From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V2 #206 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Tuesday, March 30 1999 Volume 02 : Number 206 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 16:42:03 -0800 (PST) From: Juan Villarreal Subject: (klr650) Rear wheel friction Listers... Well I took everyone's advice and dropped the rear wheel to open up the brake pads. However after doing that and re-installing it I am still having a problem with it not wanting to spin freely. Chain tensioners and axle nut are still loose, chain looks okay, rear brake looks good, and a generous coating of bearing grease has been applied to the axle. Effort is required to spin it when everything's loose, and when I tighten the axle nut the wheel becomes absolutely immobile. This leads me to believe it could have something to do with the swingarms or the way the axle is threading through. Or could the wheel hub be doing something weird on me? Have any of you seen this problem before? Some tips please, as I'm wanting to tackle it again tomorrow... Thanks in advance, Juan Villarreal, '97 KLR "The Happy Hooligan" _________________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 16:47:55 -0800 (PST) From: Juan Villarreal Subject: (klr650) NKLR-Back from Baja > Baja was great. I got to ride on my first > official dirt road. :) *grin* > Even with a loaded up KLR after a fair bit of > riding already that day, > the dirt was fabulous. Good for you Sarah! Whether you realize it or not, every minute you spend in the dirt is money in the bank skills-wise, it's just that most people have too much fun to ever notice it. And a stream crossing too... Nothing to it but to do it, huh? Congrats on your recent adventure... Juan Villarreal, '97 "The Happy Hooligan" _________________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 17:08:36 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Maier Woods Pro Handguards >Spent another few hours in the parking garage... >In the midst of all the futility there was one >success story-- the replacement of my all-plastic >Acerbis Rally Guards with a pair of Maier Woods >Pro (aluminum) guards. They look VERY strong, >with the protective wrap-around bar measuring >about 3/8" in thickness. I bought the plastic >spoilers too. Everything went on quite easily, >just remember to get ALL the threads started >before tightening down any one connection. These >things will definitely take a fall (and then >some), a real factor when you consider the force >that would be generated by the weight of our bikes >and handlebar-to-ground distance. For what it's >worth... > Sometimes my clutch lever makes a neat loud rattle against the Maier when the bike is idling on the sidestand, other than that, they are definitely the shit. I've been wondering if they will interfere with a bar mounted wind screen though. Well, maybe I'll never put one on so I don't know if I care. The spoilers definitely help in the cold weather. Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 17:16:56 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Rear wheel friction >Listers... > >Well I took everyone's advice and dropped the rear >wheel to open up the brake pads. However after >doing that and re-installing it I am still having >a problem with it not wanting to spin freely. >Chain tensioners and axle nut are still loose, >chain looks okay, rear brake looks good, and a >generous coating of bearing grease has been >applied to the axle. Effort is required to spin >it when everything's loose, and when I tighten the >axle nut the wheel becomes absolutely immobile. >This leads me to believe it could have something >to do with the swingarms or the way the axle is >threading through. Or could the wheel hub be >doing something weird on me? Have any of you seen >this problem before? Some tips please, as I'm >wanting to tackle it again tomorrow... Thanks in >advance, > Did you check the wheel bearings for any play? I replaced mine last summer. Are you sure that you got the spacers in properly? Last summer I replaced my chain, sprockets, wheel bearings, rotors and pads. After I noticed that the rear wheel didn't want to spin freely, even with the chain off. I couldn't figure what was wrong, as everything was together right. I even removed the rear brake assembly and checked that the pads were separated right. Never figured out what was wrong. I just put it together and rode it, and after a tank of gas, when I checked the chain's tension adjustment, I noticed that the rear wheel spun freely again. Go figure. I think that maybe the pads weren't seated right or something. Try removing the brake assembly, tightening the rear axle nut and see if it spins. If not, something's wrong there. If it does, then its the brake, and it just might need to be ridden some, drag and all, with some hard applications to loosen it up. Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 01:10:49 +0000 From: Sarah Barwig Subject: (klr650) NKLR IBMC? One other thing from the Baja trip... Anyone ever hear of a group called the International Brotherhood of Motorcycle Campers? When we were trying to hook up with the No. Cal. contingent of our group at the start of the trip, we were going to meet in a campground. My friend and I were pointed towards one loop by everyone in the campground. So, we swing round there, and are immediately greeted by "Welcome to the brotherhood!" Which confused my friend and I, but we responded in kind, "Are the Kooks here yet?" (The group of friends I was traveling with refers to themselves as the Gang of Kooks.) The brotherhood allowed as how they hadn't met any official Kooks, but they claimed to be such themselves, so we hung out by their fire and shared stories. Seemed like a nice bunch, anyone ever hear of them before? - -- Sarah Barwig Developer WeddingChannel.com (213) 599-4144 888 S. Figueroa St., Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA, 90017 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 20:26:33 -0500 From: John Smith Subject: (klr650) Gear Box I read a review of the KLR650 and it said there are problems with the gear box; specifically that there are multiple neutrals. Is this true? Anyone have any problems? I have compared the Suzuki DR650SE, BMW F650, and KLR650 and the winner is KLR650 and I am ready to buy one, but I have to know how you all feel about the gear box. Should I get a 99 or a 98 left over if I can find one? Thanks in advance for all your replies, - -Brian Shepard shepard@drexel.edu ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 20:36:49 -0500 From: "J.Taylor" Subject: Re: (klr650) Rear wheel friction Juan Villarreal wrote: > Listers... > Well I took everyone's advice and dropped the rear > wheel to open up the brake pads. However after > doing that and re-installing it I am still having > a problem with it not wanting to spin freely. Sometimes greasing the axle and bearings makes them feel tight and resistant to turn. Lots of grease, while good on some axle and bearing setups (keeps water and grit/dirt out for a while)will give this same feeling initially until you ride a few times, heat up that grease and make the assembly more "supple" and seat it. Now this theory is out the door if you absolutely feel *locked* or near-locked resistance. That should not be happening. There are metal dust caps that fit over the outer bearings and between the swing arm and hub. Are those seated properly? (this is more of a thinking out loud and starting from the outside working in troubleshooting question) If they are riding high/unseated, they could cause the resistance you speak of, especially if they are backed by an overabundance of grease. HTH, Jake in Jacksonville ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 17:31:22 -0800 (PST) From: Juan Villarreal Subject: (klr650) Maier Woods Pro Handguards > Sometimes my clutch lever makes a neat loud > rattle against the Maier when > the bike is idling on the sidestand, other than > that, they are definitely > the shit... I sawed the balls off both my levers prior to installing the old Acerbis set, so I'm not figuring it will be a problem. Everything did go up an octave though... Juan Villarreal, '97 KLR "The Happy Hooligan" _________________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 20:33:24 EST From: Cloudhid@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Gear Box On 3/30/99, shepard@drexel.edu writes: snip >problems with the gear box; specifically that there are multiple neutrals. >Is this true? I have compared the Suzuki DR650SE, BMW F650, >and KLR650 and the winner is KLR650 and I am ready to buy one, but I >have to know how you all feel about the gear box. Should I get a 99 or >a 98 left over if I can find one? The only time I've had problems with 'multiple neutrals' is when the stock shifter has weakened at the weld or when I replaced it in the wrong position (for me). It's a weak link in the bike, but there's an aftermarket solution. If you buy the '98 instead of the '99 you'll be missing out on the snazzy new graphics... Redondo Ron A10 (who missed out) ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 22:02:46 EST From: K650dsn@aol.com Subject: (klr650) Well, well, well My Cycle World and Rider were waiting in the mailbox. CW has a indepth article about BMW and the PD win. Enough to make any sane person gag. Rider has a wonderful article on a decked out KLR. Skip the CW, buy the Rider mag. Gino ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 20:32:39 -0700 From: "Skip Faulkner" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR Marvel Mystery ..........................> snip<........................ >I normally don't ride like that, but I just changed the oil and put in some >Marvel Mystery oil, like one poster suggested, to try and cure my oil >consumption problem. >Jeff Jeff, I`m sorry to tell you that while Marvel Mystery Oil may assist sticking valves and such, what it mainly does is lowers your viscosity, which you don`t need with an oil consumption problem, it will probably make it worse. Skip ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 20:46:23 -0700 From: "Skip Faulkner" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR California trip ..........................> snip<........................ and yet I keep coming back to Washington. The only place I >can think of might be better, because I just read an article about it, is >Moab......Say Fred, how's the windsurfing around there? > >Jeff Hey now! At least here in Montana you can have all the snow you want and at least we don`t have to put up with that sorry summer weather but a few weeks out of the year. We can make all the bombs we want, hoard guns, drive fast and tip all the cows we want. How about a Sat`day nite sniping Calyfornans at the border, Yea Haw!! p.s. don`t forget the sheep! Buck Cody ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 22:51:35 -0500 From: Tim Bootle Subject: (klr650) NKLR saying goodbye for now To all, I've enjoyed reading this list a great deal. The information provided here is excellent. I'll keep up using the new search engine. My project at work is at the critical point and I am going to be working late every day so am going to unsubscribe for now. -If you're ever in Tampa Bay Florida region give me a call. I'm the only Tim Bootle in directory assistance. -Tim ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 21:05:36 -0700 From: "Skip Faulkner" Subject: Re: (klr650) (NKLRDR) Knee braces >Anyone have any good advice on a knee braces that provide lateral support >and knee cap protection? > >Gino > > Gino, Over the pants or under? Do you want metal stays or fabric tension? What activity do you intend to be doing with it on? Let me know, having had my left knee broken twice ( not to mention most of the other bones) and innumerable twists and ligament tears ( all in thanks to 19 years of rodeo), I have a fine assortment of braces that had to be used for various activities. Skip ( who`s rodeo retired thanks to Her) ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 23:03:24 EST From: FTabor231@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Rear wheel friction Juan, at first, you gave the impression that your brake was the problem. Now it sounds like you have not put a spacer in or put one in the wrong place. With everything proper, you will have spacers against inner bearing races and no matter how tight you cinch down the nut, there should be no effect on the wheel turning, except for a little brake drag. good luck, frank ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 23:16:50 EST From: FTabor231@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR Marvel Mystery In a message dated 3/30/99 9:40:36 PM Central Standard Time, msfaul@digisys.net writes: << Jeff, I`m sorry to tell you that while Marvel Mystery Oil may assist sticking valves and such, what it mainly does is lowers your viscosity, which you don`t need with an oil consumption problem, it will probably make it worse. >> I don't think the point is to thicken the oil to lower consumption, but to free up carbon in the ring grooves and behind the rings. In order to get a cleaning effect you would need the oil to penetrate the carbon cake and use oil. If it doesn't help, you're out $3.00. If it helps, you save a lot more money and riding time. Please keep us posted as to your experience, thanks, frank ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 23:09:54 EST From: FTabor231@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Gear Box In a message dated 3/30/99 7:26:30 PM Central Standard Time, shepard@drexel.edu writes: << Should I get a 99 or a 98 left over if I can find one? Thanks in advance for all your replies, >> Brian, you must have read the review on Motorcycle on Line. The guy must have really big feet or is new at riding. The KLR has a great gear box. Have you ever ridden a Ducati? They have 6 gears and 5 neutrals and a random indicator light. Get the best deal on whichever bike, they are identical. IMHO frank ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 21:18:23 -0700 From: "Skip Faulkner" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR Tech .....................> snip snip <.......................... >Thus my problem is that nobody on the list seems to have had trouble with their >turn-signals failing, all out, and the diagnostics in the service manual fail to >diagnose! I need some help here before I have to pay the dealer. > >Cheers! >Beez Beez, what Kurt said. With your tester or multi-meter and power on with left or right signal switch on, start checking for voltage at the bulb socket and work your way forward. There are a few connections to go through. Also, don`t forget the flasher unit, beneath the forward right side of the fuel tank ( at least on my A9). Check both sides of the switch. Let us know if nothing shows up. Skip ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 21:55:04 -0700 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Re: (dr350) May Rider Magazine |I thought I would report that the May issue of Rider magazine has a nice |article about a Project KLR 650 in nice dual sport touring mode. Written by |Mark Tuttle. Pretty good stuff, though I am not a KLR expert - it's nice to |know that he knows what it takes to do dual sport touring. TW Is Rider commonly available...like at Barnes & Noble...or is it more like MCN? Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 21:58:26 -0700 From: "Skip Faulkner" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR Marvel Mystery >I don't think the point is to thicken the oil to lower consumption, but to >free up carbon in the ring grooves and behind the rings. In order to get a >cleaning effect you would need the oil to penetrate the carbon cake and use >oil. If it doesn't help, you're out $3.00. If it helps, you save a lot more >money and riding time. Please keep us posted as to your experience, thanks, >frank > I`m not advocating thickening the oil, but thinning it, especially with Marvel Mystery Oil, may worsen it. In high mileage engines ( I don`t know how many are on Jeff`s) the removal of deposits in the ring grooves ( which in many cases assists the worn rings and grooves to maintain ring pressure against the cylinder walls) will increase and/or start oil consumption. I`ve seen guys tear down a high time engine for some lower work and figure they`ll clean up the cylinder and piston while they`re at it. They`ll clean the cylinder, rings and ring grooves and then put everything back together. Guess what happens, they start burning oil, because they cleaned the grooves and didn`t put new rings in. The old rings were only keeping proper cylinder wall tension because of the carbon and deposits in the grooves. If you suspect that the rings are sticking, you can check by doing a compression check. If they are, using MMO might help, but you`d be better off pulling the cylinder instead of a quick fix. I`m not saying it won`t help, but I`d bet that it won`t. For those who want to know, I`ve seen an analysis of MMO, and it`s basically a highly refined solvent with a very low viscosity machine oil added. That`s the reason it gets into really tight spots and cleans so well. If Jeff`s oil consumption is due to normal circumstances, worn guides, rings, etc... the MMO won`t help. Jeff, have you checked the following for oil deposits: muffler, breather tube, plugs? Check in, inquiring minds want to know. Skip ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V2 #206 ****************************