From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V1 #56 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Saturday, April 18 1998 Volume 01 : Number 056 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 19:07:38 -0400 From: temsley@ix.netcom.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Looking for used KLR Geoff, My brother-in-law has fallen for my KLR and is also in the market. If you find more than you need tell me. Todd ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 19:19:51 -0400 From: temsley@ix.netcom.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Crashed Saturday :( Pete, I agree with you 100%, However, I am not about to say that I can prevent another vehicle from colliding with my motorcycle. You can take MSF courses all you want. There are forces at work on the road that are out of the rider's control. This is a fact. Until each of us are allowed the road without ANYONE else on it, that will be the case. So, as much as I will devote myself to being a safe, AWARE motorcyclist, I will say "when, not if". Because I am human, I am capable of making a mistake. You must have figured out how to get around this. respectfully, Todd '97 A11 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 19:23:25 -0400 From: temsley@ix.netcom.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Crashed Saturday :( Cameron, I replied to Pete, then I read your post next. Obviously I agree with you. Todd (still praying and looking) ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 19:25:22 EDT From: Cloudhid Subject: Re: (klr650) Looking for used KLR In a message dated 4/16/98 3:10:02 PM, temsley@ix.netcom.com wrote: >Geoff, > > My brother-in-law has fallen for my KLR and is also in the market. If >you find more than you need tell me. > > Todd Here's 9 of our cousins........ 1997, KAWASAKI, KLR650, $3499,, (813)-968-7888. Location: Tampa, FL 1998, KAWASAKI, ZX6-R, $1799, IN STOCK, ZX7-R IN STOCK, 1989 KLR650, (352)-735-2900. Visit our website! Location: Mount Dora, FL 1998 KAWASAKI, KLR650, $4599, Stock# 100, showroom cond., MARINA SUZUKI, (310)-306-8595. Visit our website! Location: Culver City, CA 1996 KAWASAKI KLR650, funnest bike ever, runs and looks perfect, tags good til 6/98, comes with rain suit. $3700 OBO. Bill 503-652-0502 or 360-253-2155. Vancouver, Wa Location: Vancouver, WA 1994 KAWASAKI KLR650 ENDURO, street/dirt, garaged, EC LN, 3.4k mi, turquoise/purple & white, matching helmet(s), acc included, $2900, 757-427-5399 VA BEACH [44] Location: Virginia Beach, VA 87 Kawasaki KLR650, Enduro, low miles, runs strong, $1100; (440)439-3420 days (440)838-1944 eves BROADVIEW HTS 500-RR-15JM01H17 Location: Broadview Heights, OH 89 Kawasaki KLR650, dual sports, EC, new tires, clutch, low miles, professionally maintained, very powerful, $2600 obo; (330)672-4383 KENT OH 500-RR-16MI01V18 Location: Kent, OH 87 Kawasaki KLR650 street/trail bike, runs great, new battery, $900; (314)731-2702 HAZELWOOD 4/3 Location: Hazelwood, MO 1995 KAWASAKI KLR650, on/off road touring machine, 6 gallon gas tank, 50 MPG, single cylinder "thumper" motor, 8200 mi, great shape. $2850. Call Matt, 541-741-5913 days, 541-431-6758 eves. Eugene, Or Location: Eugene, OR ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 19:31:28 -0400 From: temsley@ix.netcom.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Berating Derating Ron, I believe an engine has a fixed quantity of energy it can deliver in its life. You can get it all out quickly or get a little out for a long time. Finding that happy medium is the hard part. Todd ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 17:14:20 -0700 (PDT) From: Tom Vervaeke Subject: (klr650) Moab Rally - I'm going to come early Hello: After sitting here in Colorado Springs, at 7600', looking out my window at the fresh 6" of snow we have, I've decided I'm going to head to Moab next Monday. Should arrive Monday night. Was wondering if anyone else would like to get together and do some riding? Not the pedal kind either. Was thinking of Dead Horse, Arches, Canyonlands, and maybe Glen Canyon NRA or Hovenweep. I would not mind doing some offroad trails either but will not go offroad by myself on the KLR (yet). Not sure where I'll be staying but will check in with Fred next Tuesday in the a.m. If no one else is around I'll ride the KLR away. I hope to bring the XR and do some real dirt riding while in the area too. My bike, with 510 miles, is at the dealer getting serviced for it's first checkup. I've encountered no problems at all so far. I even did a few hours in the real dirt with another local KLR owner last weekend. The KLR did remarkably well. It's not an XR as it can easily bottom the front forks or rear shock. Progressive springs will come shortly after Moab. So, if you're also going to get there early feel free to email or call me at home at 719-495-2152 (no later than 9 pm Mountain please) and let's see if we can hook up. Regards, Tom Vervaeke Colorado Springs, CO 98 KLR _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 20:36:22 EDT From: MacGhuairi Subject: Re: (klr650) Crashed Saturday :( I agree as well. The idea of when not if sounds really stupid if you apply it to, say handguns. I have owned firearms my entire life, all 32 yrs, and never once been shot. Although I am very new to riding I chose a KLR and not a Ninja or Ducati because I don't have the desire to scream down the highway at 200 mph. Seems to me it's those guys that are killed or seriously injured more than any other street legal riders. This is evident just by looking in the classified ads in the wrecked or bent bike section. As well this is just my opinion too! J. Macquarrie ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 20:46:01 EDT From: Cloudhid Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR600-B1 rad dimensions OK Mr. T, and any fellow inquiring listers here's the coolant comparison of the KLR600 vs. KLR650. KLR600-B1 KLR650-A10 1.2L capacity 1.3L capacity LH - 5-1/4" x 7-1/4" LH - 6-1/4" x 10-1/4" RH - 5-1/4" x 10-1/4" RH - non existent Both 10 cores, and 1-1/4" deep 12 cores, 1-1/4" deep Assuming the inside core diameters are the same, the 600 looks like it has about 20% more radiator cooling area than the 650. Kudos to Jim for originally putting out the hypothesis. I'm certain that this settles nothing:-). Ron (learning a new respect for his elders) ********************************** In a message dated 4/16/98 5:34:23 AM, tedp@replicant.apana.org.au wrote: >Cloudhid was interested in the sizes of the KLR600 twin rads, and I >guess a few others might me interested. > >LH - 135 x 180 mm (5 1/4 x 7 1/4") >RH - 135 x 260 mm (5 1/4 x 10 1/4") >Both 10 cores, both 32mm (1 1/4") deep > >I'm curious myself at the dimensions of the single rad of the 650s. > >Mister_T ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 20:53:53 EDT From: MacGhuairi Subject: Re: (klr650) Crashed Saturday :( Now I feel like maybe I should have been shot once or twice!! The message should have read " not a question of if but when ". I didn't mean to say you were stupid either . All apologies to those offended. J. Macquarrie ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 21:11:24 -0400 From: Steve Rottenberg Subject: (klr650) Crashed on Saturday :( Hey Guys, It me, Steve, the bonehead that crashed by himself, no cars pulling in front of me, no cute little girl watching me, Just me, my bike and my stupidity, I did take MSF basic class, and I've been meaning to take the experienced rider class. But I've been lazy. Thank's to all the "brothers" that replied to my email and told me good luck, take care or had the good will to let me know they feel the same way about their bikes like I do. I'm taking the day off tomorrow from work, and I need to get at least a new handlebar and put'er back temporarily together and go for a little ride. I guess I'm lucky I didn;t get hurt, and I'm also feeling good that I'm not going to work, and I'm staying home with my "baby" !! Steve(Who looked good pullin' that damn wheelie 'till ... s@#t happened!) Steve Rottenberg Tuca en IRC Email: steve@vvd.com Email: rottenb@gte.net Don't take life so seriously ... it's not permanent. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 21:02:15 -0500 From: Ed Subject: (klr650) Howdy All Well first off Hello to all from Iowa. Bought a KLR last fall 95 with 3k on it. Also watch the BMW remarks please, my toher bike is a K1100LT ;). Next some one was asking about carrying a clutch cable back in the olden days we used to run a spare right next to the active one. Easy to change and carry. Second. Has any one experienced rear shock problems, mine seems to be leaking at 4k. Any experience with after market shocks? Lastly (for tonite) tell me the poop on jets, I put on an exhaust to open up that end. The discussion seems to be around "the jet kit", whos? I read some where about using KLX carb parts for a poor man's kit ?? Ed (kan't get my front wheel off the groung in first gear let alone third) ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 14:02:25 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Droppin' Them Revs Michael Magnatta wrote: > > What would be the best route to go in lowering rpms on the hiway - more > teeth on the countershaft sprocket or less on the rear sprocket? Thanks! Countershaft sprocket is a lot easier to change and smaller to carry if you want to. I have the eccentric cam adjusters on my bike so chain tension is easy. It's quite feasible to use a 16 tooth on the highway, get to the bush and fit a 14T and visa versa. Mister_T - -- \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\ | RC17 KLR600 Roces BCN FreeBSD 2.2.5-R NT4W (ugh) | | tedp[at]replicant[dot]apana[dot]org[dot]au | \|_________________________________________________________________| ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 14:10:10 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR600-B1 rad dimensions Cloudhid wrote: > > OK Mr. T, and any fellow inquiring listers here's the coolant > comparison of the KLR600 vs. KLR650. > > KLR600-B1 KLR650-A10 > 1.2L capacity 1.3L capacity > LH - 5-1/4" x 7-1/4" LH - 6-1/4" x 10-1/4" > RH - 5-1/4" x 10-1/4" RH - non existent > Both 10 cores, and 1-1/4" deep 12 cores, 1-1/4" deep Whoops. The keen amonsgt us will notice I listed the LH rad as the shorter of the two. Actually, the RH rad is shorter as it has to clear the exhaust header. Well, it _was_ on the LHS when I was looking at the bike from the front toward the back... Mister_T - -- \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\ | RC17 KLR600 Roces BCN FreeBSD 2.2.5-R NT4W (ugh) | | tedp[at]replicant[dot]apana[dot]org[dot]au | \|_________________________________________________________________| ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 00:13:57 -0600 From: "Fred Hink" Subject: Re: (klr650) Howdy All - -----Original Message----- From: Ed To: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Thursday, April 16, 1998 11:16 PM Subject: (klr650) Howdy All >Well first off Hello to all from Iowa. Bought a KLR last fall 95 with >3k on it. Also watch the BMW remarks please, my toher bike is a K1100LT >;). > >Next some one was asking about carrying a clutch cable back in the olden >days we used to run a spare right next to the active one. Easy to >change and carry. > >Second. Has any one experienced rear shock problems, mine seems to be >leaking at 4k. Any experience with after market shocks? I've heard of several KLR shocks lately going bad. Progressive Suspension makes one for the KLR for $418 and White Power makes one too for $439. Gino has done a report in the KLR DSN web page on the Progressive shock. He says they are pretty good, much better than stock. > >Lastly (for tonite) tell me the poop on jets, I put on an exhaust to >open up that end. The discussion seems to be around "the jet kit", >whos? I read some where about using KLX carb parts for a poor man's kit >?? The KLR jet kit is made be Dynojet. They sell for about $60 and make all the difference in the world, especially with your exhaust system. Just ask anyone who has used them. Fred Hink moabmc@lasal.net Arrowhead Motorsports http://cctr.umkc.edu/user/khink/moabmc/index.html > >Ed (kan't get my front wheel off the groung in first gear let alone >third) > > > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 07:07:18 -0500 From: Ed Subject: Re: (klr650) Droppin' Them Revs - --------------9BD14D41A2BBFAD801DFB42B Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Ted, > I have the eccentric cam adjusters on my bike so chain tension is easy. > What year did they use eccentric cam adjusters, or are they after market. Or am I thinking of the wrong thing?? Ed - --------------9BD14D41A2BBFAD801DFB42B Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Ted,
  
I have the eccentric cam adjusters on my bike so chain tension is easy.
What year did they use eccentric cam adjusters, or are they after market. Or am I thinking of the wrong thing??

Ed
  - --------------9BD14D41A2BBFAD801DFB42B-- ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 22:28:38 +1000 From: Ted Palmer Subject: Re: (klr650) Droppin' Them Revs Ed wrote: > I have the eccentric cam adjusters on my bike so chain tension is easy. > > What year did they use eccentric cam adjusters, or are they after > market. Or am I thinking of the wrong thing?? I'm not up with the latest in 650 tech, so I'm not sure if they are still used, or whether the 650 even used them at all. KLRs had these on the 600-A1 (kick start) from '84 on. AFAIC, all 600s had them. Maybe eccentrics were a feature of the drum rear. Eccentrics are not as common as they used to be. I guess they went out of favour due to costs. I suppose most people would rather have a disc rear than eccentrics. Mister_T - -- \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\ | RC17 KLR600 Roces BCN FreeBSD 2.2.5-R NT4W (ugh) | | tedp[at]replicant[dot]apana[dot]org[dot]au | \|_________________________________________________________________| ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 08:50:27 From: Robert Kaub Subject: (klr650) GIVI Tailbox Morning all: My E40 tailbox finally arrived yesterday and last night I installed the E127 adapter plate and tailbox on my '98 KLR650. The adapter plate mounts quite easily with two screws after you decipher the very vague instructions. It's a neat and clean installation and looks good if your not riding with the tailbox attached. It does however cover the toolkit, denying access. I took the toolkit out (one screw) and carry it in the tailbox. No instructions come with the tailbox but it's pretty obvious how it mounts and dismounts. It takes a little getting-used-to to work out the lock but it's not hard once you figure it out. The box is very nicely made and mounts solidly. This model has a passenger backrest attached which my daughter pronounced quite comfortable and functional. Getting on and off the "horse" is harder with the box attached. I have to make sure I bend my right leg as far back as possible when getting on and off. The passenger has it easier as they can hop up on the left peg and then swing on. My daughter just did this naturally without giving it any thought and hopped right on and off. The only negative thing I noticed is that the box is a little fussy to close, requiring some fiddling to get the gasket to align itself with the case bottom before it closes and seals. All-in-all, though I like it and would recommend it to the listers who want a hard/locking/detachable piece. Bob Kaub SUNY Binghamton Watson School Student Shop PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-2715 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 10:33:45 -0400 From: "R. K. Dow" Subject: (klr650) Dual Star Centerstand procedures - --------------67A7445372B72EBDE95D2FBF Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit >Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 14:22:58 -0600 >From: Kurt Simpson >Subject: (klr650) Dual Star at Moab Rally... >Mike Walburn (owner of Dual Star) ... promises that he will show us how to put the KLR on >Dual Star's centerstand with 1 hand. For those of us unable to attend the Moab rally, PLEASE post a description of this procedure. Even better would be if Gino could post this procedure with photos on the KLRDSN web site. It feels like I'm lifting about 150 lbs. to get my bike on the center stand. - --------------67A7445372B72EBDE95D2FBF Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit >Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 14:22:58 -0600
>From: Kurt Simpson <ajax@xmission.com>
>Subject: (klr650) Dual Star at Moab Rally...

>Mike Walburn (owner of Dual Star) ... promises that he will show us how to put the KLR on >Dual Star's centerstand with 1 hand.

For those of us unable to attend the Moab rally, PLEASE post a description of this procedure. Even better would be if Gino could post this procedure with photos on the KLRDSN web site.

It feels like I'm lifting about 150 lbs. to get my bike on the center stand.
  - --------------67A7445372B72EBDE95D2FBF-- ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 10:45:30 -0400 From: Kovach E Subject: Re: (klr650) Dual Star Centerstand procedures Can someone out there give the correct part number for the new kaw tail trunk Part # K9999 (4or5)-501. Thanks cio...evan >>> "R. K. Dow" 04/17/98 10:33AM >>> >Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 14:22:58 -0600 >From: Kurt Simpson >Subject: (klr650) Dual Star at Moab Rally... >Mike Walburn (owner of Dual Star) ... promises that he will show us how to put the KLR on >Dual Star's centerstand with 1 hand. For those of us unable to attend the Moab rally, PLEASE post a description of this procedure. Even better would be if Gino could post this procedure with photos on the KLRDSN web site. It feels like I'm lifting about 150 lbs. to get my bike on the center stand. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 10:05:00 -0600 From: Kurt Simpson Subject: (klr650) Kawi Luggage # Saddle Bags #K99994-499, my dealer wanted $114.99 Tank Bag #K99994-500, I paid $37.56 Tail trunk #K99994-501, I paid $62. Kurt Kovach E wrote: > > Can someone out there give the correct part number for the new kaw tail trunk Part # K9999 (4or5)-501. > Thanks cio...evan > > >>> "R. K. Dow" 04/17/98 10:33AM >>> ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 10:20:53 -0600 From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Howdy All Hi Ed, I used to be from Wisconsin and I get back to Iowa pretty often to hunt pheasants. Great tip about the clutch cable, I'm going to try it. Early on a couple of posters talked about rear shock problems even under warranty. The Progressive shock has just come out and Gino will be giving a through review in the next newsletter. It does not have an external reservoir like the Works shock. A bunch of us have used the K & N jet kit and replaced the stock filter with a K & N. Some have modified the airbox most have not. It is a straightforward install and gives you the ability to adjust the pilot screw and needle. Jake Jakeman has a three page typed procedure for the jet kit which he will be happy to share with you if you call him (BTW, Jake encourages long distance callers to call him at low rate times including evenings and weekends, his shop phone is connected to his house). Jake also has some nifty stainless hex head float bowl screws which allow you to do a jet swap w/o removing or tilting the carb. Ed wrote: > Second. Has any one experienced rear shock problems, mine seems to be > leaking at 4k. Any experience with after market shocks? > > Lastly (for tonite) tell me the poop on jets, I put on an exhaust to > open up that end. The discussion seems to be around "the jet kit", > whos? I read some where about using KLX carb parts for a poor man's kit - -- Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12 HawkGT '89 CB750K4 FS Ask me how to subscribe to the KLR Dual Sport Newsletter ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 10:31:58 -0600 From: Kurt Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Droppin' Them Revs Ted Palmer wrote: > > Michael Magnatta wrote: > > > > What would be the best route to go in lowering rpms on the hiway - more > > teeth on the countershaft sprocket or less on the rear sprocket? Thanks! > > Countershaft sprocket is a lot easier to change and smaller to carry > if you want to. > I have the eccentric cam adjusters on my bike so chain tension is easy. > It's quite feasible to use a 16 tooth on the highway, get to the bush > and fit a 14T and visa versa. > > Mister_T Ron, look how international we are getting..."the bush"...can't wait until we get someone writing about "the tundra" (of course we don't want permafrost damage). (;>). KLR content, I downloaded this neat Redline calculator yesterday and put in some data estimating the dia of my rear tire, here is what I get for MPH in 5th gear at 4,000 and 6,000 RPM's with a 16 X 43, 15 X 43, 14 X 43, and 13 X 43. 4,000 6,000 13 X 43 48 72 14 X 43 51.7 77.6 15 X 43 55.4 81 16 X 43 59.1 88.7 Each bike will vary depending on rear tire diameter. Also, as we've noted a jet kit and exhaust will have a discernible effect (affect)... - -- Kurt Simpson (With tongue in chubby cheek) KLR650 A12 HawkGT '89 CB750K4 FS Ask me how to subscribe to the KLR Dual Sport Newsletter ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 10:17:14 -0700 From: beez@Cyra.COM (Christopher Beasley) Subject: Re: (klr650) Droppin' Them Revs At 10:28 PM 4/17/98 +1000, Ted Palmer wrote: >Ed wrote: > >> I have the eccentric cam adjusters on my bike so chain tension is easy. >> >> What year did they use eccentric cam adjusters, or are they after >> market. Or am I thinking of the wrong thing?? > >I'm not up with the latest in 650 tech, so I'm not sure if they are >still used, or whether the 650 even used them at all. >KLRs had these on the 600-A1 (kick start) from '84 on. AFAIC, all >600s had them. Maybe eccentrics were a feature of the drum rear. >Eccentrics are not as common as they used to be. I guess they went out >of favour due to costs. >I suppose most people would rather have a disc rear than eccentrics. Wait, My '84 ZX900A had a disk rear brake and eccentric chain adjusters. As an added bonus, you could 'turn them over' to get the right chain tension in two places with the difference being in the rear ride hight. Beez > >Mister_T >-- > \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\ > | RC17 KLR600 Roces BCN FreeBSD 2.2.5-R NT4W (ugh) | > | tedp[at]replicant[dot]apana[dot]org[dot]au | > \|_________________________________________________________________| > > > > Christopher J. Beasley beez@cyra.com ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 14:40:59 -0400 From: "Michael Magnatta" Subject: (klr650) Thanks! Thanks for all the positive feedback on my ramblings - now if I could only perform slow-speed maneuvers half as good as some say I write... And while we're on the subject of broken clutch & brake levers, here's a modification I made to the levers (after I stopped snappin' 'em!); I found this stuff at the local Home Depot that is designed to coat the handles of hand tools with a soft rubbery grip surface. It comes in the form of a thick gooey liquid, different colors too, and when applied correctly - (dip n' let dry, I had to practice a bit before my technique was ok), gives the levers a uniform rubberized coating that is much "tackier" than bare metal levers. Finally, here is a non-klr link I think our male members will find interesting: Mike Magnatta http://home.san.rr.com/haag/page2.html ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 14:45:24 -0400 From: Cameron Cole Subject: RE: (klr650) Thanks! Lever Skins accomplish the same effect and are inexpensive and easy to install. > -----Original Message----- > From: Michael Magnatta [SMTP:michael123@prodigy.net] > Sent: Friday, April 17, 1998 2:41 PM > To: KLR650 Mailing List > Subject: (klr650) Thanks! > > Thanks for all the positive feedback on my ramblings - now if I could > only perform slow-speed maneuvers half as good as some say I write... > And while we're on the subject of broken clutch & brake levers, here's > a > modification I made to the levers (after I stopped snappin' 'em!); I > found this stuff at the local Home Depot that is designed to coat the > handles of hand tools with a soft rubbery grip surface. It comes in > the > form of a thick gooey liquid, different colors too, and when applied > correctly - (dip n' let dry, I had to practice a bit before my > technique > was ok), gives the levers a uniform rubberized coating that is much > "tackier" than bare metal levers. Finally, here is a non-klr link I > think our male members will find interesting: > > Mike Magnatta > > http://home.san.rr.com/haag/page2.html > > > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 15:05:43 -0500 From: Jim Barthell Subject: Re: (klr650) Howdy All Ed wrote: > Second. Has any one experienced rear shock problems, mine seems to be > leaking at 4k. Any experience with after market shocks? Hi Ed, I got a Works shock delivered to the house a couple days ago. I installed it this morning, hope to finish up this afternoon. It went in very easily but I'm not done putting the bike back together. - -- Jim Barthell - TX '97 'C-O-O-O-W'...asaki KiLleR 650 FSSNOC #2421 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 15:16:47 -0400 From: "Michael Magnatta" Subject: Re: (klr650) Thanks! I've seen many different types of coverings for grips - I've also used the stuff to partially encapsulate/waterproof things like the back of the headlight connector and electrical splices. There is an electrical supply item that is called liquid electrical tape or something like that, that is basically the same - a liquid covering/insulator for residential/ac applications. - -----Original Message----- From: Cameron Cole To: 'klr650@lists.xmission.com' Date: Friday, April 17, 1998 3:52 PM Subject: RE: (klr650) Thanks! Lever Skins accomplish the same effect and are inexpensive and easy to install. > -----Original Message----- > From: Michael Magnatta [SMTP:michael123@prodigy.net] > Sent: Friday, April 17, 1998 2:41 PM > To: KLR650 Mailing List > Subject: (klr650) Thanks! > > Thanks for all the positive feedback on my ramblings - now if I could > only perform slow-speed maneuvers half as good as some say I write... > And while we're on the subject of broken clutch & brake levers, here's > a > modification I made to the levers (after I stopped snappin' 'em!); I > found this stuff at the local Home Depot that is designed to coat the > handles of hand tools with a soft rubbery grip surface. It comes in > the > form of a thick gooey liquid, different colors too, and when applied > correctly - (dip n' let dry, I had to practice a bit before my > technique > was ok), gives the levers a uniform rubberized coating that is much > "tackier" than bare metal levers. Finally, here is a non-klr link I > think our male members will find interesting: > > Mike Magnatta > > http://home.san.rr.com/haag/page2.html > > > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 19:08:44 EDT From: Cloudhid Subject: (klr650) The Bush & Travelcade In a message dated 98-04-17 12:40:56 EDT, ajax@xmission.com writes: Snip << Ron, look how international we are getting..."the bush"...can't wait until we get someone writing about "the tundra" (of course we don't want permafrost damage). (;>). Kurt Simpson (With tongue in chubby cheek) KLR650 A12 HawkGT '89 CB750K4 FS>> Kurt, I find it enjoyable to lay me rubber down in the 'bush', even here in the States. No thanks on the frozen tundra idea, I 'shrink' at the very thought. (thanks for the setup and calcs pal ;) Mon thru Thurs clients beg me to come and see them. Fridays the suit comes off, the Killer comes out of the garage, and I look for any excuse to get out of the office. Found a good one today. Brought the bike down to Travelcade this morn, and was greeted by Renee. Not only is she knowledgeable, but any of the heterosexual male listers will want to insist on placing their orders in person. She is drop dead *gorgeous*! Like Gino said, this outfit is very helpful and enthusiastic. No less than 4 employees came out to look at my bike and offer their opinion on what colors/materials would look best. Too many choices:-). Tom Seymour spent about 2 hours explaining the ins and outs of his biz to me. He says that he's given me enough info that I could now go into competition with him. Not a bad idea Tom. What are my chances of hiring Renee away from you ? ;-) Marick asked here if the product was waterproof. I got to see, sniff, stretch, and ponder 4 materials. Faux leather was an easy discard for me. That left vinyl, spandura, and neoprene as my choices (color availability varies with material). All three offer varyng levels of water protection. I put my plastic card down on a combination of spandura and neoprene (yeah, wetsuit material). I'll leave my final color choice as a suprise. (Yes, I ordered it with the gel). Ron (who could lipo his gut for an emergency 2.5L oil change) ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 20:47:03 -0400 From: "Rick Clarke" Subject: Re: (klr650) Crashed Saturday :( > I agree as well. The idea of when not if sounds really stupid if you apply it > to, say handguns. Well, if every gun owner spent an hour a day doing target practice on public highways I bet it would sound like a certainty. :-) > Although I am very new to riding I chose a KLR and not a > Ninja or Ducati because I don't have the desire to scream down the highway at > 200 mph. Seems to me it's those guys that are killed or seriously injured > more than any other street legal riders. The Hurt study is still the best documentation of why bike accidents happen. Some of it is outdated, but most of it is still applicable. Alcohol (or drugs) is a major factor. Another huge factor is licensing and rider training. I have to agree sportbikes are overrepresented. I feel that qualifies as a rider training problem. Dealers push 600cc or 900cc sportbikes on entry level riders and turn them loose on the street. I guess they justify it saying if they didn't do it, the dealer down the street would. Now that I've owned a KLR, I try to get people on a thumper as there first bike. I'm not having much luck. :-/ - -Rick R.P.Clarke (rpclarke@mindspring.com) "What traffic?" RTP, NC, USA DoD#5811 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 23:06:52 -0400 From: "Germain Gagnon" Subject: (klr650) First Impression Hi everybody Now I can say I have joined the club. I have got my new KLR650 today. You will say: "Not again a newcomer. It is stronger than me, I have to make my newcomer report. I will try to make it in the best english as I can. Report based only on a 15 miles tour. Good points: 1) Power is good but I'm limited to 4000 RPM (break in period). 2) The seat is high. I like it, you feel less intimited by the cars and you can see above it. 3) Suspension is very good. 4) Clutch lever is smooth and the shifter work very well except the neutral. 5) The look is very great. My girlfriend was a bit disapointed when she saw the seat but she told me that the look is terrific. 6) The bike is so light for me. 7) Gas tank is real tank. Bad points: 1) Break are not too strong. I had some hard time to stop on yellow-red light. (I have to get used to it). 2) Mirrors: I can say IT IS SHAKING. Specially the left one. 3) Now I know what thumper stand for but so far so good. The vibration is acceptable until 4000 RPM. I'm always looking for the sixth gear. (Used to my old Magna V45). 4) I have difficulties to get the neutral fom 1st gear. 5) The exhaust is making backfire when I released the accelerator. 6) My girlfriend doesn't like the sound of the bike. 7) The bike is very sensitive to the wind. Maybe I almost forgot what is a bike in a wind after a summer without any bike. Anyway the result is very positive and I'm looking forward to try it on unpaved road. What is the main purpose of break in period? Limit the RPM to prevent overheating of the engine! Should we go 2 on the bike when breaking in the bike? Thank you Have a good ride Germain ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 18 Apr 1998 08:26:28 -0700 From: Tim Clayton Subject: Re: (klr650) GIVI Tailbox I agree! I was daunted at first by the vague instructions - but fter A few mminutes I had a very well-made E45 with easily installed (with a drill!) back rest that looks good and works great. I'm very impressed by their product - it makes the bike so much more versatile.... Tim At 08:50 AM 4/17/98, Robert Kaub wrote: >Morning all: >My E40 tailbox finally arrived yesterday and last night I installed the >E127 adapter plate and tailbox on my '98 KLR650. >The adapter plate mounts quite easily with two screws after you decipher >the very vague instructions. It's a neat and clean installation and looks >good if your not riding with the tailbox attached. It does however cover >the toolkit, denying access. I took the toolkit out (one screw) and carry >it in the tailbox. >No instructions come with the tailbox but it's pretty obvious how it mounts >and dismounts. It takes a little getting-used-to to work out the lock but >it's not hard once you figure it out. The box is very nicely made and >mounts solidly. This model has a passenger backrest attached which my >daughter pronounced quite comfortable and functional. >Getting on and off the "horse" is harder with the box attached. I have to >make sure I bend my right leg as far back as possible when getting on and off. >The passenger has it easier as they can hop up on the left peg and then >swing on. My daughter just did this naturally without giving it any >thought and hopped right on and off. >The only negative thing I noticed is that the box is a little fussy to >close, requiring some fiddling to get the gasket to align itself with the >case bottom before it closes and seals. All-in-all, though I like it and >would recommend it to the listers who want a hard/locking/detachable piece. >Bob Kaub >SUNY Binghamton >Watson School Student Shop >PO Box 6000 >Binghamton, NY 13902 >607-777-2715 > > ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 18 Apr 1998 01:13:54 EDT From: Cloudhid Subject: Re: (klr650) First Impression In a message dated 4/17/98 7:09:39 PM, you wrote: >What is the main purpose of break in period? Limit the RPM to prevent >overheating of the engine! Should we go 2 on the bike when breaking in the >bike? Thank you Have a good ride >Germain Germain, Welcome to the Killer Owners Of the World League. As a full fledge member of the KOOWL organization, your obligation is to spread the good word about our idol, the KLR. To ensure that you may carry out your mission, you must follow the directions of the Mother Superior Kawasaki. She has passed to us the stone tablets that have been handed down from on high. That they may arise from this blessed birth of finely cut steel and mesh together in a symphony at first tight, then allowing a crescendo to carry you and your loved one to new heights. Read these instructions. Memorize them. Then destroy any record of them. KOOWL Commandment: Break-in Period: The first 1000 miles of you new motorcycle are designated as the "break-in period." In order for you engine to seal itself and break-in properly, follow the specific instructions listed in your owners manual. To ensure proper oil distribution among all engine parts, be sure to allow your engine to warm up before you ride. An extra minute of warm-up will allow the engine oil to circulate to all needed engine parts. Do not race or rev your engine immediately after starting. When riding during the break-in period, accelerate gradually and try not to travel at any one speed for a long period of time. Please refer to you owners manual for specific directions on how to break-in your model properly. Brother Ron (passing the torch) ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 18 Apr 1998 13:23:17 EDT From: K650dsn Subject: (klr650) Agenda for Utah Get-Together Here's the agenda for the Utah Get-Together in Moab on 4/24-4/25 Gino Utah Get-Together Moab, Utah Schedule of Events Friday, April 24, 1998 8:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m. Sign in at Arrowhead Motorsports, 2970 Desert Road, Moab Utah, 435-259-7356. Pre-Pay for Saturday night dinner. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Ride, hangout, buy a T-shirt, sign up for Saturday rides. 6:00 p.m. - ?? Parking lot picnic. Grab some carry out, come and hang out at Arrowhead Motorports, race some benches, kick tires and tell lies. Also organize the next days rides. Dual Star will have some great video footage taken from helmet cameras. Saturday, April 25, 1998 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Ride, come back, buy another T-shirt. Moab car show going on all day at various locations. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Chili feed at the Old City Park. $5.00 per person. Door prizes given out. Organize rides with folks staying longer. 8:00 p.m. - ?? Catch all of the action on the main drag with hot rods from the car show cruising and bruising or hangout at the Old City Park and tell more lies, kick more tires and race more benches. Buy yet another T-shirt. Sunday, April 26, 1998 All day Your on your own. Ride Safe Have Fun ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V1 #56 ***************************