From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V2 #1028 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Sunday, October 17 1999 Volume 02 : Number 1028 (klr650) Shoei RF800 for sale (klr650) Lights off/Lights on (klr650) Final Kall Troy Meadows Ride -Cal Posse Re: (klr650)Wobble Re: (klr650) Lights off/Lights on (klr650) 6000 mi service horror Re: (klr650) KLR wins over GS Re: (klr650) 6000 mi service horror Re: (klr650)Wobble RE: (klr650) NKLR Street Helmet and liners Re: (klr650) Lights off/Lights on (klr650) NKLR- Goin' for it... (klr650) La KLR Re: (klr650) La KLR (klr650) RE: 6000 mi horror ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 17:46:53 -0400 From: "Eric Jasniewicz" Subject: (klr650) Shoei RF800 for sale Folks, sorry if I already sent this to any of you. I'm selling my RF800, solid bright red, size large, less than 6 months old, no damage. $150 would make me happy, and I will consider all offers. Eric J www.angelfire.com/ga/ericjazz KLR page '98 KLR 650 20,000 miles Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 20:17:07 -0400 From: Patrick Sprague Subject: (klr650) Lights off/Lights on Got a couple lighting questions for the list. I'd like to intsall a toggle or other switch to turn the headlight off while riding at lower speeds, off and fireroads to conserve the battery (while I keep warm with the vest :^) Does anyone know of a purpose made switch for this? Has anyone installed the Motolights on the KLR650? Are they susceptible to damage in a tip-over? Thanks in advance, Pat Rileyville, VA 94 ZG1000 COG 1887 75 R90/6 ABC 1619 88 R100GS BMWMOA 71601 76 GL1000 JAWA CWC 295, USCA 5846 99 KLR 650 FSSNOC 3610 AMA LIFE 582933 MSF INSTR 46593 Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 17:18:42 -0700 From: Tobin Lampson Subject: (klr650) Final Kall Troy Meadows Ride -Cal Posse The Kennedy Meadows Cal Posse expedition departs both Thursday and Friday of this week.......to return Sunday. There have been some meeting and routing changes to this ride so if you wish to come along please contact myself or one of the CC addressees herein. YYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAWWWWWWW!!!!! The Kaws are outta the Barn!!! Toby -Posse Staff Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 17:03:18 -0700 From: Tom Myers Subject: Re: (klr650)Wobble > I've started to notice a similar oscillating wobble to my front end at >highway speeds on my A14 with 3,000 miles on it. The first idea that came to >my mind was that something in the front end steering/bearings/forks/etc. has >loosened up slightly from use. Anyone else know about this phenomenon and >it's cause/correction? I agree, it is disconcerting at 80 mph with hurtling >masses of thousands of pounds of metal around you. Sometimes a steering wobble can be from an "overtightened" steering head bearing. Steering friction causes you to overcorrect because you can't do your normal minute adjustments. Another possibility is a rusted steeringhead bearing that has 'rumble' in it. If you had 43,000 miles instead of 3,000 I'd suggest that your bearings are shot, with little divits brinnelled in the straight-ahead position. This condition is very hard to detect in the shop because when you lift the front wheel off the floor, the bearing is running on the non-loaded un-worn surfaces, and it feels smooth. Look for other sources of friction such as improperly routed cables. Good luck (sorry if this is rehashed - I haven't been following the previous long-running wobble thread) Tom +------------------------------------+ | CycoActive Products tel (206) 323-2349 | 701 34th Ave fax (206) 325-6016 | Seattle, WA 98122 USA | webpage: http://www.cycoactive.com | e-mail: TomMyers@cycoactive.com +------------------------------------+ Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 17:32:16 -0700 From: Tom Myers Subject: Re: (klr650) Lights off/Lights on Here's a hack-method.....no wiring, no tools, no extra switch. If you turn the three-prong headlight plug "upside-down" then you'll only have Hi-beam (too bad it's not the other way around...). Thus low-beam becomes "off" and you can charge your battery. Then if you pop out onto a road, you can turn the headlight on to satisfy the law. Tom ============ >Got a couple lighting questions for the list. > >I'd like to intsall a toggle or other switch to turn the headlight off >while riding at lower speeds, off and fireroads to conserve the battery >(while I keep warm with the vest :^) Does anyone know of a purpose made >switch for this? > >Has anyone installed the Motolights on the KLR650? Are they susceptible to >damage in a tip-over? > >Thanks in advance, > > > > >Pat Rileyville, VA > >94 ZG1000 COG 1887 >75 R90/6 ABC 1619 >88 R100GS BMWMOA 71601 >76 GL1000 JAWA CWC 295, USCA 5846 >99 KLR 650 FSSNOC 3610 > >AMA LIFE 582933 MSF INSTR 46593 > > > > > > >Visit the KLR650 archives at >http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 >Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net >for info. +------------------------------------+ | CycoActive Products tel (206) 323-2349 | 701 34th Ave fax (206) 325-6016 | Seattle, WA 98122 USA | webpage: http://www.cycoactive.com | e-mail: TomMyers@cycoactive.com +------------------------------------+ Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 17:43:56 -0700 From: Michael Wehner Subject: (klr650) 6000 mi service horror Well, I just finished up getting my bike through it's 6000 mile service at the dealers. (The valve repair (all 4 were trashed) ended up being covered by warrantee, if some of you recall my initial troubles). So, today I took the bike out for a 100 mile spin. Along the way, it seemed to start running rough and backfiring very slightly when engine braking on slowdowns and downhills. Also, seemed like the choke wasn't working after I stopped at the Rock Store off Mulhulland, but I got it started. Idle was rough and erratic. Well, I got home and my mechanic neighbor heard me arriving and came on over. He immediately thought that I was sucking air somewhere. He quickly spotted that the clutch was disconnected down at the engine end, and one of the hoses was off at the fuel valve cock area! I finger tightened the clutch so at least it works now. Idle improved immediately. Tomorrow I'm bringing it back to the dealer and have them make SURE that everything is tight. I will try to hang with them till it is done. Hopefully, this will be the end of the problem....this time. Two questions: How often people find problems like this with dealers? Sounds like a lot of you have had bad service with your dealers. Second question: Is there a good way to make this 2 left-handed, 10 thumbs aerospace engineer/physicist into a decent mechanic? I want to know just from hearing that I'm 'sucking air somewhere'. Are local college courses reasonable? Suggestions? Michael (hoping he can make the Cal Posse ride) Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 20:59:37 EDT From: Smi5o@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR wins over GS Hey Neil- Was that the Manhattan BMW on West St.? I was thinking of going over there to look at their wares, but I was afraid of being snivelled at when they found out I had (and was happy with!) a KLR. Nice to know the way is clear. Steve A14 "The Mule" Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 21:14:25 -0400 From: Mark Subject: Re: (klr650) 6000 mi service horror >Second question: Is there a good way to make this 2 left-handed, 10 thumbs >aerospace engineer/physicist into a decent mechanic? I want to know just >from hearing that I'm 'sucking air somewhere'. Are local college courses >reasonable? Suggestions? > >Michael >(hoping he can make the Cal Posse ride) The thing that worked for me was encountering a major repair (internal engine failure) on my first SAAB when I was right out of college and unemployed. My car came with the factory service manual and I read it cover to cover a few times. I was able to fix the problem myself and got a lot of satisfaction from it. Neccessity turned me into a SAAB wrench and now I've branched into the wonderful world of the KLR. Mechanical repairs, science and cooking are all basically the same thing. Mark (Microbiologist turned motorhead) B2 A2 Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 19:23:00 -0600 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650)Wobble > I've started to notice a similar oscillating wobble to my front end at > highway speeds on my A14 with 3,000 miles on it. The first idea that came to > my mind was that something in the front end steering/bearings/forks/etc. has > loosened up slightly from use. Anyone else know about this phenomenon and > it's cause/correction? I agree, it is disconcerting at 80 mph with hurtling > masses of thousands of pounds of metal around you. this has been a real common thread...no one has the definitive answer but many of us are satisfied with our own. For me the key is tire pressure. I make sure that my front is about 32 lbs on the road. I air down to 15 off road. I also run my forks up 1/2 " in the triple clamps. No wobble to speak of.... Kurt Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 21:26:02 -0400 From: Mark Subject: RE: (klr650) NKLR Street Helmet and liners My Bieffe B-8, although pretty cheap helmet (half that of my AGV) is Snell rated and has a removable, washable liner. The visor system on this helment kinda sucks though compared to the AGV. Otherwise I'm happy with it. Mark B2 A2 Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 19:53:12 -0700 From: "Paul Christenson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Lights off/Lights on > I'd like to intsall a toggle or other switch to turn the headlight off > while riding at lower speeds, off and fireroads to conserve the battery > (while I keep warm with the vest :^) Does anyone know of a purpose made > switch for this? The non-US/Cdn (I believe) models DO have an on/off switch right next to the Hi/Lo switch. Maybe you can get that piece from someone out of the country, or maybe have your dealer order it. Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 20:49:25 -0700 (PDT) From: Juan Villarreal Subject: (klr650) NKLR- Goin' for it... - --- Michael Wehner wrote: > Second question: Is there a good way to make > this 2 left-handed, 10 thumbs > aerospace engineer/physicist into a decent > mechanic? Michael- Sure there is. I too suffer from chronic mechanical insecurity, but a quick look at the other options- neglecting my bike, or entrusting it to a dealer- motivated me to take the plunge. I give all credit to the list for everything I've learned and accomplished thus far. These people can do everything but turn the wrench for you. Just be very explicit and specific about what it is you're needing help with. A lot of times people, in their eagerness to help, will dash off ambiguous, partial, or unclear replies to your inquiries. If that happens, then follow up and ask again. And don't hesitate to ask them to "dumb down" their jargon to a level we novices can understand. Remember- the objective is to learn and take care of your bike- pride and timidity should be checked at the door. Not that it matters, really... In no time at all you'll see that this is one of the nicest, most capable, and supportive group of people you'll ever have the pleasure of "meeting." Establish a dialog with one of the respondents, and let them become your personal "sponsor" until the job is done. It's worked for me- every time. Sooo... Where do you want to start? Juan Villarreal ===== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 23:34:54 -0400 From: "Mark Wilson" Subject: (klr650) La KLR I just ran across the France KLR650, and thought some of yall would be interested in seeing it. http://www.kawasaki-fr.com/ You might have to dig a little to find the KLR. But they have 2 colors to choose from, and different guages. It looks like their is no tach. But other than that, it looks good. I like the red. Mark Wilson http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/track/6419 http://www.angelfire.com/mo/motormark/index.html KLR-650 A-13 " Warthogg" Stone Mountain, Ga. Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 23:40:14 -0400 From: "Mark Wilson" Subject: Re: (klr650) La KLR WOW, check out the KLE500!! > I just ran across the France KLR650, and thought some of yall would be > interested in seeing it. > http://www.kawasaki-fr.com/ > You might have to dig a little to find the KLR. But they have 2 colors to > choose from, and different guages. It looks like their is no tach. But other > than that, it looks good. I like the red. > Mark Wilson > http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/track/6419 > http://www.angelfire.com/mo/motormark/index.html > KLR-650 A-13 " Warthogg" > Stone Mountain, Ga. > Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 21:02:38 -0700 From: Michael Wehner Subject: (klr650) RE: 6000 mi horror Juan, I've been following your set of questions with interest. Sounds like the replies have worked for you well. You are just about setup with a new bike from what I gather;) My problem is that I can follow directions well, but, due to not knowing some basics, I'm missing the obvious. Let me give you an analogy in the computer world....I was trying to explain to my Mother how to get to AOL mail....not a difficult task normally. But, she does not have the basic understanding of how windows work on the computer screen (like, how they hide behind each other). So, "click on the mailbox and then double click on the message" is Greek to her. (I am working on getting her computer literate...another story). So, what 'everyone' knows does not apply to her. A recent situation was my valve check. Check valves, they're OK. So, away we go. I had no idea that the timing chain could cause a problem (maybe hit on cover removal). Nowhere was this a warning in any of the material that I read, or that I saw reported on this E-mail list, that this was a fatal problem. I knew about items dropped into the engine through the holes (interesting set of adventures there, I hope that he got it out after all), so I plugged up every hole I could find. I know that this sounds stupid to those with mechanical experience. However, not all of us have it. I DO KNOW that I know how to reattach a hose or choke, something that my dealer apparently does not. I doubt that there is a solution to this other than painful learning. I too will use your method of openly asking for help at the next maintaince period....my warrantee will be expired by then:) Also, maybe the real-time chat will be up and running. Meanwhile, I hope that everyone continues to state the obvious.....dumb down the jargon for me! Thanks! Michael Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V2 #1028 *****************************