From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V2 #338 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Wednesday, April 28 1999 Volume 02 : Number 338 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 21:32:18 -0000 From: "Eric Jasniewicz" Subject: Re: (klr650) toolkit.. throw it out Yes, that would be our friends at www.cycoactive.com I prefer the homemade, handcrafted, personally developed version myself. Something you put all your effort into. speaking of anal...didn't someone market the ideal tool wrap being a dirty pair of BVD's? Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 21:23:02 -0500 From: "Tom Meagher" Subject: Re: (klr650) Bash Plate compatibility Thanks guys, Sorry to be secretive, about the bash plate question. But since Fred is out of the MSR units for several weeks, I located some Moose inventory at Dennis Kirk. Dennis Kirk (800) 328-9280 www.denniskirk.com part number is 51-1577 $77.95 2 in stock I already have dibs on one of the two. (sorry Fred...) Tom Meagher A13 - -----Original Message----- From: Kurt Simpson To: Tom Meagher Date: Wednesday, April 28, 1999 9:47 PM Subject: Re: (klr650) Bash Plate compatibility > >-----Original Message----- >From: Tom Meagher >To: KLR 650 >Date: Wednesday, April 28, 1999 7:38 PM >Subject: (klr650) Bash Plate compatibility > > >>Can anyone confirm that a '99 and a '93-94 can use the same skid plate? >> >>TIA! >>Tom Meagher >>A13 >> >> >> >yes... > > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 22:44:17 EDT From: AGSholar@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) oil change, I believe sight glass is correct << Funny thing is, when I drain my oil completely, and use a new filter, after I add oil up to the sight window I use about 2.2-2.3 liters of oil. After running the motor, letting it warm up, shutting it off and letting the oil settle, The oil level is right at the top of the window, maybe a hair above. I say if you change your oil, put in the full 2.5 liters, in between oil changes, maintain the oil to the top of the glass. Jeff >> Jeff and other listers, On previous oil and filter changes, I have let the oil drain while the bike sat nearly plumb, maybe slightly towards the kickstand side. Upon refilling with oil, starting the engine to fill the oil filiter and cavity and then topping off to the top of the sight glass, I never added 2.5 L of oil. But this past weekend, I did an oil and filter change and this time I held the bike in several different positions (both sides of being plumb) for several minutes at each position. It seemed like alot of extra oil drained out compared to previous oil changes. After filling, starting, etc. I had added 2.49 liters and the oil level was at the top of the sight glass and not higher. This was reassuring to me that the sight glass was correctly located. Just my two cents worth on a ever controversial subject. Greg, A2 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 19:59:53 -0700 From: brbo@uniserve.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Bash Plate compatibility I purchased the Moose Bash Plate,,, and it's been bashed a few good times since installed in March.... and I am very happy with the durability, quality, and fit/finish (even with u-bolt showing) -- however from the recent discussions it sounds like the MSR is as good or better from some peoples comments. Can anyone give me the differences of the two plates and the reason that most of you have leaned towards the MSR... (I know the MSR is wee bit more pennies)... Thanks, Brian - wait'n for all the bashing to happen in Moab Tom Meagher wrote: > But since Fred is out of the MSR units for several weeks, I located some Moose > inventory at Dennis Kirk. > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 20:06:44 -0700 From: "e. rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) toolkit.. throw it out: Reply > So Gino; > > How about posting your list and save lazybirds like me a hassle? > ======= I'd like to second that. My impression is that Gino is competent, thorough and has excellent aesthetic taste. I'd be very interested in seeing his list posted here. Oh, and > what's your address where I send my $30 to register for Moab? You ought to check out Fred Hink's very well-developed web site. Among many things to be found there is a printable registration form. Also check out the link to Microsoft's Expedia map service. I now have fine maps of Moab, a tailor-made route plan to get there from here.....and, since I wouldn't want to tax my after-the-party blasted-out brain, a route plan for the return trip. eric ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 20:13:31 -0700 (PDT) From: Juan Villarreal Subject: (klr650) Valve check... Hey! Good news everyone! Andres Carlstein is in town and he showed me how to do a valve check- big hand for Andres!!! Okay so initially he had me turning the crankshaft clockwise (that's no big deal is it?) but besides that he's been worth his weight in gold. Here are my measured clearances: Right intake: .005" Left intake: .005" Intake tolerances according to Eldon Carl's article: .004" to .008" Right exhaust: .007" Left exhaust: .007" Exhaust tolerances (same source): .006"-.010" Everything being within specs means it's good enough for me, however Andres is of the mind that I should consider changing the shims in order to get me to the higher end of the clearance spectrum. I'm kind of the mind that if it's within specs then it's good to go. I'm needing 5000 miles to get back home- should I be okay? Any and all opinions are welcome on this one. Additionally, why is Eldon so adamant about removing the chain tensioner assembly before removing the valve cover? Is removing it for a simple measurement even necessary (I didn't for my check)? Also, even if you are changing shims, why is it so important to remove it PRIOR to taking off the valve cover? 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: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 23:09:58 EDT From: AGSholar@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR, metric system taking a step back in US << What are you going to do when this country finally converts to the SI (metric) system? (SI rules! So much easier to draw to scale, and do physics and engineering problems. Compared to oh lets see, now I have to convert to slugs from lbs, and how many ounces were in that pint?) Jeff >> Jeff, I agree with you that the metric system is superior to the English system of units, however, the US is not fully committed to the system yet and seems to be going backwards. I am a bituminous materials engineer with the Florida DOT and we were making the conversion to SI units in design, specifications, etc. as had been previously dictated by the Federal Highway Administration. The new transportation funding bill passed by the federal government (called TEA21) has eliminated the mandatory transition to SI units. Apparently, there has been extreme pressure by US businesses to not adopt the metric system because of retooling, training, etc. Many state legislatures, including Texas and Florida, are now switching back to the English system. In fact, the FDOT is going to spend millions of dollars to have all of its current roadway design plans converted to English units (completely assinine). I hope this is not a trend with all of the other engineering disciplines. This country had made such progress towards SI units and now we are going to flounder in the English system again, or worse yet, both systems at the same time. Greg, A2 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 21:19:38 -0600 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Valve check... >within specs then it's good to go. I'm needing >5000 miles to get back home- should I be okay? >Any and all opinions are welcome on this one. > >Additionally, why is Eldon so adamant about >removing the chain tensioner assembly before >removing the valve cover? Is removing it for a >simple measurement even necessary (I didn't for >my check)? Also, even if you are changing shims, >why is it so important to remove it PRIOR to >taking off the valve cover? Thanks in advance... I like Eldon's idea of keeping 'em loose for the first 6,000 miles (what is your mileage?) and the other thing is you have Andres right there...hi Andres enjoying your trip reports...so why not let him guide you through the next step? Ignore Eldon's warning about prior to and after applies only to pre-'96's... Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 23:29:43 EDT From: K650dsn@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) toolkit.. throw it out: Reply In a message dated 4/28/99 9:07:13 PM Mountain Daylight Time, eroads@teleport.com writes: << I'd like to second that. My impression is that Gino is competent, thorough and has excellent aesthetic taste. I'd be very interested in seeing his list posted here. >> Okay, I'm starting to blush. The list is a little long, so I'll get it typed in and posted in the next couple of days. Gino ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 20:36:42 From: Guy Cheney Subject: Re: (klr650) Introduction Welcome Karl. Welcome, welcome, welcome. Currently we are contemplating this existential dilemna: If your KLR was a doughnut in one of those big pink boxes, what kind of doughnut would it be? (Please don't be offended if you think that there is no place on this list for empty calories.) BTW, $4000 CDN is just a shade over 5 markies, only 3 of which you'll have to part with to make your KLR a better bike than the F650 in all regards. At 09:00 AM 4/28/99 -0700, you wrote: > Just wanted to introduce myself. I was all set to get a BMW F650 and >then someone suggested to look at the KLR. I looked at a few of the big >sights on the net, and was starting to become a convert. Stopping around a >few local (and calling a few not so local) dealers I find that 'sold out' is >the name of the game :( Before I knew it, a dealer located one and I bought >it. I haven't even so much as seen one of these bikes! It should be here >tomorrow (fingers crossed). > My main motivation to choosing the KLR was price. I got it for about >$4000 CDN less than what I could buy the F650 for!!! That's a big chunk of >change to me. I will miss the BMW's hardbags and heated grips though. > A tank bag and tail bag and I'll be set for day cruising, woohee! > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 20:40:04 From: Guy Cheney Subject: Re: (klr650) Oil level >If you let it drain for >five minutes and then crank up the motor for about a minute or so and let it >pump out the last of that old oil, then you can probably put 2.5 liters of >clean oil in the bike, and the level will be where it's supposed to be in the >sight glass. Yeah, and don't forget to rev it up to four or five grand to get that last l'il quarter of an ounce out. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 20:41:44 -0700 From: brbo@uniserve.com Subject: (klr650) FG Kilimanjaro HT I got my first taste this morning, and I think I might go for seconds... However I have some concerns -- I'm just shy of 2 hun lb.., and a 44 regular.. I found that the Large fit too tight with the liner in place and just perfect without... So I tried the XL and it fit fine with the liner but too big without and the arms length was too long,, however I don't want hand out 5 hun Can. very well knowing I have a irregular fitting jacket that I will not have 100% approval on.. Can the list give me some opinions on the Jacket sizing, or options I have to overcome the problems... Thanks, Brian - feel'n like I might have to pass on dinner tonight ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 20:49:08 -0700 From: "e. rhoads" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR, metric system taking a step back in US > The new transportation funding bill passed by the federal government (called > TEA21) has eliminated the mandatory transition to SI units. Apparently, > there has been extreme pressure by US businesses to not adopt the metric > system because of retooling, training, etc. > Many state legislatures, including Texas and Florida, are now switching back > to the English system. In fact, the FDOT is going to spend millions of > dollars to have all of its current roadway design plans converted to English > units (completely assinine). I hope this is not a trend with all of the > other engineering disciplines. This country had made such progress towards > SI units and now we are going to flounder in the English system again, or > worse yet, both systems at the same time. > Greg, A2 > ======== Man, this is so stupid I just can't believe it. Calling it 'asinine' is an understatement. I'm still pissed that I was never really taught metrics in public school as a kid. The measuring system we should all be having trouble with is the English one. eric ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 20:57:27 From: Guy Cheney Subject: Re: (klr650) Oil level Too true. 3 quarts is my technique as well. 3 is a numerologically auspicious number that ensures good fortune, high morale, appeasement of those entitities/forces that manifest themselves as feng shui, positive karma, and freedom from hemorrhoids. At 12:34 PM 4/28/99 -0700, you wrote: >I refuse to succumb to some Commie Metric OPEC EPA Right/Left Wing Oel Level >Measurement Conspiracy!!!!! >I pour THREE WHOLE RED BLOODED AMERICAN FLAG WAVING QUARTS OF JAPANESE HONDA >SEMI-SYNTHETIC AMERICAN REFINED MOTORCYCLE OIL IN THE DAMN THING AND DON'T >WORRY ABOUT IT. IT DON'T LEAK, IT DONT BLOW BY, IT DON'T BURN OIL. NO >MUSS! NO FUSS! NO LEFTOVERS. NO IFS NO ANDS NO BUTTS. >Morgan >Too much is never enough.........Mick Jagger > > > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 22:13:11 -0600 From: " Skip Faulkner" Subject: Re: (klr650) Corrossion & Lack of Grease `>> >Do you think that if you drilled and tapped in a zerk fitting it >would help? My other bikes had them on the swing arm pivot. >This is the first bike I've had without them, and I'm not looking >forward to disassembling and repacking those bearings. > >Jeff > > I did drill and tap for a zerk on the right side, but when I got to the left side, I realized there isn`t a good place because of my chain rub cushion. I don`t have time to mess with it now so I just greased it and when I get back from Moab, I`ll figure where I want it. Skip ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 21:15:13 -0700 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) First oil change: reply While not a scientific explanation like the one supplied yesterday (which was excellent BTW), Eric sent me this as the response he got from KHI today. FWIW I thought I'd forward it to the list. Arne - -----Original Message----- From: e. rhoads To: Arne Larsen Date: April 28, 1999 4:37 PM Subject: Re: (klr650) First oil change: reply > > >> I don't know. I'm only trying to make an educated extrapolation based on >> the information I know. I would be interested to hear what KHI says and >how >> they explain the coincidence of 2.0 L fill for the 600/ 2.5 L fill for the >> 650. >> Arne > >========= > >Arne, I specifically asked them your question. I was told that the 650 is >an "evolutionary" step forward in this family of engines. So I said "and >this (design changes) would explain why there's different oil capacities?" >And I was told "right". > >eric ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 22:13:12 -0600 From: "Bruce Hedquist" Subject: Re: (klr650) Valve check... > Additionally, why is Eldon so adamant about > removing the chain tensioner assembly before > removing the valve cover? Is removing it for a > simple measurement even necessary (I didn't for > my check)? Also, even if you are changing shims, > why is it so important to remove it PRIOR to > taking off the valve cover? Thanks in advance... Juan: having completed my first valve adjustment the hard way by NOT reading Eldon's article first here are my opinions: 1. If you do NOT remove the cam chain tensioner first and then proceed to turn your crank clockwise it takes the slack out of your cam chain. Whereupon, you will hear a clicking sound. This unfortunate click is the sound of your chain tensioner taking up the slack in your chain that you just created. Potentially a BIG PROBLEM! You may very well be running your cam chain too tight now. (I did the same thing.) But, there is a simple fix. Remove your cam chain tensioner and reset it per the instructions in the manual. Takes about 5 minutes. 2. My opinion about your valve specs?? Go ride it! I find it difficult to believe it will be out of spec in just a few thousand miles. ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V2 #338 ****************************