From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V2 #1219 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Saturday, December 11 1999 Volume 02 : Number 1219 (klr650) What to look for in a used KLR650 (long) (klr650) (Was) License plate light RE: (klr650) KLR650 & Super Sherpa tests Re: (klr650) drilling orifices Re: (klr650) drilling orifices Re: (klr650) December DSN... Re: (klr650) (NKLR) Comments on the Roadless Areas NOI (klr650) Fw: [mcadv_touring] electrical systems Re: (klr650) What to look for in a used KLR650 Re: (klr650) December DSN... Re: (klr650) KLR page updated Re: (klr650) December DSN... (klr650) Electrical ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 21:48:12 -0800 From: Charles_Earl@notes.ssi1.com Subject: (klr650) What to look for in a used KLR650 (long) Is there anything in particular which one must look for when shopping for a used KLR (i.e., do they have known problems which afflict some units and not others?). For example, on R1100GS', leaks in the head and transmission seals plague some bikes and not others. Any and all "Look out for ...." will be most appreciated. Dale Wellborn MSP430 US Development Tools Program Mgr. Texas Instruments (972) 480-7154 d-wellborn@ti.com Greetings Dale and fellow Ti'er, I spent time looking for a used KLR, and all my previous bikes were used. I actually ended-up buying a used one, however here are my comments regarding your question. Quite frankly, in my research while searching for a used one and reading the list, there doesn't seem to be many "inherent" problems with a KLR that has been carefully cared for. It is a strong, sturdy machine (ask the USMC!). The only basic "improvement" that I've heard of was after '95 when they added the engine balancer and increased the size and mass of the clutch and flywheel (I think I have that right). I've don't remember anyone saying they would sell their pre-95 just to acquire these improvements or that their bike wasn't up to a task because of it. I would be looking closely to try and get a feel for how the bike was treated. Ask the owner how it was broken-in, if you get a blank stare, its possible that if the proper break-in regime was followed, it was more by accident. Look closely at the bike. Bash marks underneath? Stripped nuts and bolts? Is the chain slack correct, are the sprockets hooked? Oil leaks, burning oil when running. Has the bike been down? If so, is it just cosmetic, or something worse. What kind of miles were put on it, hard-core dirt, street only, etc. Pitted fork shafts, bad fork seals. If any mods, were they carefully done. Any receipts, how regular was the maintenance? Basically, was the bike loved or abused. Notwithstanding, the KLR is meant to go into the dirt and not winning beauty contests is not indicative of abuse. Also, current reg.? I've seen people have to pay quite a bit at the Motor Vehicles dept. for bikes that were out of reg for several years and the fees piled-up. Hope it helps, good luck with your search. BTW, my buddies R1100GS had the head leak in its first 5000 miles. Fortunately, the local dealer replaced the seals with a smile. Charles Earl Wafer Jockey Silicon Systems, a division of Storage Products Group, A Texas Instruments Company Santa Cruz, CA A-14 (126 miles and counting) '79 KZ650 Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 22:00:51 -0800 From: Charles_Earl@notes.ssi1.com Subject: (klr650) (Was) License plate light Listers, Thanks for all the helpful replies to my question. It would seem the upshot is that it is law to run the license plate light in Cal and in most other states as well. As suggested, I will do the simple fix of simply sliding the plate up towards the light and using the same mounting holes/bolts. That is, when the DMV sends it to me! Charles A-14 '79 KZ650 Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 22:18:03 -0800 From: "dhc" Subject: RE: (klr650) KLR650 & Super Sherpa tests Its not a Canadian model KLR650, its a European model they are trying to sell in Canada [seems we have a more cosmopolitan market demographic]. They are bringing in very few of the C-6 models to Canada as the standard KLR650 'A-' series is still the big seller here and expected to remain so. - -----Original Message----- From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com [mailto:owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com]On Behalf Of Rudolf G Burger Sent: Friday, December 10, 1999 4:29 PM To: Dual Sport News Subject: (klr650) KLR650 & Super Sherpa tests Hi folks: In the latest issue of the Canadian magazine Inside Motorcycles (Vol2 Iss9), there is a test of the Y2K KLR650 and Super Sherpa. Be advised that these are CDN models. The KLR sort of looks like a KLX, purple and green. Also, suspension is shorter, tank is smaller (14 litres), swingarm is 5mm shorter, no windscreen, and has a dual piston front brake. It also has the model designation C-6, as opposed to last years A-14. And it's 15kg heavier than the A-14. Article was written by Warren Thaxter. All in all, they liked both machines, as long as you didn't expect them to be dirt bikes. But they loved them as Dual Sports, or Dual Purpose bikes as they fondly remembered from long ago. Cheers, Rudy Burger rgburger@itcanada.com Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 00:16:18 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) drilling orifices From: Kurt Simpson Subject: RE: (klr650) drilling orifices > The hot setup at the moment is offered by Bob Bell of Precision Concepts in > California, Race Tech Gold Valve, external resevoir, hard anodizing, custom > shim stack for somewhere between $450-550 An external resevoir on the front fork? I thought this was a rear shock mod... Cheers, Arne Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 00:18:57 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) drilling orifices From: Seiler, Kevin Subject: (klr650) drilling orifices > On to rear suspension- What shocks are available besides the Larry > Roesler Signature Shock and the Ohlins? I'm looking for a less > expensive, but reliable shock. I'm not looking for the best performance. Replace the spring on your existing rear shock... providing it's not damaged. From what I've heard, the innards of the rear shock aren't put together too badly... it just has a very weak spiring. Tim Bernard, and Chris Beasley (I believe) have also added a remote resevoir to it. Cheers, Arne Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 00:21:22 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) December DSN... From: Kurt Simpson Subject: (klr650) December DSN... > Ron tells me that DSN has gone to press. After a month and a half of editing > and laying out it took his high speed presses about 5 minutes to "burp" all > 32 pages of it out. I've sent him the labels and it should hit the mails > shortly. Many thanks to all subscribers for your patience. Ron and I await > your feedback... Kurt and Ron... I eagerly await. Congrats on your "first" issue! Cheers, Arne KLR650 Listmeister Eh 13 www.mac-d.com MAC-D Homepage Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 01:01:48 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) (NKLR) Comments on the Roadless Areas NOI From: Bogdan Swider Subject: RE: (klr650) (NKLR) Comments on the Roadless Areas NOI > Arne, So far I've refrained from commenting on environmental or gun > topics. I must say however, this time you've jumped the Big Gun With a subtle message? You obviously don't frequent the MC Adv T List. > What's wrong with an argument?? Nothing so long as they accomplish something, and are constructive as opposed to destructive. > So what if 50 thin-skinned wooses quit the list?? Good > riddance. I'll take obnoxious over boring any day. Well Bogdan, you don't have to feel responsible for what goes on with the list... but I do. Maybe some day you'll run your own list, and then you'll have to try and find the "place" you want your list to be at. For now, all I'm trying to do is "nudge" the list in the direction I'd like to see it go, which is back to where it was when I first joined back in March. And I'm trying to do this without coming down on people like a hardcore list-cop. I realize that evolution is a natural process, and that as personalities come and go, change is inevitable... but in the meantime, while I've got the energy, I can try. Maybe you think they're all thin skinned and wish them good riddance, but besides the many people who've left over the last couple months whom I did not know; Gino Pokluda, Wayne Favre, Alex Jomarron, and Juan Villareal are gone too. Except for maybe Gino, whom I haven't spoken to, the others had had enough... I miss their presence and what they brought to the table. Arne Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 01:10:27 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: (klr650) Fw: [mcadv_touring] electrical systems I'm forwarding this from the mcadv_touring list as someone here might be able to add something to the conversation. Good info for the archives... Cheers, Arne __________________ > From: Chris Krok > > I found a company called Electrex that makes > aftermarket electrical parts for bikes. > They make a stator > for the KLR650 that puts out twice as much power as stock. That's next > on my list > http://www.electrexusa.com/ > has their application charts. The stator for the KLR was $185, and > they're having a 10% off sale until the 25th. Happy hunting! From: "Vik Banerjee" This may be a dumb question, but I am not a bike electrical expert - if I put in a stator that doubles the power output of my KLR will that require the upgrade of other electrical components in my bike?...voltage regulator, etc.... Cheers, Vik Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 04:07:35 EST From: Cloudhid@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) What to look for in a used KLR650 >Is there anything in particular which one must look for when shopping >for a used KLR (i.e., do they have known problems which afflict some >units and not others?)... >Dale Wellborn '87-'95 models can be retrofitted with a kick-starter - not so for '96 and on. Here's a quote by Elden Carl on the differences between the model years (in the December issue of Dual Sport News); "...The 1995 and 1996 models were transition years; owners must check their particular engine for the presence of the new gearbox and clutch. If you have the new four-dog gearbox, a large nut will hold on your counter shaft sprocket. If you have the new clutch your cover will be deeper with a more prominent lever. The 1997 models and on should have both of these improvements plus others. Some 1996 KLR650's (and all 1995 and earlier models) require retrofitting...[snip]...This upgrade will eliminate the possibility of a kick-starter..." There are plenty of pre '96 models that are still running fine without the retrofit. Elden services his bike with more love than most children ever receive, but he rides it like he stole it. [g] This may be why he feels the upgrades are necessary. According to Elden, the new gearbox is stronger, although he's not had any of the older ones fail. He refers to the biggest problem with the pre '96 KLRs as "self destructing clutch springs" and he says the downside to the post '95 models is the added moving mass to the engine. He's currently working on a hybrid that combines the best of both engine types, along with some custom made parts. We'll try to get a report on this in the February issue of DSN. Redondo Ron A10 - always in transition Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 04:18:24 EST From: Cloudhid@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) December DSN... >Kurt and Ron... I eagerly await. Congrats on your "first" issue! Thanks Arne. Now that it's in the can, Kurt's finally letting me and the rest of the staff come out and play again. Did I miss anything juicy on the list while he had me bound to the whipping post? Redondo Ron A10 Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 01:35:45 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR page updated From: Eric Jasniewicz Subject: (klr650) KLR page updated > I suddenly developed an urge to update my webpage after months of neglect. > I went through every page, changing, adding, updating, and removing items. > > Eric "no problem" J > www.angelfire.com/ga/ericjazz KLR page > '98 KLR 650 24,000 miles Nice looking page Eric! Check the prices on the electrical thingamabob... I think they must have changed their prices from the one you've got posted. When did you gert a Big Gun... I must really have been dozing. With the Big Gun AND that new carb, your bike must really snort! Still happy with your 420 shock or would you go with the heavier spring option were you to do it again? Cheers, Arne Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 01:40:43 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) December DSN... From: Subject: Re: (klr650) December DSN... > >Kurt and Ron... I eagerly await. Congrats on your "first" issue! > > Thanks Arne. Now that it's in the can, Kurt's finally letting > me and the rest of the staff come out and play again. Did I > miss anything juicy on the list while he had me bound to > the whipping post? > > Redondo Ron A10 Just the usual... Brian dropped a bolt into his engine; Raamses crashed again; Dawn was teasing us for a little while again (Stuart H. is in heat); and the land-use issue has arisen again... Same 'ol, same 'ol. Cheers, Arne Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 01:42:44 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: (klr650) Electrical From: "Arne Larsen" I forwarded this thread to the KLR650 List... maybe someone there will have some experience with their stuff. Cheers, Arne KLR650 Listmeister Eh 13 www.mac-d.com MAC-D Homepage > > From: "Mike Brock" > > > > I found a company called Electrex that makes > > >aftermarket electrical parts for bikes. They're supposed to be much > > >better than stock. I'm ordering a stator and regulator for my '83 > > >Suzuki GS (notoriously bad electrical systems, must be made by Lucas), > > >so I can give a quality report in the near future. > From: "Vik Banerjee" > This may be a dumb question, but I am not a bike electrical expert - if I > put in a stator that doubles the power output of my KLR will that require > the upgrade of other electrical components in my bike?...voltage regulator, > etc.... > > Cheers, > > Vik Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to dsneditor@softhome.net for info. ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V2 #1219 *****************************