From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V1 #339 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 Sunday, November 1 1998 Volume 01 : Number 339 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 01 Nov 1998 14:19:44 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) I'm taking her apart! Fred Hink wrote: [...] > Speaking of holding pieces.. my first recommendation would be to get a bunch > of different size boxes. Storeing and labeling all the boxes will keep bits > and pieces from getting lost and then you will know where they go back on > the reassembly. Taking something apart is the easy part. Getting it back I'll add that ziplock sandwich bags can be useful to keep smaller cleaned bits in. A bit of masking tape and a marker can be used to label the bags. One thing I do when pulling things apart is to put the bolts/nuts back where they came from as soon as practical. This saves trying to figure out later exactly which bolt goes where, expecially when there are for example a bundle of cover bolts that are different lengths but the same thread. Mister_T ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Oct 1998 22:07:09 -0600 (CST) From: Carlos Yonan Gonzalez Subject: Re: (klr650) I'm taking her apart! Thanks to everyone for the advice I've gotten so far. I've already pulled the head without much of hitch. The combustion chamber area looks pretty unremarkable, just some carbon build up mostly on the left side of the piston, and on around the valve area. The cylinder walls look OK, and I can still see the honing marks, but there seems to be some glazing because I cant feel the texture of those marks. I assume this is for the most part normal. Tommorow it's the cylinders turn to come off. Carlos Milwaukee, WI ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Oct 1998 20:24:14 -0800 From: "Rob Clement" Subject: Re: (klr650) Reliability and Shifter? The KLR650 isn't externally fancy, but it's superbly solid and reliable in the engine and transmission. Plus, it performs as well or better than its air-cooled cousins, on the paved surfaces. It is priced low, but it isn't cheap. It's liquid-cooled, which is more expensive than air-cooling, and it allows for better durability and higher compression ratio, giving more power output for its displacement. The engine has virtually all its bearings either roller- or ball-type, rather than the cheaper solid insert type used by some of its competition. The gears are large, engineered conservatively, for long and reliable service. Where is the KLR "deficient"? They saved in using cheaper instrumentation, and wiring connectors and harnesses aren't the stoutest. They could have given us snail cam chain tension adjusters on the rear axle. And they could have given us a centerstand, and a brighter headlight. We could use 11 inches suspension travel instead of nine inches. Big deal. If we need these things, we can add them. This bike is rock-solid, and it doesn't have the non-reborable Nikasil or whatever coated cylinder that the DR has. I doubt the BMW would last any longer or put out more power per CC. We should get a grip, and quit whining. We're not going to find a much better (powerful, durable, reliable) bike at any price. The KLR650 is reasonable priced, engineered very well, and a tad cheaply built in places I can correct myself, if I need to. That's about the best kind of bike, my kind of bike! - -----Original Message----- From: Michael Kovaliv To: klr650 Date: Tuesday, October 27, 1998 12:16 PM Subject: (klr650) Reliability and Shifter? >First, I have to compliment all the members of the KLR list. This list >is an excellent resource for the KLR and it's great to see so many >people who are passionate about there bike, you don't see that >everywhere. This list alone is contributing greatly to my decision on >which bike to buy. I feel that even though I may not get the best >service from my dealer, this list could serve as an "Internet Dealer" >where I will get truthful answers and un-biased opinions. Thanks again. > >I know I am going to get blasted for even asking this, but here goes. >Is the KLR650 a "dated" bike and can I expect to have more problems than >the other two bikes I am looking at? (the Suzuki DR650SEX and the BMW >F650 Funduro) > >This is what I am debating in my head. The DR had a major update a >couple of years ago, and to me, that means new technology, more reliable >parts and from what I hear, a very smooth motor and gear box. The F650 >is also relatively new and is very smooth (I've ridden one) and >everything looks top notch. Not to mention that the dealer was very >impresive. A good friend of mine has an F650 ST and swears I could have >the bike for the rest of my life, if I wanted to. > >I'm very hot for the KLR but have to admit I'm a little worried about >buying one. It's not so much the money issue, it's more a technology >and reliability thing. I plan on doing alot of touring next year and >don't want to get stranded. The above "dated" question comes from the >fact that the KLR is basically the same as it was back in 87' right? >With a few minor changes in the 96 model. That say's to me that either >you don't need to change a good thing, or Kawasaki can't justify >spending any dollars on a bike that doesn't have much market share. > >From reading this list daily there are four things in particular about >the KLR that worry me. > >1. Engine - shift box, valves, leaking >2. Electrical system >3. Gas Tank - vacuum >4. Carburetor - temperamental > >1. Engine - The only KLR I have ever seen at a dealer in town was >leaking coolant on the show room floor! I've also read a few posts to >the list about leaking. Two mechanics I have talked to both said the >KLR engine make strange sounds. I have ridden two older (87-88) KLRs >that both had shifting problems. One I had to fight to get into second >gear, the other sounded like someone left a wrench in the gear box and >was also hard to shift. Valve sticking and clearance adjustments seem >very common. > >2. Electrical system - there are a lot of posts about cheap wire, >blown fuses and an over all under powered electrical system. The side >stand safety switch seems to act up as well. > >3. Gas Tank - Is a vacuum based fuel system a problem? > >4. Carburetor - I've read a lot of posts about the KLR just >quitting, about "carb icing" and blockages. The carb also seems one of >the main things people on the list adjust. > >Aside: (I've been watching alot of Speedvision lately and the dual-sport >segments always seem to have lots of guys on DRs? What's with that?) > >Bottom line, are these valid concerns? Are these problems the price I >will pay for buying the least expensive Dual-Sport? Or should I just >stop reading the list so much? People generally aren't going to post >"The KLR worked great today, just wanted to let everyone know!" > >Without these concerns, the KLR650 is my favorite of the three bikes. I >like the huge tank and long range, the overall size and ground >clearance, the tach and temp gage, and the style and color are just >killer. > >If anyone has any feedback or recommendations I would greatly appreciate >them. I love to ride and simply don't want to waste any time with my >bike in the shop. > >Also, I really want to test ride a newer KLR. My dealer doesn't stock >one and nobody I know owns one. Does anyone from Canada know how to >contact Kawasaki Canada, maybe they can point me in the direction of a >demo ride. If anyone is in the Detroit/Windsor area on a newer KLR I >would offer bed, breakfast and a fill-up in exchange for a test ride. > >Thanks, > >Michael Kovaliv >Windsor, Ontario > > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Oct 1998 21:42:12 -0800 From: "Robert Morgan" Subject: Re: (klr650) Reliability and Shifter? I once read where someone referred to the KLR as "The Swiss Army Knife" of motorcycles. That pretty much sums it up for me. Morgan (who would rather be riding than blowing his nose) Carlsbad,Ca. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 01 Nov 1998 09:07:04 -0500 From: Bill Haycock Subject: (klr650) Re: Bars Thanks Tony for the information on the Desert bars. I am looking at another set of bars from Renthal with the Renthal #664 bend - little narrower then the Desert bars and less height and rise, pull back about the same. I'm going to post some information on these two bars on the KLR Page soon - a comparison of the two. Thanks for your effort to let us know your expereinces with the Desert bar. It is my understanding that Fred will be stocking the Desert bar soon! Bill Tony wrote: > I think they will have less vibration, atleast this is what renthal claims, > as well does the Scott grips. > My new bars seem to be bent, obvously Im just use to the old bent ones. > They sit lower, but I think that I can live with it. Had a few gotch ya's > while putting them on. Things are ok now. The throttle cables touch the > faring window when I turn all the way to the left. No big deal, they just > touch. I had to do some adjusting of the throttle, brake, and mirror/switch > brackets to get it right. > The factory bars have a hole drilled in them for the left mirror bracket. I > had to file off the nipple from the bracked to get it to fit the bars. > Bottom line, they are better than the bent, fragile, factory bars. They > look better too. > TOny > > Bill wrote: > > > Tony wrote: > > > > > > Renthal desert/Vintage Handlebars are the way to go for your KLR. I > > > just ordered them in tanum, should look choice. These bars are way > > > stronger and are large enough in length and height to be suitable for > > > the KLR. > > > > > > Tony > > Tony, > > > > Do all the cables and wires fit the new bars okay? since they are a > > little wider I thought there might be a problem with them in that > > regard. > > > > do you find them to be comfortable for long road trips? I often spend a > > day or more traveling on my KLR and wonder how they feel after a few > > hours riding? any unusual arm or hand strain? > > > > Please reply to Fred also (in the "cc" header) > > > > Bill ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Nov 1998 08:34:02 -0700 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: Bars Bill, doesn't Eldon Carl use Jimmy Button Renthal's? I think they are the tallest desert bars Renthal makes...maybe include them in your write-up... Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Nov 1998 08:37:40 -0700 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) So.California Listers Get-together > Any make/model bikes are welcome. >> >> Redondo Ron > >I will be there. To help keep you honest if nothing else. > >Hiro A10 Thunderbolt >Malibu, California & >Kobe, Japan > > > OK...this is our chance. I have long suspected that Mr. Hiro is an international pseudonym for our cagey Southern Californian...now is the chance to seem them both in person. Course...they could pull a switch like Mrs. Doubtfire....I want witnesses....Let's face it Hiro is the gentleman that Redondo Ron always wanted to be... Kurt A12 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Nov 1998 11:04:11 -0500 From: "Robert frey" Subject: (klr650) ugly aluminum Help! How can I get the shine back into my aluminum swingarm and rims. They have a tarnished look to them, I think it was from the cleaning agent I've been using, a citrus based cleaner called "Purple". Help me get back my shine!(So I can Find the bike when its underwater in the swamp!) :-) Robert Florida USA 96 KTM RXC620 93 KLR650 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 01 Nov 1998 11:55:36 -0800 From: Mike Magier Subject: [none] Hey - I just had a thought while in the "reading room" in my house (where I get most of my inspiration) that I had to share with the list. I dunno, maybe pie-in-the-sky stuff, but here goes: You guys who have been so helpful sharing basic maintenance tips on the list have sometimes gone as far as to include digital pictures. VERY HELPFUL!! Now, what about the next big leap? For some of the trickier stuff (valves, carb basics, clutch disassembly) would you consider VIDEO!!! I for one would be happy to part with some of my hard-earned $$ to learn how to do some of the more advanced maintenance on my baby with a little less fear of the unknown. In an ideal world, we would all have big brothers or neighbors who are bike mechanics, so we could sort of "apprentice" with them. But, in the real world, I'm probably not going to be very happy taking off my valve cover if I haven't seen it done before. BUT, if I've seen the process on video, that's a whole different kettle of fish. There's a saying in medical school: "see one, do one, teach one". I think we all know from wrenching experience how true that is. Once you've seen something done, there's a great deal more confidence to try it. And, once you've done something successfully, there's a lot more confidence to explain it to others. Well, just had to put in my idea, and let it sink or float on its own. Anyone else willing to put up a little $ for some how-to's from our more esteemed listers? Mike Magier 98A12 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Nov 1998 14:10:42 -0700 (MST) From: Jeffrey P Moorbeck Subject: (klr650) Re: your mail, NKLR On Sun, 1 Nov 1998, Mike Magier wrote: > Hey - I just had a thought while in the "reading room" in my house (where I > get most of my inspiration) that I had to share with the list. I dunno, > maybe pie-in-the-sky stuff, but here goes: > > You guys who have been so helpful sharing basic maintenance tips on the list > have sometimes gone as far as to include digital pictures. VERY HELPFUL!! > Now, what about the next big leap? For some of the trickier stuff (valves, > carb basics, clutch disassembly) would you consider VIDEO!!! > Mike, Great idea, however producing video is pricey. I've been in the video business for over 10 years, presently working at a PBS station but spent over 6 years doing technical training and safety videos for companies like John Deere and Miller Brewing. Typical projects averaged around $10,000 for 5 to 10 minute programs. Yes, video prices are dropping but I'd still think for a decent usable program you're going to have to spend at least $5,000. And a word of warning, everytime a new client came in and got sticker shock, there reply would be something like, "Well my wife's nephew has a video camera, he can do it much cheaper." Everytime I saw the finished product it looked like someone's nephew did it (read awful and unuseable). Average prices for a videotape run $10 to $20 so you're going to need close to 500 people to make back the investment (using my seat of the pants numbers). I don't want to shoot down your idea just let you know some of the reality. Jeff Moorbeck '89 KLR 650 Tucson, AZ ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 01 Nov 1998 15:44:21 -0700 From: bruixot@rmi.net Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: (nklr650) Product review update : Helicopter driver gloves Update due to brainfade: that was supposed to be NOMEX, not spandex. sorry bruixot@rmi.net wrote: > At a recent visit to the PX at Fort Carson, I discovered an interesting glove > article with KLR highway ops in mind: summerweight gloves for military > helicopter drivers, for about $17.80. Leather palms, and a sort of tough spandex > back. Extremely nice fitting. > > Not everyone will be able to shop at Military Clothing Sales stores, but these > items may become available from commercial outlets before long. > > On the other hand (pun intended) it may be awhile before I can test them in > temperate climates: it's snowing here in Black Forest (Colorado) right now. > > dr robert ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 01 Nov 1998 15:54:38 -0700 From: bruixot@rmi.net Subject: (klr650) Re: KLR sex, lies, and videotape Mike Magier wrote:... sharing basic maintenance tips on the list have sometimes gone as far as to include digital pictures. VERY HELPFUL!! would you consider VIDEO......... ANS: What a coincidence. Last week I arranged with local dealer mechanic to do a video of 1000-mile service and valve check/adjustment on a 98 KLR650. I plan to use a Sony Hi8 video camera. If it turns out decently, I'll let y'all know. - -- dr robert ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V1 #339 ****************************