well and was wondering are the >> gore-tex jackets actually WATERPROOF I mean could you leave home without >> a rainsuit I am looking at the Joe Rocket,Cortech,Hein Geirke Ballastic, >> or the motoports any help would be great. >> >> Scott Wass > > Scott, > >My Aerostich Darien jacket and pants have worked a number of times in the >wet. Most recently I road 108 miles in a driving rain. The only water that >I noticed was about 4 inches of the bottom of my pant legs were damp. I >forgot to pack my galoshes!. This is also with a stock windshield. A >taller windshield would provide even more protection. One note: the >exterior pockets do allow some water in. I got my map wet this way. > Its been my experience with using Gortex in the field in the Army, (I even was part of an experimental test group once for new Gortex jackets) that Gortex will keep you dry up to a point...but after a while....the fabric becomes saturated and stops being water resistant. You get wet under, and lose some insulation as well. Don't get me wrong, we were glad to have them, and if you were in the field and sweating the Gortex still kept you somewhat warm and allowed your sweat to evaporate. They worked much better than the plastic rain gear, with that stuff you got soaked from the inside out since your sweat couldn't evaporate out. Spray on water repellent like "Camp Dry" helped delay the inevitable, but the Gortex still became saturated over time. Riding with my Kilimanjaro, I can't say enough good things about it. It has proved to be totally water proof at 65 + MPH in torrential downpours on my 50 + mile commute (one way). I still wear my Army Gortex rain pants with the Kilimanjaro, because I haven't been able to afford the First Gear pants yet. The pants become saturated and soaked especially from the knees down by the end of the ride. On especially cold and rainy days, I was wearing a one piece plastic rainsuit over the Kilimanjaro (without the Gortex pants). For boots I wear my Army Corcoran Jump boots, Kiwi polished to an inch of their lives and thus waterproof. One day I got caught short by the weather and was wearing my jungle boots instead (nylon uppers, ventilated lowers) My feet got soaked and I was near hypothermic when I got home. Good gear makes all the difference. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chris Beasley Subject: Re: (klr650) Ride Your Bike Day Date: 15 Jul 1998 10:08:54 -0700 Rob, Is that a national thing or local? How did you hear about it? I rode my bike today but hey, this is California. b Robert Kaub wrote: > Today was supposed to be the day everyone who could would ride their bikes > to work. To promote positive awareness of folks who ride bikes and all > that. Well, I rode mine and saw only one other rider, a Harley-dude who > looked like he wasn't quite sure what planet he was on. This was 7AM on a > slightly foggy and cool morning but I expected to see more bikes. I guess > I'm kinda disappointed. Thanks. > Bob Kaub > SUNY Binghamton > Watson School Student Shop > PO Box 6000 > Binghamton, NY 13902 > 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: frjsmithjr@webtv.net (Francis Smith) Subject: Fwd: Re: (klr650) Roadside Assistance for Bikes Date: 15 Jul 1998 10:11:46 -0700 (PDT) --WebTV-Mail-2133346443-21 Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit --WebTV-Mail-2133346443-21 Content-Disposition: Inline Content-Type: Message/RFC822 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit X-WebTV-Signature: 1 ETAtAhUAuyYwZDwouStKpyqr/Go1RpSBPEcCFEAtIoRWWE03B0Duj5QPlYj/ArOn Message-ID: <28488-35ACE158-26@mailtod-142.iap.bryant.webtv.net> Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit MIME-Version: 1.0 (WebTV) Dean: Knock on wood, I've never had to use the service. I pay $25.00 a year for all three bikes. (you can only ride one at a time, right?) Yes, MTS claims to contract only with towing companies that are set with up or have special rigs for motorcycles. Jim '98 KLR '98 GL 1500 '98 Bandit 1200 --WebTV-Mail-2133346443-21-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: frjsmithjr@webtv.net (Francis Smith) Subject: Fwd: Re: (klr650) Gas Tank Date: 15 Jul 1998 10:17:16 -0700 (PDT) --WebTV-Mail-1163593252-19 Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit --WebTV-Mail-1163593252-19 Content-Disposition: Inline Content-Type: Message/RFC822 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit X-WebTV-Signature: 1 ETAtAhQd2Nf88+8xB3bfdloxT/Qr2z+MmwIVAJhcTKmqY9DVXhjIFRMrcxf2rjOJ Message-ID: <28490-35ACE3CB-33@mailtod-142.iap.bryant.webtv.net> Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit MIME-Version: 1.0 (WebTV) Ves: The operative word here is BLEND. Each time you fill up, you're blending new gas with the old. It is a non-problem. Jim --WebTV-Mail-1163593252-19-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bill Wright Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs. BMW Date: 15 Jul 1998 13:29:36 -0400 Robert Kaub wrote: > In regard to the post about the BMW folks afraid to ride with a KLR, I > think that those guys are really not your (our) friends. There could be an > elitist dynamic at work here. > Bob Kaub Hey Guys, I think that the BMW riders are worried that you'll do fine on the trip at one third the cost. Oh darn, there I go again tellin' the truth. Bill Wright Hotlanta, GA 98 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: frjsmithjr@webtv.net (Francis Smith) Subject: (klr650) Fwd: Royal Purple Synthetic Date: 15 Jul 1998 10:31:39 -0700 (PDT) --WebTV-Mail-228774378-78 Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit Listers: I'm re-sending this post as my Webtv was on the blink when I sent it. I don't know if the post got through or if anyone commented on it. Thanks for indulging me. Jim --WebTV-Mail-228774378-78 Content-Disposition: Inline Content-Type: Message/RFC822 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit X-WebTV-Signature: 1 ETAuAhUAuiWGyREso/HQuNelXPm62q/aJQQCFQCReT1jXXYgx/ERW/54Pfe9ZFWpPA== Message-ID: <14079-35AA45F1-1732@mailtod-142.iap.bryant.webtv.net> Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit MIME-Version: 1.0 (WebTV) Fellow Listers: Attended the WSB races in Monterey this week- -end. A friend of mine who is a motorcycle dealer as well as a owner/rider from the Atlanta area was there as well. He swears by this Royal Purple Synthetic and uses it in all of his numerous personal bikes. Says that all of the NASCAR racers (regardless of what the logos on their car says) secretly use this stuff. Anyone heard of it?. Is it only available in the Southwestern U.S.?. Jim '98 KLR '98 GL 1500 "98 Bandit 1200 --WebTV-Mail-228774378-78-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Tampa-Montreal Date: 15 Jul 1998 10:56:25 -0700 >Chris, it's not an offical list but here's what's in my toolbag when I >go on a long trip, any motorcycle, hope you find it useful... > >- Chain Lube (small can wrapped in a plastic bag) >- Spark Plug >- Oil Filter (the KLR's are small so why not?) >- 1 quart oil (sometimes more) >- 2 pieces of clothes line (cotton rope) about 4' each >- Cargo net >- Brake fluid >- The tools that came with the bike (they aren't great but I don't >worry about loosing them) >- adjustable wrench and vise grips >- Screw driver with multiple types and sized bits >- hacksaw blade with small handle >- 1 fine, 1 course emery cloth >- rags >- duct tape >- tube of silicon >- gasket in a tube >- Bic lighter >- 2 motorcycle tie downs (used for large ferrys or when all goes bad >and a kind person with a truck or trailer comes along.) >- 2 large garbage bags (to put things in when it rains) >- small tube of hand cleaner >- Paper towels >- Sharp swiss army knife >- spare bulbs >- spare fuses >- Air pressure gauge >- I forget the name of it but it looks like a giant syringe (with a >hose instead of a needle) and is used to adjust the air pressure in >the forks. >- a few coffee filters (in case I need to get water for the radiator >from a stream) >- Small first aid kit wrapped in plastic >- Small flashlight >- I then get really carried away because I also bring a small amount >of cleaner (honda bright or S100 and wax so I can work on the bike if >I am waiting for something or someone. >- Soon I will add the tools necessary to repair a flat. >- I haven't adjusted the valves on my KLR myself yet (only 3,600 >miles)but on my old Honda I also always brought my valve adjusting >tools. >- I want to add Electricals diagnostic tools >- If you don't know the bike real well, bring a manual. > >I probably missed some things, this is from memory. I know it looks >like a lot but most are small, light items that you will hopefully >never need. > >My KLR is my first water cooled bike. Anyone have any suggestions on >what to bring for street/trail repairs for the cooling system? > Great gear to have. I would suggest that you don't take the clothes line, and instead get some Military parachute cord, officially called "550 cord" due to its 550 lb.. test strength. I can break clothesline with my hands. For the same amount of space as your 8 ft of clothesline, you can take over 25 ft. of 550 cord. You can get it in 500 ft. rolls, but you might have to shop around the surplus stores to find it. 550 cord is part of my wilderness survival gear. You can take the inner thread strands out and use it for fishing line, or if you have the time you can use it to make a net. (don't waste the outer sheath though, it still makes great cord, just not as strong.) 550 cord does unravel though, so your bic lighter is the perfect tool to burn the ends. As for gear to repair the water cooling system: The only thing that I can see malfunctioning is the hoses, so a few spare hose clamps and a long enough hose to replace either hose should it fail. (for both to fail would be very bad luck.) Also, a replacement hose for the overflow bottle would be good. It could also serve as a spare fuel line in a pinch. It would be very unlikely, but for anything else in the cooling system to fail, you really couldn't repair it on the road. You'd have to limp to the closest repair shop. (run it until it gets hot, then stop and let it cool, and etc..) Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Manuals Date: 15 Jul 1998 11:01:46 -0700 >Before I go to the dealer... > >Does anyone know of any other options for a good manual for the KLR >than spending $80 at the dealership for the base and supplemental >factory manuals? > Nope, your stuck. Shop around dealers though, as I have noticed a difference in prices between them. You might save a couple of bucks. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chris Beasley Subject: (klr650) Hose routing Date: 15 Jul 1998 11:03:34 -0700 Uum, I just put a new battery in my '89 and I am not sure where the battery drip tube should come out on the bottom of the bike. It seems to want to end up right above the uni-trak linkage which can't be a good thing. Is there a page in the manuals that tells how to route the hoses? If so, I can't find it. Thanks! b p.s. doncha think it's cool when a KLR overheats it pumps coolant out the back of the bike instead of onto the ground in front of the rear tire? I was wondering what that looooong tube was for... l8r b ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Gas Tank Date: 15 Jul 1998 11:17:25 -0700 >Okay, so I have a KLR650 with a LARGE gas tank. What use is it if I >never fill more than 4 1/2 gallons when just switched to reserve? Am I >carrying 3/4 of a gallon around I never get to use, probably going stale, >adding weight without benefit, etc. Any solutions to my "non-problem?" >-Ves > Non problem is right. It usually takes over a month for gas to go stale, depending upon the initial quality of the gas purchased, and the weather conditions. I would hope that you ride more often than that. Also, when you fill up, you have totally mixed the fresh gas with the old, and thus no worries. When I winterize my boat, I fill the tank up so as to minimize condensation, then add a fuel stabilizer. Over the four to five months that my boat sits, I haven't really noticed the fuel go stale. Still, to be on the safe side I siphon all 50 gallons of the gas out and put it in the tanks of my vehicles, my lawn mower, even my bike this season. I burned off this "stale" gas this way with no problems. I probably don't even need to do this, but I refuse to take any chances with my high performance marine engine, as repairs on it cost 200 % more than on the vehicles. Actually, for bad gas all I'd need to do is siphon it all, then drain the float bowels on my dual carbs and fuel pump, but who needs the trouble. Easier to siphon it all in the first place. Hey, be adventurous! See how far you can go on your reserve tank so you know! Once you know, then in the future once you hit reserve you can plan on going 80% of the reserve distance or so to burn this gas off, depending on how many gas stations are around of course. Personally, I always look for a gas station as soon as I hit reserve, but then I'm a better safe than sorry kind of guy. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) And people wonder... Date: 15 Jul 1998 11:23:00 -0700 >At 07:37 AM 7/15/98 -0600, Pokluda, Gino F wrote: >>So, I get this message that a fellow named Rick is desperate to talk to >>me about KLR's. I call him up and he is somewhat frantic. He wants me >>to look at his bike because he is leaving on a motorcycle trip on Sunday >>and he wants my opinion as to the condition of his bike. I tell him I'm >>not a certified bike mechanic, but bring it over and we'll have a look. >> He comes over. He has a beautiful 97 KLR in perfect condition except >>for a small scrape on a side cowl. Has new Avon Gripsters and 5,000 >>miles on the clock. I ride the bike at his request and it runs perfect. >> The bike is in great repair, so I ask him why he is concerned about the >>trip. "The guys I am riding with are concerned that the bike will not >>make the trip (3000 miles)", he says. "One guy has even thought about >>not going because he doesn't want to have to keep stopping while I get my >>bike repaired". >> >>"What kind of bikes are your friends riding?", I ask. >> >>He replies, "BMW R100GS's." >> >>And people wonder why I have a hard time dealing with the BMW crowd. I >>rest my case. > > > You have my sympathies, but I think the real problem is some >of the later BMWs, especialy the paralever GSs and the oilheads. The >pre-paralever airheads (like my R60/7) actualy (almost) live up to their >reputations. Aside from the valve maintnence, they realy are just about >bulletproof. If they ever had made a DOHC, shim-over-bucket airhead, >it realy would be an almost maintenece free ride. > > However, it should be noted that I have taken my KLR far further >from home that I hever have my R60/7. This may remain the case, too. > I have a friend with an old '78 Boxter (don't know what kind specifically). In over 120,000 miles, all he's done is take the cylinders off, hone them, and put new rings on. Sprayed some carb cleaner in the carbs and he was good to go. He might have had his shaft worked on, but he didn't mention it. While riding home one day, a group of Beemer riders were in staggered formation in the HOV lane. I was going to pass them, then they waved me in. I joined their formation at the tail, and we safely cruised like that for 40 miles, until I had to turn off. Very friendly of them. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Ride Your Bike Day Date: 15 Jul 1998 11:25:01 -0700 >>Today was supposed to be the day everyone who could would ride their bikes >>to work. To promote positive awareness of folks who ride bikes and all >>that. Well, I rode mine and saw only one other rider, a Harley-dude who >>looked like he wasn't quite sure what planet he was on. This was 7AM on a >>slightly foggy and cool morning but I expected to see more bikes. I guess >>I'm kinda disappointed. Thanks. >>Bob Kaub >>SUNY Binghamton >>Watson School Student Shop >>PO Box 6000 >>Binghamton, NY 13902 >>607-777-2715 >> >> > >I rode today...I'm waving at you Bob... > >Kurt > I ride every day. A bad day riding is better than a good day behind the wheel in my book. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: (klr650) Re: Hose routing Date: 15 Jul 1998 11:38:11 -0700 >Uum, I just put a new battery in my '89 and I am not sure where the battery drip >tube should come out on the bottom of the bike. It seems to want to end up >right above the uni-trak linkage which can't be a good thing. Is there a page >in the manuals that tells how to route the hoses? If so, I can't find it. >Thanks! >b > >p.s. doncha think it's cool when a KLR overheats it pumps coolant out the back >of the bike instead of onto the ground in front of the rear tire? I was >wondering what that looooong tube was for... I'll have to check for myself, but I recall a page that showed where all the hoses and control cables were routed. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: bruixot@rmi.net Subject: (klr650) (no subject) Date: 15 Jul 1998 12:39:49 -0600 Well, it rained in Colorado Springs this morning (Black Forest, actually) but I rode my KLR650 to work, anyway. - El Vell Bruixot (The Evil Wizard) "Ride long and hard and fast, dammit, and take no prisoners." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: bruixot@rmi.net Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs. BMW Date: 15 Jul 1998 12:49:52 -0600 I own a new KLR650, and two 1992 BMW R100 GSs (one a Paris-Dakar). I'm selling the BMWs....... -- El Vell Bruixot Bill Wright wrote: > Robert Kaub wrote: > > > In regard to the post about the BMW folks afraid to ride with a KLR, I > > think that those guys are really not your (our) friends. There could be an > > elitist dynamic at work here. > > Bob Kaub > > Hey Guys, > > I think that the BMW riders are worried that you'll do fine on the trip at one > third the cost. Oh darn, there I go again tellin' the truth. > > Bill Wright > Hotlanta, GA > 98 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Stuart Heaslet Subject: Re: (klr650) CHEAP? Date: 15 Jul 1998 15:06:45 -0400 To me, changing oil means changing filters. It seems like incredibly cheap insurance, along with a magnetic drain plug. And you're right, thunderstorms beat fires any day. :-) Stuart At 12:51 PM 7/15/98 +0000, Robert Kaub wrote: >I just turned 2000 miles on the bike and am gonna change the oil. I've >already changed the oil and filter twice, once at 500 miles and again at >1000 miles. >The question is do I really need to change the filter again with only 1000 >miles on it? Or, am I just being too cheap? Thanks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert frey" Subject: (klr650) KLR vs BMW Date: 15 Jul 1998 15:33:05 -0400 Well, first off; BMWs are NOT REAL DUAL-SPORTERS! See one go down a single track trail lately? A KLR is a handful on a single track, but does fine with a lot of rider input! I've seen BMWs at Daytona, Chattahoochee, and other D/S Rides, why do they not go on the challenging sections? Because their riders/owners are more of the lazy-boy adventurers. They'd rather sit out and watch everyone else, and think that they really belong to the party. Truth is, just like the bikes, their experience in the great outdoors is not a real deal either. Being of age and of economic earning power has allowed me to push the limits of my enthusiasm for dual sport. KLR is good for fire roads and some not-too-tight single tracks, and at less than $6000, one Hell-Of-A-Steal! My $7000 KTM RXC620 is more bike than any BMW! I'd Would love to see a GS ride up a gnarly, rockstrewn, mud drenched, fallen-tree trail turn around and do it again then head for the highway and go home again. It Aint Gonna Happen. For less than $13,000 I've got TWO GREAT BIKES IN MY GARAGE! I don't need No status seeking steeenkin B-M-W! Robert Frey 96 KTm RXC 620 Almost-Done-Being-Fixed-from-A-Down-The-Mountain-Crash-On-A-Tight-Single-Tra ck-Trail-"My-God-This-Is-A-Great-Bike"- 93 KLR 650. (Read About The Crash My Son Took The KLR On On The "Favorites"Page Of The KLR Site. Click On The Chattahoochee D/S Ride!) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Peter Dahlheimer Subject: (klr650) long klr ride Date: 15 Jul 1998 16:02:50 -0400 regarding that guy with the bmw "friend" who doesn't want to do the ride with him for fear of the klr dying: screw em. 8^) _pete 97KLR650 (22k, having put 3500 on the beast in six days a coupla months ago...) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) list notes part quatre... Date: 15 Jul 1998 15:39:41 -0600 Digesters, you probably have noticed some weird things happening. It all started with the low volume of post last week. I had the digest set at 40K which comes to about 35-40 typical posts. If it reaches that amount in one day it digests..if it takes a week than it digests once a week. The posts were so sparse that some of you were resubscribing. So, I changed the environment variables and we started getting like three or four digests one day. In short I'm experimenting. There are a large number of digest people who would post if they felt that their input would be timely...I'm aiming for an average of 1-2 times per day with at least 1 digest per two days on low post times. It will take some tweaking...I apologize for the inconsistency.... Kurt Simpson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Vervaeke Subject: (klr650) KLR / BMW bashing Date: 15 Jul 1998 14:49:56 -0700 (PDT) Robert Frey said: = Well, first off; BMWs are NOT REAL DUAL-SPORTERS! See one go down a single track trail lately? A KLR is a handful on a single track, but does fine with a lot of rider input! I've seen BMWs at Daytona, Chattahoochee, and other D/S Rides, why do they not go on the challenging sections? Because their riders/owners are more of the lazy-boy adventurers. They'd rather sit out and watch everyone else, and think that they really belong to the party. Truth is, just like the bikes, their experience in the great outdoors is not a real deal either. Being of age and of economic earning power has allowed me to push the limits of my enthusiasm for dual sport. KLR is good for fire roads and some not-too-tight single tracks, and at less than $6000, one Hell-Of-A-Steal! My $7000 KTM RXC620 is more bike than any BMW! I'd Would love to see a GS ride up a gnarly, rockstrewn, mud drenched, fallen-tree trail turn around and do it again then head for the highway and go home again. It Aint Gonna Happen. For less than $13,000 I've got TWO GREAT BIKES IN MY GARAGE! I don't need No status seeking steeenkin B-M-W! Robert Frey 96 KTm RXC 620 Almost-Done-Being-Fixed-from-A-Down-The-Mountain-Crash-On-A-Tight-Single-Tra ck-Trail-"My-God-This-Is-A-Great-Bike"- 93 KLR 650. (Read About The Crash My Son Took The KLR On On The "Favorites"Page Of The KLR Site. Click On The Chattahoochee D/S Ride!) ===================== Robert: Since I did not see a smiley on your post I guess I can safely assume you're an asshole. How can you stereotype bike owners and riders based on what they ride? I have a KLR650, R1100GS (BMW) and Ducati 900. I know many a BMW R100GS/PD rider who can do unbelievable things with the Beemer. To characterize BMW riders that way shows me you have a problem or two. You called us "lazy-boy adventurers". Come now, you must have meant to add a smiley there? Perhaps someday you will open your mind to the real world and make friends and play well with all of the others out there who are having fun despite what they ride. No smiley, === Tom Vervaeke Colorado Springs, CO USA tom_vervaeke@rocketmail.com _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Alex Jomarron Subject: (klr650) Pocket sidestand. Date: 15 Jul 1998 17:21:50 +0000 While talking to my local KTM dealer (who is a gem!), I asked if anyone had a gizmo that one can carry to prop the rear wheel up. In the Tucker Rocky catalog he showed me a 2 piece tubular metal prop. It sells for $34. It is telescopic and goes from 9" to 17.5". I'm wondering if there is interest, we can make a 17" prop out of tubular stainless and be able to do front and rear tire field repairs for half the price. Any comments?? Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Johnny Knight Subject: Re: (klr650) Ride Your Bike Day Date: 15 Jul 1998 19:05:18 -0400 I rode today, and so did the other 4 guys where I work. We make up about 50 percent of the employees at the place, so its a great place to work if you also ride a bike... John ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: Re: (klr650) Ride Your Bike Day Date: 15 Jul 1998 18:59:43 -0500 At 8:12 AM -0500 7/15/98, Robert Kaub wrote: >Today was supposed to be the day everyone who could would ride their bikes >to work. Hey Bob, I rode my bike to work today under torrential rain (my car was down) and when I got to work I had wet boots the whole day. I took the boots and socks off and got around 3 gallons out of each sock :P. This is supposed to be the "wettest" july ever in FL, unlike las month that was the "hottest" june ever ....So go figure ! Hey Chris-Tampa-Montreal, Thanks a lot for NOT answering my email and NOT getting in touch with me at all. It's always nice NOT to meet other KLR owners and NOT see the mods they do to their bikes and NOT ride with other KLR's !! Keep ir safe ! Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC (Undernet) Email: tuca@tampabay.rr.com Email: steve@vvd.com Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Joshua Sammons" Subject: (klr650) Hav'n a chain prob. Date: 15 Jul 1998 16:19:58 -0600 I just finished tightening my chain. I have both adjusters exactly even and had about a half of an inch play in the chain. When I spin the wheel it goes about 3/4 of a revolution and then stops. When it stopped, the chain was very tight but still went around if I pushed it a little. I adjusted the balancer chain and it did not help. I was thinking maybe it is the front sprocket (the back is fine.). I just don't know how to get to it. If anyone can tell me how to get to the front sprocket or any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Josh S. '92 KLR650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Hose routing Date: 16 Jul 1998 09:53:58 +1000 Chris Beasley wrote: > Uum, I just put a new battery in my '89 and I am not sure where the battery drip > tube should come out on the bottom of the bike. It seems to want to end up Right behind the gearbox, in front of the Unitrack, just as the base manual shows. Why? I don't know, I would have thought it would exit with the coolant hose. If clogging of the hose from mud etc was a worry, why would the recovery tank exit under the mudguard? > p.s. doncha think it's cool when a KLR overheats it pumps coolant out the back > of the bike instead of onto the ground in front of the rear tire? I was > wondering what that looooong tube was for... So that people behind you can empirically test the friction coefficient of glycol. When the float floods, it will drain in front of the rear tyre. Makes fast starts from the lights over painted lines exciting. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) And people wonder...why I sold my BMW Date: 16 Jul 1998 10:00:01 +1000 Cloudhid@aol.com wrote: [bar room wanker put in place story deleted] Superb. I'm mentally filing this one for future use. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) And people wonder... Date: 16 Jul 1998 10:13:02 +1000 Tom Simpson wrote: [BMW tossers] > You have my sympathies, but I think the real problem is some > of the later BMWs, especialy the paralever GSs and the oilheads. The > pre-paralever airheads (like my R60/7) actualy (almost) live up to > their reputation FWIW, here is some text from an Aussie fortnightly bike rag: "BMW's road/trail blaster, the R1100 GS now has an upspec frame - a response to some frames cracking or fracturing under extreme adverse conditions." "Promoted as the 'Adventure Kit', the package comprises of additional support brackets mounted between the footrest plates and the rear frame/ gearbox mounting points. BMW is claiming a 70% increase in frame rigidity in examples of extreme use." Heh, tell the Beemer-heads that KLRs never needed such a retrofit. Besides, you can't make a ski boat out of an Exxon Valdez :-) Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: bruixot@rmi.net Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs BMW Date: 15 Jul 1998 18:26:07 -0600 Now, now, children. There is room on these roads for all -- beemers and KLRs. I have yet to see a KLR go around the world, or even through the Darien Gap. When I see bikes in Patagonia or the Andes or the Atacama, they aren't KLRs and in fact I've only seen one KLR in all of South America, and that belonged to a guy who owned it and a beemer as well. Admit it: there is a lot more to international dual-sporting than just getting muddy. "Lazy-boy adventurers?" I think not. Check out the book and website of my bud Helge Pederson: http://www.globeriders.com/ And let us return to civilized discourse. - El Vell Bruixot 98 KLR650 92 R100 GS 92 R100 GS/Paris Dakar "Ride long and hard and fast, dammit, and take no prisoners." Robert frey wrote: > Well, first off; > BMWs are NOT REAL DUAL-SPORTERS! See one go down a single track trail > lately? A KLR is a handful on a single track, but does fine with a lot of > rider input! I've seen BMWs at Daytona, Chattahoochee, and other D/S Rides, > why do they not go on the challenging sections? Because their riders/owners > are more of the lazy-boy adventurers... etc. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Hav'n a chain prob. Date: 16 Jul 1998 10:50:08 +1000 Joshua Sammons wrote: > I just finished tightening my chain. I have both adjusters exactly even and > had about a half of an inch play in the chain. Whoa! Too tight! Around 1.5-2" is more like correct. The rear swingarm has a lot more travel than the average road bike, on which 0.5" is more appropriate. > When I spin the wheel it > goes about 3/4 of a revolution and then stops. When it stopped, the chain > was very tight but still went around if I pushed it a little. Sounds like you have a tight link or two in the chain, which is not unusual. I had a couple of tight links on my Honda RC17 chain. The only fix was replacement. By "tight", I mean _tight_. With a pair of vice-grips and a pair of pliers I couldn't flex one link, and just barely the other. The sprockets and nearby bearings will object to this, if not sooner then later. Rotate the wheel and look for kinked links on the straight section of chain. If you find one (or more..) try to to flex it by hand. It should be firm but not a big effort to flex. Compare it to other sections of your chain. > I adjusted the balancer chain and it did not help. Nor should it. > I was thinking maybe it is the > front sprocket (the back is fine.). I just don't know how to get to it. If > anyone can tell me how to get to the front sprocket or any other suggestions > would be greatly appreciated. Sprockets wouldn't fail like this, they are very simple things. Unless the sprocket is obviously out of centre, which is just bad sprocket manufacture. Chains, however, are not as simple. Chains can and will develop a "tight spot", where a few links may wear a bit less than the rest of the chain, or rather some other links will wear a bit more than the rest, or be at the bigger end of the manufacture tolerance. It would be nice if all the chain wore at exactly the same rate, but even expensive chains will have a tight spot to some degree. The better the chain quality, the less obvious the tight spot becomes in use. Whan adjusting the chain tension, you have to find the tight spot by rotating the wheel and feeling the slack, then adjust the chain at its tightest spot. The sprocket cover is generally held on with three bolts, 10mm head I think. Comes off easy. Just don't overtighten when re-installing as you could crack the plastic. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: rycomm@webtv.net (Ryan Combs) Subject: (klr650) klr v bmw Date: 15 Jul 1998 20:07:59 -0500 (CDT) If it wern't for a r100gs/pd owning friend of mine I would have never found out about the klr or dual sports. I was looking for r80 gs/pd or f650 when I decided that was just too much for a bike that I will ride hard and often. There are too many long journeys made on klr's for me not to trust mine. Ryan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert frey" Subject: (klr650) WOW! Date: 15 Jul 1998 21:11:46 -0400 It never ceases to amaze me how people get so worked up over ANYTHING! This BMW thing was meant to show how hostile people can become over little things! I hit a nerve and lo and behold, received E-mails with profanities from non other than BMW riders! Come on guys, If you really believed in what you say regarding "It doesn't matter what you ride, but that you ride", this would have all been ignored and silenced by silence. Instead it was easily inflamed. This should never happen. Hate and hostility are so easily bred, just reread some of the KLR vs BMW writings. I hope this pointed out how far we do have to go to support each other. Each manufacturer builds bikes for certain things that certain people look for. All bikes are good for their intended purpose, and that is why people buy them and cherish them. everyone needs to pull a severe gut-check in what they believe, and not get sucked into an irational, emotional argument over something so trivial as brand specific rivalry. WE ALL RIDE! WE MUST SUPPORT EACH OTHER! Thanks for demonstrating how far we still have to go. Lets begin today. Robert KTM RXC 620 KLR 560 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jim Barthell Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs BMW Date: 15 Jul 1998 20:30:28 -0500 bruixot@rmi.net wrote: > I have yet to see a KLR go around the world, or even through the Darien Gap. > When I see bikes in Patagonia or the Andes or the Atacama, they aren't KLRs and > in fact I've only seen one KLR in all of South America, and that belonged to a > guy who owned it and a beemer as well. Admit it: there is a lot more to > international dual-sporting than just getting muddy. I am surprised this link still works but I just checked it and it does. FYI: http://www.motorworld.com/features97/kawi_klr650_97/Welcome.html they are out there, if your interested I'm sure we can turn up more. -- Jim Barthell - TX '97 'C-O-O-O-W'...asaki KiLleR 650 FSSNOC #2421 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: mcpete@juno.com (Peter J McMahon) Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs BMW Date: 15 Jul 1998 20:47:40 -0500 On Wed, 15 Jul 1998 15:33:05 -0400 "Robert frey" writes: >Well, first off; >BMWs are NOT REAL DUAL-SPORTERS! snip Because their riders/owners are more of the lazy-boy adventurers. They'd rather sit out and watch everyone else, and think that they really belong to the party. Truth is, just like the bikes, their experience in the great outdoors is not a real deal either. snip > > No status seeking steeenkin B-M-W! > >Robert Frey >96 KTm RXC 620 WARNING>>>>LONG!!! So Robert... I'm approaching 300k on BMW's, including many trips into Mexico, a ride to the bottom of Copper Canyon (do you even know where that is?), the best "roads" in Big Bend, and a trip to Alaska. And. as far as I know, all in the outdoors. To discount BMW's as NOT REAL DUAL SPORTERS is to discount the achievements of Danny Liska, Ed Culberson, and Helga Pedersen, three of the greatest adventure touring motorcyclist of all time, not to mention the many, many millions of miles covered by riders like myself. I know of four riders that have earned 500k awards on BMW's. Longevity??? I put 133k on one BMW, so problems. I know of a R100RT personally w/ 170k w/o even a valve job, and a K75 w/ 275k w/o ANYTHING. There are many, many examples of others. The K's are known to go 200-300k w/o even adjusting valves after the first 50k. In 10 years, I predict we will see R11's w/ 200-400k w/o any significant problems. The para-levers are a concern, but replace one every 40k at $450 and you're still ahead of the cost of sprockets and chains. Plus there is already an after market fix for $150. KLR's....How about a new chain and sprocket every 10k, and maybe a complete rebuild at between 50-80k. That's what I've read on the list. Expect your clutch cable to break every 10k. My BMW w/ 133k still had original clutch and throttle cables! Calling a BMW an Exxon Valdez, give me a break. The first thing I did to my KLR was to beef it up with mods, just like almost everyone else does. Today a guy that rides dirt with a 250cc what-ever-it-is laughed at the thought of my KLR in the dirt. It's all in perspective. Jeez, they use to hill climb Harleys, and still might! As far as status. The BMW community is known for their comradery, friendliness, and willing to help and share. Those guys Gino was referring to were probably only jazzing that KLR guy. Check out the Airhead club, no status there! One of our cannons reads "Money is a tool, not a Status Symbol" The KLR community today very much reminds me of the BMW scene in the 70's. Very innovative, creative, sharing, friendly. A cult scene. BMW has lost some of that, but it's still there. A new KLR is the best motorcycle value for the money, IMHO. But get the F650 down in price, (and they are getting there) and it will give the KLR a run for it's money. The fit, finish, smoothness, ride, power, shifting, and braking of a F650 is far far better than a KLR. A KLR maybe a little better for the rough stuff, but don't tell that to Helga Pederson. I have a friend that rode with Helga in South America, him on a R11GS and Helga on a F650. He said Helga did amazing things in deep sand, mud, gravel, on the F650. Most riders, including me, don't live up to the real potential of their bikes. I love my KLR, and the KLR community. There are some GREAT guys out there promoting this too cool of a bike. But I love my BMW's, and the almost three hundred thousand miles I put on them. There's a place in my garage for both. And hopefully other riding experiences as well. As long as I keep an open mind! Pete McMahon _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Ride Your Bike Day (or give peas a chance) Date: 15 Jul 1998 21:58:15 EDT on 7/15/98, rkaub@binghamton.edu wrote: >To promote positive awareness of folks who ride bikes and all that. Thanks Bob. I didn't realize that was today. After I read your post this morn, I put my Dariens over my wool suit and tie and headed off for a fun time at the office via the LA freeways. Even with the 90F+ heat, I found the grace to be magnanimous and actually waved at a BMW rider along the way. That was my good deed for the day. Now the truce is over......of course you know this means war! HOOWEEE....from a bar room joke to a bar room brawl. This list is the greatest. For a bunch a biker....er....excuse me..motorcyclists, I thought it was a bit too civil here. Fight on. No more of this mamby pamby nice nice stuff. Show that open road spirit and let your 2 wheeled brothers and sisters know exactly where you stand. CA Ron (stirrin' peas into mixed vegetables) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Leon Droby Subject: (klr650) Possible KLR Purchase Date: 15 Jul 1998 22:12:00 -0400 I'm thinking of getting a KLR 650 but have two questions that I can't seem to find the answer to. 1. Are there any differences between model years? Should some models be avoided? 2. What is the difference between a KLR and a KLX? Why would I want one or the other? Thanks, Leon Droby ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: West Hovland Subject: Re: (klr650) Solid Foam Tube Date: 15 Jul 1998 19:34:29 -0700 Cloudhid@aol.com wrote: > > Has anyone ever used those tube replacement inserts that I > > see in the Chaparral Catalog? > > they will NEVER go flat > > and would last FOREVER. > . Says it hold a steady > 13psi feel. Perfect for the dirt, but if it's the same as running > a tube at 13#, seems like it would wear the tire out pretty fast > on the highway. Anyone else try these on motorcycle? > > CA Ron (hmmm.........$95 = 5 HD tubes..........but no leaks) Hey folks, What about heat build up on the road...a solid foam tire at 13 psi is going to create alot heat and probably not do a very good job of dissapating it! I'll bet they don't reccomend them for the street West ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR / BMW bashing Date: 15 Jul 1998 22:36:25 EDT BAVO ZULU!, Well done and said Tom. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Jasniewicz" Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #139 Date: 15 Jul 1998 22:13:30 -0400 Umm, I'm new here, but, uh, can y'all drop this BMW/KLR battle topic please? Thank you... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Pocket sidestand. Date: 15 Jul 1998 22:49:38 EDT In a message dated 98-07-15 18:26:10 EDT, alex319@IDT.NET writes: << It sells for $34. It is telescopic and goes from 9" to 17.5". I'm wondering if there is interest, we can make a 17" prop out of tubular stainless and be able to do front and rear tire field repairs for half the price. Any comments?? >> It's called the Quick Jack Side Stand by Motion Pro. I'm testing one for the next issue of K650DSN. It's a great piece of equipment for those who do not want the weight of a center stand, but you need to practice with it before you leave on your journey. Well made and durable. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) WOW! Date: 15 Jul 1998 22:52:35 EDT That's probably how the Orange Order feels as well. Why get so worked up over a silly remark or parade. If you didn't want a reaction you shouldn't have made inflammatory remarks to ally yourself to the anti-BMW folks. v/r, J. Macquarrie P.S. Ever see any Japanese imports retain their resale value like a BMW? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs BMW Date: 15 Jul 1998 22:55:21 EDT Check out a guy called Florida Frank's web page he's taken a KLR all over the world and had much better luck with his than I have with mine. J. Macquarrie ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Scott Eldredge Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #139 Date: 15 Jul 1998 19:58:04 -0700 Referring to rejetting, mentioned in several posts. Is this the Dynojet kit, just changing needle, using KLX parts, or what. Does the K&N change affect performance without a jetting or exhaust change? (other than possibly cleaning better). I've found the spring and SS brake line mods to be as good as indicated. 55/100W bulb is nice too. Will see if I can point beam to get away with an 80/100 I found in the basement. And why are the digests so repetetive? Each one includes much of the previous. Scott Eldredge 98 KLR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Possible KLR Purchase Date: 15 Jul 1998 22:58:13 EDT on 7/15/98, ldroby@ma.ultranet.com wrote: >I'm thinking of getting a KLR 650 but have two questions >that I can't seem to find the answer to. > >1. Are there any differences between model years? >Should some models be avoided? >2. What is the difference between a KLR and a KLX? >Why would I want one or the other? Welcome Leon. Don't mind our little family squabble. It's the heat is all. The klr650 spans the model years '87 thru '99. They're going for anywhere from $4500(US) for the new one to, "I'll pay you to haul it away" used junkers. There were modest tweaks done over the years. Starting with the '96 model (designated A10 for the 10th year of production), the bikes lost the ability to accept a kick start kit, but gained a stronger clutch assembly, beefier balancer, a new 'greenish blue' paint job, and some other minor enhancements. Any year klr is good though. The klx is the more dirt worthy sibling over the klr. The klx has a perimeter frame (the klr has a semi-double cradle), a longer wheel base, bigger better forks, and longer wheel travel front and rear. The klx has half the fuel capacity of the klr. The klr has a wider, more comfortable seat than the klx. The klx when new was always a few hundred dollars more than the klr. The klx was made from '93 to '96. That means that a late model klx with low miles can now be had for less than a new klr. I'd personally be happy with either bike, or even the klr650 Tengai that was only sold for one year, or the klr600 that also only lasted a year here. But then again I'd ride a moped if that was all I could get my hands on:-) CA Ron (spinnin' out of control) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: Re: (klr650) WOW! Date: 15 Jul 1998 22:06:44 -0500 At 09:11 PM 7/15/98 -0400, Robert frey wrote: >It never ceases to amaze me how people get so worked up over ANYTHING! This >BMW thing was meant to show how hostile people can become over little >things! > Robert, I am not a BMW owner but I have friends that are. We all seem to get along just fine and don't have any arguments over BMW vs KLR vs anything. Everyone has the right to ride what they want, where they want, when they want. I can't argue the fact the my friends F650 is made of better quality than my KLR but then again he paid for the extra "quality" I didn't. We have done allot of riding together on and off road and there is not a huge difference in performance between the two bikes. I am usually a little more willing to get off on tight twisty trails than he is but that is mainly because he doesn't want to risk the chance of tearing up expensive parts and I can't blame him I would be the same way. Anyway he has never been able to go anywhere I can't go and I have never been anywhere he can't go. If you make such broad statements and what I consider insults about peoples pride and joys you are going to catch allot of flak over it. I do not own a BMW because it is not for me maybe someone else is not a KLR person. But I don't flame and attack them because they own different bikes than I do. I have been to several BMW Rallies and have never been treated any way but nice by fellow riders be it BMW or other owners and have never heard one of the say "well o'yeah your KLR can't do this or that". There are always people interested in my KLR as I am interested in their Beemers. So in other words Be nice :O) Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs BMW Date: 15 Jul 1998 23:02:51 EDT on 7/15/98, MacGhuairi@aol.com wrote: >Check out a guy called Florida Frank's web page he's taken a KLR all over the >world and had much better luck with his than I have with mine. >J. Macquarrie Here's the url. http://home.att.net/~flafrank/ Frank's Home Page ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs BMW Date: 15 Jul 1998 23:01:43 EDT Sent my reply before I read yours. Soon as the finanical end of things changes a BMW P/D will occupy my garage for the reasons you mentioned. v/r J. Macquarrie ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Oooops Date: 15 Jul 1998 23:05:35 EDT I promise I will never make a post like the one that caused the BMW bashing again...well, I'll try... maybe. It was just so weird to hear Rick fret about how he was being told his KLR wouldn't make it on the trip. If they were hazing him, someone forgot to tell him. He was really worked up. So I thought I would interesting banter for the list. Bashing other people's rides is not cool, though. So I apologize for that original post. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Mr. Mendez" Subject: (klr650) Virus alert...... Date: 15 Jul 1998 23:04:04 -0000 If you receive an e-mail titled "WIN A HOLIDAY" do not open it, it will erase everything on your hard drive. Forward this letter out to as many people as you can. This is a new, very malicious virus and not many people know about it. This information was announced yesterday morning from Microsoft, please share it with everyone that might access the Internet. Once again, pass this along to EVERYONE in your address book so that this may be stopped. Also, do not open or even look at any mail that says "RETUNED OR UNABLE TO DELIVER" this virus will attach itself to your computer components and render them useless. Immediately delete any mail items that say this. AOL has said that this is a very dangerous virus and that there is NO remedy for it at this time. Please practice precautionary measures and forward this to all your on-line friends. Kimberly J. Griggs Accounting Manager Gateway Systems Corporation 4660 S. Hagadorn, Suite 110 East Lansing, MI ttfn :-) urfriend Teacher Woody --------- End forwarded message ---------- ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Gas Tank Date: 15 Jul 1998 23:09:38 EDT In a message dated 98-07-15 09:08:21 EDT, you write: << Okay, so I have a KLR650 with a LARGE gas tank. What use is it if I never fill more than 4 1/2 gallons when just switched to reserve? Am I carrying 3/4 of a gallon around I never get to use, probably going stale, adding weight without benefit, etc. Any solutions to my "non-problem?" -Ves >> I've got an A1, and it runs out of fuel at about 165 miles. I have to tip it over on the left side to get it going again after flipping to reserve, and when I fill it up, it takes 3.3 gallons. I KNOW the bike is supposed to hold about 6 gallons. Then I remember back to when I bought this thing (well) used (up). The petcock leaked, so I took off the tank and rebuilt the petcock. While it was off, I noticed some crap in the tank, and turned the tank over and shook it. I got a big hunk of epoxy/foam/crap out of the tank in the shape of the bottom rear of the tank. Apparently the tank leaked at one time in it's life, and the solution that some genius thought up was to fill the bottom up with some stuff that plugged it. Ahhh, well. Doom on me. So, does anyone have any experience with the aftermarket plastic gas tanks? I've already read the counterbalancer posts, and I must admit that this bike isn't nearly as smooth as the '92 I owned a few years ago. Adjusting the balancer chain had little to no effect. talk to you all soon, Dennis in Aurora '87KLR 650 A1, The Flat Black Urban Assault Vehicle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Virus alert......Hoax Date: 15 Jul 1998 23:15:47 EDT On 7/15/98, emeveray@caribe.net wrote: snip >If you receive an e-mail titled "WIN A HOLIDAY" do not open it.. This is just the kind of sophomoric hoax I would pull. A pox upon the perpetrator! How many times can the same spoof make the rounds? ca ron ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Hav'n a chain prob. Date: 15 Jul 1998 23:16:19 EDT Boy, half an inch sounds awful tight, especially with the long run it has on a KLR. You probably hit a tight spot in the chain, and it stops as you rotate it. You are supposed to (if you didn't ) find the tightest spot in the chain before you adjust it. On the other end of the spectrum, I neglected my LAST chain for so long that it finally skipped off the front sprocket, bunched up and piled up against the engine case, wiping out all of the wires coming out of the magneto/generator. Instantly, no lights, no ignition. Doom on me. On the bright side, it didn't break the cases. Dennis In Aurora '87 KLR 650 A1 The Flat Black Urban Assault Vehicle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "John Bennett" Subject: (klr650) We need a clutch refurbish guide !! Date: 15 Jul 1998 21:18:56 -0500 Kurt Simpson wrote: >Eldon Carl ...believes that nearly all pre-1996 KLR650's > will have broken clutch basket springs by 25,000 miles. I'd like to attempt a clutch refurbish, but I'm afraid that it might be beyond my using only the service manuals. Please Eldon Carl give us a guide on how to re-do the KLR clutch !!!! If you write it up, I volunteer take pictures as I do my clutch, then HTMLize the whole thing mail it to Kurt to put on the web page. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "John Bennett" Subject: (klr650) The BMW-GS mystique Date: 15 Jul 1998 21:52:11 -0500 Gino wrote: >So, I get this message that a fellow named > Rick is desperate to talk to me about KLR's. > I call him up and he is somewhat frantic. Gino, gang, I'm still fretting over a GS and I appreciate all the GS vs. KLR comments that I got from you guys. I want to own "fine German engineering". I wan resale value. I want return on my investment when I add accessories. I want to brag to my friends about my "work of art". I want to cruise I-35 at autobahn speeds. I admit that I even want some modicum of respect from my friends who ride Harley's. However, the more I read the GS mailing list, the less I want one. On that list I keep seeing people talk about all these warranty fixes. I keep hearing about diode problems and drive shaft rebuilds on the airheads. I hear about surging, frame breaks, broken cables, and $900 broken spokes on the oilhead GS's. It's very frustrating because I want the myth, but I have no faith. John Bennett http://www.lcc.net/~jbennett ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) We need a clutch refurbish guide !! Date: 15 Jul 1998 23:53:49 EDT In a message dated 98-07-15 23:22:16 EDT, jbennett@lcc.net writes: << Please Eldon Carl give us a guide on how to re-do the KLR clutch !!!! If you write it up, I volunteer take pictures as I do my clutch, then HTMLize the whole thing mail it to Kurt to put on the web page. >> I'll talk with Eldon and see what we can come up with. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) The BMW-GS mystique Date: 15 Jul 1998 23:59:23 EDT In a message dated 98-07-15 23:22:31 EDT, jbennett@lcc.net writes: << It's very frustrating because I want the myth, but I have no faith. >> John, You need to go out an buy one like I did. BMW's and all bikes for that matter are like Scotch Whiskey. You like it or don't. So take the plunge and buy one, who knows it may be the bike of your dreams. Beemers simply weren't for me, but that's not to say that they won't work for you. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Alex Jomarron Subject: (klr650) world tour bikes Date: 16 Jul 1998 00:32:42 +0000 El Vel Bruixot wrote: >I have yet to see a KLR go around the world, or even through the Darien Gap. When I see bikes >in Patagonia or the Andes or the Atacama, they aren't KLRs and in fact I've only seen one KLR >in all of South America,.............SNIP Perhaps you should check the Riders to the Moon website. 5 KLRs to Tierra Del Fuego. http://206.25.132.136/home.html I hope you are on this list when I take my KLR around the world during my sabbatical in 2000. If Ted Simon can ride that tempermental Triumph around the world, I rather like my chances on my KLR. Additionally, I chose a KLR over a BMW twin because of weight. Over the F650 because frankly that bike is overpriced. I certainly would not want to sabotage my journey by scrimping on the bike! I have all the confidence in the world (no pun intended) in the KLR. Cheers, Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL 88 BMW K75S 98 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Oooops Date: 16 Jul 1998 18:24:07 +1000 K650dsn@aol.com wrote: > I promise I will never make a post like the one that caused the BMW bashing [...] > is not cool, though. So I apologize for that original post. Gino shouldn't need to apologise, he stated the facts of his experience. It could just as easily been a bunch of Harley or Goldwing riders that wound Rick up, and posts would have been adjusted accordingly. I thought it made a fun change from the usual technical waffling. Burn the witches! If somebody wants to have a go at 14 year old Honda road bikes, go for it. I won't slash my wrists in anguish. Us motorcyclists, and particularly dual-purp riders (oh no, what have I done) are supposed to be made of sterner stuff. I think some people might have taken the whole thing a bit too seriously. Why don't we all hold hands and sing a few choruses of "Coombaya" or something? Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Oooops Date: 16 Jul 1998 02:50:53 -0700 >> I promise I will never make a post like the one that caused the BMW bashing >[...] >> is not cool, though. So I apologize for that original post. > >Gino shouldn't need to apologise, he stated the facts of his >experience. >It could just as easily been a bunch of Harley or Goldwing riders that >wound Rick up, and posts would have been adjusted accordingly. >I thought it made a fun change from the usual technical waffling. >Burn the witches! >If somebody wants to have a go at 14 year old Honda road bikes, go >for it. I won't slash my wrists in anguish. Us motorcyclists, and >particularly dual-purp riders (oh no, what have I done) are supposed >to be made of sterner stuff. >I think some people might have taken the whole thing a bit too >seriously. >Why don't we all hold hands and sing a few choruses of "Coombaya" or >something? > Righto. In the Army, I quickly learned that in order to get along famously, you have to possess the ability to quickly, shrewdly and successfully bag on anyone's parentage, heritage, level of intelligence, or appearance. Sort of like telling "Yo Mamma" jokes. Nobody took it seriously, and great fun was had by all at the expense of the unlucky duck who couldn't think of a sharp riposte. On only one occasion did this totally backfire on me, when I said to this new guy in my platoon, "Private Wimbly, were you an abused child?" (after he screwed up.) Well, he broke down and started crying that he had. Boy did I feel like crap. So anyway, I'm sure that the majority of the banter about Beemers was meant in a light hearted way. For those of you who didn't mean it that way, I say to get over yourselves. Your starting to sound like Harley owners. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Todd Emsley Subject: Re: (klr650) Coolant Level Date: 16 Jul 1998 07:16:43 -0400 Jeff, Here's the magic combo, so far. (remember I am at <500ft alt) Low speed mix, 3 1/2 turns. Slide needle on groove #5. (all the way up) Main jet a Keihin 155. Heavily drilled airbox, K&N filter. COBRA 4-stroke pipe. (NOT ISDE) Adjust jets and needle according to your alt. Todd A11 heavy breather ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) Ride to Work Day Date: 16 Jul 1998 08:16:52 The following is the full text of the enclosure I received with my Aerostich catalog several weeks ago: "Dear Rider, A seventh annual, nationwide 'Ride to Work Day' will take place on Wednesday, July 15 of this year. Please ride your motorcycle to work on this day to demonstrate: A) The number of motorcyclists to the general public and to politicians. B) That motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life. C) That motorcyclists can reduce traffic congestion in large cities. D) That motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation. 'Ride to Work Day' can change public attitudes about motorcycling in ways that will benefit all enthusiasts. Your participation is important. Please tell your friends. Thanks for riding to work! (signed Andy) Andy Goldfine Maybe this will answer some questions. Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Ride to Work Day Date: 16 Jul 1998 09:45:59 -0700 At 08:16 AM 7/16/98, Robert Kaub wrote: >The following is the full text of the enclosure I received with my >Aerostich catalog several weeks ago: >"Dear Rider, > >A seventh annual, nationwide 'Ride to Work Day' will take place on >Wednesday, July 15 of this year. Please ride your motorcycle to work on >this day to demonstrate: > A) The number of motorcyclists to the general public and to politicians. > B) That motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life. > C) That motorcyclists can reduce traffic congestion in large cities. > D) That motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation. >'Ride to Work Day' can change public attitudes about motorcycling in ways >that will benefit all enthusiasts. Your participation is important. >Please tell your friends. > >Thanks for riding to work! Until I get my van fixed, *every* day is ride to work day, rain or shine. :) -Tom is not complaining. '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) Helmet Date: 16 Jul 1998 10:22:07 Has anyone had any experience with the ARAI DS/r dual sport, full face helmet? Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: (klr650) Mendez...I found your bike... Date: 16 Jul 1998 08:46:56 -0600 Mendez, I found your bike. It is in Salt Lake City. How can I help? > 91 KAWASAKI KLR, showroom cond. 1,000 mi. $2,500/obo. > 801-553-1001 Kurt A12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) KLR/BMW Date: 16 Jul 1998 10:57:57 EDT We all need to remember Its not what you ride, its HOW you ride. Gary Bettes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Rex Hefferan Subject: (klr650) Ride to Work Day on your KLR vs BMW Date: 16 Jul 1998 08:18:37 -0700 (PDT) Bob, Gino, Rob, Tom, Ron, et al; Darn, I rode my MTB to work that day. But you can be sure that I didn't wave to any polluting, trail destroying, lazy-boy motorcyclists on the way! Rex, '95 Fuji MTB ('93 KLR650 when in one of my other elitist modes) See my web page for the Oct. Get-together http://shell.rmi.net/~avbb/cos.htm == Rex (93 KLR650) For the Colorado Springs Get-together info see http://shell.rmi.net/~avbb/cos.htm (please remember to reload/refresh the page) _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Famille Deslauriers Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #140 Date: 16 Jul 1998 11:54:39 -0400 klr650-digest wrote: > > klr650-digest Wednesday, July 15 1998 Volume 01 : Number 140 > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 21:58:15 EDT > From: > Subject: (klr650) Ride Your Bike Day (or give peas a chance) > > on 7/15/98, rkaub@binghamton.edu wrote: > > >To promote positive awareness of folks who ride bikes and all that. > > Thanks Bob. I didn't realize that was today. After I read your post > this morn, I put my Dariens over my wool suit and tie and headed > off for a fun time at the office via the LA freeways. Even with the > 90F+ heat, I found the grace to be magnanimous and actually waved > at a BMW rider along the way. That was my good deed for the day. > Now the truce is over......of course you know this means war! > > HOOWEEE....from a bar room joke to a bar room brawl. This list is the > greatest. For a bunch a biker....er....excuse me..motorcyclists, I thought > it was a bit too civil here. Fight on. No more of this mamby pamby > nice nice stuff. Show that open road spirit and let your 2 wheeled > brothers and sisters know exactly where you stand. > > CA Ron (stirrin' peas into mixed vegetables) > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:12:00 -0400 > From: Leon Droby > Subject: (klr650) Possible KLR Purchase > > I'm thinking of getting a KLR 650 but have two questions that I can't seem > to find the answer to. > > 1. Are there any differences between model years? Should some models be > avoided? > > 2. What is the difference between a KLR and a KLX? Why would I want one > or the other? > > Thanks, > Leon Droby > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 19:34:29 -0700 > From: West Hovland > Subject: Re: (klr650) Solid Foam Tube > > Cloudhid@aol.com wrote: > > > > Has anyone ever used those tube replacement inserts that I > > > see in the Chaparral Catalog? > > > they will NEVER go flat > > > and would last FOREVER. > > . Says it hold a steady > > 13psi feel. Perfect for the dirt, but if it's the same as running > > a tube at 13#, seems like it would wear the tire out pretty fast > > on the highway. Anyone else try these on motorcycle? > > > > CA Ron (hmmm.........$95 = 5 HD tubes..........but no leaks) > > Hey folks, > > What about heat build up on the road...a solid foam tire at 13 psi is > going to create alot heat and probably not do a very good job of > dissapating it! I'll bet they don't reccomend them for the street > > West > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:36:25 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR / BMW bashing > > BAVO ZULU!, Well done and said Tom. > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:13:30 -0400 > From: "Eric Jasniewicz" > Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #139 > > Umm, I'm new here, but, uh, can y'all drop this BMW/KLR battle topic please? > > Thank you... > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:49:38 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) Pocket sidestand. > > In a message dated 98-07-15 18:26:10 EDT, alex319@IDT.NET writes: > > << It sells for $34. It is telescopic and goes from 9" to 17.5". I'm wondering > if there is > interest, we can make a 17" prop out of tubular stainless and be able to do > front and rear tire > field repairs for half the price. Any comments?? > >> > > It's called the Quick Jack Side Stand by Motion Pro. I'm testing one for the > next issue of K650DSN. It's a great piece of equipment for those who do not > want the weight of a center stand, but you need to practice with it before you > leave on your journey. Well made and durable. > > Gino > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:52:35 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) WOW! > > That's probably how the Orange Order feels as well. Why get so worked up over > a silly remark or parade. If you didn't want a reaction you shouldn't have > made inflammatory remarks to ally yourself to the anti-BMW folks. > > v/r, > J. Macquarrie > > P.S. > Ever see any Japanese imports retain their resale value like a BMW? > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:55:21 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs BMW > > Check out a guy called Florida Frank's web page he's taken a KLR all over the > world and had much better luck with his than I have with mine. > > J. Macquarrie > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 19:58:04 -0700 > From: Scott Eldredge > Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #139 > > Referring to rejetting, mentioned in several posts. Is this the Dynojet kit, > just changing needle, using KLX parts, or what. > > Does the K&N change affect performance without a jetting or exhaust change? > (other than possibly cleaning better). > > I've found the spring and SS brake line mods to be as good as indicated. 55/100W > bulb is nice too. Will see if I can point beam to get away with an 80/100 I > found in the basement. > > And why are the digests so repetetive? Each one includes much of the previous. > > Scott Eldredge > 98 KLR > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:58:13 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) Possible KLR Purchase > > on 7/15/98, ldroby@ma.ultranet.com wrote: > >I'm thinking of getting a KLR 650 but have two questions > >that I can't seem to find the answer to. > > > >1. Are there any differences between model years? > >Should some models be avoided? > >2. What is the difference between a KLR and a KLX? > >Why would I want one or the other? > > Welcome Leon. Don't mind our little family squabble. It's the > heat is all. The klr650 spans the model years '87 thru '99. > They're going for anywhere from $4500(US) for the new one > to, "I'll pay you to haul it away" used junkers. There were > modest tweaks done over the years. Starting with the '96 model > (designated A10 for the 10th year of production), the bikes > lost the ability to accept a kick start kit, but gained a stronger > clutch assembly, beefier balancer, a new 'greenish blue' paint job, > and some other minor enhancements. Any year klr is good though. > > The klx is the more dirt worthy sibling over the klr. > The klx has a perimeter frame (the klr has a semi-double cradle), > a longer wheel base, bigger better forks, and longer wheel travel > front and rear. The klx has half the fuel capacity of the klr. The klr > has a wider, more comfortable seat than the klx. The klx when new > was always a few hundred dollars more than the klr. The klx was > made from '93 to '96. That means that a late model klx with low > miles can now be had for less than a new klr. > > I'd personally be happy with either bike, or even the klr650 Tengai > that was only sold for one year, or the klr600 that also only lasted > a year here. But then again I'd ride a moped if that was all I could > get my hands on:-) > > CA Ron (spinnin' out of control) > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:06:44 -0500 > From: Chadd Thompson > Subject: Re: (klr650) WOW! > > At 09:11 PM 7/15/98 -0400, Robert frey wrote: > >It never ceases to amaze me how people get so worked up over ANYTHING! This > >BMW thing was meant to show how hostile people can become over little > >things! > > > > Robert, > > I am not a BMW owner but I have friends that are. We all seem to get > along just fine and don't have any arguments over BMW vs KLR vs anything. > Everyone has the right to ride what they want, where they want, when they > want. I can't argue the fact the my friends F650 is made of better quality > than my KLR but then again he paid for the extra "quality" I didn't. We have > done allot of riding together on and off road and there is not a huge > difference in performance between the two bikes. I am usually a little more > willing to get off on tight twisty trails than he is but that is mainly > because he doesn't want to risk the chance of tearing up expensive parts and > I can't blame him I would be the same way. Anyway he has never been able to > go anywhere I can't go and I have never been anywhere he can't go. > > If you make such broad statements and what I consider insults about > peoples pride and joys you are going to catch allot of flak over it. I do > not own a BMW because it is not for me maybe someone else is not a KLR > person. But I don't flame and attack them because they own different bikes > than I do. I have been to several BMW Rallies and have never been treated > any way but nice by fellow riders be it BMW or other owners and have never > heard one of the say "well o'yeah your KLR can't do this or that". There are > always people interested in my KLR as I am interested in their Beemers. > > So in other words Be nice :O) > > Thanks > Chadd Thompson > chadd@accessus.net > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:02:51 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs BMW > > on 7/15/98, MacGhuairi@aol.com wrote: > >Check out a guy called Florida Frank's web page he's taken a KLR all over the > >world and had much better luck with his than I have with mine. > >J. Macquarrie > > Here's the url. > > http://home.att.net/~flafrank/ > Frank's Home Page > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:01:43 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs BMW > > Sent my reply before I read yours. Soon as the finanical end of things > changes a BMW P/D will occupy my garage for the reasons you mentioned. > > v/r > J. Macquarrie > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:05:35 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) Oooops > > I promise I will never make a post like the one that caused the BMW bashing > again...well, I'll try... maybe. It was just so weird to hear Rick fret about > how he was being told his KLR wouldn't make it on the trip. If they were > hazing him, someone forgot to tell him. He was really worked up. So I > thought I would interesting banter for the list. Bashing other people's rides > is not cool, though. So I apologize for that original post. > > Gino > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:04:04 -0000 > From: "Mr. Mendez" > Subject: (klr650) Virus alert...... > > If you receive an e-mail titled "WIN A HOLIDAY" do not open it, it > will erase everything on your hard drive. Forward this letter out to as > many people as you can. This is a new, very malicious virus and not > many people know about it. This information was announced yesterday > morning from Microsoft, please share it with everyone that might access > the Internet. > Once again, pass this along to EVERYONE in your address book so > that this may be stopped. Also, do not open or even look at any mail > that says "RETUNED OR UNABLE TO DELIVER" this virus will attach itself > to your computer components and render them useless. Immediately delete > any mail items that say this. AOL has said that this is a very > dangerous virus and that there is NO remedy for it at this time. > Please practice precautionary measures and forward this to all your > on-line friends. > > Kimberly J. Griggs > Accounting Manager > Gateway Systems Corporation > 4660 S. Hagadorn, Suite 110 > East Lansing, MI > > ttfn > :-) > urfriend > Teacher Woody > - --------- End forwarded message ---------- > > ______________________________________________________ > Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:09:38 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) Gas Tank > > In a message dated 98-07-15 09:08:21 EDT, you write: > > << > Okay, so I have a KLR650 with a LARGE gas tank. What use is it if I > never fill more than 4 1/2 gallons when just switched to reserve? Am I > carrying 3/4 of a gallon around I never get to use, probably going stale, > adding weight without benefit, etc. Any solutions to my "non-problem?" > -Ves > >> > > I've got an A1, and it runs out of fuel at about 165 miles. I have to tip it > over on the left side to get it going again after flipping to reserve, and > when I fill it up, it takes 3.3 gallons. I KNOW the bike is supposed to hold > about 6 gallons. > > Then I remember back to when I bought this thing (well) used (up). The > petcock leaked, so I took off the tank and rebuilt the petcock. While it was > off, I noticed some crap in the tank, and turned the tank over and shook it. > I got a big hunk of epoxy/foam/crap out of the tank in the shape of the bottom > rear of the tank. > > Apparently the tank leaked at one time in it's life, and the solution that > some genius thought up was to fill the bottom up with some stuff that plugged > it. > > Ahhh, well. Doom on me. So, does anyone have any experience with the > aftermarket plastic gas tanks? > > I've already read the counterbalancer posts, and I must admit that this bike > isn't nearly as smooth as the '92 I owned a few years ago. Adjusting the > balancer chain had little to no effect. > > talk to you all soon, Dennis in Aurora '87KLR 650 A1, The Flat Black Urban > Assault Vehicle > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:15:47 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) Virus alert......Hoax > > On 7/15/98, emeveray@caribe.net wrote: snip > > >If you receive an e-mail titled "WIN A HOLIDAY" do not open it.. > > This is just the kind of sophomoric hoax I would pull. > A pox upon the perpetrator! How many times can the > same spoof make the rounds? > > ca ron > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:16:19 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) Hav'n a chain prob. > > Boy, half an inch sounds awful tight, especially with the long run it has on a > KLR. You probably hit a tight spot in the chain, and it stops as you rotate > it. You are supposed to (if you didn't ) find the tightest spot in the chain > before you adjust it. > > On the other end of the spectrum, I neglected my LAST chain for so long that > it finally skipped off the front sprocket, bunched up and piled up against the > engine case, wiping out all of the wires coming out of the magneto/generator. > Instantly, no lights, no ignition. Doom on me. On the bright side, it didn't > break the cases. > > Dennis In Aurora '87 KLR 650 A1 The Flat Black Urban Assault Vehicle > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 21:18:56 -0500 > From: "John Bennett" > Subject: (klr650) We need a clutch refurbish guide !! > > Kurt Simpson wrote: > >Eldon Carl ...believes that nearly all pre-1996 KLR650's > > will have broken clutch basket springs by 25,000 miles. > > I'd like to attempt a clutch refurbish, but I'm afraid that it might > be > beyond my using only the service manuals. > > Please Eldon Carl give us a guide on how to re-do the KLR clutch !!!! > > If you write it up, I volunteer take pictures as I do my clutch, then > HTMLize the whole thing mail it to Kurt to put on the web page. > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 21:52:11 -0500 > From: "John Bennett" > Subject: (klr650) The BMW-GS mystique > > Gino wrote: > > >So, I get this message that a fellow named > > Rick is desperate to talk to me about KLR's. > > I call him up and he is somewhat frantic. > > Gino, gang, I'm still fretting over a GS and I appreciate all the GS > vs. KLR comments that I got from you guys. > > I want to own "fine German engineering". I wan resale value. I want > return on my investment when I add accessories. I want to brag to my > friends about my "work of art". I want to cruise I-35 at autobahn > speeds. I admit that I even want some modicum of respect from my > friends who ride Harley's. > > However, the more I read the GS mailing list, the less I want one. On > that list I keep seeing people talk about all these warranty fixes. I > keep hearing about diode problems and drive shaft rebuilds on the > airheads. I hear about surging, frame breaks, broken cables, and $900 > broken spokes > on the oilhead GS's. > > It's very frustrating because I want the myth, but I have no > faith. > > John Bennett > http://www.lcc.net/~jbennett > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:53:49 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) We need a clutch refurbish guide !! > > In a message dated 98-07-15 23:22:16 EDT, jbennett@lcc.net writes: > > << Please Eldon Carl give us a guide on how to re-do the KLR clutch !!!! > > If you write it up, I volunteer take pictures as I do my clutch, then > HTMLize the whole thing mail it to Kurt to put on the web page. > >> > > I'll talk with Eldon and see what we can come up with. > > Gino > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:59:23 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) The BMW-GS mystique > > In a message dated 98-07-15 23:22:31 EDT, jbennett@lcc.net writes: > > << It's very frustrating because I want the myth, but I have no > faith. >> > > John, > > You need to go out an buy one like I did. BMW's and all bikes for that matter > are like Scotch Whiskey. You like it or don't. So take the plunge and buy > one, who knows it may be the bike of your dreams. Beemers simply weren't for > me, but that's not to say that they won't work for you. > > Gino > > ------------------------------ > > End of klr650-digest V1 #140 > **************************** The person you are sending this mail to does not live here anymore, please stop. Thank you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650)ARAI DS/r Helmet Date: 16 Jul 1998 09:46:57 -0600 Robert Kaub wrote: > > Has anyone had any experience with the ARAI DS/r dual sport, full face helmet? > Thanks. > Bob Kaub > SUNY Binghamton > Watson School Student Shop > PO Box 6000 > Binghamton, NY 13902 > 607-777-2715 Bob, there are a couple of listers who have or did have ARAI DS of DS/r. I have a brand new one. They are currently out of production with ARAI but the company is considering reintroducing it in a year or two. The DS/r differs from the DS in that it comes with removable/replaceable/adjustable cheekpads and it does not have the "peak" (a dealer can order these). MAW sells both in the low $300's. I like mine a lot. I have a pair of HJC's one for commuting and one for dirt. They are both $125-150 helmets. There is a world of difference in the feel of the ARAI. It has a very wide face opening that allows for wearing goggles but the perceived wind noise and turbulence is less because of the tight fit around the ears and the aerodynamics. Mine is nearly new but when I clamp the visor down it takes a bit of an effort to get it open. Gino was wearning one when he crashed. Kurt A12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) We need a clutch refurbish guide !! Date: 16 Jul 1998 09:47:12 -0600 John Bennett wrote: > > Kurt Simpson wrote: > >Eldon Carl ...believes that nearly all pre-1996 KLR650's > > will have broken clutch basket springs by 25,000 miles. > > I'd like to attempt a clutch refurbish, but I'm afraid that it might > be > beyond my using only the service manuals. > > Please Eldon Carl give us a guide on how to re-do the KLR clutch !!!! > > If you write it up, I volunteer take pictures as I do my clutch, then > HTMLize the whole thing mail it to Kurt to put on the web page. Why not just start wrenching and those who can help will guide you as you get stuck. I bet Tom Simpson could tell you what you need to know and he (unlike Eldon) is on the list now and usually has his "ears on"... Kurt A12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Jetting and repetitions in digest... Date: 16 Jul 1998 09:47:24 -0600 Scott Eldredge wrote: > > Referring to rejetting, mentioned in several posts. Is this the Dynojet kit, > just changing needle, using KLX parts, or what. It could mean either depending on the poster. In this most recent round it refers to the K&N/Dynojet kit... > Does the K&N change affect performance without a jetting or exhaust change? > (other than possibly cleaning better). I'm just speculating but the stock bike is already way lean...giving it more air will just make it worse and possibly risk damage... > And why are the digests so repetetive? Each one includes much of the previous. Because non-digesters and posters in general don't realize that if you post and don't cut unnecessary text the poor digesters get to re-read the same post and excerpts again and again and again... So...posters...please and cut quoted text as much as possible... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert frey" Subject: (klr650) Games... Date: 16 Jul 1998 12:05:06 -0400 I've seen a bizzillion( well almost) Car and plane games for my PC (NOT Pacific Coast!) but no cycle games. Anybody got any ideas. Robert "Whats All The Rukus" Frey ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert frey" Subject: (klr650) KLR Refurb... Date: 16 Jul 1998 12:09:43 -0400 Well, as some of you know, the KLR went down a mountainside and broke a lot of pieces, including shearing the bolts to the subframe. Heres the neat part! Its only costing less than $400 to bring her back to new! New fairing and windshield, tank shroud, assorted bolts, front fender, brake pedal, and the entire rear brake assembly. Should have "Big Blue" up and in the woods in a week or so! KLR are even cost effecient to repair! Easy to work on in the garage too! Robert Frey RXC 620 KLR650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Games... Date: 17 Jul 1998 02:16:40 +1000 Robert frey wrote: [Where's all the PC bike games question] I've seen a few on the PlayStation, but nothing remotely as impressive as Gran Tursimo. Control is usually way too sensitive. I suppose the biker market is too small to worry about for the software houses. But I'd be the first to buy any game that has the full course of the Isle of Man TT. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dale Borgeson Subject: Re: (klr650) Helmet Date: 16 Jul 1998 11:36:09 -0500 (CDT) >Has anyone had any experience with the ARAI DS/r dual sport, full face >helmet? I haven't used one but Arai has discontinued the moddle so you may have problems finding a specific size or color. Cheers -- Dale Borgeson dalebor@tiny.net Minneapolis, MN U.S.A. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: James Naus Subject: RE: (klr650) Games... Date: 16 Jul 1998 15:33:52 -0400 Road Rash 3 is a BIG seller for PlayStation. It is a motorcycle game in which you use weapons to fight the other racers. It is run on an open road and don't let the police catch you are your race is over. Cool game but I don't think they have it for PC. James Tallahassee KLX650C > -----Original Message----- > From: Ted Palmer [SMTP:tedp@replicant.apana.org.au] > Sent: Thursday, July 16, 1998 12:17 PM > To: klr650 > Subject: Re: (klr650) Games... > > Robert frey wrote: > > [Where's all the PC bike games question] > > I've seen a few on the PlayStation, but nothing remotely as impressive > as Gran Tursimo. Control is usually way too sensitive. > I suppose the biker market is too small to worry about for the > software houses. > But I'd be the first to buy any game that has the full course of > the Isle of Man TT. > > Mister_T > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Michael Royal Subject: (klr650) Win a Holiday! Date: 16 Jul 1998 15:20:18 -0500 Email hoax....email cannot spread viruses, although attachments can mike ;)= ___________________________________________ "Chiseled from sourdough batter, smart as a rod puppet, strong as a gopher, rich as a novelty salesman." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Helmet Date: 16 Jul 1998 13:49:13 -0700 >Has anyone had any experience with the ARAI DS/r dual sport, full face helmet? I splurged on the Dijin 3, as this was the closest to my 89's color scheme (not really). I love it. Great street helmet, much, much better than my Bieffe, and very good (although somewhat small) dirt helmet. The finish is beautiful, and the fit, for me, is perfect. I also bought a light smoke eyeshield, since they are out of production, and I don't know how hard it will be to find replacements in the future. The goggle opening is a little small for the dirt configuration, as a pair of Scott model 87's just fit, with no room to spare. All in all, one bad assed helmet! Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: David M. King Subject: Re: (klr650) Helmet Date: 16 Jul 1998 16:18:19 -0500 > will be to find replacements in the future. The goggle opening is a > little > small for the dirt configuration, as a pair of Scott model 87's just fit, > with no room to spare. All in all, one bad assed helmet! > Jeff Just out of curiosity, and not being a dirt rider, why wear goggles when offroad? Do they offer some advantage over a face shield? David M. King ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ken Belfatto Subject: RE: (klr650) Games... Date: 16 Jul 1998 18:18:50 -0500 You got to play ROAD RASH! It's an awesome Motorcycle game. Best played = with a steering wheel, you race for money, and get to buy upgraded = bikes. Cool sound track & full screen videos too. You get to beat the = other riders with clubs, and chains. Don't let the cops catch you, you = can beat them up too. CAD/CAM Kenny 98KLR -----Original Message----- Sent: Thursday, July 16, 1998 11:05 AM I've seen a bizzillion( well almost) Car and plane games for my PC (NOT Pacific Coast!) but no cycle games. Anybody got any ideas. Robert "Whats All The Rukus" Frey ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: Fwd: Re: (klr650) WOW! Date: 16 Jul 1998 19:45:37 -0500 >>Ever see any Japanese imports retain their resale value like a BMW? >If I wanted resale value I would've bought gold, and that's the same thing >I tell my boneheaded friends with Harleys. Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC (Undernet) Email: tuca@tampabay.rr.com Email: steve@vvd.com Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: bruixot@rmi.net Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: (klr650) WOW! Date: 16 Jul 1998 18:01:29 -0600 Steve Rottenberg wrote: > >>Ever see any Japanese imports retain their resale value like a BMW? > >If I wanted resale value I would've bought gold, and that's the same thing > >I tell my boneheaded friends with Harleys. > > Steve Rottenberg > Tuca en IRC (Undernet) > Email: tuca@tampabay.rr.com > Email: steve@vvd.com > Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. 1. I don't mean to spoil the party, or the intent, but the price/value of gold has been generally dropping in the last few years. 2. Although they are certainly not my style, many models of HDs do hold their value very well. 3. From what I have seen in the last few years, most beemer models have been holding about the same proportionate resale as larger Japanese bike. The usual disclaimers: mileage, model, condition, geographical area. But hey, we don't ride for the economics, do we? El Vell Bruixot "It's not a real paradigm shift unless you do it without the clutch." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "John Bennett" Subject: (klr650) counterbalancer adjustment really was easy Date: 16 Jul 1998 20:51:29 -0500 On July 08 Kurt Simpson wrote: >The counterbalancer is on the way way way bottom a bit >...that off and you'll see the adjuster a 10 mm allen loosen >three turns to the left, tap the outside of the case gently >with a rubber hammer or the like, and retighten being sure >not to overtighten. That's it... I just walked out in the garage and adjusted mine. It took about 5 minutes. Thanks for the advice! This got me to wondering... what is the purpose of the counterbalacer? Is it to reduce vibration by countering the moving mass of the piston? I hope I didn't overtighten the bolt. Btw, my '88 has an 8mm six-head bolt instead of the Allen bolt like yours. For everyone... the service interval for this adjustment is every 5000km. John Bennett ===================================== Visit my page! http://www.lcc.net/~jbennett ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "John Bennett" Subject: (klr650) Is it just my imagination? ... or my clutch? Date: 16 Jul 1998 21:07:27 -0500 After my most recent oil change I noticed that the clutch seemed to be slipping just a bit whenever I _really_ lay on the gas while going the through gears 3 and 4. I can still stand the bike up on the rear wheel in 1st & 2nd gears with no noticeable slippage. I've been reading the service manual procedure on how to put in new clutch plates. Ugh. The manual is maddeningly vague. I can't even determine exactly which parts I would need to buy. I guess my questions are.... When the clutch goes, will it be much more noticeable than what I've described? Will the slippage become quickly worse, or will it gradually get worse over 100 or so hours of riding? John Bennett ===================================== Visit my page! http://www.lcc.net/~jbennett ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: (klr650) Tiger? Date: 16 Jul 1998 22:30:32 -0500 Hey all, I was wondering if anyone has had any exp. with the Triumph Tiger? Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: (klr650) WOW! Date: 16 Jul 1998 23:35:05 -0700 At 06:01 PM 7/16/98 -0600, bruixot@rmi.net wrote: >1. I don't mean to spoil the party, or the intent, but the price/value of gold >has been generally dropping in the last few years. > >2. Although they are certainly not my style, many models of HDs do hold their >value very well. > >3. From what I have seen in the last few years, most beemer models have been >holding about the same proportionate resale as larger Japanese bike. The usual >disclaimers: mileage, model, condition, geographical area. > >But hey, we don't ride for the economics, do we? Right. If I wanted to make an investment, I'd play the market. If you want to ride, buy a motorcycle. When calculating the purchase of a vehicle, I always figure the resale value at preciesly $0. I have every intenting of killing this KLR, assuming it dosent bag me first. -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert frey" Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: (klr650) WOW! Date: 16 Jul 1998 23:41:30 -0400 RIDE 'EM 'TILL THE WHEELS FALL OFF. But that won't happen with regular maintainance! -----Original Message----- >At 06:01 PM 7/16/98 -0600, bruixot@rmi.net wrote: > > > >>1. I don't mean to spoil the party, or the intent, but the price/value of >gold >>has been generally dropping in the last few years. >> >>2. Although they are certainly not my style, many models of HDs do hold their >>value very well. >> >>3. From what I have seen in the last few years, most beemer models have been >>holding about the same proportionate resale as larger Japanese bike. The >usual >>disclaimers: mileage, model, condition, geographical area. >> >>But hey, we don't ride for the economics, do we? > > > > > > Right. If I wanted to make an investment, I'd play the market. > > If you want to ride, buy a motorcycle. When calculating the >purchase of a vehicle, I always figure the resale value at preciesly >$0. I have every intenting of killing this KLR, assuming it dosent >bag me first. > > >-Tom >'96 KLR 650 > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) We need a clutch refurbish guide !! Date: 16 Jul 1998 22:06:46 -0600 >>John Bennett wrote: >>> >>> I'd like to attempt a clutch refurbish, but I'm afraid that it might be >>> beyond my using only the service manuals. Sorry Tom, mea culpa, I just checked the archives and the two Aussie riders and Eric sound like they have some experience with clutch rebuilds. Jeffrey Walker was talking about replacing his in early June. How about it guys...any advice on clutch work? Kurt John, here are their emails if you want to write them. David said he replaced the clutch in one of his KLR's... David McClymont Ted Palmer Eric Mercer Jeffrey L. Walker ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: West Hovland Subject: Re: (klr650) Tiger? Date: 16 Jul 1998 22:16:55 -0700 Chadd Thompson wrote: > Hey all, > > I was wondering if anyone has had any exp. with the Triumph Tiger? > > Thanks > Chadd Thompson > chadd@accessus.net Hey Chadd, Just bought a Tiger a month ago. Just got back from a 1000 mile tour through Vancouver island. Love it so far. More comfy than my KLR, defintely more powerful, capable off-road,but not a worthy as the KLR. If you like to tour, adventure tour or scratch up the back roads, you can't ask for a better bike. West ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: " David Cozart" Subject: Re: (klr650) Games... Date: 16 Jul 1998 23:22:37 -0700 Electronic Arts puts out a cd-rom called MOTO RACER. This is an outstanding sophisticated game featuring road racing, off road racing, and snow track racing. You get to pick your bike, the handling and power characteristics, and the track you want to race on. You can choose to solo race practice laps or race against a group of other bikes. With a Diamond 3D graphic accellerator the simulation is palm sweating realistic. You can choose to be behind the bars or above and to the rear watching your bike race. Just a joy stick does it. Oh, you can choose to shift or use "automatic transmission". The forward joy stick button is throttle, the rear brake. This sim will grab you hard. The "behind the bars" feeling of speed and competition is an adrenaline rush. Have fun' Dave Cozart KLR 650 BMW R75/5 BMW K100RT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) We need a clutch refurbish guide !! Date: 17 Jul 1998 19:05:20 +1000 Kurt Simpson wrote: [...] > Sorry Tom, mea culpa, I just checked the archives and the two Aussie riders and Eric > sound like they have some experience with clutch rebuilds. Jeffrey Walker was talking > about replacing his in early June. How about it guys...any advice on clutch work? I haven't changed my clutch yet, but it's due. I _have_ had my Honda clutch apart, and that was pretty simple, backtorque limiter and all. I have had the 600 clutch cover off, however, and that went by the book. Replacing the clutch plates looks simple enough, although the book doesn't go into great detail about the removal of the pressure plate and the retaining bolts and springs. But it's not hard to figure out: just loosen each of the bolts bit by bit in the same pattern you would as if you were loosening the wheel on a car. The base manual looks a bit sparse in torque settings for the pressure plate bolts, and even for the main clutch hub nut. Just off the top of my head, about 25 ft/lbs should be adequate for the pressure plate bolts. I'd be inclined to use some low-strength thread lock on them as well. For those who want to remove the clutch hub as well (maybe to inspect the allegedly suspect damper springs) I'd recommend a special holder tool as depicted in the base manual. I believe Fred Hink has these at a reasonable price. While it would be possible to engage a high gear and lock the rear brake to keep the clutch hub stationary, I don't believe the gears would be keen on the sort of impulse torque that may be required to loosen the nut. You may well do without the tool, but the tool is cheap enough and it would work on all sorts of bikes. While we do have the clutch cover off, the fussy/nosy among us may want to remove and examine the oil pickup screen for junk. I found loads on mine. I can't remember if the oil pumps has to come out for this. It's not hard to pull off anyway. Don't be afraid to do the clutch. This is one of the simpler jobs that involve opening up the power unit. Don't forget that the waterpump cover has to come off first and the impeller next. The manual covers this in the cooling system section. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Games... Date: 17 Jul 1998 19:27:14 +1000 David Cozart wrote: > Electronic Arts puts out a cd-rom called MOTO RACER. This is an > outstanding sophisticated game featuring road racing, off road racing, and > snow track racing. You get to pick your bike, the handling and power I've got the PlayStation version of this, and I think it must lose a bit in the translation. The dirt bike stuff is ok, especially if you like farty two-stroke noises, but the road racing is rather more arcade-ish. I find that the steering control is a bit too sensitive, even with a Mad Catz wheel. And they don't even countersteer. ObKLR: If the dirt bikes made thumpy fourstroke noises instead of farty two stroke, then I might have a more favorable opinion. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bill Wright Subject: (klr650) Happy Birthday "Special K"! Date: 15 Jul 1998 07:50:45 -0400 Hey Guys, My trusty steed, Special K, is one year old today. I couldn't have wished for a better year or a better bike. She is wonderful. How do I know that she is a she? Some of the more crass owners might tell you to look between the forks, but I can tell by the way she acts. When I treat her well, there is nothing she won't do for me. But when I treat her badly she turns on me in a New York minute. Remind you of any of your female friends or your spouse? Yeah, me too! 13000 miles without any major incident or accident. I hope the next year is as good. Bill Wright Hotlanta, GA. 98 KLR 650 - 13000 miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650)ARAI DS/r Helmet Date: 17 Jul 1998 09:16:56 EDT In a message dated 98-07-16 11:57:07 EDT, ajax@xmission.com writes: << Gino was wearning one when he crashed. >> Yea, I did a face plant with mine. It did its job well. I had it since 1994, a great helmet. Will probably buy another when they start making them again. Right now I'm using Nolan helmets. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) WOW! Date: 17 Jul 1998 09:23:00 EDT >Although they are certainly not my style, many models of HDs do hold their >value very well. > A year or so ago, a co-worker took delivery of a Harley that he had been on a list for 1.5 years for. Told me it was an investment. I told him, when I wanted to make an investment, I bought a house. I was feeling a bit fiesty that day. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Happy Birthday "Special K"! Date: 17 Jul 1998 09:26:35 EDT In a message dated 98-07-17 09:00:33 EDT, bwright2@avana.net writes: << My trusty steed, Special K, is one year old today. I couldn't have wished for a better year or a better bike. >> All right! Happy Birthday! All together now "Haaaappppyyyyy Birthday to you...." If a bike makes it through 1 year in my garage, that means I like it. My KLR is going on 3 years old. Many more. gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Alex Jomarron Subject: (klr650) Isle of Mann video game Date: 17 Jul 1998 09:22:00 +0000 Yesterday I was @ 6 Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois getting quite a shake riding all the roller coasters with my niece and nephews. After riding a couple of rides they wanted to shoot and blow up things at the numerous arcades in the park. When I saw the Manx TT game by Sega I immediately changed $5 into quarters. The kids had to drag ME from the arcade!! The game has two motorcycles, sans forks, foot pegs and you can choose from 2 tracks (one of which is Isle of Man) and choose transmission. THIS is a MUST for any self respecting motorcylist racing enthusiast's basement/garage!!!! By theway, I crashed often and need to practice!! ;-) Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Rex Hefferan Subject: (klr650) Re: Games Date: 17 Jul 1998 08:08:27 -0700 (PDT) Right, Electronic Arts is the source for PC based M/C games. http://www.ea.com/ They are the creators of Road Rash and MotoRacer They also have prerelease information for MotoRacer2 http://www.motoracer2.com/ I've only played the trial version of Road Rash, but it's pretty good. == Rex (93 KLR650) For the Colorado Springs Get-together info see http://shell.rmi.net/~avbb/cos.htm (please remember to reload/refresh the page) _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: James Naus Subject: RE: (klr650) Games... Date: 17 Jul 1998 11:19:41 -0400 Here is an Off-Road game. Has anyone tried this game? It looks real cool but is only for Play Station :-( . Jeremy McGrath Super Cross 98. http://www.acclaimsports.com/jmsuperX98/ James Tallahassee, FL '95 KLX650C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Big Gun Exhaust UPdate Date: 17 Jul 1998 14:17:51 EDT Just spoke with Mike Young regarding the new exhaust and header pipe for the klr. He's been having the usual unforeseen snafu that plague small manufacturers. Mike said he's just sent letters to those of us with orders. Hopefully I'll get to test it out within 2 weeks. For those listers who've recently joined, Mike is a veteran racer who's been sidelined, (hopefully temporarily) from a broken back suffered while racing. In the mean time, not being one to stay down, he's developing new exhaust systems, (including the header pipes) for cycles. Below is his temporary web site that may help some of you straighten the kinks out of your OEM pipe. CA Ron (whose original pipe enjoys a header that's well done) http://www.off-road.com/~myoung/girl.html Big Guns ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "David D. Kessler" Subject: Re: (klr650) Hav'n a chain prob. Date: 17 Jul 1998 09:53:57 -0700 In my experience cahins don't get tighter and looser....unless the rollers on the chain are hanging like ear rings....meaning that some are most likley wore more than others....causing a tight spot.....You might want to check you sprockets...if one area of the sprocket wears more than the other...in effect you have a out of round sprocket...causing the same problem....Hope this helps.....Dave Kessler Free web-based email, Forever, From anywhere! http://www.mailexcite.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dave Wormmeester Subject: RE: (klr650) WOW! Date: 17 Jul 1998 17:00:50 -0400 >P.S. >Ever see any Japanese imports retain their resale value like a BMW? My '88 ZX-10 cost $5800.00 o.t.d. The July MCN used bike guide shows $3240.00 $256.00 a year now that's value. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Jasniewicz" Subject: (klr650) Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 18:13:19 -0400 Date: 17 Jul 1998 16:28:55 -0600 These are all street-bike (MotoRacer has dirt, snow & street), recommended in the following order of preference: 1) MotoRacer - (*****) the best overall, good play action and graphics, very dependent on video card abilities, if you don't have a decent 3d card, everything slows WAY down, 3d www.ea.com ~$40 2) Road Rash - (****) the most fun for stress relief, older game www.ea.com $15 3) Honda Castrol Superbike - (undetermined) the newest, in depth, many adjustments, excellent graphics, 3d www.intense-games.com ~$40 4) Manx TT Superbike - (if you don't know about the Isle of Man, don't bother) pretty cool, older game, graphics from real Isle of Man race, play action kinda sucks, you can be topped out on a straightaway, and someone will blow by you! (Its difficult to "win", the game play logic seems to always keep a few guys right at your pace, they then pass you on the last lap straightaway dash to the flag, annoying) www.sega.com ~$35 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Bob Zeliff" Subject: Re: (klr650) WOW! Date: 17 Jul 1998 22:10:21 -0400 I must say I find all the recent posts on the line pointing out the moral superiority of KLR riders vs BMW , Harley or brand X mildley offensive. I've seen the same on BMW lists and a lot on Harley lists. Unfortunaly, I guess I'd find the same on other brand specific lists. I know there are more owners of motorcycles than I'd like to admit, who bought them to augment their identiy. I'd like to think that we ride motorcycles for the pleasure of the ride, for the unique capablities of a particular machine, for the fun and freedom that only motorcyles can provide. I think most people on this list are the same. I know this because in my lurking I've seen that many, like myself have more than one bike. Usually, quite different in nature, the dual sport that we all love and a cruser,or a tourer, etc. Please let's drop the chest beating and get back to the positive aspects of the KLR bob zeliff A10 for the dirt roads of Vt and norther Canada R1100RT for the 7000 mile trip to Yellow Knife XLCR for the sound and style (Willie G has one in his office) -----Original Message----- >>Although they are certainly not my style, many models of HDs do hold their >>value very well. >> > >A year or so ago, a co-worker took delivery of a Harley that he had been on a >list for 1.5 years for. Told me it was an investment. I told him, when I >wanted to make an investment, I bought a house. I was feeling a bit fiesty >that day. > >Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: yefimov@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Purpose of the counterbalance? Date: 17 Jul 1998 22:18:49 EDT >This got me to wondering... what is the purpose of the counterbalance? > >Is it to reduce vibration by countering the moving mass of the >piston? The counter balance does two things: 1) It reduces the vibration of the engine 2) It increases bearing and other connection ( pin joints etc ...) life. 3) It decreases the stresses on all components in the motorcycle The counter balance does this by moving the center of mass of the rotating object ( or assembly) to the center of the axis of rotation of the object. What happens is that more weight is added in a separated shaft or to the crank shaft ( on cars ) to accomplish the centering of the mass. This increases the overall mass moment of inertia ( the easy with which an object can be rotated around a given axis ), so there may be a slight hit on performance which is compensated by a soother ride and less wear on the mechanism. Alex KLR Wanna be _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) WOW! Date: 17 Jul 1998 23:46:54 EDT 20 years from now let me know if this is still true. 10 years really doesn't classify as vintage. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Joshua Sammons" Subject: (klr650) games Date: 17 Jul 1998 22:00:36 -0600 I just got Road Rash 3D for the Playstation. It is a lot better than the original in all aspects. I heard that Jeremy McGrath has just put out a game for the playstation has anyone tried it? The Need For Speed series is great also. Josh '92 KLR650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Fwd: Royal Purple Synthetic Date: 18 Jul 1998 00:23:47 EDT On 7/15/98, frjsmithjr@webtv.net wrote: snip >...uses it in all of his numerous personal bikes. Says that all >of the NASCAR racers (regardless of what the logos on their >car says) secretly use this stuff. >Anyone heard of it?. Is it only available in the Southwestern U.S.?. Jim I hadn't heard of it, so I went and looked 'em up. The info at their site makes it sound like a lot of racing teams use it. Unfortunately the 'dog and pony show' charts and graphs that they use to compare their product, use generic comparisons rather than going head to head against name brand competitors. The heaviest weight I could find was a 10W40. They tell a good story anyway, and I found following the links worthwhile. BTW they do specifically mention motorcycles as an application. I'd be interested if anyone had first hand knowledge of this syn oil. CA Ron (wonderin' if the oil is color coordinated with '96+klr decals) http://www.longrider.com/royal.htm Royal Purple ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Purpose of the counterbalance? Date: 18 Jul 1998 19:20:36 +1000 yefimov@juno.com wrote: > >This got me to wondering... what is the purpose of the counterbalance? > > > >Is it to reduce vibration by countering the moving mass of the > >piston? It tries but is not entirely successful. Rotating things are not perfect at balancing oscillating things, and especially things like conrods. About the best counterbalance system exists in the Ducati Supermono, but that is more heavy and space consuming than we'd really like on a traillie. But as singles go, the Ducati can rev like few others. > The counter balance does two things: > > 1) It reduces the vibration of the engine > > 2) It increases bearing and other connection ( pin joints etc ...) life. Don't tell that to the counterbalance shaft bearings and crankshaft bearings, it's a secret :-) > 3) It decreases the stresses on all components in the motorcycle ...External to the engine cases, that is. The cases experience a fair bit of stress themselves, keeping all the opposing forces together. About the only real disadvantage I see in the KLR counterbalancer system is in the rotating mass itself. The rotating mass of the counterbalancers contribute a flywheel effect which is not a bad thing on a single. This rotational inertia is transmitted by the chain drive, which is not ideal, and really needs to be kept adjusted correctly to get the maximum life out of the balancer chain. Anybody who's ever ridden a non-counterbalanced big single, like a Yamaha XT500 or SR500, will tell you it's worth the extra complication of the counterbalancers. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Naegele, Guenter G" Subject: (klr650) Shop Manual Date: 18 Jul 1998 08:48:08 -0300 Hi all, Just purchased a 95 KLR, love the bike, but looking for a shop manual. Are there any after-market manuals available? Thanks: Gunter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "John Bennett" Subject: Re: (klr650) Shop Manual Date: 18 Jul 1998 07:42:15 -0500 >Just purchased a 95 KLR, love the bike, but looking for a shop manual. >Are there any after-market manuals available? What with the number of KLR's in existence I was sure that there would be a Clymer or Haynes manual for them. Unfortunately, there is not. The best resources are the shop manuals, this list, and the list archives. Well, I'm off to Houston (120mi south) today to look at motorcycles and drool. I can't actually afford another one, it's just the kids are at their aunt's house for the day and me and the Missus couldn't think of anything better to do. (Well, she probably could, but it would cost money.) John Bennett ===================================== Visit my page! http://www.lcc.net/~jbennett ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) List notes...NKLR reminder... Date: 18 Jul 1998 09:22:23 -0600 A reminder to all. A touch of courtesy when posting way off-topic is to use "NKLR" in the subject line. The recent interest in games brings this to the fore. For those who might not realize the value of the "NKLR" inclusion. It allows any of us to set up a filter in our email software to ignore posts with "NKLR" in the subject header. In other words it allows for the best of both worlds. It allows for those who are only interested in a narrow focus to stay active with a list that also includes those who are okay with occasional off-topic posts and threads. For the digest people, it allows for a quick ignore of that message and moving on to the next. "NKLR" in the subject line is a nice "peace" (pun intended) of netiquette that goes far in reducing the squabbling that always rises up on lists. Please use "NKLR" in off-topic posts. Thanks, Kurt Simpson (list administrator) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: bruixot@rmi.net Subject: Re: (klr650) Purpose of the counterbalance? Date: 18 Jul 1998 09:16:13 -0600 Ted Palmer wrote: > Anybody who's ever ridden a non-counterbalanced big single, like a > Yamaha XT500 or SR500, will tell you it's worth the extra complication > of the counterbalancers. > Good balancer discussion! However, I must say that after having had both XT500 (still have) and SR500, albeit without the benefit of fully instrumented hands, I believe that the perceived handlebar vibration of even the best-adjusted KLR650 at most rpm ranges is no better than either of those models. FWIW. El Vell Bruixot " Time: it's what keeps everything from happening at once." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Purpose of the counterbalance? Date: 18 Jul 1998 11:37:51 EDT On 7/18/98, bruixot@rmi.net wrote: snip >.....However, I must say that after having had both XT500 (still have) >and SR500....I believe that the perceived handlebar vibration of even >the best-adjusted KLR650 at most rpm ranges is no better than >either of those models. I had an sr500 until I passed it on to my son. Never got to ride it after that ('87). I have an xt500 in the garage now that I'm fixing for a friend. As soon as I get the carb sorted out, I'll do a vibe comparison. CA Ron (with an appreciation for history) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: yefimov@juno.com Subject: (klr650) counterbalance system Date: 18 Jul 1998 12:07:44 EDT Ted Palmer wrote: >It tries but is not entirely successful. >Rotating things are not perfect at balancing oscillating things, >and especially things like conrods. >About the best counterbalance system exists in the Ducati Supermono, >but that is more heavy and space consuming than we'd really like >on a traillie. >But as singles go, the Ducati can rev like few others. One more thing about any moving or rotating object that comes to mind is that all physical things have natural frequencies ( a frequency at which the object vibrates very easily ). The best example of that would be a tuning fork which is designed to vibrate at its natural frequency after it has been struck. It has to do with the stiffness of an object and the mass (weight). Motorcycle engines run at frequencies of 500 rpm to 8000 rpm (about?). So not only does the designer have to worry about how to minimize the inertial forces using a counterbalance but he has to also keep in mind that the system (engine) should not have a natural frequency that is in the operating frequency ( 500 - 8000 rpms ) of the engine. This causes a compromises in design of any engine counter balance system. The engine would literally explode ( fly apart ) if it hit its (fundamental) lowest natural frequency. Usually designers try to have a very high fundamental frequency ( well above the operating frequencies). Alex KLR wanna be _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) HD's Date: 18 Jul 1998 12:35:46 EDT Hey Guys, please stop beating up on those Beemers riders! We are all riders, first. OK Except HD"s. Do you know the difference between a golden retriever and a Harley Davidson? No? WEll there is none, they both like to ride in the back of a truck!. Ride Safely, Yann ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: Re: (klr650) List notes...NKLR reminder... Date: 18 Jul 1998 09:46:24 -0700 That is an extremely good point to make, thanks. I do want to compliment this list on staying pretty well focused on 'relevant' issues to the KLR and the style of riding it encompasses. It is amazing the subjects that can take off on a list (like the VFR list) that I cannot fathom. On that list there was a two week discussion of significant volume on how to turn off your bike- should I use the kill switch, the ignition switch, the kickstand kill switch- I wish I were making this up. Anyway, as far as I can see, you all do a pretty good job (at least since I've been reading). Thanks. ---------- > From: Kurt Simpson > To: List KLR > Subject: (klr650) List notes...NKLR reminder... > Date: Saturday, July 18, 1998 8:22 AM > > A reminder to all. A touch of courtesy when posting way off-topic is to use "NKLR" in > the subject line. The recent interest in games brings this to the fore. > > For those who might not realize the value of the "NKLR" inclusion. It allows any of > us to set up a filter in our email software to ignore posts with "NKLR" in the > subject header. In other words it allows for the best of both worlds. It allows for > those who are only interested in a narrow focus to stay active with a list that also > includes those who are okay with occasional off-topic posts and threads. > > For the digest people, it allows for a quick ignore of that message and moving on to > the next. > > "NKLR" in the subject line is a nice "peace" (pun intended) of netiquette that goes > far in reducing the squabbling that always rises up on lists. Please use "NKLR" in > off-topic posts. > > Thanks, > > Kurt Simpson (list administrator) > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) HD's (NKLR NBMW NKLEven) Date: 18 Jul 1998 12:48:47 EDT on 7/18/98, YSTaurel@aol.com wrote: snip >Do you know the difference between a golden retriever and a Harley >Davidson?WEll there is none, they both like to ride in the back of a truck!. Hey Yann my golden retriever is offended by that remark!! CA Ron (who if it's humanly possible, is a pooch) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Fw: BOUNCE klr650@lists.xmission.com: Non-member submission from [Rob Gendreau ] Date: 18 Jul 1998 11:29:49 -0600 -----Original Message----- ] >>From gendreau@pop.ccnet.com Sat Jul 18 10:53:52 1998 >Received: from (mailhub1.ncal.verio.com) [204.247.247.38] > by lists.xmission.com with esmtp (Exim 1.82 #1) > id 0yxaF5-0004Ww-00; Sat, 18 Jul 1998 10:53:51 -0600 >Received: from [207.21.142.162] (oak-alg-gw15-35.ncal.verio.com [207.21.142.162]) > by mailhub1.ncal.verio.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with SMTP id JAA05217; > Sat, 18 Jul 1998 09:53:47 -0700 (PDT) >Message-Id: <199807181653.JAA05217@mailhub1.ncal.verio.com> >Subject: Re: (klr650)aerostitch dispatch bags >Date: Sat, 18 Jul 1998 09:53:24 -0700 >x-sender: gendreau@pop.ccnet.com >x-mailer: Claris Emailer 2.0v3, January 22, 1998 >From: Rob Gendreau >To: "klr klr list" >cc: >Mime-Version: 1.0 >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" > >Robert Morgan asked > >>Hi gang >> I've been contemplating luggage options, hard options....soft options, >>lately I've been looking at aerostitch's courier and > >Not sure if you only intend to use these as saddlebags...but if not, if >you intend to use them as shoulder bags, I suggest you check out Timbuk2 >courier bags. Available from most places that sell bicycle gear, REI, >etc. They strap on with a shoulder and a an under shoulder strap, and >hence are much more stable than the alternatives. > > >Rob Gendreau >Oakland, California >gendreau@ccnet.com > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jim Barthell Subject: (klr650) Re: Shoulderbags Date: 18 Jul 1998 13:09:53 -0500 I've always wondered about these, my fear is getting off the bike at speed with a bag and 8lbs worth of crap hanging around my neck. I know it's over your shoulder but in a get off it is essentially around your neck. Sounds like a good way to break it. Your neck I mean. Jim Kurt Simpson wrote: > >Robert Morgan asked > > > >>Hi gang > >> I've been contemplating luggage options, hard options....soft options, > >>lately I've been looking at aerostitch's courier and > > > >Not sure if you only intend to use these as saddlebags...but if not, if > >you intend to use them as shoulder bags, I suggest you check out Timbuk2 > >courier bags. Available from most places that sell bicycle gear, REI, > >etc. They strap on with a shoulder and a an under shoulder strap, and > >hence are much more stable than the alternatives. > > > > > >Rob Gendreau > >Oakland, California > >gendreau@ccnet.com > > > > > > -- Jim Barthell - TX '97 'C-O-O-O-W'...asaki KiLleR 650 FSSNOC #2421 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: (klr650) Clutch reliability question Date: 18 Jul 1998 11:25:44 -0700 I pulled out a long term evaluation of a 88 KLR from Motorcycle Consumer News date Feb., 1997. The cost breakdown of ownership for 10 years and 25,000 miles was $715 (maintenance items only, no accessories). The only item of significant operating consequence was an ignition unit CDI unit for $195. The rest was basic maintenance stuff. There was no mention of clutch basket problems. So here's my question, how common is the problem with the clutch basket (or is it clutch springs) I've heard mentioned on this list a few times? It's easy to draw the wrong conclusions from information provided on lists because few know how many people are on the list nor does anyone keep track of how many people have had a particular problem. On the VFR list there was always talk of voltage regulator problems. Somebody finally solicited comments on this problem and when the numbers came back it didn't seem that significant (as unscientific as that statistical method is). Is this such a problem statistically that if you plan a long journey (Alaska, for example) you'd better carry an extra clutch and hope for no collateral damage if failure occurs? Are there any hard numbers on this problem? If this truly is a problem, is there a year of bike after which the problem seems to diminish (I thought someone mentioned this but I've forgotten)? Has anyone ever done a survey on the list regarding this issue? TIA, Dean in Seattle 94KLR, 95 VFR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: Shoulderbags Date: 18 Jul 1998 14:28:58 EDT On 7/18/98, Jim.Barthell@worldnet.att.net wrote: snip >I've always wondered about these, my fear is getting off the bike >at speed with a bag and 8lbs worth of crap hanging around my neck. >I know it's over your shoulder but in a get off it is essentially >around your neck. Sounds like a good way to break it. Your neck I mean. Jim you're right. It's enough of a trade off wearing a helmet without adding luggage to our weak-link necks. I use these to augment my other luggage. When they're on the bike they are attached with an ingenious system that allows removal in less than a second. If you want to see it I can send you a jpeg of one of the various mounting schemes. CA Ron (seeking to save his.......at break-neck speeds) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Christian Kindarji" Subject: (klr650) Shipping Date: 18 Jul 1998 06:10:12 -0400 1- Let me start to thank everybody that replied to my Tampa-Montreal message, it was a great help. 2- Last thursday as I was browsing the messages, I came across couple of ones discussing towing, I called MTS and got myself a membership. Guess what? today (2 days later) my '98 KLR wouldn't start and I had to call them up. By the way I got great service, the truck was there in less than an hour and drove me to the nearest Kawasaki dealer which is very far from where I had it die on me, and at no extra charge. Thank you MTS for a great service. 3- Just a word of advice to everybody, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT get your bike shipped by sea. I shipped mine from Hawaii to Tampa. Every single metal piece in the bike is being attacked by corrosion, the whole bike is covered by a white film of corrosion and now I have to find a way to clean-up the mess. Christian Kindarji ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Sconzo Subject: (klr650) Cobra Pipes Date: 18 Jul 1998 19:11:00 -0400 Hello Listers, I'm very interested in running a cobra exhaust on my '98 KLR 650. Anyone have any experience with the ISDE or the regular 4 stroke pipe? Could you please post your opinion on them? I am also looking for info on where to get it at the fairest price. Am I going to have to put a jet kit on at the same time that I install the muffler? Thanks for any help in advance. Scott '98 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Joshua Sammons" Subject: (klr650) Four Stroke Singles Rally in NM? Date: 18 Jul 1998 17:25:44 -0600 What is the word on the Four Stroke Singles Rally in Red River, NM? I don't live that far away from there, but have never heard of this rally. Are any dealers expected to be there? Might go there on Monday to check out the riding in the area. I will tell you how it is. Later Josh '92KLR650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Fw: BOUNCE klr650@lists.xmission.com: Admin request: /^subject:\s*help\b/i Date: 18 Jul 1998 19:37:22 -0600 -----Original Message----- >>From rpclarke@pop.mindspring.com Sat Jul 18 17:19:02 1998 >Received: from (dewdrop2.mindspring.com) [207.69.200.82] > by lists.xmission.com with esmtp (Exim 1.82 #1) > id 0yxgFp-0000VV-00; Sat, 18 Jul 1998 17:19:01 -0600 >Received: from r-clarke (user-38ld9hl.dialup.mindspring.com [209.86.166.53]) > by dewdrop2.mindspring.com (8.8.5/8.8.5) with SMTP id TAA01808 > for ; Sat, 18 Jul 1998 19:19:00 -0400 (EDT) >Message-Id: <199807182319.TAA01808@dewdrop2.mindspring.com> >Comments: Authenticated sender is >From: "Rick Clarke" >To: klr650@lists.xmission.com >Date: Sat, 18 Jul 1998 19:22:15 -0400 >MIME-Version: 1.0 >Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII >Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT >Subject: Help! Loose Metal In Engine >Reply-to: rpclarke@mindspring.com >Priority: normal >In-reply-to: <19980717.180522.12551.3.yefimov@juno.com> >X-mailer: Pegasus Mail for Win32 (v2.53/R1) > >I took off the right side cover on my '89 KLR650 today. I wanted to >fix the oil leak that is coming from the water pump. I have all the >parts on hand and I'm ready to put everything in. To replace the >water pump seal, the cover needs to be removed. Most of the labor for >this job is scraping the old cover gasket off the engine. (In hell, >people are forced to spend eternity scraping old gaskets off aluminum >cases, and every time they nick the aluminum, they're jabbed with a >hot poker.) > >While I was cleaning off the old gasket, I also pulled out the oil >pump inlet sieve. It's held in by the right side cover, so it slid >right out. > >Much to my surprise, there was a bunch of metal behind the sieve. >It looks like the metal fragments used to be a spring. There are >enough little pieces of beat up metal to make a spring with about 20 >turns. The spring would be about 8mm OD with a 1mm wire diameter. > >The engine was running ok when I took the cover off. I'm not sure >where this spring came from. I'm not the first owner of this bike, >so I can't say if anything has been fixed in the past. > >Can anyone identify where these pieces came from? > >-Rick > >R.P.Clarke (rpclarke@mindspring.com) >"What traffic?" >RTP, NC, USA DoD#5811 > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Re: little spring parts... Date: 18 Jul 1998 19:55:01 -0600 >I took off the right side cover on my '89 KLR650 today. I wanted to >fix the oil leak that is coming from the water pump. I have all the >parts on hand and I'm ready to put everything in. To replace the >water pump seal, the cover needs to be removed. Most of the labor for >this job is scraping the old cover gasket off the engine. (In hell, >people are forced to spend eternity scraping old gaskets off aluminum >cases, and every time they nick the aluminum, they're jabbed with a >hot poker.) > >While I was cleaning off the old gasket, I also pulled out the oil >pump inlet sieve. It's held in by the right side cover, so it slid >right out. > >Much to my surprise, there was a bunch of metal behind the sieve. >It looks like the metal fragments used to be a spring. There are >enough little pieces of beat up metal to make a spring with about 20 >turns. The spring would be about 8mm OD with a 1mm wire diameter. > >The engine was running ok when I took the cover off. I'm not sure >where this spring came from. I'm not the first owner of this bike, >so I can't say if anything has been fixed in the past. > >Can anyone identify where these pieces came from? This sounds like the answer to Dean's question. From the archives: Eldon Carl reports that there are two potentially catastrophic problems with the pre '96 design. The first involves the clutch basket which he claims has brittle springs in the back side which eventually fracture and break. Because of the poor design, the boils can get out of the basket and into the flow of oil. He believes that nearly all pre-1996 KLR650's will have broken clutch basket springs by 25,000 miles. In 1996 the redesigned clutch basket included heavier springs with proper heat treatment. There are no after market replacements for the defective springs. Eldon urges all owners of pre-'96 KLR's and Tengai's to remove the clutch cover and pull the clutch basket for inspection. Check the filter screen and clean it. He says that the new clutch can be installed but some machining must be done and several other '96 parts must be installed including the primary drive spur gear. Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dave Wormmeester Subject: RE: (klr650) WOW! Date: 18 Jul 1998 21:57:56 -0400 -----Original Message----- Sent: Friday, July 17, 1998 11:47 PM Cc: klr650@lists.xmission.com 20 years from now let me know if this is still true. 10 years really doesn't classify as vintage. Listen you barefooted Dervish, I, nor anyone else, said anything about vintage. The question was one of resale value. Dave W. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: bruixot@rmi.net Subject: Re: (klr650) Fw: BOUNCE klr650@lists.xmission.com: Admin request: /^subject:\s*help\b/i Date: 18 Jul 1998 21:11:27 -0600 Kurt Simpson wrote: >Much to my surprise, there was a bunch of metal behind the sieve. >It looks like the metal fragments used to be a spring. There are >enough little pieces of beat up metal to make a spring with about 20 >turns. The spring would be about 8mm OD with a 1mm wire diameter. THAT'S MY SPRING! I'VE BEEN LOOKING ALL OVER FOR IT!! 8-) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Darrel & Deanna" Subject: (klr650) Shipping (NKLR) Date: 18 Jul 1998 21:31:08 -0700 Christian Kindarji wrote: >Just a word of advice to everybody, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT get your bike >shipped by sea. I shipped mine from Hawaii to Tampa. Every single metal >piece in the bike is being attacked by corrosion, the whole bike is covered >by a white film of corrosion and now I have to find a way to clean-up the >mess. Christian- My advice is to hose the bike down thoroughly with good ole WD-40 or similar product before shipping via ocean wessel. I would think that flying the bike would be cost prohibitive. A motorcycle world tourer recently suggested to me that when going over seas, buy a used bike from a dealer with the up-front intent of selling it back at nearly the same price. Not a bad idea... Darrel A12 'Avenger' ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: (klr650) Supertrapp? Date: 19 Jul 1998 02:10:55 -0500 I was wondering what all the Supertrapp IDS comes with? Also where have you guys been getting them from and what have you been paying? Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) We need a clutch refurbish guide !! Date: 19 Jul 1998 00:34:42 -0700 >Sorry Tom, mea culpa, I just checked the archives and the two Aussie riders and Eric >sound like they have some experience with clutch rebuilds. Jeffrey Walker was talking >about replacing his in early June. How about it guys...any advice on clutch work? > Haven't gotten around to it yet, I've been too busy. My spare time lately has been spent prepping my house for its five year overhaul (paint), and drinking beers on my boat after hard ski runs. My biggest concern with my bike lately has been its rate of oil consumption. With the Castorl Syntec (full), its been drinking about a quart every 800 miles. I don't recall it consuming that much with regular mineral oil. I wonder if there isn't a good engine treatment for stopping oil consumption in automobiles that I could use on the bike. When I switched to the full synthetic is also when I noticed minor clutch slippage in the upper RPM range during hard acceleration. I'm wondering if I switch back to mineral oil that the slippage will disappear. If I finally get around to replacing the clutch, I'll gladly lay down a rough procedure for anyone. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: Shoulderbags Date: 19 Jul 1998 00:51:10 -0700 >I've always wondered about these, my fear is getting off the bike at speed with a bag and >8lbs worth of crap hanging around my neck. I know it's over your shoulder but in a get >off it is essentially around your neck. Sounds like a good way to break it. Your neck I >mean. > >> >> I've been contemplating luggage options, hard options....soft options, >> >>lately I've been looking at aerostitch's courier and >> > >> >Not sure if you only intend to use these as saddlebags...but if not, if >> >you intend to use them as shoulder bags, I suggest you check out Timbuk2 >> >courier bags. Available from most places that sell bicycle gear, REI, >> >etc. They strap on with a shoulder and a an under shoulder strap, and >> >hence are much more stable than the alternatives. >> > >> > For the price of the courier bag, you can get a great backpack, which would be much safer than the strap on the courier bag. When I don't feel like wearing mine (its always full of heavy textbooks) I strap it down on the luggage rack with bungees. Works great for my purposes. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Helmet Date: 19 Jul 1998 00:57:47 -0700 >> will be to find replacements in the future. The goggle opening is a >> little >> small for the dirt configuration, as a pair of Scott model 87's just fit, >> with no room to spare. All in all, one bad assed helmet! > >> Jeff > >Just out of curiosity, and not being a dirt rider, why wear goggles when >offroad? Do they offer some advantage over a face shield? > >David M. King Sacrilege! Try riding offroad with your face shield on sometime. When your offroading, your head gets hot, and so does your breath. You faceshield traps all of that and fogs up. Goggles with the DS helmet gets a lot of fresh air to your nose and mouth, and also protect your vision better, especially if you have tear offs. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Games... Date: 19 Jul 1998 01:00:06 -0700 You got to play ROAD RASH! It's an awesome Motorcycle game. Best played with a steering wheel, you race for money, and get to buy upgraded bikes. Cool sound track & full screen videos too. You get to beat the other riders with clubs, and chains. Don't let the cops catch you, you can beat them up too. CAD/CAM Kenny 98KLR I've seen a bizzillion( well almost) Car and plane games for my PC (NOT Pacific Coast!) but no cycle games. Anybody got any ideas. Robert "Whats All The Rukus" Frey There was a game by Lucas Arts for the PC called "Full Throttle". Its kind of a scenario role player, but there is a couple of motorcycle scenes in it, where you get to beat on other bikers with chains and clubs. I was amused with it. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Todd Emsley Subject: Re: (klr650) Cobra Pipes Date: 19 Jul 1998 07:07:11 -0400 Scott, As everyone on the list is sick of hearing by now, I am in love with my "4-stroke" COBRA pipe on my '97. My airbox is completely drilled out and carb is completely re-jetted. My opinion is that with the factory lean mixture, adding the pipe to a stock set up will really put a lean mix in the bike. If you want to spend the money for a pipe, spend a little more on a jet kit, or if you aren't sure about jetting, have it done. The results are great. It is, in my opinion of course (we have alot of those "Supertrapp people" out there) the least restrictive and probably the loudest, if that is good or bad is for you to decide. The sheer airflow is pretty damn good. I'm watching the posts about a new larger header pipe to finish off my exhaust. If you don't want to fool with the jetting, the gain from the pipe alone will be minamal. Todd A11 What? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Purpose of the counterbalance? Date: 19 Jul 1998 21:05:56 +1000 bruixot@rmi.net wrote: [...] > instrumented hands, I believe that the perceived handlebar vibration of even > the best-adjusted KLR650 at most rpm ranges is no better than either of > those models. Ah, but what is the redline of an XT5? Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Fw: BOUNCE klr650@lists.xmission.com: Admin request: /^subject:\s*help\b/i Date: 19 Jul 1998 20:33:27 +1000 Kurt Simpson forwarded a post: > >>From rpclarke@pop.mindspring.com Sat Jul 18 17:19:02 1998 [...] > >Much to my surprise, there was a bunch of metal behind the sieve. So I'm not the only one... [...] > >Can anyone identify where these pieces came from? I didn't find lots of metal, but one bit looked like it came of the very end of a spring, you know, the tapered wire at the end. As to where it is from, I don't know, but it just might be out of a clutch basket damper spring (uh oh...). If I ever get around to doing my motor up, I'll let everybody know what I find, or as the case may be, not find. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Clutch reliability question Date: 19 Jul 1998 20:23:25 +1000 Dean Harrison wrote: [clutch] > problem? If this truly is a problem, is there a year of bike after which > the problem seems to diminish (I thought someone mentioned this but I've > forgotten)? Has anyone ever done a survey on the list regarding this issue? Never heard of a survey on it here, yet, but this might prompt one. I have over 50,000 miles (mostly road) on my old 600, the plates are due for a change. It only slips when I run the bike without the muffler >-) Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Rick Clarke" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: little spring parts... Date: 19 Jul 1998 07:48:52 -0400 > >Much to my surprise, there was a bunch of metal behind the sieve. > >It looks like the metal fragments used to be a spring. There are > >enough little pieces of beat up metal to make a spring with about 20 > >turns. The spring would be about 8mm OD with a 1mm wire diameter. > This sounds like the answer to Dean's question. From the archives: > > Eldon Carl reports that there are two potentially catastrophic problems with > the pre '96 design. The first involves the clutch basket which he claims has > brittle springs in the back side which eventually fracture and break. The springs I found in the sieve are too small to be from the clutch. I didn't pull the clutch basket, but I can feel in back of it and the clutch basket springs feel intact. From the shop manual, these spring fragments appear similar to the springs shown in the balancer sprockets. Right now I'm inclined to put the rt. cover back on and ride the bike until winter. Then I might pull the left cover and see what's going on over there. Has anyone ever seen balancer sprocket springs fail? -Rick R.P.Clarke (rpclarke@mindspring.com) "What traffic?" RTP, NC, USA DoD#5811 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Rick Clarke" Subject: Re: (klr650) We need a clutch refurbish guide !! Date: 19 Jul 1998 08:25:38 -0400 > The base manual looks a bit sparse in torque settings for the pressure > plate bolts, and even for the main clutch hub nut. > Just off the top of my head, about 25 ft/lbs should be adequate for > the pressure plate bolts. I'd be inclined to use some low-strength > thread lock on them as well. WHOA!! Don't even think about putting that much torque on those little suckers. The exploded diagram in the base manual lists the torque as 7 ft-lb. The supplement lists the torque as 87 in-lb. I just pulled my clutch for inspection while I had the rt. side cover off. The plates were in spec. The pressure plate springs were at the service limit (a little sacked). I put them back in since the clutch works fine. I didn't bother pulling the clutch hub. I don't have a tool to hold the hub. I do have an air wrench. Putting the hub back on with the air wrench makes it difficult (but not impossible) to torque the basket nut properly. -Rick R.P.Clarke (rpclarke@mindspring.com) "What traffic?" RTP, NC, USA DoD#5811 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: vesannlewis@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Helmets Date: 19 Jul 1998 06:22:14 -0700 Preferences should obligate anyone else. But, for a summer helmet, I recently bought a Nolan M40 and really like it. It has more cheek protection than the usual open face helmet but less than one with a chin piece. It's shield is open at the bottom and allows plenty of air circulation without strangulation while still providing the protection where needed. Its visibility is much better than most full face helmets I have used. $119. Good fit plus I can put it on while still wearing my glasses; I don't have to take them off first. My wife really likes hers as well. -Ves _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "John Bennett" Subject: (klr650) Slippage at high RPM's Date: 19 Jul 1998 08:59:18 -0500 on Sunday, July 19, Jeffrey Walker wrote: >When I switched to the full synthetic is also when I >noticed minor clutch slippage in the upper RPM range >during hard acceleration. I'm wondering if I switch back > to mineral oil that the slippage will disappear. My '88 did the same thing immediately after her last oil change. I thought this was a sign of excessive wear. Now I don't. I decided not to worry about it until the clutch starts to slip more noticeably. >If I finally get around to replacing the clutch, I'll gladly >lay down a rough procedure for anyone. Please do! I want to archive the information that you give. I'm developing an archive of KLR tips, tricks, and voodoo. Right now it consists of messages saved from this list, personal email , and web links. Someday I will put it all together into one nice Word document. Then, evenaully some nice web pages. John Bennett ===================================== Visit my page! http://www.lcc.net/~jbennett ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: (klr650) Goggles and glasses Date: 19 Jul 1998 07:48:21 -0700 I'm still trying to buy gear so I can take this bike out in the dirt for the first time. Can you gentlemen recommend a goggle model that works well with glasses? I'm assuming that there are a significant number of people who don't wear contacts and must deal with this problem. If so, does fogging become a major issue with glasses (for dirt road riding)? Someone just mentioned the use of a Nolan helmet with some kind of modified shield that allows good air flow which sounds like a excellent alternative. I just bought a helmet but haven't used it- I wish I would have researched this before purchasing but I may still be able to take it back. One dealer mentioned using the Smith SMX model of goggles for such an application-anybody use those? Your opinions would be appreciated. Thanks, Dean in Seattle 94 KLR, 95 VFR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: little spring parts... Date: 19 Jul 1998 08:34:41 -0700 ---------- > From: Kurt Simpson > To: rpclarke@pop.mindspring.com > Cc: List KLR > Subject: (klr650) Re: little spring parts... > Date: Saturday, July 18, 1998 6:55 PM > > > > >While I was cleaning off the old gasket, I also pulled out the oil > >pump inlet sieve. It's held in by the right side cover, so it slid > >right out. > > > >Much to my surprise, there was a bunch of metal behind the sieve. > >It looks like the metal fragments used to be a spring. There are > >enough little pieces of beat up metal to make a spring with about 20 > >turns. The spring would be about 8mm OD with a 1mm wire diameter. > > > This sounds like the answer to Dean's question. From the archives: > > Eldon Carl reports that there are two potentially catastrophic problems with > the pre '96 design. The first involves the clutch basket which he claims has > brittle springs in the back side which eventually fracture and break. Because > of the poor design, the boils can get out of the basket and into the flow of > oil. He believes that nearly all pre-1996 KLR650's will have broken clutch > basket springs by 25,000 miles. In 1996 the redesigned clutch basket included > heavier springs with proper heat treatment. There are no after market > replacements for the defective springs. Eldon urges all owners of pre-'96 KLR's > and Tengai's to remove the clutch cover and pull the clutch basket for > inspection. Check the filter screen and clean it. He says that the new clutch > can be installed but some machining must be done and several other '96 parts > must be installed including the primary drive spur gear. > > Kurt > First, Kurt, you say 'From the archives' - all I've found is a complete lists of digest in which you have to look through every one (and I've done a number of them) to find anything. Is this a searchable archives where you can enter a subject line and it will return relevant correspondence? I'd like to minimize asking the usual questions which have been answered before but hate the thought of looking through every past digest. Second, on what does Eldon Carl base such a statement? From what I can tell, Mr. Carl has earned a great deal of respect from this list but since I don't know him from Adam, I have to ask where his data is coming from? Has he surveyed this list or used his experience among riding partners? Has Kawasaki every stated this as a problem on this bike(I know manf. are reluctant to ever do this unless forced to)? Third, you mention 'Eldon urges all owners of pre-'96 KLR's and Tengai's to remove the clutch cover and pull the clutch basket for inspection.' What do you inspect? Do you measure the springs or something? Fourth, how many people are on this list? I'm curious how many owners are represented when problems like these are discussed. Thanks, Dean in Seattle 94 KLR, 94 VFR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Fw: BOUNCE klr650@lists.xmission.com: Admin request of type /\bsubscribe\b/i at line 2 Date: 19 Jul 1998 09:33:22 -0600 -----Original Message----- line 2 >>From jbennett@lcc.net Sun Jul 19 08:37:23 1998 >Received: from (stan.lcc.net) [207.70.172.244] > by lists.xmission.com with esmtp (Exim 1.82 #1) > id 0yxuaY-0006Mm-00; Sun, 19 Jul 1998 08:37:22 -0600 >Received: from jbennett (lfkn-ddas3-a37.lcc.net [207.70.143.129]) by stan.lcc.net (8.8.5/8.7.5) with SMTP id JAA06507 for ; Sun, 19 Jul 1998 09:36:42 -0500 (CDT) >From: "John Bennett" >To: >Subject: I like this list. >Date: Sun, 19 Jul 1998 09:03:53 -0500 >Message-ID: <01bdb31e$102e4320$658f46cf@jbennett> >MIME-Version: 1.0 >Content-Type: text/plain; > charset="iso-8859-1" >Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit >X-Priority: 3 >X-MSMail-Priority: Normal >X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.71.1712.3 >X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.71.1712.3 > >I just wanted to tell everyone that I really do appreciate all the >tips and insight that I've received from this email list. I subscribe >to a lot of email lists and I can say that without a doubt, this is >the friendliest and most useful. > >(for contrast, read the Japanese Jujutsu list sometime ) > >John Bennett > > >===================================== >Visit my page! http://www.lcc.net/~jbennett > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Goggles and glasses Date: 19 Jul 1998 09:50:59 -0600 -----Original Message----- >I'm still trying to buy gear so I can take this bike out in the dirt for >the first time. Can you gentlemen recommend a goggle model that works well >with glasses >Thanks, Dean in Seattle 94 KLR, 95 VFR > I use Scott 87 OTG series. They work fine. MAW sells them and I'm sure Fred Hink can get them for you as well. Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Supertrapp? Date: 19 Jul 1998 10:02:24 -0600 -----Original Message----- >I was wondering what all the Supertrapp IDS comes with? Also where have you >guys been getting them from and what have you been paying? > > >Thanks >Chadd Thompson >chadd@accessus.net > > Chadd, here is what March prices looked like at MAW, the IDS in "Quiet Series" 611-6600 was $219.95 and the IDS in Racing Series 613-6600 was $199.95. Pictures and info are at: http://www.supertrapp.com/ids.html The Quiet series came with 12 discs (they said that more wouldn't make a difference); an internal silencer; anti-seize; a downturned end cap; a spacer to move the mount away from the fender; a mid-pipe; clamps; instructions. Fred Hink has them as well. Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) We need a clutch refurbish guide !! Date: 20 Jul 1998 01:27:07 +1000 Rick Clarke wrote: [clutch basket pressure plate bolts] > WHOA!! Don't even think about putting that much torque on those > little suckers. The exploded diagram in the base manual lists the > torque as 7 ft-lb. The supplement lists the torque as 87 in-lb. Ouch! You got me there. I stand corrected. Note the torque on the basket hub nut, 98ft-lb! My engine only puts put 34ft-lb factory fresh, figure in the primary reduction and my gearbox would see about 82ft-lb on a good day. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "John Bennett" Subject: (klr650) Rode a Tiger yesterday - my impressions Date: 19 Jul 1998 12:10:48 -0500 Yesterday I rode a 1995 Triumph Tiger. I currently own a 1988 KLR 650. I want a bigger bike because the speed limit here in Texas is 70mph. Thus, traffic usually flows at about 75mph on rural two-lane roads, 80mph on US highways, and 85-90mph on the Interstates. Needless to say, the KLR just won't flow comfortably in that kind of traffic. Since I'm poor, my next bike purchase has to last me till the kids get out of college. So, for two years now I've been searching for "John's end-all-be-all-mortgage-the-house-once-in-a-lifetime-never-need-to-buy -another-one-motorcycle". The fantastic, wonderful folks (seriously) at British USA in Houston, TX ( http://www.blkbox.com/~britusa/ ) let me test drive a used Tiger they had on their lot (blue, 16K, centerstand, Corbin, $6995). I did not like it. I scratched it off my list of candidates. The bike looks awesome. If you've seen one, you know what I mean. The styling is full on. Of course, I've read every scrap of info ever written in the english language about the Tiger. What "they" say is true. The front end dives. It's top-heavy. The torque is, to put it kindly, waaaaaaay too high in the tach. You can't see the indicator lights. Handle bar is too narrow. It tracks funny. Details: The decisive turnoff for me was the engine response. The Tiger had NO low-end torque whatsoever. Not good on a bike you might ride on trails. I had to keep the engine screaming to get power out of the bike. Literally, the engine wants to stall when you lay on the gas at anything below 3000 rpm. I need a bike that will jump curbs at the local Mall, make U-turns on boat ramps at the lake, do donuts at the end of dead-end roads, and climb highway embankments at 2 mph. I need stump-pulling tractor-like low-end torque like on a KLR. The Tiger does not have it. (Have you ever tried to fan a clutch whilst working your 32" handlebar between trees spaced 30" apart at 0.005 mph? It ain't no fun with an engine where the power is at 6000 rpm.) Plus, I thought the damn engine was grinding apart inside when I gave it gas in 2nd gear below 2500rpm. It made a horrible vibrating/grinding noise. It was a very disconcerting sound. It was so bad in fact that when I got back to the dealership I had their mechanic ride the bike to see what was wrong. I felt somewhat foolish when he told me that all the 3-cylinder Hinckley engines do that. We jumped on a 97 Trophy and he showed me how it did the same thing. He said it was the counterbalancer system compensating for the 3 cylinders. Not a problem, but it sounds horrible. Fast it was. 40mph to 80mph in about 4 seconds. Now THAT is how to merge onto the Gulf Freeway towards Galveston and the beach! Reliability? This bike had over 16K on it. It was unwashed and ridden daily. There were no leaks (forks/engine), no cracks anywhere (faring/exhaust/frame), no slop in the clutch or transmission. The Corbin seat was sunburned and fading, but the instruments, plastic, and paint were not. I talked with two Tiger riders while I was there who'd had no problems whatsoever in a combined 50K miles. My research tells me the new Triumphs are at least as reliable as any Japanese marquee if not more so. 1st and 2nd gear wheelies where a lot harder to come by than on a KLR. Vibration was similar to my old 82 Suzuki GS750, in other words, non-existent compared to my KLR. Cruising at 70mph was smooth and comfortable, unlike my KLR on which the engine begins to complain at that speed. Perhaps it was the narrow handlebar, but the Tiger seemed to grab a line in the pavement and then jump track suddenly. The bike seemed very top-heavy. It was very difficult to force a power slide. I broke the rear tire loose on a sandy patch on a city street while doing about 40mph. Very wobbly feeling while getting the rear tire back on line. The same thing happened at lower speeds when I practiced breaking the rear tire loose in a grassy field. Maybe lowering the front end and softening the rear end would help a bit. Hmmm. I don't know. The overall sound of the engine takes some getting used to. Now I know what they mean when they talk about how the Tiger "growls". It's a very unique sound. The sound is just like the sound that the strings on a weed-eater (tm) make when you rev it up. Not the engine on the weed-eater, the cutting strings. Like this... whiiiiiiirrrrrrrr, whiir, whiir, whiiiiiiiIIIIIIIIIIrrr. Sidenote: those Triumph Legends and Thunderbirds look Right Bloody F*cking Cool! Beautifully classic yet with modern technology. However....., I would feel kinda silly sitting atop one at a red light with that Robocop turbine sound whirling from underneath me. I'm glad that I rode the Tiger. I would have hated to buy something else and then live with the sneaking suspicion that a Tiger might have been better. Or worse, buy something else and find out that it was. The Tiger is a kick-ass bike. It's just not what I'm looking for. Sorry for the excessive length and cross-posting, but I spent a lot of time on this post. John Bennett ===================================== Visit my page! http://www.lcc.net/~jbennett ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Oil Change...is Eldon right? Date: 19 Jul 1998 13:04:53 -0600 From the archives: >Eldon tells us to fill our crankcases with 2 quarts, 19 ounces of oil after >doing a COMPLETE draining of the engine. (This means, in Eldon's article, to >let it drain overnight with the bike leaning slightly to the right after a >ride to make sure that the oil is warm.) He tells us that if the oil is at >the top line of the sight-glass (when LEVEL) we have 2 quarts, 7 ounces of oil >in the engine. So, he goes on to tell us that if the oil is at the top line, >he then adds 10 ounces. I decided to do some close watching when I changed my oil today at 1,500 miles. First, I drained the oil and took out the filter. I let the bike drain for a total of an hour. After the dripping stopped, I spent the next 30 minutes tilting the bike left and right and was rewarded with more drain. When I couldn't get anymore dripping (even with cranking the starter) I put in the new magnetic drain plug and surgical steel lifetime K&P filter I got from Fred Hink. Now I began to add oil. After 2 quarts (1.892 liters) the sight glass was a little less than 1/2. I began adding oil a little at a time, stopping to check the sight glass, stopping to let it get to the bottom of the case. I reached the top of the sight glass and put a lid on the bottle. It is now in front of me. It shows approximately 17.85 ounces (.525 liters) remaining. This means that it took 2 qts. 14.15 ounces (2.417 liters) to reach the sight glass top line. It also means that had I simply added the recommended 2 qts. 20.7 ounces or 2.5 liters that I would either be spot on (in which case top of the line leaves us 6.5 ounces low) or I run with 6.5 ounces too much oil (assuming that there was somehow 6.5 ounces still left in the engine). Because I can't imagine any motorcycle dealer doing more than I did for an oil change I have to believe that Eldon is right and when we see our oil level dip to the top line we are running less than the 2.5 liter capacity. Kurt (hoping my math is ok, 100 ml=3.4 ounces) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) Goggles and glasses Date: 19 Jul 1998 13:08:13 -0600 -----Original Message----- >I'm still trying to buy gear so I can take this bike out in the dirt for >the first time. Can you gentlemen recommend a goggle model that works well >with glasses? I'm assuming that there are a significant number of people >who don't wear contacts and must deal with this problem. If so, does >fogging become a major issue with glasses (for dirt road riding)? Someone >just mentioned the use of a Nolan helmet with some kind of modified shield >that allows good air flow which sounds like a excellent alternative. I just >bought a helmet but haven't used it- I wish I would have researched this >before purchasing but I may still be able to take it back. One dealer >mentioned using the Smith SMX model of goggles for such an >application-anybody use those? Your opinions would be appreciated. > >Thanks, Dean in Seattle 94 KLR, 95 VFR > > Scott makes the model 87 that fit over glasses. You shouldn't have any fogging problems this summer (its 116 in Moab) but fogging is likely in the winter if you ride hard and fast. There are different types of lens (Scott calls theirs a dual pane) that should help with the fogging problem and also lens treatments that sort of work. Fred Hink moabmc@lasal.net Arrowhead Motorsports http://cctr.umkc.edu/user/khink/moabmc/index.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert Morgan" Subject: Re: (klr650) Googely Eyes Date: 19 Jul 1998 12:19:40 -0700 Dean I wear Scott Otg goggles off road when I take the face shield off my Arai ds Helmet. they fit nicely within the helmet opening and do not aggrevate my already annoying glasses. Have not had any fogging problems. I got the gradient lens. If you're collecting gear to foray offroad put substantial BOOTS at the top of your list. The klr is heavy and gets "jiggy" in the dirt pretty quick. Morgan San Diego ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Mods-Airbag-Saddlebag etc.....looooong Date: 19 Jul 1998 16:40:17 EDT I'll try to kill a few birds with one post here. 1) Several Listers asked for the photos of my bike bags. 2) Our list Administrator, Kurt Simpson asked us to post our klr mods. 3) Introduce the motorcycle airbag I'm beta testing. 4) Post a photo of yours truly. Thanks again to all who I've forgotten to mention by name.....for all the great ideas. Especially Kurt, Bill and Gino, for this list (and all it's fine contributors), the klr web site and the klr newsletter. o/~ I'd be nowhere at all, I'd be lost if not for you o/~ Curse you all. I was blissfully ignorant until I fell in with this bunch. I'm going to mortgage my house to finish this bike. My wife will leave me. I'll lose my job............but then again it will all be worth it when I get the perfect bike;-) My web site is down for repairs, but the FTP link below will allow your browser to view it, or download (takes <20 seconds @56k), a jpg file. There's no text with the photo, so here's a listing: Things you may see; Acerbis hand guards White Bros. bash plate Vista throttle lock Saddleman gel seat Kawasaki tankbag Kawasaki saddlebags Aerostich competition panniers Delete California emissions R#! Bicycle bags (attached to rack) Motion pro brake lever Motion pro clutch cable MX2 grips MSR Systems 6 helmet (DOT&Snell95;) Scott goggles with Quick strap DeepSea gloves Raised license plate Maxxis 6006 tires Highway pegs with tire pump Airbag suit (deployed if you have a get off) Yours truly (and you thought YOUR jacket was hot...) Things that are not shown or cannot be seen; Aerostich Darien jacket and pants Aero Combat boots Cycoactive big fenderbag K&P stainless oil filter (thanks again Fred) UNI 1" filtered air vents and filter Modified carb Walrus rapide tent with pad Upgraded Yausu battery with tender 400lbs worth of tools and parts;) Helium filled HD mylar lined inner tubes (thanks Chris) NOS canister hidden in airbox Things I've forgotten; .....I don't remember........ Things left to do; Big gun header and spark arrestor Fuel injection system Titanium frame, axles, and assorted hardware Integrated instruments/gps/comm with noise attenuation 7 gal. polyethylene gas tank Waste heat capture device Zirk fittings (thanks Darrel) A special surprise from lister Morgan And that's it......well maybe.......for now http://members.aol.com/cloudhid/ronsklrmods.jpg/ RonzModz CA Ron (who is the biggest airbag on the list) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: West Hovland Subject: Re: (klr650) Rode a Tiger yesterday - my impressions Date: 19 Jul 1998 15:17:48 -0700 John Bennett wrote: > Yesterday I rode a 1995 Triumph Tiger. > > I did not like it. I scratched it off my list of candidates. > > The bike looks awesome. If you've seen one, you know what I mean. > The styling is full on. > > What "they" say is true. The front end > dives. It's top-heavy. The torque is, to put it kindly, waaaaaaay > too high in the tach. You can't see the indicator lights. Handle bar > is too narrow. It tracks funny. > > The decisive turnoff for me was the engine response. The Tiger had NO > low-end torque whatsoever. I had to keep the engine screaming to get > power out of the > bike. Literally, the engine wants to stall when you lay on the gas at > anything below 3000 rpm. > > Plus, I thought the damn engine was grinding apart inside when I gave > it gas in 2nd gear below 2500rpm. It made a horrible > vibrating/grinding noise. > Sorry for my 2 cents but, can you spell EXAGGERATION! Must have been something really wrong with that Tiger. Maybe the indications of sitting around outside is reason to believe that the carbs were gunked up. My Tiger pulls harder at all rev's than my KLR. There could be many reasons why your experience was such a turn off...too bad! West ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: West Hovland Subject: Re: (klr650) Oil Change...is Eldon right? Date: 19 Jul 1998 15:22:58 -0700 Kurt, My guess is after your start the bike and run it ( you did not mention doing that), that this will again fill the fiter and nooks and crannies of the engine, you may be 6.5 oz. short on oil! West ( an expert by no means) Kurt Simpson wrote: > >From the archives: > > >Eldon tells us to fill our crankcases with 2 quarts, 19 ounces of oil after > >doing a COMPLETE draining of the engine. (This means, in Eldon's article, to > >let it drain overnight with the bike leaning slightly to the right after a > >ride to make sure that the oil is warm.) He tells us that if the oil is at > >the top line of the sight-glass (when LEVEL) we have 2 quarts, 7 ounces of oil > >in the engine. So, he goes on to tell us that if the oil is at the top line, > >he then adds 10 ounces. > > I decided to do some close watching when I changed my oil today at 1,500 miles. > First, I drained the oil and took out the filter. I let the bike drain for a total of > an hour. After the dripping stopped, I spent the next 30 minutes tilting the bike > left and right and was rewarded with more drain. When I couldn't get anymore dripping > (even with cranking the starter) I put in the new magnetic drain plug and surgical > steel lifetime K&P filter I got from Fred Hink. Now I began to add oil. After 2 > quarts (1.892 liters) the sight glass was a little less than 1/2. I began adding oil > a little at a time, stopping to check the sight glass, stopping to let it get to the > bottom of the case. > > I reached the top of the sight glass and put a lid on the bottle. It is now in front > of me. It shows approximately 17.85 ounces (.525 liters) remaining. This means that > it took 2 qts. 14.15 ounces (2.417 liters) to reach the sight glass top line. It also > means that had I simply added the recommended 2 qts. 20.7 ounces or 2.5 liters that I > would either be spot on (in which case top of the line leaves us 6.5 ounces low) or I > run with 6.5 ounces too much oil (assuming that there was somehow 6.5 ounces still > left in the engine). Because I can't imagine any motorcycle dealer doing more than I > did for an oil change I have to believe that Eldon is right and when we see our oil > level dip to the top line we are running less than the 2.5 liter capacity. > > Kurt (hoping my math is ok, 100 ml=3.4 ounces) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: wass Subject: (klr650) 96 KLR 650 For Sale Date: 19 Jul 1998 22:35:02 -0500 Just thought I would pass this along.There is a 1996 KLR 650 for sale in Duluth, MN for $2850 it's supposed to be in good shape with low mileage I havn't seen the bike and I don't know the guy I just saw it in the paper thoght someone might be interested. (218)525-2763 Scott Wass Grand Rapids,MN 1995 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Alex Jomarron Subject: (klr650) Blackwater 200 Date: 19 Jul 1998 23:51:22 +0000 KLRists, I just got back from the Blackwater 200 in West Virginia. 1350 miles round trip. 126 miles of mostly off road riding. I saw 2 other KLRs, including a 98 that was ridden two up! NO falls, a lot of dirt, and now a right rear turn signal bulb acting up. The bike performed well (So did I considering it was my first off road experience!). Quote of the weekend by some guy on a DR 350 referring to my bike: "Now there is a handful." Full write up and pics in an upcoming KLR newsletter. Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL 98 KLR 5496 miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: NKLR Re: (klr650) Mods-Airbag-Saddlebag etc.....looooong Date: 20 Jul 1998 17:16:24 +1000 Cloudhid@aol.com wrote: [...] > Things you may see; [...] > Airbag suit (deployed if you have a get off) > Yours truly (and you thought YOUR jacket was hot...) > > Things that are not shown or cannot be seen; The boarding pass for the next Space Shuttle flight! :-) Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) Manuals Date: 20 Jul 1998 08:22:36 I rode to Scranton, PA 50 miles) this past Saturday to a dealer called "Jim Murray's Kawasaki Sales & Service" (717-342-3280) to see if he would order a set of service manuals for me. Well, he STOCKS service manuals and had the KLR set on the shelf. They cost me $38.06 total for the set. The parts guy claimed that they were the oldest Kawasaki dealer in PA having been in business since the late 60's. They only sell Kawasaki. What a pleasant ride and surprise it was. Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ajax" Subject: (klr650) Fw: Date: 20 Jul 1998 09:02:21 -0600 I don't speak Spanish but I think Hugo is looking for help locating manuals for a 91 Tengai. Can anyone help him? Thanks, Kurt -----Original Message----- >Por favor, necesitaria comprar el manual tecnico o de mecanica de la Tengai >650 modelo 1991, como puedo hacer para consegirlo y cuanto vale ? >Muchas gracias. > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: (klr650) Thumper Rally in New Mexico (NKLR) Date: 20 Jul 1998 09:29:52 -0600 >>What is the word on the Four Stroke Singles Rally in Red River, NM? << If you like big glitzy rallies with thousands of people and lots of vendors, don't go to this rally. If you want to me 60-100 motorcycle enthusiasts by all means attend this rally. No vendors, no hype, but really neat people. The first night they have a picnic. Really lots of fun. Most of these riders have no concept of what the words "bolt on" mean when it comes to accessories. Most fabricate their own accessories to suit their needs. An example of a topic not suitable for discussion at the rally: 1. I could not here my CD player because of a pesky cross wind. A suitable topic of discussion at the rally is: 2. How you rebuilt your SR500 engine in the parking lot of a KOA using an old National Geographic to make new gaskets and made some neat hard luggage out of a pair old 5 gallon paint buckets while on your way to the rally. The rally is September 9, 10 in Red River, NM. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Stuart Heaslet Subject: Re: (klr650) Fw: Date: 20 Jul 1998 14:15:21 -0400 I sent a reply to Hugo saying "we're looking," but I think the problem will be in finding tech manuals in Spanish. I asked him if he could use an English manual in a pinch, and am waiting for his reply. He's in Argentina, according to his address. Stuart At 09:02 AM 7/20/98 -0600, Ajax wrote: >I don't speak Spanish but I think Hugo is looking for help locating manuals for >a 91 Tengai. Can anyone help him? > >Thanks, > >Kurt >-----Original Message----- >From: Hugo Castro >To: owner-klr650@lists.xmission.com >Date: Monday, July 20, 1998 8:25 AM > > >>Por favor, necesitaria comprar el manual tecnico o de mecanica de la Tengai >>650 modelo 1991, como puedo hacer para consegirlo y cuanto vale ? >>Muchas gracias. >> >> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: bruixot@rmi.net Subject: (klr650) For Hugo Date: 20 Jul 1998 12:27:06 -0600 Ajax wrote: > I don't speak Spanish but I think Hugo is looking for help locating man= uals for > a 91 Tengai. Can anyone help him? > > Thanks, > > Kurt > -----Original Message----- > From: Hugo Castro > To: owner-klr650@lists.xmission.com > Date: Monday, July 20, 1998 8:25 AM > > >Por favor, necesitaria comprar el manual tecnico o de mecanica de la T= engai > >650 modelo 1991, como puedo hacer para consegirlo y cuanto vale ? > >Muchas gracias. The translation is, not exactly literally but the message is: I would like to buy the service manual for the 91 Tengai 650: what do I h= ave to do to get it and what would it cost? For Hugo: Motero, =BFD=F3nde vives? Me parece en alg=FAn rinc=F3n de la Argentina.= Escr=EDbame a: bruixot@rmi.net Tenemos un amigo motero en Rancagua, Chile y otro en Santiago; quizas otr= o en Buenos Aires. Muchas veces podemos conseguir manuales y mandarlas alla. E= l precio debe ser US$45 mas IVA y flete, si esta disponible. Rafagas, -El viejo brujo /el vell bruixot ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: Re: (klr650) Fw: Date: 20 Jul 1998 18:24:32 -0500 >From: Hugo Castro > > >>Por favor, necesitaria comprar el manual tecnico o de mecanica de la Te= ngai >>650 modelo 1991, como puedo hacer para consegirlo y cuanto vale ? >>Muchas gracias. Please, I need to buy the manual for a 91 tengai, Where can I find it and how much is it ? thanks a lot ! Hugo, si tas en bs as, no lo podes conseguir en algun concesionario alla = ? probaste en moto roma ? ese que quedaba en ... liniers creo. Si no, contestame a tuca@tampabay.rr.com y veo si se puede conseguir por aca y d= e alguna manera mandartelo para alla. ! Un abrazo de un klero porte=F1o en Tampa, FL !! Esteban >> >> Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC (Undernet) Email: tuca@tampabay.rr.com Email: steve@vvd.com Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Stuart Heaslet Subject: Re: (klr650) Fw: Date: 20 Jul 1998 18:48:10 -0400 Steve, That's what I couldn't understand - why Hugo can't get a Spanish version in Argentina...He wrote me back too, but didn't say if he could use an English version. Unfortunately, most publications in Latin America cost far more than they do here, so maybe he's going after the savings... Stuart >Hugo, si tas en bs as, no lo podes conseguir en algun concesionario alla ... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: leelacy@hop-uky.campus.mci.net (Dennis Lee Lacy) Subject: (klr650) Battery/Starting Date: 20 Jul 1998 17:54:29 +0000 Recently, I started my bike and it ran for about a minute and then it died. I had been having trouble with the battery off and on for about a year, so I just replaced it. That solved the problem. Does this sound right? Has this happened to anyone else? My KLR is a 1996. "Denny" Lee Lacy Western Kentucky Double Vet USAF/USN ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) For Sale: klr part Date: 20 Jul 1998 21:33:27 EDT Original Factory Equipment. A must for authentic restorations. HiDash battery, model FB 14L-A2. Lovingly tendered with a specific gravity that will never let you down. $20 obo Less than half the cost of new. Terms: cash and carry only. Comes with a handsome gift box. Perfect present for your mother-in-law. Please respond privately. CA Ron (always willing to sacrifice for fellow Listers) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Fw: Date: 20 Jul 1998 23:22:54 EDT In a message dated 98-07-20 11:12:29 EDT, ajax@xmission.com writes: << I don't speak Spanish but I think Hugo is looking for help locating manuals for a 91 Tengai. Can anyone help him? >> The Tengai has its own complete manual unlike the KLR650 which has a main and a supplement. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: (klr650) Oil Wars: The Final Chapter? Date: 20 Jul 1998 23:31:49 -0700 It is with considerable glee that I report a final resolution to the car vs. bike oil wars. Effective in the next week or so, AutoZone (and a western-based chain that I cant recall) will be selling the new motorcycle-specific version of Mobil One synthetic motor oil. Yee-ha! -Tom Having his cake and eating it, too. '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: (klr650) Jet kit. Date: 20 Jul 1998 22:49:39 -0500 Well I finally got around to puting in my jet kit this weekend. Not too hard to install didn't really take all that long. I had the K&N kit and went with the stage one and I think the 136 jet. Anyway I can tell a difference in the way the bike runs. Starts easier throttle is more crisp and no more surge :O) not sure of any affects on milage yet. It almost seems that I am in the rich condition now though seems to load up a little at high speed. I ordered a K&N filter and the Super Trapp from the local shop today and it should be here this week, also ordered progessive springs. I hope these items will make some more improvments especially the nose dive front end. I took pictures during the jet kit install of items that I thought were confusing in the install wright ups that I have veiwed. If anyone wants copies of the pics with short descriptions let me know and I can send them to ya. I have also been looking for a Kawasaki Concours to add to the stable if anyone knows of a good used one in the $3000-$4000 range please pass it on. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "skip faulkner" Subject: Re: (klr650) Kickstands Date: 20 Jul 1998 23:07:26 -0600 >I usually do end up using things like wood planks or large rocks that I >find laying around when I put the bike on its stand, just to keep it >middle ground. I'm thinking of trying to find a welder to cut the "pad" >at the bottom off at the seam, and having an inch or so of tube added, and >the pad reattached to the bottom. Kind of a complicated pain, but... > Carlos, I don`t know if you`ve modified your stand yet since I`m just catching up on the list, (I went to the BMW Rallye and took an extra couple of days and went riding with some guys) but what I`ve done to my past two bikes might work for you. On my now present KLR and on my R100GS (it was heavier and I had soft ground problems with it) I cut my stand 5 inches from the bottom, found some 1/8 th inch wall tubing small enough to slide inside the original (8 inches for mine, you may want more or less but 8 gave me another 3 inches) and welded another pad on (about 1 inch wider and 1/2 inch longer than the original), drilled a 5/16 inch hole 1/2 inch from the bottom of the still attached original, slid the new piece in an inch and proceedeed to mark holes to be drilled every inch on center till my last hole would place my stand two inches shorter than original. I then reamed the holes with a round file to allow my 5/16 clevis pin to easily slide in each hole, zinc chromated the new piece and the exposed end I cut and painted silver. I made a 4x4 inch plate with a welded on pocket that slips over the stand plate for really soft ground and slips nicely in my tool pouch. I now have a fully adjustable side stand and it works great. It sounds like a lot of work but it didn`t take that long. You can do all the work yourself with hand tools, hacksaw and drill and when your to the stand plate, take that to your welder. If you want to take it a step farther, have ears welded to the stand plate and instead of welding it on, drill holes through the bottom of the stand tube and ears of the plate and put a bolt through it not to tightly, this will allow the plate to pivot and self adjust to to the terrain your on. ----Skip (who has to use my stand to get on my bike when loaded)----- (the bike, not me) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "skip faulkner" Subject: Re: (klr650) Solid Foam Tube Date: 20 Jul 1998 23:14:46 -0600 -----Original Message----- > >you wrote: > >>overheat quickly at >>highway speeds. > > That's what I thought. Thanks Tom. > Ron > Ron, For future reference and the archives, foam tubes are cheaper than Viagra and they really do heat up when the used to fast. -----------------------Skip------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Oil Wars: The Final Chapter? Date: 21 Jul 1998 01:28:29 EDT Please try to support your local motorcycle retailer. Thanks, Walter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: Re: (klr650) Oil Wars: The Final Chapter? Date: 20 Jul 1998 21:06:28 -0700 The 'Yee-ha' may diminish when you find out it costs $9 per quart. Also sold at Schucks Automotive. Dean in Seattle ---------- > From: Tom Simpson > To: klr650@lists.xmission.com > Subject: (klr650) Oil Wars: The Final Chapter? > Date: Monday, July 20, 1998 11:31 PM > > > > It is with considerable glee that I report a final resolution > to the car vs. bike oil wars. Effective in the next week or so, > AutoZone (and a western-based chain that I cant recall) will > be selling the new motorcycle-specific version of Mobil One > synthetic motor oil. > > > Yee-ha! > > > -Tom > Having his cake and eating it, too. > '96 KLR 650 > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Oil Wars: The Final Chapter? Date: 21 Jul 1998 07:12:01 -0700 At 01:28 AM 7/21/98 EDT, WKPII@aol.com wrote: >Please try to support your local motorcycle retailer. Given my negative experience with Golden Spectro, Ill be buying by filters from my dealer, not my oil. -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bill Wright Subject: (klr650) Nolan Helmets Date: 21 Jul 1998 07:15:01 -0400 Gino (and anyone else who has a Nolan), I'm thinking about a new helmet and have been looking at the N100. I understand you purchased one after your unscheduled get off. I have a few questions for you: 1. Do you ride with the chin guard up and does it feel top heavy or catch the wind.? 2. Since the chin bar is moveable, do you think it provides enough protection? 3. Could it accidentally come up in the event of a crash? 4. Does the visor open independently of the chin bar? 5. How is the ventilation? 6. Is the lining removable for cleaning? 7. Did you get the breath deflector and wind protector with yours? Bill Wright Hotlanta, GA. 98 KLR650 - "Special K" - 13K miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Oil Wars: The Final Chapter? Date: 21 Jul 1998 07:14:34 -0700 At 09:06 PM 7/20/98 -0700, Dean Harrison wrote: >The 'Yee-ha' may diminish when you find out it costs $9 per quart. Also >sold at Schucks Automotive. I'll go with that. It's gotta' work beter than the Golden Spectro @ almost $7) did. -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Battery/Starting Date: 21 Jul 1998 22:23:22 +1000 Dennis Lee Lacy wrote: > Recently, I started my bike and it ran for about a minute and then it > died. I had been having trouble with the battery off and on for about a > year, so I just replaced it. That solved the problem. Does this sound > right? Has this happened to anyone else? My KLR is a 1996. Batteries can do weird things. I chased a strange "electrical" problem for nearly two days before I got the notion to put a meter onto the battery. I'm only surprised that Dennis' battery only lasted 2 years. The original Yuasa in my 600 went for seven years, the replacement only lasted 4 years (which is why I didn't originally suspect it). Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Fwd: BMW MOA in Missoula Date: 21 Jul 1998 08:37:45 EDT This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --part0_901024666_boundary Content-ID: <0_901024666@inet_out.mail.aol.com.1> Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII In a message dated 98-07-20 20:37:27 EDT, efpoklu@sandia.gov writes: << BMW rallies are fun, but too big for me. I get a kick out of all of the gadgets that are available. The National Thumper Rally (in Red River,NM first week in September) is far more entertaining than any of the 3 BMW rallies and the HOG rally I have been too. Only about 100 bikes show up to these Thumper rallies, but the people are some of the neatest folks you'd ever want to meet. Gino >> I would assume that this statement just means that the KLR people are the neatest of the neatest since we're just a subset of the Thumper folks? Of course coming from Gino, that goes without saying.. :-) MN Ron (having to write something so you won't miss me) --part0_901024666_boundary Content-ID: <0_901024666@inet_out.mail.aol.com.2> Content-type: message/rfc822 Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Content-disposition: inline Return-Path: Received: from relay17.mx.aol.com (relay17.mail.aol.com [172.31.106.71]) by air13.mail.aol.com (v45.21) with SMTP; Mon, 20 Jul 1998 20:37:26 -0400 Received: from bodhi.dorje.com (inet-gw.dorje.com [199.45.131.14]) by relay17.mx.aol.com (8.8.8/8.8.5/AOL-4.0.0) with ESMTP id UAA18345; Mon, 20 Jul 1998 20:37:11 -0400 (EDT) Received: from bodhi (server@localhost.dorje.com [127.0.0.1]) by bodhi.dorje.com (8.7.1/8.6.9) with SMTP id SAA01997; Mon, 20 Jul 1998 18:28:57 -0600 (MDT) Message-Id: <199807210028.SAA01997@bodhi.dorje.com> Errors-To: gnome@dorje.com Reply-To: dust@dorje.com Originator: dust@dorje.com Sender: dust@dorje.com Precedence: bulk X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Comment: Dual Sport Touring list Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit BMW rallies are fun, but too big for me. I get a kick out of all of the gadgets that are available. The National Thumper Rally (in Red River,NM first week in September) is far more entertaining than any of the 3 BMW rallies and the HOG rally I have been too. Only about 100 bikes show up to these Thumper rallies, but the people are some of the neatest folks you'd ever want to meet. Gino --part0_901024666_boundary-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Rex Hefferan Subject: (klr650) (NKLR) Web based Translator Date: 21 Jul 1998 06:25:24 -0700 (PDT) Gino and anyone else, Bookmark the below URL for the next time you need to translate something. It's usually not too great at what it does, but it's better than nothing. (Bonus: can be amusing as well) http://babelfish.altavista.digital.com/cgi-bin/translate? I tried it with Hugos' post and it sort of worked, see below; Please, necesitaria to buy the manual tecnico or of mecanica of 650 Tengai model 1991, since I can make to consegir it and whichever bond? Thank you very much. Rex (helping the world to communicate since 1998) _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Oil Wars: The Final Chapter? Date: 21 Jul 1998 10:38:37 EDT Good morning, There are other oils. Bel-Ray, Castrol Motorcycle, Maxima, Motul, Klotz, Blendzall. Give these oils a try. They are all fine products. I personally like the Castrol and Motul. Walter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bill Wright Subject: Re: (klr650) Manuals Date: 21 Jul 1998 10:41:01 -0400 Robert Kaub wrote: > I rode to Scranton, PA 50 miles) this past Saturday to a dealer called > "Jim Murray's Kawasaki Sales & Service" (717-342-3280) to see if he would > order a set of service manuals for me. Well, he STOCKS service manuals and > had the KLR set on the shelf. They cost me $38.06 total for the set. > The parts guy claimed that they were the oldest Kawasaki dealer in PA > having been in business since the late 60's. They only sell Kawasaki. > What a pleasant ride and surprise it was. Thanks. > Bob Kaub Bob, I called "your" dealer in PA. and ordered some parts and saved 10% over my local dealer even including shipping. They don't charge state sales tax for out of state sales which can cover the shipping charges. When I told them I got their number off the internet, they gave me their toll free number, (800)-713-3057, and said "pass it on". This appears to be a good, conscientious dealership. Check it out! Bill Wright Hotlanta, GA. 98 KLR 650 "Special - K" - 13K miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) Sprockets Date: 21 Jul 1998 12:41:13 Sooner or later we're gonna have to change sprockets (and chains). What's the story on rear sprockets? Specifically, steel vs. aluminum and slots between the teeth for self-cleaning. Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) Coolant/Silicates Date: 21 Jul 1998 13:05:17 Texaco Dex-Cool extended life coolant (100,000 miles in cars) does NOT contain silicates. When I have to change the coolant in my bike I plan to use it and never change it again. Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bill Wright Subject: (klr650) Plastic Parts Date: 21 Jul 1998 13:49:35 -0400 Hey Guys, I suppose I would have heard of it by now, but are there any suppliers of body plastic other than the dealers. I have trashed the 2 side panels by carrying saddlebags with no racks. The best price I have found so far is $71.70 each. (ouch!) Any help would be appreciated. Bill Wright Hotlanta, GA. 98 KLR 650 - "Special K" - 13K miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: Re: (klr650) Oil Wars: The Final Chapter? Date: 21 Jul 1998 11:27:57 -0700 I'm sure your statement is totally accurate but what I always wonder is- what's there to like about an oil? It either does a good job of protection, in which case you can't see what it does or see how well it does it -or you have an engine failure. Unless you have test data which seems scarce to me, how do you pick one over the other, price? ---------- > From: WKPII@aol.com > To: bullet@scsn.net > Cc: klr650@lists.xmission.com > Subject: Re: (klr650) Oil Wars: The Final Chapter? > Date: Tuesday, July 21, 1998 7:38 AM > > Good morning, > There are other oils. Bel-Ray, Castrol Motorcycle, Maxima, Motul, Klotz, > Blendzall. Give these oils a try. They are all fine products. I personally > like the Castrol and Motul. > > Walter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: bruixot@rmi.net Subject: Re: (klr650) (NKLR) Web based Translator Date: 21 Jul 1998 12:24:02 -0600 A (usually) far better online translator (select either German or Spanish to English): http://www.gmsmuc.de/english/trans.html But all online translators get confused when the original text lacks the necessary accents and other diacritical marks :-0 Rex Hefferan wrote: > Gino and anyone else, Bookmark the below URL for the next time you > need to translate something. It's usually not too great at what it > does, but it's better than nothing. (Bonus: can be amusing as well) > > http://babelfish.altavista.digital.com/cgi-bin/translate? > > I tried it with Hugos' post and it sort of worked, see below; > > Please, necesitaria to buy the manual tecnico or of mecanica of 650 > Tengai model 1991, since I can make to consegir it and whichever bond? > Thank you very much. > > Rex (helping the world to communicate since 1998) > _________________________________________________________ > DO YOU YAHOO!? > Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: Re: (klr650) Coolant/Silicates Date: 21 Jul 1998 11:40:47 -0700 Same for Prestone Extended Life coolant except I think it's five year, 100k miles so you may still need to change it down the road. It's orange, just in case you're looking for a coolant that goes with the color of your bike. :< ) ---------- > From: Robert Kaub > To: klr650@lists.xmission.com > Subject: (klr650) Coolant/Silicates > Date: Tuesday, July 21, 1998 6:05 AM > > Texaco Dex-Cool extended life coolant (100,000 miles in cars) does NOT > contain silicates. When I have to change the coolant in my bike I plan to > use it and never change it again. Thanks. > Bob Kaub > SUNY Binghamton > Watson School Student Shop > PO Box 6000 > Binghamton, NY 13902 > 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: (klr650) N100 Questions Date: 21 Jul 1998 13:35:04 -0600 >>I'm thinking about a new helmet and have been looking at the N100. I understand you purchased one after your >>unscheduled get off. I have a few questions for you: >>1. Do you ride with the chin guard up and does it feel top heavy or catch the wind.? >>2. Since the chin bar is moveable, do you think it provides enough protection? >>3. Could it accidentally come up in the event of a crash? >>4. Does the visor open independently of the chin bar? >>5. How is the ventilation? >>6. Is the lining removable for cleaning? >>7. Did you get the breath deflector and wind protector with yours? I ride around town with the chin guard up, especially on hot days while on slow streets. The chin bar has a neat mechanism that slides it back when it goes up, thus keeping it close to the helmet. I think it offers adequate protection, better than an open face, but not as good as a one piece full face. The chin bar is secured by two metal latches and has very stout pivot point. If you hit hard enough for it to open, your problems are just beginning. The visor is 3 position ratchet and is independent of the chin bar. Wind will not move the visor when it is open. Ventilation is great. Lining stays put, but I wear a head slik all the time. Mine came with the deflector and wind guard, but I have not installed them yet. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Sprockets Date: 21 Jul 1998 13:04:57 -0700 >Sooner or later we're gonna have to change sprockets (and chains). >What's the story on rear sprockets? Specifically, steel vs. aluminum and >slots between the teeth for self-cleaning. Thanks. Sunstar steel sprockets all the way! Aluminum wears too fast. I'm running an RK chain right now. I think that Afam has a sprocket and chain kit for the KLR, like mentioned on the KLR website. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Coolant/Silicates Date: 21 Jul 1998 13:09:02 -0700 >Texaco Dex-Cool extended life coolant (100,000 miles in cars) does NOT >contain silicates. When I have to change the coolant in my bike I plan to >use it and never change it again. Thanks. Not a good idea. Even though there are anti-corrosion agents in the coolant, corrosion still occurs. I don't mind paying for the good automotive type anti-freeze (silicon free), mixing it and flushing my system yearly. Cheep insurance against cooling system wear due to corrosion. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Fred Hink" Subject: (klr650) Service Manual Part # Date: 21 Jul 1998 03:52:45 -0600 My local Kawasaki dealer can't find me the part numbers for the service manual and supplement for the KLR. Can you ?? I have a complete set of Kawasaki soft luggage if anyone needs them. Thanks! Fred ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com Subject: (klr650) Tiger Date: 21 Jul 1998 18:59:23 -0400 John wrote:>>>> I want a bigger bike because the speed limit here in Texas is 70mph. Thus, traffic usually flows at about 75mph on rural two-lane roads, 80mph on US highways, and 85-90mph on the Interstates. <<<<<< John: I have driven my KLR at 75-85 MPH all day several times and it doesn't seem to mind. Pat Austin, TX FWIW, I don't see people commonly cruising 90MPH. Even if I did, I wouldn't need a bike that would keep up with them. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Jasniewicz" Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #148 Date: 21 Jul 1998 19:01:25 -0000 What is the problem with Golden Spectro? Has someone experienced a serious engine problem attributable to the product? Just throwing in my experience and my friends, most of whom use it. I have 40k on a KZ700, 60k on a GPZ750, 36k on a Ninja 900, and 34k on a CBR1000 with Golden Spectro. It isn't that pricey relative to other synthetics. I never followed that ad hype of 10,000 miles between oil changes, I changed every 3,000 miles or so. Hell, when I was a kid, everyone used Spectro products in their two-strokes also. Just curious... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ray & Heidi West" Subject: (klr650) KLR650 Luggage Date: 21 Jul 1998 16:48:34 -0700 Hello, I'm looking into luggage bags for my '98 KLR650. The only thing is see that's available are the bags available thru Kawasaki specifically for this bike (They look good). Any comments on these or others recommend? Thanks. '98 KLR650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Sconzo Subject: Re: (klr650) Tiger Date: 21 Jul 1998 20:53:19 -0400 PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com wrote: > John wrote:>>>> > I want a bigger bike because the speed limit here in Texas is 70mph. > That's the speed limit here in Florida too. I ride my KLR about 60 miles one way an average of once a week. I take my bike everywhere on and off road, and I agree it's not the best suited high speed-highway touring mount in the world, but honestly, I get a big thrill out of it being atypical on the interstate. When I first started to take her on the trip I was apprehensive, but after I learned what to expect in all the different traffic conditions I became much more relaxed and able to concentrate on pure riding while staying alive. I reach speeds of 85 routinely; but I normally cruise at about 75 (speedo). I also don't loaf behind tractor trailers often! Scott. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Mr. Mendez" Subject: Re: (klr650) Service Manual Part # Date: 21 Jul 1998 22:14:55 -0000 Hope this helps. It was posted a while back. Enyclopedic-J.Mendez ( yes!!, still klr-less ) FROM: KURT SIMPSON Ken Hall wrote: > > Can anyone suggestion a good shop manual for my klr? > > The little manual that came with it isn't worth diddley. > > I have a '98 klr 650. > > Thanks, > Ken Ken, the only choice is the Kawi Service Manuals, this list, and the website: The base manual,"KLR600 Service Manual" K#99924-1050-01 and the supplement,"KLR650/500 Supplement" K#99924-1080-55 The base manual contains procedures that are not covered in the supplement. -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 OB HawkGT '89 FS XS-650 '77 FS XS-650 '79 FS XS-650 '80 FS Ask me how to subscribe to the KLR Dual Sport Newsletter. ---------- > From: Fred Hink > To: KLR LIST > Subject: (klr650) Service Manual Part # > Date: Tuesday, July 21, 1998 5:52 AM > > My local Kawasaki dealer can't find me the part numbers for the service > manual and supplement for the KLR. Can you ?? > > I have a complete set of Kawasaki soft luggage if anyone needs them. > > Thanks! > > Fred > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: (klr650) Two up on KLR Date: 21 Jul 1998 21:49:55 -0500 I have asked this question once before but didn't really get any response on it. Anyway has anyone done any two up long distance touring on thier KLR? If so what were the results? Handling, fuel milage, etc.. I took a trip to Noth Carolina last year and was planning on going again this year but the wife wants to go this year too. So what is the good "or bad" word on it guys? Can the KLR eat up Deals gap 2 up or not? Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: rycomm@webtv.net (Ryan Combs) Subject: (klr650) klr mods airbags ect Date: 21 Jul 1998 22:35:29 -0500 (CDT) Nice looking bike Ron. I thougt my bike was starting to beecome over-accesorized. I dont feel so bad now. I can't post any pictures, but if you want to see it come to the fssnoc in Red River. That's a neat looking lid, is it custom ? Ryan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Alex Jomarron Subject: (klr650) Arkansas Dual Sport Suggestions Date: 21 Jul 1998 22:42:19 +0000 Greetings! I am seeking info/advice on any off road areas/roads in Arkansas. I'm hoping to be there the second week of August. Please reply directly to me. Thanks in advance!! Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL 88 BMW K75S 98 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chuck McCullough Subject: Re: (klr650) Arkansas Dual Sport Suggestions Date: 21 Jul 1998 22:56:26 -0500 Alex, Hiway 19 through eastern Missouri is one of the most fun rides I have ever taken on a motorcycle. I rode the road on a Honda Ascot vt500 last July 4th weekend. Ascot is a great little bike for that kind of ride, but it killed my knees and butt after 150 miles. Bought my klr the day I returned home!! Highway 19 bisects the MOzarks and continues into Arkansas, though I don't know the route number. Twisty blacktop through great scenery. Loads of blacktop and gravel roads that lead off it . Chuck McCullough Northern WI Alex Jomarron wrote: > Greetings! > I am seeking info/advice on any off road areas/roads in Arkansas. > I'm hoping to be there the second week of August. > Please reply directly to me. > Thanks in advance!! > > Alex Jomarron > Oak Park, IL > 88 BMW K75S > 98 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) klr mods airbags ect Date: 22 Jul 1998 00:12:03 EDT On 7/21/98, rycomm@webtv.net wrote: >Nice looking bike Ron. I thougt my bike was starting to beecome >over-accesorized. I dont feel so bad now. I can't post any pictures, but >if you want to see it come to the fssnoc in Red River. That's a neat >looking lid, is it custom ? Thanks for the compliments Ryan. Over-accessorized ???.................................You ain't seen nuthin yet;) The helmet on the bike is a 2 year old ('97 model) MSR System 6, with purple accents to bring out the flavor of the gas tank graphics and seat cover. The other lid is an integral part of the motorcycle airbag suit. BTW, it's shown in it's pre-inflated glory. I'm testing it out on my Harley in case anything critical falls off the bike on the freeway, causing me to crash. CA Ron (never letting an opportunity go by to rib my fellow riders;) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: tiktalk@seanet.com Subject: (klr650) KLR super Motard Date: 21 Jul 1998 22:02:32 -0700 Well, I have been lurking as a digest reader but I saw something interesting yesterday... Western Washington I5 near Seattle. A KLR Super Motard was parked by the side of the road(NO RIDER) on the freeway inramp. Looks like it had Seca 750 mag wheels. Other than the color (purple) the wheels looked like they belonged on the bike. Had a lowfront fender and a corbin style seat. Bike height did not look lowered. Anyways.... Mike '89 KLR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Fw: BOUNCE klr650@lists.xmission.com: Non-member submission from [The Toronto Dual Sport Club ] Date: 22 Jul 1998 04:06:20 -0600 -----Original Message----- Dual Sport Club ] >>From tdsc@wave.home.com Tue Jul 21 21:42:48 1998 >Received: from (mail.rdc1.on.wave.home.com) [24.2.9.66] (mta) > by lists.xmission.com with esmtp (Exim 1.82 #1) > id 0yypnj-0007IY-00; Tue, 21 Jul 1998 21:42:47 -0600 >Received: from home.com (cr1000962-a.ym1.on.wave.home.com [24.112.35.89]) > by mail.rdc1.on.wave.home.com (Netscape Messaging Server 3.5) > with ESMTP id AAA1ED7; Tue, 21 Jul 1998 20:42:41 -0700 >Message-ID: <35B55F91.3AC7DFA9@home.com> >Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 23:42:10 -0400 >From: The Toronto Dual Sport Club >Organization: Toronto Dual Sport Club >X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.05 [en]C-AtHome0402 (Win95; U) >MIME-Version: 1.0 >To: Chadd Thompson >CC: klr650@lists.xmission.com >Subject: Re: (klr650) Two up on KLR >References: <2.2.32.19980722024955.006e96ac@mail.accessus.net> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii >Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > >Hey Chadd, > >It is a good question that you ask. I find that when I am solo on the >bike, it feels light on the front (perhaps because I compare it to the >XT600Z Tenere Yami). However, if you are travelling 2 up, my suggestion >would be to add some weight upfront and get some sheep skin for the >seet. It does work and most overland riders through Africa have proved >it usefull and neccessary. > >Good luck. > >Balance the bike front to back > > >Sham >TDSC (Toronto Dual Sport Club) eh! >http://members.home.net/tdsc > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Fw: BOUNCE ...N100 Helmets Date: 22 Jul 1998 04:23:12 -0600 -----Original Message----- [Lowell_Mattox@mastercard.com] >>From Lowell_Mattox@mastercard.com Tue Jul 21 14:36:23 1998 >Received: from (pur1.mastercard.com) [206.33.233.18] > by lists.xmission.com with smtp (Exim 1.82 #1) > id 0yyj95-0001nW-00; Tue, 21 Jul 1998 14:36:23 -0600 >Received: id PAA07819; Tue, 21 Jul 1998 15:27:35 -0500 >Received: by gateway id 86256648.006DF645 ; Tue, 21 Jul 1998 15:01:04 -0500 >X-Lotus-FromDomain: MASTERCARD >From: Lowell_Mattox@mastercard.com >To: klr650@lists.xmission.com >Message-ID: <86256648.005E5DE7.00@mastercard.com> >Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 12:24:44 -0500 >Subject: Re: (klr650) Nolan Helmets >Mime-Version: 1.0 >Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii >Content-Disposition: inline > >Bill Wright wrote: > > > >>Gino (and anyone else who has a Nolan), > > >>I'm thinking about a new helmet and have been looking at the N100. I >>understand you purchased one after your unscheduled get off. I have a >>few questions for you: >>1. Do you ride with the chin guard up and does it feel top heavy or >>catch the wind.? >>2. Since the chin bar is moveable, do you think it provides enough >>protection? >>3. Could it accidentally come up in the event of a crash? >>4. Does the visor open independently of the chin bar? >>5. How is the ventilation? >>6. Is the lining removable for cleaning? >>7. Did you get the breath deflector and wind protector with yours? > > > > >Just took delivery of a Nolan N100 Trend (silver) prior to my Mid-Ohio >trip...based on 1400 miles with it, I'd say: > > > >1. I rode mostly with the chin bar down...I'm used to full face coverage. >It a blast (literally) to raise the bar during those 35-mph small town slow >downs on US 36 to get some cooling relief. Nolan's web site claimed they >did aero tests with the bar up and had good results. I can't tell any >particular drag...above 50 mph or so I can't handle open face anyway so I >always close it. Helmet instructions said not to ride with it up...but web >site said it had been tested for riding when open. American legal >protection sought? > >2. Chin bar is substantial, and latches in place feels really solid >metal-to-metal somewhere in there. My opinion is that is would be aok. It >does fit closer to my chin than my old Bieffe B9M. > >3. Doubt if it would release in a crash...it appears to be very solid both >hinged and latched, and is as substantial material as the chin bar area of >other fullface helmets. > >4. Visor does open independently , is nicely springloaded or weighted, and >has "just a crack", 1 inch or so, and fully open detents. > >5. Ventilation could be better. Chin bar vents work great, I'm not too >impressed with the top vent even tho it appears very "engineered". OTOH, I >didn't get too much scalp perspiration on the ride, so it may work better >than I'm recognizing. > >6. Hmmm...haven't tried that yet, and didn't recall from the instructions. > >7. Yes, both deflectors were sent with the unit. I've used the wind >protector, seems to reduce noise well but I now can't put on the helmet >without the chin bar raised. Haven't tried the breath deflector, it could >prove worthwhile since with the close fit this helmet does fog a bit more >than my old one. > > > >It is very nicely made...smooth finish. It also buffets 100% less on the >superslab compared to my Bieffe...enough better to make long freeway rides >semi-tolerable. Heck, I even used pay-at-the-pump on this trip! > > > >My $.02. > > > >Lowell Mattox > >FSSNOC #1585, AMA #615129 > >St. Louis > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Re: Shipping dimensions... Date: 22 Jul 1998 04:24:29 -0600 >Some shipping companies are asking me the dimensions of the klr 650, ie; >length, heigth,and width. >I just can't seem to find where I had them ( figure the odds). >Regards >J.Mendez Can anyone help Mr. Mendez? Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR650 Luggage Date: 22 Jul 1998 04:41:29 -0600 >Hello, I'm looking into luggage bags for my '98 KLR650. The only thing is >see that's available are the bags available thru Kawasaki specifically for >this bike (They look good). Any comments on these or others recommend? >Thanks. > >'98 KLR650 In soft luggage, a number of us have opted for the Aerostitch products. Everything they sell meeds my multi-generational criteria for purchase. A very fine company. Bill Haycock has a nice write-up on the web-site under soft luggage: http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/frameset.html I run the large panniers in front; a Kawi tank bag; a Dual-Star Co-Pilot above the tank bag; and the Aerostitch (Ortlieb) Dry Bags on the back over Driveline sideracks. The setup works great. However, my most valued accessory is the Top of the Line rack that I mount to the rear of the stock luggage rack (toolkit exposed). On the rack I always carry my second most prized accessory, an Ortlieb dry bag duffel (medium fits perfectly), empty and strapped. With this last combo, I am well equipped to handle most of the last minute and unplanned demands on a single parent of four... Kurt A12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) NKLR...the KLR disco/in crowd.... Date: 22 Jul 1998 05:24:06 -0600 > Airbag suit (deployed if you have a get off) > Yours truly (and you thought YOUR jacket was hot...) > Ron, this suit may become the rage... it has a certain je ne sais quoi...maybe it is the groovy Austin Powers disco color scheme....that's it....ooooohhhh babbbeee. Kurt (where all sense of style was long ago lost..."I heard somebody say, Burn Baby Burn...Disco Inferno!") ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) Wix oil filter Date: 22 Jul 1998 08:12:54 I ordered a Wix #24951 oil filter from my local auto parts store. He had it in one day and it cost me $5.38 including 6% sales tax. It is made in Canada as is the Fram #CH6070. The included red and black o-rings are identical to the o-rings included with the Fram filter, the same packaging, label and all. I compared the Wix to two Fram filters I have on the shelf and they appear to be virtually identical (right down to the brown glue attaching the paper to the metal ends of the filter) except the Wix filter has obviously fewer and widely spaced pleats in the filter paper. This implies that there is less surface area in the Wix filter than in the Fram which has lots of pleats very close together. BTW, I can buy a Kawasaki filter for $5.25 plus 8% tax but it has no o-rings included with it. My conclusion is that this filter would work just fine if you change the oil at fairly short intervals. Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR650 Luggage Date: 22 Jul 1998 09:07:46 -0700 At 04:41 AM 7/22/98 -0600, Kurt Simpson wrote: > > >>Hello, I'm looking into luggage bags for my '98 KLR650. The only thing is >>see that's available are the bags available thru Kawasaki specifically for >>this bike (They look good). Any comments on these or others recommend? >>Thanks. Well, if you area cheapskate (like me) then you can look at : http://www.scsn.net/users/bullet/tomsmods.htm where you will see just what can be done with two ex-east German rucksacks, some 1" nylon webbing and some fastex buckles. Not pretty, but rugged and waterproof and *cheap*... about $15 total. The pix of my roll-yer-own luggage isnt very clear, but theres other interesting stuff there, too. Be advised: it takes a good while to load. :) -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) klr mods airbags ect Date: 22 Jul 1998 07:50:20 -0700 > Over-accessorized ???.................................You ain't seen nuthin >yet;) > > The helmet on the bike is a 2 year old ('97 model) MSR System 6, > with purple accents to bring out the flavor of the gas tank graphics > and seat cover. The other lid is an integral part of the motorcycle > airbag suit. BTW, it's shown in it's pre-inflated glory. I'm testing > it out on my Harley in case anything critical falls off the bike on > the freeway, causing me to crash. > I thought it was against the rules to wear anything more than that Nazi half helmet while riding a HD! Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR KLR650 Luggage Date: 22 Jul 1998 08:03:18 -0700 >However, my most valued accessory is the Top of the Line rack that I mount to the >rear of the stock luggage rack (toolkit exposed). On the rack I always carry my >second most prized accessory, an Ortlieb dry bag duffel (medium fits perfectly), >empty and strapped. With this last combo, I am well equipped to handle most of the >last minute and unplanned demands on a single parent of four... > >Kurt A12 > Hey Kurt, just curious, but how do you fit the kids on the bike? Four? By God, I have enough trouble keeping up with my 15 month old daughter! Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ajax" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR KLR650 Luggage Date: 22 Jul 1998 09:02:29 -0600 > >>However, my most valued accessory is the Top of the Line rack that I mount >to the >>rear of the stock luggage rack (toolkit exposed). On the rack I always >carry my >>second most prized accessory, an Ortlieb dry bag duffel (medium fits >perfectly), >>empty and strapped. With this last combo, I am well equipped to handle most >of the >>last minute and unplanned demands on a single parent of four... >> >>Kurt A12 >> > > >Hey Kurt, just curious, but how do you fit the kids on the bike? Four? By >God, I have enough trouble keeping up with my 15 month old daughter! > >Jeff > most...I said most...now, if we could get this side-car thing worked out...let's see...2 in the hack...1 behind me...and ...think....think...think... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Stuart Heaslet Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR...the KLR disco/in crowd.... Date: 22 Jul 1998 13:51:27 -0400 Ron's airbag suit has a certain panache for those of us who opted for the extra heavy-duty seat spring in our Russell seats... Stuart >Ron, this suit may become the rage... it has a certain je ne sais quoi...maybe it is >the groovy Austin Powers disco color scheme....that's it....ooooohhhh babbbeee. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR...the KLR disco/in crowd.... Date: 22 Jul 1998 15:45:00 EDT Fireball Stu and Kurt wrote: snip > Ron's airbag suit has a certain panache for those of us who opted for the > extra heavy-duty seat spring in our Russell seats... >>Ron, this suit may become the rage... it has a certain je ne sais >>quoi...maybe it is >>the groovy Austin Powers disco color scheme....that's it....ooooohhhh >>babbbeee. Laugh if you must gentleman. Next time you catch on fire, you will appreciate the suit's ability to resist burning from fuel mishaps. The color shown on my site is the beta test color. Production runs will include the following colors: FireballRed (matches most Hondas) LimeLite (perfect with Kawa xbikes) FuhriousFuchsia (for das bikenutz from Deutschland) Also in development is a high visibility rotating light for the top of the helmet that consists of small mirrors. It makes you hard to miss on the street. Remember: Safety First!!!!! CA Ron (just callin' 'em like he sees 'em as he polishes his white shoes) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Marcus_Young@ceo.cudenver.edu (Marcus Young) Subject: (klr650) Ride Report (long) Date: 22 Jul 1998 14:48:39 -0600 This past weekend I finally had a chance to take my new KLR out for a little road trip. This is the first dual purpose bike I've had, so I was anxious to put it through it's paces. Friday AM Left Denver at 7:30 and headed up the Interstate into the mountains. This is maybe the best motorcycling interstate there is, as there are nonstop fast sweepers mile after mile. Not exciting, but better than your average superslab. When I arrived in Georgetown, an old mining town about 30 - 40 miles from Denver, I exited. From here I proceeded over Guanella Pass (the site of the annual Elephant Ride in the snow each February) towards US 285 at Grant. This pass begins by steeply climbing up the side of a hill. The pavement is slightly broken, but in fairly good shape, allowing me to keep a pretty good clip through the switchbacks. At about 9000' the pavement ends. It was a thrill to finally get on a dirt road with a purpose in mind. As I rode into the sun the heat would warm me through my new Fieldsheer riding suit. When I'd come beside a creek in the shade, the temperature would drop, but not uncomfortably so. Guanella Pass is a good dirt road, that crests at approximately 11 - 12,000'. At the summit there are views of numerous rugged mountains, several over 14,000'. The KLR was noticeably down on power at this elevation, but not alarmingly so. Down the other side the dirt continues, only broken by about a mile of pavement while negotiating some switch backs. As I hit the highway, US 285, I was sorry to put the dirt behind me, and I knew that I'd be searching my map for more roads like this one to enjoy on my trip home the next day. US 285 is a route through the mountains, crossing several passes. This is a fairly major artery in Colorado's south central mountains, so the pavement is in exceptional shape. It was no problem to cruise at an indicated 80 MPH (does anyone have an idea how accurate the speedometer is on the KLR?), leaning way out on the curves of the numerous passes. I am amazed at how effortlessly the KLR handles, it's much easier to ride this bike fast in the twisties than my old Honda NT650 GT (aka the Hawk). Unfortunately all grand things must come to an end, in this case at least the grand sweeping curves terminated in a beautiful, though straight, stretch of highway, and cool mountain temperatures. Mile after mile I rode through South Park (yep, the area of Colorado made famous by the foul mouthed cartoon characters Stan, Kenny, Kyle, and Eric), a flat sage covered area surrounded by high mountain peaks. After one last pass, giving my mind a break from the numbing miles of flat road, I enter the San Luis Valley, home of the Great Sand Dunes where many movies about the desert are filmed. I thought about exploring the dunes again, as it has been years since I was there, but I was anxious to see an old friend who lives in Alamosa, near the center of this high mountain desert valley. Mile after mile of the straightest highway I can imagine (Colorado 17, 60 + miles without one turn), I finally arrive in Alamosa about 12:30. The temperature is just above 80 F, a bit cooler than the 100's Denver has been blasted with. Mileage for the day - just over 250 miles. I'm totally pleased with my decision to buy the KLR. I never imagined it would cruise as well as it did at 80 + MPH for over an hour. Nor did I fathom how competent it would be as a canyon/switchback carving sport bike. Likewise I was enthralled by the freedom of being able to tour on almost any road or route that struck my fancy, no matter what the road surface. Next. . . The next day's ride back home -- US 285 again, US 50 and the Arkansas River, more dirt, more twisties, and the flat interstate. ~marcus~ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ajax" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR...the KLR disco/in crowd.... Date: 22 Jul 1998 14:45:25 -0600 > > Laugh if you must gentleman. Next time you catch on fire, you > will appreciate the suit's ability to resist burning from fuel mishaps. > The color shown on my site is the beta test color. Production runs > will include the following colors: > FireballRed (matches most Hondas) > LimeLite (perfect with Kawa xbikes) > FuhriousFuchsia (for das bikenutz from Deutschland) > > Also in development is a high visibility rotating light for the top of the > helmet that consists of small mirrors. It makes you hard to miss > on the street. Remember: Safety First!!!!! > > CA Ron (just callin' 'em like he sees 'em as he polishes his white shoes) > Maybe you could adapt the Saeng winglets ala the wings of Mercury suggestion that Gino had... Kurt (aka "Funky Town") ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: ericjazz@mindspring.com Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #149 Date: 22 Jul 1998 17:36:21 -0000 Does anyone have a current price for the Aerostich saddlebags? I have sent them two emails for a catalog request, yet to receive anything. Most Aero stuff is pretty expensive, if they are too much, I'll just get the Kawi bags and some rain covers. TIA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Stuart Heaslet Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR...the KLR disco/in crowd.... Date: 22 Jul 1998 18:15:11 -0400 > Fireball Stu and Kurt wrote: snip >> Ron's airbag suit has a certain panache for those of us who opted for the >> extra heavy-duty seat spring in our Russell seats... >>>Ron, this suit may become the rage... it has a certain je ne sais >>>quoi...maybe it is >>>the groovy Austin Powers disco color scheme....that's it....ooooohhhh >>>babbbeee. > > Laugh if you must gentleman. Next time you catch on fire, you > will appreciate the suit's ability to resist burning from fuel mishaps. > The color shown on my site is the beta test color. Production runs > will include the following colors: > FireballRed (matches most Hondas) > LimeLite (perfect with Kawa xbikes) > FuhriousFuchsia (for das bikenutz from Deutschland) > > Also in development is a high visibility rotating light for the top of the > helmet that consists of small mirrors. It makes you hard to miss > on the street. Remember: Safety First!!!!! Who's laughing? What I can't figure is why this suit didn't show up in the marketplace BEFORE my avgas fuel truck fire (okay, it happened off the departure end of runway 9L, Honolulu International Airport, right smack dab in the middle of the overrun over 15 years ago.) Furthermore, the lights and color selection make a guy from LA all a-quiver. Stuart ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ajax" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #149 Date: 22 Jul 1998 16:10:00 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Does anyone have a current price for the Aerostich saddlebags? I have sent >them two emails for a catalog request, yet to receive anything. Most Aero >stuff is pretty expensive, if they are too much, I'll just get the Kawi bags >and some rain covers. > >TIA Call them at 1-800-222-1994. The bags sell for $187. You won't regret it. Kurt > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Marcus_Young@ceo.cudenver.edu (Marcus Young) Subject: (klr650) Ride Report, Part 2 (Long) Date: 22 Jul 1998 16:28:53 -0600 The next day I was up and on the road from Alamosa to Denver at 8 AM. Once again I had to ride the straight stretch of Colorado 17 through the San Luis Valley. Thankfully the day was starting off sunny but cool, and the views were magnificent. I had hoped to take US 160 east from Alamosa, up LaVeta Pass, and across some dirt roads, but road work consisting of chip sealing and long waits forced me to leave town the way I came. At the junction of US 285 and US 50 I departed from the route I took the day before. US 50 follows the Arkansas River through amazing canyons, sometimes narrow with tight curves, sometimes wide with broad sweepers, for fifty or more miles. The traffic this Saturday AM was a bit on the heavy side, but the KLR had no problem passing anytime there was adequate visibility ahead. The day was warming up significantly, and the river was tempting me to take a dip, but the KLR was running so wonderfully along this route that I resisted the temptation. This road, like many of the others on this mini tour was perfect for 60 - 80 mph, allowing me to make good time, keep cool in the wind, and enjoy the handling of the bike. At Canyon City (home of Colorado's prisons and neighbor of the new federal maximum security facility which houses Ted Kazinski and Timothy McVeigh, among other unsavory types) the heat was almost unbearable. This town sits in a low valley (approximately 5000' above sea level). At a gas stop I drenched my shirt with water, hoping to create a home made evaporative cooler under my riding suit. Just out of town I turned onto a dirt road, which traveled for 30 miles up a narrow canyon, through tunnels and over wooden bridges along an old mining rail road grade. There were numerous information plaques to stop and read about various train disasters that happened over the years in this steep narrow canyon. The road was in good shape, allowing me to take it as fast as visibility would allow. As I was becoming more confident on dirt, I was able to ride at 30 - 40 mph for most of the route, only slowing down to pass the occasional tourist in a cage. A pleasant thing about this road is that it gained maybe 4000 vertical feet over 30 miles, taking me from the heat of canyon city, to a more bearable temperature at Cripple Creek, an old mining town (still surrounded by active gold mines. It's something to be stopped waiting for a mining truck with 10' tires to cross the road in front of you) which has now become a heaven for day gambeling. Since I entered town by the less traveled route, I left town by the main road. Thankfully it was still early, and all of the traffic was headed the other direction. Highway 67 from Divide to Cripple Creek is amazing! It was recently resurfaced with a silky smooth black finish, and the curves seem never ending. Of course I used them up too quickly, and it was a short but straight, flat haul into Woodland Park, then Colorado Springs via US 24. From Colorado Springs back to Denver I was on I-25, a straight and more or less flat superslab. Once again though, the KLR kept up perfectly with the traffic, at times approaching speeds near 90 mph. As I mentioned in my first post, this bike amazes me, tackling every road I could throw at it without complaint. As I pulled into Denver traffic slowed down, and the heat was unbearable, over 100 degrees. Thankfully I was soon pulling the KLR into the garage, away from the heat, but sorry to be done with the weekend's ride, and already looking forward to next weekend's jaunt. ~marcus~ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: bruixot@rmi.net Subject: Re: (klr650) Ride Report, Part 2 (Long) Date: 22 Jul 1998 18:23:20 -0600 Marcus Young wrote: > At Canyon City (home of Colorado's prisons and neighbor of the new fede= ral > maximum security facility which houses Ted Kazinski and Timothy McVeigh= ,.... Actually, that's Ca=F1on City (assuming y'all can process the tilde) . Th= e federal max you refer to is, I believe, over in Florence, and anyway the evidently prevailing attitude is summed up in a bumper sticker slogan: Where is Tim McVeigh now that we need him? - The Evil Wizard N=E4r katten =E4r borta, dansar r=E5ttorna p=E5 bordet! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Marick Payton" Subject: (klr650) KLXified KLR? Date: 22 Jul 1998 17:43:33 PDT I had an opportunity to talk with a Kawasaki rep at the World Superbike at Laguna Seca and asked if the rumors that the KLR was going to be discontinued in 1999 were true. He assured me this was not the case, as has been confirmed by others subsequently. I urged him/Kawasaki to think about developing a Model 2 of the KLR based on the KLX, with its better engine, frame and suspension. As a KLX owner, he agreed this would produce a nice upgrade of this popular adventure tourer but said he thought the price would have to go up a grand and doubted the market would bare that price. He noted Kawasaki makes a lot of money off cheap, good old bikes, i.e., the KLR and their sport tourer (Voyager?). Who knows? Given the price of the competition (BMW Funduros and GS's and the Triumph Tiger), a $5800 for an upgraded KLR/KLX would still be much cheaper. Heck, KLR owners often spend about this much more improving their bikes. Marick ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Scott Eldredge Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #150 Date: 22 Jul 1998 22:31:28 -0700 Scott Eldredge La Honda, CA Where do Driveline side protectors come from? How do they compare with the Tim Bernard ones? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Mats Cederblad" Subject: (klr650) Balancer chain warning Date: 23 Jul 1998 11:30:51 +0000 Balancer chain warning for KLR 650 owners. I had sudden lockup in my engine for a couple of months ago, if the road Has not been straight I would probably crashed, (quickly in with clutch). I took the bike to a workshop, where they open the left side of the engine An told me that the balancer chain was broken in several pieces, and the worst Thing was that balancer chain had broken the lower fastening point for the balancer chain guide. This means that it had to be welded back, and also complete disassemble of the engine. The workshop told me that it would be to expensive to repair, maybe 80% of the bikes value (Before the crash), he also told me that this problem was common on KLR650, he had 4 more KLR witch had the same problem. I bought the bike from a dealer when it had runned 15000 kilometres so I thought they did the tensioning (trimming) of the balancer chain. When this happened the odo meter says 18000 kilometres so I have not missed any trimming of it interval is 1500, 2000. But of course if I had known that the consequences should be catastrophic like This I would have been trimming it every 3000 kilometres. I don't know if the dealer did the 15000 trimming or not. So now I am fixing this myself, without welding and by drilling the hole deeper straight thrue And deepening threads, using the broken part as an distancer and a longer bolt holding the balancer chain guide, drawn deeper into engine. Also important finding every broken pieces of the old balancer chain. So to all KLR650 owners, make sure that you trim the balancer chain often. And I don't trust the construction of it either, because it's a weak spring that is supposed to pull the tensioner-sprocket when loosening the tensionerbolt. My suggestion is that when changing oil to the engine at least after 10000 kilometres of ride. Open the left cover (magneto cover) loosening the the tensoinerbolt and push the slide with a screw driver to the left to be sure, and retigthening the bolt. And after maybe 40000 kilometres of ride even remove the magneto wheel and inspect The parts included in this balancer system, chain and this special rubber/steel sprockets, the rubber on them is worn of, thats because the chain becomes slack(loose) in the first place, at least some of it. KLR650 Tengai -91 ( my second one ) Mats Cederblad Sweden M.V.H Best Regards Mats Cederblad ABB Metering SVM AB m.cederblad@svmab.se Tel +46 (0) 8 632 96 42 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Motorcycle Towing Service Date: 23 Jul 1998 07:20:26 EDT I printed off the phone number of Motorcycle Towing Service when I saw it on the list last week...but seem to have misplaced it. I'm leaving on a 2000 mile vacation/work jaunt from New Hampshire to Michigan and back next Tuesday and would like the extra peace of mind of knowing they're with me. Can someone 1.) give me the numer for MTS again, and 2.) tell me how to get into the archives I keep reading about so I can look for it myself next time. Thanks for the help, Jerry (Soon to double the mileage on his '98 KLR) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Todd Emsley Subject: Re: (klr650) Balancer chain warning Date: 23 Jul 1998 07:56:07 -0400 What year was the KLR that broke the balancer chain? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Driveline....aka Tim Bernard in Idaho... Date: 23 Jul 1998 06:21:23 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Scott Eldredge >La Honda, CA > >Where do Driveline side protectors come from? How do they compare with the Tim >Bernard ones? > They are one in the same. Tim's firm is called Driveline because truck engine, trans, driveshaft, rear ends are their business. He does a few KLR things as a love for the sport. Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: (klr650) Thumper rally Date: 23 Jul 1998 07:29:14 -0600 Here is some info on the Thumper Rally in Red River, New Mexico Official dates for the rally are Sept 8-9, though there will be a reception on the evening of the 7th. The official rally site is the Ponderosa Lodge 800-336-RSVP. Lifts West will handle overflow 800-221-1859. Rally Master is Dick Shepherd 505-754-6552. Rally fee is $28.00 which includes annual membership to FSSNOC. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "John L. Wilson" Subject: (klr650) Gas Tank Removal Date: 23 Jul 1998 08:51:41 -0500 Question. How to remove the gas tank? I have a1995 KLR 650. I want to inspect the spark plug and clean/or replace it. I have removed the two bolts that fasten the tank to the frame where the front of the seat goes up against the tank but the tank does not want to budge. It feels like there is something else holding it on but I can't seem to locate it. Is there an archive or instructions available for tank removal? I have a repair manual plus the owners manual but there is nothing specific in either of those two manuals. Or pehaps someone on the list could send me some instructions. Please respond to my E Mail address so as to not take up too much band width. Thanks in advance, John -- =========================================================== John L. Wilson '93 VFR750F '95 KLR 650 '96 R1100RT Tulsa, Oklahoma Jlwilsn@flash.net HSTA #5817 IBMWR BMWMOA STOC #090 =========================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: vesannlewis@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Gas Tank Removal Date: 23 Jul 1998 07:15:28 -0700 If there is some trick to removing the gas tank from a KLR, list it, don't e-mail directly to the one who first asked. The rest of us who have not yet done this need to know how. I can hardly believe there is a "trick" to the tank removal, but... -Ves _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ajax" Subject: Re: (klr650) Gas Tank Removal Date: 23 Jul 1998 08:58:16 -0600 >Question. How to remove the gas tank? I have a1995 KLR 650. I want to >inspect the spark plug and clean/or replace it. I have removed the two >bolts that fasten the tank to the frame where the front of the seat goes >up against the tank but the tank does not want to budge. It feels like >there is something else holding it on but I can't seem to locate it. You have to remove the seat to get at the rear bolt which means that you have to remove the side covers which means you have to lift the driveline side protectors (if you have them). Then there are two small screws attaching the radiator shroud to the front of the tank. Lastly, of course, are the fuel and vacuum lines at the petcock and maybe (if you have the Californian) the vent and overflow lines at the bottom of the tank (can see these after the saddle is removed). Then lift high on the rear and slide back...I think that is it... Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Gas Tank Removal Date: 23 Jul 1998 12:32:52 EDT To John Wilson, There are ffour bolts total to remove the gas tank. Two are located underneath the seat and two are located on the front of the tank. On each upper side of the tank, they hold the plastic fairing for the cooling reservoir (Right Hand Side) and fan (Left hand side). Also you need to disconnect 3 hoses: I situated under neath the seat, between the two bolts, (no clips) and two are situated at your gas switch, one for reserve and one for open. That should do it. It is easy. PS: try to remove your tank when it is not filled up, it canget pretty heavy otherwise. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: vesannlewis@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Zip Ties Date: 23 Jul 1998 13:52:19 -0700 They are a great invention. When I broke my turn signal the other day, the lens part was intact but the mounting studs were broken off. Out comes the Zip Tie and it held the lens in place until I got home. There are many emergency uses for these devices. I suggest taking several large and small ones with you. If you put them in a bag, you might ride without the bag. My solution is to use black electrician's tape and tape the beggars to the spedo cable or other suitable location. And then...don't forget that you have them. -Ves _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Marcus_Young@ceo.cudenver.edu (Marcus Young) Subject: Re: (klr650) Zip Ties Date: 23 Jul 1998 15:12:14 -0600 Electricians Tape? Wouldn't it be better to zip tie 'em to the cable? ;^) vesannlewis@juno.com,Internet writes: >They are a great invention. When I broke my turn signal the other day, >the lens part was intact but the mounting studs were broken off. Out >comes the Zip Tie and it held the lens in place until I got home. There >are many emergency uses for these devices. I suggest taking several >large and small ones with you. If you put them in a bag, you might ride >without the bag. My solution is to use black electrician's tape and tape >the beggars to the spedo cable or other suitable location. And >then...don't forget that you have them. -Ves > >_____________________________________________________________________ >You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. >Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com >Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: George Basinet Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR650 Luggage Date: 23 Oct 1998 13:47:15 -0700 Ray & Heidi West wrote: > > Hello, I'm looking into luggage bags for my '98 KLR650. The only thing is > see that's available are the bags available thru Kawasaki specifically for > this bike (They look good). Any comments on these or others recommend? > Thanks. > > '98 KLR650 I used Kawasaki's luggage on my trip to Baja and they worked fine. They are big to hold a lot of stuff and not too large to be a bother. George Basinet San Jose, CA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: Re: (klr650) Gas Tank Removal Date: 23 Jul 1998 18:42:32 -0500 >Question. How to remove the gas tank? I have a1995 KLR 650. I want to >inspect the spark plug and clean/or replace it. I have removed the two >bolts that fasten the tank to the frame where the front of the seat goes >up against the tank but the tank does not want to budge. It feels like >there is something else holding it on but I can't seem to locate it. >John Answer: Take the seat off, there are two bolts that hold the sit, u've gotta remove the side panels with a phillips screwdriver to be able to remove the seat. After the seat is off, and u take the two bolts that hold the tank to the frame, u ve gotta unplug the hoses that go to the gas petcock (2 in my case) one, the main fuel, and the other is under the tank, it's a breater ? or a vapor return ? something like that. After u've undone both hoses, both screws, lif it up from the back and kinda push towards the handlebar, and then stick a finger in the front of the tank and remove ! **ATTENTION** u know u've got to remove the two plastic things that are on the sides of the tank and loosen like 3 bolts each side that hold on to that, and the radiator grill ... I hope I'm making myself clear. Good luck !! PS. If u don;t have too much gas on it, it makes your job much easier ! Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC (Undernet) Email: tuca@tampabay.rr.com Email: steve@vvd.com Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) DP Ghost Riders Date: 23 Jul 1998 22:25:06 EDT Sooo.....you're planning a trip to the Arctic Circle next year and you live in San Diego. Or maybe you live in Seattle and are planning a ride to South America. If time is a constraint for you, like it is for me, it sure would be nice to put your klr on the train so you could rendezvous with your riding partners rested.....refreshed....ready ta go. Too bad. Amtrak currently only offers this service between Virginia and Florida. But wait. There's good news. Starting January '99, the Coast Starliner that runs daily between San Diego and Seattle, will let you take your vehicle with you. Call or write them to let them know you'd appreciate this service. Who knows, if they get enough demand, they just might offer this service on other routes as well. http://www.amtrak.com/amtrak/schedule/amtrakrouter40.html Amtrak online schedules: 1-800-USA-RAIL CA Ron (hearin' that lonesome whistle blowin') ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) 1996 KLR FS (Dennis Lee Lacy)] Date: 23 Jul 1998 20:49:56 -0600 -----Original Message----- [leelacy@hop-uky.campus.mci.net (Dennis Lee Lacy)] >>From leelacy@hop-uky.campus.mci.net Thu Jul 23 20:18:16 1998 >Received: from (aus-e.mp.campus.mci.net) [208.140.84.25] > by lists.xmission.com with esmtp (Exim 1.82 #1) >Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1998 20:27:15 +0000 >To: klr650@lists.xmission.com >From: leelacy@hop-uky.campus.mci.net (Dennis Lee Lacy) >Subject: 1996 KLR-650 For Sale > > I have a 1996 KLR with 9K miles on it. It has been set up for the street - >low front fender, taller windshield, street tires (tires are new). I have >all the orginal pieces to put it back to a true dual sport. It, truly, is a >great >bike, but I bought it thinking I would ride more in the dirt. I've ridden twice. >Just not my style - I'm a street rider. So I've bought another bike and I >don't ride my KLR anymore. It has been serviced and cared for from the day >I bought it >new. I even followed the break-in period directions - hard as that is to >do. Has a new battery, as of last week, just changed the oil and the filter >for the fourth time. Price - $3600. PLEASE RESPOND DIRECTLY TO ME - I AM >NOT ON YOUR LIST. For those of you who might be interested - First come, >first serve!! > > "Denny" Lee Lacy > Western Kentucky > Double Vet USAF/USN > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dave Watkins4" Subject: (klr650) Mexico and Central America Site Date: 23 Jul 1998 22:29:29 -0600 Anyone have the URL for the guys that went to MX, CA & SA with their KLR's? It was a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society. Thanks Dave Watkins Calgary, Alberta ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Mexico and Central America Site Date: 24 Jul 1998 00:46:52 EDT On 7/23/98, pgpilot@shaw.wave.ca wrote: >Anyone have the URL for the guys that went to MX, CA & SA with their KLR's? Here's two of 'em. CA Ron http://www.moonride.org/bikes.html Moon Ride http://www.motorworld.com/features97/kawi_klr650_97/Welcome.html 1997 KLR 650 moonride review ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: yefimov@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Electrical System Date: 24 Jul 1998 00:55:20 EDT I have heard that the electrical system in the KLR is designed with no reserve capacity. That is, one can not draw any more amps when the bike is running without draining the battery. Is this true? For what model years? Are there after market kits to buy that would deal with this problem? How much do they cost? How difficult are they to install? -- Alex San Jose, CA _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Electrical System Date: 24 Jul 1998 01:08:41 -0700 At 12:55 AM 7/24/98 EDT, yefimov@juno.com wrote: >I have heard that the electrical system in the KLR is designed with no >reserve capacity. That is, one can not draw any more amps when the bike >is running without draining the battery. Is this true? For what model >years? Are there after market kits to buy that would deal with this >problem? How much do they cost? How difficult are they to install? It has been my experience that the KLR actualy makes a bit of spare power, enough to operate a running light or a vest, but perhaps not both. The weakness I found was in the wiring harness, which is simply too light to properly carry even the factory spec load. When I installed two 37.5 watt driving lights, I couldnt even operate one without significantly dimming the headlight. I then ran a fresh 10-gauge wire directly from the battery to the front of the bike and hooked in seperate relays for high, low and each running light. Not only did the runniing lights burn brightly, but the original headlight itself burned *much* more brightly! Thats what tells me that the stock harness is too thin. I think that this is equaly true of all model years. -Tom '96 KLR 650 27,000 mi. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Scott Eldredge Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #151 Date: 23 Jul 1998 22:27:46 -0700 ******* Scott Eldredge 98 KLR 92 Quicksilver Ultralight Lenore (not owned) My mirrors vibrate so much as to be of marginal use. The left especially; I often see two blurry images. (The right doesn't matter, the mirror's field of view is only my arm, which has yet to fall off.) Are the Honda mirrors really that much better? How much are they? I fear they are probably a lot. Are there any fixes for this? I experimented with O-rings on the mirror shaft, and just ended up with lots of extra O-rings (actually nice things to have a few random-size spares of). On another note, I replaced my unvented Shoei R-100 with a vented R-800, and haven't noticed that the venting does much. Face shild still fogs in the morning, head gets hot in the heat, and I feel nothing until I open it up. Is venting supposed to be detectable? My old Shoei had an insert that you used in cooler weather to redirect your breath down, away from the shield. It worked quite well. And how many of you guys are getting this list at work, and dragging down this country's GNP with your motorcyle talk? seldredg@us.oracle.com Regards ****** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR - GNP Date: 24 Jul 1998 01:38:11 EDT On 7/23/98, seldredg@earthlink.net wrote: >And how many of you guys are getting this list at work, and >dragging down this country's GNP with your motorcyle talk? Scott, with 2 computers on my desk, a laptop in my car, a palmtop on my bike and a desktop in my living room, garage, and bathroom..... I'm doing my part to elevate our GNP. CA Ron (wired out of his mind) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) Fuses Date: 24 Jul 1998 08:32:16 While looking for spare 10A and 20A spare fuses for my bike (which only has a spare 10A fuse), I encountered the fact that there appears to be two different types of fuses of the same shape, size and amperage rating. What's the difference (other than the price-the SFE's are a little more expensive) between AGC and SFE fuses? I studied both packages and couldn't find anything to tell me what the difference is and they look identical. Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) chain tightening Date: 24 Jul 1998 08:48:14 -0700 At 11:52 PM 7/23/98 -0700, tiktalk@seanet.com wrote: >OK, I feel like an idiot... I adjusted my chain today, per the manual. >2"-2.2" at middle of chain with bike on the sidestand. > >I then sat on the bike and felt the chain tightness - it felt tight and >when compressed further felt very tight. > >Question is this normal? I don't want to break a chain or over stress >it or screw up the front sprocket shaft. > My experience with the KLR chain adjustment can be expressed most simply like this: every time I have ever thought I had the chain set up properly, it ended up being too tight. Every time I thought my chain was a little loose by the book, it turned out to be about right. I'd set it up a bit looser that the book recomends. The consequences of setting it too tight are serious, as you have noted. -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Fwd: (klr650) chain tightening Date: 24 Jul 1998 09:25:57 EDT This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --part0_901286757_boundary Content-ID: <0_901286757@inet_out.mail.aol.com.1> Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII In a message dated 98-07-24 08:49:58 EDT, bullet@scsn.net writes: << At 11:52 PM 7/23/98 -0700, tiktalk@seanet.com wrote: >OK, I feel like an idiot... I adjusted my chain today, per the manual. >2"-2.2" at middle of chain with bike on the sidestand. > >I then sat on the bike and felt the chain tightness - it felt tight and >when compressed further felt very tight. > >Question is this normal? I don't want to break a chain or over stress >it or screw up the front sprocket shaft. > My experience with the KLR chain adjustment can be expressed most simply like this: every time I have ever thought I had the chain set up properly, it ended up being too tight. Every time I thought my chain was a little loose by the book, it turned out to be about right. I'd set it up a bit looser that the book recomends. The consequences of setting it too tight are serious, as you have noted. -Tom '96 KLR 650 >> Here's what I've done since WAY BACK..... It's an old MXer trick, and I've used it on all of my motorcycles since. I stand on the right side of the bike, lean over the seat and grab the swing arm. I then pull the swing arm up (or pull the seat down if you wish) until the chain is at it's tightest point, which should be when the arm is parallel with the ground, and then I check the tightness with my right hand (you can hold this with your left hand). I try to have some slack even at this tightest point so that I'm not stressing anything. It's really easy, but it sounds like it would be hard. Try it, and you'll throw away the ruler that you're using to measure with......By the way, you'll now have a reference to check the chain with a quick dab of the finger. Once you've got the chain where you want it (OK, you have the axle where you want it...) just reach down and pull up the chain in the middle, and make a mental note of how far the chain moves and from then on you'll have a quick reference for when you fill up with gas. (My chain is adjusted so that it JUST touches the bottom of the rubber chain guide on the bottom of the swing arm. Check your first the right way as I don't want to be getting notes about how that makes your chain too loose.) MN Ron (always trying things the easy way first....) --part0_901286757_boundary Content-ID: <0_901286757@inet_out.mail.aol.com.2> Content-type: message/rfc822 Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Content-disposition: inline Return-Path: Received: from rly-za05.mx.aol.com (rly-za05.mail.aol.com [172.31.36.101]) by air-za05.mail.aol.com (v46.19) with SMTP; Fri, 24 Jul 1998 08:49:58 -0400 Received: from lists.xmission.com (lists.xmission.com [198.60.22.7]) by rly-za05.mx.aol.com (8.8.8/8.8.5/AOL-4.0.0) with SMTP id IAA27090; Fri, 24 Jul 1998 08:49:47 -0400 (EDT) Received: from domo by lists.xmission.com with local (Exim 1.82 #1) id 0yzhHd-00076J-00; Fri, 24 Jul 1998 06:49:13 -0600 Received: from (mail.scsn.net) [206.25.246.12] by lists.xmission.com with esmtp (Exim 1.82 #1) id 0yzhHa-00076B-00; Fri, 24 Jul 1998 06:49:11 -0600 Received: from tom-s ([208.133.153.162]) by mail.scsn.net (Post.Office MTA v3.1.2 release (PO205-101c) ID# 0-41950U6000L1100S0) with SMTP id AAA240 for ; Fri, 24 Jul 1998 08:42:00 -0400 Message-Id: <3.0.5.32.19980724084814.0116ac40@scsn.net> X-Sender: bullet@scsn.net X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Light Version 3.0.5 (32) In-Reply-To: <35B82F2C.20AB@seanet.com> Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: Tom Simpson Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit At 11:52 PM 7/23/98 -0700, tiktalk@seanet.com wrote: >OK, I feel like an idiot... I adjusted my chain today, per the manual. >2"-2.2" at middle of chain with bike on the sidestand. > >I then sat on the bike and felt the chain tightness - it felt tight and >when compressed further felt very tight. > >Question is this normal? I don't want to break a chain or over stress >it or screw up the front sprocket shaft. > My experience with the KLR chain adjustment can be expressed most simply like this: every time I have ever thought I had the chain set up properly, it ended up being too tight. Every time I thought my chain was a little loose by the book, it turned out to be about right. I'd set it up a bit looser that the book recomends. The consequences of setting it too tight are serious, as you have noted. -Tom '96 KLR 650 --part0_901286757_boundary-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dave Watkins4" Subject: (klr650) Securing loads to Bikes Date: 24 Jul 1998 09:33:03 -0600 Hi All, Thought I'd let you all in on a packing secret. This thought arose as I was crusin down the local freeway yesterday and had to avoid a helmet as it came flying past me at 70 mph. Once I've got my Ortlieb dry bags and tank Panniers full I stuff all the remaining stuff into a River Runner Dry bag. This is the type of bags used by commercial rafting outfits to carry "stuff" while on the river. It even comes with two shoulder straps to carry it off into the sunset if you want. The come in various sizes. Mine is about 70 litres though they come in both larger and smaller sizes. The 70 ltr size works very good for me. Will hold tent, Sleeping bag, First Gear pants, Boots, spare lid and more. If I have learned anything over the years it's never to trust a bungee. My garage was full of them as a result of a little obsession of mine. Seems I just couldn't pass on on the highway. What does works great for me is ratcheting tie down straps. Cheap, bout $12.00 at the local hardware superstore. With two of these threaded through the grip at the back and around the rackif you have one. I can secure the complete load in about three minutes. They allow me to adjust the dry bag forward if necessary to act as a backrest if I want also. Two straps will secure just about anything to the bike and you can trim off the excess webbing once you've determined just how much excess you need. The other option is to duct tape or twist tie the excess at the end to keep it out of the wheel. Been doing this for some time and it hasn't failed me yet. The pack is secured to the bike better than any bungee in captivity and it won't fly back and take out an eye. The whole thing becomes one with the bike if properly attached, becomes one with the bike. Hope this helps you all out. Dave Watkins Calgary, Alberta 84 V65 Sabre KLR 650 Less right now (a pox on thieves) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Mr. Mendez" Subject: (klr650) DIMENCIONS ESTIMATE??? Date: 24 Jul 1998 17:12:42 -0000 Is this about right? : Length: 7ft ( end to end with tires ) Heigth: 3ft ( flor to highest point ) With : 2.5ft ( including handle bar ) If anyone can just measure their KLR up I would apreciate it. Thanks in advance J.Mendez ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) chain tightening Date: 24 Jul 1998 17:37:09 EDT In a message dated 98-07-24 08:49:58 EDT, you write: << > My experience with the KLR chain adjustment can be expressed > most simply like this: every time I have ever thought I had the chain set > up properly, it ended up being too tight. Every time I thought my chain > was a little loose by the book, it turned out to be about right. > > I'd set it up a bit looser that the book recomends. The consequences > of setting it too tight are serious, as you have noted. >> Just don't let it get WAAAAAAYYYYY too loose, like i did. I let the thing get tons of slop in it, and one day the chain came off the rear sprocket, bunched up around the front sprocket, and wiped off the aluminum ear on the case under the sprocket cover that routes the wires from the magneto/generator to the electrical system, along with scooping off all of the afor mentioned wires where they exited the case......not a good thing at 4am on a Sunday morning. Not only did I have a mess to fix, but it made me way late for work, cheating me out of some good double time. No one to blame but myself. Doom on me. Dennis in Aurora IL, '87 KLR A1, the flat black Urban Assault Vehicle "watch what I do.....then don't do that!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) DIMENCIONS ESTIMATE??? Date: 24 Jul 1998 15:03:16 -0700 -----Original Message----- >Is this about right? : > >Length: 7ft ( end to end with tires ) ##### 7'2" >Heigth: 3ft ( flor to highest point ) ##### 3'10" no mirrors...windshield off >With : 2.5ft ( including handle bar ) ###### you leaving the handle bar on? ..looks like about 18" with bar off these are kinda rough measurements, but I do use a tape measure in my work :) ericR > >If anyone can just measure their KLR up I would apreciate it. >Thanks in advance >J.Mendez > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #151 Date: 24 Jul 1998 15:14:12 -0700 Did you think the 800 helmet was much quiter than the 100 series? ---------- > From: Scott Eldredge > To: klr650@lists.xmission.com > Cc: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com > Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #151 > Date: Thursday, July 23, 1998 10:27 PM > > ******* > > Scott Eldredge > 98 KLR > 92 Quicksilver Ultralight > Lenore (not owned) > > My mirrors vibrate so much as to be of marginal use. The left especially; I > often see two blurry images. (The right doesn't matter, the mirror's field of > view is only my arm, which has yet to fall off.) Are the Honda mirrors really > that much better? How much are they? I fear they are probably a lot. Are there > any fixes for this? I experimented with O-rings on the mirror shaft, and just > ended up with lots of extra O-rings (actually nice things to have a few > random-size spares of). > > On another note, I replaced my unvented Shoei R-100 with a vented R-800, and > haven't noticed that the venting does much. Face shild still fogs in the > morning, head gets hot in the heat, and I feel nothing until I open it up. Is > venting supposed to be detectable? My old Shoei had an insert that you used in > cooler weather to redirect your breath down, away from the shield. It worked > quite well. > > And how many of you guys are getting this list at work, and dragging down this > country's GNP with your motorcyle talk? > > seldredg@us.oracle.com > > Regards > > ****** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: Re: (klr650) Fuses Date: 24 Jul 1998 15:28:56 -0700 I can only tell you my experience with industrial power fuses. I'll research this at work and respond if I need to correct myself from the catalogs there. Fuses may have the same amperage rating but can be designed to handle different amounts of overload. The common term is 'slow blow' and 'fast blow' (stop it, I know where your mind is heading). So, some fuses will take a 400% overload for 2 seconds (all values here are arbitrary) and still not blow while others are tailored to blow at 150% of rating and provide better protection. Usually a fuse designed for overload closer to it's rating is suited for protection of sensitive electrical components. Applications to motors and transformers need to be less sensitive to short time overloads to handle starting inrush or temporary overloads where a downstream device is expected to clear the problem. Does this match up with the fuses you're referring to? For what it's worth, Dean in Seattle. ---------- > From: Robert Kaub > To: klr650@lists.xmission.com > Subject: (klr650) Fuses > Date: Friday, July 24, 1998 1:32 AM > > While looking for spare 10A and 20A spare fuses for my bike (which only has > a spare 10A fuse), I encountered the fact that there appears to be two > different types of fuses of the same shape, size and amperage rating. > What's the difference (other than the price-the SFE's are a little more > expensive) between AGC and SFE fuses? > I studied both packages and couldn't find anything to tell me what the > difference is and they look identical. Thanks. > > Bob Kaub > SUNY Binghamton > Watson School Student Shop > PO Box 6000 > Binghamton, NY 13902 > 607-777-2715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #151 Date: 24 Jul 1998 18:22:17 -0500 >And how many of you guys are getting this list at work, and dragging down this >country's GNP with your motorcyle talk? Scott, u kiddin' right ? Steve ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #151 Date: 24 Jul 1998 15:59:47 -0700 -----Original Message----- Cc: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com >>> Scott Eldredge >> 98 KLR >> 92 Quicksilver Ultralight >> Lenore (not owned) >> >> My mirrors vibrate so much as to be of marginal use. The left especially; @@@@@@@@ How odd, same here on the left side. Is this a characteristic KLR @@@@@@@ kinda thing? Yes folks, I'm inquiring. >> haven't noticed that the venting does much. Face shild still fogs in the >> morning, head gets hot in the heat, and I feel nothing until I open it >up. Is >> venting supposed to be detectable? @@@@@ I have the same (Shoei 800 series). It's different from stuff 20 years back, which is all I remember. (I was recently awakened from a coma by a new experimental drug.) Looks to me like these skull-buckets are just gonna be different....the physics simply follows the design, and if you want windows in your helmet it may just be a while.....however I do think a, like, hood scoop-like device could be designed and with matching low-pressure area exhaust port...and with power assist for stoplight time....just drop in half a dozen AAA batteries and yer cool, man! >> And how many of you guys are getting this list at work, and dragging down >this >> country's GNP with your motorcyle talk? @@@@@ Look buddy, don't tell me how to steal from my boss, ok? @@@ oops, I'm self-employed....damn! ericR >> >> seldredg@us.oracle.com >> >> Regards >> >> ****** >@@@@@@@@ If you had any real regards u could send me money. > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #151 Date: 25 Jul 1998 09:14:57 +1000 Eric Rhoads wrote: [left mirror seems to vibrate more than the right, deleted] > @@@@@@@@ How odd, same here on the left side. Is this a characteristic > KLR @@@@@@@ kinda thing? Yes folks, I'm inquiring. Sounds about right to me. The RHS has the extra mass of the master cylinder to damp some vibes. It shouldn't be enormously difficult to convert our cable clutches to hydraulic... Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Re: mirrors vibrate... Date: 24 Jul 1998 18:29:14 -0600 >>> My mirrors vibrate so much as to be of marginal use. The left especially; that's cause you aren't going fast enough....er....or....slow enough....mine come back nicely at three r values: 3200, 4400 and 5200 haven't tried above that yet..... Kurt A12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Securing loads to Bikes Date: 24 Jul 1998 18:30:54 -0600 > > Once I've got my Ortlieb dry bags and tank Panniers full I stuff all the >remaining stuff into a River Runner Dry bag. This is the type of bags used >by commercial rafting outfits to carry "stuff" while on the river. It even >comes with two shoulder straps to carry it off into the sunset if you want. >The come in various sizes. Mine is about 70 litres though they come in both >larger and smaller sizes. The 70 ltr size works very good for me. Will hold >tent, Sleeping bag, First Gear pants, Boots, spare lid and more. > Hope this helps you all out. > >Dave Watkins >Calgary, Alberta > >84 V65 Sabre >KLR 650 Less right now >(a pox on thieves) > Thanks for the tip Dave, Ortlieb makes some duffels like these. I think Marick Payton picked some up...how did they work out Marick? Hey Dave, watchya gona do about replacing your bike? Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: (klr650) Super Trapp sticker? Date: 24 Jul 1998 19:40:25 -0500 Hey I think that I remember someone talking about the sticker that is on the supertrapp muffler and saying it just burns up. Is this true? If so I am going to remove mine before use. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Super Trapp sticker? Date: 24 Jul 1998 19:04:25 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Hey I think that I remember someone talking about the sticker that is on the >supertrapp muffler and saying it just burns up. Is this true? If so I am >going to remove mine before use. > > >Thanks >Chadd Thompson >chadd@accessus.net Mine never burnt up but it just now started to peel off after 1500 miles...made me kinda sad cause it was purty...peeled it off and now there is a bunch of gunk that will take awhile to get off...so I think your right...take it off...take it all off Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: Re: (klr650) Super Trapp sticker? Date: 24 Jul 1998 20:23:30 -0500 At 07:04 PM 7/24/98 -0600, Kurt Simpson wrote: > >Mine never burnt up but it just now started to peel off after 1500 miles...made me >kinda sad cause it was purty...peeled it off and now there is a bunch of gunk that >will take awhile to get off...so I think your right...take it off...take it all off > >Kurt > > Kurt, How many disks did you use in yours? Also what jet kit did you install and was size jet did you use? Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Darrel & Deanna" Subject: (klr650) Motorcycle Towing Service Date: 24 Jul 1998 20:45:25 -0700 Jerry wrote: >Can someone 1.) give me the numer for MTS again... Jerry- The number is 800-234-1353 but you must be a member before you need them. If you're an AMA member it's only $25/year. I needed them for the first time a few weeks ago when I was enroute to the BMW rally in Missoula. It was a very pleasant experience dealing with MTS. Good Luck! Darrel 98KLR650 SoCal ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: (klr650) Tune this puppy. Date: 24 Jul 1998 22:55:07 -0500 Ok guys here is the deal. I know that many of you have installed jet kits, supertrapps, and K&N filters. So maybe you can save me some grief:O) Here is what I have at the moment. Stock air box K&N filter "don't want to modify box", K&N jetkit stage 1 with 136 jet and 3.5 turns on mixture screw, and Supertrapp IDS with 12 disks installed. Low end is MUCH better top end does not seem to hve changed much but can't really tell. Trying to determine if I should. A. Remove some of the disks from Supertrapp. B. Install 140 jet. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: (klr650) K & N airfilters Date: 25 Jul 1998 06:35:02 -0700 Do you guys notice a lot of difference in performance using these? In my experience it changes things dramatically on sportbikes but the stock filters are pleated paper. When changing from foam to gauze, is there that much improvement in airflow? Anybody done a comparison between the UNI and the K&N? Dean in Seattle 95 VFR, 94 KLR650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Scott Eldredge Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #152 Date: 25 Jul 1998 08:48:16 -0700 >I have heard that the electrical system in the KLR is designed with no >reserve capacity. That is, one can not draw any more amps when the bike >is running without draining the battery. Is this true? For what model >years? Are there after market kits to buy that would deal with this >problem? How much do they cost? How difficult are they to install? Service manager at my shop said system was strng enough to maybe run about 100W more stuff. I put in a 55/100 watt bulb with no problem. Scott Eldredge 98 A12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #152 Date: 25 Jul 1998 09:33:50 -0700 -----Original Message----- >>I have heard that the electrical system in the KLR is designed with no >>reserve capacity. That is, one can not draw any more amps when the bike >>is running without draining the battery. Is this true? For what model >>years? Are there after market kits to buy that would deal with this >>problem? How much do they cost? How difficult are they to install? > >Service manager at my shop said system was strng enough to maybe run about 100W >more stuff. I put in a 55/100 watt bulb with no problem. > >Scott Eldredge >98 A12 > >@@@@@@@ I think Gino knows about the power output...I understand it's not much.....seems I remember 200 watts mentioned which could run a couple things...assuming it's excess power, because if it's not, you might wind up using battery juice to make up difference. There was a recent post regarding wiring harness size, posted in the last couple days, that referred to lack of carrying capacity. (wire size too small) Although the wire size is ok for stock use, and voltage drop therefor being of no consequence, it may still be that the wiring won't like larger current draws through it to run accessories. So possibly voltage losses to resistance might be a problem. I'd want to be sure to know the generating capacity first, and accessorize accordingly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #152 Date: 25 Jul 1998 13:49:50 -0700 At 09:33 AM 7/25/98 -0700, Eric Rhoads wrote: > >-----Original Message----- >From: Scott Eldredge >To: klr650@lists.xmission.com >Date: Saturday, July 25, 1998 8:47 AM >Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #152 > > >>>I have heard that the electrical system in the KLR is designed with no >>>reserve capacity. That is, one can not draw any more amps when the bike >>>is running without draining the battery. Is this true? For what model >>>years? Are there after market kits to buy that would deal with this >>>problem? How much do they cost? How difficult are they to install? >> >>Service manager at my shop said system was strng enough to maybe run about >100W >>more stuff. I put in a 55/100 watt bulb with no problem. >> >>Scott Eldredge >>98 A12 >> >>@@@@@@@ I think Gino knows about the power output...I understand it's >not > >much.....seems I remember 200 watts mentioned which could run a couple >things...assuming it's excess power, because if it's not, you might wind up >using battery juice to make up difference. > There was a recent post regarding wiring harness size, posted in the last >couple days, that referred to lack of carrying capacity. (wire size too >small) Although the wire size is ok for stock use, and voltage drop >therefor being of no consequence, it may still be that the wiring won't like >larger current draws through it to run accessories. So possibly voltage >losses to resistance might be a problem. Again, I noted the fact that the *stock* headlight became considerably brighter when I ran the heavier wiring. That indicates to me that the wiring harness is too light even for the factory load. When I added even one 37.5 watt running light...forgedaboudit. I got decidedly brownish light. -Tom ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ken Hall" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #152 Date: 25 Jul 1998 15:18:12 +0000 > Again, I noted the fact that the *stock* headlight became > considerably brighter when I ran the heavier wiring. That indicates > to me that the wiring harness is too light even for the factory load. > When I added even one 37.5 watt running light...forgedaboudit. > I got decidedly brownish light. > > -Tom Maybe someone could write something up for the KLR site on how to rewire the headlight w/ a 10 gauge wire. I'm just not sure how to bring it into the ignition, then to the light, so it turns on/off w/ the switch. Ken in PA '98 klr ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #152 Date: 26 Jul 1998 07:46:15 +1000 Ken Hall wrote: [...] > I'm just not sure how to bring it into the ignition, then to the light, so it > turns on/off w/ the switch. My suggestion is to wire in a relay with some heavier guage wiring. That way, the existing wiring can be retained to operate the relay. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ton Tron" Subject: (klr650) Date: Sat, 25 Jul 1998 15:40:26 -0700 Date: 25 Jul 1998 16:40:29 -0600 This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_001E_01BDB7E2.8B14F3E0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Hello there, I am a beginner just learning how to ride a motor-bike. I am planning to = buy a dual-sport (more toward a road than the dirt) and I love a look = and the review of the new KLR650; however the seat on new (1997-199) = bike is too tall for me (i am 5'10'').=20 Is there anyone know that any of the ealier year has a seat lower down = to about 33''? Thanks, Thanh Truong ------=_NextPart_000_001E_01BDB7E2.8B14F3E0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Hello there,
 
I am a beginner just learning how to = ride a=20 motor-bike. I am planning to buy a dual-sport (more toward a road than = the dirt)=20 and I love a look and the review of the new KLR650; however the seat on = new=20 (1997-199) bike is too tall for me (i am 5'10'').
 
Is there anyone know that any of the = ealier year=20 has a seat lower down to about 33''?
 
Thanks,
Thanh Truong
 
------=_NextPart_000_001E_01BDB7E2.8B14F3E0-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: yefimov@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Mirror Vibration Date: 25 Jul 1998 19:11:45 EDT >It shouldn't be enormously difficult to convert our >cable clutches to hydraulic... > >Mister_T The vibration is a result of the forcing function ( engine vibration ) being close to the natural frequency of the handlebar/mirror system. natural frequency = SQR( stiffness / mass ) This is assume that there is no damping even though there is; it is very difficult to make effective changes with changing of the damping. If you increase the stiffness or decrease the mass you should be able to get the natural frequency above the operational vibration frequency of the engine and decrease the mirror vibration. Things that will increase the stiffness of the system: 1) shorter mirrors 2) shorter handle-bars 3) bigger diameter handle-bars 4) bigger diameter mirror extension 5) mirrors in closer to the center of the handle bars 6) potentially a different material ( steel is stiffer than aluminum is stiffer than plastic ) 7) If the KLR has it, the crossbar welded closer to the ends of the handlebars Decrease of Mass: 1) change of material ( but this may change the stiffness of the system ) 2) change the geometry so that the system takes less material, but is still as stiff in the direction of vibration. 3) smaller mirrors One final comment; if you try to decrease the natural frequency to deal with the vibrating mirror problem, then they will vibrate at a lower engine rpm. But, they will still vibrate. I don't have a KLR yet, however, I would guess that the left mirror will vibrate about as much as the right at a lower engine RPMs. Alex KLR wanna be San Jose, CA _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Marick Payton" Subject: (klr650) Ortlieb dry duffel Date: 25 Jul 1998 19:02:55 PDT Someone posted about a river-runner outfit that was having a sale on the Ortlieb duffels and I placed an order. Unfortunately, the bag is HUGE (they didn't have the smaller size). It's a neat piece, clearly quality materials and construction, but I'm going to have to find a rafter to sell it to as it's too big for the back of a bike. Well, I suppose I could slit the side and use it as a bike cover. Marick ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Date: Sat, 25 Jul 1998 15:40:26 -0700 Date: 25 Jul 1998 23:12:43 -0700 At 04:40 PM 7/25/98 -0600, Ton Tron wrote: > Hello there, I am a beginner just learning how to ride a motor-bike. >I am planning to buy a dual-sport (more toward a road than the dirt) and I >love a look and the review of the new KLR650; however the seat on new >(1997-199) bike is too tall for me (i am 5'10''). Is there anyone know >that any of the ealier year has a seat lower down to about 33''? Thanks, If you look around in the archives you will probably find all sorts of references to the lowering links for the rear suspention, "slipping" the front fork tubes up through the clamps and fitting and aftermarket seat like as made by Corbin. Assuming a reasonable amount of your 5'10" is in the legs, these modifications will probably suffice. The archives are at: http://www.xmission.com/~dkenison/cgi/lwgate.cgi/KLR650/archives/ Good luck, and welcome to the list! -Tom ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #152 Date: 25 Jul 1998 23:14:59 -0700 At 03:18 PM 7/25/98 +0000, Ken Hall wrote: > > > >> Again, I noted the fact that the *stock* headlight became >> considerably brighter when I ran the heavier wiring. That indicates >> to me that the wiring harness is too light even for the factory load. >> When I added even one 37.5 watt running light...forgedaboudit. >> I got decidedly brownish light. >> >> -Tom > >Maybe someone could write something up for the KLR site on how to rewire the >headlight w/ a 10 gauge wire. > >I'm just not sure how to bring it into the ignition, then to the light, so it >turns on/off w/ the switch. I'll be happy to write it, but not at the moment. Big paper looming at school. -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #152 Date: 25 Jul 1998 23:15:38 -0700 At 07:46 AM 7/26/98 +1000, Ted Palmer wrote: >Ken Hall wrote: > >[...] >> I'm just not sure how to bring it into the ignition, then to the light, so it >> turns on/off w/ the switch. > >My suggestion is to wire in a relay with some heavier guage wiring. >That way, the existing wiring can be retained to operate the relay. > Precisely what I did. -Tom '96 aaa, you know. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: (klr650) Hop up Results. Date: 25 Jul 1998 22:48:16 -0500 Well after installing my K&N jet kit, K&N filter, and Supertrapp IDS. I have tried it with the 136 jet and 12 disks and have tried the 140 with 12 disks and now have the 136 with 8 disks. This is what I have noticed. 136 with 12 ran well better low end but it seems that I was about 5-10 mph slower on top end. 140 with 12 disks low end even better but at least 10-15 mph slower top end. So now I am back to the 136 with 8 disks and low end is still good but it seems that the top end is still about 5-10 mph slower that before the mods I even tried it with the airbox cover off and it leaned out spitting and sputtering at full throttle too loud without it anyway. Any ideas anyone? Just for curiousity what is the top end of other KLR's mine used to be an indicated 100mph now it is about 90-95mph. BTW unless I there is somthing that I am missing I don't think that the improvements were worth the $300+ price tag. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Todd Emsley Subject: Re: (klr650) Tune this puppy. Date: 26 Jul 1998 06:22:46 -0400 Chadd, Sounds like your on the way. The reason you are not increasing your top end is the airbox restriction. Since you are the one who has to live with your decision, you can leave well enough alone or you can drill it out. If you drill it, go up to around a 145, then consult one of the Supertrapp users on the list for final adjustments. Todd A11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: (klr650) Pelican bag sourse Date: 26 Jul 1998 09:15:01 -0700 For those that are interested in aquiring Peican bags to make into luggage, I have a source that seems to have pretty good prices: Two Rivers Trading Inc. 429 Williamson Rd. PO Box 100 Williamson, GA 30292 Ph (770) 567-0625 Fx (770) 567-3875 As a for-instance, a model 1500 case (18.5" x 15.25" x 7") that retails for $133.65, they sell for $113.65. They also carry a full line of Pelican flashlights, which I can vouch for as being tough and *bright*. -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: vesannlewis@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Jetting Date: 26 Jul 1998 06:24:39 -0700 I hope someone helps Chadd with his jetting. Otherwise, I'll stay stock. His experience is exactly why I don't want to dink around with the jetting. BTW, Chad, my spedo indicates 105mph top speed stock. Don't ask me how I was dumb enough to get it up there for 5 minutes; I don't recommend it. No, it wasn't squirrly or anything (actually quite stable) but I just think it's dumb to pour it on like that. _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Tune this puppy. Date: 26 Jul 1998 08:23:10 -0600 >Chadd, > > Sounds like your on the way. The reason you are not increasing your top >end is the airbox restriction. Since you are the one who has to live >with your decision, you can leave well enough alone or you can drill it >out. If you drill it, go up to around a 145, then consult one of the >Supertrapp users on the list for final adjustments. > > > Todd A11 > I agree with Chadd, I run the 150 with a drilled airbox and 12 discs and it pulls like a freight train even at my home elevation of 4,500 feet. I am not a top speed guy but I've had it had 80 and it felt like it would pull to redline... Kurt A12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: bosozoku@olywa.net Subject: (klr650) tuning question Date: 26 Jul 1998 18:34:27 -0700 okay, since we are on the subject I have a question as well. What is the stock main jet for a 94 KLR? I have a 142 that I bought from a shop in town and, to me at least, it looks the same as the stock one. Also, how many turns out on the mixture screw can you go? I turn it 3.5 turns and it stops. Am I doing this wrong? Are you guys all counting half turns as full turns or what? Thanks in advance. - J.D. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: ericjazz@mindspring.com Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #153 Date: 26 Jul 1998 22:12:45 -0000 Regarding mirror vibration: What ever happened to Bar Snake (I think thats what it was called)? They offered a solid core of rubber type material to insert into your handlebars, and a liquid form to pour into clip-on type bars. It was marketed mainly towards Harleys. Several years back, a friend told me he heard they were out of business. Have not been able to find any current info. Anyway, try filling your handlebars with something heavy, maybe even silicone would work. (As mentioned in another response regarding the master cylinder adding weight and offering more damping on the right side than the left) You could also try aftermarket bar-end-weights, although the Lockhart ones seem pretty lightweight. You could also see if the bar weights from a from a street bike would fit. I had a Ninja 900, and those weights were pretty substantial. If you go that route, try a junkyard first, I'm sure there are plenty laying around. Now I have a question: I'm pretty moose-like in body structure (48 chest). The stock mirrors are too narrow, anyone have experience mounting mirrors with longer stalks/wider reflective area? Good Luck and TIA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) tuning question Date: 26 Jul 1998 22:04:54 -0600 -----Original Message----- >okay, since we are on the subject I have a question as well. What is the >stock main jet for a 94 KLR? I have a 142 that I bought from a shop in >town and, to me at least, it looks the same as the stock one. Also, how >many turns out on the mixture screw can you go? I turn it 3.5 turns and >it stops. Am I doing this wrong? Are you guys all counting half turns as >full turns or what? > >Thanks in advance. > >- J.D. The stock jet is a Keihin 148 = .056. Forgive me for asking but you are turning the mixture screw right? Which means the plug has been removed? It takes a special tool to turn it on the bike. Just needed to ask. I can't remember it stopping. I would have thought you could have unscrewed it all the way if you wanted. But, to your question, it is a full 31/2 turns. Kurt A12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: West Hovland Subject: (klr650) GPS et al Date: 26 Jul 1998 21:32:03 -0700 I'm in the maket for a GPS, to use hiking, adventure touring and canoe trips...OK OK...it's mostly just another techno gadget for me to screw with. I now someof you use them, any suggestions? What brand and model do you use...would you buy it again...what do you think are it's strengths/ weakness'? Thanks, West ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chris Beasley Subject: Re: (klr650) Super Trapp sticker? Date: 27 Jul 1998 09:19:38 -0700 Mine came off on the second ride. Now I have burnt glue where it used to be. If you remove it, take some goof-off or other nasty solvent and remove the glue too. b Chadd Thompson wrote: > Hey I think that I remember someone talking about the sticker that is on the > supertrapp muffler and saying it just burns up. Is this true? If so I am > going to remove mine before use. > > Thanks > Chadd Thompson > chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: Re: (klr650) Tune this puppy. Date: 27 Jul 1998 18:42:52 -0500 At 06:22 AM 7/26/98 -0400, Todd Emsley wrote: >Chadd, > > Sounds like your on the way. The reason you are not increasing your top >end is the airbox restriction. Since you are the one who has to live >with your decision, you can leave well enough alone or you can drill it >out. If you drill it, go up to around a 145, then consult one of the >Supertrapp users on the list for final adjustments. > > > Todd A11 > > Todd, It is that I have not increaced my top end but I have acctually decreaced it instead. Also I was wondering how loud the airbox gets with the holes drilled in it? I know that with the lid off the box it is WAY too loud for me. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: mcpete@juno.com (Peter J McMahon) Subject: (klr650) Dimming Lights Date: 27 Jul 1998 22:47:11 -0500 Is it normal for a KLR's headlight to dim quite noticeably at idle? Mine (a '97) will grow very dim as I come to a stop, more so if I am applying a brake. The lights also seem to flicker. Awhile back my dealer checked it under warranty. He said I had a headlight bulb starting to fail and replaced it. I don't know if the problem went away or I haven't noticed it since I haven't ridden it at night until recently. TIA Pete McMahon (Trying to find my way in the dark) _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) Dimming Lights Date: 27 Jul 1998 21:43:41 -0700 -----Original Message----- >Is it normal for a KLR's headlight to dim quite noticeably at idle? Mine >(a '97) will grow very dim as I come to a stop, more so if I am applying >a brake. The lights also seem to flicker. Awhile back my dealer checked >it under warranty. He said I had a headlight bulb starting to fail and >replaced it. I don't know if the problem went away or I haven't noticed >it since I haven't ridden it at night until recently. >TIA >Pete McMahon >(Trying to find my way in the dark) > ####### ..you are describing classic symptoms of a bad electrical connection. The dealer, knowingly or not, 'sold' you something you probably didn't need. I don't have this problem with my '96, nor should you. Check both battery connections, and check ground connection to the frame (it's at the other end of the battery ground cable).....I'd bet it's your battery connection though....or perhaps the battery itself. One more thing....it's normal for the headlight to dim under starting...if it dims a LOT, (a judgement call) it usually indicates a connection problem....this all is complicated by not knowing the exact condition of your battery of course. As far as headlights go....they go at once...they don't dim themselves into oblivion. ericR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com Subject: (klr650) NKLR: Choking a bike Date: 28 Jul 1998 07:13:37 -0400 It all started as a young boy firing up the 3HP Briggs and Stratton mini bike and has continued with the KLR. (with the exception of my fuel injected Gold Wing) When you 'choke' a bike and wait for it to warm up, what are you waiting for? In other words, what is warming up? Are you waiting for the engine to generate enough heat to change the density of the air entering the combustion chamber? Then why don't fuel injected motors need to be choked? Pat (sometimes you miss the obvious) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dale Borgeson Subject: RE: (klr650) Dimming Lights Date: 28 Jul 1998 07:11:57 -0500 (CDT) On Mon, 27 Jul 1998, klr650-digest wrote: > From: mcpete@juno.com (Peter J McMahon) > Is it normal for a KLR's headlight to dim quite noticeably at idle? Mine Yes, it is normal. The alternator can't put out enough power at idle to supply all the loads. This is true on most bikes but because of its relatively low capacity alternator it's more extreme on the KLR. You'll also notice that the turn signals flash slower at idle than at higher RPM's. If the engine is at idle for a long time you'd drain the battery but for a minute or two at a stop light it's ok. (If I'm wearing my electric vest and gloves I use the throttle to increase the RPM's to about 2k at longer stop lights) As soon as you get going again the alternator's output is more than enough to run everything and still keep the battery charged. Cheers -- Dale Borgeson dalebor@tiny.net Minneapolis, MN U.S.A. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: snsi@win.bright.net Subject: (klr650) BRI-Who is headed to the races? Date: 28 Jul 1998 08:25:06 +0000 Howdy All, Are there any listers headed to Brainard (MN) to see the races these weekend? In case anyone is I'll be hanging around between corner 7 and 8 (My KLR will have the furry seat). Hoping to put faces with names. Jeff Smith Barnes, WI '71 A-HD Sprint 350; '97 Kawasaki KLR650 (King o'La Road) "Beware the dirt bike ... Ground shaking dirt bike" TMBG ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR: Choking a bike Date: 28 Jul 1998 07:23:59 -0600 -----Original Message----- > > It all started as a young boy firing up the 3HP Briggs and Stratton mini > bike and has continued with the KLR. (with the exception of my fuel > injected Gold Wing) > > When you 'choke' a bike and wait for it to warm up, what are you waiting > for? In other words, what is warming up? Are you waiting for the > engine to generate enough heat to change the density of the air entering > the combustion chamber? Then why don't fuel injected motors need to be > choked? > > Pat (sometimes you miss the obvious) > > > Gee I am all choke up (I can answer this question) You answered your first question yourself. Cold air doesn't atomize gasoline as well as warm air and a fuel injection system injects the gasoline under pressure to atomize it and doesn't rely on air temp as much. Fred (just getting warmed up my self) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #154 Date: 28 Jul 1998 10:30:32 EDT In a message dated 7/27/98 8:51:17 PM Pacific Daylight Time, owner- klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com writes: > Is it normal for a KLR's headlight to dim quite noticeably at idle? This is a problem I have noticed occasionally. Probably due to several factors. First, the stock wiring is a little undersized which causes too much voltage (resistance) between the battery/charging system and the headlight. See prior postings for the cure for this problem. Second, the battery may not be up to spec. As the engine idles, the charging system does not generate as much energy. The battery normally makes up the difference to supply the required current. If the battery if marginal it may not be able to supply the needed power. This may also be a problem if the charging system is pushed ny adding electrical accessories so the battery is not running at full charge. Gary Bettes two 1996 KLR650 and previous 1986 KLR600 Digest Only ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Robert frey" Subject: (klr650) pictures Date: 28 Jul 1998 16:13:38 -0400 Looking for owners of KTM RXC, Adventure, etc to post pics on the RXC Web Page! Send your photo jpg format tp rlfrey@gte.net. Look up RXC Page at www.geocities.com/Baja/Canyom/5245/ktm.html Thanks in advance for helping set up a page for KTM Killer Dual-Sporters... Robert ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ton Tron" Subject: (klr650) KLR650 and KLX650 Date: 28 Jul 1998 14:28:29 -0700 This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0006_01BDBA33.FD4AD440 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable What is the difference between KLR650 and KLX650? Are they refering to = the same bike or ...? Thanks, Thanh Truon ------=_NextPart_000_0006_01BDBA33.FD4AD440 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
What is the difference between = KLR650 and=20 KLX650? Are they refering to the same bike or ...?
 
Thanks,
 
Thanh = Truon
------=_NextPart_000_0006_01BDBA33.FD4AD440-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: (klr650) KLR stock jet? Date: 28 Jul 1998 18:24:35 -0500 Hi, I have a question regarding the stock main jet for a 97 KLR. If my service manual is right it indicates that the stock jet is a #148. Is this right? If so then why does the K&N jet kit recommend putting in a #136? Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR stock jet? Date: 28 Jul 1998 17:27:16 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Hi, > > I have a question regarding the stock main jet for a 97 KLR. If my >service manual is right it indicates that the stock jet is a #148. Is this >right? If so then why does the K&N jet kit recommend putting in a #136? I think it is because they use different number systems for their jets. Fred > > >Thanks >Chadd Thompson >chadd@accessus.net > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: " David Cozart" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR stock jet? Date: 28 Jul 1998 17:25:37 -0700 Just installed a Dynajet stage 1 kit with a 136 main jet. The stock jet did say 148 and in fact the oriface seems larger than the 136. I can only guess that the real enrichening must lie with the new needle and the backing off of the mixture enrichment screw to 3.5 turns. The motor feels more responsive, feels smoother, and has no surge. The benefits are there, but like you I wonder how all this is done with a smaller than stock jet oriface. I'm running a stock air box with K&N filter and stock exhaust. Can anyone explain how less is more? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: (klr650) (no subject) Date: 28 Jul 1998 20:31:56 EDT Has anyone installed an after-market rear shock? I've Ordered a Progressive Suspension shock and anxiously await its arrival. The factory piece was priced like it was gold plated. Thanks to this web site and its report on Progressive Suspensions front fork springs, I was able to contact same. This allowed me the option of renewing the rear shock Vs having the existing shock repaired (rechrome/revalved). Any tips or recommendations on set up would be appreciated. Steve ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: omegacolor@sssnet.com Subject: (klr650) Chain Help Needed... Date: 28 Jul 1998 08:24:53 -0700 Removed my chain (7500 M. indicated) the other night with visions of cleaning off all the gunk and reinstalling with a massive increase in performance. (as if, yet read on...) After cleaning, and upon closer inspection, I discovered several "o" rings were missing and a few links were seized. The other links were generally stiff. (the maintenance schedule of the previous owner was a little sketchy) SO, I don't require much convincing that it's time for a new chain. I need a good recommendation for a stock-length chain, with a master link (included?) so it can be easily removed in the future for cleaning. Like I said, "bolt on performance", (or at least - a lot safer) Thanks to all listers for the excellent info. Scott - A3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Chain Help Needed... Date: 28 Jul 1998 23:32:05 -0700 At 08:24 AM 7/28/98 -0700, omegacolor@sssnet.com wrote: >Removed my chain (7500 M. indicated) the other night with visions >of cleaning off all the gunk and reinstalling with a massive >increase in performance. (as if, yet read on...) > >After cleaning, and upon closer inspection, I discovered several >"o" rings were missing and a few links were seized. The other links >were generally stiff. (the maintenance schedule of the previous owner >was a little sketchy) > >SO, I don't require much convincing that it's time for a new chain. > >I need a good recommendation for a stock-length chain, with a master >link (included?) so it can be easily removed in the future for cleaning. > The D.I.D. X-ring chain is hard to beat. I have been reating my regularly woth Chain Wax for the last 8,000 miles. Only needed two minor adjusments in that time. Cant ask for much more than that. -Tom '96 KLR 650 27,000 mi. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ton Tron" (by way of "Tom S." ) (by way of Tom Simpson ) Subject: (klr650) KLR650 and KLX650 Date: 28 Jul 1998 23:33:30 -0700 >>>> What is the difference between KLR650 and KLX650? Are they refering to the same bike or ...? >>>> They realy have very little in common. The general configuration of the engine is almost identical but virtualy no parts interchange. The KLX motor is set up more for racing and other aggrssive applications. It is also reputedy more fragile than the KLR motor. The KLX has a more sophisticated frame and suspention design, a less comforatble seat and a smaller fuel tank. If you plan to take any long trips on the highway, the KLR if generaly the better choise. -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Scott Eldredge Subject: (klr650) 98 KLR startup Date: 28 Jul 1998 21:26:23 -0700 The manual for my 98 says the headlight should not come on until the starter button is released. Mine comes on as soon as the key is put in the on position, meaning I must power the headlight while starting the bike. I'd like to here what other 98's do, and other KLRs. Scott Eldredge ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "skip faulkner" Subject: (klr650) Re: BMW Rally @ KLR650 (long) Date: 29 Jul 1998 01:05:31 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Skip, I didn't make it to the rally...how was it? Please let me know where to send >this package of unifilters. Don't worry about paying me.... > >Kurt > Kurt, Sorry to take so long in responding. I was starting to catch up on the List a few days after getting back from the Rally and got off a couple of responses when my modem went hoofs up. I put off tearing into the computer a few more days (working late catching up on work and then a four day state fly-in with the FAA using my hangar for headquarters) and finally deciding to upgrade to a 56 bps modem. Busy couple of weeks and to top it off, (this will be of interest to Ron) the guy who I just sold my plane to (an Aerospatiale Rallye 235E) ditched it in the Flathead River during the flour bombing competition and I`m still carrying the papers. It made the National news. Now I`m looking at 326 Listings. THE FOLLOWING ARE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND OBSERVATIONS ON THE NATIONAL BMW RALLY WITH INSERTING KLR650 PARTS, THOSE NOT INTERESTED, LEAVE NOW. The Rally was great,sorry you missed it. Estimated number of bikes was 6000 and it looked like it. I was camping inside the Rally grounds just left of the entrance. In this camping area, my KLR was the Lone Wolf in an ocean of BMW`s. I saw 6 other KLR`s but only one associated owner (from California). I got some great ideas looking at how some of the GS`s were set up. There were some serious long distance, back-country tourers there. As a former R100GS/PD owner, I love the bikes, but the KLR650 serves me better because of my size and weight although I will eventually get a R80GS/PD(more rugged and dirt worthy than the F650). There was every imaginable form of saddlebags,panniers, hard cases,cargo racks,mounting systems,light systems,bash plates, fuel systems etc.....both manufactured and homemade. It was great to find ou t what gear really works and what doesn`t from riders who do a lot of roadless Africa and South America stuff. What was of specific interest to me(because of my Alaska and Yukon excursions) were two guys from Germany (Ans Weitler and Stefan Neumein) who between them have just under 100,000 miles of Alaska,Northern Canada,Alp and Siberia back-country experience,a lot of that no-road stuff. Ans has ridden and completed two Paris-Dakars, one on a R100GS/PD and the second on (my dream bike) a Cagiva Lucky Explorer(E-750). Stefan tried a KTM LC4 (Adventure) for 6 months and got rid of it, said the rear frame wasn`t strong enough for the gear he carries, didn`t like the highway handling and other minor complaints he didn`t elaborate on except that parts were hard to get when in the back-country and in small countries he rides in. Several of his riding partners have tried the KTM`s but apparently went back to GS`s, TransAlps and yes, the KLR650 (when they can get their hands on one). He did say though that the KTM is developing a strong following. There were several Beemer owners that said they were either going to buy or were seriously looking at KLR650`s. From the numerous comments I heard, the KLR650 is becoming a respected bike and admired by a lot of the GS and street group alike. Many at the Rally regard it as a good compromise between the heavier R100GS and the more street (also heavier) oriented F650. The main complaint of the F650,while considered to be an excellent bike, from the more serious off-road guys was the 18 inch front tire, which also on other bikes has developed a reputation of better street handling but really sucks off-road . Several comments from F650 owners I talked to said that the small front tire wants to bury up in soft stuff and hits rather than rides up bumps. I road the demo and it handled well on the street but the demos were done in groups and they wouldn`t let me take it off road. I went to a couple of seminars and though well done and informative, most were (of course) tailored to the BMW`s. I got a lot of comments on my non-Corbin seat and all that sat on it liked it except for one guy who said it was too low for him (he was 6`5"). I finally let a guy named Steve (from Tennessee) ride my bike if he would get off his knees and quit kissing my feet. He owns a nicely set up R80GS with 185,000 miles on it (he put all but 22,000 miles on it). He liked the KLR650 and said he would actually consider one but only after his trusty steed gave up the ghost. There were several interesting items there being shown by the manufacturers that would be of interest to the Listers and will post those separately. This was my fourth BMW rally but my first National and I have to say that I wasn`t surprised at the interest and fellowship offered me and my KLR650 even though this was a BMW "thing". There were and will always be exceptions to that, but I only overheard two comments about "those other bikes" over a period of three days and and over eight thousand riders. As I was leaving Sunday, I was asked by three guys I had met if I wanted to ride up to Idaho with them. They were going to hit the mountains of the Nez Pierce National Forest. I was supposed to be back at work Monday, so after two seconds of serious deliberation I said "Why not". As you can see I`m very conscientious about my work related responsibilities. I got to put a 100 miles on John`s (from Wyoming) KTM LC4 and make up my own mind about the bike. Hiway was okay but I like the more solid feel of my KLR better. After 30 miles of trail and forest service road (this was after we had found a camping spot and unloaded our gear) my personal opinion is that of all the DP bikes I`ve ridden, this KTM ranks pretty high. It handled the rough and soft stuff fine and was geared just right for my tastes, but it is too top heavy for my preferences. It is definately better off-road than on and the Enduro Threes (tires) helped foster this opinion. As much as John says he likes the bike, he`s getting rid of it after this season. He said he doesn`t do as much off-road as he used to and he has a Husky he likes better for that anyway. He`s looking at getting a KLR or a XT600. His brother has a Tiger that when fueled and a few add-ons tips the scales at 500 lbs! His brother has taken the bike off-road twice and said after that , this bike will only see roads. Those of you who like the F650 or the Adventure, don`t go getting your nose out of joint over my comments. I actually like both bikes for different purposes. If you do mostly street with gravel road and Forest Service roads, in my opinion, you`d be hard pressed to find a better bike than the F650. On the other hand if your more off-road oriented and can handle a 37 inch seat height and aren`t as concerned with comfort on the long haul, get the KTM. I`m sort of in the middle and have a KX125 for my pure dirt stuff, the KLR650 is the best compromise for me. -----------------------Skip------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR: Choking a bike Date: 29 Jul 1998 21:55:29 +1000 PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com wrote: [...] > When you 'choke' a bike and wait for it to warm up, what are you waiting > for? In other words, what is warming up? The whole motor, but we're really hoping to get the oil system flowing properly in a four stroke. Some heat in the cylinder will help fuel atomisation when it's warmed up, and some heat absorbed by the mixture will increase it's pressure. Engines are designed to work properly over a defined temperature range, as is the oil inside them. > Are you waiting for the > engine to generate enough heat to change the density of the air entering > the combustion chamber? Then why don't fuel injected motors need to be > choked? The fuel mix cools the cylinder a bit, and the heat helps to atomise the fuel for a more complete burn. A stone cold motor is likely to have fuel condense on manifold and cylinder internals, throwing the readily burnable mixture weak. Condensed fuel in droplets have a much smaller surface area to react with oxygen when you want it to, burning much slower than can be useful in our motors. Injection is rather different to "choking". But first a bit about "choke". A choke device was originally just a controlled restriction of the carby inlet. As a result of this restriction, more fuel got sucked from the jets than would otherwise. It was crude but it sort of worked. More modern carbies, like the Keihin CVK, use a "enricher" circuit. This is more sophisticated in that a separate fuel jet and air jet feeds a rich and partly mixed fuel combo into the regular intake air over what the carby would normally feed. Injection systems still send more fuel into the motor when it is cold. They can do this by engaging a separate cold-start-only injector (as on my Nissan 280C) or by lengthening the regular injectors' opening cycle. Injection motors mostly make their own decision to "choke" based on the temperature of something like the cooling water, effectively having an auto choke. If you run an injected motor without a thermostat, it may never get off some amount of coldstart enrichment. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ken Hall" Subject: Re: (klr650) 98 KLR startup Date: 29 Jul 1998 08:06:01 +0000 Scott Eldredge wrote: > The manual for my 98 says the headlight should not come on until the starter > button is released. Mine comes on as soon as the key is put in the on position, > meaning I must power the headlight while starting the bike. I'd like to here > what other 98's do, and other KLRs. > > Scott Eldredge Mine comes on w/ the key also, like your bike. Ken '98 klr ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) 98 KLR startup Date: 29 Jul 1998 08:55:36 -0700 At 09:26 PM 7/28/98 -0700, Scott Eldredge wrote: >The manual for my 98 says the headlight should not come on until the starter >button is released. Mine comes on as soon as the key is put in the on position, >meaning I must power the headlight while starting the bike. I'd like to here >what other 98's do, and other KLRs. > My '96 starts with the headlight on. Always has. -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: (klr650) Re: BMW Rally Date: 29 Jul 1998 07:34:46 -0600 Skip, Thanks for the write up on the BMW Rally in Montana. I think you may have underestimated the number of KLR's there, though. I have two friends that went and said there were bunches there. They kept repeating that, too, like they were in disbelief or something. Maybe we are actually becoming a respected group of enthusiasts......nah. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jean Philippe Bagel Subject: RE: (klr650) 98 KLR startup Date: 29 Jul 1998 10:17:13 -0700 Same for my 98. -----Original Message----- Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 1998 8:56 AM At 09:26 PM 7/28/98 -0700, Scott Eldredge wrote: >The manual for my 98 says the headlight should not come on until the starter >button is released. Mine comes on as soon as the key is put in the on position, >meaning I must power the headlight while starting the bike. I'd like to here >what other 98's do, and other KLRs. > My '96 starts with the headlight on. Always has. -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #152 Date: 29 Jul 1998 10:20:50 -0700 >>> Again, I noted the fact that the *stock* headlight became >>> considerably brighter when I ran the heavier wiring. That indicates >>> to me that the wiring harness is too light even for the factory load. >>> When I added even one 37.5 watt running light...forgedaboudit. >>> I got decidedly brownish light. >>> >>> -Tom >> >>Maybe someone could write something up for the KLR site on how to rewire the >>headlight w/ a 10 gauge wire. >> >>I'm just not sure how to bring it into the ignition, then to the light, so it >>turns on/off w/ the switch. > > > I'll be happy to write it, but not at the moment. Big paper looming at >school. > I believe that the original issue was the alternator output not being adequate, and accessories draining the battery. By using a heavier gage of wire, you have lowered the resistance of the circuit, and thus increased the amps that flow to your headlight, thus putting even more drain on your charging system. Just thought I'd point that out. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: kris.cichon@gsa.gov Subject: (klr650) Clutch safty switch.. Date: 29 May 1998 13:57:00 -0400 --UNS_gsauns2_2918029668 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Disposition: inline Hi there .. Well .. we (me and Mariola ) have two identical KLR 98's .. But they are very much different in the way they start. My .. does not require me to shift to neutral prior to start engine --AS LONG AS I HAVE CLUTCH LEVER ENGAGED Mariola's bike however .. require her to shift to neutral and release CLUTCH lever .. every time she wants starter to turn the engine.. Well ..I have checked connections "under a front fairing" .. end did not find any difference .. even wire colors are identical. I wander if we can make Mariola's bike acting the same way mine does...??? or .. do I have to entirely disengage this security switch (bypass it) ..??? Kris&Mariola --UNS_gsauns2_2918029668-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: (klr650) Jets. Date: 29 Jul 1998 18:22:03 -0500 This may be common knowledge already but just thought I would let you guys in on what I found out today about the stock KLR main jet and those in the K&N jet kit. I took the jets to work with me today and measured the hole sizes with calibrated pin gauges. This is what I found. 1. Stock 97 jet = 1.47 mm 2. K&N #136 = 1.36 mm 3. K&N #140 = 1.40 mm 4. K&N #150 = 1.50 mm So from this I guess that you can gather that the gains that you get from installing the K&N Jet kit come from the needle and the mixture adjustment, and that the smaller main jet is the cause of the loss in top speed. So wouldn't the K&N #136 be leaning out at full throttle? I think that I may try putting the stock jet back in and trying to play with the clip setting on the needle. Or just putting the stock needle and jet back in the bike. So why is it that they tell you that you have to get a new jet kit when you install a K&N filter and a new Exhaust? I wish that I understood Carbs better. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #152 Date: 29 Jul 1998 18:36:15 -0500 At 10:20 AM 7/29/98 -0700, Jeffrey L. Walker wrote: >I believe that the original issue was the alternator output not being >adequate, and accessories draining the battery. By using a heavier gage of >wire, you have lowered the resistance of the circuit, and thus increased the >amps that flow to your headlight, thus putting even more drain on your >charging system. > >Just thought I'd point that out. > >Jeff > > > Jeff, By decreasing the resistance of your wire you are also taking the power that the wire was dissipating and letting it be used where it will do you some good, on your headlight. Your Bulb will only draw as much current as it needs also. If you have a 60W Bulb it will only draw 5A at 12 volts, if you have a 100W bulb it will draw 8.3 A at 12V. The hotter your wires get the more Resistance they will have so the more power you will be wasting across your wire and the voltage drop of the wire will also increase. Kind of a vicious circle. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "=?iso-8859-1?B?Qt1ST0wgU0FZ?=" Subject: Ynt: (klr650) supertrapp (again) Date: 30 Jul 1998 03:02:27 +0300 -----=D6zg=FCn =DDleti----- Kimden: Kurt Simpson Kime: Ryan Combs Bilgi: klr650@lists.xmission.com Tarih: 01 Temmuz 1998 =C7ar=FEamba 18:03 Konu: Re: (klr650) supertrapp (again) Dear List Members, I have technical insufficiency problems with the Kawasaki dealers here in Turkey. I need a KLR650 service manual (very urgent!) If any of the members send = a copy to me anyway (snail-mail, FAQ, e-mail, fax) I'll be more than happy = and pay all the expenses. Money is nothing, believe me I'm in love with my KLR(Hope my wife doesn't read this). Thank you all. Birol Say e-mail: saymer@superonline.com fax: +90 216 3275112 address: Birol Say,M.D. Kosuyolu, Halili sok., #10, Kadikoy 80020 Istanbul Turkey by means o ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #152 Date: 29 Jul 1998 22:13:53 -0700 At 06:11 PM 7/29/98 -0400, Jeffrey L. Walker wrote: >>>> Again, I noted the fact that the *stock* headlight became >>>> considerably brighter when I ran the heavier wiring. That indicates >>>> to me that the wiring harness is too light even for the factory load. >>>> When I added even one 37.5 watt running light...forgedaboudit. >>>> I got decidedly brownish light. >>>> > >I believe that the original issue was the alternator output not being >adequate, and accessories draining the battery. By using a heavier gage of >wire, you have lowered the resistance of the circuit, and thus increased the >amps that flow to your headlight, thus putting even more drain on your >charging system. I wouldnt think so. All those electrons stacking up in the wiring would find excape in the form of heat, if I recall my highschool physics class correctly. -Tom '96 KLR 650 w/ warm-ish wiring. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: (klr650) Progressive spring part number Date: 29 Jul 1998 19:48:56 -0700 Can someone help me out with a simple damn question. I guess it's going to be one of those days. I went to install the new springs I'd ordered. When I went to be sure I have the right ones, the following arose: Motorcycle Accessory warehouse sent spring #11-1128 KLR tech tips article says the spring is #11-128 Progressive web site says number is #11-1151 You have to download their whole stinking program to check out one lousy application. Anyway , 'Audience says?' Thanks in advance, Dean in Seattle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: Re: (klr650) Progressive spring part number Date: 29 Jul 1998 22:25:57 -0500 At 07:48 PM 7/29/98 -0700, Dean Harrison wrote: >Can someone help me out with a simple damn question. I guess it's going to >be one of those days. I went to install the new springs I'd ordered. When I >went to be sure I have the right ones, the following arose: > > >Motorcycle Accessory warehouse sent spring #11-1128 > >KLR tech tips article says the spring is #11-128 > >Progressive web site says number is #11-1151 > >You have to download their whole stinking program to check out one lousy >application. > >Anyway , 'Audience says?' > >Thanks in advance, Dean in Seattle > > Dean, The correct # is 11-1128 you have the right ones :O) BTW what I did to ensure the correct oil level was to measure the amount of fluid that I took out of the shock then put back in the same amount and also measured the oil hieght according to the service manual. The oil level should be about 5.5 inches from the top of the fork tube. I think that you will be happy with the new springs. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Bryce Hysjulien" Subject: (klr650) KLR Trailer Date: 29 Jul 1998 22:43:03 -0500 The mechanics at the local Kawasaki shop told me that they had a KLR come through that was pulling a trailer. The bike had 31,000 on it. I think they said the owner needed a rear tire but I'm not sure. Was anyone on the list? If anybody has any ideas on how to mount the hitch let me know. I'm going to build a small trailer as soon as ND gets buried in snow but haven't come up with any good ideas about the hitch. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Bryce 98 KLR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "skip faulkner" Subject: Re: (klr650) Jackets Date: 29 Jul 1998 22:56:23 -0600 Jeff stated; >Gortex will keep you dry up to a point...but after a while....the fabric >becomes saturated and stops being water resistant. You get wet under, and >lose some insulation as well. Don't get me wrong, we were glad to >50 + mile commute (one way). I still wear my Army Gortex rain pants with >the Kilimanjaro, because I haven't been able to afford the First Gear pants >yet. The pants become saturated and soaked especially from the knees down Jeff, I know this is a late response, but I`ve been off-line a couple of weeks.I don`t know if this is of any use to you, but with my other riding pants I was having the same wet below the knees problem until I got out my Cat-o-ninetails and made my wife make me some over the knee gators. You can make them out of Cordura or any relatively water resistant fabric. They don`t have to completely waterproof as the main function is to stop the rain from impacting the Gore-Tex. I had some old rubber coated nylon rain pants with elastic bottoms that we cut off to the right lenghth and sewed additional elastic to the top so I just slide them on. They also work great those times when it`s not raining but the road is wet and spraying your legs. My wife is not the most competent on a sewing machine (since I refuse to partake in such menial domestic chores,OUCH! never mind) What I meant to say was since my wife is such a superb seamstress it only took her Highness about 15 minutes to do it and they work well. Also I see that Dennis Kirk has a similar set up in their Street bike catalogue. On the Gore-Tex, I found out quickly when I first tried it in Alaska that when it becomes dirty, it quits breathing and will even sometimes pass water through. Hope this helps. -Skip (Who is fortunate to be married to such a talented, fine example of womanhood) she`s gone, she made me say that ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Progressive spring part number Date: 29 Jul 1998 23:27:08 -0700 > > The correct # is 11-1128 you have the right ones :O) BTW what I did >to ensure the correct oil level was to measure the amount of fluid that I >took out of the shock then put back in the same amount and also measured the >oil hieght according to the service manual. The oil level should be about >5.5 inches from the top of the fork tube. I think that you will be happy >with the new springs. > > You can't use the same amount of oil with the Progressive springs as with the stock springs, as the Progressive springs displace more oil. The important figure is the distance from the top of the (compressed ) fork to the oil level inside with the new spring installed. On my bike, an '89, the fork oil level is 190 mm, which converts to 7.5 inches. I know that the Progressive instructions say to set the fork oil level at 5.5 inches, but they also say to set the fork oil level in accordance with the factory level for the bike. Personally, I played it safe and set mine at 6.5 inches, halfway between the Progressive figure and the factory figure. No complaints, but I think that I might change to a heavier viscosity oil soon, due to my weight. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "skip faulkner" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs BMW Date: 30 Jul 1998 00:33:17 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Well, first off; >BMWs are NOT REAL DUAL-SPORTERS! See one go down a single track trail >lately? A KLR is a handful on a single track, but does fine with a lot of >rider input! I've seen BMWs at Daytona, Chattahoochee, and other D/S Rides, >why do they not go on the challenging sections? Because their riders/owners >are more of the lazy-boy adventurers. They'd rather sit out and watch >everyone else, and think that they really belong to the party. Truth is, >just like the bikes, their experience in the great outdoors is not a real >deal either. > >Being of age and of economic earning power has allowed me to push the limits >of my enthusiasm for dual sport. KLR is good for fire roads and some >not-too-tight single tracks, and at less than $6000, one Hell-Of-A-Steal! My >$7000 KTM RXC620 is more bike than any BMW! I'd Would love to see a GS >ride up a gnarly, rockstrewn, mud drenched, fallen-tree trail turn around >and do it again then head for the highway and go home again. It Aint Gonna >Happen. For less than $13,000 I've got TWO GREAT BIKES IN MY GARAGE! I Robert, I`m sure your statements are based on although limited, but personal experience and you have only that to base on. I very respectfully submit to you that based on personal experience and just plain fact, that you couldn`t be more farther from the truth. I am a former 1992 R100GS/PD owner and though an experienced dirt rider with some motorcross in my younger past, I admit that the R100GS is a little bit of a handful off-road for someone of my size and weight (5`6" 150lbs) I have been amazed on what that bike can do with the right rider. It`s an indisputable fact that the R100 and R80GS series of bikes have seen more off-road miles around the world than any other bike ever manufactured. Keep in mind that it wasn`t that long ago that the BMW`s always dominated Paris-Dakar. I`ve never heard of a Kawasaki of any kind ever winning any long distance rally, yet you bought one. As for price, although not new (I`d never touch the R1100GS) you can buy many an R100GS or R80GS in excellent condition with more miles left on them than any new KTM or Kawasaki will ever see for the same and less money than what your KTM cost. I admit there may be a few rare exceptions, but how many Jap bikes have you seen reach 150,000 200,000 or 300,000 miles without major engine repair , let alone the frame holding up that long. I have personally seen myself and also watched on TV riders on R100GS`s do things in mud,rocks,riverbeds,deserts and mountain sides that most very experienced dirt and motorcross riders on light dirt bikes would have serious problems doing if able to at all. You are partially correct in that many R100GS/80GS`s have never and will never see anything other than pavement but the same holds true for KLR650`s, KTM LC4`s,XR650L`s,Hummers,Jeeps etc........ Here in Montana the BMW Club has regular GS rides that are mostly off road and always open to any bike, and many a DP bike and rider has had a hard time keeping up with these guys. I seriously mean no insult to you but I hate stereo-typing based on what bike someone rides. I confidently put to you that a large portion of this brotherhood(and sisterhood) of KLR650 owners that you and I proudly belong to will rarely, if ever, ride their bikes on anything remotely considered off-road, and that`s okay. They like their bike for whatever reason and derive enjoyment from owning it. I don`t ride mine at all, I just drive around with it in the back of my truck, hoping that people with think I`m going to some big bike rally,(since the really cool dudes never RIDE their bikes to rallies,right). Don`t get me wrong Robert,I`m not going off on you, I`m just using this as an excuse to get up on a soapbox about this subject. I`m actually a hypocrite in that I used to feel the same way about guys wearing dinnerplate belt buckles and cowboy hats playing cowboy. I spent most of my life on a ranch here in Montana, shoveling cow shit,bucking hay,branding and riding line most of my free time all through school,going to college on a rodeo scholarship because I couldn`t afford to go any other way. I felt I earned the right to wear my hat and buckles that I WON and resented these drugstore cowboys who`d probably never tossed a loop or had to run down strays till you couldn`t see, in their lives. It irritated me to see these guys try to be and give the appearance of something they weren`t. Then I finally came to the conclusion," So what". They`re trying to give their life an identity, trying to associate with a group. Live and let live. We`ve got more important things to occupy ourselves with. I`m off the soapbox, forgive me List. ---------Skip (any suggestions on what to occupy my mind with?) ---- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "skip faulkner" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR / BMW bashing Date: 30 Jul 1998 00:42:49 -0600 >Robert: > >Since I did not see a smiley on your post I guess I can >safely assume you're an asshole. How can you stereotype bike >owners and riders based on what they ride? I have a KLR650, >R1100GS (BMW) and Ducati 900. I know many a BMW R100GS/PD rider >who can do unbelievable things with the Beemer. To characterize >BMW riders that way shows me you have a problem or two. You >called us "lazy-boy adventurers". Come now, you must have meant >to add a smiley there? > >Perhaps someday you will open your mind to the real world and >make friends and play well with all of the others out there who >are having fun despite what they ride. > >No smiley, >Tom Vervaeke >Colorado Springs, CO USA Sorry Tom, I hadn`t seen your post before I did mine or I wouln`t have, your`s would have been sufficient. Nothing personal about the R1100GS, it`s a bad looking bike, just to much of a handful for me. ---------------------Skip--------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "skip faulkner" Subject: Re: (klr650) And people wonder... Date: 30 Jul 1998 01:04:09 -0600 a >response to some frames cracking or fracturing under extreme adverse >conditions." >"Promoted as the 'Adventure Kit', the package comprises of additional >support brackets mounted between the footrest plates and the rear frame/ >gearbox mounting points. BMW is claiming a 70% increase in frame >rigidity in examples of extreme use." > >Heh, tell the Beemer-heads that KLRs never needed such a retrofit. >Besides, you can't make a ski boat out of an Exxon Valdez :-) > >Mister_T > Ted, The reason that was happening is because of the amount of gear a lot of these GSers carry. Many of them off-road and backcountry for several weeks at a time and carry well over 100lbs. in their panniers and tail boxes while traversing things you would find hard to call a trail. Try that on a KLR650 and take a few good spills and see how well the frame holds up. Believe me, it would amaze you to see how much weight these guys carry on these month long excursions. I cracked the rear right frame member on an NX650 I owned when I had aluminum panniers on it and had it pretty heavily loaded on a trip in the Ozarks and took a good tumble while screwing around on a rock trail. The NX650`s rear frame is stronger than the one on my KLR. I now unload my gear before really pushing the bike. -------------------------Skip----------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #152 Date: 30 Jul 1998 00:24:29 -0700 >At 10:20 AM 7/29/98 -0700, Jeffrey L. Walker wrote: >>I believe that the original issue was the alternator output not being >>adequate, and accessories draining the battery. By using a heavier gage of >>wire, you have lowered the resistance of the circuit, and thus increased the >>amps that flow to your headlight, thus putting even more drain on your >>charging system. >> >>Just thought I'd point that out. >> >>Jeff >> >> >> > >Jeff, > By decreasing the resistance of your wire you are also taking the >power that the wire was dissipating and letting it be used where it will do >you some good, on your headlight. Your Bulb will only draw as much current >as it needs also. If you have a 60W Bulb it will only draw 5A at 12 volts, >if you have a 100W bulb it will draw 8.3 A at 12V. 8.33 Amps assuming that the wire is a perfect conductor, and not considering the internal resistance of the 12 volt battery. > > The hotter your wires get the more Resistance they will have so the >more power you will be wasting across your wire and the voltage drop of the >wire will also increase. Kind of a vicious circle. > Yes, Ohm's law isn't really a linear relationship, but the electropotential is supplied by the battery (the voltage) and this is a constant. What drops are the amps that flow through the resistor. OK, Ohmically speaking, the headlight circuit can be thought of as two resistors in series, not counting any resistance in switches, relays, and resistance internal to the battery. Say figuratively speaking, that the wire has a resistance of 1 Ohm, and the bulb has a resistance of 1.5 Ohms, then the total resistance in the circuit will be 2.5 ohms, since the resistors are in series the resistance is added. The total electropotential supplied by the battery is 12 Volts (again, not counting the batteries internal resistance). So, the total amps drawn through this circuit will be: (Volts = Amps x Resistance) (12V / 2.5 Ohms = 4.8 Amps. Now, we replace the factory wire with the 10 gauge wire. Lets say that the resistance is considerably less, say .25 Ohms. Now the total resistance of the circuit is 1.5 + .25 = 1.75 Ohms. Therefore, the total amps drawn will be 12 Volts / 1.75 Amps = 6.9 amps, which is more current flowing through this circuit and therefore more current drawn from the charging system. True, as more current flows, the temperature of the bulb increases and therefore gains more resistivity, but the relationship between temperature and resistance is nearly linear, and I don't think that the resistance gained due to increased temperature of the bulb will compensate for the loss of resistance from using better wire. For example, for copper, the resistivity (in micro Ohms * cm) is zero at -200 degrees C, 1.8 at zero degrees, and 2.4 at 200 degrees centigrade, which as you can see is not a huge change over a very large temperature range. Mind you, I'm not saying that having a brighter headlight is a bad thing, I'm all for it. But the Gentleman had implied that replacing the wire to the headlight with one having less resistance would drain less current from the charging system, which is not true. For that matter, those of you who replaced your stock headlight for a higher wattage one are drawing more amps through your stock wires are making the stock wires hotter than they are designed for. With the Japanese being so cheap with the copper, I don't think that they left much room for error in the gage of wire they used on the bike. Now, where can I get my hands on one of these higher wattage lights? My light is kind of dim, especially at idle. To be sure, my battery is old and has a lot of resistance, but it still starts the bike and keeps a charge, so I'm going to get as much use out of it as I can. And I don't plan on running any accessories, and if the stock wires burn, they burn. I'll just replace them with a heavier gage. Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "skip faulkner" Subject: (klr650) (NKLR) Apology Date: 30 Jul 1998 01:33:14 -0600 Listers, I must ask your apologies. I have been offline for two weeks and was catching up on the list and responding as I read. I realize now I was beating a dead horse with my BMW post and see that cooler heads prevailed and should have read further down before posting a response.It`s hard to read 300 listings and then remember which ones you want to comment on. Sorry, won`t happen again. ---------------------------Skip (who`s always a day late and a listing short) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dale Borgeson Subject: Re: (klr650) Progressive spring part number Date: 30 Jul 1998 07:12:15 -0500 (CDT) > Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 23:27:08 -0700 > From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" > > for the bike. Personally, I played it safe and set mine at 6.5 inches, > halfway between the Progressive figure and the factory figure. No > complaints, but I think that I might change to a heavier viscosity oil soon, > due to my weight. FWIW I installed the stock oil level (7.5"?) with the progressive springs. I also used 15W oil. I was concerned that it might be too heavy but its preformed very well. It's a whole new bike. I just installed some EBC pads on the front as the stock pads were gone. It doesn't seem to stop as well as before but I can't be sure as I changed the springs and oil at the same time (I know, one thing at a time). Anyone else tried EBC? Cheers -- Dale Borgeson dalebor@tiny.net Minneapolis, MN U.S.A. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Progressive spring part number Date: 30 Jul 1998 08:30:02 -0700 At 07:12 AM 7/30/98 -0500, Dale Borgeson wrote: > >I just installed some EBC pads on the front as the stock pads were gone. >It doesn't seem to stop as well as before but I can't be sure as I changed >the springs and oil at the same time (I know, one thing at a time). Anyone >else tried EBC? I run them. I have run DP pads in the past. They both work well for me. Braking Systems pads have a lot of bite, but dont last. -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Matthew Duftler Subject: (klr650) This months MCN. Date: 30 Jul 1998 08:39:22 -0400 Hey all, There are three interesting articles in this months MCN. The first is a write up on the F650. The reason it is interesting is the beautiful Al Jesse aluminum hanging off the back, and the head-nod to the KLR. This is a direct quote: "It faced the F650 off against one of the most solid, time-proven bikes in the dual-sport line, Kawasaki's KLR650, but priced it at $7499, some 50% upwind of the KLR's modest sticker. Strike two." They also show a pretty nice throttle lock. The secondary article is follow-up to their legendary 1994 oil write up. I have not finished reading it so I can not give you the scoop yet. But I did notice something in there about bike-specific oil ratings. I will let you know the conclusion of the article when I finish reading. The third article was about springs (spring rate, preload, etc...). it addresses some of the things that have been mentioned on the list in the past. -Matt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Jets. Date: 30 Jul 1998 22:23:58 +1000 Chadd Thompson wrote: [interesting jet specs deleted] > So from this I guess that you can gather that the gains that you get > from installing the K&N Jet kit come from the needle and the mixture > adjustment, and that the smaller main jet is the cause of the loss in top Possible. > speed. So wouldn't the K&N #136 be leaning out at full throttle? I think Possibly, but I would expect the KnN jets to work with their needle properly. If KnN supply a needle, then that would have a different taper, and maybe a different length (not counting the adjustable clip). Maybe the #136 is for the 600? Hmmm, my 600 manual tells me the stock jet is a "#138", but this has to be taken in the context of my stock #50 main air jet. Still, comparing the #136 to your stock '97 main jet it does surprise me. Maybe this is the KnN "altitude" spec? > that I may try putting the stock jet back in and trying to play with the > clip setting on the needle. Or just putting the stock needle and jet back in If you're going to mix and match stock and KnN bits, only change one thing at a time then try the bike and see what difference it makes. This is the only way you can isolate the difference each part makes. No doubt this is rather laborious, but setting up carbies is. What I would do to begin with is put the stock jets back in, screw out the mixture screws as per KnN, and use the KnN adjustable needle. Set the needle "richer" than the KnN spec, then see how it goes. BTW, does the kit come with a new CV piston spring? > the bike. So why is it that they tell you that you have to get a new jet kit > when you install a K&N filter and a new Exhaust? I wish that I understood > Carbs better. Reduced restriction in the intake and/or exhaust will alter the flow through the motor, which will alter the flow through the carby. Yeah, carbies are tricky things, which is one reason why so many cars are fuel injected these days. I reckon the carby is the most complex part of a bike, next to camshaft profile design. Mister_T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Todd Emsley Subject: Re: (klr650) Tune this puppy. Date: 30 Jul 1998 09:55:22 -0400 Chadd, You will get increased intake noise with the drilled airbox. I don't know how it compares with the lid off because I have never had it off. The problem is once you drill it, you can't go back without getting a new airbox. I am surprised the pipe isn't too loud but the airbox noise is. Todd A11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Roy Cope Subject: Re:(klr650) KLR Trailer Date: 30 Jul 1998 08:20:34 -0600 >The mechanics at the local Kawasaki shop told me that they had a KLR come >through that was pulling a trailer. The bike had 31,000 on it. I think >they said the owner needed a rear tire but I'm not sure. Was anyone on the >list? If anybody has any ideas on how to mount the hitch let me know. I'm >going to build a small trailer as soon as ND gets buried in snow but haven't >come up with any good ideas about the hitch. Any help would be greatly >appreciated. > >Bryce >98 KLR Bryce I saw a KLR pulling a camping trailer at Arizona Bike Week last February. Hitch brackets were home made, I took some pictures of the rig, don't know if there are any hitch details on the pics. I will check them when I get home tonite. Roy Cope 96KLR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Tune this puppy. Date: 30 Jul 1998 09:08:48 -0600 >Chadd, > > You will get increased intake noise with the drilled airbox. I don't >know how it compares with the lid off because I have never had it off. >The problem is once you drill it, you can't go back without getting a >new airbox. I am surprised the pipe isn't too loud but the airbox noise >is. > > > Todd A11 I have the same silencer and it is very quiet so I know where Chadd is coming from. I drilled my airbox on the top and didn't detect any increase in the carb drake. I am riding with the cover off and the drake increases the "roar" about a half again....I reckon... Kurt A12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) (NKLR) Apology Date: 30 Jul 1998 09:12:06 -0600 >Listers, > I must ask your apologies. I have been offline for two weeks and was >catching up on the list and responding as I read. I realize now I was >beating a dead horse with my BMW post and see that cooler heads prevailed >and should have read further down before posting a response.It`s hard to >read 300 listings and then remember which ones you want to comment on. > Sorry, won`t happen again. > >---------------------------Skip (who`s always a day late and a listing >short) Thanks for taking the time to work through the posts...don't be too hard on yourself. The list thrives with those (like yourself) who take the time to work with all the threads and notice who has been responded to and not. I just appreciate that you care enough to work through it all. Besides, Gino is the one to blame (;-) Kurt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Royer, Timothy E." Subject: (klr650) Electrical field test Date: 30 Jul 1998 10:48:00 -0500 Gents After all this discussion over lighting and charging systems, I have decided to do a makeshift field test. I found a cheap digital voltage gage that plugs into a lighter outlet. I'm going wire a lighter outlet direct from the battery to the top of the instrument panel and mount a voltage gage to it. At the same time I am going to run a direct 10 gage wire from the battery to the fairing area and stub it off. I will run the stock headlight and no other accessories and record charging voltages over a variety of conditions (this shouldn't change much). Then I will hook a relay between the head light and the 10 gage wire to the battery an hook the lead for the relay into the stock lead from the ignition switch (BTW I just received my KLR600 manual and the KLR 650 supplement from Murray Kawasaki, and found that the supplement only covers up to the A9 model....What up???). I will test the charging system with just the wire change and check what additional draw that has on the charging system. If the change in wire size gives me enough additional brightness (subjective judgment) I will have achieved my purpose. The next step would be to change to an 85-100W headlight or to double filament my turn signals. Any way has any one else on the list tried a running electrical systems check?? suggestions??? Tim ( always opts for slow measured improvements) Royer (98[a12] KLR Kaw-Thump, the back road Bomber) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: vesannlewis@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Air Box Drilling Date: 30 Jul 1998 08:57:50 -0700 Noise? What noise? Is my helmet that soundproof? I drilled 6 one-inch holes in my airbox and haven't noticed any increase in noise. It runs stronger at elevation and maybe when pulling from 2,000 rpm. Before that it balked more, not that I recommend lugging, especially in the higher two gears. It would not require a new air box to cover the holes. One could hot glue (or whatever) plastic covers over the holes without the cost. -Ves A12 _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: (klr650) Report from Rick (NKLR) Date: 30 Jul 1998 09:53:12 -0600 Got a postcard from Rick, the guy on the KLR touring with the Beemer guys. All are doing well. No bike problems and all having a good time. They were near Mt Shasta. Gino ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Progressive spring part number Date: 30 Jul 1998 09:43:55 -0700 >I just installed some EBC pads on the front as the stock pads were gone. >It doesn't seem to stop as well as before but I can't be sure as I changed >the springs and oil at the same time (I know, one thing at a time). Anyone >else tried EBC? > I have EBC pads and rotors on front and back. Once the pads have set on the new rotors, they work great. If you are using new pads on the old rotor, you have to work on setting the new pads to the old rotor. The old rotor will have grooves (hills and valleys) worn into its surface from the previous pads. The new pads should set after about 50-100 applications of the brakes. You should start off applying the brakes easy, and get progressively harder with each application. If you go out and apply the brakes too hard right off, you might get a hot spot on the rotor, and the pads worn set. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Electrical field test Date: 30 Jul 1998 10:00:40 -0700 >Gents >After all this discussion over lighting and charging systems, I have decided >to do a makeshift field test. I found a cheap digital voltage gage that >plugs into a lighter outlet. I'm going wire a lighter outlet direct from the >battery to the top of the instrument panel and mount a voltage gage to it. >At the same time I am going to run a direct 10 gage wire from the battery to >the fairing area and stub it off. I will run the stock headlight and no >other accessories and record charging voltages over a variety of conditions >(this shouldn't change much). >Then I will hook a relay between the head light and the 10 gage wire to the >battery an hook the lead for the relay into the stock lead from the ignition >switch (BTW I just received my KLR600 manual and the KLR 650 supplement from >Murray Kawasaki, and found that the supplement only covers up to the A9 >model....What up???). I will test the charging system with just the wire >change and check what additional draw that has on the charging system. >If the change in wire size gives me enough additional brightness (subjective >judgment) I will have achieved my purpose. The next step would be to change >to an 85-100W headlight or to double filament my turn signals. Any way has >any one else on the list tried a running electrical systems check?? > >suggestions??? What you need to check is the Amps, not the Volts. Amperage is a measure of current flow, specifically one amp is one Coulomb of charge per second. Voltage (one Joule per Coulomb) is a measure of the electropotential between two charges (the positive and negative terminals of the battery), much like measuring the potential energy of the water at the top of a waterfall. So what you need is an ammeter, not a voltage gauge. The multimeter will give you the means to measure the resistance in the components of the circuit. If you can accurately determine the resistance, of say the light bulb, and accurately determine the potential across the light bulb (the voltage), then you can determine the amps flowing by using Amps = Resistance (Ohms) divided by the Volts. Remember, don't try to measure Ohms with any current flowing, or you will ruin your multimeter. This method isn't entirely accurate, since the resistance increases as the bulb filament and the wires get hot with current flowing through them. Hope this helps, Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Bryce Hysjulien" Subject: (klr650) Balancer Chain Adj. Date: 30 Jul 1998 12:27:30 -0500 Just wanted to make sure I'm doing this right. To adjust the chain turn the screw 3 turns counterclockwise, lightly tap the screw/case cover, turn three turns clockwise. Is this correct? Bryce 98 KLR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Balancer Chain Adj. Date: 30 Jul 1998 11:36:00 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Just wanted to make sure I'm doing this right. To adjust the chain turn the >screw 3 turns counterclockwise, lightly tap the screw/case cover, turn three >turns clockwise. Is this correct? > >Bryce >98 KLR Pretty much...for some of us it began...find the rubber plug...remove the rubber plug...then basically you are loosening it (3 turns) tapping to make sure it doesn't hang up...then tightening until just snug (not overtight)...finally replace rubber plug. About 3-5 minutes... Kurt A12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Joshua Sammons" Subject: (klr650) Chain & Sprocket Replacement??? Date: 30 Jul 1998 11:52:51 -0600 I was wondering if anyone on the list has done a full chain & sprocket replacement. I just got a new X-Ring chain and set of Sunstar sprockets. I have experience in changing regular chains, but not o-rings. Can anyone tell me how to take apart and assemble the master link on an o-ring chain? Also, how do you take the rear wheel off and replace the sprocket? Thanks in advance. Josh '92KLR650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Bryce Hysjulien" Subject: (klr650) VisaCruz Cruise Control Date: 30 Jul 1998 13:35:46 -0500 Does anyone have an address for the company that makes the VisaCruz cruise control. I'd like to put one on my KLR if it's possible. Does anyone who has a KLR have one of these installed? Bryce 98KLR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chris Beasley Subject: Re: (klr650) Jets. Date: 30 Jul 1998 11:40:10 -0700 Is this true?!?!? I saw an earlier post ( or so I thought ) where someone had measured the jets with numbered drills and found that the stock jet (Keihin 138?) was smaller than the Dynojet/K&N 136. b Chadd Thompson wrote: > This may be common knowledge already but just thought I would let > you guys in on what I found out today about the stock KLR main jet and those > in the K&N jet kit. > > I took the jets to work with me today and measured the hole sizes > with calibrated pin gauges. This is what I found. > > 1. Stock 97 jet = 1.47 mm > 2. K&N #136 = 1.36 mm > 3. K&N #140 = 1.40 mm > 4. K&N #150 = 1.50 mm snip snap ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jenne, Timothy J (GEA, 016426)" Subject: (klr650) Fork Covers Date: 30 Jul 1998 16:30:07 -0400 Any suggestions on where to find fork gaurds, and rear rotor/caliper covers. Acerbis has them on 6 week back-order. > g GE Appliances > ____________________________________________________ > Timothy J. Jenne > GE Appliances > AP4-200-B01 > Louisville, KY. 40225 > (502)452.7550 > 8*334.7550 > Timothy.Jenne@appl.ge.com > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Birol's service manuals... Date: 30 Jul 1998 14:29:09 -0600 Dear List Members, I have technical insufficiency problems with the Kawasaki dealers here in Turkey. I need a KLR650 service manual (very urgent!) If any of the members send = a copy to me anyway (snail-mail, FAQ, e-mail, fax) I'll be more than happy = and pay all the expenses. Money is nothing, believe me I'm in love with my KLR(Hope my wife doesn't read this). Thank you all. Birol Say e-mail: saymer@superonline.com fax: +90 216 3275112 address: Birol Say,M.D. Kosuyolu, Halili sok., #10, Kadikoy 80020 Istanbul Turkey ________________ Birol, we should be able to help you. First, let's try Fred Hink (Fred is receiving a copy of this message and you can contact him at moabmc@lasal.net). Fred runs a cycle shop in a desolate, desert region in southern Utah (very very hot) and he has kind of adopted us (the KLR list). Fred might have the manuals (there are two and you need them both) in stock. He is a crusty old character (;-) but don't let that scare you. He keeps service manuals on the shelf next to his eight track version of Iron Butterfly's In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (he still reminisces about the good old days when it was on the charts for 140 weeks 81 in the top ten) where they both gather a lot of sand. Normally, it would cost you a good stiff shot of something to get his attention, but I would assume that you could send him a private email with a VISA /Mastercard number or a certified check in American dollars and he would be pleased to send you copies via United Parcel Service. So, with this message, let's see if the two of you can resolve your dilemma. Would either or both of you keep the list posted if something falls through that the rest of us might help with? Last year I sent a fellow a Hawk manual in England in trust. Sure enough, he sent me the money for shipping and the book a few weeks later. Kurt A12 (Thanks to Eric Rhoads for the push) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Jets. Date: 30 Jul 1998 14:35:57 -0600 -----Original Message----- Cc: klr650@lists.xmission.com >Is this true?!?!? >I saw an earlier post ( or so I thought ) where someone had measured the jets >with numbered drills and found that the stock jet (Keihin 138?) was smaller than >the Dynojet/K&N 136. >b > > >Chadd Thompson wrote: > >> This may be common knowledge already but just thought I would let >> you guys in on what I found out today about the stock KLR main jet and those >> in the K&N jet kit. >> >> I took the jets to work with me today and measured the hole sizes >> with calibrated pin gauges. This is what I found. >> >> 1. Stock 97 jet = 1.47 mm >> 2. K&N #136 = 1.36 mm >> 3. K&N #140 = 1.40 mm >> 4. K&N #150 = 1.50 mm > >snip snap > > > The only other post we have had on jet sizes was Jake Jakeman's data as follows; Jake Jakeman measured the diameters as follows: Dynajet 136 = .053 140 = .056 150 = .060 Stock Keihin 148 = .056 As you can see, Jake's specs are different than Chadd's... Kurt A12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) VisaCruz Cruise Control Date: 30 Jul 1998 14:43:39 -0600 -----Original Message----- >Does anyone have an address for the company that makes the VisaCruz cruise >control. I'd like to put one on my KLR if it's possible. Does anyone who >has a KLR have one of these installed? > >Bryce >98KLR > > Alex Jomarron from Illinois uses one as does Jim Barthell from Texas. Many others (including Gino and I) use the NEP CC3. They are about the same price between $15-19 and most any dealer can get them for you. Fred Hink moabmc@lasal.net had some Vistas at the rally this spring. Chaparral and MAW sell them as well. Kurt A12 Here is Jim Barthell's post from the archives: ... had a lot of trouble finding a decent throttle lock but the winner, for me anyway, is the Vista cruise for the Kawasaki model. I bought it about a year ago and sent it back. Bought one of each of the other vista cruises. Bought a Throttlemeister etc etc. Though I never tried the NEP. I replaced my bars with some street bars and the grips with some Jonar foam grips. I left about a half an inch gap between the throttle flange and the grip. Then I put the Vista Cruise around the throttle sleeve and left it free. Yes it rotates a little but when you want to use it you flip it into position with your thumb and flick it shut (on) with your forefinger. It's on... it's solid. when your done you flick it off... that simple. I'm embarrased I made something so simple, so complicated. No drilling no modifications no cutting anything. I used this setup several times over the weekend.... it just works. - -- Jim Barthell - TX ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: Re: (klr650) Progressive spring part number Date: 30 Jul 1998 15:40:43 -0700 Good, there is hope yet. ---------- > From: Jeffrey L. Walker > To: Dale Borgeson ; klr650@lists.xmission.com > Subject: Re: (klr650) Progressive spring part number > Date: Thursday, July 30, 1998 9:43 AM > > > >I just installed some EBC pads on the front as the stock pads were gone. > >It doesn't seem to stop as well as before but I can't be sure as I changed > >the springs and oil at the same time (I know, one thing at a time). Anyone > >else tried EBC? > > > I have EBC pads and rotors on front and back. Once the pads have set on the > new rotors, they work great. If you are using new pads on the old rotor, > you have to work on setting the new pads to the old rotor. The old rotor > will have grooves (hills and valleys) worn into its surface from the > previous pads. The new pads should set after about 50-100 applications of > the brakes. You should start off applying the brakes easy, and get > progressively harder with each application. If you go out and apply the > brakes too hard right off, you might get a hot spot on the rotor, and the > pads worn set. > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: Re: (klr650) Progressive spring part number Date: 30 Jul 1998 15:39:26 -0700 First, thank you all for the input on the proper spring number. Now, I've got two points/questions with regards to the stuff below. 1. I only have a few hundred miles on this bike and switched to the EBC black pads from stock. I was hoping it was my imagination and I didn't think it was possible, but this thing seems to stop worse than before. This bike will teach you how to use the rear brake, whether you like it or not. I got the SS brake line and am going to install it tonight with the Progressive springs, but if this thing doesn't stop much, much better than before- I'm reinstalling the stock pads and mounting a St. Christopher statue. 2. I went to buy replacement fork oil for the spring change. Stock was 10W20. Golden Spectro only makes 20W20 and since I'm a fat guy, that sounded good to me. But then the question arose- what the hell is 20W20? Is that the same as straight 20 weight fork oil? I don't get it (it's cold-it acts like 20 wt, it's hot-it acts like 20 wt??). Thanks, Dean in Seattle ---------- > From: Dale Borgeson > To: klr650@lists.xmission.com > Subject: Re: (klr650) Progressive spring part number > Date: Thursday, July 30, 1998 5:12 AM > > > Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 23:27:08 -0700 > > From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" > > > > for the bike. Personally, I played it safe and set mine at 6.5 inches, > > halfway between the Progressive figure and the factory figure. No > > complaints, but I think that I might change to a heavier viscosity oil soon, > > due to my weight. > > FWIW I installed the stock oil level (7.5"?) with the progressive springs. > I also used 15W oil. I was concerned that it might be too heavy but its > preformed very well. It's a whole new bike. > > I just installed some EBC pads on the front as the stock pads were gone. > It doesn't seem to stop as well as before but I can't be sure as I changed > the springs and oil at the same time (I know, one thing at a time). Anyone > else tried EBC? > > Cheers > -- > Dale Borgeson dalebor@tiny.net Minneapolis, MN U.S.A. > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chuck McCullough Subject: Re: (klr650) Air Box Drilling Date: 30 Jul 1998 17:52:16 -0500 vesannlewis@juno.com wrote: > (SNIP) It would not require a new air box to cover the holes. One > could hot glue (or whatever) plastic covers over the holes without the > cost. -Ves A12 Can you spell "duct tape?" It's the "Handyman's Secret Weapon." If one layer doesn't work, use several. Chuck McCullough Northern WI Possum Lodge member ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Bryce Hysjulien" Subject: (klr650) Vista Cruise & Balancer Chain Date: 30 Jul 1998 18:23:30 -0500 The way the Vista cruise was explained to me was that it was an actual cruise control(vacuum operated). I got this from a Gold Wing rider who said he had read about them. Has anyone heard of this? I adjusted the balancer chain today. The screw was on tight. I don't know if it was adjusted at the 500 mile mark or if it came from Kawasaki this way. My question is should I take the bike to the dealer and see if anything is damaged due to the screw being so tight. The bike now has 3500 on it if that matters. Bryce 98 KLR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chadd Thompson Subject: Re: (klr650) Jets. Date: 30 Jul 1998 18:59:41 -0500 At 02:35 PM 7/30/98 -0600, Kurt Simpson wrote: > >-----Original Message----- >From: Chris Beasley >To: Chadd Thompson >Cc: klr650@lists.xmission.com >Date: Thursday, July 30, 1998 12:41 PM >Subject: Re: (klr650) Jets. > > >>Is this true?!?!? >Dynajet 136 = .053 > 140 = .056 > 150 = .060 > >Stock Keihin 148 = .056 > >As you can see, Jake's specs are different than Chadd's... > >Kurt A12 > > As I said I used Calibrated pin gauges from our dimensional lab at work. To me it seems that the jets are measured in millimeters and not inches because if you look at the results, all the numbers I measured except for the stock jet matched the jet number in millimeters. For example the #140 was 1.40mm and the #136 was 1.36mm and the #150 was 1.50 mm. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) 20 wt fork oil 20W20 Date: 30 Jul 1998 17:46:51 -0700 -----Original Message----- > >2. I went to buy replacement fork oil for the spring change. Stock was >10W20. Golden Spectro only makes 20W20 and since I'm a fat guy, that >sounded good to me. But then the question arose- what the hell is 20W20? Is >that the same as straight 20 weight fork oil? I don't get it (it's cold-it >acts like 20 wt, it's hot-it acts like 20 wt??). > >Thanks, Dean in Seattle >----------@@@@@@@@@ .....yep, I think you have it correct...it's a 20 wt..... I believe the 'W' after the first 20 means it's designated for Winter use. eric/R >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) (NKLR) Apology Date: 30 Jul 1998 21:57:04 EDT In a message dated 98-07-30 11:24:05 EDT, ajax@xmission.com writes: << Besides, Gino is the one to blame (;-) >> Yea, yea, yea... That Gino sure knows how to cause trouble. Who let him on this list anyway..... What can I say. My mom tells me she never had gray hair until I was born. Go figure. Gino "Here comes trouble" Pokluda ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Alex Jomarron Subject: (klr650) chain adjust advice sought Date: 30 Jul 1998 21:09:48 +0000 KLRists, My KLR is need of a chain adjustment. The last chain bike I owned had a centerstand. Do you have the rear wheel off the ground when you adjust? If so, how do you keep the rear airborne? Thanks! Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Alex Jomarron Subject: (klr650) KLR v BMW high mileage cost comparison Date: 30 Jul 1998 21:00:55 +0000 As a current BMW and KLR owner whose past BMW went 180,000 miles I want to offer this perspective to this argument. People have spoken about how BMWs can go 100k+ and how Japanese bikes can't with rare exception. That's BS. The great equalizer is water cooling. I've seen innumerable Gold WIngs with well over 100K. My cousin is in the Concours Owners Group where many members have over 100k. HSTA whose members ST1100s are reported with miles in excess of 100k. The high mileage myth was born out of the fact that BMWs were bought by more affluent clientele, who maintained their purchases. The people who bought Japanese bikes, mainly the kids, beat the hell out of the bikes and did not maintain them properly. Ergo the non durable rep. Now the financial argument. My 98 KLR 650 cost me $4872 OUT THE DOOR. Take your new R1100GS for whatever its price is. Or we can start a few years ago with the R100GS. Now lets ride to 200,000 miles. Save your receipts for EVERYTHING spent on the bikes. Call me goofy, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that 3 KLRs could go as far as 1 R1100GS. In fact, I'd do it with 1 KLR and I'd have a veritableFORTUNE to spend on rebuilds if and when they became necessary. BMWs virtual monopoly on high mileage machines is fading simply because the competition is improving. I still love my BMW, but I know there are other very capable and durable bikes out there. Please flame me directly! ;-)))) Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL 88 K75S 98 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Alex Jomarron Subject: (klr650) (NKLR) frame breakage Date: 30 Jul 1998 21:05:29 +0000 Check the BMW GS list for all the rear subframes that litter Australia due to failure in the back country. BMW is offering a kit to rectify the situation. GS riders may load to the gills, but the bottom line is you're gonna crack if you pack too much. Been there, cracked that. Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: bruixot@rmi.net Subject: Re: (klr650) (NKLR) frame breakage Date: 30 Jul 1998 20:18:48 -0600 Anyone who load and rode like they do habitually in the back of beyond in Oz, on whatever manner of bike, is gonna break something. Ozland R100 GSers have been doing some gawdawful riding, broke some engines, and BMW came out with a kit many months ago. Myself, I don't care for a design that uses the engine as a stressed frame member. FWIW ;-) The Evil Wizard 98 KLR650 79 XT500 92 BMW R100 Paris Dakar "Ride long and hard and fast, dammit,and take no prisoners." Alex Jomarron wrote: > Check the BMW GS list for all the rear subframes that litter Australia due to failure in the back > country. BMW is offering a kit to rectify the situation. GS riders may load to the gills, but the > bottom line is you're gonna crack if you pack too much. > > Been there, cracked that. > > Alex Jomarron > Oak Park, IL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) VisaCruz Cruise Control Date: 30 Jul 1998 23:00:09 EDT In a message dated 98-07-30 14:41:12 EDT, you write: << Does anyone have an address for the company that makes the VisaCruz cruise control. I'd like to put one on my KLR if it's possible. Does anyone who has a KLR have one of these installed? Bryce 98KLR >> Bryce, I bought one from Fred Hink and installed it last weekend. At first I was going to leave it loose like Jim Barthell did and it seemed like it would work fine that way, though more difficult to engage than if permanently mounted. But I then decided to drill and tap a hole in the throttle housing since I had the tools anyway. I was able to mount it in the exact location that I wanted and now I can engage or disengage it easily with only my thumb. I took it on a two hour ride and came to the quick conclusion that it was the best $22 that I had ever spent. The reason that I bought the Vista Cruise model instead of the NEP that Gino recommends is because Fred Hink, who sells both brands, informed me that the construction of the Vista Cruise appeared to be more durable than the NEP model. I also purchased some PRO GRIP GEL grips (with dimple finish) and am very satisfied with them also. By the way, this was my first order from Fred Hink and will not be my last. Fred had fair pricing and the order arrived the exact day he said it would. Based on my phone conversation with him and his frequent posts to the KLR list he seems very knowledgeable about the KLR 650. Greg '88 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Darrel & Deanna" Subject: (klr650) Universal Vista Date: 30 Jul 1998 20:45:33 -0700 Does anyone have an address for the company that makes the VisaCruz cruise control. I'd like to put one on my KLR if it's possible. Does anyone who has a KLR have one of these installed? *********************************************************************** Bryce- Here's the scoop on the Vista cruise control that is on my A12: Mfg# MCUV00-P Sound Off Recreational, Inc. P.O. Box 152, Hudsonville, MI 49426. Also available from Tucker Rocky-Nempco. It fits great on the KLR with no drilling, cutting or otherwise altering the bike or cruise control. Darrel A12 "Avenger" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Joshua Sammons" Subject: (klr650) Front Sprocket Prob. Date: 30 Jul 1998 18:23:36 -0600 I took the 2 bolts off the front sprocket but it is not wanting to come off!!!??? Any Ideas? Am I missing something. If you have any idea, e-mail immediately! I hate being stuck in the middle of a project. Thanks! Josh '92 KLR650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: ericjazz@mindspring.com Subject: (klr650) Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1998 01:32:14 -0000 Date: 30 Jul 1998 23:37:29 -0600 Dynojet Stage 1/Stage 2 jet kit. I 'm hoping its just a jet/needle/spring swap. Any drilling of slides or other permanent changes involved? TIA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Vista Throttle Lock Date: 31 Jul 1998 02:04:34 EDT On 7/30/98, bhysjuli@host1.dia.net wrote: snip >Does anyone who has a KLR have one of these installed? Bryce, like Darrel, I installed the Universal Vista Cruise. No drilling is required. The only modification I had to make was to loosen and move my front brake reservoir to the left. This allowed the Acerbis hand guard to fit without filing it. A picture is worth a thousand words.....here's 4,000 of 'em..... http://members.aol.com/cloudhid/vista.jpg vista.jpg CA Ron (who is infamously cruising through life) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Subject: Fwd: (klr650) KLR Trailer Date: 31 Jul 1998 09:03:14 EDT This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --part0_901890194_boundary Content-ID: <0_901890194@inet_out.mail.aol.com.1> Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII In a message dated 98-07-30 10:24:57 EDT, lcope@lanl.gov writes: << I saw a KLR pulling a camping trailer at Arizona Bike Week last February. Hitch brackets were home made, I took some pictures of the rig, don't know if there are any hitch details on the pics. I will check them when I get home tonite. Roy Cope 96KLR >> Please try to post the pictures either here on on the KLRDS web page. I bet if you asked Bill Haycock (Webmaster for the page) he'd agree.. (I think..) MN Ron (..therefore I am.) --part0_901890194_boundary Content-ID: <0_901890194@inet_out.mail.aol.com.2> Content-type: message/rfc822 Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Content-disposition: inline Return-Path: Received: from rly-ya03.mx.aol.com (rly-ya03.mail.aol.com [172.18.144.195]) by air-ya01.mail.aol.com (v46.20) with SMTP; Thu, 30 Jul 1998 10:24:55 2000 Received: from lists.xmission.com (lists.xmission.com [198.60.22.7]) by rly-ya03.mx.aol.com (8.8.8/8.8.5/AOL-4.0.0) with SMTP id KAA04837; Thu, 30 Jul 1998 10:24:14 -0400 (EDT) Received: from domo by lists.xmission.com with local (Exim 1.82 #1) id 0z1tcF-0003Pw-00; Thu, 30 Jul 1998 08:23:35 -0600 Received: from (mailhost.lanl.gov) [128.165.3.12] by lists.xmission.com with esmtp (Exim 1.82 #1) id 0z1tcD-0003Pr-00; Thu, 30 Jul 1998 08:23:33 -0600 Received: from copes.lanl.gov (copes.lanl.gov [128.165.209.83]) by mailhost.lanl.gov (8.9.0/8.9.0/(cic-5, 5/21/98)) with SMTP id IAA13113 for ; Thu, 30 Jul 1998 08:23:30 -0600 Message-Id: <199807301423.IAA13113@mailhost.lanl.gov> X-Sender: lcope@nis-pop.lanl.gov X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 2.1.2 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: Roy Cope Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit >The mechanics at the local Kawasaki shop told me that they had a KLR come >through that was pulling a trailer. The bike had 31,000 on it. I think >they said the owner needed a rear tire but I'm not sure. Was anyone on the >list? If anybody has any ideas on how to mount the hitch let me know. I'm >going to build a small trailer as soon as ND gets buried in snow but haven't >come up with any good ideas about the hitch. Any help would be greatly >appreciated. > >Bryce >98 KLR Bryce I saw a KLR pulling a camping trailer at Arizona Bike Week last February. Hitch brackets were home made, I took some pictures of the rig, don't know if there are any hitch details on the pics. I will check them when I get home tonite. Roy Cope 96KLR --part0_901890194_boundary-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dale Borgeson Subject: (klr650) Re: Dynojet Stage 1/Stage 2 jet kit Date: 31 Jul 1998 09:27:34 -0500 (CDT) >Dynojet Stage 1/Stage 2 jet kit. I 'm hoping its just a >jet/needle/spring swap. >Any drilling of slides or other permanent changes involved? You have to drill out the vacuum lift hole in the bottom of the slide. They supply the drill bit. I just installed the Stage 1 kit and it does run much better. Easier to start and no lean spots. The gas mileage is about 5 mpg lower but that's with only one tank of gas. There was a fair amount of variation in mpg with the stock carb setup so I'll run a few more tanks before I draw any conclusions. The only other difference I notice is a very distinctive odor comming from the exhaust that wasn't there before. It smells sort of like unburned gas but I can't say for sure ad I've not put it on an analyzer. Cheers -- Dale Borgeson dalebor@tiny.net Minneapolis, MN U.S.A. "Motorcycle Touring For Beginners" at www.visi.com/~dalebor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: (klr650) Motorcycle vs automotive oils Date: 31 Jul 1998 08:59:48 -0700 I know, you're saying, not this again. But since this month's Motorcycle Consumer News raises the issue again, let me be the one to start it. Have any of you read this article? For the uninitiated, a 1994 article by said magazine could determined no difference between motorcycle specific oils and automotive oils WITH a major factor in the discussion that the oils evaluated were SAE grades SF and SG. Oils, in general, have change grade to SAE SH and SJ and there has been significant discussion in the past whether the same conclusions could be drawn with respect to the new grades. I'm not going to type the entire article but will give you the first paragraph of the conclusion section: Though the preliminary test results were not particularly scary, they were at least worthy of concern- especially when you realize these are short-term test results, and that the relatively minor ill effects noted could be severely magnified by long-term usage. In addition, it should be noted that ongoing new-engine test being conducted by Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki all seem to indicated increased problems with clutch slipping and gear pitting when using the new oil formulations . What do you think, especially those who've read the article? Dean in Seattle 95 VFR, 94 KLR650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Brian Arend Subject: (klr650) airbox mods Date: 31 Jul 1998 11:18:40 -0600 i'm a newbie on the list. does anybody out there have any suggstions on airbox mods? i'm looking for more HP. running a K&N airfilter, and an IDS supertrapp on a stock 95 klr 650. riding primarily between 5000-10,000 ft thanks brian arend masonville co. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: mary hupfer Subject: (klr650) Re: suspension settings Date: 27 Aug 1998 21:08:06 +0000 If anyone saved the long bit about suspension settings from a couple weeks ago, could they send it to me please - I meant to save it. Mary 92 klr650 89 nx250 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dean Harrison" Subject: (klr650) How good are KLR brakes? Date: 31 Jul 1998 17:40:19 -0700 I know complaining about brakes is a relative thing comparing them to what you're used to riding. So let me ask it this way: Can you lock up your front wheel on pavement at 30 mph if you wanted/needed to ? No matter how hard I hit this brakes I never feel they're even close to impending lock up. If that's the way the are, fine, I just need to know it's a limitation of the bike and that there isn't something wrong with the caliper/disk. It's got SS lines, EBC black pads- both new. Thanks, Dean in Seattle 94 KLR650, 95 VFR750 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Rick Clarke" Subject: Re: (klr650) Jets. Date: 31 Jul 1998 20:43:02 -0400 > > > > >>Is this true?!?!? > >Dynajet 136 = .053 > > 140 = .056 > > 150 = .060 > > > >Stock Keihin 148 = .056 > > > >As you can see, Jake's specs are different than Chadd's... > As I said I used Calibrated pin gauges from our dimensional lab at work. Flow is also dependent on the length of the hole and the surface finish. Assuming that different brand jets can be compared by diameter alone is a weak assumption. When the bike is running wide open at mid to high rpm, you're running on the main jet only. The needle should have no effect under these conditions. Pick a main jet that gives you the best wfo performance, then start fiddling with the needle. At mid throttle settings the needle and main jet both have an effect, so get the main right first, then start playing with the needle. If you think you have the carb too lean, try putting tape over about 1/3 of the air cleaner. This will richen up the system. If the tape makes the bike run better, then richen up the carb a tad. If it runs worse, try leaning it out. (Dynojet guys told me this trick.) -Rick R.P.Clarke (rpclarke@mindspring.com) "What traffic?" RTP, NC, USA DoD#5811 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Debbie Sammons" Subject: (klr650) exhaust guard paint removal Date: 31 Jul 1998 18:43:23 -0600 Has anyone on the list taken the exhaust guard nearest to the header off, and removed the paint. I was thinking about removing the paint and trying to polish it to a shine. Think if would work. Thanks to Kurt & Chris for helping with my Front sprocket prob! Josh '92 KLR650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "=?iso-8859-1?B?Qt1ST0wgU0FZ?=" Subject: Ynt: (klr650) How good are KLR brakes? Date: 01 Aug 1998 04:36:20 +0300 Dean, Mine is a 97 KLR with 4K miles on it. I still use the original brake pads and disc. I'm afraid of locking the front wheel always especially if I ha= ve to use two fingers instead of one. What I think is that the stopping powe= r of the brakes are sufficient for the machine if you consider the type and class of it. Birol(Takes of his helmet and puts on surgery mask) -----=D6zg=FCn =DDleti----- Kimden: Dean Harrison Kime: KLR650 list Tarih: 01 A=F0ustos 1998 Cumartesi 02:40 Konu: (klr650) How good are KLR brakes? >I know complaining about brakes is a relative thing comparing them to wh= at >you're used to riding. So let me ask it this way: > >Can you lock up your front wheel on pavement at 30 mph if you wanted/nee= ded >to ? No matter how hard I hit this brakes I never feel they're even clos= e >to impending lock up. If that's the way the are, fine, I just need to kn= ow >it's a limitation of the bike and that there isn't something wrong with = the >caliper/disk. It's got SS lines, EBC black pads- both new. > >Thanks, Dean in Seattle 94 KLR650, 95 VFR750 > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "=?iso-8859-1?B?Qt1ST0wgU0FZ?=" Subject: Ynt: (klr650) Chains.... Date: 01 Aug 1998 05:10:31 +0300 Chain wax? What is it? A special grease? How is it applied? Birol -----=D6zg=FCn =DDleti----- Kimden: Tom Simpson Kime: Robert frey ; offroad ridenet list ; klr 650 club list ; Du= st List ; ThumperList Tarih: 04 Haziran 1998 Per=FEembe 09:20 Konu: Re: (klr650) Chains.... >At 08:34 PM 6/3/98 -0400, Robert frey wrote: >>OKay guys, I'm opening another can of worms.... >> >>O-Ring chain. Lube or not to lube.... >> > > > > Lube, but with something light that >wont attract grit. I have become a big fan of >Chain Wax, m'self. > > >-tom >'96 KLR 650 > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Scott Eldredge Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #159 Date: 31 Jul 1998 19:21:08 -0700 --------------6DB2B20A4E45F50848015A5D Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Does the Vistacruise, when on, prevent you from closing the throttle? Does it lock it, or just increase the friction to the point it stays in position, but can still be moved? The BMW stories have become boring. I don't think there's much point in continuiing with these discusison unless the ethnicity and parentage of all the riders are brought in. Reminds me of the book Animal Farm. Scott Eldredge --------------6DB2B20A4E45F50848015A5D Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Does the Vistacruise, when on, prevent you from closing the throttle? Does it lock it, or just increase the friction to the point it stays in position, but can still be moved?

The BMW stories have become boring. I don't think there's much point in continuiing with these discusison unless the ethnicity and parentage of all the riders are  brought in. Reminds me of the book Animal Farm.

Scott Eldredge
 
  --------------6DB2B20A4E45F50848015A5D-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Darrel & Deanna" Subject: (klr650) Vista Cruise :p Date: 31 Jul 1998 19:39:36 -0700 Hey Ron- Who's the hand model pictured in your Acerbis/Vista jpg? Darrel P.S. Those hand guards look great! Didn't know they came in black. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) Vista Cruise :p Date: 31 Jul 1998 20:24:03 -0700 -----Original Message----- Cc: KLR list >Hey Ron- Who's the hand model pictured in your Acerbis/Vista jpg? >Darrel >P.S. Those hand guards look great! Didn't know they came in black. > >########### hey I agree...if the bike had come with those (Acerbis) on it I might not have taken the originals off! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: Ynt: (klr650) Chains.... Date: 01 Aug 1998 00:09:14 -0700 At 05:10 AM 8/1/98 +0300, B=DDROL SAY0FZ wrote: >> >> Lube, but with something light that >>wont attract grit. I have become a big fan of >>Chain Wax, m'self. >Chain wax? What is it? A special grease? How is it applied? It is sold as a motorcycle chain lube in most motorcycle shops around here. It is a thin liquid that contains something akin to Alox, a waxy lubricant used on cast bullets, among other things. It sprays on liquid, then dries. Nothing sticky for grime and sand to stick to. I have been using it for about two years now and it=20 is neat. Ran out of Cnain Waz recently and went back to Cal-Guard for a while. The chain immediatly loaded up with sand and grit to the point it resembled a grinding compound more than a lubicant. No more Cal-Guard for me, thanks. :) -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "skip faulkner" Subject: Re: (klr650) 20 wt fork oil 20W20 Date: 31 Jul 1998 23:33:42 -0600 >-----Original Message----- >From: Dean Harrison >To: Dale Borgeson ; klr650@lists.xmission.com > >Date: Thursday, July 30, 1998 3:41 PM >Subject: Re: (klr650) Progressive spring part number >>2. I went to buy replacement fork oil for the spring change. Stock was >>10W20. Golden Spectro only makes 20W20 and since I'm a fat guy, that >>sounded good to me. But then the question arose- what the hell is 20W20? Is >>that the same as straight 20 weight fork oil? I don't get it (it's cold-it >>acts like 20 wt, it's hot-it acts like 20 wt??). >> >>Thanks, Dean in Seattle > >>----------@@@@@@@@@ .....yep, I think you have it correct...it's a 20 >wt..... >I believe the 'W' after the first 20 means it's designated for Winter use. >eric/R You got close. In multi-viscosity oils, the weight or number preceding the W is the weight the oil is supposed to simulate in cooler temps (winter) at start up or at ambient temps, and the number following the W is the weight the oil simulates as it is heated up or as ambient (engine) temps increase. In other words, in the case of fork oil, when cool or as you first start to ride, the oil will act like 10wt. (in the case of 10w20) till heat starts to build due to the movement and action of the fluid as the the shock is worked. As the temp of the oil starts to rise, it will take on the properties of a 20wt. oil. The reason for oils, fork and other, that have what is called single number multi designations is that the manufacturer intended for the lubricating or dampening properties to remain stable or uniform at all temps rather than be lighter at first and then act as a heavier oil. This is more common in oils used for dampening and force applications (hydraulic) than for lubrication.In the case of 20w20, your shocks should have the same dampening action at start up as they would 30 miles later. ---------------