From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V1 #60 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Monday, April 27 1998 Volume 01 : Number 060 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1998 06:29:08 -0400 From: temsley@ix.netcom.com Subject: (klr650) Re: "Knees tight and RPM's up" Dave, May I amend your original statement to "Knees tight and MOMENTUM up". I agree with everything in your explanation, however the benifit we get from not having the blistering top end performance of a true 2-stroke dirt bike is stump pulling torque from our 4-strokes. It may actually be an advantage to a novice rider to keep the bike in a little higher gear to take some of the torque from the engine, so the throttle isn't so touchy. My A11, with a COBRA pipe and a Stage 3 kit is very powerful and can require alot of wrist control in tight technical sections. I think gripping the tank with your knees is essential to fully controlled technical riding. And I find the higher weight of the KLR requires the bike to be finessed around rather than manhandled as a 125 or 250 might be. I think momentum is also important, obviously balancing upright while sitting still is a whole lot harder than balancing while moving, even if it is only a crawl. Therefore the only part of your statement I would change is the RPM part to momentum. I hope I'm not splitting hairs, but the low end torque of the engine is very useful and in some circumstances can give us an advantage over our 2-stroke competition. Don't be afraid to utilize it. Todd A11 ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1998 08:26:54 -0400 From: Sconzo Subject: (klr650) Re: "Knees tight and RPM's up" temsley@ix.netcom.com wrote: > May I amend your original statement to "Knees tight and MOMENTUM up". I > agree with everything in your explanation, however the benifit we get > from not having the blistering top end performance of a true 2-stroke > dirt bike is stump pulling torque from our 4-strokes. I guess the way we utilize our KLR's versatility is all going to come down to personal preference. Being in Florida and riding the tight twisty trails we have here, I have had to adapt my riding techniques to "fit in" with the bike. I guess the first thing I realized the hard way, was that I wasn't going to save a spill by throwing a leg down in soft sand with this bike. You know 400 lb.. of bike + 200 lb.. of man + inertia = heavy. Figured my leg was the weak link in the chain there. As most of the trails I ride on include some soft sand around here; I had to develop this skill (still working on it), if I wanted to hang with the rest of the guys in the pack on much lighter bikes. On trails with with not much sand, I ride the top end of a gear. Due to the fact that the KLR wins every time I try and boss it around in sand, I have had to get my butt back over the rear tire more and then I toss the bike into the bottom end of a higher gear. TRACTOR MODE. I don't have my knees tight, but do hold my weight off my arse quite a bit. I don't know how it works for everyone else, but I have noticed that if the sand isn't all rutted up I can blow past a lot of the others. There is one guy that rides an XRL 650 I can't keep up with to save my life but he is the best rider in our group. He's touched by the crazy Gods I might add. I do love the way this bike tractors though, and when it's doing it, I'm euphoric. Kind of the Man/Bike/Nature thing. I think I work much harder riding than all the rest of my buddies, but let me tell you when we get into anything remotely tame they all drool over my KLR. No engine mods for me yet. I'm jokingly referred to as "The Tanker". I make a lot of money off of them when I sell them fuel at $10 a gallon on the trail. :) Ok, just kidding about the charge. Gots me thinkin' though. Hmmm. Still learnin', Scott. '98 KLR 650 ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1998 09:11:10 -0700 From: West Hovland Subject: (klr650) Balancer Shaft Hi folks, You know, I've been riding bikes for over 30 years, owned 39 bikes now (KLR has got to be my favorite) and yet I'm stumped when it comes to adjusting the balancer shaft. The manual says to loosen the lock nut then re-tighten, I'm assuming with the engine off. Does this allow something snap tight on the adjuster arm? I would appreciate some words of wisdom, first hand experience or maybe just some good guess'. Thanks , West ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1998 13:11:15 EDT From: Cloudhid Subject: Re: (klr650) Balancer Shaft West, I just did this again last night. Manual specs say every 3,000 miles, but I do it every time I change my oil (1,000 mi.). There's a return spring inside that takes up the slack. So all you do is loosen it a couple of turns and then retighten, and put the cap back on. Ron (getting ready to road test the new saddle) In a message dated 4/25/98 9:12:56 AM, WLHovland@worldnet.att.net wrote: >Hi folks, > >You know, I've been riding bikes for over 30 years, owned 39 bikes now >(KLR has got to be my favorite) and yet I'm stumped when it comes to >adjusting the balancer shaft. The manual says to loosen the lock nut >then re-tighten, I'm assuming with the engine off. Does this allow >something snap tight on the adjuster arm? I would appreciate some words >of wisdom, first hand experience or maybe just some good guess'. > >Thanks , >West ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1998 13:59:04 -0700 From: "Ryan" Subject: (klr650) GOT MY LUGGAGE!! I just want to let everyone know that I was able to order the Kawi Soft Luggage System through Fred Hink. I placed my order at seven o'clock this morning and was told that the luggage would be shipped out air mail later today... wow, pretty good service for a Saturday morning during the middle of the rally! Thanx a bunch Fred, your service has just won you another customer. Also, thanx JP for the phone call and information about Renton Kawasaki having the luggage. Much appreciated!! It's ironic that they have it because yesterday when I called the Kawasaki Information Line in LA (714-460-5688) they gave me the names and phone numbers of a dozen US Kawi dealers including Renton's. I proceeded to call those dozen dealers one by one, and when I dialed Renton they put me on hold for ten minutes so I hung up. I spoke with every one of the other eleven dealers and asked if they had the luggage in stock but "no" was the unanimous answer. I never did bother to make a return call to Renton because I figured their sevice was lousy. Figures 'eh! Ride hard; ride safe, Ryan Orr '93 KLR650 - 6000kms Vancouver, BC, Canada ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1998 19:18:05 -0400 From: Ramsey Alexander III Subject: Re: (klr650) Dual Star Stands? I was told the second or third week in May. Ramsey Ashburn, VA 96 KLR RamZ_3@compuserve.com ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1998 18:43:17 -0600 From: Joshua Sammons Subject: (klr650) Aftermarket Exhausts Has anyone tried the Cobra 4-stroke exhausts? I noticed they also make an ISDE exhaust for the KLR. What is the difference? Also I use my KLR usually in the afternoon and night to get home on country roads, does anyone have a suggestion for auxiliary lighting? Thanks. Josh Sammons 92'KLR650 ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1998 21:19:05 -0600 From: "Dave Watkins4" Subject: (klr650) Norm Coffenberry - Russel Day Long Seat Hi All, I am looking for Norm Coffenberry. Please contact Dave Watkins at pgpilot@shaw.wave.ca concerning the Russel Day Long Seat. Thanks, Dave Watkins ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1998 22:38:25 -0500 From: Chadd Thompson Subject: Re: (klr650) Lonely At 04:53 PM 4/24/98 -0500, you wrote: >I'm not sure the BMW RA rally was too hot. Sounds to me like they were >not well recieved. > >Was thinking that a mid-west get together might be a good idea also. >Maybe in Wisconsin, it is off road friendly, good camping, good >cheese/brats and beer what else does one need. > >Later >Ed > > > Ed, Sounds like a good idea to me. Let me know if you get anything going. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1998 22:42:38 -0500 From: Chadd Thompson Subject: Re: (klr650) Side racks for Givi Bags At 03:23 PM 4/24/98, you wrote: >Hello those of us left: >Does anybody have any experience with the Givi side racks for the KLR650? >I talked to Givi today and they are phasing out the German manufactured >side racks (#PL127A @ $128.50) for racks manufactured by Givi. The Givi >made racks should be available in a couple of months. There are German >racks still available. Anybody have any comments? Thanks. >Bob Kaub >SUNY Binghamton >Watson School Student Shop >PO Box 6000 >Binghamton, NY 13902 >607-777-2715 > > I have the German made racks "5 star". I don't really have any complaints about them. They were a little hard to get on there but after they are on the work well and are quite strong. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 00:28:35 EDT From: Rcklr Subject: Fwd: (klr650) Lonely This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - --part0_893564915_boundary Content-ID: <0_893564915@inet_out.mail.aol.com.1> Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Hey, sign me up!! We could do something near MN / IA as there are some bitchin roads as well along the river. MN Ron - --part0_893564915_boundary Content-ID: <0_893564915@inet_out.mail.aol.com.2> Content-type: message/rfc822 Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Content-disposition: inline Return-Path: Received: from relay22.mx.aol.com (relay22.mail.aol.com [172.31.106.68]) by air16.mx.aol.com (v42.4) with SMTP; Fri, 24 Apr 1998 17:53:30 -0400 Received: from lists.xmission.com (lists.xmission.com [198.60.22.7]) by relay22.mx.aol.com (8.8.5/8.8.5/AOL-4.0.0) with SMTP id RAA21813; Fri, 24 Apr 1998 17:53:20 -0400 (EDT) Received: from domo by lists.xmission.com with local (Exim 1.82 #1) id 0ySqNT-0001lp-00; Fri, 24 Apr 1998 15:51:27 -0600 Received: from (radiks.net) [205.138.126.6] (root) by lists.xmission.com with esmtp (Exim 1.82 #1) id 0ySqNQ-0001lK-00; Fri, 24 Apr 1998 15:51:25 -0600 Received: from radiks.net (dmn9.radiks.net [208.154.148.244]) by radiks.net (8.8.8/8.8.8) with ESMTP id QAA13979; Fri, 24 Apr 1998 16:48:55 -0500 (CDT) Message-ID: <354109C0.3BCAA277@radiks.net> Date: Fri, 24 Apr 1998 16:53:05 -0500 From: Ed X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.04 [en] (Win95; I) To: Kovach E CC: bwright2@avana.net, klr650@lists.xmission.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Lonely References: Sender: owner-klr650@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: Ed Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit I'm not sure the BMW RA rally was too hot. Sounds to me like they were not well recieved. Was thinking that a mid-west get together might be a good idea also. Maybe in Wisconsin, it is off road friendly, good camping, good cheese/brats and beer what else does one need. Later Ed - --part0_893564915_boundary-- ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1998 22:02:50 -0700 From: "Darrel & Deanna" Subject: (klr650) TWO ABREAST W/CORBIN > Question: > Does the Corbin seat prevent the passenger from sliding into the driver > at stops? I finally got to ride my wife on the Corbin outfitted KLR. To answer your question, no, the passenger still slides into the operator. Two on the KLR is fine for short rides, but for DUSTing (Dual-Sport Touring), I need the whole seat to move around on and change positions to keep comfortable and negotiate various terrain. Darrel A12 ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1998 23:40:25 -0600 From: "Dave Watkins4" Subject: (klr650) Russell Day Long Seats Hi All, Having just become a 1995 KLR owner I have a few questions for you all. 1. I am considering changing the saddle for something that lends itself to longer, more comfortable, trips. I've read the reviews on the saddles at http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page36.html but would like to hear from you in person. I am leaning towards the Russell Day Long Seat and would like to discuss this seat and your experiences. Some of my questions are: A. Anyone remember the stock 95 seat, fondly or otherwise? B. How does it compare to the one you have now? C. Have you tried custom seats other than the one you have now? 2. I've recently purchased a 1995 KLR with 3500 klm on the dial. If anyone can shed a little light on this bike I'd appreciate it. A. Any inherent problems with this model year I should look for? B. What parts to carry on a long trip of 4-6 weeks in Mexico/Central America. C. Special tools for DIY maintainence/road trips. D. Opinions on best tires for mostly on road travel with "a bit" of off road riding. E. What can I expect as fas as major maintainance requirements soon. 3. Anyone know what the specs are on the alternator? I'm thinking about installing the following items: A. Quartz halogen running lights (2) - Currently looking at Catz XLO's made by FET Inc. at http:\\www.fet-usa.com They have a 30 degree angle and put out 70 watts. B. Radar detector 12V C. Cell Phone Charger - occasional use D. Hand-held Ham Radio I'd like to rig up a mini panel with hard wired connections that would allow A to operate whenever desired, B & D to be operated constantly with occasional charging of D, the phone. If anyone has any info on the output capacity of the KLR's alternator I'd appreciate it. Anyone tried this sort of wizardry before? 4. Seems to me that the front end "dives" on braking. Anyone changed the front springs? What about Progressive Springs? Cost/suitability? Any other suggestions, oil change, increase air pressure...to what? Thanks in advance, Dave Watkins 1995 KLR Calgary, Alberta 1984 V65 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 09:44:00 -0500 From: Jim Barthell Subject: Re: (klr650) Russell Day Long Seats Dave Watkins4 wrote: > A. Anyone remember the stock 95 seat, fondly or otherwise? Very well, long distance is doable butt not fun or recommended. > B. How does it compare to the one you have now? I have a Corbin now and it doesn't compare. > C. Have you tried custom seats other than the one you have now? No, butt all the other major manufacturers have seat owners on this list so you'll be able to get info on every seat. > 3. Anyone know what the specs are on the alternator? I'm thinking about > installing the following items: 196 watts, one of the weak points. > A. Quartz halogen running lights (2) - Currently looking at Catz XLO's > made by FET Inc. at http:\\www.fet-usa.com They have a 30 degree angle > and put out 70 watts. You may be able to run these if you don't try to run any other big ticket items at the same time like a vest or gloves. If you wire them so you could run one or both you may be able to sneak in other accessories. > B. Radar detector 12V > > C. Cell Phone Charger - occasional use > > D. Hand-held Ham Radio No GPS? > I'd like to rig up a mini panel with hard wired connections that would > allow A to operate whenever desired, B & D to be operated constantly > with occasional charging of D, the phone. If anyone has any info on the > output capacity of the KLR's alternator I'd appreciate it. Anyone tried > this sort of wizardry before? Some have fried the wiring harness running aux lights. It is safer to run lower ga wire directly from the battery rather then try to tie into the existing harness. > 4. Seems to me that the front end "dives" on braking. Anyone changed the > front springs? What about Progressive Springs? Cost/suitability? These are a very good mod and reasonably priced... about $70 I think. I also just replaced the rear shock with the Works shock and so far I am very pleased with the results. > Any > other suggestions, oil change, increase air pressure...to what? You came to the right place, you'll find plenty of answers here. It may have been kinda quiet for the past few days but it'll pickup again when everyone gets back from a Moab rally being held this weekend. - -- Jim Barthell - TX '97 'C-O-O-O-W'...asaki KiLleR 650 FSSNOC #2421 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 11:19:20 -0500 From: Chadd Thompson Subject: Re: Fwd: (klr650) Lonely At 12:28 AM 4/26/98 EDT, you wrote: > >Hey, sign me up!! We could do something near MN / IA as there are some >bitchin roads as well along the river. > >MN Ron Another good location may be in Southern IL in the Shawnee national forest. There are all kinds of Rock/Dirt backroads and allot of interesting old buildings, sites, cemetaries, etc. I have a few maps of trips I have taken there with a freind of mine that I made with my Garmin GPS3 and Street Atlas 5. If anyone has Delorme SA5 I can send you copies of them. The forest lays inbetween the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Anyway you could probabaly ride all weekend and not cross your path twice. If anyone is intersted in comming down for a weekend of riding just let me know. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 13:21:30 -0500 From: Ed Subject: Re: (klr650) Need Kawi Luggage! - --------------8687FCC1AC541F4AD2309E9D Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Ryan, > No luck. Now what???? Anyone have any suggestions? Has > anyone recently seen the Kawi luggage system at their local bike shop. Any > help would be greatly appreciated!!!! > I use a river rafting dry bag for most of my important gear even on the bmw. You can get no name ones made in China very reasonable. The hold a lot, keep it dry and lash on to the seat/rack be hide you. Then use a large fanny pack for the small immediate need on the road stuff and your set. Later Ed - --------------8687FCC1AC541F4AD2309E9D Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Ryan,
  
No luck. Now what???? Anyone have any suggestions? Has
anyone recently seen the Kawi luggage system at their local bike shop. Any
help would be greatly appreciated!!!!
I use a river rafting dry bag for most of my important gear even on the bmw.  You can get no name ones made in China very reasonable.  The hold a lot, keep it dry and lash on to the seat/rack be hide you.  Then use a large fanny pack for the small immediate need on the road stuff and your set.

Later
Ed
  - --------------8687FCC1AC541F4AD2309E9D-- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 13:29:34 -0500 From: Ed Subject: Re: (klr650) Aftermarket Exhausts I like my ISDE exhaust. But then it is the only one I've had besides the stock. Great sound but not overly loud seemed to add a fair amount of power. Later Ed ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 14:36:59 -0400 From: Stuart Heaslet Subject: Re: (klr650) Aftermarket Rear Shock Jim & All, I was wondering how the Works shock was doing since you installed it - any comparisons with the OEM shock that you could share? I'm also curious about any preliminary opinions by Gino on the Progressive rear shock. Stuart ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 13:47:42 -0500 From: Ed Subject: Re: Fwd: (klr650) Lonely Chad, I thought that IL had turned off road unfriendly. We had a BMW rally down there. This weekend as a fact. But last year when we went I thought the locals said you could only ride on provate ground. If that is not true then it would be a good place. Maybe we could look at doing something yearly in different spots since we don't have the unlimited riding of Moab. Later Ed ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 13:52:15 -0500 From: Ed Subject: (klr650) GVW Read the gross vehicle weight commments. These are only guide lines, don't you all think in this day and age Kaw would under rate the load carrying ability to under rate my attorney? I think you could load > 20 # on the rear end with rear tire pressures increased and a reasonable feeling for the front tire having contact with the pavement. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 14:40:13 -0500 From: Jim Barthell Subject: Re: (klr650) Aftermarket Rear Shock Stuart Heaslet wrote: > Jim & All, > > I was wondering how the Works shock was doing since you installed it - any > comparisons with the OEM shock that you could share? Sure, - -The Ordering Process First the Works Performance people were great to work with over the phone. Kurt, for your database, I worked with Tom Edison. Their phone number is (818) 701-1010 and they are located in Canoga Park, CA. The first thing they do when you call is interview you so they can build the "right" shock for you. They want to know your bike, riding style, where you ride, 1up or 2up, estimated luggage and location. It's a nice informal chat but they cover all the bases. It is in their best interest to get your shock right the first time as the have a 30-day ride guarantee. The guarantee says if you don't like the ride they will change it till you do. I am glad they go to the extremes they do in their interview for other reasons that will become obvious later. Ok, so Tom interviews me and says, looks like that shock, (the stock one), is rebuildable so if I want Works can gut the stock one and rebuild it with Works parts. This has a real attractive price of $159. However I told Tom I could afford to invest a little more in this as the last shock failure caused me to drop out of the Iron Butt Rally effectively throwing a couple thousand of dollars down the toilet. I felt I needed a heavier spring and since my shock failures in the past had been associated with high ambient temperatures I thought a remote reservoir would help in lowering the operating temps of the shock oil. So What I think I ended up with was a Duracross with remote reservoir and single rate spring. This offers a threaded preload adjuster and _no_ rebound adjustment the cost was $469 + shipping total = $482.31 on my Amex. I asked about the rebound adjustment and Tom thought about it a minute then recommended against it since I told him I was riding 100% onroad and rebound adjustment would have bumped me up to the next model at $569. Ok, I'll trust his judgment. They build the shock to order but don't charge your card till after your shock ships. There is a down side to this. There is a 5-6 week lead time. Well, I figured I would wait a couple weeks then start the process of removing the shock, I was going to do a lot of other work I've been always wanting to do at the same time. - -The Installation Gino warned me the shock replacement procedure was a pain and I should allow 3 hours, longer if I was going to try it alone. I took about 3 weeks to finish so it didn't seem that bad. But I really did do alot of other maintenance that will be the subject of another post. The replacement isn't that bad at all. The Works shock is just about exactly the same size as the original so that was easy. the reservoir hangs just slightly off center of the frame tube running down parallel to the cover over the sidestand switch. just offcenter enough to hang out in the wind just a little. I don't know if it is because the stainless hose is a hair too long or if it by design and meant to help cooling. The later explanation sounded best to me so that's what I choose to believe. Replacing the shock was not a bad procedure but I wouldn't want to do it very often so this is why I said earlier I'm glad they go through such a lengthy interview process. - -Riding Impressions So far so good. I first noticed with me on the bike and no luggage I was sitting noticeably higher, and springy! I almost thought the shock was defective it bounced so much. Then I thought, maybe this is how the bike was meant to ride. When I came to a stop the rea end unloaded but the front didn't dive, very nice. in corners the rear end stayed planted but I knew if I hit a bump in the curve the suspension still had plenty of travel to soak it up. I guess I don't know what rebound is or how I would change it if I did have the adjustability, everything is working pretty well. I think I need to lessen the preload a little though when it is just me on the bike. With an average load on the bike, (that is my tools, raingear, firstaid kit, spare quart of oil, tire tube, can of WD40 and windshield cleaner in one side case, and 3.5 gallons of water in the other case), the bike sits lower, but I'm still not flat footed as I would have been with the stock shock. The ride is essentially the same. Maybe a little smoother and I can bounce on the seat and tell there is still some travel there in the shock, (perhaps 1/3 left), I haven't had a rally size load on the bike yet but I'm optimistic. Hope this helps. - -- Jim Barthell - TX '97 'C-O-O-O-W'...asaki KiLleR 650 FSSNOC #2421 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 14:04:07 -0600 From: Joshua Sammons Subject: RE: (klr650) Aftermarket Exhausts - -----Original Message----- From: Gene Fessenbecker [SMTP:genefess@presys.com] Sent: Sunday, April 26, 1998 10:35 AM To: Joshua Sammons Subject: Re: (klr650) Aftermarket Exhausts I have the ISDE unit on my stock 88. That is the jets are stock. Power is up in the high rpms. Low end is diminished. When going slowly in 1st or 2nd gear, such as on trails or gravel roads and hitting the throttle, the take up is slower than stock. Pulling along in high at 4000 rpm or higher and rolling on the trottle, it goes better than stock. Mileage is worse at high speeds and the same at low speeds, but not much different. It is louder but with ear plugs it is of no notice. Good luck, Gene Thanks for the info on the exhaust. After looking at the supertrapp web = site I think I might go with their new IDS exhaust system. =20 It is a tad bit more expencive, $220. I am hoping that it wont melt = part of the fender being that all of the exhaust disks are internal. =20 Does anyone know how much a set of Givi wingbags for the KLR run? I'm = kind of torn between just getting the plain soft bags or going=20 For a set of hard luggage. Thanks for all of the help, Josh=20 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 16:26:18 -0500 From: Chadd Thompson Subject: Re: Fwd: (klr650) Lonely At 01:47 PM 4/26/98 -0500, you wrote: >Chad, > >I thought that IL had turned off road unfriendly. We had a BMW rally >down there. This weekend as a fact. But last year when we went I >thought the locals said you could only ride on provate ground. If that >is not true then it would be a good place. Maybe we could look at doing >something yearly in different spots since we don't have the unlimited >riding of Moab. > >Later >Ed > Ed, This is true you can't ride on the trails of the forest but as I said there are a bunch of old rock/dirt roads to ride on with allot of interesting things to look at. It is a small world as I was also at the Rally this weekend. Kind of nasty weather but still a good time. I left the rally last night thiking that it was going to start pouring down at any minute but as soon as I packed up the sun came out. Go Figure. Thanks Chadd Thompson chadd@accessus.net ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 19:06:48 -0600 From: "Vikram Banerjee" Subject: (klr650) Bike shops with KLR stuff in LA/San Diego/SF Area Hello all, I am heading down to Anaheim, CA this Thursday for a conference. I wanted to visit some shops while there. The bike stores in Calgary don't carry any aftermarket parts for KLRs I was hoping I might have better luck in CA. Any suggestions? I'd also like to hear about stores that have really good selections/prices for clothing and luggage even if they don't carry KLR stuff. Cheers, Vik Calgary, Canada ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 18:57:32 -0600 From: "Vikram Banerjee" Subject: (klr650) Improved lighting Hello all, I have been looking into improving the lighting on the front of my KLR650 as the stock unit is just not up to the job at highway speeds. After looking at about 6 different lightings systems I haven't found anything I am really happy with. The main problems I have found are: - - poor materials/not waterproof - - mounting low on fork (easily damaged off road) - - requires front fairing to be removed - - expensive (for what you get) - - requires too much power - - not street legal I will still keep my eyes open for something suitable. Ideally what I would like is a dual headlight system and fairing that will bolt onto the front of my KLR without much modification (like the Africa Twin). Something street legal, waterproof and that the stock alternator can handle. Has anyone upgraded the stock alternator? If so with what/cost how did it work? I replaced the stock bulb (H4 60/55W) with a H4 100/80W bulb. I am waiting till dark to see how this improves the situation. Has anyone had any problems increasing the wattage of the front light this much and using the OEM wiring system? Thanks for all the suggestions I received and if anyone is interested in what I have found about lighting systems just e-mail me and I'll send you what I have without boring the rest of the list. Cheers, Vik ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 22:11:08 -0400 From: "Germain Gagnon" Subject: (klr650) Chain Lubrification Hi gang How do you proceed to lube your chain with no centerstand? Do you use heavy oil or grease? Thank you Germain ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 22:09:31 -0400 From: "Germain Gagnon" Subject: (klr650) Lube chain Hi everybody How do you proceed to lube your chain with no centerstand? Do you use heavy oil or grease? Thank you ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 22:38:52 EDT From: Snafu11 Subject: (klr650) Introduction/info Hello- KLR enthusiasts I am all new to your list- name is Steve- precently have a 86 Concours and a 76 Bonneville. I will be buying a dualsport of some kind in the near future for a Copper Canyon/ Baja run this fall. I need you thoughts regarding my selection. I have read and heard many great things about the KLR650 in my search, but another name keeps popping up. Please forgive me if this is a bad word " Honda Transalp" The ALP was not recieved well here in the US at the time (89-90) but still has a big following and good wright ups. They are hard to find and a little pricey, but intriguing. My impressions- The Transalp is perhaps a better road bike (more weight) but a little less capable off road. Harder to find parts for. but not too bad- (it's a Honda-should not need many) Better windshields available ???. The KLR being a better off road bike ! The Alp fits me better- I am a little inseamed challenged-(30 inseam) - anyone know the poop on the KLR lowering kit- Does it reduce the rear travel too much ? I hear the Corbin seat lowers one about 1.5 in., but inturn pushs the rider forward. I have searched your archives for info on the KLR vs.Transalp debate but found nothing. I hope this is not the fourth time this month some newBee wants to pick your brains regarding this issue. Any information regarding my selection is greatly appreciated. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 23:48:03 -0700 From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Lube chain At 10:09 PM 4/26/98 -0400, Germain Gagnon wrote: >Hi everybody > >How do you proceed to lube your chain with no centerstand? Do you use heavy >oil or grease? I just rock it up on the side stand, let the clutch out and shoot it with Chain Wax. - -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 23:57:04 -0700 From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Improved lighting At 06:57 PM 4/26/98 -0600, Vikram Banerjee wrote: >Hello all, > >I have been looking into improving the lighting on the front of my KLR650 >as the stock unit is just not up to the job at highway speeds. After >looking at about 6 different lightings systems I haven't found anything I >am really happy with. The main problems I have found are: > >- poor materials/not waterproof >- mounting low on fork (easily damaged off road) >- requires front fairing to be removed >- expensive (for what you get) >- requires too much power >- not street legal > >I will still keep my eyes open for something suitable. Ideally what I >would like is a dual headlight system and fairing that will bolt onto the >front of my KLR without much modification (like the Africa Twin). >Something street legal, waterproof and that the stock alternator can >handle. Hmmm...wish I could do that, m'self. :) If you havent looked at it yet, you might want to try my web page at: http://www.scsn.net/users/bullet/tomsmods.htm >I replaced the stock bulb (H4 60/55W) with a H4 100/80W bulb. I am waiting >till dark to see how this improves the situation. Has anyone had any >problems increasing the wattage of the front light this much and using the >OEM wiring system? I havent performed this particular mod, but can tell you that it dosent take a lot of additional load to cause the stock harness to be overloaded. - -Tom '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 13:59:12 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Chain Lubrification Germain Gagnon wrote: > How do you proceed to lube your chain with no centerstand? Do you use heavy > oil or grease? Good quality spray chain lube is the way to go. In colder (Oz) weather I use Bel-Ray. For hot weather I like Maxima Chain Wax spray. I think the Chain Wax is a bit too thick for cold weather but in really hot weather is it great. Here is a small program: If chain has master link then move bike until master link is on the bottom run Else wipe a link of chain clean ; move bike until clean bit is at bottom run spray chain on bottom run Do until all of chain is lubed Move bike to expose unlubed chain on bottom run If find masterlink or clean link or wet chain Then end Else spray You don't need a centrestand, but it would make the job a bit easier. If you have a friend that can roll the bike along slowly as you spray the chain then both of you can enjoy the process. Mister_T - -- \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\ | RC17 KLR600 Roces BCN FreeBSD 2.2.5-R NT4W (ugh) | | tedp[at]replicant[dot]apana[dot]org[dot]au | \|_________________________________________________________________| ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 02:44:46 EDT From: Cloudhid Subject: (klr650) New Saddle, Installation and Review Ordered my new Travelcade/Saddleman (T/S) seat kit 4/17, and picked it up on 4/22. Install time from box to bike was just under 2 hours. I put about 200 miles on it today, and met up with a fellow Lister who recently put a Corbin on his '98 KLR and compared looks side by side. The 'T/S' is shaped and sized similar to the stock seat, though firmer and more comfortable. The Corbin is lower, wider, and 'dished'. (The edges rise up). We're planning a ride in Los Padres National Forest next month, (where else would 2 monks ride ;-), so we'll both get to compare and report on each saddle. My procedures follow: ORDERING =09Select fabric(s), color(s). Take out credit card. Call (800)397-7709. =09$129.95 US, (Plus shipping), all vinyl cover, foam with gel insert. =09$172.95 US, "" neoprene or spandura and vinyl cover, foam with gel. INSTALLATION =09Pay additional $20 (U.S.) for 'T/S' to install it. =09=09or =09Get more intimate with your 2 wheeled love, and do it yourself. MATERIALS =09=09Kit (cover and foam only) =09=83=09Spray mount glue (or even Elmers) =09=83=09Heavy duty stapler and staples (I used 5/16", 'T/S' uses 1/4") =09=83=09Chalk =09=83=09Ruler In the box was a receipt, foam with gel, and a cover that was purple neoprene with grey vinyl accent sides. NO instructions included!! I've rebuilt engines before, so I'm sure I could've figured it out, but 'T/S' either assumes you've done it before or wants you to call them;-). I called and got these suggestions; Warm the cover for a few minutes in a dryer, (to make it more pliable and ease installation), or leave it in the car with the windows up. (The factory uses a series of heat lamps and industrial 'hair' dryers). After reading Gino's review, I decided to play it safe and skip the heat idea altogether. It seemed in the beginning that it was going to take 2 men and a boy, but it got easier as the install progressed. =95 Remove seat, staples, old cover and foam (remember how it looks) =95 Spray glue on bottom of foam nose and place on seat base =95 Measure and mark centers of nose and tail on new cover =95 Staple nose and tail to underside of the base =95 Starting at nose, working side to side, stretch cover and staple =95 When you get to the tail remove first staple, snug it up and restapl= e =95 Reinstall new saddle on bike That's all there is to it. No problems with fit to bike after installing= . I'll post again after we've done a trail ride comparison of T/S vs. Corb= in. (Hopefully we can find someone locally with a Russel to compare also). Till then, keep the rubber side down. =09Ron (A10.....this side up) ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 03:41:58 EDT From: Cloudhid Subject: Re: (klr650) GVW Ed, I interpret the manual a little differently. The loading information on p.18 in the owner's manual is written as an advisory, but p.33 is written more like a commandment, ie., "Vehicle total payload must not exceed 401 lbs.", or "WARNING never exceed the rear carrier load limit of 22 lbs.". Now I'm certain you could load 802 lbs on, and even put 100 lbs on the rear rack. What I believe Kawa is saying is, "We've tested the bike to this standard. If you exceed it and your frame breaks or you go out of control and kill yourself, please have your heirs and thier attorneys refer to this passage". Ron (spending the kids inheritance) In a message dated 4/26/98 11:49:57 AM, etonline@radiks.net wrote: >Read the gross vehicle weight commments. These are only guide lines, >don't you all think in this day and age Kaw would under rate the load >carrying ability to under rate my attorney? I think you could load > 20 ># on the rear end with rear tire pressures increased and a reasonable >feeling for the front tire having contact with the pavement. ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V1 #60 ***************************