From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V1 #105 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Saturday, June 13 1998 Volume 01 : Number 105 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 15:03:39 -0700 From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Aftermarket foot pegs >James Dukes wrote: > >> > I installed a pair of IMS pegs - the serrated kind like motocrossers >> > use. There is a marked difference between them and factory pegs, but I >> >> I think that what would be really cool is to have the serrated pegs that >> you would use during rougher riding, and then be able to put a rubber >> cover like the stockers during regular commuting type riding. I believe >> that the BMW R1100GS has this type of convertable peg. Anybody know of >> a product like this? >> > >Dual Star was very close to production on just this kind of >peg but ran into problems with a supplier for the rubber >part. Then, when IMS came out with their peg they had to >re-evaluate the market. > To be honest, I always wear my combat boots with Vibram rubber soles, so I don't care if the pegs have a little rubber on them. I just want to have something I can stand on, without fear of slipping off. Now I have to convince myself to spend the money for the IMS pegs. Perhaps another slip and near fall will do the trick.... Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 18:34:05 -0400 From: Randy Dow Subject: RE: (klr650) Supertrapp IDS Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 10:03:32 -0600 From: Roy Cope Subject: RE: (klr650) Supertrapp IDS > >I think Todd was figuratively suggesting the stock muffler >was hefty enough to grant it urban legend status on the >list...while I don't use mine for personal defense, I would >guess it is closer to 12 lbs and the Supertrapp and pipe is >closer to 5-7 lbs. for a savings of 5 -7 lbs. There is no > >I weighed mine at 10 lbs. stock and 5 lbs. Supertrapp. I see >no advantage in changing pipes if weight is your only >concern. I just grew tired of my bike sounding like my >lawnmower >Dave W. Hey, whats wrong with sounding like a lawnmower. I like the sound of my 650cc mower. - ------------------------------------ Lawnmower? Let's not be ridiculous. I prefer to think that mine sounds like a garden tractor. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 08:22:10 +1000 From: "Craig Sinclair" Subject: (klr650) Strengths and weaknesses Hello from Australia, I'm in the market for a big thumper to supplement my Honda ST1100 and have just joined this list. Can other users please list the strengths and weaknesses of the KLR650 as compared to other similar (priced) bikes (in Oz they are the Honda NX650, Suzuki DR650 and Yamaha 660 Tenere). Also what are the main differences between the KLX and the KLR? Thanks in advance. Craig Sinclair ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 19:50:05 -0400 From: Dave Wormmeester Subject: RE: (klr650) Rifle Windscreen >of the shield if I went over the bars in a crash. For those of you with the >Clearviews, please give me your honest thoughts. And where does one get >"stealth" edging from? >Jeff At 6'3'' my +7" Clearview with and without stealth edging is the wrong height. The wind hits me eye level. I should have gone taller or shorter by 3 to 4 inches. It is however very stabile at speed. Dave W. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 16:53:11 -0700 From: "Dean Hedges" Subject: (klr650) KLR alternator I'm looking at getting a KLR but can't find a local dealer that can tell me the alternator output, watts or amps. Somebody help, are there any differences between alternators over the the model years? TIA Dean Hedges STOC 341G My STeeenking letter! Portland Oregon Deanh@Teleport.com ********************************************************* TAKE IT EASY. So millions of people on welfare have to get a job. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 09:33:24 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Aftermarket header pipes Jeffrey L. Walker wrote: [dry film coatings] This sounds a bit like what Slick 50 contraversially claims to achieve (but without clogged oil filters and things). I had a look at the website, as for the friction surface coatings, ah I dunno. But the header coatings look interesting to me. Anything that make our "stainless" headers cooler on the outside can't be a bad thing, at least from the safety-in-prang scenario. [power unit internals] > replace the rings, and re-lap the valves. Which also reminds me, am I to > understand that the valves don't have seats? They just seat directly into > the head? Hey, I want to hear all of the nitty gritty from those who has > rebuilt their motors. I can't see how it wouldn't have inserts. Even the valve springs have steel washers between them and the ally head. The shop manual doesn't specifically mention seat replacement, however. BTW Jeff, I've been thinking about your end float problem. At some stage, have you coasted down a long hill or something like that with the engine off? I'm asking because the output (counter) shaft bearing appears to get a fair bit if oil feed from the pressure system. A friend of mine claims he engaged in a downhill coasting race using his Kwak GPz900 ("Ninja" of some kind over there) and promptly wore out that bearing, because he ran it with the engine off and in neutral. The GPz900 is allegedly has a similar oil feed to it. The coasting comp was at a place called "Arthur's Seat" about an hour and a half out of Melbourne. It's just a twisty road up the side of a small mountain with hairpins and such, and all gradient. It actually saw some car hillclimb use back in the 30's and later. BFN, Mister_T ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 10:00:13 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR250 in the Corps. Jeffrey L. Walker wrote: [SINCGARS] > Marvelous radios, even with their limited range. Completely secure commo, > that is until the technology is invented that can intercept it. I doubt > that will be anytime soon though. The transmission itself is encrypted, and > the variable for the frequency hopping is so random that it will take over > ten thousand years to repeat itself. I'm sure that if they introduced it, then the designers already know how to defeat it, for when the enemy creates their own SINCGARS, or if any freindly units are captured. ObKLR: "GET OFF MY BIKE!" (with no apologies to the movie "Air Force 1") Mister_T ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 10:07:14 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR600 windshield? Michael Royal wrote: > The KLR600 has no mounting points for a windshield like the later model > 650's.....anyone have an idea on how to mount a shield? Can I buy the > entire headlight assembly for a 650 and retrofit it to my 600? If your 600 is like mine, then apart from the handlebars, the only other mount point I can see is the screws in the sides of the headlight frame that hold the headlight/instrument unit cover/pod/bodywork, in which case about the only screen that might fit would be one specified for (maybe) a '87 650 (the 650 just before the Tengai). Mister_T ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 17:27:33 -0400 From: Bill Haycock Subject: (klr650) Moab Trails Robert Carreras has just finished his article on favorite trails to ride in Moab! This is an excellent resource article for those planning on a trip to Moab in the future. The article provides a description of a number of great trails as well as other resources like maps, lodging, camping, food and motorcycle repair shops in Moab. The author and I rode each of these trails during the KLR Rally and can attest that these are some great trails. check out Robert's article at: http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page62.html the article is also posted on the KLR Page under "Favorite Rides". Bill Haycock WebMaster-KLRDSN ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 16:12:58 -0700 From: vesannlewis@juno.com Subject: (klr650) Bar End Weights My experience with bar end weights is you'd be better off stuffing electrical cable into your bar. It did some good, I think, but the end weights didn't. I had them in maybe 10 minutes, though. At idle or low rpm, worse vibration, judging from the mirrors. At running rpm, who could tell? -Ves A12 _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 21:19:03 -0400 From: Todd Emsley Subject: (klr650) K&N Filter review List, Just installed K&N filter after people on the list suggested it flowed better than stock. What a difference. All the dealers around here told me the foam factory filter flowed "just as good" as the K&N. I do not agree. I could definately tell the difference. I ordered it from Fred, and to no surprise even though he is 2000+ miles away from me, I had it in my greasy hands three days from when I e-mailed him my request. That is customer service. If you are going to buy mail order, if Fred has it do yourself a favor and deal with him. It was a pleasure. Todd A11 breathing easier ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 18:23:18 -0700 From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR250 in the Corps. >Jeffrey L. Walker wrote: > >[SINCGARS] >> Marvelous radios, even with their limited range. Completely secure commo, >> that is until the technology is invented that can intercept it. I doubt >> that will be anytime soon though. The transmission itself is encrypted, and >> the variable for the frequency hopping is so random that it will take over >> ten thousand years to repeat itself. > >I'm sure that if they introduced it, then the designers already know >how to defeat it, for when the enemy creates their own SINCGARS, or >if any freindly units are captured. > >ObKLR: >"GET OFF MY BIKE!" (with no apologies to the movie "Air Force 1") >Mister_T > Actually, its true. The technology to intercept it doesn't exist, yet. That is one of the reasons that the NSA is so picky about this radio, like who can use it, and how often the encryption keys must be changed and so on. There are other NATO countries, like Germany, who have radios that hop even faster, and have a wider spectrum on which to broadcast. About its only shortfall is its limited range, and I've personally noticed that hoping cuts the range down a lot more than broadcasting and receiving on only one band, with the same antenna and power output. The only considerations when using this radio is that the enemy can detect radio emissions, and might even be able to determine a direction, if there isn't any other FM sources in the vicinity. But, the more radios you have broadcasting, the harder it is to localize and pinpoint a station. The enemy can jam over 65% of the broadcast bandwidth, and you would still be able to communicate with this radio. And, if he did that, you can imagine what a target he's made of himself. Consider: the RSA Public Encryption Keys used for secure Internet transactions today have been broken, as of 1994. In 1978 it was estimated that the computers at the time would take billions of years, but it took about a year in 1994, and an extremely huge amount of computing cycles on a very large network to do so. The algorithm for the RSA key, if anyone cares, is: given n, where n = p * q, find p and q (n is huge--129 digits; p and q are prime numbers). The algorithm for the variable generated for the frequency hop data and the transmission encryption is much better than the RSA key. Also, keep in mind that a new key variable is used at a minimum of every month, as decreed by the NSA. We changed them more often than that even. No sir. The technology to intercept these radios is a ways off yet. Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 18:27:25 -0700 From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR250 in the Corps. >"GET OFF MY BIKE!" (with no apologies to the movie "Air Force 1") >Mister_T > Hey, I used this line to my cat in the garage last night! She thinks the stock saddle is comfy. I do too, but then I've lost all sensation in my butt a long time ago. Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 18:29:06 -0700 From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR600 windshield? > >> The KLR600 has no mounting points for a windshield like the later model >> 650's.....anyone have an idea on how to mount a shield? Can I buy the >> entire headlight assembly for a 650 and retrofit it to my 600? > >If your 600 is like mine, then apart from the handlebars, the only other >mount point I can see is the screws in the sides of the headlight >frame that hold the headlight/instrument unit cover/pod/bodywork, >in which case about the only screen that might fit would be one >specified for (maybe) a '87 650 (the 650 just before the Tengai). > You'd probably have better luck just going with a National bar mounted screen. Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 21:30:14 -0400 From: "Germain Gagnon" Subject: Re: (klr650) Clunk Hi Robert Usually the 1 to 2 upshift is louder. the CLUNK is typical for most bike. (May be some fellow in mechanical could explain us this noise). In my cas= e, the 20w50 oil change gave me a more crunchy feeling when shifting. Germain - ---------- > De : Robert Kaub > A : klr650@lists.xmission.com > Objet : (klr650) Clunk > Date=A0: 11 juin, 1998 04:30 >=20 > I've noticed that when I do the 1 to 2 upshift it is usually very loud,= a > good, solid clunk. It shifts OK but it's really loud compared to the other > shifts. Is this normal? Changing the oil from 10w30 to 20w50 didn't make > any difference. Clutch appears to be working normally. Thanks. > Bob Kaub > SUNY Binghamton > Watson School Student Shop > PO Box 6000 > Binghamton, NY 13902 > 607-777-2715 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 21:35:00 EDT From: Subject: (klr650) Selling Your KLR Jeff and Mike, (and anyone else selling/buying), here's a few sites where you can list your bikes for free. CA Ron KLR650 Dual Sport= News -=0AClassified Ads http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page3.html =0ACycle Trader Online - Used Motorcycle Ads, Snow=C9 http://www.traderonline.com/cgi-bin/cycle/ads2/search/cSearch.html Free Classifieds - The Recycler Clas= sifieds=0A http://www.recycler.com/ AAAA California= =0AMotorcycle Exchange http://www.cybernetsol.com/states/ca/cycles/ Welcome to Bikes4sale.com: Motorcy= cles=0Afor sale=C9 http://www.bikes4sale.com/=0A ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 22:06:49 -0400 From: "Germain Gagnon" Subject: (klr650) Corbin seat Hi All How many of you have the modified Corbin seat (no dip in the seat, flat from front to back)? Is it a special order from Corbin? I ask my dealer if I can order this seat and I had any answer. Germain ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 22:11:59 EDT From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Arai Dual Sport Helmet In a message dated 98-06-11 06:17:15 EDT, jlwalk@u.washington.edu writes: << Does any of you out there own the Arai Dual Sport Helmet? What do you think of it? (Good and bad.) Is it fairly quiet, or noisy in the wind? >> I had one. Got chewed up in my spill. I'm still riding the fence on whether to buy another. I loved the helmet, but was a bit pricey. May just go with an open face and goggles. Nolan makes a full face that also has a visor. I think I might spring for it. Gino ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 19:32:40 -0700 From: "Darrel & Deanna" Subject: (klr650) OHM Program Alex wrote: > As a new KLR owner and a strictly pavement rider for the last 20 years, I was wondering if there > was a MSF-like course for dirt. I found this dual sport course in Minnesota and I thought I'd share > this with anyone who may be interested in learning something before you do it the "hard knock" > method!! Alex- I'm on the digest, so I might be tardy on this; In my Winter '98 "Safe Cycling" rag from MSF, there's an article introducing a new off-road riding course. Unlike the Riding and Street Skills course, the new course is all in the field (no classroom). The article goes on to say that they're (MSF) working on developing insurance guidelines for the program as well as securing loans for it. Look for a pilot program soon. For more info, contact Doug Pitchford in the MSF Training Systems Dept. at 714-727-3227 ext 3036. Ride Safe, Darrel 98KLR MSF Inst# 26377 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 22:46:31 EDT From: Subject: Re: (klr650) Rifle Windscreen Subj: Re: (klr650) Rifle Windscreen Date: 98-06-11 22:20:36 EDT From: AGSholar To: jlwalk@u.washington.edu In a message dated 98-06-10 21:08:58 EDT, you write: << For those of you with the Clearviews, please give me your honest thoughts. >> Jeff, I purchased a +7" (7" taller than stock) windshield from Clearview and got it the exact day it was promised. However, it was too short and I returned it for a +10 which my purposes much better. It does bounce around a little in the dirt and at high speeds but nothing that cannot be lived with. However, the +7 was even more stable. There was no restocking fee. All I had to do was ship it back at my own expense. For your info, I can remove the Clearview shield in less than two minutes with a Phillips screwdriver. Craig Stinger, the salesperson at Clearview, was very helpful and polite and I would recommend their shields to anyone. Greg '88 KLR 650 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 20:50:02 -0700 From: "Vikram Banerjee" Subject: Re: (klr650) Rifle Windscreen - ---------- > From: Jeffrey L. Walker > To: KLR Kountry > Subject: (klr650) Rifle Windscreen > Date: Wednesday, June 10, 1998 6:06 PM > > > one out BEFORE you buy. Myself, I'm thinking about going with the Clearview > now. Do they charge a restocking fee too? The reservations that I'm having > with the Clearview is that it isn't as easy to remove for off-roading, or on > those very hot sunny days when you don't want a windshield. Jeff, I can remove my clearview +7 and replace the stock windshield in under 3mins....=-)....just time me.. So I don't think ease of removal is a big problem. Cheers, Vik ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 23:21:05 -0400 From: "Michael Magnatta" Subject: (klr650) TEST: TEST: ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 21:32:16 -0600 From: "Fred Hink" Subject: (klr650) Dos Tank Bags Hey Listers! I just got in a couple of KLR tank bags. If anyone needs one let me know. Fred ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 13:38:27 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Strengths and weaknesses Craig Sinclair wrote: > Can other users please list the strengths and weaknesses of the KLR650 as > compared to other similar (priced) bikes (in Oz they are the Honda NX650, > Suzuki DR650 and Yamaha 660 Tenere). Well, you've landed a rather biased bunch to ask, but I'll be fair about it. However, I'll have to ask you, just what do you want to do with the bike? Serious trails? Just cruise scenic fire trails? Commute? Ride the breeze in summer? Just off the top of my head: The Suzuki is big improvement over the old DR's. Not bad. The Yammie is bit of a truck. Lots of breaky plastic, not flexy plastic, and lives off the reputation of the original Tenere. Somewhat heavy, too. I call it the Ten Ton-ere. The Honda ("Dominator"?) is a nice enough allrounder, but lacks the sophistication of water cooling. Might not be a bad choice if you are in the Honda Riders Club of Australia, though. The 10% discount on parts adds up in a prang. Dunno if Kwaka has a riders' club here in Oz. > Also what are the main differences between the KLX and the KLR? KLX is serious offroad gadget. KLR is softer and more roadable and a bit heavier. Both are based on the well proven 650 motor. The KLX has had very good results in the Australian Safari offroad events. Go check them out a your local Kwaka dealer. Might as well check them all out, really. Could be theraputic for the ego just to have the salesmen fawn over you for a while. once they see the ST11 they'll know you have some dosh to spread about. Have a look at: http://www.kawasaki.com.au/ for specs. Mister_T - -- \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\ | RC17 KLR600 Roces BCN FreeBSD 2.2.5-R NT4W (ugh) | | tedp[at]replicant[dot]apana[dot]org[dot]au | \|_________________________________________________________________| ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 21:21:45 -0700 (PDT) From: Rex Hefferan Subject: (klr650) Shifting problems Shifty Listers, I have had problems in the past with poor shifting on a Honda CB750 and recently with my KLR. It turned out to be a loose shifter on the Honda and a cracked weld on the KLR shift lever. The description in the other posts of clunking into gear between 1 and 2 may be a different problem, but it may be worth making sure that your shift lever is in order. The cracked weld manifested itself as a reluctance to shift into first from neutral or downshift into first. The crack started at the top where the lever is welded to the spline clamp. If the crack were from the bottom it may display difficulty when upshifting. Since I own a MIG welder I repaired it myself, but I may later upgrade to an aftermarket shifter anyway. Rex (sometimes shiftless, usually it's just my '93 KLR650) _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 06:45:22 -0700 From: "Eric Rhoads" Subject: (klr650) Brake Pad Upgrade? List, I've seen lots of talk of front braking improvements through upgrade to steel-braided lines, often with upgrade of the pads as well. My question is....would an upgrade of the pads alone result in substantial improvement? I'm not trying to be cheap here, I'm just curious. (Actually I am cheap, but that has nothing to do with this.) .....I was planning to go with the Dunlopad S-45's thanks, eric ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 07:36:14 -0700 From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Brake Pad Upgrade? > I've seen lots of talk of front braking improvements through upgrade to >steel-braided lines, often with upgrade of the pads as well. > My question is....would an upgrade of the pads alone result in >substantial improvement? > I'm not trying to be cheap here, I'm just curious. > (Actually I am cheap, but that has nothing to do with this.) > > .....I was planning to go with the Dunlopad S-45's I think that you will see some improvement in braking, but in order to take full advantage of the added friction provided by these pads, you need to provide more pressure. Unfortunately, this really isn't possible with the stock, rubber (expandable) brake line. These pads shine under harder brake pressures and temperatures provided by the higher pressure of a steel braided line. Comments? Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 08:37:11 -0600 From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Corbin seat Germain Gagnon wrote: > > Hi All > > How many of you have the modified Corbin seat (no dip in the seat, flat > from front to back)? Is it a special order from Corbin? I ask my dealer if > I can order this seat and I had any answer. > > Germain Germain, order direct from Corbin in California and ask for Raul....here is why...from the archives: Date: Wed, 03 Jun 1998 09:23:24 -0600 From: Kurt Simpson Subject: (klr650) Corbin update... A while back, Jim Barthell and I were chatting about how it would be good if we could provide the list with names of people who have provided good service with some of the vendors we frequent. I pressed him for the name of the person who gave him such good service at Corbin, the name is Raul. Turns out Raul is the head of customer service at Corbin. He is very knowledgeable about the KLR dip mod and remembered, without prompting, seats they built for Gino, Jim, and Pete McMahon. He also remembered the "scallop" mod they did for Jim around the grab handles. I ordered a seat yesterday with the black basketweave naugahyde on the top and black welt and smooth black naugahyde for the sides, I ordered it with Pete's specs "move the seating position 2 in rearward" and Jim's scallops around the grab handles. Raul said it was the first KLR seat he could remember with basketweave (he doesn't think it will look as good as with the smooth). Comes to $249 and they are talking 2-3 weeks build time. BTW, a leather top will add $40, leather sides will add another $40. Raul is happy to take orders from the list but says that because he is not in sales he is not always able to give the quick response that a salesperson could offer. So, he is going to think about their staff and suggest a very good and proven salesperson to recommend to the KLR list. This person would be our contact and Raul will instruct that person to have every KLR seat brought to him for inspection while it is being built. Doesn't that sound good? It goes without saying that he will want to hear about any complaints that we have... - - -- Kurt Simpson A12 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 08:40:43 -0600 From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Brake Pad Upgrade? > > > I've seen lots of talk of front braking improvements through upgrade to > >steel-braided lines, often with upgrade of the pads as well. > > My question is....would an upgrade of the pads alone result in > >substantial improvement? > > I'm not trying to be cheap here, I'm just curious. > > (Actually I am cheap, but that has nothing to do with this.) > > > > .....I was planning to go with the Dunlopad S-45's > > I think that you will see some improvement in braking, but in order to take > full advantage of the added friction provided by these pads, you need to > provide more pressure. Unfortunately, this really isn't possible with the > stock, rubber (expandable) brake line. These pads shine under harder brake > pressures and temperatures provided by the higher pressure of a steel > braided line. Comments? > > Jeff Jeff and Eric, I've completed a number of upgrades but the ss lines and progressive springs are at the top of my recommended mods. I'm running stock brake pads and the improvement is huge already. IMO, as one poster noted, improving the brakes without correcting the extreme front end dive on braking (with progressive springs or something else) doesn't make sense. - -- Kurt Simpson A12 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 10:12:08 -0500 From: John Tranter Subject: Re: (klr650) Corbin seat Kurt Simpson wrote: > > Germain Gagnon wrote: > > > > Hi All > > > > How many of you have the modified Corbin seat (no dip in the seat, flat > > from front to back)? Is it a special order from Corbin? I ask my dealer if > > I can order this seat and I had any answer. > > > > Germain > > Germain, order direct from Corbin in California and ask for > Raul....here is why...from the archives: You may also want to check out the excellent article on KLR saddles at the KLR web site, even mentions dip vs. no dip: http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/frameset.html - -- John Tranter '98 KLR 650 '93 Concours Montgomery, AL ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 09:25:23 -0700 From: George Basinet Subject: Re: (klr650) Dos Tank Bags Fred Hink wrote: > > Hey Listers! > > I just got in a couple of KLR tank bags. If anyone needs one let me know. > > Fred Fred and Listers Just got back from 2 weeks in Baja and the Kawasaki bags really worked fine. Big enought to carry what I needed, but not so large as to cause trouble. Altho one sided is padded for muffler heat I also added a small aluminum shield. George Basinet San Jose, CA ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 08:29:01 -0700 From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: (klr650) (NKLR) bicycle paniers and camping gear I just happily discovered that my old Frostline bicycle panniers will work on my motorcycle, just like saddlebags. I happily used these panniers touring around the San Juan islands in Puget Sound and across Washington state on my mountain bike. Sure, they probably aren't as tough as regular touring bags, and sure, they're smaller, but that's also part of the appeal. When I go camping by myself, I try to minimize my gear to the bare bones essentials. In the Army, after packing all of the mission essential equipment (read ammo) into our rucks, we'd be lucky if we had room for a pair of socks, our toothbrush, and our poncho liner. For me, discovering field expedient means of doing things while camping is half the fun. Instead of hauling around a tent and a sleeping bag, I'm happy with a hammock, a poncho, a poncho liner, and some bungee cords. You'd be amazed at how little space that takes to pack. I could fit all but the poncho liner in a fanny pack. For those really cold times, I take two poncho liners and two ponchos. As far as cooking gear goes, I could take a little propane stove around, and I have in the past, but for those of you familiar with heat tabs or sterno, you know how much smaller these items are. I usually take two canteen and two canteen cups. One is for heating water, and the other is for cooking and eating. I have a little "stove" that slips over the outside of the canteen cup that when placed upside down, provides the place to but the heat tab. Oh, a good fuel to use if you don't have heat tabs is peanut butter and Army issue insect repellent. That insect repellent is scary stuff by itself. I've used it to remove scratches on my car. Anyway, I totally take the Thoreau approach to camping and take as little as possible. Even before I joined the Army, my idea of a good time was to go bow hunting for elk in "my" Blue Mountains with just my pack and my bow. I'd disappear for a week, tracking game and living off the land as much as I could, until I made a kill and needed help packing the game out. I was taught by my father and my grandfather, who were taught by their's. I guess joining the Army Rangers was inevitable, and a way for this sixth generation mountain boy to avoid growing up. Anyway, since finals are over, and I don't have to be back until week after next, and since the wife and baby are down in CA visiting her family, I think I'm going to pack my gear and disappear for a while, do the "easy rider" thing in the mountains, or maybe go back to the San Juans. I'm supposed to be pulling my boat out of the back yard and getting it ready to put in the water, but I don't feel like it, I just want to ride. Part of that is because there was a big SAR operation yesterday on Mt. Rainier after an avalanche took some climbers out, but I couldn't go with my team because I had a final exam. I hate doing avalanches anyway, because you rarely find the victims in time. What spare parts and tools do you guys consider to be absolutely essential to pack for your bikes? I don't want to strap a tool box to the bike now, I'm just wondering as to what are common things that happen that can be fixed on the trail. Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 10:41:35 -0700 From: Dave Svoboda Subject: Re: (klr650) Catch up At 11:44 AM 6/6/98 -0500, Ed wrote: >Hi all. Howdy. >1) Syn Oil. I just but a blend in my 95 KLR and am sarting to >experience clutch slippage. Will be changing this weekend and report >back. I think the big key is wet vs. dry clutches in this issue. The >m/c oils made for wet clutches have additives to help clutch >performance. I'd be skeptical that the root cause of your problem is the synth oil. I myself have been using Mobil1 and Castrol synth in wet-clutch bikes for many hundred thousands of miles without attributable problems. Clutches do go, occasionally, synth or not. In my experience, they tend to get grabby after an oil change, and start slipping by the time that oil loses it's viscosity and needs to be changed. Tell you what. Tear into the clutch and measure the thickness of the friction plates. If they are well within specs, maybe you have a case for motorcycle oil. I'd bet they're just worn out. >2) Was there an answer to the fork brace question. I have wondered >about that for a while. It seems to me that the forks twist some in the >corners and at general highway speeds. I've put a fork-brace on a few bikes. It makes a difference, and I'd guess it would make a big difference on the KLR. It might make MORE difference, though, to shim the forks, install progressively-wound springs, and fill with heavy fork oil. Oh, and check the wheel bearings and steering stem bearings. If those are all okay, then spend the money on a fork-brace. IMHO, of course. **************************************** Dave Svoboda, svoboda@wtc.sel.sony.com 90 Concours, 86 KL600, 86 RZ350, etc DoD, COG, AMA, NRA **************************************** ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 10:47:59 -0700 From: Dave Svoboda Subject: Re: (klr650) Chains.... A multitude of thumbs and fingers have been sacrificed to the sprocket gods, in the name of lubing the chain in gear with the engine running. I have all my digits, but I've had four (count 'em) different biker buddies over the years come up one short, from the practice. Please turn the wheel by hand; don't let the engine do it. At 06:40 PM 6/4/98 -0500, Steve Rottenberg wrote: >Hell yes !!!! Chain Wax !! Run the bike for 5 minutes, so you'll warm up >the chain, come back home, Chain Wax it in the 3 key places (read the label >on the spray can), having the back wheel off the ground and the bike idling >in 1st gear. **************************************** Dave Svoboda, svoboda@wtc.sel.sony.com 90 Concours, 86 KL600, 86 RZ350, etc DoD, COG, AMA, NRA **************************************** ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 11:33:11 -0700 From: Dave Svoboda Subject: Re: (klr650) changing a tube on the trail >Here are some tire changing tips and tricks: > >http://www.net1plus.com/users/holbrook/tireproc.htm One correction to the article: don't use soap, if you can help it. Heck, on tube-type tires you don't even need lubricant, usually, just talcum to lubricate the tube. If you do need lube, buy a can of bead lube. It is quite slippery, but sets up waterproof and sticky, to help lock the bead from slipping on the wheel under hard acceleration and braking. If you use soap, it gets slippery again as soon as it gets wet, like in the rain, and your tire can slip. You can buy cans of tire mounting lube at a bike shop, or larger amounts at any auto parts discount store. That article seems to be for tubeless tires, not tube-type as on the KLR. There are special techniques for tube-type tires. I've found Clymers manuals to be pretty good for explaining those. I'll go into it myself, if you want, when I have a little more time. **************************************** Dave Svoboda, svoboda@wtc.sel.sony.com 90 Concours, 86 KL600, 86 RZ350, etc DoD, COG, AMA, NRA **************************************** ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 13:26:21 -0600 From: "Fetters, Mark" Subject: (klr650) (KLR650) new bike break in? I recently subscribed to this list because I will soon be the owner of a 98 KLR650. I assume that the owners manual describes the recommended break-in procedure for the engine. If this is the case then I was wondering if the people on this list agree with the recommendations or would they be more conservative or less conservative? If this isn't covered in the owners manual at all then what do you guys recommend? Mark Fetters Breece Hill Technologies Inc. Voice: 303-664-8247 mfetters@breecehill.com ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Jun 1998 18:57:34 -0500 From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: (klr650) Just switched to Synthetic Hey, I just changed to Mobil 1 Synthetic, 10W-30. I've got around 23.5k on the bike, and I had regular oil for 18k miles. then half and half for 5k or so miles, and now, fully synthetic (just got my first 20 miles on it) I noticed 2 things. It shifts smoother, I was riding wearing tennis shoes instead of my normal riding boots, and noticed I didn't have to put so much pressure on the lever. 2nd thing, I think the clutch started slipping. I pulled all kind of power wheelies with no problems before. Usually, 2nd gear around 3k rpm, clutch it in, take the revs up to 6k. let go the clutch and the front wheel was way UP in the air. Today I tried after the oil change, and it does come up, but it takes a lot more "muscle" and it comes up slower .... feels like a sticky clutch. Anybody else has had weird experiences with "the change" ?? And my last question is, I've had the OEM Yuasa battery since I bought the bike, it's a 95, today I noticed like it didn't wanna make the engine turn. Is it about time I get a new battery or wait untill this one REALLY dies on me ? Thanks a lot ! Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC (Undernet) Email: tuca@tampabay.rr.com Email: steve@vvd.com Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Jun 1998 11:52:28 -0700 From: frjsmithjr@webtv.net (Francis Smith) Subject: (klr650) test this is a test, I havn't received anything from the list in over 24 hours. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Jun 1998 18:58:32 -0600 From: Skip Faulkner Subject: Re: (klr650) Arai Dual Sport Helmet K650dsn@aol.com wrote: > > In a message dated 98-06-11 06:17:15 EDT, jlwalk@u.washington.edu writes: > > << Does any of you out there own the Arai Dual Sport Helmet? What do you > think > of it? (Good and bad.) Is it fairly quiet, or noisy in the wind? >> > > I had one. Got chewed up in my spill. I'm still riding the fence on whether > to buy another. I loved the helmet, but was a bit pricey. May just go with > an open face and goggles. Nolan makes a full face that also has a visor. I > think I might spring for it. > > Gino Gino, I`m in the same boat as I`m trying to decide between two dual sport helmets and would like to know if you or any listers have had any experience with either of these helmets. I`m tired of this helmet search crap,it`s like the Search for the Holy Grail. Over the past 20 plus years it seems as though I`ll spend months or more looking and trying out helmets and finally find one that works for me only to find out when time comes to replace it, it has been discontinued or changed in some way. My present needs are; quiet as possible(for the money) full face $150 or less price range also I`m looking at going with a visor this time, because I don`t use tinted shields (tired of carrying the clear for night) and even with sunglasses I`m tired of holding my left hand over my faceshield when the sun is hitting me just right and I`ve got a lot of oncoming traffic. The two I`m looking at is Nolan`s N70E model which I was told was really a street helmet with a visor and Bieffe`s 3-Sport series which comes with the face shield and two visors;one for MX and one for Enduro. The Nolan looks like it has better ventilation. Any comments ?.. Thanks - ----------------Skip---------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V1 #105 ****************************