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klr650-digest        Saturday, January 2 1999        Volume 01 : Number 440




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

Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 09:13:56 -0800
From: Rob Gendreau <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Altimiter and clock, etc

I have had a Vertech altimeter (by Avocet) and one by Casio. Both ended
up failing after a couple of years. Yes, they do need to be "calibrated"
frequently by reference to a known point. This would be a big problem
with a motorcycle since you are changing terrain frequently (for example,
air pressure over sea level varies quite a bit according to local
topography; real sea level pressure where I live is often quite different
depending on how close you are to water). And the displays are hard to
read when riding; the bicycle ones would be easier, and you could use it
as a more accurate speedometer. The Cateye one not only has
altitude/barometer functions, but temperature (since this is necessary to
temp-compensate the barometer), average speed, max speed, elapsed time,
total gain, and a backlit screen for night viewing. $90 from Nashbar,
http://www.bikenashbar.com. I actually have found the barometer function
most useful, especially when camping, since it can clue me into weather
changes.

BTW: I've found it's easiest to buy a Cateye rear mount bracket, which
comes with a longer wire, and use it to mount the unit to the bars,
rather than splicing the wire. I attached the pickup to the KLR's speedo
cord, and the magnet goes on a piece of stiff wire between two spokes.

I also have a GPS, and I find that the accuracy of elevation readings
very poor, even with many satellites in view. I've never heard any GPS
maker claim much in the way of accuracy of elevation with the kind of GPS
units we're talking about, but for non-navigational purposes it'll work.
At least it can amuse you with its readings; good for a laugh when you
see yourself descending into the earth's crust....


Rob Gendreau
Oakland, California
[e-mail]

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

Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 09:13:58 -0800
From: Rob Gendreau <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) GPS systems

Another point about GPS:

If you don't already know a lot about navigation, GPS won't help you
much, IMHO. It's a very powerful tool, and if you just expect it to find
your way home you're really not using it to it's best capability.

I agree that for most bikers it's not that useful and certainly not
necessary. In North America it's not likely you're gonna get that far off
a beaten track with a KLR (I use my GPS mainly for boating, where they're
becoming extremely common instruments for obvious reasons). But for
certain functions they're great, like desert exploring and mapping. You
get in a big featureless area and want to find your way back to that
spot, it's great. The riders in Paris-Dakar relied on them for navigation
in the sands of the Sahara, for example. If you really like maps, would
like to make your own, and like to mess with fun toys then try one out.



Rob Gendreau
Oakland, California
[e-mail]

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

Date: Sat, 02 Jan 1999 09:19:14 -0800
From: George Basinet <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Getting ready for spring and---

[e-mail] wrote:

> I have a question. (Go figure)
>
> While browsing a Yamaha dealership here in Denver, CO, I noticed that their MX
> bikes have a rather clever little mud guard in-between the rear wheel and the
> monoshock. It appears that the KLR has a similar potential but I am not sure
> if anything is made for it either OEM or after market. Any thoughts?
>
> I would certainly like to keep all the gunk I can off of the shaft of the
> shock.
>
> Erik.

Eric,

I got a universal guard from Fred. It worked great without any cutting.

George
San Jose, CA

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

Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 10:04:59 -0800
From: "Rob  Clement" <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) NKLR: Thanks for the KLR-Specific Links Page!

I enjoyed the links I visited from your page (the ones that were completed).
Good job, and Thanks!    Rob C.    '98 KLR650 A12, '97KLR250, '98 Kaw
Voyager XII

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

Date: Sat, 02 Jan 1999 12:57:47 -0500
From: Bill Haycock <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) GPS Madness!

I have been following the discussion on GPSs with interest.  Yes Mike,
my Canadian friend, GPSs can be a novelty if one does not really know
how to use it!  It also depends on where one is going!  Certainly, one
can get from here to there without one - but - the capability is in
places with no roads, like the Sierra Madres, or up a logging trail for
ten miles and no idea how to get back!  Recently, a few of us were 135
miles back into the Sierra Madres in the Copper Canyon region of Mexico.
Nothing on the map in this region.   You talk about feeling lonely!
Nothing or nobody around for miles and miles.  It was very comforting to
see my way points on the GPSIII map pointing the way to the pavement.
Also, in case of an accident, it would provide "instant" track back
information to get out in a hurry!

One person mentioned using it on a logging trail but seemed more focused
on the position capability rather then the "track back" capability that
actually draws a line on your GPSIII map showing you exactly the way
back to the start point, turn by turn.

I feel good also about having a fast and very accurate "exact position"
capability in case of an accident on the highway - 911 on the cell phone
and you can tell the operator exactly where you are! All Highway patrol
cars now use GPS equipment is some fashion or another. At least in
Georgia!

Now the bottom line.  Of course we can all get along without a GPS.  It
is simply a tool to make things easier at times.  The map and compass
are still primary instruments.  And yes, basic and no high tech is great
- - just nice to have along an extra edge. Also, guys like me
(anal-retentive) love the thing!

I'm leaving in a few weeks for 30 days ride in Mexico. Guess how many
routes I already have programed in - yes - 30! But, I will still have a
map.

Bill
http://www.dualsport.org/page38.html   -  This is the "Basic GPS"
article page

PS Josh, I wrote you an email detailing how to get the "altitude"
feature up on your "position Page" window.

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

Date: Sat, 02 Jan 1999 13:07:01 -0500
From: Bill Haycock <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) Riding in Arizona

  Name: Jason W. Jantzen
 E-mail address: [e-mail]
   Homepage URL:
       Comments:
Hi, I live in Phoenix, AZ and have a '99 KLR 650 and would love to learn
more about trail
riding in this area.  If interested let me know!

           Date: Fri Jan  1

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

Date: Sat, 02 Jan 1999 12:57:47 -0500
From: Bill Haycock <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) GPS Madness!

I have been following the discussion on GPSs with interest.  Yes Mike,
my Canadian friend, GPSs can be a novelty if one does not really know
how to use it!  It also depends on where one is going!  Certainly, one
can get from here to there without one - but - the capability is in
places with no roads, like the Sierra Madres, or up a logging trail for
ten miles and no idea how to get back!  Recently, a few of us were 135
miles back into the Sierra Madres in the Copper Canyon region of Mexico.
Nothing on the map in this region.   You talk about feeling lonely!
Nothing or nobody around for miles and miles.  It was very comforting to
see my way points on the GPSIII map pointing the way to the pavement.
Also, in case of an accident, it would provide "instant" track back
information to get out in a hurry!

One person mentioned using it on a logging trail but seemed more focused
on the position capability rather then the "track back" capability that
actually draws a line on your GPSIII map showing you exactly the way
back to the start point, turn by turn.

I feel good also about having a fast and very accurate "exact position"
capability in case of an accident on the highway - 911 on the cell phone
and you can tell the operator exactly where you are! All Highway patrol
cars now use GPS equipment is some fashion or another. At least in
Georgia!

Now the bottom line.  Of course we can all get along without a GPS.  It
is simply a tool to make things easier at times.  The map and compass
are still primary instruments.  And yes, basic and no high tech is great
- - just nice to have along an extra edge. Also, guys like me
(anal-retentive) love the thing!

I'm leaving in a few weeks for 30 days ride in Mexico. Guess how many
routes I already have programed in - yes - 30! But, I will still have a
map.

Bill
http://www.dualsport.org/page38.html   -  ThX-Mozilla-Status: 0009
article page

PS Josh, I wrote you an email detailing how to get the "altitude"
feature up on your "position Page" window.

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

Date: Sat, 02 Jan 1999 13:07:01 -0500
From: Bill Haycock <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) Riding in Arizona

  Name: Jason W. Jantzen
 E-mail address: [e-mail]
   Homepage URL:
       Comments:
Hi, I live in Phoenix, AZ and have a '99 KLR 650 and would love to learn
more about trail
riding in this area.  If interested let me know!

           Date: Fri Jan  1

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

Date: Sat, 02 Jan 1999 13:10:05 -0500
From: Bill Haycock <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) GPS Madness!

I have been following the discussion on GPSs with interest.  Yes Mike,
my Canadian friend, GPSs can be a novelty if one does not really know
how to use it!  It also depends on where one is going!  Certainly, one
can get from here to there without one - but - the capability is in
places with no roads, like the Sierra Madres, or up a logging trail for
ten miles and no idea how to get back!  Recently, a few of us were 135
miles back into the Sierra Madres in the Copper Canyon region of Mexico.
Nothing on the map in this region.   You talk about feeling lonely!
Nothing or nobody around for miles and miles.  It was very comforting to
see my way points on the GPSIII map pointing the way to the pavement.
Also, in case of an accident, it would provide "instant" track back
information to get out in a hurry!

One person mentioned using it on a logging trail but seemed more focused
on the position capability rather then the "track back" capability that
actually draws a line on your GPSIII map showing you exactly the way
back to the start point, turn by turn.

I feel good also about having a fast and very accurate "exact position"
capability in case of an accident on the highway - 911 on the cell phone
and you can tell the operator exactly where you are! All Highway patrol
cars now use GPS equipment is some fashion or another. At least in
Georgia!

Now the bottom line.  Of course we can all get along without a GPS.  It
is simply a tool to make things easier at times.  The map and compass
are still primary instruments.  And yes, basic and no high tech is great
- - just nice to have along an extra edge. Also, guys like me
(anal-retentive) love the thing!

I'm leaving in a few weeks for 30 days ride in Mexico. Guess how many
routes I already have programed in - yes - 30! But, I will still have a
map.

Bill
http://www.dualsport.org/page38.html   -  ThX-MX-Mozilla-Status:
0009ticle page

PS Josh, I wrote you an email detailing how to get the "altitude"
feature up on your "position Page" window.

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

Date: Sat, 02 Jan 1999 13:10:29 -0500
From: Bill Haycock <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) Riding in Arizona

  Name: Jason W. Jantzen
 E-mail address: [e-mail]
   Homepage URL:
       Comments:
Hi, I live in Phoenix, AZ and have a '99 KLR 650 and would love to learn
more about trail
riding in this area.  If interested let me know!

           Date: Fri Jan  1

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

Date: Sat, 02 Jan 1999 13:18:57 -0500
From: Bill Haycock <[e-mail]>
Subject: [Fwd: (klr650) Riding in Arizona]

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Forwarding this email on some Arizona ideas -

Bill

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Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 13:14:14 EST
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Mime-Version: 1.0
Subject: Re: (klr650) Riding in Arizona
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Hello I used to live in carefree area just north of phoenix there are some
great trails around sedona also north of cavecreek, towards bartlet lake there
are trails that will take you all day to get through some come out about
halfway between flagstaff and phoenix on the interstate.


- --------------8B253F51628D7C5CF3CAF23A--

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

Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 14:14:12 -0500
From: "Robert frey" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Gran Canyon

Don't get me wrong, but doesn't that Gran Canyon look like an updated Yamaha
TDM850?

Robert
Snowless And Riding In Florida
- -----Original Message-----
From: [e-mail] <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail] <[e-mail]>
Date: Saturday, January 02, 1999 9:52 AM
Subject: (klr650) Gran Canyon


>Latest issue of Cycle World has a rave review of the Cagiva Gran Canyon.
Has
>Steve Johnson written all over it.  $8799 is a reasonable price too.
>
>Hope you have fun snow shoeing.
>
>Gino, snowless in Sandia, Pokluda
>
>

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

Date: Sat, 02 Jan 1999 13:18:57 -0500
From: Bill Haycock <[e-mail]>
Subject: [Fwd: (klr650) Riding in Arizona]

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
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Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

Forwarding this email on some Arizona ideas -

Bill

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Received: from imo15.mx.aol.com [198.81.17.5] by in4.ibm.net id 915300867.118548-1 ; Sat, 02 Jan 1999 18:14:27 +0000
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From: [e-mail]
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 13:14:14 EST
To: [e-mail]
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Subject: Re: (klr650) Riding in Arizona
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
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Hello I used to live in carefree area X-Mozilla-Status: 0009there are some
great trails around sedona also north of cavecreek, towards bartlet lake there
are trails that will take you all day to get through some come out about
halfway between flagstaff and phoenix on the interstate.


- --------------8B253F51628D7C5CF3CAF23A--

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

Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 12:16:12 -0800
From: "Rob  Clement" <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) NKLR:  Cold Starting and Bad Gas

Bob, I think some of your winter starting problem (which you've had with
other bikes) may be worsened by the new, pollution-reducing, gasoline.  This
stuff has lots of MBTE, burns at lower combustion temperature (hence less
power and mileage per unit of gas, and fewer nitrogen oxides in the air),
and it starts poorly when it's been sitting around for several weeks, or
even days.

Since we ride less in the winter (I sure do), the natural starting handicap
from the cold is made worse by the more-perishable fuel we (at least in
California) all have to buy.

 Oil companies advertised a lot about "RFG" (reformulated gas), saying it
was a boon to the future of Mankind, in effect, a few years back, when it
first came out.  Our California Air Resources Board heard testimony a few
months ago to the effect that MBTE in some ways hurts air quality (since
3-5% reduction in gas mileage and power means more fuel is getting burned by
Californians) and increases consumer costs, and that it makes the
watersports vehicles (2-strokes) running our mandated RFG fuel hazardous to
our health: many of our large recreational lakes are also water reservoirs
for large urban centers, and MBTE is entering our water supply!.

California will decide whether to ban this questionable.  Your posting made
me wonder whether New York also has RFG with MBTE.  If it does, or even if
you think it may be that stale gas is part of your problem, I suggest the
following:

Since the "staleness" is a function of fuel temperature, volatility,
differential fuel component evaporation rates, and the different
air/fuel-surface-to-fuel-volume ratios in your tank vs. your carb float
bowl, you could try:

    1) Drain your carb's float bowl into a container (you could later put it
back into the tank).

    2) Fill your carb with fresh fuel.  This is difficult on the KLR, with
it's "mixed blessing" of a vacuum-actuated fuel petcock, so you'll either
have to replace it with a standard on-off-reserve unit (this has been
explained somewhere on the List before), or be "creative,"  such as by using
a container with fresh gas, a funnel, and a hose connected to the carb fuel
inlet, or you could figure something better and less prone to evaporation of
essential volatile components.

This procedure may help with starting problems, and not just in cold
weather.  I like your idea of disconnecting the headlight, but does your
light come on when you're cranking your engine?  Mine comes on only after
the bike fires up.

Rob C.    '98 KLR650 A12; '97 KLR250; '98 Kaw Voyager XII (combined, 10,100
mi.)

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

End of klr650-digest V1 #440
****************************