From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V1 #24 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Tuesday, March 17 1998 Volume 01 : Number 024 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 19:45:28 -0700 From: jfountain@webtv.net Subject: Re: (klr650) exhaust pipes.. anybody know how to get all that carbon build up off the discs and the aluminum end cap?? jeff ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 21:43:16 -0500 From: Cameron Cole Subject: RE: (klr650) Re: oil level Probably forgot to carry the one. > -----Original Message----- > From: Rick Clarke [SMTP:rpclarke@pop.mindspring.com] > Sent: Monday, March 16, 1998 8:39 PM > To: klr650@lists.xmission.com > Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: oil level > > 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. > > My Yamaha FZR has a maximum recommended level. It too is the top of > the sight glass with the motor off. Guess what? Many racers > experienced engine failure at that level because g-forces on the > track was pulling oil away from the oil pickup and starving the > motor. Solution? Add more oil. The word on the street is to add oil > to the top of the glass when the bike is upright and the motor is > idling. This puts it well above the glass when the motor is off, but > no one has experienced any foaming problems, and fixes the > starvation problems. > > What gets me is how could engineers get something like recommended > oil level wrong? > > -Rick > > > R.P.Clarke (rpclarke@mindspring.com) > "What traffic?" > RTP, NC, USA DoD#5811 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 19:49:14 -0700 From: jfountain@webtv.net Subject: Re: Re (klr650) fire sale price!!! where do you live, and how do you propose we conduct the actual sale?? I suppose I could send the pipe to you c.o.d. I will check on that tommorow. send me your snail mail address so I can check on shipping cost. I believe it is only around $8.00 for 2-3 day service. It is yours then. jeff ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 22:15:04 -0400 From: "Rick Clarke" Subject: Re: (klr650) kudos & questions > > Tom you've got me curious about that firstgear kilimanjaro > >jacket. I did a search and I see that firstgear is a Hein Gericke line?? > >Was wondering if there is anything on the WWW that shows a pic & has > >info on the kilimanjaro model. > > I usually have pretty good luck, but I can't find a picture. The best I > could find was a reference for a free catalog. MAW says that Firstgear > isn't sold mail order so that might be why. FirstGear is made by Hein Gericke as a retail line for shops and is supposed to be a little better than the mail order Hein Gericke stuff. If you look at the HG Boost jacket you'll see something very similar to the Kilimanjaro. The Kilmanjaro has some abrasion panels and maybe better padding and venting. The cut is slightly different also. Most important for me, the Kilimanjaro comes in TALL SIZES. The Kilimanjaro stuff fits me sooo much better than the Aerostitch. There really isn't much out there for tall people. Aerostitch makes all their tall stuff about 2" shorter than any other company that makes tall sizes. Then they charge $100 to add the 2" back. The reason is beyond me. The company is reputable so maybe they're clueless what tall is. The Dakar jacket is too short, and the Dakar pants twist badly so the knee pads turn almost 90deg inward. The FG Kilimanjaro fits perfect. I've had one problem so far with my Kilimanjaro. The elastic in the waist has blown out in about six months. I've talked to FG about fixing under warranty and they said no problem. They are willing to extend the warranty until May (a month past the one year limit) so I can continue to wear the pants until it warms up. The newest stock on the shelf has the same crappy elastic so I'm doubtful a good fix will be performed. My leathers use elastic in the same place, but a slightly different material, and it has lasted 6 years. - -Rick R.P.Clarke (rpclarke@mindspring.com) "What traffic?" RTP, NC, USA DoD#5811 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 22:28:25 -0500 From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: (klr650) SuperMotard KLR Hi: I'm new to the list and I'm enjoying the heck outta it ! I've got a 95, with supertrapp, dynojet kit, and almost street tires, I wanna go for the supermotard look and feel, has anybody done this to their klr's ? Answer will be appreciated ! Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC Email: steve@vvd.com Email: rottenb@gte.net ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 22:21:26 EST From: Cloudhid Subject: (klr650) Re: oil level In a message dated 3/16/98 6:46:38 PM, you wrote: (snip) >Many racers experienced engine failure at that level because >g-forces on the track was pulling oil away from the oil pickup >and starving the motor. Solution? Solution.....get an inverted oil system if you're doing aerobatics and pulling G's, (and forget about exercising your warranty :-) Ron (toolin' along on too little oil) ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 22:53:22 -0500 From: Thomas Simpson Subject: (klr650) Chain and sproket info (again) I asked a while back about recomended brands of chain for the KLR and cant quite recal what answer I recieved (must not have been too memorable :) Anybody have any realy-world and brand-specific experiences with chains theyd care to relate? Also, I will be taking a long road trip in May ant it was suggested that I install a 15-tooth front sprocket to lower the RPMs at highway speeds. Any experiences or caveats? How about a brand recomendation for such a sproket? Thanks: - -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 23:11:05 EST From: Rcklr Subject: Re: (klr650) SuperMotard KLR I would also like to hear about the SuperMotard's out there. I have been toying with putting a 17 or 18 inch rim on the front to put some real rubber down on the ground. I have seen some real neat XR650L conversions that look REAL tough but I guess I'm not one to "Be The First". (Yeah, I'm kind of a chicken.....Bauck....) I can't help but think that with the lowering kit and a bigger/smaller front wheel, the new Yamaha Superbike would have a tough time keeping up....:-) Let us know!! Ron (my oil doesn't foam, but I do when I hear about 78 degree days in March....it was about 25 degrees today......Uaghh!!!) ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 23:30:35 EST From: Rcklr Subject: (klr650) Being Nicer I'm glad you guys were nice (after a bad start) to the questions being asked tonight. When I first saw the question about valve placement, I just knew that it was going to get ugly, but you all redeemed yourselves. I hope that anyone can ask a question without feeling like they're going to get beat-up for it. Not only can I believe that it was asked, but I'm glad it was. I think that some of us take our knowledge for granted. I have gotten myself involved with new sports over the last 10 years, and believe me when I say that the ONLY dumb question is the one that you don't ask. Remember, not everyone knows the difference between DOHC and reed-valve induction. O.K., I'll get off my soap box now. Thanks for listening. Ron (It's colder that a well-digger's bottom here in Minnesota, so be nice to me) ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 23:32:00 EST From: Cloudhid Subject: (klr650) oil geez Please...someone stop me......I feel another ramblin' comin' on..... Some of the planes I fly have inverted oil systems, some don't. None of these planes have water cooling. So the engine relies on oil, air flow (and to a certain extent the air/fuel mixture) for all of it's cooling. All of them are capable of pulling at least +4G's and -2G's, (some as high as +10/-10G's, a lot more than my body can handle, and more than any motorcycle could). All of them have sight, not amount based oil levels. Reliability is a big issue here, as you can imagine it's a little more serious to have your engine seize while airborne, because coasting to the side of the road becomes a much trickier proposition. So you ask.......what does this have to do with my KLR engine? They are also 4 stroke internal combustion engines with an oil sump. If you are going to fly upside down or pull sustained G's for any length of time, you are going to need an inverted oil system. Unless your riding involves going around in a circle at high speeds, for sustained periods, I don't see how you wouldn't naturally vary your sump's position so as not to starve your engine. Ron (my brain is probably running too lean now) ==================================================== >>>In a message dated 3/16/98 6:46:38 PM, you wrote: (snip) >>>Many racers experienced engine failure at that level because >>>g-forces on the track was pulling oil away from the oil pickup >>>and starving the motor. Solution? >Solution.....get an inverted oil system if you're doing aerobatics >and pulling G's, (and forget about exercising your warranty :-) >Ron (toolin' along on too little oil) ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 22:32:54 -0600 From: "alex jomarron" Subject: (klr650) Scottoiler Does anyone have experience with the Scottoiler? I read about it in an article in the BMW owners news on an F650. Apparently it a reservoir that drips oil onto the chain. It is driven by a vacuum hose attached to the carb. Anyway, I'm just trolling for info/experience with this gadget. Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL 98 KLR 650 <--- taking delivery this week!!!! ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 22:39:34 -0600 From: "alex jomarron" Subject: (klr650) Kilimanjaro jacket I own a Kilimanjaro and absolutely love it. I rode to Seattle last summer and naturally, it rained. The jacket kept me 100% dry! I was very impressed. I was riding a BMW K75S with hardly much of a fairing. On the way back found us in Kansas in 90 degree heat. The jacket vents fairly well. It has pockets galore. In fact the 2 breast pockets can house a Camelback to store your refreshments!! Great jacket, I paid $299. Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 20:55:19 -0800 From: frjsmithjr@webtv.net (Francis Smith) Subject: Re: (klr650) Care & feeding of protective leathers Chuck: Warm water and a soft bristled brush or course rag should take care of the bug guts/splats. After, elbow grease and saddle soap will condi- - -tion the leather nicely. Jim - Palmdale, CA. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 23:07:06 -0800 From: bosozoku@olywa.net Subject: Re: Re (klr650) fire sale price!!! >where do you live, and how do you >propose we conduct the actual sale?? >I suppose I could send the pipe to you >c.o.d. I will check on that tommorow. >send me your snail mail address so I can >check on shipping cost. I believe it is only >around $8.00 for 2-3 day service. >It is yours then. >jeff Fantastic! Joel Reynvaan 402 Division St SW Tumwater Wa 98512 360-951-9360 If you still need to wait awhile that is cool. i don't want to pressure you. I was just going to buy the cobra exhaust if this thing with you didn't work out. I can wait if you need. Whatever works best for you. - - Jules ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 05:56:59 -0500 From: temsley@ix.netcom.com Subject: Re: (klr650) exhaust pipes.. Jeff, Carb cleaner will remove carbon build-up. Todd ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 06:00:14 -0500 From: temsley@ix.netcom.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: oil level Has anyone in the real world, ( I'm not pulling over 1.2g's very often) had engine failure due to oil starvation? Are we creating an invisible problem? Todd '97 KLR ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 06:12:42 -0500 From: temsley@ix.netcom.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Being Nicer Ron and everyone, I'm sorry if I came across the way it seems I did. It just scares me to recommend to people to "change this jet" and "turn this screw" if they are not familiar with the workings of an engine. I don't know about everyone else, but it took 10 years to weasel 5,000$ out of the wife's purse for this bike, I don't want to replace it for a while. If you went in for an operation and overheard you doctor asking another nearby "now, what was that about the heart valve, I'm new at this you know". Imagine how your KLR feels! It is probably out there in the garage scared shitless everytime you open your toolbox. Seriously, feel free to ask questions ad nauseum on this list until you are SURE you understand before you lay your hands on your engine. You can make very expensive mistakes without even trying. It took no effort on my part to screw up many many motors in my life. Hopefully this engine will benifit from the pain of other engines. Hope you still love me Todd '97 KLR ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 05:55:22 -0700 From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) Kilimanjaro jacket The FG KilimanjaroJacket looks great. Don't know if it would last as long as my Barbour jacket that I used for 25 years though. But it does look sharp. They list for $311.29 and come in Sm to XXXL and Talls in LG to XXXL. For this list I can sell them for $280. Only 90 in Kansas? You must have not been there in summer. It gets well over 100 somedays there just like here in Moab. I used to ride with my Barbour year around. My MSR Goretex jacket is just too hot on days anything over 80. But it mostly depends on the type of riding you are doing. Fred Hink moabmc@lasal.net Arrowhead Motorsports http://cctr.umkc.edu/user/khink/moabmc/index.html - -----Original Message----- From: alex jomarron To: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Monday, March 16, 1998 9:52 PM Subject: (klr650) Kilimanjaro jacket >I own a Kilimanjaro and absolutely love it. I rode to Seattle last summer >and naturally, it rained. The jacket kept me 100% dry! I was very >impressed. I was riding a BMW K75S with hardly much of a fairing. On the >way back found us in Kansas in 90 degree heat. The jacket vents fairly >well. It has pockets galore. In fact the 2 breast pockets can house a >Camelback to store your refreshments!! Great jacket, I paid $299. > >Alex Jomarron >Oak Park, IL > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 09:45:37 -0500 From: PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com Subject: (klr650) Re: taking the plunge Kurt Simpson wrote: > >My question is does anyone have any experience w/ the extended warranty? I > >normally avoid these like the plague, but this apparently is > They both thought I should save the money...You will receive a letter from > Kawa in a couple of weeks advising you that you can make the decision > anytime in this first year.... For reason that I never understood, Kawasaki sent me a letter about 4 months after I purchased my '97 KLR telling me the warranty had been extended 6 months!!!! I posted the question of "why?" on the DUST list. I didn't get a good answer, but I did find two other KLR owners that got the same letter. All of us were confused on why we were selected, but were happy (of course) with the extension. If anyone understands why we got the extension I would love to hear the explanation. MESSAGE: Don't by the extension right of the bat. I know of three cases were Kawa gave it for free on the KLR. You may win the lottery and be one of the lucky ones. Pat ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 09:45:39 -0500 From: PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com Subject: (klr650) RE: KLR warranty Jeff wrote:>>>> jim, what kinds of claims have you had towards your warranty?? <<<< Jeff: The only claim that I have had so far on my KLR is I blew a rear shock at 2,000 miles. (It took 21 days to get the #@#$#& part). Currently I have 6,000 miles. The bike is 12 months old. Pat ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 09:45:40 -0500 From: PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com Subject: (klr650) RE: Skid Plates >Moose skid plate. part #M-230. Moose said there are some in >warehouse in Texas. Dennis Kirk will send you a skid plate >for a KLX. Calling them back they said they are out of the >KLR skid plates. Does anyone know of someone who has the >correct skid plate in stock. tom Speaking of skid plates, did anyone notice the skid plate on the KLR in the oil change article in Gino's KLR newsletter? I don't know what it is made of or who made it, but it has a clean wraparound design that reminds me of a TransAlp. I have a Moose plate and love it (the bottom now looks like somebody beat it with a hammer :) ), but this other brand has a more factory look to it. It may be worth researching if you can't get a Moose. Pat ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 09:45:42 -0500 From: PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com Subject: (klr650) Spark Plug As a person that put themselves though college as a field tractor mechanic, I am little embarrassed to ask this question, but.... My KLR is long overdue for a spark plug change. As I was cleaning the air filter last night, I glanced briefly at the spark plug. Okay, here is the it is: It looks like you have to pull the tank to change the plug. Is this true? Please be kind as you ridicule my question.... Pat klr650 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 09:45:44 -0500 From: PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com Subject: (klr650) RE: Oil Plug Jim wrote:>>>> I did and noticed alot of metal shaving-type material stuck to the magnet on the drain plug. <<<<< Jim: I don't think a stock KLR as a magnet on the plug. If it does, then my bike has some very smooth gears because I never see any scrap iron on the drain plug. Pat ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 09:45:46 -0500 From: PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com Subject: (klr650) RE: oil level >>>>> 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 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 10:05:35 -0500 From: Thomas Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Spark Plug PAT_HENSLEY@HP-USA-om32.om.hp.com wrote: > > As a person that put themselves though college as a field tractor > mechanic, I am little embarrassed to ask this question, but.... > > My KLR is long overdue for a spark plug change. As I was cleaning the > air filter last night, I glanced briefly at the spark plug. Okay, here > is the it is: It looks like you have to pull the tank to change the > plug. Is this true? > > Please be kind as you ridicule my question.... Nope, no ridicule. Yep, you gotta pull the tank. Not so bad, realy. - -Tom ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 09:09:56 -0700 From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Spark Plug > > As a person that put themselves though college as a field tractor > > mechanic, I am little embarrassed to ask this question, but.... > > > > My KLR is long overdue for a spark plug change. As I was cleaning the > > air filter last night, I glanced briefly at the spark plug. Okay, here > > is the it is: It looks like you have to pull the tank to change the > > plug. Is this true? > > > > Please be kind as you ridicule my question.... > > Nope, no ridicule. > > Yep, you gotta pull the tank. Not so bad, realy. > > -Tom And, unless someone corrects me, you have to drop the entire rear frame of the bike to remove the airbox... Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 10:45:11 +0000 From: snsi@win.bright.net Subject: Re: (klr650) taking the plunge > If Harley Davidson made an airplane would > you fly in it?. (yuk, yuk). No. But if they made a golf cart I'd ride in it. Jeff Smith (trying to find a golf cart to drive to the 95th, since the Sprint don't run) 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 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 23:19:31 -0600 From: "sid hays" Subject: (klr650) cruise control This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - ------=_NextPart_000_004D_01BD5131.F94D9320 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable need imformation on where to get a throttle lock? thanks sid - ------=_NextPart_000_004D_01BD5131.F94D9320 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
need imformation on where to get a = throttle=20 lock? thanks sid
- ------=_NextPart_000_004D_01BD5131.F94D9320-- ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 16:19:13 -0600 From: "Jim & Melissa Sherlock" Subject: Re: (klr650) Care & feeding of protective leathers Heine Gericke offers some excellent stuff for cleaning and conditioning leather. I've used it on my Paris/Dakar for years (5 to be exact) and my jacket still remains black and pretty with only natural age showing. Corbin also sells a leather treatment product. If you don't want to spend a few extra dollars for these products, I've found that KIWI saddlesoap works very well. If your jacket is showing signs of stiffness, a light coating of mink oil works wonders as well. This treatment requires some hand muscle and only use a light coat. Mink oil will also help protect your leather from moisture. Jim Sherlock - -----Original Message----- From: Chuck McCullough To: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Monday, March 16, 1998 6:04 PM Subject: (klr650) Care & feeding of protective leathers >My black leather jacket has become dull and bug spattered in front. >What do you recommend to clean and restore the sheen? Or at least get >the bug guts without hurting the leather's finish? > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 16:23:06 -0600 From: "Jim & Melissa Sherlock" Subject: Re: (klr650) taking the plunge I guess I've been fortunate...with my 86 600, 92 650, and 97 650 I've not had any warranty claims except for bodywork and that was upon delivery of the 97. I don't know if anyone else has experienced this or not, but Kawisaki seems to have had a problem with the coloring in the injection molding for the 97. The defect showed up as light spots in the plastic. All replaced at no extra charge. Jim Sherlock - -----Original Message----- From: Jim Barthell To: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Monday, March 16, 1998 6:05 PM Subject: Re: (klr650) taking the plunge >jfountain@webtv.net wrote: > >> jim, what kinds of claims have you had >> towards your warranty?? > >Like Tom said I had the muffler replaced under warrenty when it began to >sound like a volkswagen bug. I've also had the rear shock replaced once. >It needs to be replaced again but I've ordered the Works shock and I'll >just replace it with that. I have had the smallest of leaks from the >countershaft, only after long rides in the heat of the summer, so I may >have trouble there in the next 3 years. > >> 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 > > > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 16:29:08 -0600 From: "Jim & Melissa Sherlock" Subject: Re: (klr650) exhaust pipes.. Decarbonizing spray for use in fuel injected engines should remove the carbon for you. You will probably need to brush or scrub heavy deposits. I've used this stuff on other things but not on supertrapp discs because as soon as you clean them up, they'll get dirty again, its the nature of the beast. Jim Sherlock - -----Original Message----- From: jfountain@webtv.net To: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Monday, March 16, 1998 8:45 PM Subject: Re: (klr650) exhaust pipes.. anybody know how to get all that carbon build up off the discs and the aluminum end cap?? jeff ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 17:00:09 -0600 From: "Jim & Melissa Sherlock" Subject: (klr650) Oil Level, Cont.... 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. Has anyone heard about the trouble some m/c water pumps are experiencing with automotive anti-freeze such as Prestone? I've read somewhere, I believe MCN, that it is recommended that we use m/c specific anti-freeze due to some granular (coarse) additives in automotive anti-freeze. Any ideas? Jim Sherlock ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 17:12:37 -0600 From: "Jim & Melissa Sherlock" Subject: (klr650) Goodies for my Steed I've been looking for some goodies for my KLR and I was hoping that you guys could help me locate these items. Any help is appreciated. 1) Tubular Rally Style Headlight grill. One used to be offerred but they quit supplying it. 2) Heated handgrips. Preferably the kind that are removable. 3) Tubeless spoked rims for the KLR. Similar to the ones used on the Beemer. (R1100GS) 4) Center stand. Preferably one that doesn't require skid plate modification. 5) Aluminum handlebars that match the KLR's bend. I've been unable to locate any that even come close to the right bend with the right length. I can get close on the bend, but they are too narrow. 6) Taller windscreen that doesn't crack at the attach points. 7) Wider and clearer side mirrors. I'm a big guy and I get a good view of my shoulders and elbows. I'd like a larger and wider view than stock. 8) Oil cooler for the KLR 650. What are the secrets for getting the airscoop stickers on without messing up. I'm terrible with stickers, always get bubbles and creases no matter how patient I try to be. Any help or info offerred is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys. Jim Sherlock ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 18:24:30 -0400 From: "Rick Clarke" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: oil level > 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? In the case of the FZR, it was a small problem with the sump design. Hanging off the bike in corners moved the bike off plane and generated small lateral forces. This was enough to move the oil away from the oil pickup. Wheelies are another potential problem. I've heard some bikes can dry up the oil pickup when lofting the front wheel. This isn't something you want to happen when twisting hard on the fun grip. The bearings can scuff and greatly shorten the life of the engine. Of course, engine life isn't what I'm usually thinking about when doing power wheelies. :-) - -Rick R.P.Clarke (rpclarke@mindspring.com) "What traffic?" RTP, NC, USA DoD#5811 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 16:41:20 -0700 From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) Goodies for my Steed - -----Original Message----- From: Jim & Melissa Sherlock To: KLR E-mail Date: Tuesday, March 17, 1998 4:00 PM Subject: (klr650) Goodies for my Steed >I've been looking for some goodies for my KLR and I was hoping that you guys >could help me locate these items. Any help is appreciated. > >1) Tubular Rally Style Headlight grill. One used to be offerred but they >quit supplying it. Jim, Lockhart Phillips used to make all kinds of guards for DS bikes. They stopped making stuff for DS bikes and have concentrated on sport bikes. Maybe if they got enough calls they might start up again. 800-221-7291 >2) Heated handgrips. Preferably the kind that are removable. Enduro Engineering makes heated elements that fit under your grips. I think they were reviewed in last months Dirt Bike but I could be mistaken?? $26.95 > >3) Tubeless spoked rims for the KLR. Similar to the ones used on the Beemer. >(R1100GS) Hope you aren't talking cast wheels. Rocks just love cast wheels! > >4) Center stand. Preferably one that doesn't require skid plate >modification. Gino's article in the last KLR650DSN said it all. > >5) Aluminum handlebars that match the KLR's bend. I've been unable to locate >any that even come close to the right bend with the right length. I can get >close on the bend, but they are too narrow. Send me the measurements of the handlebars and I will see if I can match up something. A KX high bend looks to have the most rise and pull back. Most all are around 31" to 32" wide. > >6) Taller windscreen that doesn't crack at the attach points. > >7) Wider and clearer side mirrors. I'm a big guy and I get a good view of my >shoulders and elbows. I'd like a larger and wider view than stock. There is ton's of mirrors out there. How about bar end mirrors?? VVIIBBRRAATTIIOONN a problem? > >8) Oil cooler for the KLR 650. Jagg makes oil coolers for Honda and Suzuki. If you are handy making brackets then you could probably make one of those fit. about $180 > >What are the secrets for getting the airscoop stickers on without messing >up. I'm terrible with stickers, always get bubbles and creases no matter how >patient I try to be. A little hot air from a heat gun never hurts. Fred Hink moabmc@lasal.net Arrowhead Motorsports http://cctr.umkc.edu/user/khink/moabmc/index.html > >Any help or info offerred is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys. > >Jim Sherlock > > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 20:27:02 -0500 From: temsley@ix.netcom.com Subject: Re: (klr650) RE: KLR warranty Pat, What happens when you blow a rear shock? Todd '97 KLR ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 20:29:45 -0500 From: temsley@ix.netcom.com Subject: Re: (klr650) RE: Oil Plug My plug is not magnetic. I just changed my oil 1 hour ago. Any sources on a magnetic plug? Todd '97 KLR ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 20:31:00 -0500 From: temsley@ix.netcom.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Spark Plug Pat, You have to remove the tank to SEE the plug.. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 20:47:48 -0500 From: temsley@ix.netcom.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: oil level Rick, I never thought of wheelies. Damn, now everytime I do one I'll think of those surfaces going dry. Todd '97 KLR ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 21:10:34 -0400 From: "Rick Clarke" Subject: Re: (klr650) Chain and sproket info (again) > I asked a while back about recomended brands of chain for the KLR and > cant quite recal what answer I recieved I bought an RK 520SHO and it has been almost adjustment free for 8k miles. The SHO was the top RK 520 chain at the time. Previously I had installed an RK 520SO which is one tier down from the SHO. It lasted 10k miles before I gave up and changed it. I had to adjust the chain pretty much every time I lubed it (~500 miles). I imagine the top Tsubaki or DID 520 o-ring chains would do fine also. If you don't have one already, call Dennis Kirk and ask for their street and dirt catalogs. The street catalog has five pages of chains from EK, RK, Regina, Tsubaki, DID, etc. Plenty of details and sizes. Fer instance DID sells 7 types of 520 chains. Chains are listed by tensile strength. Some other catalog may list chains by wear factor. - -Rick - -Rick R.P.Clarke (rpclarke@mindspring.com) "What traffic?" RTP, NC, USA DoD#5811 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 18:22:40 -0800 From: frjsmithjr@webtv.net (Francis Smith) Subject: Re: (klr650) RE: Oil Plug Pat: You're right. The KLR drain plug IS NOT magnetic; I got my wires (read: bikes) crossed and actuallly saw the metal grit on my TL 1000 drain plug. Its tough being a geezer sometimes. Jim ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 21:24:06 -0400 From: "Rick Clarke" Subject: Re: (klr650) Goodies for my Steed > What are the secrets for getting the airscoop stickers on without messing > up. I'm terrible with stickers, always get bubbles and creases no matter how > patient I try to be. Soapy water. No kidding. To put on stickers, mix up a solution of 1-2% dishwashing liquid (dawn, etc.) in water and wet down the area that the sticker is to be applied. Set the sticker down on the wet body work and slide it around to get it where you want it. If the water beads up, there's not enough soap in it. If the water beads, the body work will have dry spots and the sticker won't slide. Squeegee the excess water out with a soft paddle, like the kind used to put on body putty. Make sure it isn't too stiff or you could rip the sticker. Keep squeegeeing out the water until all bubbles are gone and the sticker has adhered. Allow to dry overnight. Don't worry about the sticker coming loose, it won't. Just don't use too much soap, and make sure the body work is _clean_. I forget where I heard about this technique, but it has worked for me. It may have been Tapeworks that told me. I know I've bought stickers from them. It eliminates the "do or die" anxiety of sticker application. - -Rick R.P.Clarke (rpclarke@mindspring.com) "What traffic?" RTP, NC, USA DoD#5811 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 20:45:42 -0600 From: "Jim & Melissa Sherlock" Subject: Re: (klr650) Goodies for my Steed Thankyou very much. I was getting tired of running around with a blank air scoop on one side. Even though, if Kawi hadn't clear coated the tank sticker I'd probably remove them all. The bike looks kind of nice bare of stickers, but short of repainting the tank, your stuck with those. Do you think a clean sponge would work for the application? Would the sponge and your hand be firm/stiff enough to accomplish the job? Jim Sherlock - -----Original Message----- From: Rick Clarke To: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Tuesday, March 17, 1998 8:24 PM Subject: Re: (klr650) Goodies for my Steed > What are the secrets for getting the airscoop stickers on without messing > up. I'm terrible with stickers, always get bubbles and creases no matter how > patient I try to be. Soapy water. No kidding. To put on stickers, mix up a solution of 1-2% dishwashing liquid (dawn, etc.) in water and wet down the area that the sticker is to be applied. Set the sticker down on the wet body work and slide it around to get it where you want it. If the water beads up, there's not enough soap in it. If the water beads, the body work will have dry spots and the sticker won't slide. Squeegee the excess water out with a soft paddle, like the kind used to put on body putty. Make sure it isn't too stiff or you could rip the sticker. Keep squeegeeing out the water until all bubbles are gone and the sticker has adhered. Allow to dry overnight. Don't worry about the sticker coming loose, it won't. Just don't use too much soap, and make sure the body work is _clean_. I forget where I heard about this technique, but it has worked for me. It may have been Tapeworks that told me. I know I've bought stickers from them. It eliminates the "do or die" anxiety of sticker application. - -Rick R.P.Clarke (rpclarke@mindspring.com) "What traffic?" RTP, NC, USA DoD#5811 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 21:30:21 EST From: K650dsn Subject: (klr650) Out of touch Sorry I have not been responsive to e-mails as of late. We had a storm roll through here on Saturday and Sunday dumping almost a foot of heavy wet snow on us. We went without power for over 24 hours and have been trying to catch up on stuff. Sorry the delayed replies. Gino ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V1 #24 ***************************