From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V2 #427 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Sunday, May 23 1999 Volume 02 : Number 427 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 10:48:15 -0600 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Howdy from West Virginia >I have been looking to buy a new on/off road bike recently. I have looked >at the Suzuki, Yamaha and of course the Kawi. So far I really like the KLR >the best. If any of you guys and/or gals have any recomendations or >comments, I would love to hear them. I have been riding about 20 years on a >little bit of everything. There are tons of off-road riding all around >where I live but my last two "trail" bikes (Yam 550 Maxim; GS750) were just >not suited to the terrain. I currently ride a V65 Magna which I will not >even attempt to take off the hardtop. Also, what is the best price anyone >has heard for the 99 KLR?? I am getting quoted the same price for either a >DR350 or the KLR650 from the same dealer. Are the Suzuki dual sports that >much better?? > >Dusty in Mingo County WV >84 V65 Magna >96 400 Foreman >74 HD SR100 There are tons of posts answering this kind of question in our archives. Here is the most important question. Once you've answered this we can steer you in the right direction. The question: What does offroad/onroad mean to you? There are dualsport bikes made for every conceivable range of answer. Ask yourself: 1) Do I want a bike that can take me 500 miles on the highway comfortably and then jump offroad. When I jump offroad how gnarly will my experience be? 2) Does onroad mean just going from trail to trail? 3) Will you ever ride two-up? 4) Will you ever want to carry luggage? 5) What kind of range do you expect on a tank of gas? Best price I've heard on a '99 KLR is $4,200 and that is also the best price I've heard on a DR350SE. But most pay more, somewhere around $4,500-$4,700 on up. Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 13:05:36 EDT From: GVBettes@aol.com Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V2 #425 In a message dated 5/22/99 11:01:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time, owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com writes: > Where is the water going Upon having to rebuild his KLR a friend found a minor crack from the exhaust port into a cooling chamber. The motor had no noticable leak but had used a minor amount of coolant for some time. He had the offending crack welded by a local welder and the coolant usage stopped. Appears that the minor amount of coolanr leakage was going out the exhaust, probably as vapor. Gary A10 Fresno ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 13:12:36 EDT From: GVBettes@aol.com Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V2 #425 In a message dated 5/22/99 11:01:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time, owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com writes: > Does anyone have any suggestions for jackets that > work well for warm weather? It gets up to at least > the 90's F everyday of the summer here. First Gear Kilimanjero. Used mine yesterday in 90 degree heat. Did not even have to open all of the vents. Gary A10 11,000 miles Fresno ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 12:15:40 -0500 (CDT) From: Dale Borgeson Subject: (klr650) Re:(NKLR) Wasps My wasp story is at http://www.visi.com/~dalebor/stories.htm#bandana Cheers - -- Dale Borgeson dalebor@tiny.net Minneapolis, MN U.S.A. "Motorcycle Touring For Beginners" at www.visi.com/~dalebor ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 13:30:08 EDT From: GVBettes@aol.com Subject: (klr650) Wait and see? I have been having a problem for the last month or so. My A10 appeared to run well at all speed except for the very top end. Very noticable when trying to accellerate uphill. First noticed it when loaded up with all luggage and full winter riding gear. Could not accellercate on uphills and sometimes had to downshift to maintain crusing speed of 70 mph. Finally got the bike to the dealer last week and checked out on my extended warranty (not Kawasaki). They found both exhaust valves were very tight. I had the valves adjusted by this same dealer less than 3000 miles back. I know they adjusted the valves as I was able to watch my favorite mechanic while he did the work. The valves were set to the loose end of the range. The intakes did not change but both exhausts were severly out of spec. The valves were readjusted and all symptoms dissappeared. Now the wait. Will recheck the valves in 1000 miles to see if this adjustment holds. Gary A10 11,000 miles Fresno ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 14:03:35 -0400 From: duftler@us.ibm.com Subject: (klr650) Prepping the KLR for Alaska >Previously installed items include: Acerbis Rally guards and spoilers, >throttle lock, plexiglass headlight guard, MSR skid plate, relocated >license plate, & digital clock. Alex, What type fo digital clock did you install? I was looking around for one, and then though maybe I'd wait until I can spring for the GPS. Is the clock you installed an LED type? Backlit? Thanks, Matt Duftler Tarrytown, NY A9 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 12:05:02 -0600 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Emmisions Cannister >This has probably been discussed before, but does has anyone permanently >removed the emmisions cannister and if so are there any pitfalls? Do I just >vent the gas tank to the ground? Many of us have done this mod...I don't recall any negatives so far. Yes, you just vent the tank to the ground, some have found one-way filter valves. >Also is there a web page with torque >settings for the various nuts and bolts? Thanks. >Regards, >Steven van twuyver I haven't seen one...most of us just use the manual. Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 14:24:17 -0400 From: "LindaT" Subject: RE: (klr650) Re:(NKLR) Wasps LOL sorry for your pain, but that was funny. LindaT. 95 F3 Purple Haze (56K miles and counting...) 86 KLR250 Klarabelle http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Pit/4807/ Dale Borgeson said: My wasp story is at http://www.visi.com/~dalebor/stories.htm#bandana ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 14:29:36 -0400 From: "LindaT" Subject: (klr650) Non-starter redux The bike is finally at the shop and I got an initial estimate for the work. rebuild carb rebuild brake master cylinder valve job due to low compression for a whopping total somewhere over $700. Considering that the bike only cost slightly more than that, I am not pleased. I told them to do the carb and brake work and I'm thinking about the valves. Is the low compression really what is making the bike so hard to start? LindaT. 95 F3 Purple Haze (56K miles and counting...) 86 KLR250 Klarabelle http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Pit/4807/ ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 11:27:30 -0700 From: Richard Ohnstad Subject: (klr650) NKLR-Leather Pants I'm looking for recommendations for leather pants. Waste: 35", Inseam: 35"(oh, oh). Would like them with hip, knee & butt protection of some sort. (Chaps won't do). TIA. Richard in Tucson '94 KLR650 '86 VFR750 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 11:19:56 PDT From: "Per Bursell" Subject: (klr650) Balancer Chain Hello!! I have read my manual for my 91 tengai and it writes about adjusting the balancing chain!! I think itīs time to do that and i have this question... How do i know when it is properly adjusted and how do i adjust it??? The manual says nothing about it!! ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 14:40:56 EDT From: LPetty4585@aol.com Subject: (klr650) Head Gasket Well I have come to the conclusion that I need to change the head gasket as I can see water vapor in the exhaust, has anyone performed the task and what should I watch out for. Thanks Larry ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 19:25:24 -0400 From: "Dusty Nagle" Subject: Re: (klr650) Howdy from West Virginia > >There are tons of posts answering this kind of question in our archives. >Here is the most important question. Once you've answered this we can steer >you in the right direction. The question: What does offroad/onroad mean to >you? There are dualsport bikes made for every conceivable range of answer. Sorry I am a newbie on the list........ But, obviously I am not looking for an all out dirt bike although the 550 Maxim really took me into some "not for street bike" places....... >Ask yourself: > >1) Do I want a bike that can take me 500 miles on the highway comfortably >and then jump offroad. When I jump offroad how gnarly will my experience be? I rarely if ever travel more than 500 miles a day. Most trips are little 100 mile circles but there is about 5 - 10 off-road sites along the way. Most are accessible by 4WD truck, some by 4-wheeler. Nothing requiring a CR250, KX500, etc. > >2) Does onroad mean just going from trail to trail? Mostly, Yes. > >3) Will you ever ride two-up? Sometimes, but mostly just trail to trail. > >4) Will you ever want to carry luggage? Yes. Light though. > >5) What kind of range do you expect on a tank of gas? At least 100 miles. I know there is no prob there with the KLR. > >Best price I've heard on a '99 KLR is $4,200 and that is also the best price >I've heard on a DR350SE. But most pay more, somewhere around $4,500-$4,700 >on up. That is the same quote I have got. Why is the Suzuki higher for a smaller bike. I am guessing that the Suzuki is more "dirt" oriented with better suspension and such??? >Kurt Thanks a bunch Kurt. I really appreciate the input and again, Sorry for being such a newbie..... Dusty > ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 17:54:34 -0600 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Howdy from West Virginia...NKLR >>Best price I've heard on a '99 KLR is $4,200 and that is also the best >price >>I've heard on a DR350SE. But most pay more, somewhere around $4,500-$4,700 >>on up. > >That is the same quote I have got. Why is the Suzuki higher for a smaller >bike. I am guessing that the Suzuki is more "dirt" oriented with better >suspension and such??? > > >>Kurt > >Thanks a bunch Kurt. I really appreciate the input and again, Sorry for >being such a newbie..... > >Dusty Dusty, there are at least two people on this list who will tell you that the bike you want is the DR. Me and Gino and we both have KLR's and love them. The DR is lighter by a bunch still road capable...Gino and I are both still fooling with the notion of making them "light adventure tourers" with sideracks, Ortlieb Dry Bags, Acerbis Desert Tank. You can save yourself some money by buying a '98 used if you can find it. The '98's was the year that they offered cartridge front forks and a more adjustable rear shock. I bought a '97 because it was like new and the cost was spectacular. I can get a cartridge fork conversion for under $500. If you really want a 650 then you might consider a DR650 which is more dirt worthy than the KLR or an XR650L which is still more. If you decide you're interested in hearing more you can sign on to the DR350 list by sending a message to: majordomo@lists.xmission.com in the body of the message type: subscribe dr350 Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 21:43:46 -0000 From: "Eric Jasniewicz" Subject: (klr650) Help - Yet another bozo strips his master cylinder screws! AARRGG! Frigin, fargin, figgin... I have practically no tools, I can get my hands on a drill. What would be the best method to get the screw out of my master cylinder. I shredded it with one twist of a well-seated, correct size phillips head. Things must be made of butter, as I've done this on several Kawi's over the years. I'm thinking a reverse drill bit (is there such a thing? is that what an easy-out is?), toss it in a drill, spin it backwards, and hope the bit catches the screw good enough to get it out. Any better ideas out there? TIA, Eric Jasniewicz Atlanta, GA 1998 KLR 650 www.angelfire.com/ga/ericjazz ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 22:02:10 -0600 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Non-starter redux >The bike is finally at the shop and I got an initial estimate for the work. > >rebuild carb >rebuild brake master cylinder >valve job due to low compression > >for a whopping total somewhere over $700. > >Considering that the bike only cost slightly more than that, I am not >pleased. I told them to do the carb and brake work and I'm thinking about >the valves. Is the low compression really what is making the bike so hard >to start? sounds consistent with what you've been sharing with us. What did they say about it? Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 22:03:17 -0600 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Head Gasket >Well I have come to the conclusion that I need to change the head gasket as I >can see water vapor in the exhaust, has anyone performed the task and what >should I watch out for. > >Thanks >Larry Carlos and Beas have just been through it...check the archives while waiting for them to listen up.... Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 22:07:30 -0600 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Balancer Chain >I have read my manual for my 91 tengai and it writes about adjusting the >balancing chain!! > >I think itīs time to do that and i have this question... > >How do i know when it is properly adjusted and how do i adjust it??? The >manual says nothing about it!! The balancing chain adjustment is performed by first pulling a small rubber plug about the size of a quarter. It is on the left side of the engine just in front of an imaginary line drawn down from the two gray plugs on the left side used to turn the crank and inspect the timing marks...the balancing chain plug is in that line but way down on the bottom of the engine...you have to get down and crawl around a little. Once you pull it you use an 8 mm open end wrench and loosen the bolt a full turn but not much more...tap lightly on the side of the case with a rubber mallet or plastic end of a big screwdriver and tighten it back up...just snug...not too tight! Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 22:12:15 -0000 From: "Eric Jasniewicz" Subject: (klr650) Some KLR pics, halogen 1157 tailbulb Well, most of you have never seen me, so here's an opportunity to see me, well my butt at least! ;) Some pics of my ride to day with Mark in GA. What a blast! Pics of me trying to be cool, forgetting my age! Next time I'm going after that guy on the CR! Well, um, maybe not... ;) How much is that Progressive shock? ;) Oh, check out the halogen tailbulb. Those things are really brighter. It held up for about a month of normal riding, today I toasted a filament, probably due to the excessive bouncing around! As usual, Fred's got 'em. Thanks for showin' me this place Mark, and for the pics too! http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Track/6419/page6.html ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 23:32:57 -0500 From: Scott Wass Subject: (klr650) Tire A.S.A.P Help!!!!!! I am headed to the big city tommorow a.m. to get a new set of tires. I am leaning towards a set of Dunlop 903's about $130.00 a pair but I've seen some interest in the Kenda 270's....Alex.. The Kendas are way cheaper has anyone tried the Dunlop's ? they look pretty knarly I think they are rated at 80/2 off-on any help a.s.a.p would be great Scott Wass ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 00:47:05 EDT From: Jdfsau3@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Help - Yet another bozo strips his master cylinder screws! Harbor Freight tools (www.harborfreight.com or phone 1800 905 5220)sells some very clever tools that partially reform the head of the stripped screw so that it can be removed. They look somewhat like regular screwdrivers but have odd looking hardened tips on them. You simply put the tip of the screwdriver into the stripped heat and tap the other end with a hammer. The hardened tips cut new slots or phillips heads. They are sold in pairs, one for slot headed screws , the other for phillips head screws. Real lifesavers. mucheasier and faster than drilling and using screw extractors. ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V2 #427 ****************************