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klr650-digest          Sunday, March 14 1999          Volume 02 : Number 128




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Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 14:39:23 +0000
From: Tom Simpson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR650 road test questions, etc...

At 01:13 PM 3/14/99 -0600, Tom Meagher wrote:
>
>
>
>From: Tom Meagher@ICS on 03/14/99 01:13 PM
>
>Howdy Y'all!


    Back at 'ya!  :)


>
>1.) Transmission: They say  "...Kawasaki has outdone themselves in the
>transmission department and managed to engineer a  gearbox with a few extra
>neutrals included. To keep things interesting, they pop up unpredictably,
>mainly when downshifting..."  Is this a commonly known issue, or
>idiosyncratic to the particular bike they tested?



    The KLR's transmission is, er, typicaly a bit vauge. Not too bad, but not
the best. If you got by with an airhead's sorry-ass shifting, the KLR will
be a cinch.




>2.) Front Brake:  They say it "...will lead to an understanding of why they
>build those runaway truck ramps on long steep inclines..."  Oh my!  Is this
>what prompted the "physics of braking" thread (I skimmed just a little).



        The KLR's braking is, er, typicaly a bit vauge as well. It gets the job
done but not with much margin to spare.



>3.) Starter:  They say  "...It can be a black art, this awakening of the
>Swamp Thing..."  What the hey?  Electrical problems?



    Thats bullshit. They start just fine. The wiring harness could stand to be
a bit heavier but there are corrective measures for this as well.



>If real, are there known fixes for these issues?
>
>
>
>Additionally, I already have a shopping list of stuff that I know I'm going
>to need, and I would like to hear some recommendations:





>3.) Seat:  The current Corbin offering doesn't look very good (it seems to
>be a "big valley") is this why I see several for sale used?  Didn't Gino
>mention a new model he was working with Corbin on?  With a wide flat shape
>that let's you move around?  Has there been any progress on that?  The
>Russell Day-Long would be nice, but doesn't it interfere with the all
>important "standing on the pegs" riding mode?



    Personaly, I like the shape of the stock Corbin seat. The quality of the
materials used in the cover is another issue.



>4.)  Bash plate.  Is the Moose plate really necessary, or is the stock one
>good enough for a while?



    Depends on wether or not you are actualy going to bash it into anything or
not. If so, the plastic OEM "bashplate" will prove to be mostly decorative.
The Moose is tough to beat, though other products seem to work well enough.


- -Tom
'96 KLR 650

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

Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 12:28:18 -0800
From: "Arne Larsen" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR650 road test questions, etc...

- -----Original Message-----
From: Tom Meagher <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail] <[e-mail]>
Date: Sunday, March 14, 1999 11:34 AM
Subject: (klr650) KLR650 road test questions, etc...


>Thanks for bearing with me.  Any information greatly appreciated.
>
>Tom


Welcome aboard Tom!  As for bearing with you, I'm glad for the company right
guys/Sarah?  = )

Arne (with his 4 day old A13)

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

Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 13:32:02 -0700
From: "Kurt Simpson" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR650 road test questions, etc...

|
|1.) Transmission:

An accurate description...I found a couple of those false neutrals yesterday...pulled up to a
stop light thought it was in neutral let out the clutch no movement deadstop no neutral light I
was somewhere between 1st and third...the word is "notchy" but I don't recall anyone having any
real trouble other than the imprecision in finding neutral. This is compounded with heavy
riding boots...

|2.) Front Brake:

Sucks...no two ways around it...the rear isn't a lot better but it locks up pretty good. Easy
fix to get passable...install progressive springs in the forks (first)...then ss brakelines...I
recommend front and back...


|3.) Starter:  They say  "...It can be a black art, this awakening of the
|Swamp Thing..."  What the hey?  Electrical problems?


No starting problems...mine improved much in cold weather when I put on the jet kit but this is
not a problem area.


|1.) Windshield:  "Clearview +10"  Is this the best?


Using the stock fairing you have the Clearview...they will help size you...or Rifle...most seem
to go with Clearview..I have an 8"...But several listers have gone to universal type handlebar
shields and report even better results...

|2.) Driveline Highway pegs.  Gots ta stretch out now and then, mon.


Excellent, I'm all over my bike when I ride...I put one foot or both over the pegs resting on
my achilles...then one foot on the pegs...one foot on the stocker...then one on the passenger
peg...then both on the passenger pegs..then both ankles over the passenger pegs...turn a little
sideways and do it all over again...tons of options...I would wait until Tim "Obe" Wan gives
you the new option of engine guard/pegs..they have a more refined look and blend well with the
sideracks..


|3.) Seat:  The current Corbin offering doesn't look very

Call Corbin..ask for Raul and request the "modified" KLR w/o the dip...he has it down...Gino's
seat is another variation as his (and Jake Jakeman's) is perfectly flat from front to
back...about 41/2 in the former dip area...and no "form fitted" area around the passenger
butt...take your pick either is killer...Russell guarantees your comfort...if you call or write
them...they send you a FAQ addressing the point about standing in the pegs

|
|4.)  Bash plate.  Is the Moose plate really necessary, or is the stock one
|good enough for a while?

The stock plate is trash...buy a Moose or another plate of your choice....the part number is in
the archives...the Moose works fine with the highway pegs and the Dual Star Centerstand if you
trim 11/4 from the rear...

|
|5.)  Luggage.  Soft luggage sounds good, does the Kawasaki stuff need
|saddle bag mounts to keep it from interfering with the rear wheel

Don't even think about soft luggage w/o Obe's side racks...I love my Ortlieb dry bags...a
terrific combo with the sideracks...no fuss no muss, 3 minutes off and on with carrying
handles...absolutely weatherproof...Obe has a new Samson version of his racks that include
provisions for fixed luggage they come with an option of a pair of color coordianted semi-soft
bags....

|
|6.)  Center stand.  Really necessary?  How bout a Scottoiler and a can of
|flat-fix instead?


Love my centerstand...last week couldn't find a place to put the bike fully loaded on the
sidestand w/o it falling over...(read the ride to the moon...one of the guys dropped his bike
about 4 times on the sidestand) popped it on the centerstand and no problem...

I think Scottoilers are overkill...I'll probably order one soon (g)...

|
|Thanks for bearing with me.  Any information greatly appreciated.


Pfffff...your nothing Tom...we just got done with Arne you aren't even close to being in his
league (g) from now on when a person comes on the list and asks about what to expect with the
KLR we'll just send him/her to the archives and have them click on author="Arne" and you'll get
everything you ever wanted to know about the KLR....Just kidding Arne...it was great for the
list and congrats on your new bike...

Kurt A12 El Poppo
Salt Lake City

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

Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 12:47:46 -0800
From: Mike Magier <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) Oil Leak (repost - no response yet!)

Hey listers . . .
I'm digging the physics of brakes thread (for real - keeps me thinking), but
I have a down-to-earth, real-world question. In the last month, I've noticed
a bit of oil on the right engine case. It SEEMS to be coming from the clutch
"thrust rod" (is that the right term, or is my mind just in the gutter)
opening. I only notice it if I've been pushing things a bit, like 90+ mph
for 15-20 minutes. The quantity isn't much, my sight-glass tells me I
haven't lost anything significant, but I hate to think of my beloved
GroundHog giving up any of its precious bodily fluids. I haven't yet done
the obvious - degrease the engine, put on a bit of talcum powder and ride.
However, I do want to know if anyone else hase experienced this, and what
the general concensus is - should I be worried? Here's the pertinent data:

A12 8500 mi.
Mobil 1 15w50 every 3000 mi with new filter
filled to top of sight glass
never down, never opened the case (just getting psyched for valve
check/adjust)

Thanks in advance for you support.

Mike Magier
98 GroudHog
(soon to be owner of Honda ST1100, too !!)

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

Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 16:08:26 +0000
From: Jeffrey Doyle <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR650 road test questions, etc...

Tom Meagher wrote:
>
> From: Tom Meagher@ICS on 03/14/99 01:13 PM
>
> Howdy Y'all!
> (note the somewhat affected southern accent, I'm really a yankee stuck here
> in the great Republic of Texas).
>
> My compliments on the wonderful group you have here.  I just discovered it


Tom,

About the transmission.....I like it....I found that if you are timid
with it you may find a neutral between gears but for me it's been rare.
I shift deliberately and especially use the clutch and throttle
coordination on downshifts like Freddy Spencer tells his students on
TV.  My experience has been that new bikes are a little stiff anyways
until everything starts working in.  Be advised that the stock shift
lever is not top shelf and you may want to get an IMS brand.  Several
listers have broken them already and I'm one of them.

About the front brake....Yes it is not designed to stop a train....The
brake seems to be a trade-off of not too strong for dirt and just strong
enough for pavement.  Talk to some of the other listers about upgrades.
I've lived with a stock brake system for over 10 years and just ride
within the envelope.  My Ninja days are gone.

About the starter......I don't know what the big deal is about the
starter.....It's fine for me...I roll my bike outside, put it on the
side-stand, turn the fuel petcock on, thumb the choke, put the key in
the ignition and turn it to on, make sure the green neutral light is on,
and thumb the starter....Always hold the bars though to be ready to hit
the kill switch in case something weird happens like you're in a false
neutral because one of the kids played with your toy while you were
someplace else!

There have been some reports of side-stand cut out switches failing and
causing the bike to randomly go dead for a second or two while under way
(it's a built-in safety feature so that you don't ride away with the
kickstand down in gear).  I had mine replaced under warranty when it was
only a year old and haven't had any problems since.  Other listers may
have more information on this.

And never...I mean never over tighten the chain....It could cost you
well over a thousand clams to get the countershaft replaced if it gets
stripped (the shaft that has the front sprocket on it to drive the chain
to the rear wheel).

The KLR seems to be a bike that appeals to people who know motorcycles
and know a great value when they see one.  It has been refered to as the
"Swiss Army Knife" of motorcycles.  You take care of it and it will pay
you back big time.

Jeff
A2



Ab0o
>
>

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

Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 21:42:39 -0000
From: "Andy Burton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Avon AM24 Front Tire

I've tried a Pirelli Mt80 and a Metzeler ME33 on the front and both were
great for the road.

The MT80 would offer some off-road ability.

I was always talked out of buying the gripsters as the Pirellis are
apparently better.

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

Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 14:20:36 -0800
From: "Dreas Nielsen" <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) RE: klr650-digest V2 #127

> -----Original Message-----
> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 13:13:53 -0600
> From: "Tom Meagher" <[e-mail]>
> Subject: (klr650) KLR650 road test questions, etc...
>
<snip>
>
> I read with great interest the road test at
> http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mckaw/99klr650.html (apologies if this has
> already been covered by the group).
>
> I have some questions about some of the "gripes" that were discussed in
> this article.  While the overall impression of the bike was favorable, the
> authors raised points about the following:
>
> 1.) Transmission: They say  "...Kawasaki has outdone themselves in the
> transmission department and managed to engineer a  gearbox with a
> few extra
> neutrals included. To keep things interesting, they pop up unpredictably,
> mainly when downshifting..."  Is this a commonly known issue, or
> idiosyncratic to the particular bike they tested?

This is true (on my 2 KLRs, at least).  You are most likely to find these
false neutrals if you come to a stop in an upper gear and then downshift
while stopped.  If you downshift while decelerating, you will almost never
run into them.

> 2.) Front Brake:  They say it "...will lead to an understanding
> of why they
> build those runaway truck ramps on long steep inclines..."  Oh
> my!  Is this
> what prompted the "physics of braking" thread (I skimmed just a little).

There is general agreement on this point, but the seriousness of this
feature probably depends on your riding style (and history).

> 3.) Starter:  They say  "...It can be a black art, this awakening of the
> Swamp Thing..."  What the hey?  Electrical problems?

I've never had a problem.

In addition, the article said something about driving all day in torrential
downpours.  In my experience, the (stock) air filter gets saturated after
riding for a while in really heavy rain, especially with lots of traffic
spray.  (I've also achieved this effect going through about 6 inches of
water at 30 mph.)

Dreas Nielsen
Issaquah, WA

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

Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 16:03:13 -0600 (CST)
From: Tom Clay <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR650 road test questions, etc...

>I have some questions about some of the "gripes" that were discussed in
>this article.  While the overall impression of the bike was favorable, the
>authors raised points about the following:
>
>1.) Transmission: They say  "...Kawasaki has outdone themselves in the
>transmission department and managed to engineer a  gearbox with a few extra
>neutrals included.

Hmmm. I've never experienced this problem.

>2.) Front Brake:  They say it "...will lead to an understanding of why they
>build those runaway truck ramps on long steep inclines..."  Oh my!  Is this
>what prompted the "physics of braking" thread (I skimmed just a little).

I'll stay away from this one, except to say that I don't have a problem
with the front brake. But I live on the prairies...

>3.) Starter:  They say  "...It can be a black art, this awakening of the
>Swamp Thing..."  What the hey?  Electrical problems?

I don't know...my KLR has never once failed to start on the first try.
Perhaps they didn't use the choke.

>If real, are there known fixes for these issues?

The brakes really aren't very good, but there are several easy fixes,
ranging from upgrading the brake pads and lines [inexpensive] to changing
to a larger front rotor, usually in conjunction with pads/lines [more
expensive]. M.A.P. Engineering makes the appropriate KLR kit, which some
listers are very happy with.

>5.)  Luggage.  Soft luggage sounds good, does the Kawasaki stuff need
>saddle bag mounts to keep it from interfering with the rear wheel?  The
>recent thread regarding the "Pac-Safe" product highlights the main problem.
>I wonder I we could interest them in producing a big net that would cover a
>whole bike from saddle bags to tank bag?  (I don't think the rubber coated
>chicken wire, while clever, is quite in the same league..)

The Kawi soft luggage is quite good [I use all three pieces], and the
saddlebags won't get caught up in the rear wheel. What they will do is mess
up your plastic side panels, unless you buy Tim Bernard's side racks
[Driveline Services], which will work just fine with any soft saddlebags,
including any you already own. In other words, you don't need the Kawi
saddlebags per se, but you do need Tim's racks. If I were to do it again, I
would've just bought the racks from Tim, and the kawi tank bag. Then I
would've used my crappy old saddlebags that I've had for ten years, and
strapped a duffle to the back rack and saved myself some money.

>6.)  Center stand.  Really necessary?  How bout a Scottoiler and a can of
>flat-fix instead?

That's what I use [the flat-fix, not the Scottoiler, although I've never
had a flat]. I've lived for two years without one, so they're not realy
neccessary. However, I have to admit that I'd like to get one, just to make
maintenance easier.

hope this helps

Tom Clay
Winnipeg MB

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

End of klr650-digest V2 #128
****************************