From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V2 #115 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Thursday, March 11 1999 Volume 02 : Number 115 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 13:40:18 -0700 From: "Vik Banerjee" Subject: Re: (klr650) Garmin GPS III..............NKLR I have some info reading the Garmin III+ base maps with regards to coverage and accuracy in Canada. I won't bore the list with this info - if you live or ride in Canada and care let me know. Cheers, Vik - -----Original Message----- From: VFR754@aol.com To: KLR650@lists.xmission.com Date: Monday, February 22, 1999 7:17 AM Subject: (klr650) Garmin GPS III.............. >I don't know if this is a good deal or not for anyone, but I just got the new >Damark catalog, and it's got the Garmin GPS III (Factory Serviced) for $229.99 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 13:56:27 -0700 From: "Vik Banerjee" Subject: (klr650) Articles .....NKLR I have scanned some articles regarding touring on a KLR and a RS1100GS and Eric has been kind enough to post them on his webpage at: http://www.angelfire.com/ga/ericjazz/frPictures.html Cheers, Vik ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 16:32:23 -0500 From: "Stephen Rivett" Subject: (klr650) NKLR: worn out chains From what I know, the driveline of a bike is always the first to go (sprockets, chain, tires) so here's my question. I'm going to be taking a REALLY long trip some time in the future, as the chain wears out would it be okay to just keep on removing links from the chain as need be? I know this will beat up the sprockets but I'm planning on replacing the chain at the same time as the sprockest. Thanks, Stephen Rivett ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 14:38:16 -0700 From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: RE: (klr650) NKLR: worn out chains >>I'm going to be taking a REALLY long trip some time in the future, as the chain wears out would it be okay to just keep on removing links from the chain as need be? << I would be worried about the chain links getting fatigued and failing. Nothing will punch through an engine case like a chain whipping off of a counter shaft sprocket. Been there, done that. Gino ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 14:04:58 PST From: "Paul Christenson" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR: worn out chains >I'm going to be taking a REALLY long trip some time in the future, >as the chain wears out would it be okay to just keep on removing >links from the chain as need be? If you have to remove any links because the adjuster is at the limit, then you have already stretched the chain WELL beyond the service limit. If the chain has passed the service limit, or even getting close before a long trip, just replace the chain (and sprockets, since you're planning to replace them anyway). I killed my old TS-185 by doing exactly what you describe. I was ~50 miles from home, riding dirt roads. Hit a small rut (barely felt it), but the chain popped off of the rear sprocket and wound itself around the front sprocket. It pushed on the shift lever, and knocked out a piece of the case about the size of the quarter. Those extra few miles you're trying to get out of that chain can get REALLY expensive. Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: 11 Mar 99 16:24:52 -0600 From: Eric West Subject: (klr650) Worn chain I always carry an extra chain in the skid pan. It will stay when I zip = tie it in there. That is also where to carry masterlinks, countershaft = sprockets,etc., but a rear sprocket won't fit there. If you take a spare = masterlinked chain, you can just unclip the link, attach the spare chain, = pull, reattach the master link. That way you can take time to clean & = lube the chain properly. The whole exchange can be done in about a minute = with a little practice. I used to keep an old jug of 90wt so I could put = the chain in to soak until the next exchange; however, this was kept at = home-not for traveling.YMMV Eric West ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 18:58:07 EST From: FTabor231@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Fw: KLR breakdowns In a message dated 3/11/99 12:04:15 PM Central Standard Time, efpoklu@sandia.gov writes: << What year KLR650 did you purchase? There are some things that should be addressed if you purchased a pre-1996 model. If you have a later model, you bought a very reliable machine >> Hi Gino, I have a 98 KLR. It has a 16tooth C/S sprocket, drilled out and adjusted air/gas mixture screw and raised needle. I'v installed heated grips bar end weights a GIVI rack for a tour trunk.I"m getting 50 mpg with 900 miles on the clock. With the contacts that I"ve made with folks on this list, any concern about tires and spares have been removed although I will carry new chain (pre-cut) master links, both sprockets, rear tire, tubes and filter and good tools. I mounted a small 12 volt compressor under a side cover with a detachable hose for tire air. Its the weird stuff that others have encountered that I"m trying to prepare for. Thanks, Frank ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 19:05:40 +0000 From: Jeffrey Doyle Subject: Re: (klr650) Electrical Problem In gear, it'll start with stand up and clutch pulled. > > Sounds like one (or more) of your lockout switches aren't working. > Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com FWIW, The earlier KLR's did have a problem with the sidestand lockout switches. They would fail and cause the bike to randomly cut out while riding down the road. Jeff A2 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 19:12:17 +0000 From: Jeffrey Doyle Subject: Re: (klr650) Electrical Problem > > Anyway I am still out there trying to push start my bike in the nude and > the nights are cold! > Any ideas to help me out of this predicament? > ---------- Sounds like you may have left it with the key in the park position which leaves the rear light on (like for emergencies or roadside display). Also you do have to turn the front wheel to full lock to the left in order to use the combo ignition/fork lock. It helps to push down a little on the key as you turn the key to the left to lock. Jeff A2 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 17:24:58 PST From: "Juan Villarreal" Subject: (klr650) Articles .....NKLR Nice shots Vik, and thanks (again) to you Eric for posting them on your website. Juan Villarreal Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 19:54:42 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: (klr650) Questions, Questions, Questions - KLR Hello all! Has any one here purchased the extended warranty available from Kawasaki and been really glad they did? How about someone who did not purchase it and with they had? Have many people found that they owned their bike right through the warranty period without having to use it? Anyone wondering why I'm asking all these questions? Anyone care? ;) Another question: Some time ago, someone mentioned that they upgraded their rear shock with a Progressive Works deal, but they didn't go with the standard spring - they went with a heavier one that was called a red.... (something?) I can't remember. Anyone? What's the latest on the 4-piston Tokico caliper? Do you run it with the stock rotor? Does the MAPP rotor require a different caliper (if so, # of piston's), or do you run the stock one on this? Finally (for now), has anyone had any further luck in attempting to mount a Tengai (type) fender to the stock front forks? Custom brackets maybe? Thanks in advance for your responses. Arne ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 23:06:02 -0500 (EST) From: miketortuga@webtv.net (Michael Stecyk) Subject: Re: (klr650) Extended warranty Dear MR>Arne Pull the trigger and buy that KLR-you know that's what you want - -I have 97 -no warranty extension-rare to use it --"Go ahead make my day'" Mike--montreal -A united Canada-- ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 23:19:32 EST From: K650dsn@aol.com Subject: (klr650) New Touratech Catalogue Got the new Touratech catalogue. Lots of neat stuff including new twin headlamp fairings for BMW R1100GS that looks very much like the unit on the KTM Adventure including the section that comes down to meet the tank. Also a MuZ Baghira in adventure tour regalia including 31liter tank. Really unique stuff from Europe. Gino ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 20:49:49 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) O-ring, Heavy/Duty O-ring, X-ring or bog standard chains? >1. How long would a bog standard cheapo chain last? I'm asking this >because I'm probably finishing my studies (<-- read as loafing) by the end >of the year and I'd probably flog off my machine then and get another KLR >at whichever country I'm heading off to next. So, maybe it'd be a good >idea to not splash out? Having said that, I'm hoping to get the bike to >carry me to Florence (and back) in June (~2400 miles round trip). So maybe >I should splash out? > >2(a) How hard is it for a relative novice to fit the chain him/her self? >It's just that I could get 'em mail-order cheaper, as explained. > >2(b) What special tools do I need? Chain breaker? Any special tools to fit >the master link? > >3. Am I right to say that if I were to get an endless chain, the swing-arm >has to be removed? Long operation? Not advised for butter fingers? How >great are the risks of cocking it up? I'd like to take the swingarm off >anyway, to clean the crud (as mentioned by another lister too, once). > >Just thinking of the options. > >As an aside, some demented spawn of the devil punched a neat little hole >on my tail light lens and blew the bulb. I was riding home from campus one >night totally oblivious to the fact that nobody could see me from >behind... Ended up contributing 13 pounds to Kawasaki for a new lens. In >the past year, I've had vomit spewed over the clocks, gear lever stomped >on til it bent, washing up liquid poured over the brake disks twice and >top box broken into and tool bag stolen. Acts of vandalism in the UK, eh? >How bad is it across the pond? > >Thanks. I'll shut up now. > >Yus Being the son of the son of a cowboy, I'd say, just think of your bike like your horse. Take care of it, and it will take care of you. Ship your bike to where ever you go. Develop a personal relationship with your bike (I mean work on it yourself.) I am of the opinion that nobody can afford to NOT work on their own bike, because only you are going to make sure that the job is done correctly. Most mechanics don't care less, as pride in a job well done is becoming a thing of the past. So: 1. I really would only consider the X-ring chain if you ride off-road a lot. Other than that, the standard DID o-ring, or whatever other name brand o-ring should be just fine, as long as you regularly clean and lube and adjust it. I have 3000 miles on my DID chain and Sunstar sprockets, and only two adjustments has been necessary so far, and I have no complaints at all. 2.a. It is really easy to fit the new chain and sprockets yourself, except for two items. Cutting off the old continuous chain, and loosening the bolts on the rear sprocket to change it. In that regard, it might be for the best for your dealer to replace your first chain, as they have a good chain breaker. You can break your own chain, but you'll need a good chain breaker, and you'll have to grind off the rivets on one of the links. As far as the sprocket bolts go, just so long as you use quality spanners on them and don't round off the nuts. Mine were really tight, because the previous owner used permanent "locktite" on them. Took a bit of sweat on my part. 2.b. Its a good idea to have a master link press tool. The master link is very tight, and must be pressed. I have done it with vice grips, but I really gouged the link up, and the next time I did it I had to replace the link. Some of those pocket sized chain breakers work well separating the master link, in case you need to remove your chain for cleaning. Other than that, no special tool that I can think of. 3. Why bother with the endless chain? A master link chain is just as good, and maintenance is much easier. I have heard people claim that a master link is a weak link, but I have never seen, and never heard of one breaking, when properly installed and taken care of. It takes a really spineless weasel to mess with another man's bike, car, or whatever property. I've recently gone out to my bike to find my tool kit spread all over my front yard, and my leatherman stolen. My neighbor across the street found the leatherman the next day in his yard. We figure the dickhead used it to break into my neighbor's truck. Have fun with the maintenance. Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 23:45:04 EST From: SFBREIZH@aol.com Subject: (klr650) 350dr starting YOU know when the good and the bad comes together.. In the last 2 years I bought 3 91 DR,always the best deals,each had less then500milles,and they range from $1200 to $1500...So that the very good news with the 91 DR it is so hard to start that they get about a 1000miles every 10 years... The most amazing scenario was the 300miles one,this guy had 2 small airplanes in 2 differents hangards and used the bike only to go from one to the other,at each place he had a hair dryer plug in and would blow up the carb for exactly 3mn45s for a guaranteed start...... Well I have found simplier : WHEN COLD NEVER USE THE DECOMPRESSOR,THE BIKE IS SET UP SO LEAN THAT WHAT EVER MIX GET IN THE CYLINDER if you decompress some of the mix is gone.. Just kick it,full throttle,no throttle it does not matter on these 3 bikes it just goes.. Just think you are kicking the head of your wife"s lawer last time you divorce.. Guy Le Baher 91 dr 350 97 klr 86 helix ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 21:38:07 -0700 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: Re: (klr650) Questions, Questions, Questions - KLR >Has any one here purchased the extended warranty available from Kawasaki and >been really glad they did? How about someone who did not purchase it and >with they had? Have many people found that they owned their bike right >through the warranty period without having to use it? Anyone wondering why >I'm asking all these questions? Anyone care? ;) Arne, you will go down in the list's history as the most careful buyer...if we fail to convince you to draw down on a KilLeR we're all headed for extensive therapy...it will be that big a let down...The only lister I recall in the last year as having a major problem was Stuart Heaslet who discovered a flaw in the lower case of his bike while still under warranty...I used mine once this year for a new battery. I opted not to buy the extended warranty and use the money for goodies...time will tell... >Another question: Some time ago, someone mentioned that they upgraded their >rear shock with a Progressive Works deal, but they didn't go with the >standard spring - they went with a heavier one that was called a red.... >(something?) I can't remember. Anyone? We have people who have purchased the Larry Roestler Progressive Shock detailed on the Website and two listers with Works Shocks. No one has done the transplant. The spring used on the rear shock will depend on your weight...If you have your shock built for you they will ask you how you intend to use the bike and get your vital statistics. I had a long chat with Bob Bell at Precision Concepts last week after reading about Eldon Carl's recommendations...Bob is offering some great prices on KLR and DR fork and shock work. More on this later... > >What's the latest on the 4-piston Tokico caliper? Do you run it with the >stock rotor? Does the MAPP rotor require a different caliper (if so, # of >piston's), or do you run the stock one on this? The MAPP uses the stock caliper...with an adaptor... Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 00:11:30 EST From: FTabor231@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Questions, Questions, Questions - KLR In a message dated 3/11/99 9:52:59 PM Central Standard Time, alarsen@rapidnet.net writes: << Finally (for now), has anyone had any further luck in attempting to mount a Tengai (type) fender to the stock front forks? Custom brackets maybe? >> Arnie, I have a vintage front frok brace comming from one of those old parts places. we used to mountMX fenders on them. If it works, Ill post the info on the list. I prefer the ability of mounting it high for thick mud roads and down low for the long highways.Frank ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V2 #115 ****************************