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klr650-digest        Wednesday, March 31 1999        Volume 02 : Number 212




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

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 21:10:21 EST
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: (klr650) Novice's inquiry

In a message dated 3/31/99 7:06:28 PM Central Standard Time, [e-mail]
writes:

<< Any and all opinions and advive are welcome.  Thanks in advance to all who
 reply. >>
Vik, where do you novices find people that sell almost new bikes for such
cheap prices? My dealer  doesn't make a big deal about exact mileages for the
services.
I bought an almost perfect used one too and the seller led me to believe that
he had the 500 mile service performed. After reading this list for a while,  I
researched the repair orders a found that there was no record of the initial
service, so with 1,500 miles on the clock my dealer said "no big deal" make
sure its got oil and lets schedule it in, I told him that I was taking the
MULE on a 31,000 mile ride this fall and I would appreciate looking over the
wrench's shoulder and he said sure. By the way,  his rate for the initial
service is $78.00 plus parts and he said it includes valve adjustment if
necessary, we'll see. It sounds like you got a great bargain frank

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

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 19:15:57 -0700
From: Bogdan Swider <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: (klr650) Givi's crashability

    Marick, I've gone down with my Givis (35L) on every imaginable
surface; last time on pavement at 25?mph. My bags are of course scratched
but functionally perfect. One bit of advice, NEVER remove the mounts to
straighten them. They'll be a bear to get back on. Leave them on the bike
and get a long pole/stick. They will be fixed in 5 min. If , God forbid you
do pulverize a Givi, Fred + many others can mail it to you pronto. Bogdan

    I'm struggling to choose between Givi hard bags and Tourtech spam
cans
    for my trip to S.A.  The Givi's appeal because of their more
reasonable
    price, lighter weight and I like the sizing better.  My major
reservation
    is about their ability to survive crashes.  Not that I expect to
    crash, mind you, but in that part of the world I hear the ground can
    sometimes just reach up and smack you when you least expect it.  So,
    I'd like to hear any experiences others have had with the Givi's in
    this regard.

    Thanks, Marick

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

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 19:16:46 -0700 (MST)
From: Jeffrey P Moorbeck <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Novice's inquiry

On Wed, 31 Mar 1999, Vic DeFilippis wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I just bought a 1998 KLR650 (near mint, 650 miles, 4 mos. left on warranty,
> $3200; was this a fair price or did I get ripped off?) and knowing next to
Quite the steal I'd say!
>
> 1) Now I have about 800 miles on it but haven't performed any maintenance.
> Looking at past messages on 500 mile maintenance really freaked me out.
> How significant is the risk of voiding the warranty if I want to do some of
> the work myself?
> 2) Should I just immediately stop riding it until I get 500 mile service
> done on it?  Is it going to mess something up if I do?
I don't know about voiding the warranty, but the bike isn't going to blow
up if you don't stop riding immediately. I would do the oil change and
check the valves as soon as possible, but don't stop riding because of it,
some may disagree with me here. Some good advice that has popped on this
list is to take it in and just specifically have them check and adjust the
valves.

> 3) As already mentioned I know very little about maintaining/repairing my
> KLR (unfortunately).  More importantly I don't want to be dependent on a
> dealer for every little thing.  I'm more than willing to learn everything
> so is there a reference out there anyone can suggest that provides good
> maintenance information that can be understood by a dope like me?  I'd ask

The only manuals that exist are put out by Kawasaki, a base manual for the
600 and a supplement for the 650. Fred Hink has these in stock I believe,
you should see his name on this list.

 > 3) Can I firm up the rear shock myself or is that too
complex for one
> motorcycle-inept person to do by himself? (I'm about 190 lbs. and it seems
The owners manual should tell you how to adjust the rear shock. Only two
adjustments.

> 4) I already had a damn flat rear tire (factory tires).  That sucks
> especially for someone who rides alone.  Is it possible that this is
> related to the fact that these tires suck?  Should I just buy new ones
> right now?  Please say no.  (I ride about 60:40 trails:pavement).

Just about everyone I know will run the stock tire till its worn out. I'd
ride for a few more miles. If you still can't stand them after that then
it's your choice.

> 5) Is it true that you shouldn't load >20 lbs. on the back rack?  Seems a
> little light to me...

This is the first I've heard of this.

Have Fun!

Jeff
Tucson, AZ
'89 KLR

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

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 18:15:19 -0800
From: "Arne Larsen" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) RE:

>
> A fool who persists in his folly will become wise. William Blake
> --
> Anyone can make mistakes, but only an idiot persists in his error.
> -- Cicero
>
If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.
- --anonymous

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

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 19:37:45 -0700
From: "Fred Hink" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR - Christmas in Canada

- -----Original Message-----
From: Kurt Simpson <[e-mail]>
To: Arne Larsen <[e-mail]>; KLR650 Page
<[e-mail]>
Date: Wednesday, March 31, 1999 8:39 AM
Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR - Christmas in Canada


>
>
>>Hey it was Christmas today.  Received a package in the mail today.
>
>another sicko checks in...Christmas has been way early for me this year
>too...Fred...humbug...my bank account looks like it has been raped and
pillaged...thanks Fred,
>thanks a bunch...(g)
>
>Kurt
>
>
>

Ya, and wasn't that DR supposed to be your SO and doesn't she have her own
bank account???

Fred  (who doesn't stop at crosswalks for kids and injured old folks)  ;<)

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

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 19:46:37 -0700
From: "Fred Hink" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Racks for my Givi bags?

- -----Original Message-----
From: Patrice Robinet <[e-mail]>
To: klr650 <[e-mail]>
Date: Wednesday, March 31, 1999 10:28 AM
Subject: (klr650) Racks for my Givi bags?


>Does anybody else make racks for the KLR650 and the Givi bags?
>
>I also need a rear plate to mount the third bag.
>
>Who should I call?

If you can't find a used rack and mounting plate give me a call and I can
get you some from GiVi.  GiVi is making their own mounting racks now.

Fred

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

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 19:57:15 -0700
From: "Fred Hink" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR Trailer wiring?

- -----Original Message-----
From: Tom Myers <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail] <[e-mail]>; [e-mail]
<[e-mail]>
Date: Wednesday, March 31, 1999 11:08 AM
Subject: (klr650) NKLR Trailer wiring?


>Hello,
>
>Does anyone know if there is a 'standard' for the wiring of a 'flat-four'
>trailer connector?  If so, can you describe it?


Tom,

I just built a trailer and the color code that was suggested in the
instructions say:

White wire is ground.
Brown wire is tail lights, running lights and licence plate illumination.
Green wire is right hand stop and turn signal.
Red wire is left hand stop and turn signal.

If your trailer goes up in flames don't blame me!

Fred

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

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 19:55:15 -0700
From: Bogdan Swider <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: (klr650) Givi's crashability

    I don't agree. I've used them on month long trips. For my ridding
style I wouldn't want an oz. more weight than they could hold in the rear
anyway. As it is, if I'm not careful to pack ALL the heavy stuff in the tank
bag & tank panniers handling is compromised. Large bulky items go in the
bags. BTW Patrice when you went down in Mexico was it oil on the road or one
of those "vados" with slippery moss growing in them that transverse highways
in Baja? Bogdan

    Givis are fine for getting around town or going on a long weekend.
Fork out
    the extra dollars and you won't regret being stingy like I was.

    Patrice Robinet
    Frenchman on Two Wheels
    1998 KLR 650

    -----Original Message-----
    From: [e-mail]
    [mailto:[e-mail]]On Behalf Of Marick
    Payton
    Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 1999 5:44 PM
    To: [e-mail]
    Subject: (klr650) Givi's crashability


    I'm struggling to choose between Givi hard bags and Tourtech spam
cans
    for my trip to S.A.  The Givi's appeal because of their more
reasonable
    price, lighter weight and I like the sizing better.  My major
reservation
    is about their ability to survive crashes.  Not that I expect to
    crash, mind you, but in that part of the world I hear the ground can
    sometimes just reach up and smack you when you least expect it.  So,
    I'd like to hear any experiences others have had with the Givi's in
    this regard.

    Thanks, Marick


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

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 20:04:37 -0700
From: "Fred Hink" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Novice's inquiry

- -----Original Message-----
From: Vic DeFilippis <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail] <[e-mail]>
Date: Wednesday, March 31, 1999 11:11 AM
Subject: (klr650) Novice's inquiry


>Hi,
>
>I just bought a 1998 KLR650

Congrats on your purchase.  Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.  If you
are satisfied then that is all that matters.  You should get the Kawasaki
service manuals for your bike.  You will need two of them.  The KLR base
manual and the supplement.  I have them for sale and just got some in today.
Kawasaki just raised their prices on their manuals.  These would be a good
place to start and have most all your questions answered.  If not then this
list for sure will have an answer for you.

Good luck!

Fred Hink
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
         Arrowhead Motorsports
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/
435-259-7356  Fax [phone]
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 20:06:12 -0700
From: "Kurt Simpson" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Novice's inquiry

|I just bought a 1998 KLR650 (near mint, 650 miles, 4 mos. left on warranty,
|$3200; was this a fair price or did I get ripped off?)

Excellent price...sell the bike right now for $3,750 put the money in the bank and run away
before I guy named Fred starts sending you Christmas Presents...it sounds arcane and perhaps a
little kinky now but remember I warned you...

|2) Should I just immediately stop riding it until I get 500 mile service
|done on it?  Is it going to mess something up if I do?

Yes, put it in the garage and force yourself to just start touching it all over, looking and
listening...get prepared as we act as your brain and walk you throught the first service...tell
us when you are ready....


Before you ride one more mile check the air pressure in both tires...I would suggest 28/28-30
but others will tell you more or less...

|so is there a reference out there anyone can suggest that provides good
|maintenance information that can be understood by a dope like me?

the website has oil change and filter (order a magnetic drain plug and K & P filter in
advance)...adust the balancer chain...check the valves...check the height of the fork tubes in
the triple clamps...check the chain...change the oil in the forks (order progressive springs in
advance)...

  I'd ask
|someone for help but I don't even know anyone who owns a motorcycle let
|alone a KLR.  (Yes, I have the owner's manual but as you know it's
|practically a brochure)

order the two manuals...from you know where...
|
|3) Can I firm up the rear shock myself or is that too complex for one
|motorcycle-inept person to do by himself? (I'm about 190 lbs. and it seems
|way too mushy for me right now)

the pre-load is adjustable from the top left if you move some of the stuff out of the way (I
took it off and stored it)...set it to 3...the damping adjustment is on the right bottom of the
shock under a clip you pop off...set also to 3...
|
|4) I already had a damn flat rear tire (factory tires).  That sucks
|especially for someone who rides alone.  Is it possible that this is
|related to the fact that these tires suck?  Should I just buy new ones
|right now?  Please say no.  (I ride about 60:40 trails:pavement).

yes, buy new ones and send the old ones to me, I will dispose of them without a Federal
recycling fee...seriously, nothing wrong with the stock tires...

|
|5) Is it true that you shouldn't load >20 lbs. on the back rack?  Seems a
|little light to me...


|Sems like a very powerful bike that's easy to ride.

Not true...a hard bike to ride at slow speeds, just wait until you try to look cool at the
Custard Stand and grab the front brake in an off-camber situation...pfloop....verrrry
interessting...


Kurt

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

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 22:10:31 -0500
From: "Patrice Robinet" <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: (klr650) Givi's crashability

I fell about 35km north of La Paz in Baja in a curve that is apparently
called 'la curva de la mantequa' (the butter curve).  Of course I only found
out about that AFTER the accident.  I was very lucky, only bad road rash on
my arm and a shearer oil drain screw on the front left fork tube.  And hurt
pride......

Could have been much worse but I was the only vehicle on the road.

Patrice Robinet


- -----Original Message-----
From: [e-mail]
[mailto:[e-mail]]On Behalf Of Bogdan
Swider
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 1999 9:55 PM
To: 'Patrice Robinet'; Marick Payton; [e-mail]
Subject: RE: (klr650) Givi's crashability


    I don't agree. I've used them on month long trips. For my ridding
style I wouldn't want an oz. more weight than they could hold in the rear
anyway. As it is, if I'm not careful to pack ALL the heavy stuff in the tank
bag & tank panniers handling is compromised. Large bulky items go in the
bags. BTW Patrice when you went down in Mexico was it oil on the road or one
of those "vados" with slippery moss growing in them that transverse highways
in Baja? Bogdan

    Givis are fine for getting around town or going on a long weekend.
Fork out
    the extra dollars and you won't regret being stingy like I was.

    Patrice Robinet
    Frenchman on Two Wheels
    1998 KLR 650

    -----Original Message-----
    From: [e-mail]
    [mailto:[e-mail]]On Behalf Of Marick
    Payton
    Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 1999 5:44 PM
    To: [e-mail]
    Subject: (klr650) Givi's crashability


    I'm struggling to choose between Givi hard bags and Tourtech spam
cans
    for my trip to S.A.  The Givi's appeal because of their more
reasonable
    price, lighter weight and I like the sizing better.  My major
reservation
    is about their ability to survive crashes.  Not that I expect to
    crash, mind you, but in that part of the world I hear the ground can
    sometimes just reach up and smack you when you least expect it.  So,
    I'd like to hear any experiences others have had with the Givi's in
    this regard.

    Thanks, Marick

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

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 19:23:28 -0800
From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR Muffler Guard

.  Remember it's tick season for us Southern Boys, brought
>home more of them yesterday than the dog did.
>
>Larry (tickless once again)
>

Man I hate those.  I remember this one time I was in the field just
overnight, and I picked 17 ticks off just from around my waist.  My legs had
more even.  Ticks and poison ivy, my two arch enemies.

Jeff

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

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 19:18:50 -0800
From: "Arne Larsen" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Novice's inquiry

> > 5) Is it true that you shouldn't load >20 lbs. on the back rack?  Seems
a
> > little light to me...
>
> This is the first I've heard of this.
>
> Have Fun!
>
> Jeff
> Tucson, AZ
> '89 KLR


My '99 KLR has a factory sticker on the rack stating that the load limit is
22 lbs.

Arne

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

End of klr650-digest V2 #212
****************************