From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V1 #486 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 Tuesday, January 26 1999 Volume 01 : Number 486 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 01:56:22 -0500 From: "Brian Schoonveld" Subject: (klr650) "luggage" I found a very low cost source for some luggage the other day............at the local Army Navy store. They had all sorts and sizes of new, black, heavy material packs, duffle bags, and cloth tool boxes. I got a closable pack, just about the size of the KLR rack , a mechanics cloth tool box, and 4 ready made 4ft adjustable web straps with quick connects, all for about $28. Should be able to get alot of stuff in the 2 of them! Got to spend my $'s on KLR upgrades first, so these will do for awhile. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 22:49:42 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: KLR/KLX Cooling Off Cloudhid@aol.com wrote: [...] > some interest of a fellow in Australia who tapped into the > radiator to run it through the handlebars for heat in the winter. That wasn't one of my whacky ideas, was it? Mister_T and the B1 Bomber ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 07:47:48 -0500 From: "Peter Dahlheimer, MD" Subject: (klr650) luggage options sorry for those who've read this already, but i thought i'd once again add my $.02 regarding the luggage options. i use a Rubbermaid Action Packer bolted to the luggage rack. It holds tons and costs $7. Absolutely waterproof (took a 3500 mile trip with some nasty weather using it, bone dry), locks AND recently the bike fell against a tree while parked on a hill and bent it up, and the damage could simply be banged out. the thing re-assumed it's original shape. btw, Ortleib Dry Bags are AWESOME. hold alot and 1000% waterproof. _pete 97 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1999 00:05:33 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Chain Questions Michael wrote: [...] > Can I break a link in the chain easily to remove it, and, is there > another type of chain lube that does not nearly mess everything up > around it? If it's an endless style chain, then removal is not real easy but possible. The end of a link must be ground off somehow and then disengaged from the adjoining link. This is why I like "masterlinked" chains, although I rarely if ever need to remove the chain for maintenance, replacement is much simpler. Some people have concerns about the durability or strength of the masterlink, but I've had no problems. Not much you can do about chain gunk. Depending on your riding conditions, perhaps Maxima Chain Wax might be useful, because it stays comparitively dry. In dry, dusty or sandy conditions, you might be better off with no chain lube at all. Mister_T ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 05:36:54 PST From: "Juan Villarreal" Subject: (klr650) Prospective Buyer Help ... "Now, I'd appreciate it if you would tell me the stuff that is BAD about the KLR." Do I hafta? It's a big, heavy, machine with a high center of gravity. Very unforgiving at really slow speeds (parking lot manuevering, etc.). The stock front end is mashed potatoes, both in terms of suspension and brakes. I went with the Progressive fork springs and Dunlopad brake pads. The brake line mod will have to wait until I return to the States next summer. Though I rarely use them, the rear brakes aren't much to right home about either. The stock mirrors vibrate at 40 mph+. I bought a pair of XR650 mirrors as replacements. Much better. The sidestand kill switch gives a lot of people headaches. Fortunately it's easily disabled. Did I mention it's heavy? Electrical system must be handled with care when it comes to mods and additions. The plastic stock "bash plate" is a joke... It might as well be a paper plate. On my '97 I've noticed a significant gap between 1st and 2nd gear. Too often I get "lost" in neutral, winding up the RPM and looking like a tourist when pulling out of an intersection (anybody else have this problem?). Some folks have complained about front end quirkiness at speeds in excess of 65 mph. I personally haven't noticed it, but I'll be the first to say that I still consider myself to be a relatively inexperienced rider and may just not have the feel to notice it. It should also be remembered that we're talking about dual-sports here (spare me the counter-arguments okay? Only my opinion...). Oh yeah, that high CG can be a killer... "I want the bike so I can ride it as a "triple-purpose" machine: 1) Local street commuting (my main transportation); 2) Long back-road secondary highway touring; 3) Dirt road and moderate off-road use. Thanks! Norman M. Jacobowitz" Even with the above having been said, I think the KLR would more than fit the bill for the uses you've described above. Tim Bernard's side racks are a gimme if you're planning to use soft saddlebags. They make for good side protection even when you're not carrying anything (mine stay on all the time). I would consider use #2 to be the KLR's forte', with potholes and gravel serving to only make things more enjoyable. By the way, it laughs at the interstate too. I love this bike! This list is another thing to not be overlooked. All things being equal (or maybe even not), I could easily see it being a swing factor. Hope this helps. Good luck! Juan Villarreal, '97 KLR "The Happy Hooligan" ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 09:32:40 -0700 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) New buyer... I've heard all the good stuff about them. Now, I'd appreciate it if you >would tell me the stuff that is BAD about the KLR. > >I want the bike so I can ride it as a "triple-purpose" machine: > >1) Local street commuting (my main transportation); >2) Long back-road secondary highway touring; >3) Dirt road and moderate off-road use. The bike is far from perfect but considering it comes with the large tank that other competitors lack and is nearly $3,000 cheaper than the F-650 it remains one of the best values in motorcycling. Juan has touched on many of the aspects of the bike that can and need to be improved. These are very low cost upgrades. I would start with the progressive springs and SS brakelines front and back. Then I would do the circuit/fuse breaker mod that you will be reading about in months to come. At a minimum I would trash the EPA stuff and drill the plug out of the pilot jet and back it out 21/2 turns (mine was 7/8 turn stock). The rest is entirely optional...The truth is it is a good bike. Again, Juan is right about it being unforgiving at low speeds. I've gotten better but at first I would say it was one of the more difficult bikes I've driven...very prone to Artie Johnson get offs. I think that would nearly go away if you put on lowering links. Depending on your inseam that might be in the first group. Kurt A12 OB BTW, write me off-list with info on your XT-225... ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 10:09:41 -0700 From: "Tim Bernard" Subject: Re: (klr650) "luggage" I shop A Wal-Mart - -----Original Message----- From: Brian Schoonveld To: KLR List'rs Date: Monday, January 25, 1999 11:51 PM Subject: (klr650) "luggage" >I found a very low cost source for some luggage the other >day............at the local Army Navy store. They had all sorts and sizes >of new, black, heavy material packs, duffle bags, and cloth tool boxes. I >got a closable pack, just about the size of the KLR rack , a mechanics cloth >tool box, and 4 ready made 4ft adjustable web straps with quick connects, >all for about $28. Should be able to get alot of stuff in the 2 of them! >Got to spend my $'s on KLR upgrades first, so these will do for awhile. > > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 10:12:59 -0700 From: "Tim Bernard" Subject: Re: (klr650) Radiator Guard, Hi As we speakk the radiator guard is is being welded. In conjuction with highway pegs it will protect a lot. Need help figuring out my scanner to send pictures out. Functionally comuter illiterate & looking for a 12 step program Happy Trails - -----Original Message----- From: Chalz Milliken To: 'KLR650' Date: Monday, January 25, 1999 9:13 AM Subject: (klr650) Radiator Guard, >Dave wrote; >>Does anyone have any ideas on protecting /strengthening the radiator? >Thanks. > >I remember Tim Bernard saying he might have something for that my the >20th... How's it going Tim? I have been really thinking about this >problem myself and have a few ideas. I think a bar could be bolted to >the same three spots the radiator is. This would provied a U shaped bar >for side impact protection and an L shaped bar that would conect to the >U shaped bar for a foward smack protection. I wonder if I could be of >some help in the creation of this? I can weld, draw and scan in pictures >to try and help. > >Chalz, >A13 > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 10:28:43 -0700 From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: RE: (klr650) New buyer... These are some of the major problems with the KLR650 1. My wallet is still too fat after I bought it. 2. I have to ride it so much that my family life suffers. 3. It does everything so well, I have to bribe friends to ride my other bikes. 4. I might have to go to the Betty Ford clinic for KLR650 addictions. 5. I don't get to visit the gas station nearly enough, thus I'm missing out on my jelly doughnut fix which is very traumatic. Gino ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 09:45:40 -0800 From: Norm J Subject: Re: (klr650) New buyer... "Pokluda, Gino F" wrote: > > These are some of the major problems with the KLR650 > > 1. My wallet is still too fat after I bought it. > 2. I have to ride it so much that my family life suffers. > 3. It does everything so well, I have to bribe friends to ride my other > bikes. > 4. I might have to go to the Betty Ford clinic for KLR650 addictions. > 5. I don't get to visit the gas station nearly enough, thus I'm missing out > on my jelly doughnut fix which is very traumatic. > > Gino I'm getting mixed signals here, Gino. I mean, are you saying you LIKE the bike, or are you genuinely tramatized by the aforementioned inadequacies? ;-) So far, the biggest con mentioned to me is the poor low speed handling due to the high CG. My little yam 225 weighs next to nothing and can be slung around easily (so easily, I keep it chained up lest two grown men decide to pick it up and put it in the back of their truck.) I'll probably end up getting one. Norm - -- ========================================================================= Norman M. Jacobowitz mailto:normj@aa.net ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 09:47:26 -0800 From: Norm J Subject: (klr650) Thanks, folks! (was New Buyer ...) Hi, Thanks for your candid replies to my request for new buyer help. Norm - -- ========================================================================= Norman M. Jacobowitz mailto:normj@aa.net ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 12:58:50 -0500 From: mjv2@psu.edu (Mark) Subject: Re: (klr650) New buyer... I'd keep the XT for that reason. The XT225 is great for riding on trails that even a goat would avoid, yet it still has enough power to haul a fat boy on a paved road. Mark '90 KLR650 '81 XT250 > >So far, the biggest con mentioned to me is the poor low speed handling >due to the high CG. My little yam 225 weighs next to nothing and can be >slung around easily (so easily, I keep it chained up lest two grown men >decide to pick it up and put it in the back of their truck.) > >I'll probably end up getting one. > >Norm > > >-- >========================================================================= >Norman M. Jacobowitz >mailto:normj@aa.net ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 13:43:22 -0500 From: "Michael" Subject: (klr650) Chain/Sprocket Combinations Guys: Thanks so far with the advice about my chain lubrication woes. I'm now thinking about swapping out the chain and sprockets for new ones, almost certainly going for a set-up to drop my rpm's on the highway a bit. Can anyone recommend a specific set-up (number of teeth on both sprockets)/manufacturer/retail source/etc...? Again, any advice is very much appreciated. Thanks! Mike Magnatta ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 11:48:28 -0700 From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) Chain/Sprocket Combinations Mike, I would recommend the 16T front sprocket with the 43T rear. I sell the 16T for $17.40 The rest of my chain/sprocket prices are on my KLR part list on my web page. Fred Hink ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Arrowhead Motorsports http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/index.html *NEW* 435-259-7356 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ - -----Original Message----- From: Michael To: KLR650@lists.xmission.com Date: Tuesday, January 26, 1999 4:47 AM Subject: (klr650) Chain/Sprocket Combinations >Guys: > >Thanks so far with the advice about my chain lubrication woes. I'm now >thinking about swapping out the chain and sprockets for new ones, almost >certainly going for a set-up to drop my rpm's on the highway a bit. > >Can anyone recommend a specific set-up (number of teeth on both >sprockets)/manufacturer/retail source/etc...? Again, any advice is very >much appreciated. Thanks! > >Mike Magnatta > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 13:54:02 -0500 From: Cameron Cole Subject: RE: (klr650) Prospective Buyer Help ... The KLR choice is simple... If you want a bike to do light dirt work (medium if you are very capable), great gravel, excellent road work, and reasonable cruising the KLR should be on your very short list. If you want a bike to do heavy dirt, wheelie popping, road carving, or day long cruising you have the wrong bike. The KLR is NOT for the following people: 1 - People who don't feel comfortable unless both wheels are off the ground. 2 - People who can't imagine what it is like to be moving with more that one wheel on the ground. 3 - People who want to go from stoplight to stoplight in a blitz. 4 - People who think driving from New York to Florida in a single sitting is fun. 5 - Last but not least, people who think a motorcycle is something to hang chrome on. The KLR IS for the following people: 1 - People who want a good bike for a great price. 2 - People who think riding a motorcycle is more fun than looking good on one. 3 - People who view their motorcycle as utility rather than solely a luxury. 4 - People who think "Road ends here" sounds like fun. 5 - And of course, people who only have room for one motorcycle. The KLR is not a powerful bike and it is not a fast bike, but it is a fun, affordable, and dependable. I would recommend it to anyone except short and extreme people. IMHO, C. - -----Original Message----- From: Norm J [mailto:normj@aa.net] Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 1999 12:51 AM To: KLR 650 list Subject: (klr650) Prospective Buyer Help ... Hi, Might be about to buy a new or a newer-used KLR 650. I've heard all the good stuff about them. Now, I'd appreciate it if you would tell me the stuff that is BAD about the KLR. I want the bike so I can ride it as a "triple-purpose" machine: 1) Local street commuting (my main transportation); 2) Long back-road secondary highway touring; 3) Dirt road and moderate off-road use. Here are the mods that I hear are generally applied: - -- steel braided brake cable; - -- k&n filter, jet kit, supertrap exhaust; - -- center stand. What else do you recommend as early enhancements? Finally, what is a reasonable price to pay for a New, Newer-Used or older but very low miles model? Thanks! (Currently on a Yam XT 225, soon to be for sale if you are in/near Seattle) - -- ========================================================================= Norman M. Jacobowitz mailto:normj@aa.net ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V1 #486 ****************************