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klr650-digest          Thursday, May 6 1999          Volume 02 : Number 374




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

Date: Thu, 06 May 1999 19:49:33 +1000
From: Ted Palmer <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) How fast will they go?

[e-mail] wrote:
[...]
> decided to play along and try to keep up a bit. At 95 mph I still had
> throttle left and chickened out. I'm curious, what do most of you get for a
> top speed?

About 170kmh or a bit over 100mph should be achievable with the
rider flat on the tank before the motor loses the battle against
the lack of aerodynamics.
I used to do track days with the front mudguard off and it did get
up to max speed a bit faster. I didn't get around to removing the
rear mudguard extension to see if it made any difference.

> Also, I weigh 215; if I want to carry a 160 lb passenger (tall woman), is the
> bike going to strain and overheat or something.

Depends on where you ride it. With a lot of stop/start riding, the
clutch and smallish chain will feel the strain.
Out on the highway, you'll notice hills more than you would otherwise.
Any KLR in decent condition won't overheat.

Mister_T

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

Date: Thu, 06 May 1999 20:03:09 +1000
From: Ted Palmer <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) RE: Engines

Bryce Hysjulien wrote:

> What about a Ninja 500 engine?

There _was_ a KLE500 some years ago that ran a detuned GPz500S (maybe
a "Ninja" elswhere) parallel twin. The KLE was a nice-ish idea that
sank with barely a trace.

> There are a lot of YZ 490s around where I
> live.  That would be interesting, especially modified.

Might be easier to road-ify a KX500.

> Would a KZ 650 or
> 750 fit?  I think they were both twins.  How about a Suzuki Gamma (500 V4
> two stroke, I think)?

I've mentioned the Suzuki RG500. It was a twin crank square-four
that put out about 90hp. The actual RG500 didn't weigh much more
than a KLR. I've ridden a couple of them, they're mental.

Mister_T

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

Date: Thu, 06 May 1999 20:25:18 +1000
From: Ted Palmer <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Why no 6

LindaT wrote:

> Is this possible??  My humble KLR250 of '86 vintage has a 6 speed and the
> 650s do not??
> What's the deal here?  I know, poor little engine needs more gears.

And your gears would be a lot smaller because your motor puts out
less power.
If your gear cluster were wedged into a 600, it would wear them out
in no time.

[250 starting probs]
I can't add any more than any workshop manual "troubleshooting"
section might say.

Mister_T

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

Date: Thu, 06 May 1999 20:06:31 +1000
From: Ted Palmer <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) RE: Engines

Arne Larsen wrote:
>
> While there was a KZ750 triple at once upon a time, I bought my new KZ750 in
> 1980.  It was a four cylinder.  The KZ650 has always been a four I think.

The only Kwak triples I know of were the 2 strokes.
However, there was a four stroke 750 twin that died a marketing death.

Mister_T

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

Date: Thu, 06 May 1999 08:18:22 -0400
From: Mark McCoy <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR - NKLR

I must have a cheap ass impact gun because it is way louder than an MP5SD.  Unless maybe
your bolt face inserts need replacement....

Tom Simpson wrote:

> At 06:24 PM 5/5/99 -0700, Jeff & Lisa Walker wrote:
> >
> >>Okay can someone make a WAV file of the sound of an impact
> >socket driver
> >>working.   I am making all the right noises, but I can fool the
> >sprocket
> >>into believing I am using an impact driver - ....=)
> >>
> >I don't have an air impact driver either, but I could record me
> >firing my H&K MP-5, would that be close enough?
>
>         If its an SD model loaded with 147's, it would actualy be pretty close... :)
>
> -Tom
> <pup><pup><pup><pup><pup>!
> '96 KLR 650

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

Date: Thu, 6 May 1999 09:09:11 EDT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: (klr650) Utility Socket

Someone recently posted something about wiring  a GPS unit directly into the
city lights connectors. Even more useful would be a 12-volt universal
cigarette lighter socket that could accept all sorts of handy gizmos such as
a radar detector, radio, digital compass--perhaps even a cigarette lighter.
The socket could be attached (perhaps Velcro'd) to the back side of the
fairing in some convenient location. Will the city lights circuit handle
enough power for something like this? Can I just go down to the local Radio
Shack (or wherever) and purchase a socket for this project?

Jim Henry, Co-Honcho
Republic Of Texas Biker Rally
Travis County Expo Center in Austin
4-6 June 1999
[e-mail]
972-386-7619 vox/fax        [phone] rally hotline info

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

Date: Thu, 06 May 1999 09:08:47 -0400
From: Bill Haycock <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) DualStar wrenches

I read an interesting post on this LIST about how folks might make up a
set of axle nut wrenches by purchasing Sears tools, cutting them and
welding them together to make up combinations that will fit axle nuts on
a bike.

I believe the question came up after a short review of the DualStar
wrenches was posted.

I am always interested in innovative designs to make our life easier on
the road and that is why I was so impressed on my recent 18 day trip to
the Baja with DualStar's "ToolWorks" set and particularly the KLR650 set
of axle and companion wrenches.

When I read the post referenced above I decide to check out this idea
and compare the cost, weight, size and utility of this idea.  Here is
what I found:

The cost of purchasing good quality Sears "Craftsman" wrenches, having
them cut and welded is about the same as purchasing the DualStar
wrenches.  The DualStar wrenches are also of good quality (stainless
steel - non corrosive) and are much lighter and more compact then the
Sears "fixed" wrenches.

I was a little concerned initially about the size of the DualStar
wrenches and their ability to take off an axle nut.  I used the ones I
have to remove my front and rear axle nuts with no problem
what-so-ever.  Actually, I had my axle nuts over torqued.  When they are
secured to factory torque specs they can be removed with no effort at
all!

The companion wrench to the KLR axle wrench is also a handy tool to have
along.  It is designed to make chain adjustment on the road an easy
job.  The tool is small but effective in adjusting not only chain
adjustment nuts but many others on the bike as well.

A few other comments on my recent evaluation of the DualStar ToolWorks
tool set and axle nut wrenches:

I was a little worried that the Phillips head bit in the tool set would
not be long enough to reach the rear plastic side panel screws as well
as a few screws on the radiator and coolant reservoir units.  In fact,
they do work (a little tight).  When I called Mike at DualStar and
reported this he was one step ahead of us - he has designed an extension
for the ToolWorks kit that will extend all of the bits and sockets in
the kit - this will be a good addition for those nuts and screws that
are deeper into the KLR body and engine parts.  It pays to have a guy
designing tools for a bike that he also rides and works on in the field!

I make this post because I don't often find a set of products that I can
get really excited about!  I am excited about the combination of the
ToolWorks kit and Axle wrenches!  I have gone from carrying three pounds
of wrenches, sockets, screw drivers, allen wrenches in a large pouch to
a few ounces of tools that I carry in my hip bag (the Co-Pilot from
DualStar)

If you have not already done so, take a look at some of the DualStar
products at:

http://www.dualsport.org/dualstar/index.html

Bill

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

Date: Thu, 6 May 1999 06:25:47 -0700
From: "Mark Machin" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Trip to Baja Designs

An alternative to the aftermarket rear shock protector is to make one
yourself.  I just completed this 15 minute project on my A13 using misc
parts sitting in the garage.  There are two holes already present in the
bottom of the rear fender in front of the shock that are ideal to attach a
shock protector cover.  I used some black stiff rubber mat trimmed off of a
car floor mat, drilled two holes in it, and fastened to the factory fender
holes.  I cut the mat size to the width of the fender and long enough to
curve around and rest on the frame.  It works well and looks like a factory
built cover.  Very simple and easy to do.

Mark
A13, COG 1977


- ----- Original Message -----
From: Bill Bollenbacher <[e-mail]>
To: <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 1999 2:07 PM
Subject: (klr650) Trip to Baja Designs


> Well I went over to Baja Designs here in San Diego, who are about
> 3 miles from where I work across this gravel pit that your not
> supposed to go through (but I did), to check out their store and
> pick up some of the stuff in the 'project bike' article.  Great
> group of people.  I talked with the guy who did some (or maybe
> all) of the work on the KLR in the article.  His name is Chad and
> he was very helpful.  I'm planning on taking my bike in in the
> near future to have him install the rubber rear shock protection
> that was mentioned in the article.  Ordered their skid-plate, the
> Dual Star center stand, and some OEM levers, and picked up the
> folding shifter.  These guys are quality all the way, but at
> very reasonable prices; I recommend them whole heartily.
>
>    Ride safe and often, wc
>
>
>
> Bill 'Backroads' Bollenbacher
> San Diego, CA
> [e-mail] (wk)
> [e-mail] (hm)
> '99 KLR650
>

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

Date: Thu, 06 May 1999 09:29:23 -0400
From: Bill Haycock <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) Distance award at Moab99

From: "Arne Larsen" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR info

>With this bike you can go practically wherever
>your dreams might lead you.  A run from the
>logging roads of Washington State to the Incan
>ruins of Peru (and back!) is very doable on this
>machine.  Good luck, and keep the questions
>coming!  Later...
>
>Juan Villarreal, '97 KLR
>"The Happy Hooligan"

My friends at work are telling me that I'm crazy (Vik, Brian, and myself

will be riding approx 2100 kilometers from home to MOAB) for doing this.

They're trying to talk me into throwing my bike in the back of my truck
and
driving down.  I figure too much pride and a bottle of ibuprophin will
see
me through.

Arne - hoping there will be a resident (swedish) massage therapist on
call
in MOAB...

Sean Gallagher and I might have you beat!  We are riding from Atlanta,
Georgia to Moab and back - about 3,000km (1,800 miles)

Bill

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

Date: Thu, 06 May 1999 09:13:18 -0400
From: Tom Simpson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) How fast will they go?

At 10:46 PM 5/5/99 -0700, Christopher J Beasley wrote:
>
>
>[e-mail] wrote:
>
>> I was cruising around this past weekend when a crotch rocket blew by me. I
>> decided to play along and try to keep up a bit. At 95 mph I still had
>> throttle left and chickened out. I'm curious, what do most of you get for a
>> top speed?
>
>Mine will do a little over the Ton, INDICATED.  At 100 indicated, it's really
>going about 91 mph.


    Pretty much the srory here, too. Highest GPS-confirmed speed was 90 MPH.



>> Also, I weigh 215; if I want to carry a 160 lb passenger (tall woman),
is the
>> bike going to strain and overheat or something.
>>
>
>Nope.b


    Mine will haul me (@250 lbs) and about 75 lbs. of luggage with saddlebags
over the interstate at a true 75 MPH all day long.


- -Tom
'96 KLR 650

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

Date: Thu, 06 May 1999 09:25:11 -0400
From: Tom Simpson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) RE: Engines

At 08:06 PM 5/6/99 +1000, Ted Palmer wrote:
>Arne Larsen wrote:
>>
>> While there was a KZ750 triple at once upon a time, I bought my new
KZ750 in
>> 1980.  It was a four cylinder.  The KZ650 has always been a four I think.
>
>The only Kwak triples I know of were the 2 strokes.
>However, there was a four stroke 750 twin that died a marketing death.



    Hey, I just remembered! I've got a brand new Honda Twinstar 200 motor
sitting on the shelf!


    Anybody for a 75 MPG KLR 200?  :)



- -Tom
'96 KLR 200

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

Date: Thu, 06 May 1999 09:36:49 -0400
From: Tom Simpson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Utility Socket

At 09:09 AM 5/6/99 EDT, [e-mail] wrote:
>Someone recently posted something about wiring  a GPS unit directly into the
>city lights connectors. Even more useful would be a 12-volt universal
>cigarette lighter socket that could accept all sorts of handy gizmos such as
>a radar detector, radio, digital compass--perhaps even a cigarette lighter.
>The socket could be attached (perhaps Velcro'd) to the back side of the
>fairing in some convenient location. Will the city lights circuit handle
>enough power for something like this? Can I just go down to the local Radio
>Shack (or wherever) and purchase a socket for this project?


    Better yet, the local Wal-Mart. They sell a very good quality waterproof
"cigarette lighter) outlet for about $8. Mine is tire-tied to the front of
the cover over the electronics on the bikes left side (near the carb).




- -Tom
'96 KLR 650

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

Date: Thu, 6 May 1999 07:41:41 -0600
From: "Pokluda, Gino F" <[e-mail]>
Subject: (klr650) RE: Helmet info

>>I've got a 'commercial' version of this for my helmet. its a concertina
of about 4 folds of paper about an inch square with all the information
you list. It's held behind a patch of clear sticky plastic (like the
stuff you cover books with) with the top fold visible, which just warns
people to leave your lid on till the ambulance crew arrives and says
that there's medical information included.<<

Would Harley riders stick this to their foreheads?

Gino

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

Date: Thu, 6 May 1999 09:42:01 -0400
From: [e-mail]
Subject: RE: (klr650) How fast will they go?

KLX650 will do 110mph indicated on the straights with the right jetting. Too
rich and it takes awhile to creep over 95. This was at ~7000rpm. Redline is
7500, but I wouldnt push it.

- -----Original Message-----
From: Tom Simpson [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: Thursday, May 06, 1999 9:13 AM
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: (klr650) How fast will they go?


At 10:46 PM 5/5/99 -0700, Christopher J Beasley wrote:
>
>
>[e-mail] wrote:
>
>> I was cruising around this past weekend when a crotch rocket blew by me.
I
>> decided to play along and try to keep up a bit. At 95 mph I still had
>> throttle left and chickened out. I'm curious, what do most of you get for
a
>> top speed?

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

Date: Thu, 6 May 1999 06:46:23 -0700
From: "Mark Machin" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (klr650) Correction- Trip to Baja Designs

Correction to my previous message-  The attachment holes on the rear fender
for the shock protector are obviously just behind the rear shock and not in
front.  (Too fast on the send button.)

Mark

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Machin <[e-mail]>
To: <[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, May 06, 1999 6:25 AM
Subject: Re: (klr650) Trip to Baja Designs


> An alternative to the aftermarket rear shock protector is to make one
> yourself.  I just completed this 15 minute project on my A13 using misc
> parts sitting in the garage.  There are two holes already present in the
> bottom of the rear fender in front of the shock that are ideal to attach a
> shock protector cover.  I used some black stiff rubber mat trimmed off of
a
> car floor mat, drilled two holes in it, and fastened to the factory fender
> holes.  I cut the mat size to the width of the fender and long enough to
> curve around and rest on the frame.  It works well and looks like a
factory
> built cover.  Very simple and easy to do.
>
> Mark
> A13, COG 1977

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

Date: Thu, 6 May 1999 07:48:04 -0600
From: "Pokluda, Gino F" <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: (klr650) How fast will they go?

>I was cruising around this past weekend when a crotch rocket blew by me.
>>I decided to play along and try to keep up a bit. At 95 mph I still had
>> throttle left and chickened out. I'm curious, what do most of you get for
>>a top speed?

I've had my 95 KLR650 to an indicate 95mph on flat road with Touratech
panniers,  Stage 1 jet kit and Laser pipe, laying on the tank with feet on
the passenger pegs.  Wasn't pretty.  Even my plastic Jesus had his eyes
closed.


Gino

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

End of klr650-digest V2 #374
****************************