From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V2 #105 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Monday, March 8 1999 Volume 02 : Number 105 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 15:19:29 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: (klr650) Re: Tengai In Abbotsford, British Columbia, CANADA. On the west coast, about a 2.5 hour drive up the I-5 north from Seattle. And thanks, I'll need it :( Arne (feeling sorry for myself...) - -----Original Message----- From: Ztib@aol.com To: alarsen@rapidnet.net Date: Monday, March 08, 1999 1:48 PM Subject: Re: Tengai >good luck finding one >where do you live? ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 18:12:01 EST From: FTabor231@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Tengai input needed Arnie, I have the factory Tengai shop manual and would be glad to forward any data you need from it. Frank in Omaha trying to figure out how to unsubscribe, but not bright enough. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 18:24:50 EST From: FTabor231@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) More RIP KLR In a message dated 3/8/99 1:09:59 PM Central Standard Time, alarsen@rapidnet.net writes: << >We certainly have two different positions on this issue. The driver didn't >mean to hit me. He had no malice towards me. It was a mistake and they are >made every single day. I asked the driver later what he thought of the >accident. He apologized and said he was sorry for yelling at me. He stated >he was shaken up and scared when he saw me fly over the car. I certainly >believe him since I would be in the same situation. He simply over-reacted >causing me to over-react. > >Most people are good people, but they make mistakes. He learned not to >follow motorcyclist too closely and I learned not to slow too fast when cars >> After all the crap this list has endured lately, its refreshing to encounter your honesty and dignity. I hope you mend quickly and have a great riding year. frank ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 18:36:53 EST From: FTabor231@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Damper rod tool In a message dated 3/8/99 4:05:40 PM Central Standard Time, rob_macleod@bylgate.dbylaw.com writes: << I would like to know what size nut I need to build a tool to hold the damper rod in place while I tighten the Allen bolt in the lower leg (yes, I know I don't have to touch the Allen bolt to replace the springs but curiosity got the better of me and now I can't tighten the darn thing). >> Rob, if you can take your fork leg to your dealer, or if you have an air compressor with an air wrench, you can spin the allen bolt fast enough that you don't have to lock down the back side. Frank ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 18:35:17 EST From: S2Mumford@aol.com Subject: (klr650) Re: klr650-digest V2 #104 In a message dated 3/D/YY 2:53:11 PM Pacific Standard Time, owner- klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com writes: << Coming from England I'd be interested in how they are viewed over there >> They are the motorcycle guys buy to remind them of the brave young man they never were before. Also, Cameron for President. ( as long as his interns are not such heifers ). ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 18:48:04 -0500 From: "Shawn Bryan" Subject: Re: (klr650) motoport ultraII cordura jacket and pants. I have a Motoport Ultratrek II cordura one piece which they no longer make. Had it for 3 years now. Very satisfied. Plus's: Breathes well in hot weather. Flows lots of air. Great armor. Very comprehensive protection. The liner is waterproof and warm. Extends my riding season well into November here in VT (ridden fast and hard in 10 degree weather. Cold hands and face but not the suit. Washes very well. Minus's: Stiff, heavy and bulky, especially when new. You have to like the Michelin man look! The uncoated cordura tends to fuzz a little, especially where the velcro closes around the pockets. Not a defect and probably not much to be done but can look a little funky. I trim with scissors once in a while to keep it under control. The liner works as advertised. It's really warm. In between days are tough. Also, when it rains on a hot day you get wet or use a rain suit. The liner is too hot for anything warmer than 70 degrees in my opinion. Bottom line: I love mine and for a warm climate it can't be beaten. In a cold climate I think either a Stitch or Ultratrek would work fine. I'm partial to my decision having seen and worn both but both a quality products backed by quality manufacturers so it would be tough to call either a bad decision. YMMV. Shawn Bryan 1990 VFR Red (white wheels!), AMA, DoD, etc. - -----Original Message----- From: Tim Bootle To: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: 07 March, 1999 23:31 Subject: (klr650) motoport ultraII cordura jacket and pants. >Does anybody have any experience with these? ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 18:28:48 EST From: FTabor231@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Low battery In a message dated 3/8/99 1:22:51 PM Central Standard Time, rascal9@snet.net writes: << > Went to start up my KLR yesterday (1st time in 2 weeks) and had to bump > > start it due to a low battery. >> Also, kick start lever assemblies are available from your Kawasaki dealer for about $180 US Frank ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 08 Mar 1999 18:53:48 +0000 From: Jeffrey Doyle Subject: (klr650) Re: Low battery J.Taylor wrote: > > I have bought 2 from WalMart and they each cost $27.00 each. Yuasa > batteries, ready with acid. Had to replace one after I droped it > otherwise it was fine. The present one has 24 months on it and as long > as I check water levels periodically, its OK. The 'Mart does stock them > down here; check them if they are near you. > > Jake, who found his dealer peddling the same batteries as WalMart for > $48 more than I paid. > > Jeffrey Doyle wrote: > > > > March has come in like a lion up here in New England. > > > > Went to start up my KLR yesterday (1st time in 2 weeks) and had to bump > > start it due to a low battery. Got it going after the third hop though > > (and didn't kick out the rear directional signals in the process). Took > > a five miler by Long Island Sound and thought about how happy I should > > be with the 40 degree heat wave. Today there's snow on the ground, 40 > > mph winds and highs in the 20's. Dam I can't wait for summer. These > > short rides have to do for now. > > > > I checked my chain adjustment (cold) according to the lister that said > > it should be within about a 1/16th inch from the padded forward part of > > the swingarm when you push up on it from the bottom and low and behold I > > had it right on the money. It's much easier than trying to eye-ball it > > with a ruler! I was concerned about that because I made the foolish > > mistake of damaging one countershaft already. Lot's of cool info on > > this list. > > > > Time to crank up the trickle charger, top off the cells, and get my last > > 12 months out of this 36 month wonder. KLR batteries aren't cheap. I > > think this gem cost me about $70.00 filled from a dealer 2 years ago. > > It shocked me a little because I used to buy Dorsey batteries for > > previous bikes for a lot less. Just had to be careful with the acid > > bag. I think I'll shop around next time. > > > > Jeff Thank you for the info, Jeff A2 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 08 Mar 1999 19:15:40 +0000 From: Jeffrey Doyle Subject: (klr650) Re: (Kickstarter) FTabor231@aol.com wrote: > > In a message dated 3/8/99 1:22:51 PM Central Standard Time, rascal9@snet.net > writes: > > << > Went to start up my KLR yesterday (1st time in 2 weeks) and had to bump > > > start it due to a low battery. >> > Also, kick start lever assemblies are available from your Kawasaki dealer for > about $180 US Frank Oh yeah.....and I've got an A2 that actually has the penetration labled "kickstarter" on the right engine case. Ten years after and I'm still thinking about it. The electric leg spoiled me. When I had my '73 Yamaha TX 650 (really really nice motor) it had both kick and electric and back then I rarely used the electric start and got great battery life. I may put a kickstarter on it though if I ever get enough time to explore some serious wilderness material (about the time I qualify for antique plates). Jeff A2 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 16:21:02 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) More RIP KLR >Besides, the last thing I want to do is make another lawyer more money. > >C. > Great point, OK, you've convinced me. Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 16:29:37 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) More RIP KLR >Maybe Jeff was being sarcastic, but as for denying everything and making >counter accusations??? Speak the TRUTH. > >Arne > Sorry, but sometimes my Special Forces counter-intellegence training slips out at the wrong moments. I guess that its called counter-intellegence for a reason. Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 19:31:56 -0500 From: "Steamroller" Subject: Re: (klr650) Low battery Kick start assemblies? For the 96 KLR 650, also? I'll have to check this out. NY Pete - -----Original Message----- From: FTabor231@aol.com To: rascal9@snet.net ; Nadir1225@aol.com Cc: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Monday, March 08, 1999 7:12 PM Subject: Re: (klr650) Low battery >In a message dated 3/8/99 1:22:51 PM Central Standard Time, rascal9@snet.net >writes: > ><< > Went to start up my KLR yesterday (1st time in 2 weeks) and had to bump > > > start it due to a low battery. >> >Also, kick start lever assemblies are available from your Kawasaki dealer for >about $180 US Frank > > ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 19:40:51 EST From: Cloudhid@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Low battery- Kick Starter On 3/8/99, sroller@frontiernet.net writes: > Kick start assemblies? For the 96 KLR 650, also? > I'll have to check this out. > NY Pete Sorry. It only works on pre '96 motors. Redondo Ron - - - - - don't shoot the messenger ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 08 Mar 1999 19:22:04 -0600 From: "J.P.Zucht" Subject: (klr650) new topic... Stephen Rivett wrote: > I'm gonna let it pass. Although I can't comprehend somebody sticking up for > McDonalds. New topic, Canada has it's positive points... 1. NO BUGS for at least 6 months of the year! (O'course ya can't RIDE anything 'cept a snowmobile during those 6 months...) 2. ... ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 20:36:10 -0500 From: "Bob Zeliff" Subject: Re: (klr650) new topic... The loonie is 60 cents to the US $. Everything but gas is a bargin...great roads and great people too! - -----Original Message----- From: J.P.Zucht To: KLR650-List Date: Monday, March 08, 1999 8:19 PM Subject: (klr650) new topic... >Stephen Rivett wrote: >> I'm gonna let it pass. Although I can't comprehend somebody sticking up for >> McDonalds. New topic, Canada has it's positive points... > > >1. NO BUGS for at least 6 months of the year! (O'course ya can't RIDE >anything 'cept a snowmobile during those 6 months...) > >2. ... ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 08 Mar 1999 20:05:26 -0600 From: "J.P.Zucht" Subject: (klr650) NKLR - Buy American ? Jeff & Lisa Walker wrote: >I prefer Jap and Euro engineering and >finish to American, and I have owned 14 different cars in the last 12 years. >Of those, only three were American... Hmmm...14 cars in 12 years...maybe you need to buy MORE American...seems like I see a lot of 14 year old American stuff still on the road... (Actually, let's go back further...anyone seen a nice-looking '73 Chev 1/2 ton lately? Rusted-out pieces of sh*t...but they jes keep on runnin'...) FWIW, seems like almost everything up here (Canada) is 'made in China', the last few years. I'm not real happy about that... hungree OK, if ya read this far, here's a lil joke: I run into a buddy an' he sez "Wife an' I had a BIG fight, but she came crawling to me on her hands and knees". I sez "Ya? What'd she say?" He sez "She said 'come on out from under that bed, you chicken!'" ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 19:28:42 -0700 From: "Steven \"scooter scum\" Johnson" Subject: (klr650) RE: Dare I ask (no KLR content) Andy asks: >Dare I ask what your views are on Harley's??????????? > >Coming from England I'd be interested in how they are viewed over there. My story goes like this: I finally got a friend that bought a harley. We had been riding together for years. We swap bikes all the time. I was over joyed that I would finally get a chance to ride a bike I always lusted for. Well on a beautiful day, we went for a ride in the mountians. I spent 20 miles on the bike on nice lazy 2 lane road. The first thing I noticed was the lack of brakes. The bike is heavy and very difficult to stop. I helped me understand why my buddy just about flipped my TDM at the end of his Driveway. He did his usual EAGLE Claw 5 finger grab to stop the bike...My TDM has maybe a 2 finger brake! He was shocked at how quickly the TDM stopped. The bike was a '92 Heritage Classic with the new Evolution engine. The seat looked very plush, but seemed to cut me in all the wrong places. The bike vibrated violently. More vibration than any bike I have ever ridden in my 30 years of riding. After about 10 miles, I was ready to trade back...but I thought well maybe it will grow in me. He had after market pipes (what Harley doesn't?). In top gear I would roll on the gas and would only be rewarded with more noise rather than acceleration. The bike did not handle very well in the mountains, lots of effort through the corners. When we stopped for ice-cream, I was ready to get off. My forearm was pumped from the front brake, my ass was tired and I had no fun. The Harley has not changed much since our grandfathers rode them. My only conclusion is that my Grandfather was much tougher person than I am! That day any dream of a Harley disappeared. I no longer have the desire. Don't get me wrong, I think harleys are a work of art. I just don't think they fit me. Steven "scooter scum" Johnson '95 KLX650C - Cheaper than therapy '95 KLX250/321 - Just call me yellow britches '95 K1100RS - Mileage monster '92 TDM850 - Dual Sport of course ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 08 Mar 1999 20:29:52 -0600 From: "J.P.Zucht" Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: (Kickstarter) Jeffrey Doyle wrote: > Oh yeah.....and I've got an A2 that actually has the penetration labled > "kickstarter" on the right engine case... My '89 has 'the place' as well, but the local dealer says 'kickstart kit no longer available'. Just for us in Canada perhaps? phil A3 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 21:39:23 -0500 From: "Stephen Rivett" Subject: Re: (klr650) new topic... There is still great dirtbiking all year round if you're tough enough for it. I'm taking my 1983 CR250 out for an over night camping trip tomorrow. I just use a hair spray bottle full of gasoline to start it (have to take off the seat/air filter :( As long as the temp is just below 0C you'll be okay, but hope to God the trails don't melt...then the riding gets tough. I was going to make a trailer hitch for it but my friend couldn't come along because of a test he found out he had. Anybody else an avid winter dirtbike driver? I use my 5th gear powerband going across lakes >:) ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 22:01:07 EST From: OlZorro@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Boots and Jackets I use the Kilamanjaro (sp?) and it is simply excellent. Pockets galore and OK in hot weather. I've put about 20K miles on mine and it is still one of my best pieces of equipment. and it comes in tall sizes. JP Gray Dana Point Ca 94 ST1100 95 KLR650 ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V2 #105 ****************************