From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V1 #141 Reply-To: klr650@lists.xmission.com Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Thursday, July 16 1998 Volume 01 : Number 141 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 00:32:42 +0000 From: Alex Jomarron Subject: (klr650) world tour bikes El Vel Bruixot wrote: >I have yet to see a KLR go around the world, or even through the Darien Gap. When I see bikes >in Patagonia or the Andes or the Atacama, they aren't KLRs and in fact I've only seen one KLR >in all of South America,.............SNIP Perhaps you should check the Riders to the Moon website. 5 KLRs to Tierra Del Fuego. http://206.25.132.136/home.html I hope you are on this list when I take my KLR around the world during my sabbatical in 2000. If Ted Simon can ride that tempermental Triumph around the world, I rather like my chances on my KLR. Additionally, I chose a KLR over a BMW twin because of weight. Over the F650 because frankly that bike is overpriced. I certainly would not want to sabotage my journey by scrimping on the bike! I have all the confidence in the world (no pun intended) in the KLR. Cheers, Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL 88 BMW K75S 98 KLR 650 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 18:24:07 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Oooops K650dsn@aol.com wrote: > I promise I will never make a post like the one that caused the BMW bashing [...] > is not cool, though. So I apologize for that original post. Gino shouldn't need to apologise, he stated the facts of his experience. It could just as easily been a bunch of Harley or Goldwing riders that wound Rick up, and posts would have been adjusted accordingly. I thought it made a fun change from the usual technical waffling. Burn the witches! If somebody wants to have a go at 14 year old Honda road bikes, go for it. I won't slash my wrists in anguish. Us motorcyclists, and particularly dual-purp riders (oh no, what have I done) are supposed to be made of sterner stuff. I think some people might have taken the whole thing a bit too seriously. Why don't we all hold hands and sing a few choruses of "Coombaya" or something? Mister_T ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 02:50:53 -0700 From: "Jeffrey L. Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Oooops >> I promise I will never make a post like the one that caused the BMW bashing >[...] >> is not cool, though. So I apologize for that original post. > >Gino shouldn't need to apologise, he stated the facts of his >experience. >It could just as easily been a bunch of Harley or Goldwing riders that >wound Rick up, and posts would have been adjusted accordingly. >I thought it made a fun change from the usual technical waffling. >Burn the witches! >If somebody wants to have a go at 14 year old Honda road bikes, go >for it. I won't slash my wrists in anguish. Us motorcyclists, and >particularly dual-purp riders (oh no, what have I done) are supposed >to be made of sterner stuff. >I think some people might have taken the whole thing a bit too >seriously. >Why don't we all hold hands and sing a few choruses of "Coombaya" or >something? > Righto. In the Army, I quickly learned that in order to get along famously, you have to possess the ability to quickly, shrewdly and successfully bag on anyone's parentage, heritage, level of intelligence, or appearance. Sort of like telling "Yo Mamma" jokes. Nobody took it seriously, and great fun was had by all at the expense of the unlucky duck who couldn't think of a sharp riposte. On only one occasion did this totally backfire on me, when I said to this new guy in my platoon, "Private Wimbly, were you an abused child?" (after he screwed up.) Well, he broke down and started crying that he had. Boy did I feel like crap. So anyway, I'm sure that the majority of the banter about Beemers was meant in a light hearted way. For those of you who didn't mean it that way, I say to get over yourselves. Your starting to sound like Harley owners. Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 07:16:43 -0400 From: Todd Emsley Subject: Re: (klr650) Coolant Level Jeff, Here's the magic combo, so far. (remember I am at <500ft alt) Low speed mix, 3 1/2 turns. Slide needle on groove #5. (all the way up) Main jet a Keihin 155. Heavily drilled airbox, K&N filter. COBRA 4-stroke pipe. (NOT ISDE) Adjust jets and needle according to your alt. Todd A11 heavy breather ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 08:16:52 From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) Ride to Work Day The following is the full text of the enclosure I received with my Aerostich catalog several weeks ago: "Dear Rider, A seventh annual, nationwide 'Ride to Work Day' will take place on Wednesday, July 15 of this year. Please ride your motorcycle to work on this day to demonstrate: A) The number of motorcyclists to the general public and to politicians. B) That motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life. C) That motorcyclists can reduce traffic congestion in large cities. D) That motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation. 'Ride to Work Day' can change public attitudes about motorcycling in ways that will benefit all enthusiasts. Your participation is important. Please tell your friends. Thanks for riding to work! (signed Andy) Andy Goldfine Maybe this will answer some questions. Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 09:45:59 -0700 From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Ride to Work Day At 08:16 AM 7/16/98, Robert Kaub wrote: >The following is the full text of the enclosure I received with my >Aerostich catalog several weeks ago: >"Dear Rider, > >A seventh annual, nationwide 'Ride to Work Day' will take place on >Wednesday, July 15 of this year. Please ride your motorcycle to work on >this day to demonstrate: > A) The number of motorcyclists to the general public and to politicians. > B) That motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life. > C) That motorcyclists can reduce traffic congestion in large cities. > D) That motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation. >'Ride to Work Day' can change public attitudes about motorcycling in ways >that will benefit all enthusiasts. Your participation is important. >Please tell your friends. > >Thanks for riding to work! Until I get my van fixed, *every* day is ride to work day, rain or shine. :) - -Tom is not complaining. '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 10:22:07 From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) Helmet Has anyone had any experience with the ARAI DS/r dual sport, full face helmet? Thanks. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 08:46:56 -0600 From: Kurt Simpson Subject: (klr650) Mendez...I found your bike... Mendez, I found your bike. It is in Salt Lake City. How can I help? > 91 KAWASAKI KLR, showroom cond. 1,000 mi. $2,500/obo. > 801-553-1001 Kurt A12 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 10:57:57 EDT From: Subject: (klr650) KLR/BMW We all need to remember Its not what you ride, its HOW you ride. Gary Bettes ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 08:18:37 -0700 (PDT) From: Rex Hefferan Subject: (klr650) Ride to Work Day on your KLR vs BMW Bob, Gino, Rob, Tom, Ron, et al; Darn, I rode my MTB to work that day. But you can be sure that I didn't wave to any polluting, trail destroying, lazy-boy motorcyclists on the way! Rex, '95 Fuji MTB ('93 KLR650 when in one of my other elitist modes) See my web page for the Oct. Get-together http://shell.rmi.net/~avbb/cos.htm == Rex (93 KLR650) For the Colorado Springs Get-together info see http://shell.rmi.net/~avbb/cos.htm (please remember to reload/refresh the page) _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 11:54:39 -0400 From: Famille Deslauriers Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #140 klr650-digest wrote: > > klr650-digest Wednesday, July 15 1998 Volume 01 : Number 140 > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 21:58:15 EDT > From: > Subject: (klr650) Ride Your Bike Day (or give peas a chance) > > on 7/15/98, rkaub@binghamton.edu wrote: > > >To promote positive awareness of folks who ride bikes and all that. > > Thanks Bob. I didn't realize that was today. After I read your post > this morn, I put my Dariens over my wool suit and tie and headed > off for a fun time at the office via the LA freeways. Even with the > 90F+ heat, I found the grace to be magnanimous and actually waved > at a BMW rider along the way. That was my good deed for the day. > Now the truce is over......of course you know this means war! > > HOOWEEE....from a bar room joke to a bar room brawl. This list is the > greatest. For a bunch a biker....er....excuse me..motorcyclists, I thought > it was a bit too civil here. Fight on. No more of this mamby pamby > nice nice stuff. Show that open road spirit and let your 2 wheeled > brothers and sisters know exactly where you stand. > > CA Ron (stirrin' peas into mixed vegetables) > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:12:00 -0400 > From: Leon Droby > Subject: (klr650) Possible KLR Purchase > > I'm thinking of getting a KLR 650 but have two questions that I can't seem > to find the answer to. > > 1. Are there any differences between model years? Should some models be > avoided? > > 2. What is the difference between a KLR and a KLX? Why would I want one > or the other? > > Thanks, > Leon Droby > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 19:34:29 -0700 > From: West Hovland > Subject: Re: (klr650) Solid Foam Tube > > Cloudhid@aol.com wrote: > > > > Has anyone ever used those tube replacement inserts that I > > > see in the Chaparral Catalog? > > > they will NEVER go flat > > > and would last FOREVER. > > . Says it hold a steady > > 13psi feel. Perfect for the dirt, but if it's the same as running > > a tube at 13#, seems like it would wear the tire out pretty fast > > on the highway. Anyone else try these on motorcycle? > > > > CA Ron (hmmm.........$95 = 5 HD tubes..........but no leaks) > > Hey folks, > > What about heat build up on the road...a solid foam tire at 13 psi is > going to create alot heat and probably not do a very good job of > dissapating it! I'll bet they don't reccomend them for the street > > West > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:36:25 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR / BMW bashing > > BAVO ZULU!, Well done and said Tom. > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:13:30 -0400 > From: "Eric Jasniewicz" > Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #139 > > Umm, I'm new here, but, uh, can y'all drop this BMW/KLR battle topic please? > > Thank you... > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:49:38 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) Pocket sidestand. > > In a message dated 98-07-15 18:26:10 EDT, alex319@IDT.NET writes: > > << It sells for $34. It is telescopic and goes from 9" to 17.5". I'm wondering > if there is > interest, we can make a 17" prop out of tubular stainless and be able to do > front and rear tire > field repairs for half the price. Any comments?? > >> > > It's called the Quick Jack Side Stand by Motion Pro. I'm testing one for the > next issue of K650DSN. It's a great piece of equipment for those who do not > want the weight of a center stand, but you need to practice with it before you > leave on your journey. Well made and durable. > > Gino > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:52:35 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) WOW! > > That's probably how the Orange Order feels as well. Why get so worked up over > a silly remark or parade. If you didn't want a reaction you shouldn't have > made inflammatory remarks to ally yourself to the anti-BMW folks. > > v/r, > J. Macquarrie > > P.S. > Ever see any Japanese imports retain their resale value like a BMW? > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:55:21 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs BMW > > Check out a guy called Florida Frank's web page he's taken a KLR all over the > world and had much better luck with his than I have with mine. > > J. Macquarrie > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 19:58:04 -0700 > From: Scott Eldredge > Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #139 > > Referring to rejetting, mentioned in several posts. Is this the Dynojet kit, > just changing needle, using KLX parts, or what. > > Does the K&N change affect performance without a jetting or exhaust change? > (other than possibly cleaning better). > > I've found the spring and SS brake line mods to be as good as indicated. 55/100W > bulb is nice too. Will see if I can point beam to get away with an 80/100 I > found in the basement. > > And why are the digests so repetetive? Each one includes much of the previous. > > Scott Eldredge > 98 KLR > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:58:13 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) Possible KLR Purchase > > on 7/15/98, ldroby@ma.ultranet.com wrote: > >I'm thinking of getting a KLR 650 but have two questions > >that I can't seem to find the answer to. > > > >1. Are there any differences between model years? > >Should some models be avoided? > >2. What is the difference between a KLR and a KLX? > >Why would I want one or the other? > > Welcome Leon. Don't mind our little family squabble. It's the > heat is all. The klr650 spans the model years '87 thru '99. > They're going for anywhere from $4500(US) for the new one > to, "I'll pay you to haul it away" used junkers. There were > modest tweaks done over the years. Starting with the '96 model > (designated A10 for the 10th year of production), the bikes > lost the ability to accept a kick start kit, but gained a stronger > clutch assembly, beefier balancer, a new 'greenish blue' paint job, > and some other minor enhancements. Any year klr is good though. > > The klx is the more dirt worthy sibling over the klr. > The klx has a perimeter frame (the klr has a semi-double cradle), > a longer wheel base, bigger better forks, and longer wheel travel > front and rear. The klx has half the fuel capacity of the klr. The klr > has a wider, more comfortable seat than the klx. The klx when new > was always a few hundred dollars more than the klr. The klx was > made from '93 to '96. That means that a late model klx with low > miles can now be had for less than a new klr. > > I'd personally be happy with either bike, or even the klr650 Tengai > that was only sold for one year, or the klr600 that also only lasted > a year here. But then again I'd ride a moped if that was all I could > get my hands on:-) > > CA Ron (spinnin' out of control) > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:06:44 -0500 > From: Chadd Thompson > Subject: Re: (klr650) WOW! > > At 09:11 PM 7/15/98 -0400, Robert frey wrote: > >It never ceases to amaze me how people get so worked up over ANYTHING! This > >BMW thing was meant to show how hostile people can become over little > >things! > > > > Robert, > > I am not a BMW owner but I have friends that are. We all seem to get > along just fine and don't have any arguments over BMW vs KLR vs anything. > Everyone has the right to ride what they want, where they want, when they > want. I can't argue the fact the my friends F650 is made of better quality > than my KLR but then again he paid for the extra "quality" I didn't. We have > done allot of riding together on and off road and there is not a huge > difference in performance between the two bikes. I am usually a little more > willing to get off on tight twisty trails than he is but that is mainly > because he doesn't want to risk the chance of tearing up expensive parts and > I can't blame him I would be the same way. Anyway he has never been able to > go anywhere I can't go and I have never been anywhere he can't go. > > If you make such broad statements and what I consider insults about > peoples pride and joys you are going to catch allot of flak over it. I do > not own a BMW because it is not for me maybe someone else is not a KLR > person. But I don't flame and attack them because they own different bikes > than I do. I have been to several BMW Rallies and have never been treated > any way but nice by fellow riders be it BMW or other owners and have never > heard one of the say "well o'yeah your KLR can't do this or that". There are > always people interested in my KLR as I am interested in their Beemers. > > So in other words Be nice :O) > > Thanks > Chadd Thompson > chadd@accessus.net > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:02:51 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs BMW > > on 7/15/98, MacGhuairi@aol.com wrote: > >Check out a guy called Florida Frank's web page he's taken a KLR all over the > >world and had much better luck with his than I have with mine. > >J. Macquarrie > > Here's the url. > > http://home.att.net/~flafrank/ > Frank's Home Page > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:01:43 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR vs BMW > > Sent my reply before I read yours. Soon as the finanical end of things > changes a BMW P/D will occupy my garage for the reasons you mentioned. > > v/r > J. Macquarrie > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:05:35 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) Oooops > > I promise I will never make a post like the one that caused the BMW bashing > again...well, I'll try... maybe. It was just so weird to hear Rick fret about > how he was being told his KLR wouldn't make it on the trip. If they were > hazing him, someone forgot to tell him. He was really worked up. So I > thought I would interesting banter for the list. Bashing other people's rides > is not cool, though. So I apologize for that original post. > > Gino > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:04:04 -0000 > From: "Mr. Mendez" > Subject: (klr650) Virus alert...... > > If you receive an e-mail titled "WIN A HOLIDAY" do not open it, it > will erase everything on your hard drive. Forward this letter out to as > many people as you can. This is a new, very malicious virus and not > many people know about it. This information was announced yesterday > morning from Microsoft, please share it with everyone that might access > the Internet. > Once again, pass this along to EVERYONE in your address book so > that this may be stopped. Also, do not open or even look at any mail > that says "RETUNED OR UNABLE TO DELIVER" this virus will attach itself > to your computer components and render them useless. Immediately delete > any mail items that say this. AOL has said that this is a very > dangerous virus and that there is NO remedy for it at this time. > Please practice precautionary measures and forward this to all your > on-line friends. > > Kimberly J. Griggs > Accounting Manager > Gateway Systems Corporation > 4660 S. Hagadorn, Suite 110 > East Lansing, MI > > ttfn > :-) > urfriend > Teacher Woody > - --------- End forwarded message ---------- > > ______________________________________________________ > Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:09:38 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) Gas Tank > > In a message dated 98-07-15 09:08:21 EDT, you write: > > << > Okay, so I have a KLR650 with a LARGE gas tank. What use is it if I > never fill more than 4 1/2 gallons when just switched to reserve? Am I > carrying 3/4 of a gallon around I never get to use, probably going stale, > adding weight without benefit, etc. Any solutions to my "non-problem?" > -Ves > >> > > I've got an A1, and it runs out of fuel at about 165 miles. I have to tip it > over on the left side to get it going again after flipping to reserve, and > when I fill it up, it takes 3.3 gallons. I KNOW the bike is supposed to hold > about 6 gallons. > > Then I remember back to when I bought this thing (well) used (up). The > petcock leaked, so I took off the tank and rebuilt the petcock. While it was > off, I noticed some crap in the tank, and turned the tank over and shook it. > I got a big hunk of epoxy/foam/crap out of the tank in the shape of the bottom > rear of the tank. > > Apparently the tank leaked at one time in it's life, and the solution that > some genius thought up was to fill the bottom up with some stuff that plugged > it. > > Ahhh, well. Doom on me. So, does anyone have any experience with the > aftermarket plastic gas tanks? > > I've already read the counterbalancer posts, and I must admit that this bike > isn't nearly as smooth as the '92 I owned a few years ago. Adjusting the > balancer chain had little to no effect. > > talk to you all soon, Dennis in Aurora '87KLR 650 A1, The Flat Black Urban > Assault Vehicle > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:15:47 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) Virus alert......Hoax > > On 7/15/98, emeveray@caribe.net wrote: snip > > >If you receive an e-mail titled "WIN A HOLIDAY" do not open it.. > > This is just the kind of sophomoric hoax I would pull. > A pox upon the perpetrator! How many times can the > same spoof make the rounds? > > ca ron > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:16:19 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) Hav'n a chain prob. > > Boy, half an inch sounds awful tight, especially with the long run it has on a > KLR. You probably hit a tight spot in the chain, and it stops as you rotate > it. You are supposed to (if you didn't ) find the tightest spot in the chain > before you adjust it. > > On the other end of the spectrum, I neglected my LAST chain for so long that > it finally skipped off the front sprocket, bunched up and piled up against the > engine case, wiping out all of the wires coming out of the magneto/generator. > Instantly, no lights, no ignition. Doom on me. On the bright side, it didn't > break the cases. > > Dennis In Aurora '87 KLR 650 A1 The Flat Black Urban Assault Vehicle > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 21:18:56 -0500 > From: "John Bennett" > Subject: (klr650) We need a clutch refurbish guide !! > > Kurt Simpson wrote: > >Eldon Carl ...believes that nearly all pre-1996 KLR650's > > will have broken clutch basket springs by 25,000 miles. > > I'd like to attempt a clutch refurbish, but I'm afraid that it might > be > beyond my using only the service manuals. > > Please Eldon Carl give us a guide on how to re-do the KLR clutch !!!! > > If you write it up, I volunteer take pictures as I do my clutch, then > HTMLize the whole thing mail it to Kurt to put on the web page. > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 21:52:11 -0500 > From: "John Bennett" > Subject: (klr650) The BMW-GS mystique > > Gino wrote: > > >So, I get this message that a fellow named > > Rick is desperate to talk to me about KLR's. > > I call him up and he is somewhat frantic. > > Gino, gang, I'm still fretting over a GS and I appreciate all the GS > vs. KLR comments that I got from you guys. > > I want to own "fine German engineering". I wan resale value. I want > return on my investment when I add accessories. I want to brag to my > friends about my "work of art". I want to cruise I-35 at autobahn > speeds. I admit that I even want some modicum of respect from my > friends who ride Harley's. > > However, the more I read the GS mailing list, the less I want one. On > that list I keep seeing people talk about all these warranty fixes. I > keep hearing about diode problems and drive shaft rebuilds on the > airheads. I hear about surging, frame breaks, broken cables, and $900 > broken spokes > on the oilhead GS's. > > It's very frustrating because I want the myth, but I have no > faith. > > John Bennett > http://www.lcc.net/~jbennett > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:53:49 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) We need a clutch refurbish guide !! > > In a message dated 98-07-15 23:22:16 EDT, jbennett@lcc.net writes: > > << Please Eldon Carl give us a guide on how to re-do the KLR clutch !!!! > > If you write it up, I volunteer take pictures as I do my clutch, then > HTMLize the whole thing mail it to Kurt to put on the web page. > >> > > I'll talk with Eldon and see what we can come up with. > > Gino > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 23:59:23 EDT > From: > Subject: Re: (klr650) The BMW-GS mystique > > In a message dated 98-07-15 23:22:31 EDT, jbennett@lcc.net writes: > > << It's very frustrating because I want the myth, but I have no > faith. >> > > John, > > You need to go out an buy one like I did. BMW's and all bikes for that matter > are like Scotch Whiskey. You like it or don't. So take the plunge and buy > one, who knows it may be the bike of your dreams. Beemers simply weren't for > me, but that's not to say that they won't work for you. > > Gino > > ------------------------------ > > End of klr650-digest V1 #140 > **************************** The person you are sending this mail to does not live here anymore, please stop. Thank you. ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V1 #141 ****************************