From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V2 #213 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Wednesday, March 31 1999 Volume 02 : Number 213 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 19:31:11 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR Moab Posse >List, > Just checking to see if anyone from the Northwest wants to partner up for >Moab. Either meet in-route or whatever. We will be camping along the way and >may take some back routes, depending on weather and time. So far we plan on >leaving May 31 or June 1. > If you`re on a KLR650 like me, we may have to hold back a little because >my wife will be on an F650 and another buddy on his KTM. > >Skip > Ordinarily, I'd love to go, but I'll be having finals during that time. And, once I get out of finals, I'll be starting summer quarter with no break. That aside, even if I could find the time, I just got nabbed for jury duty, of all things, They won't take no for an answer, school and all. They even tried to make me serve during my spring break, the communist bastards! Actually, I should just show up and get it over with....I'm so opinionated about right and wrong that I'd probably get dismissed right away. Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 19:48:41 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR Way off topic >Anyone know if I can rent a motorcycle in Milwaukee for a weekend? Got a >family reunion to go to last weekend in July, and it'd sure be nice to >be on 2 wheels whilst tooling between events. (As opposed to being stuck >in someone else's car going to antique stores.) I'm browsing the web, >and if I become a member of HOG, then I can rent a HOG, but I was hoping >to get something that might actually lean just a bit... > >Sarah > Another Californian not originally from California. OK, in last month's Cycle World, I saw an ad for Cruise America, www.cruiseamerica.com , and they show a picture of a Buell on the ad, they say they've got Hondas too. Don't know where they are based out of, but they have 16 centers, in the US and Canada. Good luck. Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 19:46:35 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: (klr650) Helmets On the subject of helmets, I've got my sights set on the Nolan N100. Anyone familiar with the differences between the "Trend" and the "Classic"? My hat size is 7 3/8. Does this translate to an XL? Gino??? I think you have one nes pas? Arne ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 20:00:39 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) nklr - humor >A newcomer to Portland (or Seattle) arrives on a rainy day. She gets up >the next day and it's raining. It also rains the day after that, and the >day after that. > >She goes out to lunch and sees a young kid and, out of despair, asks, >"Hey, kid, does it ever stop raining around here?" > >The kid says, "How should I know? I'm only 6." > Its not rain! Its liquid sunshine! Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 20:59:42 -0700 From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) Helmets - -----Original Message----- From: Arne Larsen To: KLR 650 Date: Wednesday, March 31, 1999 1:55 PM Subject: (klr650) Helmets >On the subject of helmets, I've got my sights set on the Nolan N100. > >Anyone familiar with the differences between the "Trend" and the "Classic"? > >My hat size is 7 3/8. Does this translate to an XL? > >Gino??? I think you have one nes pas? > >Arne > > > 7 3/8 = a large The Classic has a better padded chin strap and painted covers over the hinge pivots and the top vents. Other than that they look the same. Fred ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 20:14:06 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) RE: > >> >> A fool who persists in his folly will become wise. William Blake >> -- >> Anyone can make mistakes, but only an idiot persists in his error. >> -- Cicero >> >If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried. >--anonymous > > Admit nothing, deny everything, make counter-accusations. - --The Politicians Motto ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 22:59:13 EST From: K650dsn@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Givi's crashability In a message dated 3/31/99 5:18:18 PM Mountain Standard Time, pr8847@law.miami.edu writes: << The 'spam pack' is a bit heavier but you only need 2 good size ones whereas with the Givi you definitely need three. What's more only the 'spam packs' are truly waterproof. The joint on the Givis is all around so somehow H2O always seems to find a wee bit in! Plus, I think the 'spam packs' just look cooler!! Givis are fine for getting around town or going on a long weekend. Fork out the extra dollars and you won't regret being stingy like I was. >> My Touratechs have completely spoiled me. I can carry the same amount of stuff as a Honda Civic practically. They are water proof, but have never crash tested them. Gino ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 20:18:20 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Novice's inquiry >>Hi, >> >>I just bought a 1998 KLR650 > >Congrats on your purchase. ......... Sounds like you need a form letter to the new members, to display your wares. Hit em up while there still grinning from their first ride! Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 20:15:21 -0800 From: Christopher J Beasley Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR Tech THANKS!! Ted Palmer wrote: > Christopher J Beasley wrote: > > > Well, it seems not much is going on technically with everybody else's KLRs. > > Ah Grasshopper, still waters run deep. > Yeah, still waters (I'm still in the breaking in period) ran up Skyline and Grizzley Peak tonight and got in some DIRT too! I even went DOWN in the mud, street tyres! A new FLASHER is working fine, aftermarket for 8 bux instead of the same thing from Kaw for 30! And they both have the same Nippondenso part number! Kudos to Sam at Pineapple Honda Kaw in Oakland for saving me the bux, and the time, not that I havn't been giving my share at the parts counter. Anyway, You can check everything, and everything can look fine and you can still have a bad flasher. The test for this is to replace it with a wire. If the switch now turns the signals on continuously, you need a new flasher, even though it passes the continuity test. Cool! I love my bike and it loves me, again! Thanks listers for listening to my endless whining about trivial problems with my old, beat-up KLR. Nextweek, the clutch and kickstarter! > snip > The 600 base manual shows a few pics and has a few words. > Let us know if the 650 kicker is significantly different. > Will try to do that!Cheers! Chris > Mister_T ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 23:09:55 EST From: Krgrife@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Givi's crashability In a message dated 3/31/99 6:57:14 PM Pacific Standard Time, BSwider@ColoradoCollege.edu writes: > one > of those "vados" with slippery moss growing in them that transverse highways > in Baja? Bogdan Like the one on the North side of Catavina? Just a guess, but that spot has claimed a lot of bikes. Kurt G. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 99 20:40:45 PST From: "Marick Payton" Subject: (klr650) Givi regrets >Givis are fine for getting around town or going on a long weekend. >Fork out the extra dollars and you won't regret being stingy like I >was. > Patrice Robinet Patrice, Can you say a little more about why you regret buying Givi's? What problems did you have and under what circumstances? Thanks, Marick ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 99 20:46:15 PST From: "Marick Payton" Subject: (klr650) Givi regrets Patrice, et al, No need for further response re Givi's. I get the klr mail in digest form and saw Bogdan's response with a clip of your note before getting to the full test itself. Indeed, one downside I see with the Givi's is that you can't really pack them well (or open them up) on the bike. But, they do pop off really easily. At this point I'm inclined toward Bogdan's argument that the lighter weight of the Givi's is a real advantage, particularly off the asphalt. Marick ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 23:46:53 EST From: K650dsn@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Helmets In a message dated 3/31/99 8:50:30 PM Mountain Standard Time, alarsen@rapidnet.net writes: << My hat size is 7 3/8. Does this translate to an XL? Gino??? I think you have one nes pas? >> Not sure about sizing. I wear a large in an Arai and the Nolan too. The Trend model N100 has black side plates and top air vent. The classic has color matched side plates and top vent. Gino ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 21:06:36 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) Helmets > Not sure about sizing. I wear a large in an Arai and the Nolan too. > > The Trend model N100 has black side plates and top air vent. The classic has > color matched side plates and top vent. > > Gino Would it be too personal a question to ask you the circumference of your head? Mine is exactly 23". If only the dealers out here had a wall full of these helmets... They have one (small) on display and will "bring in" what you need. And if I order one in I'd want to have the size nailed down. Thanks Gino. Arne ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 21:17:27 -0800 From: Christopher J Beasley Subject: Re: (klr650) Novice's inquiry Jeff & Lisa Walker wrote: > >>Hi, > >> > >>I just bought a 1998 KLR650 > > > >Congrats on your purchase. ......... > > Sounds like you need a form letter to the new members, to display your > wares. Hit em up while there still grinning from their first ride! > He has one, it's called "list & webpage"! Hey Fred! Where's my stuff? ;-)Beez > Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 22:24:49 -0700 From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) Helmets - -----Original Message----- From: Arne Larsen To: K650dsn@aol.com ; klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Wednesday, March 31, 1999 3:15 PM Subject: Re: (klr650) Helmets >> Not sure about sizing. I wear a large in an Arai and the Nolan too. What I won't do to make a SALE!!! Check out.... http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/images/helmetsize.jpg Fred ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 22:16:18 -0800 From: "Vik Banerjee" Subject: Re: (klr650) Givi regrets - -----Original Message----- From: Marick Payton To: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Wednesday, March 31, 1999 8:47 PM Subject: (klr650) Givi regrets >Patrice, et al, > >No need for further response re Givi's. I get the klr mail in >digest form and saw Bogdan's response with a clip of your note >before getting to the full test itself. > >Indeed, one downside I see with the Givi's is that you can't really >pack them well (or open them up) on the bike. But, they do pop off >really easily. > >At this point I'm inclined toward Bogdan's argument that the lighter >weight of the Givi's is a real advantage, particularly off the >asphalt. Marick I have a Givi topcase (45L) and its great in town, but it doesn't pack very effectively because it opens in the middle. Its hard to strap or stack stuff on top of it because of the odd round shape. I think you'll find that finding space for all your stuff will become an issue with the Givi luggage on an extended trip. If you are going solo consider that you'll need to carry or lock anything you leave on the bike - so having some extra storage that you can use at stops will be helpful. One of the reasons I went with 182L single aluminum box is not because I plan on packing it full, but rather when I want to stop and leave my bike the tank panniers, tank bag and helmet can all go inside and be locked safely. Personally I'd go with the Touratech boxes and Hepco & Becker racks over the Givi stuff. If you want to save some bucks - buy the Hepco & Becker mounts and get two boxes custom made for you. This way you can use all the storage space (top opening) and I would feel more comfortable with the strength and security of this setup, but that's a total opinion not based on any bad experience with Givi. As far as weight goes I think the difference between these two systems is not enough to worry about. How much weight will you be carrying in gear? What is the incremental weight of aluminum boxes? A KLR with a full tank, tank bag, tank panniers, side boxes and top box will not handle great period. Is this a problem? I don't think so as long as you pack sensibly (weight low and forward) and you spend some time (before you leave) playing with your fully loaded bike on and offroad so you know how its handling is affected. Another way to tackle the problem is to decide on exactly what you will be taking and start packing it on your bike. Use cardboard boxes for the side boxes and topbox to see just how much carrying capacity you'll need. This will help you decide if the luggage system you are looking at is sufficient and also help you determine early if you need to start dumping gear off your list. Just some thoughts, Vik ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 22:23:48 -0800 From: "Vik Banerjee" Subject: Re: (klr650) Helmets Arne, I was going to buy the Nolan, but found that my chin hit the front of the face guard if I did any kind of chewing motion. I wouldn't have guessed this without trying it on first. I ended up with a Shoei Duotech (flip up chin as well) that cost a bunch more - I would have been happy with the Nolan, but for that one problem. Make sure your dealer won't charge you if you have a fit problem - it may fit your head, but what about a similar chin problem. I would have been pissed if I had to pay a restocking fee or return something by mail. Cheers, Vik - -----Original Message----- From: Arne Larsen To: K650dsn@aol.com ; klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Wednesday, March 31, 1999 9:09 PM Subject: Re: (klr650) Helmets >> Not sure about sizing. I wear a large in an Arai and the Nolan too. >> >> The Trend model N100 has black side plates and top air vent. The classic >has >> color matched side plates and top vent. >> >> Gino > >Would it be too personal a question to ask you the circumference of your >head? >Mine is exactly 23". > >If only the dealers out here had a wall full of these helmets... They have >one (small) on display and will "bring in" what you need. And if I order >one in I'd want to have the size nailed down. > >Thanks Gino. > >Arne > > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 01 Apr 1999 01:31:04 +0000 From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Novice's inquiry At 05:06 PM 3/31/99 -0800, Vic DeFilippis wrote: >Hi, And to you to! >1) Now I have about 800 miles on it but haven't performed any maintenance. >Looking at past messages on 500 mile maintenance really freaked me out. >How significant is the risk of voiding the warranty if I want to do some of >the work myself? I mean, a valve clearance check is one thing but I don't >want to shell out money for some guy to change the oil and check the tire >pressure... > >2) Should I just immediately stop riding it until I get 500 mile service >done on it? Is it going to mess something up if I do? > >3) As already mentioned I know very little about maintaining/repairing my >KLR (unfortunately). More importantly I don't want to be dependent on a >dealer for every little thing. I'm more than willing to learn everything >so is there a reference out there anyone can suggest that provides good >maintenance information that can be understood by a dope like me? I'd ask >someone for help but I don't even know anyone who owns a motorcycle let >alone a KLR. (Yes, I have the owner's manual but as you know it's >practically a brochure) We can certainly help. No, Chances are that you do not have to immediatly discontinue riding. However, I would check the valves ASAP, as in within the next few hundred miles. Most of them are OK at the 500 mile mark...except for the ones that arent. :) I imagine that warranty coverage would have a lot to do with your relationship with your local dealer. My dealer wouldnt hassle me unless I dropped bolt down in the engine or something. They understood at the outset I would be doing my own maintenece, anyway. Get a manual (the set of manuals, actualy) from Kawasaki, No, its not cheap. Yes, it (they) are essential. >3) Can I firm up the rear shock myself or is that too complex for one >motorcycle-inept person to do by himself? (I'm about 190 lbs. and it seems >way too mushy for me right now) Not much an individual can do with aside from the preload and rebound dampening. The former is a 10-12mm nut on the fect side of the shock body, the latter is at the bottom of the shock body behind a small plastic cover. The owners manual should have all that in it. It pretty simple. At 255 lbs., I run everything as firm as possible. Bit stiff when Im on it solo but barely adequate when two-up or loaded with camping gear. >4) I already had a damn flat rear tire (factory tires). That sucks >especially for someone who rides alone. Is it possible that this is >related to the fact that these tires suck? Should I just buy new ones >right now? Please say no. (I ride about 60:40 trails:pavement). I didnt puncture mine, but they were pretty crappy tires alright. No stick on the road, no grip in the mud and the rear was worn to the cords in under 3,500 miles. Pretty pitiful. Still, no reason not to get some honest use from them. >5) Is it true that you shouldn't load >20 lbs. on the back rack? Seems a >little light to me... I got a 17" computer monitor home on the back of mine once, 48 lbs. worth. It will hold a fair bit more but you need to be aware of the impact cargo may have on handling. - -Tom '96 KLR 650 33,900 miles ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V2 #213 ****************************