From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V2 #475 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Friday, June 11 1999 Volume 02 : Number 475 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1999 02:50:11 +1000 From: "Hauck, Michael MG" Subject: Re: (klr650) 1. Rear Turn Signals ; 2. Throttle Grip My thanks to CA Stu and Jeff: I think I'll try the replacements from Fred for the turn signals/stalks...I'm getting together a big list for him so that he'll give me a HUGE volume discount and save with just one freight bill! For the handguards and broken throttle I'll speak to my mechanic on Saturday and see if he has any suggestions on how to fix the bar ends over handguards, but I may just ditch the bar ends..PS: How does one remove the actual throttle? I'm going in for my first valve adjustment on Sat (I want to watch once first before doing my own...). As far as avoiding crashes in the first place, I totally agree, especially on the road (haven't gone down yet, touch wood - head). However, off-road I sometimes think it's like skiing (another Canadian eh): If you don't have a LITTLE wipe-out now and then, you're just not trying hard enough or the terrain is too easy...I love a challenge! >I'm starting to think I should cushion the bike's fall when I go down to save money, instead of letting it go...but I don't want the 400 lbs. on my legs! > Or learn not to crash in the first place :) Jeff EOM NOTICE - This message contains information intended only for the use of the addressee named above. It may also be confidential and/or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient of this message you are hereby notified that you must not disseminate, copy or take any action in reliance on it. If you have received this message in error please notify The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited immediately via mailto:postmaster@bhp.com.au. Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to Editor@dualsport.org for info. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 12:54:52 -0400 From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Alternator Capacity? At 07:55 AM 6/10/1999 -0600, Vik Banerjee wrote: > >-----Original Message----- >From: Tom Simpson >To: klr650@lists.xmission.com >Date: Thursday, June 10, 1999 7:51 AM >Subject: Re: (klr650) Alternator Capacity? > > >>At 07:38 AM 6/10/1999 -0600, Vik Banerjee wrote: >>>Thane, >>> >>>I can't tell you what it is, but keep in mind the power output of the KLR >>>will vary with RPM so its not one value - it would be in reality, a curve >of >>>power vs. RPM. >>> >>>So far I haven't seen anything like that for the KLR - anyone have this >>>info? >> >> >> I belive it calculates out as about 190 watts at 7,000 or so RPM. > > >Tom where did you get this number? It just seems low to me and I think I >was exceeding 200W at 4000rpm for hours at a time. Did the math using the figures listed in the front oof the service manual, somehow. Its been awhile. - -Tom '96 KLR 650 Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to Editor@dualsport.org for info. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 11:15:02 -0600 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Touratech Mount Problems... This is Tom Meyer's response to the concern I expressed about the Touratech Mounts: Tom wrote: About a year ago Touratech thought using loctite on the screws into the Macrolon would be a good idea but...... all their mounts assembled with Loctite cracked. "Macrolon" is very sensitive to the solvents in "Loctite". Yours should be OK as it was made after the "crisis". In any case I've got the spares here for my customers who have outright problems. Is this OK with you? Look at the macrolon angled in the sunlight and inspect for a network of cracks. The cracks will be very obvious, a spiderweb network of cracks reflecting in the light, and if that's the case give me a call. They're essentially handmade, a prototype gone wild (and look it too!) Sometimes they fit too tight, and if the new owner doesn't figure out the method of getting the GPS out of there (by spreading on the black bars), they can break the tabs. Also, overtightening the nuts on the Macrolon can stress it. I do agree that it's not the "mount for the masses", especially with the instruction sheet written in German. But it's still the best mount available. Gasoline too will cause microcracks and weaken the Macrolon. Gasoline will melt the **GPS** (see p 85 in the manual) so don't splash gas on the GPS either. Kurt Simpson Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to Editor@dualsport.org for info. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1999 08:39:09 -0700 From: Christopher J Beasley Subject: Re: (klr650) Transporting my new (old) KLR Cassell, Jonathan Z wrote: > Hello, Listers! > Having scoured the internet for a good deal on my first KLR650, I > have made a deal to buy one in Wichita, Kansas. Now I have to get it to > Columbus, Ohio. Fly out and ride it back!b Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to Editor@dualsport.org for info. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1999 10:04:04 -0600 From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: (klr650) 2000 KLR650 Sounds like the KLR will make a return for 2000. DSN subscriber, Jim Davis, gave me a call last night to tell me his dealer can get a 2000 KLR650 for him in late July. Don't know of any other changes except color. He said it is now green instead of spruce blue. I have not seen it so if anyone else has info, let's hear it. Gino Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to Editor@dualsport.org for info. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1999 09:10:48 -0700 From: jack tavares Subject: (klr650) brake pads? time for new pads on the klr650. i have heard the dunlop pads recommended. wont those be kind of hard on the rotor, since they are metallic pads? what about the EBC or the galfer green pads? thanks jack - -- Jack Tavares tavares@aa.net Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to Editor@dualsport.org for info. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1999 10:12:50 -0600 From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: RE: (klr650) brake pads? >>time for new pads on the klr650. i have heard the dunlop pads recommended. wont those be kind of hard on the rotor, since they are metallic pads? what about the EBC or the galfer green pads?<< I have the galfer greens on mine. They work good, but I think the dunlopads are better. EBC and SBS have always seemed weak to me. Gino Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to Editor@dualsport.org for info. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1999 09:32:33 -0600 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Finally Back!! >Thanks again for waiting for my sorry butt! ;-) >b only time will tell if it was worth it (g) Kurt Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to Editor@dualsport.org for info. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1999 10:32:28 -0600 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) List down/list up... I have yet to hear from my ISP as to why our list was down for nearly 20 hours. I wonder if it had something to do with the new and devasting worm.zip.exe virus. Let's all be careful. It looks like we will need to repost anything that we posted to the list since 2:30 Mountain time yesterday. Kurt Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to Editor@dualsport.org for info. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1999 12:31:07 -0400 From: "Blake, Paul" Subject: (klr650) KLR 650 500 mile service Hello everyone! I am new to the list, and the proud owner of a beautiful KLR650 A13, which is nearing the end of the 500 mile break-in period. I have a couple of questions: 1. How important is it to have the 500 mile service done? 2. What are the truly necessary checks and adjustments needed? 3. I am somewhat mechanically inclined, so could I do most of this myself? or should I take it back to the dealer? 4. The manual mentions adjusting the valves may be necessary. How do you know? How involved is this? I am hesitant about taking it to the dealer, mainly because the labor cost is outrageous! I would rather do it myself, partly to get to know my bike a little better, and mainly to save $$$!! However, I don't want to screw anything up on the bike either, or miss anything. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Dallas Paul 99 KLR650 A13 Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to Editor@dualsport.org for info. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1999 11:36:10 -0500 From: Scott Wass Subject: (klr650) Kawasaki Tank Bag My Kawasaki tank bag is starting to come apart at the clear map window seems to me this happened to others is there an easy fix for this Thanks Scott Wass Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to Editor@dualsport.org for info. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1999 16:47:00 +0000 From: Sarah Barwig Subject: [Re: (klr650) KLR 650 500 mile service] "Blake, Paul" wrote: > > Hello everyone! > > I am new to the list, and the proud owner of a beautiful KLR650 A13, which > is nearing the end of the 500 mile break-in period. Whee! Now the fun really begins! > I have a couple of > questions: > > 1. How important is it to have the 500 mile service done? How long do you want the bike to last? > 2. What are the truly necessary checks and adjustments needed? Change the oil, check and adjust if necessary valves, all the stuff listed in the manual, but those are the two main things that get chatted about on the list. > 3. I am somewhat mechanically inclined, so could I do most of this > myself? or should I take it back to the dealer? You can most likely do most/all of this yourself. Most Kawasaki dealers are notoriously bad at actually doing all of the factory recommended things at the 500 mile service. > 4. The manual mentions adjusting the valves may be necessary. How do > you know? How involved is this? There's a detailed explanation on the website http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page27.html on how to check and adjust the valve. Basically, get some feeler gauges, measure the valves, figure out how much out of spec they are (you can use ShimCalc for this http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page31.html ), get new shims (exchange at nice local place if there is one in a 3000 mile radius, or buy from Fred - amazing turnaround - http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/ , or we have a small shim bank if we've got your size, holler Kurt on list, he's currently the keeper of the shims), install, put everything back together, ride on. Everyone says it's not too tough, but ask questions if you have any. Also, there's searchable archives of the list at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 to see past questions and answers. Basically, it seems like 60-75% of the bikes on list (correct me if I'm wrong here guys, as I know you will) have valves that are completely in spec at 500 miles, but the other 25% are VERY happy that they didn't go to 3000 miles without adjusting the really tight intake they found, etc... > I am hesitant about taking it to the dealer, mainly because the labor cost > is outrageous! Also, there are some dealers that charge you for a valve adjust, but if you put nail polish on the head cover, you see when you get it back that they didn't even crack it open to check. > I would rather do it myself, partly to get to know my bike a > little better, and mainly to save $$$!! And to get it done right. > However, I don't want to screw > anything up on the bike either, or miss anything. > > Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! > Check out the above links and come on back with any questions. We love questions. :) Welcome to the list. We like travel stories. Sarah - -- Sarah Barwig Developer WeddingChannel.com (213) 599-4144 888 S. Figueroa St., Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA, 90017 Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to Editor@dualsport.org for info. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1999 10:47:34 -0700 From: "Vik Banerjee" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR 650 500 mile service - -----Original Message----- From: Blake, Paul To: 'klr650@lists.xmission.com' Date: Friday, June 11, 1999 9:36 AM Subject: (klr650) KLR 650 500 mile service >Hello everyone! > >I am new to the list, and the proud owner of a beautiful KLR650 A13, which >is nearing the end of the 500 mile break-in period. I have a couple of >questions: > >1. How important is it to have the 500 mile service done? Most of the check is really basic - like chain still on the bike? But, the valve adjust portion is important. How important? I'll tell you right after you tell me what your valve clearances are. Sorta like checking your oil level - a lister recently realized he had been runing with almost no oil in the bike and is dealing with the consequences. Checking the oil prior to that ride would have been real important - OTOH I checked my oil yesterday and it was fine. An inspection of your valves is important wetehr or not they need adjustment. >2. What are the truly necessary checks and adjustments needed? Valves and then if you run down the rest of the first service list its pretty much an oil change and minor check up for fluid levels, chain tension, etc... >3. I am somewhat mechanically inclined, so could I do most of this >myself? or should I take it back to the dealer? Give it a shot if you feel comfy with the procedure. >4. The manual mentions adjusting the valves may be necessary. How do >you know? How involved is this? When you check the valve clearances with feeler gauges the results will tell you how your valves are adjusted compared to KLR specs - you'll then need to reshim to achieve the necessary clearances if some of your valves are tight or too loose. >I am hesitant about taking it to the dealer, mainly because the labor cost >is outrageous! I would rather do it myself, partly to get to know my bike a >little better, and mainly to save $$$!! However, I don't want to screw >anything up on the bike either, or miss anything. I hear you. So far I have let my dealer adjust my valves (well I paid for it...lol...not sure if he did it) for the first service. I am getting brave so next time I am with someone who has done it before I'll give it a crack and then hopefully do it on my own. Cheers, Vik Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to Editor@dualsport.org for info. ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V2 #475 ****************************