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klr650-digest         Tuesday, August 25 1998         Volume 01 : Number 197




----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 12:52:36 -0400
From: "Darren Koepp" <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: (klr650) Need Advice

Avon Gripsters

- -----Original Message-----
From:    [e-mail]
[mailto:[e-mail]] On Behalf Of [e-mail]
Sent:    Saturday, August 22, 1998 8:38 AM
To:    [e-mail]
Subject:    (klr650) Need Advice

I have 3200 miles on my KLR, it time for a tire change already

ANy advice on what kind of tire? I ride 90% pavement

Also considering changing the muffler, Will it change performance or just
sound?

If I install a new pipe do I need to do anything to the carb?

Help appreciated

Ray in Florida

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 12:52:37 -0400
From: "Darren Koepp" <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: (klr650) Date: Sat, 22 Aug 1998 00:29:57 -0400

Kathleen,
Apparently you have her really thinking.  She said the two of you have been
e-mailing each other about all kinds of questions on  this subject.  You are
such a tremendous resource for her.  Thank you for that.  Her latest concern
is about the weight of the KLR.  Can't say that I blame her as it has taken
me down a time or two.  She is thinking about a Yamaha or a Suzuki but we
will see.  It is her decision, and with your help it may be made soon.

Does anyone know if the KLR 250 can be fitted with an electric start?  That
is her latest question.  I guess she wants to match when we explore the
woods.  :I

- -----Original Message-----
From:    [e-mail]
[mailto:[e-mail]] On Behalf Of Kathleen
Sent:    Saturday, August 22, 1998 3:03 AM
To:    KLR list
Subject:    Re: (klr650) Date: Sat, 22 Aug 1998 00:29:57 -0400

>From Darren:
<<My wife turns 25 on Sunday.  All she wants to do for her birthday is
explore
new trails with me.  What a woman ;)  What should I get her for her
birthday?  I haven't even gone shopping yet!>>

Let's see,  how about a KLR (lowered)?

Kathleen

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 13:55:47 +0000
From: [e-mail]
Subject: (klr650) NKLR KLR250

Howdy All,

Darren asks;

> Does anyone know if the KLR 250 can be fitted with an electric start?  That
> is her latest question.  I guess she wants to match when we explore the
> woods.  :I

Darren the 1998 KLR250  (and back to 95 I think) has an electric
start and a 6-speed! transmission.  Now if I could get mine shifted
in to sixth, I know its there otherwise I wouldn't keep trying :).
Jeff Smith  Barnes, WI
'71 A-HD Sprint 350; '97 Kawasaki KLR650 (King o'La Road)
"Beware the dirt bike ... Ground shaking dirt bike" TMBG

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 15:20:56 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Douglas J Bouley)
Subject: Re: (klr650) 2 up?

Hi, Darren,

Yes, sir, there are some fine rides around here, for sure. We had some
good times on more-or-less "real" roads in West Virginia... the fire road
thing in the Blue Ridge, though, sounds wonderful. If/when we get our
KLR, I'll drop you a note and maybe we can go riding.

Thanks for the additional info on riding 2-up, also. I admit that I am a
little bit torn about the KLR: I have wanted one for my own use for a
long time. And I started out pretty sure it would be OK for the 2 of us,
but I'm a little leery in some respects, now, from the mixed remarks I've
heard.  Although most have said it will do, others seem to have hinted
that it might not be as sympatico for her as the Sabre was (for
instance).

Now, that is a very reasonable trade-off for all that the KLR is
(inexpensive, reliable, versatile, etc.), but I want her to enjoy the
ride, first and foremost... So, it all comes down to finding one to test
ride. Which, of course, is true of every bike, huh?!? <g>

Best,
Doug

On Tue, 25 Aug 1998 09:28:59 -0400 "Darren Koepp" <[e-mail]>
writes:
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From:    [e-mail]
>[mailto:[e-mail]] On Behalf Of Douglas J
>Bouley
>Sent:    Sunday, August 23, 1998 3:16 PM
>To:    [e-mail]
>Subject:    (klr650) 2 up?
>
>I did love to do fire roads in the mountains back home in California.
>
>I see you live in the DC area.  I am just south of you about an hour
>or so. There are quite a few fire roads in this area as well as the
Skyline
>Drive. Let me know if you guys are down this way.
>
>how is the KLR 2-up?
>
>My wife and I spend most weekends on our KLR.  We have the Kawasaki
>made saddlebags, trunk and tank bags.  I have found that for her comfort
I
>need to take the trunk bag off but the saddle bags can stay on.  She
does
>complain about the seat.  A Corbin seat will be on order soon.
>
>Darren / 98 KLR 650 "Mr. Freeze" / Central Virginia
>
>
>
>
>
>

_____________________________________________________________________
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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 15:36:04 EDT
From: <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V1 #196

In a message dated 8/25/98 9:58:33 AM Pacific Daylight Time, owner-
[e-mail] writes:

>
>  I wouldn't use a station pump for this. The output pressure is not
>  dependable and the air may be dirty, oily and/or damp, none of which
>  the shocker would appreciate and tyres never notice.
>  It is possible that the shock runs higher pressure than some station
>  pump is capable of putting out, so you could end up losing more shock
>  pressure into the hose.

Please don't use air (atmospheric) or oxygen to pressurize the shock. The
possibility of the air being in contact with oil in the shock makes a very
explosive combination (like a diesel engine). Air and oil under pressure can
ignite from heat of increasing pressures in the shock. Added to this, the
shock temp will increase with use and make ignition even easier. Nitrogen is
noncombustable.

The nitrogen is also used to help prevent cavitation in the shock oil, thats
why its under pressure.

Gary (digest only)

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 13:53:08 -0700
From: Chris Beasley <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) 2 up?

Hey Doug,
If you're back in SFO some time drop me a line.
You can try out my KLR any time.
Incidentally my wife and dog and I like to tour 3 up!
Seriously!
Chris


Douglas J Bouley wrote:

> Hi, Ted,
>
> On Tue, 25 Aug 1998 00:58:53 +1000 Ted Palmer
> <[e-mail]> writes:
> >I pretty much agree with Tom.

Snip

> >I'll add that the KLR brakes are a bit marginal even one-up on the
> >I suggest Douglas takes a KLR for a testride with his SO to see if
> >there is enough room for all.
>
> I agree, Ted! It really all comes down to that.... As soon as I find
> someone who will let me play on one, I'll do that.
>

Snap

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 15:48:48 -0600
From: "Kurt Simpson" <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) Suspension mods, and more...LONG POST...

After 7 months of monitoring replies on the list I must admit to one major
surprise. It doesn't appear that the KLR has inspired much creative attempts at
improving its handling and power. Now, one can argue that if that is true, it
may be because it delivers on what it promises reasonably well. But somehow I
doubt it. Especially with the suspension.

On the Hawk list for example (and Marcus and Marick can bear me out on this)
there are certain well known mods that are de rigueur for any self respecting
Hawk owner (Marick tried them all). So, for example, people have discovered vast
improvements by retrofitting F2-F3 forks on the Hawk, VFR wheels, and most
commonly, a RR rear shock. Cottage industries seem to have sprung up to do the
machining required on some of these mods. Now, we have some of this but not to
the extent I would expect for a bike now nearing beginning its 13th year. Eldon
Carl and Steve Kesserling seem to be the exceptions but neither is on the list.

So, in an attempt to get things started I recently contacted a machinist who was
doing some great mods on vintage XS-650's, his name is Hoyt and he lives in
Blacksburg, VA. In my lurking on the 650 list I came to understand that Hoyt has
devoted a lot of his work to improving the handling on bikes and has a special
love for singles.

So, I wrote Hoyt about modifying the KLR to be able to handle WP Forks. It so
happens that DualStar has about 50 sets of these great forks and is selling them
for less than 1/2 of the retail cost (around $800 with shipping) problem is no
one has taken the lead and configured them for our bike. Hoyt wrote back and is
now subscribed to the list. So, this is one way of introducing Hoyt to the list
and encouraging threads on suspension mods and handling.

Both Hoyt and I would like to hear if there is an interest in making the WP
conversion as it would be cheaper to have him work up a few sets rather than
just one...

Here is part of our correspondence:

___________________________

At 09:53 AM 8/6/98 -0600, you wrote:
>heard you mention your real love is singles. Do you have any experience
with the Kawasaki KLR650?

None directly, they tend to be reliable and not need much in my experience,
but have had a couple friends around with them and I did ride one once.
Nice bike, plenty of grunt.

>50 sets and I would love to see these made available for KLR but we haven't
>found anyone to work out the triple clamp mounts and other parts of the
>installation.

I can do all that and it's even part of the repertoire here. Have made about
50 sets of clamps at various times, usually for my own scoots.
>
>With your spirit of adventure maybe I could get a KLR to you (where are you
>located?) a set of these forks and you could give us an idea of what is
>possible.

I'm in Blacksburg, VA. I wouldn't need the bike, just the old
clamps/stem/bngs/etc and the dias of the tubes to fit the new ones. Best is
to have the tubes too. I usually quote this sort of stuff at about $450-475
and $50 to make a stem if the old one can't be used. Most often you're
better with a new stem, for reason of fit of the top inner bng; very often
or always this is too loose for the best results handling wise. Sounds like
a lot, but these things tend to have 25-30 hours work in them and I see
them on line for over $800 here and there anyway. One reason mine would be
a lot less is that I most often bandsaw outlines and some details <=very
efficient timewise), spend a lot of machining time only where it's
critical. I usually also use bolt-on handlebar pads, most often those being
a doubled pair of the top clamps with one set upside down; works fine,
saves material and time. Your Attack clamps by contrast claim to be CNC'd
all over... who needs that precision and expense on all the edges? If we
were to make several pairs at once, I could probably knock off some, as
often in batching things one can eliminate setup time for the multiple copies.

Thanks for the note; I'll be looking into your site when I get a minute later.

best regards,

Hoyt


Belfab CNC: http://www.freeyellow.com/members/belfab/belfab.html
Best MC Repair-  http://www.freeyellow.com/members/batwings/best.html
Camping/Caving-  http://www.freeyellow.com/members/batwings/caving.html
=>May you live in interesting times <=

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 17:15:49 -0700
From: Chris Beasley <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Suspension mods, and more...LONG POST...

Ok, I'll spring (pun intended) for a 1200 dollar front end for my '89.  I paid 1800
for the bike back in 91 so this will almost double the $ I have into it.  However, I
KNOW I'm going to get another one when this one finishes disintegrating and I can
then move the WP stuff over to it.  Count me IN!

What adjustments are on those WP forks?  Preload, comp, rebound?  Are they
right-side-up or upside down?  Will we gain, maintain, or lose travel?  What's the
diameter comparison to stock?  Thanks for taking the initiative Kurt.  I was just
going to go the race-tech route but this will be a lot more trick!
b


Kurt Simpson wrote:

> After 7 months of monitoring replies on the list I must admit to one major
> surprise. It doesn't appear that the KLR has inspired much creative attempts at
> improving its handling and power. Now, one can argue that if that is true, it
> may be because it delivers on what it promises reasonably well. But somehow I
> doubt it. Especially with the suspension.
>
> On the Hawk list for example (and Marcus and Marick can bear me out on this)
> there are certain well known mods that are de rigueur for any self respecting
> Hawk owner (Marick tried them all). So, for example, people have discovered vast
> improvements by retrofitting F2-F3 forks on the Hawk, VFR wheels, and most
> commonly, a RR rear shock. Cottage industries seem to have sprung up to do the
> machining required on some of these mods. Now, we have some of this but not to
> the extent I would expect for a bike now nearing beginning its 13th year. Eldon
> Carl and Steve Kesserling seem to be the exceptions but neither is on the list.
>
> So, in an attempt to get things started I recently contacted a machinist who was
> doing some great mods on vintage XS-650's, his name is Hoyt and he lives in
> Blacksburg, VA. In my lurking on the 650 list I came to understand that Hoyt has
> devoted a lot of his work to improving the handling on bikes and has a special
> love for singles.
>
> So, I wrote Hoyt about modifying the KLR to be able to handle WP Forks. It so
> happens that DualStar has about 50 sets of these great forks and is selling them
> for less than 1/2 of the retail cost (around $800 with shipping) problem is no
> one has taken the lead and configured them for our bike. Hoyt wrote back and is
> now subscribed to the list. So, this is one way of introducing Hoyt to the list
> and encouraging threads on suspension mods and handling.
>
> Both Hoyt and I would like to hear if there is an interest in making the WP
> conversion as it would be cheaper to have him work up a few sets rather than
> just one...
>
> Here is part of our correspondence:
>
> ___________________________
>
> At 09:53 AM 8/6/98 -0600, you wrote:
> >heard you mention your real love is singles. Do you have any experience
> with the Kawasaki KLR650?
>
> None directly, they tend to be reliable and not need much in my experience,
> but have had a couple friends around with them and I did ride one once.
> Nice bike, plenty of grunt.
>
> >50 sets and I would love to see these made available for KLR but we haven't
> >found anyone to work out the triple clamp mounts and other parts of the
> >installation.
>
> I can do all that and it's even part of the repertoire here. Have made about
> 50 sets of clamps at various times, usually for my own scoots.
> >
> >With your spirit of adventure maybe I could get a KLR to you (where are you
> >located?) a set of these forks and you could give us an idea of what is
> >possible.
>
> I'm in Blacksburg, VA. I wouldn't need the bike, just the old
> clamps/stem/bngs/etc and the dias of the tubes to fit the new ones. Best is
> to have the tubes too. I usually quote this sort of stuff at about $450-475
> and $50 to make a stem if the old one can't be used. Most often you're
> better with a new stem, for reason of fit of the top inner bng; very often
> or always this is too loose for the best results handling wise. Sounds like
> a lot, but these things tend to have 25-30 hours work in them and I see
> them on line for over $800 here and there anyway. One reason mine would be
> a lot less is that I most often bandsaw outlines and some details <=very
> efficient timewise), spend a lot of machining time only where it's
> critical. I usually also use bolt-on handlebar pads, most often those being
> a doubled pair of the top clamps with one set upside down; works fine,
> saves material and time. Your Attack clamps by contrast claim to be CNC'd
> all over... who needs that precision and expense on all the edges? If we
> were to make several pairs at once, I could probably knock off some, as
> often in batching things one can eliminate setup time for the multiple copies.
>
> Thanks for the note; I'll be looking into your site when I get a minute later.
>
> best regards,
>
> Hoyt
>
> Belfab CNC: http://www.freeyellow.com/members/belfab/belfab.html
> Best MC Repair-  http://www.freeyellow.com/members/batwings/best.html
> Camping/Caving-  http://www.freeyellow.com/members/batwings/caving.html
> =>May you live in interesting times <=

------------------------------

End of klr650-digest V1 #197
****************************