From: Robert Morgan <robertlmorgan@worldnet.att.net>
To: Cloudhid@aol.com <Cloudhid@aol.com>
Date: Monday, June 22, 1998 5:53 PM
Subject: Re: (klr650) Dual Star center stand
>Hi all
> Got home from work just now and the mailbox had 2 surprises. My Dual
>Star center stand arrived and the new Chaparral 98/99 catalogue were in
>there.
>peace Morgan
>(Without fear we have no doubt, and without a doubt we have enthusiasm)
>
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 1998 21:34:47 -0500
From: Wes Roe <wroe@wt.net>
Subject: (klr650) Wet weather engine problems
Dear List,
I remember seeing something about this problem in an earlier post, but have
not been able to find it in the archives.
Today is the first time I have ridden my '96 in the rain. The bike lost
power, surged, and eventually the engine died, several times. What is
getting wet and how do I keep this from happening again.
Thanks in advance,
Wes Roe
'96 KLR650
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 1998 20:46:27 -0600
From: "Dave Watkins4" <pgpilot@shaw.wave.ca>
Subject: (klr650) Stolen Bike - Calgary Alberta
Hi All,
Last night while watching the X-Files at a friends house a couple of
low lifes picked my bike up and transported it away. A quick check with
the police failed to yeild any positive results.
This really impressed me as I'm arguing with my insurance agent about
the value of amy car which was written off by a fellow who was
temporarily residing with me. Temporarily, as he moved out following the
accident and hasn't been seen since. While the car was covered for
damage etc the bike was not covered for theft. Hell, who'd steal a "dirt
bike"?
Purchased on April 20, 1998 - 2500 klm
Stolen on June 21, 1998 - 9100 klm
Anyway, here's the pertinant info:
Owner - Watkins, David Patrick
Address - 2718 B 17 St SE
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Phone: - 403-266-0626
Licence Plate No. - Alberta XWC605
Color - Kawasaki Green
Seat - Stock Purple
Brush Guards - Acherbis Rally Pro - White
Model - 1995 KLR 650
Veh Id No - JKAKLEA13SA033098
Additions:
1. Supertrap exhaust - old style
2. Side Protectors
3. Progressive Suspension Springs
4. Stealth Edging on stock windshield
5. Canada flag decal - large on fairing
6. Canada flag decal - small on rear fender
7. Brake switch doesn't work
Let's see if we can find this bike. I was planning a trip to Central
america this winter and the loss has put this trip in serious jepardy.
On a humourous note, The local dealer just called to tell me that my K&N
air filter is in, The centre stand was supposed to be shipped last
Friday and I expect that the larger windshield will arrive within the
week.
Thanks for looking around for me. You never know, It may turn up
somewhere in a neighbourhood near you.
Dave Watkins
"Currently looking ar life through a slightly dimmed faceshield"
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 13:05:08 +1000
From: Ted Palmer <tedp@replicant.apana.org.au>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Hot Rod KLR?
Fred Hink wrote:
[...]
> I can give you the specs on White Bros. cams.
>
> Intake lift Exhaust lift Intake
> Dur. Ex. Dur.
> All around...................385' 385' 284'
> 284'
> Fast off road/track.....379' 395' 284'
> 284'
Thanks Fred.
As the specs came out a bit skewed in my fixed font, I have to ask,
are the lifts the 2xx figures and the duration the 3xx?
As well, what are the units for lift?
I'm keeping in mind that the stock duration for my 600-B1 are
268deg inlet and 260deg exhaust.
The base manual sadly only gives figures for the overall cam
lobe height, and it doesn't specify cam base circle diameter.
Mister_T
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 13:20:19 +1000
From: Ted Palmer <tedp@replicant.apana.org.au>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Ferns & Rocks
David M. King wrote:
[...]
> I'm just curious how well the KLR works at low rpms and crawl speeds chugging
> through heavy brush and stuff. Does it have a tendency to stall often?
It's probably not as tolerant as some other bikes in this regard,
due the auto compression release.
You wouldn't normally want to get below 1000 rpm, but these things
happen.
I've got away with some really low chugging, where the compression
release would be active, by using plenty of throttle.
Once you back off, clunk stop.
But you wouldn't want to do this as a habit as the exhaust valve
seat wouldn't like it. Combined with the potential for pinging and/or
detonation, it's very best avoided.
Hence the need for at least a 14T sprocket in the luggage, just for
the knarly stuff.
A bit of manual clutch slipping is necessary, but until somebody
tells me that the KLR clutch is designed to be "fanned" like a hot
2 stroke clutch, I'd avoid that too.
Remember that 2 strokes don't get their 'box oil directly heated by
the engine, either.
Mister_T
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 13:31:16 +1000
From: Ted Palmer <tedp@replicant.apana.org.au>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Not impressed with IMS
Dave Svoboda wrote:
[does a 650 tank fit a 600 query deleted]
IMS's response was a bit sad. The 600 probably came out before the
contact at IMS was born.
I remember that years ago Acerbis did have a big tank for the 600
which also replaced the radiator airscoops, so it held quite a bit.
Dave's go me thinking now. A '87 650 tank would be nice on a 600
and not _too_ big. Maybe if I get some time I might have a hunt
around my local wreckers. I don't fancy my chances of finding a 650
tank, as there are very few in the wreckers, but it could be worth it
just to have a locking fuel cap.
Mister_T
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 13:33:36 +1000
From: Ted Palmer <tedp@replicant.apana.org.au>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Rally lights
Peter M. Dean wrote:
[...]
> By the way, I won the Unique class on my KLR. Next year I ride in the
> Expert class against the likes of Leon Begeman and his John Deere 250,
> last year's Unique winner. Come on up and join us. There aren't many
> serious Unique'rs left.
What makes Unique class bikes so unique?
Mister_T
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 1998 20:35:17 -0700
From: "Kathleen" <irishkat@pe.net>
Subject: (klr650) Drilling Plastic
Okay guys, a little advice/tips needed here please.
I want to drill two holes in the back fender. Is there any trick to this?
Or just get the little variable speed drill out and go for it???
Kathleen
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 1998 23:39:17 -0400
From: "Robert frey" <rlfrey@gte.net>
Subject: (klr650) Florida Dual Sport Ride
Just a reminder, August 2 is the "Devil's Creek Dual Sport Ride" here in
Florida. Email for more info on registering.
rlfrey@gte.net
Robert
96 KTM RXC620
Soon To Be Repaired Downhill slider KLR650
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 1998 23:37:59 -0700
From: Tom Simpson <bullet@scsn.net>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Hot Rod KLR?
At 11:28 AM 6/22/98 -0700, Christopher Beasley wrote:
>>>
>>
>>
>
>What are the odds of any of those parts going into a KLR?
Just about nill.
The KLX is a beast that has very, very little to do with the KLR
in any mechanical sense, aside from general configuration.
- -Tom
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 1998 23:43:38 -0700
From: Tom Simpson <bullet@scsn.net>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Rally lights
At 03:34 PM 6/22/98 -0500, Peter M. Dean wrote:
>Hi everyone,
>
>I've read lots of suggestions on how to increase the stock KLR lighting
>but here's a different slant on the subject. I just got back from doing
>a 24 hour rally, the Minnesota 1000, and found it frustrating to have to
>turn the whole bike when I had to scan an area for a checkpoint clue in
>the middle of the night. A light mounted on the bars or forks would have
>been great.
>
>
>So does anyone have any practical experience with a single auxiliary
>light that is bar or fork mounted?
>
Oh, you might say that. :)
Try:
http://www.scsn.net/users/bullet/tomsmods.htm
Be patient: it takes a while to load. :)
- -Tom
with creatively butchered
'96 KLR 650
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 1998 21:50:10 -0600
From: "Fred Hink" <moabmc@lasal.net>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Hot Rod KLR?
- -----Original Message-----
From: Ted Palmer <tedp@replicant.apana.org.au>
To: klr650 <klr650@lists.xmission.com>
Date: Monday, June 22, 1998 9:08 PM
Subject: Re: (klr650) Hot Rod KLR?
>Fred Hink wrote:
>
>[...]
>> I can give you the specs on White Bros. cams.
>>
>> Intake lift Exhaust lift Intake
>> Dur. Ex. Dur.
>> All around...................385' 385' 284'
>> 284'
>> Fast off road/track.....379' 395' 284'
>> 284'
>
>Thanks Fred.
>As the specs came out a bit skewed in my fixed font, I have to ask,
>are the lifts the 2xx figures and the duration the 3xx?
The 284' is the duration for both valves and both cams. The 385' is lift on
both valves for the "All around" cams, and the 379' is lift for the intake
and the 395 is lift on the exhaust for the "race" cams. Also WB says that
you have to do a little grinding in the head to clear the lobes for the
higher lift cams.
Sorry this came out skewed-up.
Fred
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 1998 21:58:21 -0600
From: "Fred Hink" <moabmc@lasal.net>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Drilling Plastic
- -----Original Message-----
From: Kathleen <irishkat@pe.net>
To: KLR list <KLR650@lists.xmission.com>
Date: Monday, June 22, 1998 9:40 PM
Subject: (klr650) Drilling Plastic
>Okay guys, a little advice/tips needed here please.
>I want to drill two holes in the back fender. Is there any trick to this?
>Or just get the little variable speed drill out and go for it???
>
>Kathleen
>
>
>
Drilling plastic is like cutting butter with a knife. You don't even need a
pilot hole (small hole) but be careful of what is under the fender that you
don't drill into that too. Use your variable speed drill on a slower speed
with light pressure and you'll do fine.
Fred
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 14:16:08 +1000
From: Ted Palmer <tedp@replicant.apana.org.au>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Hot Rod KLR?
Fred Hink wrote:
[...]
Ah, yes. Thanks again.
> The 284' is the duration for both valves and both cams. The 385' is lift on
> both valves for the "All around" cams, and the 379' is lift for the intake
> and the 395 is lift on the exhaust for the "race" cams. Also WB says that
This confirms my suspicions about the design limitations of the motor.
I see WB couldn't (or wouldn't) get any more than 284 duration.
Interesting how their hotter cam sacrifices intake lift for exhaust
lift, no doubt to maintain some valve to valve clearance.
If I were building a motor up with their kit, I'd be very fussy
checking piston to valve clearances, especially if the head deck
has been machined.
I'd really want to be confident about camchain tensioner reliability,
too. In fact, I'd consider some sort of manual adjusted tensioner,
if available.
Mister_T
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 1998 21:33:39 -0700
From: "Kathleen" <irishkat@pe.net>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Drilling Plastic
Thanks, Fred; and yes, I will be careful.
<<<but be careful of what is under the fender that you
don't drill into that too. >>
I imagine drilling a hole into the tire would be even easier than cutting
butter with a hot knife.
Kathleen
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 06:47:02 -0400
From: Bill Wright <bwright2@avana.net>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Wet weather engine problems
Wes Roe wrote:
> Dear List,
> I remember seeing something about this problem in an earlier post, but have
> not been able to find it in the archives.
> Today is the first time I have ridden my '96 in the rain. The bike lost
> power, surged, and eventually the engine died, several times. What is
> getting wet and how do I keep this from happening again.
>
Wes,
I rode my 98 KLR in a heavy rain for the first time last Saturday. (about 60
miles). My Darien outfit kept me dry but my steed was not as lucky. About
every 4 or 5 miles she started sputtering. I would pull in the clutch and rev
the engine a couple of times and everything would seem okay. Once I had to
stop at a gas station let the engine "warm up" and "dry out". I can't figure
out what the problem is, but it must be electrical. Keep me posted on what you
find out.
Bill Wright
Hotlanta, GA.
98 KLR650 - 11005 miles
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 21:03:03 +1000
From: Ted Palmer <tedp@replicant.apana.org.au>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Wet weather engine problems
Bill Wright wrote:
[Wes Roe plea deleted]
> every 4 or 5 miles she started sputtering. I would pull in the clutch and rev
> the engine a couple of times and everything would seem okay. Once I had to
> stop at a gas station let the engine "warm up" and "dry out". I can't figure
> out what the problem is, but it must be electrical. Keep me posted on what you
> find out.
_Must_ be electrical?
These are not unusual symptoms for a suspect fuel supply.
A HT leak will give a fairly constant misfire.
The near regularity of the symptoms suggests fuel tank venting is
somehow restricted in these conditions.
If you have a transparent inline fuel filter fitted, next time this
problem crops up see if the filter is full (as it should be).
Mister_T
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 14:19:48 +0200
From: "Dave McConnell" <davem@dbn.nanoteq.co.za>
Subject: (klr650) Rust ? Suspension Setup ?
Hi All
I have recently purchased a 98 KLR 650. I am fortunate (or unfortunate, it
depends I guess) to live across the road from the beach. Being this close
to the sea, I'm concerned about rust. My bike lives under cover but is not
enclosed i.e. it is exposed to wind off the sea. My questions:
1) Other than buying a cover (which I will do) what else can I do to
protect it from rust ?
2) What areas are most susceptible to rust (so that I can provide extra
protection to them).
WRT the suspension, where can I learn more about setting it up ? I'm
rather heavy (100kg/220pounds). What are the effects of the various
settings under various conditions ?
Thanks
Dave McConnell
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 07:09:24 -0600
From: Dave Friese <FRIESED@HILLWPOS.HILL.AF.MIL>
Subject: (klr650) Drilling holes in Plastic and Painted surfaces
Kathleen, Apply a couple of strips of masking tape to protect to area around where the hole will be drilled. Mark the hole to be drilled on the tape. You may put a center punch mark in the tape it works. The tape keeps the drill from running around on the fender avoiding unwanted scratches. Good Luck !
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 08:49:20 -0600
From: Kurt Simpson <ajax@xmission.com>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Drilling Plastic
Kathleen wrote:
>
> Thanks, Fred; and yes, I will be careful.
> <<<but be careful of what is under the fender that you
> don't drill into that too. >>
> I imagine drilling a hole into the tire would be even easier than cutting
> butter with a hot knife.
>
> Kathleen
See...there she goes...speed tuning already with Moab a year
away. Talk about preparation!
Kurt
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 09:07:59 -0600
From: Kurt Simpson <ajax@xmission.com>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Not impressed with IMS
Dave Svoboda wrote:
>
> I sent an email to IMS asking whether their plastic tank for the KLR650
> would fit on my 86 KLR600. The guy that answered said he had never heard
> of a KLR600, didn't know they ever made a KLR600, had no idea if their
> KLR650 tanks would fit, and suggested that since I have a KLR600, I should
> be the one to find out if they fit.
>
> Nice to know IMS has a sense of moto history, and an eye toward customer
> service. Not.
>
> ****************************************
> Dave Svoboda, svoboda@wtc.sel.sony.com
> 90 Concours, 86 KLR600, 86 RZ350, etc
> DoD, COG, AMA, NRA
> ****************************************
Dave, your post is similar to the experience many of us have
had with lots of vendors. One of the things we are learning
about the power of this list is that we can benefit from
each other's experience. How? By calling the individual
customer service reps or principals of firms that have given
us exemplary service. It makes no sense for one of us to
blindly call a firm and get hooked up with someone with
little knowledge of our motorcycles and little knowledge of
our mailing list. Again and again, we are finding that when
vendors hear that we have a newsletter with 400 plus
subscribers, a mailing list of 250 plus and growing and a
web-site that is visited by who knows how many KLR and Dual
Sport enthusiasts...we get their attention.
So, my suggestion is to call IMS back, ask for Tom (the
owner) and tell him you got his name from a very favorable
post on our mailing list from Gino Pokluda, editor of the
KLR650 Dual Sport Newsletter...here is Gino's post from the
archive...
_______________________
Date: 14 Apr 1998 07:54:45 -0600
From: "Pokluda, Gino F" <efpoklu@sandia.gov>
Subject: (klr650) Seats, what to wear, updates.
Hey gang,
<SNIP>
A week or so ago, I basically slammed IMS for lack of
customer service
and poor products. Tom, called me from IMS and has gone
through great
lengths to make right the problems with the KLR650 fuel tank
that failed
during it review. He has assured me that the problem with
that tank was
not representative of all IMS tanks. After talking with
him, I think he
is a stand-up guy, enthusiast and stands by his products. He
may even pay
us a visit in Moab.
- --
Kurt Simpson KLR650 A12
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 10:35:06 -0600
From: Kurt Simpson <ajax@xmission.com>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Wet weather engine problems
Wes Roe wrote:
>
> Dear List,
> I remember seeing something about this problem in an earlier post, but have
> not been able to find it in the archives.
> Today is the first time I have ridden my '96 in the rain. The bike lost
> power, surged, and eventually the engine died, several times. What is
> getting wet and how do I keep this from happening again.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Wes Roe
> '96 KLR650
Wes, here are archive posts from the best and the brightest. Consensus seems to
be to disable the neutral and side stand safety switches and go from there...
________________________
Date: Fri, 06 Mar 1998 19:05:42 EST
From: nocoffee@juno.com (Norman D Coffenberry)
Subject: Re: (klr650) ?s ?s ?s
>Another problem I have is that whenever it rains significantly,
>the bike will pull this dangerous-feeling stunt where it
>intermittently"sputters" like it's running out of gas. It's
>particularly scary when going around a wet corner... Any ideas?
If it happens only when it rains I would suspect an
electrical problem. I'm glad(?) to hear someone else mention
the sputtering in a deluge. My '93 does the same thing. I go
to about 1/3 choke and it clears up. When pit stops raining
or lets up a bit I go to no choke and it runs fine so I'm not
sure it is electrical or H2O getting into the carb? Anybody else...
or are the rest of you smart enough to sit out a deluge <G>
