From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V1 #55 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Thursday, April 16 1998 Volume 01 : Number 055 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 15 Apr 98 14:07:50 CST From: "John W. Houchins --UNMCVM(JWHOUCHI)" Subject: (klr650) NKLR From: John W. Houchins --UNMCVM(JWHOUCHI) Listers, Anyone else bringing a mt bike to Moab? I'm going to be there on the 21st or 22nd and ride some trails with the bicycle as well as the motorcycle. I would be happy to have someone to mountain bike with. I am going to camp for a couple of days, then move to the Super 8 on Thursday if there is room at the inn. So i will check in at Fred Hinks shop and leave my local address. John (who is itching to ride something) ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 12:56:51 -0700 From: West Hovland Subject: (klr650) KLR and Corbin seats Hi all, Anyone out there know of anybody who has a Corbin they would like to get rid of. I have a 93' and I'm planning some exented trips soon, would like to save my ass some pain and suffering. Thanks, West. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Apr 98 15:29:24 CST From: "John W. Houchins --UNMCVM(JWHOUCHI)" Subject: (klr650) Moab From: John W. Houchins --UNMCVM(JWHOUCHI) From one newbie to another, The Moab get together is April 24-25, 1998. Check out the KLR650 DSOG web page. Point your web browser to http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/ for more information. If you don't have web access we can give you more info by e-mail. Just ask! John Houchins ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 15:24:57 -0700 (PDT) From: Rex Hefferan Subject: (klr650) KLR abuse Re: Posts by Pete Dean For what it's worth, I have a story that may help someone one day. While riding my new KLR (with only about 150 miles) on a single track I fell against a boulder. There was no apparent damage, but a couple of minutes later I noticed signs of overheating. The boulder had slightly crushed the radiator and bent the fan guard which had caught the fan blade. The slow speed of the ride required the fan to keep the temp down. The electric motor was still running, but the fan blade was not. I had to pull the connection to the temp switch to stop the fan motor. After removing the side panel to bend the guard out of the way, I found the fan blade was melted at the hub and was starting to take a set as the engine cooled. I was able to make a sight alignment and force the set with water. When I got home I disassembled the unit and went to see the dealer. Kawa only stocks the entire fan motor assembly for around $80. I've now got 6400 miles with the original damaged fan and no cooling problems. I still can't find a mark on the shroud. Moral: Check for cooling system damage if you drop against an object on the radiator shroud. BTW, I got my Progressive fork springs in 1 week from MAW, but was given a 3rd back order date for the Moose skid plate. Now 4/30, so I won't have it for Moab. Rex (keeping my cool and my fingers crossed) Colorado Springs _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 16:54:01 -0600 From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR Wow! What a concept.....Mountain biking in Moab!! What will they think up next?? Fred - -----Original Message----- From: John W. Houchins --UNMCVM(JWHOUCHI) To: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Wednesday, April 15, 1998 1:11 PM Subject: (klr650) NKLR >From: John W. Houchins --UNMCVM(JWHOUCHI) > >Listers, > >Anyone else bringing a mt bike to Moab? I'm going to be there on the >21st or 22nd and ride some trails with the bicycle as well as the >motorcycle. I would be happy to have someone to mountain bike with. I am >going to camp for a couple of days, then move to the Super 8 on Thursday >if there is room at the inn. So i will check in at Fred Hinks shop and >leave my local address. > >John (who is itching to ride something) > > > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 18:54:49 -0400 From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: (klr650) Crashed Saturday :( > >Hey Listers. >So I f#$%^ up. I was pulling a pretty nice wheelie, lookin' good, 2nd >gear, everything fine, and I went overboard. I panicked and forgot the >back brake was there for a reason !! >S**t, S**t, S**t, S**t. Pardon my french ! But it's the very first time i >lay a bike down, it pisses me off. Ok so let's get down to business. I >scratched the heck outta the back fender, license plate, and even the >luggage carrier. the bike fell on it's right side, so I scratched both >turn signals, Supertrapp's heat shield, bent the back brake pedal (lever) >front brake lever is bent, handlebar is bent, gotta replace the Acerbis >hand guards, and most important, I think the fork is not straight .... >kinda if u r holding the handlebar, the right hand is closer to my body >than the left ... know what I mean ? > >So, I'd need: back fender (my bike is a 95 so the color is that >lite green) (I was thinking of using 1993's back fender, white, just for looks, since I'm gonna mount a low front white fender ... has anybody done it before ?) > Luggage carrier (the two pasenger handle things) > Sticker that goes on that plastic body part >under the sit > Front Brake lever > Acerbis or UFO white hand guards > Handlebar (I read a post mentioning Jimmy >Button's Renthals, anybody's tried 'em ? Also, I was looking at the Dennis Kirk Catalog, what's the difference between a $15.99 handlebar, or an $85 one ?, and don't tell me $69.01 'cause I already know that !) :P Fred: Thanks one more time for your prompt response. I'll be in touch with you ! :) >I also forgot to mention, I was wearing my Aerostitch Jacket, and I had a >Van behind me, They told me I slid on my ass, and then I fliped on my >belly and skided for 30 feet or so. I didn;t hurt anything at all, I've >got a bruise on the back of my left leg. But I wanna tell ya' the jacket >has nothing on it, My gloves are great, the helmet never touched the >ground, my boots have no scratches. So i dont really know how the hell I >skided 30 feet and have no signs of abrasion anywhere !! > >Guys/gals Be careful out there !! And remember when u are on one wheel, >the BACK brake is there, right under your right foot ! Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC Email: steve@vvd.com Email: rottenb@gte.net Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 17:50:30 -0500 From: "D. Wayne Fleenor" Subject: (klr650) SJ rated oil endorsed by Kawasaki/Yamaha While in the local Kawasaki/Yamaha shop today I noticed that both the Kawasaki and Yamaha brand of oil is currently SJ rated (the same as the latest auto oils.) I found this somewhat interesting considering all of the discussion recently regarding the perils of using SJ rated oils in motorcycles. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 16:20:14 -0700 (PDT) From: Jim Franklin Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR abuse >slightly crushed the radiator and bent the fan guard which had caught >the fan blade. The slow speed of the ride required the fan to keep the I had teh same thing happen to my Tengai when I lost it in deep sand. A body panel pin entered the pathway of teh fan blade and stopped it. Unfortunately, the fan melted and the motor kept spinning. I dind't notice anything until I met up with the group some 30 minutes of slow riding later and someone asked "what's that noise?". I pulled off my helmet and heard the motor spinning, and the temperature guage was as hot as the guage goes. >for around $80. I've now got 6400 miles with the original damaged fan Hmmm...I remember finding a dealer in Ridgecrest who tole me they didn't have one (Kawasaki never stocks ANYTHING) but it would cost $200 and change. The bike now has 43K and it still runs great. jim ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 19:43:13 EDT From: Cloudhid Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR Oil Level CORRECTION !!!! In a message dated 4/15/98 9:34:22 AM, pmd@sw.bcd.adc.com wrote:snip >Don't know where I got the idea the bike should be on the sidestand. >Pete Dean Maybe the confusion is caused by a design flaw. When you sight your coolant level, the bike is supposed to be on the side stand. Go figure why both aren't checked the same way. Re: coolant page 59 says: "Situate the motorcycle so that it is perpendicular to the ground (on it's side stand)."....Perpendicular to the ground on it's side stand??? So you see that I'm just doing my best to interpret their instructions. In the past I've been involved with the production of many bike and auto manuals as well as promo materials. If the manufacturers spent a tenth as much on the books that tell us how to live with our purchases that they do telling us how great it's gonna be if we buy 'em, life would be better. It would be a cheap shot to say that the Japanese are worse at this. Some of the horrendous books I've had to produce were the sort that sounded like a bad over dub of a Godzilla movie. (Yeah, I know, who's ever heard a good one:-). Kawasaki's manual is far from the bottom of the heap though. Thanks for your 'abuse' post. Ron (who had nothing to do with the English or French klr manuals) ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 18:56:45 -0500 From: Chadd Thompson Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR Blues....Dead Battery Saga.. >The bike just dies...the lights still work. Thanks...where is the >ignition coil located and would I test..Thanks > >Brian > > Brian, I can find my "Base" service manual right now but the coil should be up under the gas tank somwhere. Just follow the plug wire up and it will lead you to it. According to the suplement service manual the coils resistance should be .15 to .21 Ohms on the primary and 3.8 to 5.8 Kohms on the secondary. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 20:12:54 -0400 From: "Michael Magnatta" Subject: (klr650) Non-Technical Musing (Sorry for the bandwith thing) I'd like to share this with you; take it for what it's worth. Let us not lose sight of the purpose of this mailing list - to share ideas and information for the betterment of man and motorcycle so we may ultimately ride... (well, specifically on the Icon-like status of our beloved KLR650's): I was so, so inspired today as my earthly shackles were severed, and I merged into the traffic, the fringe if you will - the center lane, with visor down, and spirit soaring. Perched high above the most securely insulated mortal, I was brave, as brave as any of my wise brethren on this selfless list, and I accelerated light-years away from where everyone else wallowed in the mire of quiet desperation. My neck snapped back at every snick of the gears meshing, the front of my steed rising up, flirting to take flight, my right wrist a direct connection with those two small patches of rubber that separates you and I from those who have not been blessed with our special spirit. Craning necks sought the source of this beast of reciprocating iron and chemical reaction, and small children in backseats of automobiles gazed in awe as I carved paths through the air, commanding direction with mere whims, already anticipating the next graceful movement before I completed the last. And at that moment I felt not unlike Columbus must have felt as he most certainly became hypnotized by the bow of his ship slicing the ocean in two, mysterious moonlight shimmering madly, defining his destiny, no guarantees, just knowing he was one of only a handful of souls willing to risk life and limb on a journey of no promises, except the promise of living for that moment... Remember, let us not lose sight... ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 21:42:41 -0400 From: Ramsey Alexander III Subject: (klr650) 16 tooth countershaft sprocket I am new to the list so please excuse me if I am asking any questions tha= t have been previously discussed. I have a 96 KLR and I can not find a 16 tooth countershaft sprocket. I've tried White Brothers and a couple of local accessory shops. Also I have a couple of mods to the bike that some of you may be interested in: 1.) I mounted KC Dayliters where the front turn signals originally resided (using the original fairing support brackets) and mounted sport bike style teardrop signals on the fairing. I mounted two toggle switches to the fairing on a bracket above the instrument cluster,= one switch is for the aux lights and the other is to turn off the headlig= ht for starting the bike when the battery is low. 2.) I wired an accessory jack to the battery and mounted it to the left side panel. I purchased it= from a John Deere tractor dealership, but any similar marine model will work. It has a waterproof cover and I made a jumper cable adaptor and a cigarette lighter adapter for it. = Ramsey ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 22:28:44 -0400 From: "Germain Gagnon" Subject: (klr650) NKLR I'm getting there I should get my KLR650 98 this friday if the dealer is not lying once again. First, I bought a virtual bike. Last week when I signed off, the guy tol= d me that the bike was in a box in his backyard. I asked to see it (well I bought the bike without seeing it but at least I knew the model) but he told me that the box was undernit others boxes. So I told him, "I trus= t you and I will call you tuesday to get the serial number" . When I call him back, he said: "the last one from my supplier is sold out".=20 #@?##*%$" What a shame when you expect to get your bike. Germain ( On a vendu la peau de l'ours avant de l'avoir tu=E9) ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 23:58:45 -0400 From: "Michael Magnatta" Subject: Re: (klr650) Crashed Saturday :( Steve: I'm glad that you're ok. I know it's only a matter of when, and not if, we all go down. When I can get up the $$$, I think I'm gonna get an Aerostich! Good luck in puttin' her back together!!! Mike Magnatta - -----Original Message----- From: Steve Rottenberg To: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Wednesday, April 15, 1998 7:59 PM Subject: (klr650) Crashed Saturday :( > >Hey Listers. >So I f#$%^ up. I was pulling a pretty nice wheelie, lookin' good, 2nd >gear, everything fine, and I went overboard. I panicked and forgot the >back brake was there for a reason !! >S**t, S**t, S**t, S**t. Pardon my french ! But it's the very first time i >lay a bike down, it pisses me off. Ok so let's get down to business. I >scratched the heck outta the back fender, license plate, and even the >luggage carrier. the bike fell on it's right side, so I scratched both >turn signals, Supertrapp's heat shield, bent the back brake pedal (lever) >front brake lever is bent, handlebar is bent, gotta replace the Acerbis >hand guards, and most important, I think the fork is not straight .... >kinda if u r holding the handlebar, the right hand is closer to my body >than the left ... know what I mean ? > >So, I'd need: back fender (my bike is a 95 so the color is that >lite green) (I was thinking of using 1993's back fender, white, just for looks, since I'm gonna mount a low front white fender ... has anybody done it before ?) > Luggage carrier (the two pasenger handle things) > Sticker that goes on that plastic body part >under the sit > Front Brake lever > Acerbis or UFO white hand guards > Handlebar (I read a post mentioning Jimmy >Button's Renthals, anybody's tried 'em ? Also, I was looking at the Dennis Kirk Catalog, what's the difference between a $15.99 handlebar, or an $85 one ?, and don't tell me $69.01 'cause I already know that !) :P Fred: Thanks one more time for your prompt response. I'll be in touch with you ! :) >I also forgot to mention, I was wearing my Aerostitch Jacket, and I had a >Van behind me, They told me I slid on my ass, and then I fliped on my >belly and skided for 30 feet or so. I didn;t hurt anything at all, I've >got a bruise on the back of my left leg. But I wanna tell ya' the jacket >has nothing on it, My gloves are great, the helmet never touched the >ground, my boots have no scratches. So i dont really know how the hell I >skided 30 feet and have no signs of abrasion anywhere !! > >Guys/gals Be careful out there !! And remember when u are on one wheel, >the BACK brake is there, right under your right foot ! Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC Email: steve@vvd.com Email: rottenb@gte.net Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 06:17:57 -0400 From: Bill Wright Subject: Re: (klr650) SJ rated oil endorsed by Kawasaki/Yamaha - --------------374C69A089B955A4B479A68C Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Mobil One is also SJ rated. Go figure! Bill Wright Hotlanta, GA D. Wayne Fleenor wrote: > While in the local Kawasaki/Yamaha shop today I noticed that both the > Kawasaki and Yamaha brand of oil is currently SJ rated (the same as the > latest auto oils.) I found this somewhat interesting considering all of > the discussion recently regarding the perils of using SJ rated oils in > motorcycles. - --------------374C69A089B955A4B479A68C Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Mobil One is also SJ rated.  Go figure!

Bill Wright
Hotlanta, GA

D. Wayne Fleenor wrote:

While in the local Kawasaki/Yamaha shop today I noticed that both the
Kawasaki and Yamaha brand of oil is currently SJ rated (the same as the
latest auto oils.)  I found this somewhat interesting considering all of
the discussion recently regarding the perils of using SJ rated oils in
motorcycles.
  - --------------374C69A089B955A4B479A68C-- ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 06:26:24 -0400 From: Bill Wright Subject: (klr650) Tires Hey guys, Thanks for all the help and info about what tires you are using. I finally had my new Avon Gripster AM-24 mounted and balanced last night. I also did a 'little' mileage over the weekend on the original equipment. Total on that OE tire was 5994 miles, not bad. Well I hope to get even more on the Avon. Thanks again, Bill Wright Hotlanta, GA 98 KLR650 - 6049 miles ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 07:03:47 -0400 From: Todd Emsley Subject: Re: (klr650) More pesky jet kit questions Stuart, I understand the concept that you are describing about output vs. engine life. However this can only apply to limited situations. If we were talking on this list about forced induction (supercharging) or a nitrous oxide injection system, your point would be a valid one. Either of these two mods would greatly reduce engine life. But, without raising the compression ratio or something along that line I don't think it applies here. Think of jetting as fine tuning the fuel charge. After the jet kit, the mixture is much closer to the ideal combination for the engine, as far as power output. The mixture from the factory is designed to minimize exhaust emmisions, while keeping power output merely acceptable. Hope this helps, Todd '97 A11 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 07:15:31 -0400 From: Todd Emsley Subject: Re: (klr650) More pesky jet kit questions Stuart, You won't be disappointed, the ridability is greatly improved, ever if your not WFO. Todd (reaching jetting nirvana) ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 07:25:02 -0400 From: Todd Emsley Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR abuse Rex, What was price for progressive springs from MAW? Thanks, Todd ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 07:31:19 -0400 From: Todd Emsley Subject: Re: (klr650) Non-Technical Musing (Sorry for the bandwith thing) Michael, AMEN Todd (your #1 disciple) ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 06:09:37 -0600 From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) SJ rated oil endorsed by Kawasaki/Yamaha Hey Group! Speaking of Mobile One and figuring.......I have had some requests for Mobile One (which I usually don't stock) and was wondering how much I should figure on having for you guys at the Rally. If anyone needs anything (special ordered or not) to have here for you, please let me know, as the time for the rally is getting close at hand. See y'al soon! Fred (your humble servant) NOT!!!!!!!! -----Original Message----- From: Bill Wright To: D. Wayne Fleenor Cc: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Thursday, April 16, 1998 4:23 AM Subject: Re: (klr650) SJ rated oil endorsed by Kawasaki/Yamaha Mobil One is also SJ rated. Go figure! Bill Wright Hotlanta, GA D. Wayne Fleenor wrote: While in the local Kawasaki/Yamaha shop today I noticed that both the Kawasaki and Yamaha brand of oil is currently SJ rated (the same as the latest auto oils.) I found this somewhat interesting considering all of the discussion recently regarding the perils of using SJ rated oils in motorcycles. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 08:48:38 -0400 From: "Catron, Geoff" Subject: (klr650) Looking for used KLR Hi all, This is probably the wrong place to ask since everyone loves their KLRs, but I'm looking for a good used '94-'96 or so KLR in the southeast (home is near Atlanta). Anyone got any ideas? TIA, Geoff ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 22:26:05 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: (klr650) KLR600-B1 rad dimensions Cloudhid was interested in the sizes of the KLR600 twin rads, and I guess a few others might me interested. LH - 135 x 180 mm (5 1/4 x 7 1/4") RH - 135 x 260 mm (5 1/4 x 10 1/4") Both 10 cores, both 32mm (1 1/4") deep I'm curious myself at the dimensions of the single rad of the 650s. Mister_T - -- \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\ | RC17 KLR600 Roces BCN FreeBSD 2.2.5-R NT4W (ugh) | | tedp[at]replicant[dot]apana[dot]org[dot]au | \|_________________________________________________________________| ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 09:04:08 -0500 From: mcpete@juno.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Crashed Saturday :( I have got to respond to this! First, and most important, I'm glad your ok Steve. Next, I believe the attitude of " a matter of when, not if" is very dangerous. As a professional woodworker w/ 25 years experience I have had many woodworkers say the same thing. And many of them are missing a digit or two....part of the trade they say. Bullshit. I practice extreme safety procedures when working and have never had a serious accident. Same w/ riding. I've taken the MSF advanced course, and ride very aware. (Need to take the course again) Full Aerostich gear, helment, gloves. There is no such thing as an "accident" Every "crash" is caused by human error, and as such humans are responsible and can prevent accidents. I have ridden bikes as long as I have been cutting wood. I have 250k experience, and have had three minor falldowns in that time. The first two in the first year of riding, the other one two years ago. All were directly related to my not paying attention, or being stupid. Even the "close calls" have greatly diminished as I have gotten more aware and take fewer chances. When I was young and foolhardy, I did the stupiest things; it's only by pure luck (or grace) that I wasn't killed. And you know, the more I ride with common sense, the less those incidents pop up. I am taking about riding on the streets, not serious trail riding or dirt riding, where we wear all kinds of gear because it is the nature to fall over from time to time. But on the street, I ride aware and safe and have no intention of ever having an accident. I tell new riders "take the beginning MSF course, it may save your life" It is ignorance and lack of skill that causes accidents, not some freak chance of nature that is going to hit us all sooner or later. All my humble opinion of course. Pete McMahon On Wed, 15 Apr 1998 23:58:45 -0400 "Michael Magnatta" writes: >Steve: > >I'm glad that you're ok. I know it's only a matter of when, and not >if, >we all go down. When I can get up the $$$, I think I'm gonna get an >Aerostich! Good luck in puttin' her back together!!! > >Mike Magnatta > _____________________________________________________________________ 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] ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 10:11:08 -0400 From: Kovach E Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR...bike washing. Kurt/Pete yea I don't wash KLR's They are my winter scoots my 98 looks great dirty in fact I would not know it clean. It would not even run right clean. The one time I did wash it it got that surge thinge ya all talk about... cio evan >>> Kurt Simpson 04/15/98 12:52PM >>> > By the way, I loved the comment a while back; "You guys wash your bikes?" > This was one of my considerations in buying a KLR. I wanted something > that didn't require a lot of maintenance, including washing. A dual sport > bike is supposed to be a little dirty isn't it? > > Pete Dean > Minnetonka MN Pete, yes I think you are right. I got a lot of looks yesterday from cagers when I drove home in a snowstorm, I decided I shouldn't wash the dirt and stuff off it. Let's say it adds a certain patina or, even more ethereal, a certain "je ne sais quoi"...to the bike. Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 10:18:44 -0400 From: Cameron Cole Subject: RE: (klr650) Crashed Saturday :( Well I can't hold my piece either. I think any serious rider (street) is going down sooner or later. If you don't, well then you are probably some kind of freak. I have taken the MSF beginner and advanced courses and believe I am prepared to handle most road incidents, but I have a firm belief that I will go down someday. This belief keeps my senses sharp. On our bikes in traffic, I believe it is a realistic estimate that we only control 30 percent of what is going on. You can fine tune your body, become one with the machine, have ESP, and be on a perfect road with no gravel or potholes. You can't however control the guy pulling out in front of you, the U turn from a parked position, or a freak gust of wind throwing you off balance. No matter how much you prepare at some point it won't matter. All my training and practicing is for two things. To get me out of harms way if possible and to aid me in taking less damage when I can't. I agree that training, practicing, and good judgement increase your ability to survive crash free. However, with all three working in your favor you can still go down. If you ride a motorcycle with the feeling you are aware at all times will keep you upright, congrats, you are a rare breed of motorcycle riders over 20. That is my piece, C. Oh, and that short story about motorcycle riding was excellent. > -----Original Message----- > From: mcpete@juno.com [SMTP:mcpete@juno.com] > Sent: Thursday, April 16, 1998 10:04 AM > To: michael123@prodigy.net > Cc: steve@vvd.com; klr650@lists.xmission.com > Subject: Re: (klr650) Crashed Saturday :( > > I have got to respond to this! > > First, and most important, I'm glad your ok Steve. > > Next, I believe the attitude of " a matter of when, not if" is very > dangerous. As a professional woodworker w/ 25 years experience I have > had > many woodworkers say the same thing. And many of them are missing a > digit > or two....part of the trade they say. Bullshit. I practice extreme > safety > procedures when working and have never had a serious accident. > > Same w/ riding. I've taken the MSF advanced course, and ride very > aware. > (Need to take the course again) Full Aerostich gear, helment, gloves. > > There is no such thing as an "accident" Every "crash" is caused by > human > error, and as such humans are responsible and can prevent accidents. > > I have ridden bikes as long as I have been cutting wood. I have 250k > experience, and have had three minor falldowns in that time. The first > two in the first year of riding, the other one two years ago. All > were > directly related to my not paying attention, or being stupid. Even > the > "close calls" have greatly diminished as I have gotten more aware and > take fewer chances. When I was young and foolhardy, I did the stupiest > things; it's only by pure luck (or grace) that I wasn't killed. And > you > know, the more I ride with common sense, the less those incidents pop > up. > > I am taking about riding on the streets, not serious trail riding or > dirt > riding, where we wear all kinds of gear because it is the nature to > fall > over from time to time. But on the street, I ride aware and safe and > have > no intention of ever having an accident. > > I tell new riders "take the beginning MSF course, it may save your > life" > It is ignorance and lack of skill that causes accidents, not some > freak > chance of nature that is going to hit us all sooner or later. > > All my humble opinion of course. > > Pete McMahon > On Wed, 15 Apr 1998 23:58:45 -0400 "Michael Magnatta" > writes: > >Steve: > > > >I'm glad that you're ok. I know it's only a matter of when, and not > >if, > >we all go down. When I can get up the $$$, I think I'm gonna get an > >Aerostich! Good luck in puttin' her back together!!! > > > >Mike Magnatta > > > > _____________________________________________________________________ > 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] > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 11:45:01 EDT From: Cloudhid Subject: (klr650) Berating Derating In a message dated 4/16/98 3:05:56 AM, temsley@ix.netcom.com wrote:snips > output vs.engine life. If we were talking on this list about forced >induction (supercharging) or a nitrous oxide injection system would >greatly reduce engine life. The mixture from the factory is designed >to minimize exhaust emmisions, while keeping power output merely >acceptable. Hope this helps, Todd '97 A11 Todd, I still smile when I think about your 3rd gear klr wheelies. The artist who designed our engine probably had that in mind on the original blueprints. But the manufacturing committees usually chop the nuts off the dream not only to reduce emissions, but also to decrease warranty claims. HP is a measure of power. Increased HP = increased power. That 'extra' power is transmitted from the piston all the way down the line to your rear sprocket and tire. These parts and everything in between are subjected to more pressure at higher HP. The more pressure exerted, the faster the mountain wears down. Like I said, if you *don't* avail yourself to that extra power, then all other things being equal, engine life is unaffected. But if you get on it, the added stress of more power adds to metal (and rubber:-) fatigue. Just my opinion. Ron with a stock (so far) A10 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 14:03:46 -0400 From: "Michael Magnatta" Subject: (klr650) Droppin' Them Revs What would be the best route to go in lowering rpms on the hiway - more teeth on the countershaft sprocket or less on the rear sprocket? Thanks! Mike (who now feels compelled to leave these little messages in parentheses) ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 12:16:05 -0600 From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) Droppin' Them Revs I would use a larger front sprocket as it won't bend and wear out the chain as fast as a smaller rear. They are cheaper too and usually don't require adding or taking out links in the chain. Sprocket Specialist makes front sprockets for the KLX from 12 to 17 teeth. Does anyone know if a KLX front sprocket is the same as a KLR?? Fred - -----Original Message----- From: Michael Magnatta To: KLR650 Mailing List Date: Thursday, April 16, 1998 12:08 PM Subject: (klr650) Droppin' Them Revs >What would be the best route to go in lowering rpms on the hiway - more >teeth on the countershaft sprocket or less on the rear sprocket? Thanks! > >Mike (who now feels compelled to leave these little messages in >parentheses) > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 14:22:58 -0600 From: Kurt Simpson Subject: (klr650) Dual Star at Moab Rally... For those who may have an interest, I talked with Mike Walburn (owner of Dual Star) and he and his wife Patti are planning on joining us at the Moab Rally. He'll be bringing some of Dual Star's products to display and demo and promises that he will show us how to put the KLR on Dual Star's centerstand with 1 hand. Beat that Kathleen! Also, Jake Jakeman, SageBrush Machine 435.387.5575 was kind enough to send me a neat little tool he makes that allows for adjustment of the pilot screw while the bike is running. For those who have installed the jet kit you probably have noticed that the screw resides directly on top of the starter motor and leaves about 1" in between. Jake's tool is essentially a screwdriver tip with a knurled "thumb" knob. He wedges a piece of foam underneath the screw so that it is held in place by the starter motor. If you want one of these nifty things better call him now. Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 17:12:26 EDT From: Cloudhid Subject: Re: (klr650) Droppin' Them Revs In a message dated 98-04-16 16:23:59 EDT, michael123@prodigy.net writes: << What would be the best route to go in lowering rpms on the hiway - more teeth on the countershaft sprocket or less on the rear sprocket? Thanks! Mike (who now feels compelled to leave these little messages in parentheses) >> Whatsa parentheses? Easiest way I know to reduce rpms is to rotate the throttle grip. The folks I know personally used a smaller rear sprocket. In the never ending quest for better bench racing however the theory goes that the smaller the radius a chain is made to revolve around, the more HP is lost to the increased friction. So if you want less rpms for a given speed, and a marginal increase in power, make it a bigger sprocket on the engine. >rorrim eht ni gnikool< noR ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 17:20:28 -0400 From: Dave Wormmeester Subject: RE: (klr650) Crashed Saturday :( - -----Original Message----- From: mcpete@juno.com [SMTP:mcpete@juno.com] Sent: Thursday, April 16, 1998 10:04 AM To: michael123@prodigy.net Cc: steve@vvd.com; klr650@lists.xmission.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Crashed Saturday :( There is no such thing as an "accident" Every "crash" is caused by human error, and as such humans are responsible and can prevent accidents. Do not over look mechanical failures. A skilled rider like yourself is unlikely to crash do to human error. However a mechanical failure can happen to anyone at anytime. stay sharp Dave W. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 16:26:59 -0600 From: Kurt Simpson Subject: (klr650) KLR Covergirl... Our wonderful bike is now a cover girl. The cover of the May City Bike shows a KLR with an attractive young woman, and is captioned "old girlfriends." Publisher Brian Halton describes how riding a new KLR brought back memories of an old girlfriend, and noted that becoming reacquainted with the KLR was like meeting up with an old girlfriend, hence the title. He adds: The KLR650 is probably one of the most solidly-engineered, fairly priced and fun to ride motorcycles ever created. Sure, she's getting a little long in the tooth, but I've always been attracted to older women. Maturity can be very satisfying. Hope you enjoy this issue, dedicated to a real motorcycle with real riding credentials and the enthusiasts who love them." The issue contains two fair reviews of the bike (Joseph Glydon: "There are few bikes remaining on the market that can rival the KLR in any bike-for-the-buck comparison. If versatility is a consideration, nothing near its price delivers the capability of the venerable Kawasaki"). Several KLR owners have short articles describing some of the common mods that are discussed in this list, and there's a lenghty description of a bolt-by-bolt tune-up by Allan Slaughter. All in all, a good read. City Bike is available for $20 year, or free at dealers in the SF Bay Area. Email them at citybike@best.com, http://www.best.com/~citybike, 415-982-7242. Rob Gendreau Oakland, California gendreau@ccnet.com ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V1 #55 ***************************