From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V1 #63 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Wednesday, April 29 1998 Volume 01 : Number 063 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 09:50:05 From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) Foaming at the Bars I've recently used the expanding foam that comes in a spray can to fill gaps in various thing around the house. It works great and expands to fill the smallest gap or opening. This stuff would be very easy to install in handlebars but it is permanent and would be a bear to remove if necessary. Maybe a combination of lead shot and some foam? I'de do the foam in a minute if I knew it would work. Anybody out there any braver than I and already tried it? Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 09:36:19 -0500 From: Mike Hilton Subject: Re: (klr650) Michelin T66 Vik, can't tell you about the KLR but they came on my 95 R100GS. Great mileage, but not so great on wet roads, and surly not as good as Avon Gripsters for on or off road.... Vikram Banerjee wrote: > > Hello all, > > Has anyone used Michelin T66 tires on their KLR? If so what did you think? > > Cheers, > > Vik - -- Michael Hilton 1992 R100 GS 1993 KLR 650 fmhilton@bayou.com http://www.bayou.com/rustonmarshal Ruston, LA ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 09:56:53 -0500 From: mcpete@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Lessons from Moab? OK Moab rally riders, for those of us that could not attend, what where the lessons you guys learned? What worked and didn't work? Bike accessories, tires, suspension, shocks, tank bags, fanny packs, camel backs, personal gear, riding gear, etc. What about riding techniques? And anything else you 'all can think of. What can we learn from you 'all? What would you do differently next time? What would you do the same? The power of the collected wisdom of so many minds! TIA Pete McMahon (hoping to learn from others) '97 KLR '93 R100R (GS Lowrider) _____________________________________________________________________ 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: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 10:04:04 -0500 From: Mike Hilton Subject: Re: (klr650) Hand Grips Jim, following your post on throttle locks and bar end weights. I have the Throttlemister on my R100 GS and love it, great bar end weights. I recently installed Guzzi bar end weights from a Cal 3 on my KLR. The are black and a slightly longer and heavier. They are are not throttle locks but sure help clear up the buzz. My Guzzi dealer will sell you the used weights cheap...$20.00 Jim Barthell wrote: > > Robert Kaub wrote: > > > Still thinking of filling the handlebar with lead shot as the mirrors are > > virtually useless due to vibration. Thanks. > > I have been working with Mike at Dual Star for some time now adapting the > Throttlemeister to the KLR. > > -- > Jim Barthell - TX > > '97 'C-O-O-O-W'...asaki KiLleR 650 > FSSNOC #2421 - -- Michael Hilton fmhilton@bayou.com http://www.bayou.com/rustonmarshal Ruston, LA ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 11:30:09 -0400 From: "J. Taylor" Subject: (klr650) Mirror Buzz Being a catalog ADDICT, I see the boys at JC Whitney sell a rubber mirror insulator that is supposed to minimize mirror vibration. It screws into the existing mount on the handlebars and the mirror mounts on top of it, I think. Anybody used or seen others using them and did/do they actually work? They also sell a brake light modualtor for about $20 that I was curious about-makes you flash ;->= Jake T. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 11:18:31 -0400 From: Blair Young Subject: Re: (klr650) Eastern Get Together! I found out recently about a couple of guys that give guided tours in the Smoky Mountains. They apparently have a small company and have about four different rides (each about 85 to 100 miles long, 1/3 asphalt, 2/3 dirt) to choose from. They make you sign a waiver and all that other bulls**t. The only thing is that they charge $50 per day per rider (minimum $100) for you to follow them. I recognize it takes time and experience to discover scenic and interesting rides but the thought of fellow motorcyclists charging others for following them all day (and charging quite a bit, I might add) frankly, disgusts me. Anyway, the thought occurred to me that maybe we could hire these guys to put this event on. They could be incharge of the rides, locations, accomadations, etc. What are everyone elses thoughts about this? Blair ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 11:42:25 -0400 From: "J. Taylor" Subject: (klr650) The Motorcycle Resort A couple of months ago, Speedvision's Bike Week magazine did a feature on The Motorcycle Resort in Sequatchie,TN. It is a B&B with offroad trails, twisty asphalt to/from it and a ton of other great places to ride. They even have a trials school there. I think the coolest part was the house-upstairs, living area-downstairs, oversized garage with maintenace facilities (tools, wash area, staff/owner to help with repairs). If my memory serves, the owner guides some off road trail trips on a red KLX 650. The phone # is (423) 942-8688. Web address was www.trials.net/ttc/ttc.html (sorry, I don't know how to make the nifty blue link) Jake ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 09:29:51 -0600 From: Dave Friese Subject: (klr650) Things that worked in Moab I have the Kawi tank bag and the saddle bags that were new, they worked very well. After the white rim trail I wondered if they would ever look good, (clean) again. When I got home I used a little water preasure and they look pretty good now. My KLR has gripsters and they were good except in the deep sand, my partner has a type of knobby tire on his KLR and they worked much better in the sand. Of course the gripsters are better on the pavement. I really like the Kawi bags ! ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 09:34:43 -0600 From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Mirror Buzz Fred Hink told me (here we go thirdhand) that one of the Moab group (was it you Bob C?) had tried these and found them useless. The same rider tried Fred's rubber shock flipup/flipdown bikemaster mirrors and said it didn't help with the viiiiiibbibbiiibbbrasaattitonnnn... J. Taylor wrote: > > Being a catalog ADDICT, I see the boys at JC Whitney sell a rubber > mirror insulator that is supposed to minimize mirror vibration. It > screws into the existing mount on the handlebars and the mirror mounts > on top of it, I think. Anybody used or seen others using them and did/do > they actually work? They also sell a brake light modualtor for about $20 > that I was curious about-makes you flash ;->= > > Jake T. - -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 HawkGT '89 CB750K4 FS Ask me how to subscribe to the KLR Dual Sport Newsletter ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 10:12:49 -0600 From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Lessons from Moab? mcpete@juno.com wrote: > > OK Moab rally riders, for those of us that could not attend, what where > the lessons you guys learned? What worked and didn't work? Bike > accessories, tires, suspension, shocks, tank bags, fanny packs, camel > backs, personal gear, riding gear, etc. What about riding techniques? > And anything else you 'all can think of. > > What can we learn from you 'all? What would you do differently next time? > What would you do the same? > WORKED SPECTACULARLY: A. Aerostitch products (from the Poster Boy): 1. Combat Touring Boots: I can wear them for 12 hours on and off the bike and they are comfortable. 2. Darien Pants and Jacket: Rugged, durable, just the ticket for changing temps. Start the day with them when it is cold or put them on when we hit the pavement, fold them up and out of the way otherwise. The Darien had plenty of room for the MSR chest protector I wore. 3. Tank Panniers: I learned from seeing how Gino had his mounted to get them way way forward and then you don't bang them with your knees. Perfect for water/tools etc. I use the bigger ones/Gino the smaller competition size, either one works. 4. Ortlieb dry bags: I love these bags, about 2 minutes on/off the bike (Bill Haycock says he does his in 45 seconds). In Gino's review he didn't like the way you had to double fold them to buckle for access. I don't find that to be a problem and actually find it to be quicker than my two buckle Willie and Max system. B. Driveline side racks: an absolute must for soft bags in the rear. Well made, easy bolt-on, great protection for the plastic from scuffing and falls and great protection from the exhaust for the bags and passenger if you fall and get pinned under the exhaust (never happens right?). C. Moose aluminum hand-guards: dropped the bike without a scratch or bent anything because of the hand-guards and the highway bars (driveline)and bash plate. D. Moose bash plate: beached the whale on sliprock shelf, didn't worry for a second about damage to the tender underbelly. E. Scott OTG 87 Goggles - great for those who were glasses, no fog. WORKED WELL: A. DualStar Center Stand - I can't get it up with one-hand (and, I didn't see Mike Walburn do it either) but I don't have trouble with getting it up by pulling from near the back end of the bike while bracing left foot against the stand. B. DualStar Co-Pilot - a neat map holder plus space for other gadjets C. Answer Cool-max socks - cushioned and high enough to protect from the boots. D. MSR Rage Pants and System 6 jersey - hated looking like an MX poser and would be grateful if someone can tell me where to find an outfit that looks more fitting for a graying 51 year old but it was comfortable and offered great protection. I wrestled with whether this was overkill but I have never fallen in jeans where I didn't wear a hole through the jeans and gotten a nasty on the skin. E. Fox Rooster chest protector/Answer knee shin guards - looks silly, but no one laughed at me (at least to me face) and I liked the idea of protection. F. 14 Tooth Sprocket - helped get the revs where they needed to be... G. IMS Pegs - a big improvement over the stockers... H. Camelbak - works great but if you are riding with someone who doesn't have one you'll have to stop for water breaks anyway. I have trouble with the mouthpiece coming off, I've tried both the old style and new friction fit...same with both and they cost $5 a pop if you lose it. I. Kawi Tank Bag - secure and no fuss, just doesn't hold much. J. Kawi Tail Bag - everything Gino said it was, gives another option, expands nicely, can hold a spare helmet or jacket and pants. Easy on easy off. JURY IS STILL OUT: A. Pirelli MT-21's I need more miles on these tires. They are not great on pavement and I'm not sure that I ride hard enough to bring out their best qualities in dirt. I think I'll go to IRC GP-110's next set after stockers. B. Dual Stars fender bag - bought a heavy duty tube and spent an hour trying to wrestle it in the bag. Mike told me next day it would fit with some talcum powder and some work but suggested it was designed for a stock tube (this makes sense to me). I tried an MSR that Fred had and had the same problem. C. Jet Kit/Supertrapp IDS - I personally like these mods but I have no evidence to indicate they are essential... DIDN'T WORK WITHOUT SOME GLITCHES: A. License plate lift: I took Gino and others advice and removed the reflector and moved my plate up...still crunched it slightly with two up riding with my daughter. Can't imagine what would have happened if I hadn't move it though. B. Clearview 7" over windshield: It hasn't failed but it does flop around in the wind and at idle. OTOH there were numerous complaints about the stock shield on the road. ______________ - -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 HawkGT '89 CB750K4 FS Ask me how to subscribe to the KLR Dual Sport Newsletter ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 10:27:56 -0700 From: "Vikram Banerjee" Subject: (klr650) Fieldsheer Patriot Jacket Hello all, I was looking at getting a riding jacket for my KLR650 as I feel a bit silly riding it with my leathers from my GSX-R750. I wanted the Aerostich Darien jacket until I heard the price - I nearly fell off my chair. With the poor exchange rate from $CDN to $US I gave up that option and stumbled onto what seems like a good deal at my local bike shop. They are selling Fieldsheer Patriot jackets for $399.00 CDN (about $295US) they have the following features: - - waterproof breatheable shell (cordura with kevlar reinfored elbows and shoulders) - - taffeta nylon lining - - removable plastic/foam armoured elbows and shoulders - - 4 waterproof external pockets + one map pocket +2 slash pockets + sunglass pocket - - waist belt - - heavy duty zipper with snaps on a storm flap - - arms cut for riding position I bought one and really like it. Construction, materials and design are firt rate. Anyway I figured this was a good deal, especially for you guys in the US with the dollar so strong. They have about 10 or so left in all different sizes. If anyone wants one let me know I don't mind acting as the go between. I can post a pic if anyone is interested. BTW - I am not getting any money, discounts or favours from the shop for selling any jackets. I just thought this may be a good deal for soem people wanting a jacket. Cheers, Vik ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 11:58:34 -0500 From: "Kuss.Todd" Subject: (klr650) RE: klr650-digest V1 #62 Recent discussion has mentioned a simple adjustment for the balance shaft. I have a virtually new 95lkr650 with only 800 mi on it. I would like to perform this, but have not yet found the cap to be removed and the bolt to be loosened and then retightened. Could someone be more specific, ie, is this near the bottom of the case on the oil fileter side, or the shift lever side, etc. I have a manual but the photo is poor. please help, thanks, by the way hoppin around on this big sled is a riot, it hasn't kicked my butt, yet. Todd J. Kuss kuss.todd@purwater.com kusst@state.net > ---------- > From: > owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com[SMTP:owner-klr650-digest@lists. > xmission.com] > Reply To: klr650@lists.xmission.com > Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 1998 8:47 AM > To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com > Subject: klr650-digest V1 #62 > > ------------------------------ Date: 29 Apr 1998 11:28:51 -0600 From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: (klr650) Michelin TX66 >>Has anyone used Michelin T66 tires on their KLR? If so what did you think? I used the TX66 on my KLX which was converted to street use. The rear is available in a radial and the front only as bias ply. Michelin told me there was no problem mixing the two, hmmm... I think the jury is still out on that one. The TX66 was designed for the heavy DP machines like the Tiger, BMW and Moto Guzzi. They are squirrelly at best off road and adjustments in pressure had little affect. They are probably the best rain tire out there, though, and very responsive on pavement. If you will spend most of your time on pavement, it is a good choice. If you want a Michelin tire that has better off-road manners, look to the Sirac. Gino ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 12:31:12 -0500 From: James Ray Subject: (klr650) Michelin T66 -Reply I've got the T66s on my bike, front and back. They're GREAT road tires, but really suck if you get into anything soft (unless you like pushing and falling?). They have the name "Dual Sport" on them, but that's about as far as they go. I chose them because I ride almost 100% on the road and take long trips where vibration is an issue. I figured these would give the smoothest ride and still not look too wimpy. They do hold up very well milage-wise. I've got several thousand miles on mine (not sure exactly how many) and the treads still look very good. James '89 KTM250 EXC '95 KLR650 '91 Nighthawk 250 (the wife's monster) >Hello all, > >Has anyone used Michelin T66 tires on their KLR? If so what did you >think? ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 13:32:50 -0400 From: Cameron Cole Subject: RE: (klr650) Lonely Helen would be great. You have my vote. > -----Original Message----- > From: F. Michael Hilton [SMTP:fmhilton@bayou.com] > Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 1998 10:46 PM > To: Norman D Coffenberry > Cc: youngrv@shelby.net; klr650@lists.xmission.com > Subject: Re: (klr650) Lonely > > I'd vote for that.... > > Norman D Coffenberry wrote: > > > > > How's about Helen Georgia? > > > > > _____________________________________________________________________ > > 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] > > -- > > 1992 R100 GS 1993 KLR 650 > "EL CHIVO ROJO" "WUNDERLUST" > THE RED GOAT > > Mike HILTON > >RUSTON, LA > >fmhilton@bayou.com > Work URL: > http://www.bayou.com/rustonmarshal > >MSF INSTRUCTOR #85229 > >MOA #57447, RA #18953, ABC #2067 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 13:45:13 -0400 From: Cameron Cole Subject: RE: (klr650) 55/100 v. 80/100 bulb upgrade I am a STRONG believer in running the high beams during the day. The KLR light is wussy and needs all the help it can get. > -----Original Message----- > From: Jim Barthell [SMTP:Jim.Barthell@worldnet.att.net] > Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 1998 5:42 AM > To: Alex Jomarron > Cc: klr650@lists.xmission.com > Subject: Re: (klr650) 55/100 v. 80/100 bulb upgrade > > Alex Jomarron wrote: > > > The low beam constantly burns. The 80 will place in increased > burden on the > > wires. I would believe you would only need the high beam at night > (no snickering), and limited > > use at that (in most case). Thereby limiting the abuse to the wires. > > This probably is a fair compromise given the circumstances. I run the > high-beams regularly and the > low only at night. the teory being if the more frequently used beam, > (high), were to burn out first > I'd still be able to drive at night without blinding everyone. Plus > the added visibility during > daylight. > > > -- > Jim Barthell - TX > > '97 'C-O-O-O-W'...asaki KiLleR 650 > FSSNOC #2421 > > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 14:15:46 EDT From: Cloudhid Subject: (klr650) Balancer Location In a message dated 98-04-29 13:00:32 EDT, Kuss.Todd@purwater.com writes: << Could someone be more specific, ie, is this near the bottom of the case on the oil fileter side, or the shift lever side, etc. I have a manual but the photo is poor. Todd J. Kuss >> Todd, bottom left side of engine (shifter side). You may have to remove your skid plate to get good access. Mine intersects the cap about a third of the way up. Ron (hummin' along) ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 03:12:21 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Riding Australia! Ryan wrote: > This post is to all of those sun-spoiled-bronzed-bodied ozzies! I don't > know, do we have many australian riders here on the list? Ted, you're from > Australia right? Sure am. > Next july I plan to visit Oz for a few months of > travelling before I settle down there for my third year of University in July huh? Pretty much into our winter. > February (I'll be in Perth - UWA). When I go to Oz, I want tour by bike. February, Perth, summer. It gets hot over there. A KLR makes a good summer mount. > Tasmania and the Kimberly country look fascinating (I've gotta see those One extreme to the other. I'd recommend the Kimberleys in our winter, and Tassie in summer. Tassie in winter isn't quite, um, I dunno, Canada in midwinter, but there's nothing between Tassie and Antarctica except for cold ocean. > bungle bungles!) I've had three bikes now... an '87 RZ-350, a '94 ZX-600, > and now the KLR and the KLR is by far my favorite. So, my question is, are > there a lot of used KLR's "down under" for sale, or, would I be wiser to > try to put mine on 'da boat. Hmmm, that's a tricky one. KLR's aren't real common, but I'll hazard a guess that there are more of these than super-tankers like Cagiva Elephants, Triumph Tigers or Guzzi whatevers. A BMW GS series is highly regarded here for allroad touring, and you pay for it. I can't remember ever seeing a BMW Funduro F650 (ergh). Let's face it, Australia has more land area than mainland US. Unless you're going off the beaten track, a big or medium road bike would serve you well. Bringing your own may not be a big worry, as your bike wouldn't take much to comply with our very own Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for vehicles. You'd mainly look at lighting (globe wattages, maybe headlight pattern) and just about anything you'd need would bolt straight on. > What is a new KLR worth out the door over > there? My dealer here told me that in Australia, I'll ring up a dealer and get a RRP, but it aint cheap. > the KLR 650 is not > referred to by that name, rather it is called the Kawasaki Kango. Is this > true? or is this just dealer hocus-pocus? A load of bollocks, unless it's some reference to the softy suspenders. A KLR is a KLR. Have a look at: http://www.kawasaki.com.au > from a sun-deprived Canuck, We've got plenty of sun, and even holes in the Ozone layer to prove it. That's enough from me. Ryan, we can take this into personal email if you like. Bye cobber, Mister_T - -- \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\ | RC17 KLR600 Roces BCN FreeBSD 2.2.5-R NT4W (ugh) | | tedp[at]replicant[dot]apana[dot]org[dot]au | \|_________________________________________________________________| ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 21:24:31 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR as first bike... Kurt Simpson wrote: [...] > It might be more instructive to consider that a lot of KLR > owners (a lot of the people on this list) have owned many > many bikes and currently have a KLR in their stable. I can't > think of one thing that the KLR does better than any other > bike: it is not a great dirt bike (weight and suspension), More like "all road tourer". If there is an actual road of some sort, like a fire trail, yes it's fine. For tight knarly stuff, yup, there are heaps better, but those bikes you would tour down the highway to get to your dirt spot. > it is not a great tourer (too light, under powered and For one-up touring at legal speeds, they are fine. Tank capacity can be a limitation. So are seats by some accounts. For two-up there is not enough room or luggage capacity. Acerbis can fix the small tank, particularly on the 600. Vibes have never bothered me. My inline 4 cyl 750 H*nda has more vibes through the bars, rubber engine mounts and all. > vibration), it is not a great commuter bike (seat I reckon they are good commuters. You sit high up with a good posture, so you see further ahead. I sit eye to eye with most 4WD operators. Brakes are a bit suss on road, lacking outright power compared to dedicated road bikes, so you have to think further ahead, particularly with a touring load. Then again, you are less likely to lock up in a panic. There is plenty of grunt and even response from the motor, and engine braking aplenty. The long travel suspension soaks up shitty town and country roads and remains in control. Potholes at the apex and speedhumps are nothing to avoid. Riding up and down kerbs is ridiculously easy. Oingo Boingo. And another thing, when splitting lanes, the wide bars are high enough to ride above most car mirrors, taking full advantage of the very narrow frame. If you are a keen commuter, you could fit narrower bars or cut down the stocker about half and inch each side for squeezong between vans and trucks. > height)...but a lot of KLR owners believe there is no other > single bike that can do all three of those tasks > better...so, what it does do better than any other bike is > offer considerable versatility. Agreed. Plus, if you take one one around a racetrack, and ride 250 style (lean and corner speed) rather than big bike (point and squirt) style, then you can have some fun hassling more highly regarded bikes. I found that taking off the front fender and the mirrors help stability at top speed (with high fenders, anyway, Tengai owners need not apply). Of course, on the track you still fry the little brakes, but I found that having to run off a corner due to faded brakes was not necessarily a recipe for a drop. There is still a lot of control. Bigger and heavier bikes with narrower bars don't always give you this luxury. Geez I'd love twin discs on the front. Actually, a disc on the back wouldn't go astray either. Mister_T - -- \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\ | RC17 KLR600 Roces BCN FreeBSD 2.2.5-R NT4W (ugh) | | tedp[at]replicant[dot]apana[dot]org[dot]au | \|_________________________________________________________________| ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 02:18:42 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR600 Q's Dave Svoboda (fellow 600 pilot) wrote: > I bought an 86 KLR600 last fall and I have a few questions. I should > explain that I've been riding street bikes for many years, dirt bikes > for a bit as a teenager, and am an accomplished backyard mechanic. Then no doubt you love the simplicity of the KLR. > 1. Are the electrics really so wimpy that the signals should refuse to > blink at idle, or do I have an alternator or grounding problem? Sounds to me like a big problem in the electrics. Your symptoms indicate to me a buggered ("rooted","cactus") battery. If you can electric start ok and the lights are bright enough, then I would suspect the flasher can itself. Mine packed it in after a bike shop put the flasher can in upside down (connector side up) in the rubber holder, so that water pooled on it and seeped in, rusting the guts. If you can't electric start, then suspect the battery. Give it a charge, let it sit for half and hour or so and check the voltage. You should see around 12.7 volts for a good one. My last battery only lasted 4 years before it produced some _very_ bizarre symptoms that led me to look for an "electrical problem" for two days before I prodded the battery with a meter, then mentally kicked myself senseless. The battery produced only 10.3 volts. Aint digital multimeters grand? The original battery lasted 7 years. Check the battery voltage on-bike at around 3000rpm or more. The charge system should at least be taking the battery voltage above 13 volts, more like 13.5 to 14 or so. If it doesn't, and sits at or less than the no-load voltage on the battery, then you can assume the charge system is flakey. >Charging > is equally as weak. It's as bad as my old 78 CB400T, but the KLR is eight > years newer! Well, there you go. Even at idle you should have brights lights, brake light and all, and bright flashing indicators (blinkers to you). The batteries are a lot more fallible than the average KLR electrical system. KLRs don't have a reputation for suss electrics. > I was wondering what is exactly the function of the chain-guides, and > whether the chain is going to jump off without them? Or at least jump > around enough to destroy the oiler. I understand that dirbike chainguides > are to keep rocks out from between the chain and sprock, but is there > another function, like keeping the loose (for the big suspension) chain on? Chainguides plural? There are only two, plus the chainguard. The chainguard is there to keep mud and junk from under the mudguard falling directly on the chain, and it just _might_ keep your extremeties falling on it in a drop. The front chainguide is on the front of the swingarm, mainly to keep a loose chain from whacking out grooves in your ally swingarm. The rear chainguide, under the left rear of the swingarm doesn't do a hell of a lot, but may help that side of the swingarm and/or sprocket ride over a rock or something, and possibly reduce the chance of said object derailing the chain just before the sprocket. On the RHS the drum brake externals are above the axle so don't need extra protection. > 3. Is it supposed to be so hard to wheelie, or is something wrong with > my bike? I'm used to being able to lift the front wheel pretty easily on Yeah, well, I'm no mono king, and I've only ever pulled _one_ horn mono on it, but you'd expect a 600 traillie to hoist the front with less provocation than it takes. I blame a few things: - -it's a bit heavier than an XR600 or TT600 (or most aircooled 600s of that era) - -the single CV carby tends to soften the power delivery - -the soft rear tends to squat, rather than lift the front - -motor is tuned more for upper rev, onroad power. I remember a quote from an aussie bike mag that tested the Big Four's 600 traillies of 1985: "On the open road, however, the KLR gets revenge by holding top honours in outright speed". The other bikes were all easier to hoist. The aircooled traillies tend to tuned more for low rev poke. - -The 600 Kwak is really a 564cc, so loses out a bit in cubes to the true 600s. The Kwak is closer to a 550 than a 600. [...] > 4. How do I get the muffler core out? The shop manual says to remove a > screw and pull it out. Yeah, right. I took out the screw and pulled > on the inner pipe until I thought I tear something (on the bike, or me), > all to no avail. Any tricks? Dunno, we never had the removable cores, and I'm still on the original muffler. Take the muffler off, put a rubber cork on the outlet and pour some rugged degreaser down the inlet. Maybe letting it soak for a while will free up the removable core. > 5. I've read people talk about changing the oil on REAL short schedules, > like after every offroad dirt ride. Is there any reason for this? I > mean, the mud doesn't get in the oil, after all! I always change my > streetbike oil on a 3000 mile schedule. (And use synth Mob1). Bikes like the TT600 or the XR600 have fairly small oil capacities, and being aircooled, rely more on the oil for cooling, putting higher loads on the oil. When the fins fill up with mud and stuff, the cooling can go right out the window. Throw in a fair bit of clutch slipping adding to the heat, and the oil can get weary pretty fast. The KLR's water cooling and lecky fan keeps the temps to more sane levels, and if you're not actually in competition, you'd be reasonably safe if the rads don't clog with crap. The shop manual specifies oil changes every 5k and filter at 10k, and this is pretty average for a road bike. I tend to halve these myself, as I tend to use my bike mainly for short hops around town, nowadays. "Severe" use in any bike dictates shorter than spec intervals. As the bike only takes about 2 litres, it won't break the bank to change more often. Come to think of it, the filter costs about as much as the oil for the change. What colour is your '86(B2?). Mister_T - -- \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\ | RC17 KLR600 Roces BCN FreeBSD 2.2.5-R NT4W (ugh) | | tedp[at]replicant[dot]apana[dot]org[dot]au | \|_________________________________________________________________| ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 14:11:35 +0000 From: snsi@win.bright.net Subject: Re: (klr650) Fieldsheer Patriot Jacket Howdy Vik, Have you looked at the Joe Rocket jackets? Aren't they made in Canada? I love mine except when its hot and I'm not moving. 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: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 12:32:08 -0700 From: Jean Philippe Bagel Subject: RE: (klr650) Fieldsheer Patriot Jacket Don't you find the Joe Rockets bulky? I tried a couple of pair and I don't feel very comfortable in them. For $100 more you can get a real nice Kilimandjaro jacket. Anyone out there owning a Kilimandjaro? - -JP - -----Original Message----- From: snsi@win.bright.net [mailto:snsi@win.bright.net] Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 1998 7:12 AM To: klr650@lists.xmission.com; Vikram Banerjee Subject: Re: (klr650) Fieldsheer Patriot Jacket Howdy Vik, Have you looked at the Joe Rocket jackets? Aren't they made in Canada? I love mine except when its hot and I'm not moving. 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: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 13:37:59 -0700 From: "Vikram Banerjee" Subject: Re: (klr650) Fieldsheer Patriot Jacket JP, I tried the Kilimanjaro jacket at the same time as the Patriot jacket. The materials and construction of the Patriot jacket were much better and the Kilimanjaro jacket did not have the plastic elbow and shoulder armour the Patriot jacket does. The Patriot jacket is a little bulky, but the armour and fleece liner can be removed if you want a lighter jacket. Locally the Kilimanjaros sell for $525 CDN and the Patriots are on at $399 CDN. For me it was ano brainer, but depending on your local prices YMMV. Cheers, Vik - ---------- > From: Jean Philippe Bagel > To: 'snsi@win.bright.net' > Cc: 'klr650@lists.xmission.com' > Subject: RE: (klr650) Fieldsheer Patriot Jacket > Date: Wednesday, April 29, 1998 12:32 PM > > Don't you find the Joe Rockets bulky? I tried a couple of pair and I don't > feel very comfortable in them. For $100 more you can get a real nice > Kilimandjaro jacket. Anyone out there owning a Kilimandjaro? > > -JP > > -----Original Message----- > From: snsi@win.bright.net [mailto:snsi@win.bright.net] > Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 1998 7:12 AM > To: klr650@lists.xmission.com; Vikram Banerjee > Subject: Re: (klr650) Fieldsheer Patriot Jacket > > > Howdy Vik, > > Have you looked at the Joe Rocket jackets? Aren't they made in > Canada? I love mine except when its hot and I'm not moving. > 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: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 14:48:41 -0500 From: mcpete@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Jetting results Many of you might remember my continual harping about a surging problem with my '97 KLR. Particularly noticeable at steady R.P.M.'s, say 4,000 or 5,000. I installed a stage 1 Dynojet kit this past Friday. Here are the results, all carefully measured with the SOMA Dyno. Better starting Smoother idle Cleaner, crisper acceleration Surging or leanness gone. Perhaps a little lower temp reading I don't think I have any more noticeable hp, but the bike now runs like it should have all along. The change is very noticeable, this is now a much better running bike. I haven't run a tank through yet, so I can't report on MPG. The kit was a snap to put in, very easy. Anyone w/ minimal mechanical skills should be able to do it. And, IMHO, the results are well worth it. Pete McMahon _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 14:21:07 -0600 From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR as first bike... > Riding up and down kerbs is ridiculously easy. Oingo Boingo. I like that expression, maybe we could adopt it as kind of a klr greeting at next year's rally, "hey, how's it going? Oingo Boingo! - -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 HawkGT '89 CB750K4 FS Ask me how to subscribe to the KLR Dual Sport Newsletter ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 13:43:54 -0700 From: beez@Cyra.COM (Christopher Beasley) Subject: Re: (klr650) Jetting results Pete, Where did you get your kit and how much did you pay for it? Do you have any other mods to the engine/exhaust/intake? I'm looking for a stainless exhaust, probably a SuperTrapp IDS quiet but, their web page doesn't have any specs/dyno/pictures for the KLR. Anyone have this system and like to comment on it? Does in include pipe all the way back from the head or is it a "slip on", essentially just a muffler? I'm looking for a complete solution from the head back. tnx b At 02:48 PM 4/29/98 -0500, mcpete@juno.com wrote: >Many of you might remember my continual harping about a surging problem >with my '97 KLR. Particularly noticeable at steady R.P.M.'s, say 4,000 or >5,000. I installed a stage 1 Dynojet kit this past Friday. Here are the >results, all carefully measured with the SOMA Dyno. > Christopher J. Beasley beez@cyra.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 15:39:47 +0000 From: snsi@win.bright.net Subject: RE: (klr650) Fieldsheer Patriot Jacket JP Wrote: > Don't you find the Joe Rockets bulky? I tried a couple of pair and I don't > feel very comfortable in them. For $100 more you can get a real nice > Kilimandjaro jacket. Anyone out there owning a Kilimandjaro? Bulky, naw. I'm bulky, the jacket is fine. I love the looong selves. It took me a couple a days to get use to the padding but I love it now. Jeff Smith Barnes, WI '71 A-HD Sprint 350; '97 Kawasaki KLR650 (King o'La Road) "Beware the dirt bike ... Ground shaking dirt bike" TMBG ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 16:40:50 EDT From: Rcklr Subject: Re: (klr650) Riding Australia! I don't know about everyone else, but I love hearing about Australia and someone getting to do something that I may never get to do. Go ahead and keep the conversation open to us unless you get into something that we all shouldn't hear. Thanks Mr. T!! ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 13:59:30 -0700 From: Erik Snider Subject: Re: (klr650) Riding Australia! I second that. The great Down Under fascinates me. At 4/29/98 , Rcklr wrote: >I don't know about everyone else, but I love hearing about Australia and >someone getting to do something that I may never get to do. Go ahead and keep >the conversation open to us unless you get into something that we all >shouldn't hear. Thanks Mr. T!! > Erik Snider Purchasing Card Administrator AF208C4 619-651-0217 ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V1 #63 ***************************