From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V2 #116 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Friday, March 12 1999 Volume 02 : Number 116 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 00:19:25 EST From: FTabor231@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Questions, Questions, Questions - KLR In a message dated 3/11/99 11:06:37 PM Central Standard Time, ajax@xmission.com writes: << The MAPP uses the stock caliper...with an adaptor. >> Kurt, how does a bigger rotor help if there is no increase in pad contact surface or force? Frank ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 21:38:32 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR fairing >At 09:46 PM 3/10/99 -0000, Andy Burton wrote: >>I notice the `fairing` (plastic bit around the headlamp) on the American >>KLR's have a taller windshield and flare out to the side above the mudguard. >> >>Does it work??? > > > To a degree. It deflects the wind off of the torso pretty well. > > >-Tom >'96 KLR 650 > I've been thinking about adding some "Stealth" edging around the stock screen. Maybe that would get the wind stream over my helmet when I'm crouched over the tank at 80 MPH. Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 00:33:40 -0500 (EST) From: miketortuga@webtv.net (Michael Stecyk) Subject: Re: (klr650) Dear Mr. KURT Error in message-to list and Mr. Arne Dear MR. Arne Driving us nuts--buy H-D-- ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 21:34:19 -0800 From: Christopher J Beasley Subject: (klr650) NKLR KTM600 EXC Lc4 question Folks, While I'm working to fix my KLR, along comes a pretty good looking deal on a KTM. It doesn't have the baja kit on it so it's dirt only right now. It has low hours. It's a '90. Any general information about this bike and KTM would be GREATLY appreciated. How much do you think I should pay for this bike? Of course, I'm gonna keep the KLR! :-) Cheers! Chris ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 21:38:03 -0800 From: Christopher J Beasley Subject: Re: (klr650) Questions, Questions, Questions - KLR FTabor231@aol.com wrote: > In a message dated 3/11/99 11:06:37 PM Central Standard Time, > ajax@xmission.com writes: > > << The MAPP uses the stock caliper...with an adaptor. >> > Kurt, how does a bigger rotor help if there is no increase in pad contact > surface or force? Frank Well, if the force is the same, but the rotor has a larger diameter, then the force is acting on a longer lever. So you have "stronger" braking. If you hang a 1lb. weight from a 1ft. lever you have 1ft.lb. of torque at the pivot. If you hang the same weight from a 2ft lever, you have 2ft.lb.s of torque. QED. Cheers! Chris ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 21:48:23 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) Questions, Questions, Questions - KLR - -----Original Message----- From: Kurt Simpson To: Arne Larsen ; KLR650 List Date: Thursday, March 11, 1999 9:13 PM Subject: Re: (klr650) Questions, Questions, Questions - KLR >> Arne, you will go down in the list's history as the most careful buyer... Ya this is a strange one for me too. I'm usually quite impulsive, and often quick to decide on something. Maybe that's the cop in me... I suppose I've blown a lot of money over the years as well. I guess I'm finally starting to mature a little (I didn't say that) - married 12 years (to the same wife), three kids, been working at the same place for 11 years, a couple of mortgages later - look what happens... Oh ya, I've gained 80 pounds in the process... (hence the suspension questions) >> if we fail to convince you to draw down on a KilLeR we're all headed for extensive therapy... Come up and see me. We've got a pretty good medical and extended health plan through work. I may be able to slide a few of you through as dependants. >> it will be that big a let down... I wouldn't want to disappoint anybody. Arne (knowledge is power) Larsen ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 21:57:57 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) Questions, Questions, Questions - KLR - -----Original Message----- From: FTabor231@aol.com To: alarsen@rapidnet.net ; klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Thursday, March 11, 1999 9:21 PM Subject: Re: (klr650) Questions, Questions, Questions - KLR >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 That's kind of what I'm thinking - up for off, down for on - a dual-sport fender Arne ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 22:14:47 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Fw: KLR breakdowns >I have disconnected both the clutch safety switch and side stand safety >switches on my KLR which were the causes of intermittent starting and >cutting out problems. Be forewarned, however, that by doing this, you bike >will start in any gear with the side stand down. > >Gino > I actually think that while this might be a safety issue, it also has its plus side. If you ever broke your clutch cable, you could start the engine in gear and get the bike moving, and limp home in first or second gear. If you felt adventurous, or if you had to go fast, it is possible to speed shift up, when the RPM's are right. After you come to a stop light or sign, just kill the motor, and roll and kick the bike back down into first and use the starter to get moving again. Thankfully I haven't had to do this on my bike, but I did use this method to get my Bug home once, so its theoretically possible on the KLR. Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 22:37:22 -0800 From: "Dreas Nielsen" Subject: (klr650) RE: klr650-digest V2 #115 > -----Original Message----- > > 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? I never used the warranty on my 1986 KLR 600, and the only repair it needed was a new float needle in 1997. I took my new (1998) KLR 650 in for warranty repair at 4800 miles because the tens digit in the trip meter sometimes stuck when I rolled the meter over to zero (typically, it would roll over to 20 miles instead of to zero). The dealer replaced the odometer and tripmeter with no hassle--it cost me 15 minutes and a signature. Dreas Nielsen Issaquah, WA ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 22:20:39 -0800 From: brbo@uniserve.com Subject: Re: (klr650) Dimensionally Challenged This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - --------------9D2A27B24072610616F6FA7E Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Someone here on the list previously mentioned that they often carry their KLR in a older model Chrysler mini-van which I am pretty sure is smaller than an M-van, so with a little persuasion you might be in luck. I believe that you will need to enter through the rear doors on an angle to clear the smaller opening of the rear, but should be able to side stand it once in. Good Luck.. Brian Philip Allen wrote: > Alternatively you could just put me out of my misery and tell me if the KLR > will fit inside an late model Astro/Safari van. > > Phil - --------------9D2A27B24072610616F6FA7E Content-Type: text/x-vcard; charset=us-ascii; name="brbo.vcf" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Description: Card for ƒÄ‹Ž¨ Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="brbo.vcf" begin:vcard n:Bonenfant;Brian x-mozilla-html:FALSE adr:;;;;;; version:2.1 email;internet:brbo@uniserve.com fn:Brian Bonenfant end:vcard - --------------9D2A27B24072610616F6FA7E-- ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 22:31:20 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) Questions, Questions, Questions - KLR >In a message dated 3/11/99 11:06:37 PM Central Standard Time, >ajax@xmission.com writes: > ><< The MAPP uses the stock caliper...with an adaptor. >> >Kurt, how does a bigger rotor help if there is no increase in pad contact >surface or force? Frank > Its simply physics my man! By increasing the radius of the rotor, you have given the brake a larger moment, or greater torque. Its like using a longer wrench to loosen that stuck nut, you have more leverage, and the brake caliper has more leverage when its located at a larger radius. Could you imagine the stopping power if the rotor was half the radius of the wheel? Or the calipers were applied to the rims, like with bicycle brakes? Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 22:59:24 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR KTM600 EXC Lc4 question - -----Original Message----- From: Christopher J Beasley To: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Thursday, March 11, 1999 9:42 PM Subject: (klr650) NKLR KTM600 EXC Lc4 question >Folks, >While I'm working to fix my KLR, along comes a pretty good looking deal >on a KTM. It doesn't have the baja kit on it so it's dirt only right now. It >has low >hours. It's a '90. Any general information about this bike and KTM would be >GREATLY appreciated. How much do you think I should pay for this bike? >Of course, I'm gonna keep the KLR! :-) >Cheers! >Chris > Go to www.international-mc.com and take the KTM factory tour. Arne ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 23:04:29 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) - Driving MR. Michael NUTS - -----Original Message----- From: Michael Stecyk To: Kurt Simpson ; klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Thursday, March 11, 1999 9:42 PM Subject: Re: (klr650) >> Dear Mr. KURT >> Error in message-to list and Mr. Arne >> Dear MR. Arne >> Driving us nuts--buy H-D-- What would I want with a Harley??? Actually, while I may be driving you nuts Michael, the rest of the list has been very courteous, helpful, and yes... patient. But it is my understanding that these types of questions are exactly what this list is for. I'll admit, that in my first week or so here there was a steep learning curve, but I think I have since caught on. Before asking questions (which may be obvious ones to you) I now do a thorough search of the KLR Dual-Sport News Website and the e-mail archives. Often times though, these searches lead to more questions - so I ask! Since I have been on this list I read everything, not just the responses to my own questions. I have tried to contribute to the questions, problems, etc.. of the other listers, in addition to asking my own. In this way I am attempting to earn my keep (so to speak). Then in the future, after I've become one of the "enlightened", I may have something to pass on to the next guy. Because you can bet that there will be others with even more questions after I quite asking the majority of them. Everyone has questions. I was taught that the smart ones were the ones who weren't afraid to ask them. You know, it doesn't matter who's name is at the bottom of a valid question - It doesn't even matter if the same guy does all the asking - When a question is asked, everyone has the opportunity to benefit. ..... I gotta tell you guys that I'm really PISSED right now; and I'm doing my best to vent in the most constructive manner possible. You see, if it wasn't for Kurt's posting the other day on list etiquette, (sorry Kurt) I'd be inviting little Michael over to tell me to my face that I'm driving him nuts. Then we could discuss "a united Canada". Arne - viva le Quebec! ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 00:02:15 -0700 From: "Skip Faulkner" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR fairing >I've been thinking about adding some "Stealth" edging around the stock >screen. Maybe that would get the wind stream over my helmet when I'm >crouched over the tank at 80 MPH. > >Jeff > > I bought some Stealth edging at the BMW Rally this summer. Placed it on the windscreen and around the sides of the fairing. Very noticeable improvement in wind noise and buffeting. Whereas the wind was hitting right at the top of my visor, now it`s clearing my helmet. Skip ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 23:37:45 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR fairing - -----Original Message----- From: Skip Faulkner To: KLR650 Page Date: Thursday, March 11, 1999 11:16 PM Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR fairing > >I bought some Stealth edging at the BMW Rally this summer. Placed it on the >windscreen and around the sides of the fairing. Very noticeable improvement >in wind noise and buffeting. Whereas the wind was hitting right at the top >of my visor, now it`s clearing my helmet. > >Skip > Do I dare ask what "stealth" edging is? Arne (Gun-shy??? Me???) ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 00:49:35 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR fairing > >I bought some Stealth edging at the BMW Rally this summer. Placed it on the >windscreen and around the sides of the fairing. Very noticeable improvement >in wind noise and buffeting. Whereas the wind was hitting right at the top >of my visor, now it`s clearing my helmet. > >Skip > > Does anyone happen to remember the link to the Saeng website? thanks, Jeff ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 01:03:49 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR fairing >> >> >Does anyone happen to remember the link to the Saeng website? > >thanks, >Jeff > NEVERMIND! Its http://www.saeng.com ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 01:08:47 -0800 From: "Jeff & Lisa Walker" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR fairing > >Do I dare ask what "stealth" edging is? > >Arne (Gun-shy??? Me???) > Check out http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page11.html#anchor71137 for a pretty good picture of stealth edging on a windscreen. Also check out http://www.saeng.com for the company that makes it. It is applied to the circumference of the screen and is supposed to increase the turbulence at the edge, thus creating a larger void in the slipstream behind the windshield. I've heard that it is pretty expensive, but I don't know, and would like to check it out for myself. Jeff BTW. Stop deliberating, you've found your bike. Go out and get you one and RIDE! ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 05:05:09 -0700 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Trip Report...Long Vic Norton's recent distinction on Dust has helped sort out a few things for me...I have the KLR and DR...the KLR works as a bike that you can ride to your destination and then jump off and air down and hit the road. I think he called it dualsport touring...I still get a feeling of envy when the dirt oriented dualsport types arrive...but a cliff jumper the KLR is not... This past weekend I jumped at lister Susan Merrill's invite and met her and friend Bill Hall in Death Valley for two days of riding. The trip involved throwing my gear into my F-250 with KLR in the back...driving 200 miles south of Salt Lake City to friend Jake Jakeman's (snow in the forecast). I spent the night with Jake and appreciated his help the next morning out in his machine shop the next morning. It had been all I could do to throw everything I own into the truck and save the packing for later. Under his sharp eye "throw that back in the truck.".."No, you can't take your Franklin Planner here is a 10 cent notebook"..."no, pretty but it can't make the trip"..."what do you need the GPS III+ for? (sorry Jake I'm taking this one)"..."leave the Touratech mount at home until you figure it out"...all of this delivered with the humor of a drill sergeant...Jake is an expert at cycle camping...and he was a huge help in getting me weaned from my fantasy... I left after three hours of crying and whining and packing with a pretty tight rig. Tank bag...Dual Star Co-Pilot...Tank Panniers...Dry Saddlebags...and a big Filson Duffel strapped to a Top-of the Line rack on the rear...this last loaded with light stuff...tent..Therm-a-Rest...and other light stuff in North Face compression sacks and/or Dry Bags...The KLR didn't groan much under the weight and I tried keeping the heavier stuff low and forward. The bike was flawless on the trip except for a 5 mile stutter at St. George...the trip from Milford to Death Valley was a little shy of 350 miles each way...I bucked a stiff head wind all the way down and a raging cross and trail wind on the return. Mileage varied from 37-45 with a jet kit and airbox/exhaust mods...I ran a 16T front and toured at nothing less than 70 but mostly 80 indicated (75 actual according to the GPS) top speed indicated 98 but didn't have the GPS on at that time...I was thrilled at how the KLR handled the road miles... Off-Road I wanted to see how the bike would handle on the dirt/sand roads with the load and got my chance on Monday when we decide to travel to an abandoned mining camp on Warm Springs Rd. I talked Bill and Susan into doing the 35 mile initial trek on West Side road in spite of their protests for it being so washboarded that it shook them to death...It proved to be cake (I think it had been graded since their last trip)...I led most of the way and averaged about 50 mph (didn't want to see the sights) with top speed 65...the bike did great. When we turned off on Warm Springs we were greeted with the kind of stuff heavy dual sport touring bikes hate...sand...and loose gravel and not just stretches...miles...at least the first 4 mostly on not off...Bill led the way on his TW200...Susan followed me...except for a couple of stretches where the "death grip" on the handlebars did me in...the bike did really well fully loaded...made it the 12 miles to the mining camp and made a beautiful camp under the protective watch of some fir... The bike did everything I had hoped (my first dual touring experience). I wouldn't have wanted any heavier a bike in the sand...and can't imagine taking a GS up that wash although it did occur to me that if I dumped the bike the saddlebags and panniers would help protect it... ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V2 #116 ****************************