From: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com (klr650-digest) To: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: klr650-digest V2 #131 Reply-To: klr650 Sender: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk klr650-digest Monday, March 15 1999 Volume 02 : Number 131 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 23:56:36 -0600 From: "K.D. Bailey" Subject: (klr650) Ranger KLRs Anyone got a picture of a military KLR? How do they differ from the civilain version? Can I order olive drab plastic from my Kawasaki dealer ? :) K.D. Bailey ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 00:33:08 +0000 From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR650 road test questions, etc... At 09:30 PM 3/14/99 -0600, Tom Meagher wrote: > > > >From: Tom Meagher@ICS on 03/14/99 09:30 PM > >Tom, >Thanks for the comments! > >What part of the planet do you hail from? Columbia, SC: Home of the USC Fighting Gamecocks (and all that crap, :) >Hey, here's a KLR question: How long have KLR's had 6 gallon tanks? Since the introduction of the KLR 650 in 1987. The earlier KLR 600 had a smaller tank. >That was one of the favorite things about my old R90/6, one of the biggest >drags about the V-Max, and one thing that makes me go "Right ON Kawasaki!" Mmmm, and my /7 has a bigger tank yet. - -Tom loves big fuel tanks. '96 KLR 650 '77 R60/7 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 01:07:20 +0000 From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR: Windsor, Ontario At 11:42 PM 3/14/99 -0500, Stephen Rivett wrote: >I know this message really doesn't pertain to the list but I am aware of the >fact that a few people on the list live in Windsor. Anyway, does anybody >here live in Windsor or in a nearby surrounding town who has a room that >they could rent to me from either a months time to a year? I don't know >anybody in Windsor and plan on moving from Sudbury in a few weeks so any >help would be appreciated. Thanks, Stephen Rivett Why on Earth would you want to leave Sudbury? I mean, the mountains are so beautiful...even if they are tailings from the nickle mines. :) - -Tom found out what open-pit mining looks like in Sudbury, and it aint all that pretty. '96 KLR 650 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 01:42:29 -0500 From: "Stephen Rivett" Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR: Windsor, Ontario 26% unemployment for my agegroup...Sudbury is a pathetic little hole. But I do think Sudbury has a nice environment, lots of trees and trails. Besides, you can't get lost, there's always the Superstack to lead you home :) - -----Original Message----- From: Tom Simpson To: KLR650-List Date: March 15, 1999 1:23 AM Subject: Re: (klr650) NKLR: Windsor, Ontario > Why on Earth would you want to leave Sudbury? I mean, the mountains are so >beautiful...even if they are tailings from the nickle mines. :) > > > >-Tom >found out what open-pit mining looks like in Sudbury, and it aint all that >pretty. >'96 KLR 650 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 01:47:43 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) exhaust/jet kits I myself just ordered the Big Gun - for purely technological reasons - I wanted a poster. As for the jetting, I'm going to see what they recommend. Arne - isn't technology great? 8^o - -----Original Message----- From: Hops28@aol.com To: klr650@lists.xmission.com Date: Sunday, March 14, 1999 4:24 PM Subject: (klr650) exhaust/jet kits >I am in the market for an exhaust and jet kit for my 98 model. I have pretty >much made up my mind to buy the exhaust from Big Gun but I am curous as to >what you all think of the different jet kits available. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 02:05:35 -0800 From: "Arne Larsen" Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR650 road test questions, etc... - -----Original Message----- From: Tom Meagher To: Arne Larsen Cc: klr650-digest@lists.xmission.com Date: Sunday, March 14, 1999 8:01 PM Subject: Re: (klr650) KLR650 road test questions, etc... >From: Tom Meagher@ICS on 03/14/99 09:48 PM >Arne, >It's great to be aboard! I've been bugging the shit out of these guys for over a month now. For the most part there is a large core of very helpful, knowledgeable people who welcome any questions you might have. A good idea for finding out info is to search the archives. You'll find them by clicking on the KLR650 logo in the Dual Sport News web site - www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/index.html >I assume that A12, A13, etc.. refer to KLR model years or something? Correct. The 1987 was the steak sauce. >Is A13 the latest? I guess Kawasaki isn't superstitious,eh? Many >airliners and sky-skrapers systematically avoid the use of that number. >Of course, we, in our scientifically enlightened state of rationality have >transcended such primitive voo doo, right? (Knock on wood)... > >tom A13 is the 1999 model. I got a rabbit's-foot keychain with mine. Arne (Bawana - boom chagalagalaga) Larsen ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 09:08:02 -0500 From: mjv2@psu.edu (Mark) Subject: Re: (klr650) Oil Leak (repost - no response yet!) At 12:47 PM 3/14/99, Mike Magier wrote: SNIP > In the last month, I've noticed >a bit of oil on the right engine case. It SEEMS to be coming from the clutch >"thrust rod" (is that the right term, or is my mind just in the gutter) >opening. If you're referring to the part where the clutch cable actuates the clutch, you may have a leaky seal. The manual also states never to remove the shaft because it will damage the seal. Mark B2 A2 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 15:27:33 +0000 From: "Ben Cook" Subject: (klr650) Fuel Tank Can anyone tell me why the UK supplied KLR 650 has a 3,7 Gallon tank, yet the US model has a 6.1 Gallon capacity. I've just bought one (picked it up yesterday in fact) & would like to know if a) this message thing works & b) where I can get hold of a 6,1 Gallon (or bigger) tank, & how much. Bye for now. Ben Cook ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 08:36:38 -0700 From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: RE: (klr650) Fuel Tank >>Can anyone tell me why the UK supplied KLR 650 has a 3,7 Gallon tank, yet the US model has a 6.1 Gallon capacity. I've just bought one (picked it up yesterday in fact) & would like to know if a) this message thing works & b) where I can get hold of a 6,1 Gallon (or bigger) tank, & how much.<< The big question is if a 6.1 tank off of a KLR650A will fit on your KLR650C model. I have no idea if the mounting biscuits are the same and if there are two bolts at the rear of the tank. You will also need the radiator shrouds that hook up to the tank. Since most people do not replace the tanks on their KLRs you will have to opt for the IMS unit. I hear that Acerbis offers a bigger tank for the C series KLRs. Gino ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 10:27:24 EST From: OlZorro@aol.com Subject: (klr650) KimpexGrip Heaters Greetings; For those of you who have installed the grip heaters, I have this question: where did you install the ON/OFF switch? Thanks in advance for your time and help. John Paul Gray Dana Point CA 94 ST1100 95 KLR650 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 08:56:26 -0700 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Archives... >I've been bugging the shit out of these guys for over a month now. For the >most part there is a large core of very helpful, knowledgeable people who >welcome any questions you might have. A good idea for finding out info is >to search the archives. You'll find them by clicking on the KLR650 logo in >the Dual Sport News web site - www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/index.html I would suggest the web searchable archives at: http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 11:39:09 -0500 From: "Preferred Customer" Subject: Re: (klr650) RE: klr650-digest V2 #127 >In addition, the article said something about driving all day in torrential >downpours. In my experience, the (stock) air filter gets saturated after >riding for a while in really heavy rain, especially with lots of traffic >spray. (I've also achieved this effect going through about 6 inches of >water at 30 mph.) I was thinking about that while contemplating my stage 2 upgrade. Part of the open air box will be completely exposed (not even protected by the side cover) if the cover is removed. Do people just trim the top portion of the filter cover or drill holes elcewhere in the air box, or what? Any stage two guys with experience / commentary on this? BG ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 11:48:52 -0500 From: "J.Taylor" Subject: (klr650) [NKLR] Overboots for wet weather A few weeks back (maybe longer) a lister said he was using the Neos waterproof overshoe as part of his raingear. I found Neos Villager overshoes, usually quite expensive ($50-80 depending on retailer) on clearance at Campmor for.....$16.96! I have used an earlier version for hiking in the past (had a half sole, not like these with a full sole) and found them to be excellent supplements to gaiters. They run larger than the Tingley (rubber) boots sold out of RiderWearhouse, as a Neos XXL fit my hiking boots (size 11.5) comfortably. The Tingleys were ready to rupture at the thought of my hiking boots. check them here: http://www.campmor.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=35212&prmenbr=226 HTH Jake ------------------------------ Date: From: Philip Allen Subject: (klr650) RE:Dimensionally challenged I can now report that a 1999 KLR650 will fit into a late model Astro/Safari van with the following modifications. 1: Remove tinted portion of windshield (3 Screws) 2: Attach ratchet tiedowns to bars and lower fork legs (use the dimples)and compress front suspension about 6". 3: From ground level load bike ,front wheel first to clear rear roof line and roll the bike in straight. Not even a scratch ! Thanks for all the replies. More questions later I promise. Phil ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 11:51:08 +0000 From: Tom Simpson Subject: Re: (klr650) Fuel Tank At 03:27 PM 3/15/99 +0000, Ben Cook wrote: > > >Can anyone tell me why the UK supplied KLR 650 has a 3,7 Gallon tank, yet the US >model has a 6.1 Gallon capacity. I've just bought one (picked it up yesterday in >fact) & would like to know if a) this message thing works & b) where I can get >hold of a 6,1 Gallon (or bigger) tank, & how much. Apparently the decision was made my Kawasaki that the European market was interested more in a lean "streetfighter" sort of bike. The "US Spec" KLR was sold in the UK for a while in the late '80s, then was dropped untill the introduction or the current model in the mid '90s. I think the Tengai filled in part of the gap in the early '90s. From the US perspective (or, at least the typical US KLR owners perspective) the UK KLR 650 as currently sold is apparently an amalgam of KLR 650 and KLX 650 parts, and not all that well chosen a combo, either. The little KLX-like tank combined with the KLRs inferior front suspention is a pretty suspect idea in my book. As for a 6.1 gallon tank for your bike, I'n not sure if it would take the big KLR tank, an aftermarket KLX big tank like the IMS product or none of the above. Perhaps you friendly local Kawasaki dealer would know. - -Tom '96 KLR 650 (the US one) ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 10:23:47 -0700 From: "Pokluda, Gino F" Subject: (klr650) Wandering eye Well, I must admit that the MuZ Bahghira set up with the 7.5 gallon tank, aluminum panniers and monster skid plate in the latest Touratech catalogue has piqued my interest. Has anyone rode or even seen on of these in the flesh(without all of the gear of course)? I know it got a luke warm reception in MCN. Gino ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 12:22:30 EST From: FTabor231@aol.com Subject: Re: (klr650) KimpexGrip Heaters John Paul, I went to radio shack and bought a small "project case" . They have a good selection, the one I used is about the size of a swollen pack of cigarettes. I mounted the switch on the edge of the case and rat tail filed the size opening on the seam where the cover screws on so the wires can come out and I double back taped it to the instrument cover in front of the tack. It looks pretty sanitary. Frank ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 09:44:44 -0800 From: Tom Myers Subject: Re: (klr650) Re: Insurance (WA) >Does this mean that we are going to >get hosed because our bikes are the equivalent of SUV's? Our bikes have nowhere near the destructive power of an SUV thus should not require as much insurance. >I don't understand why they are trying to push this now, > when its always the rider that get hurt. Now? Because the sooner they win the sooner they get the money. Look around in any big city. The biggest buildings are insurance companies. There is a reason. >the majority of accidents with motorcycles is shifting from >the fault of the cage driver who didn't see the bike, to bikers who fail to >negotiate a corner safely and crash "single vehicle accidents".If this is >the case, then no harm is done to anyone other than the rider and his bike, First of all, I think that's always been the case. Lots of motorcycle accidents are due to rider error. Motorcyclists should know they're less visible and not expect cagers to see a motorcycle approaching at 120mph on a country road, for example. The fact that motorcycles traditionally "cause little liability damage" (I think) is the logic which allowed Washingtonians to skirt the mandatory liability requirement. It was a concession that allowed the WA legislators to feel that they weren't shafting 100% of their constituents. If we don't ALL (cagers included) start fighting them instead of fingerpointing amongst ourselves we're just gonna pay for more skyscrapers. Tom +------------------------------------+ | CycoActive Products tel (206) 323-2349 | 701 34th Ave fax (206) 325-6016 | Seattle, WA 98122 USA | webpage: http://www.cycoactive.com | e-mail: TomMyers@cycoactive.com +------------------------------------+ ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 09:44:46 -0800 From: Tom Myers Subject: (klr650) MC trailer design Hello, I'm working on a trailer (for my van) to carry motorcycles. I plan to modify it to fit my tastes (it will fold up). Does anyone know what ideal weight bias should be (tongue/axle) for stability with minimum tongue weight? Also what's the weight bias(frt/rear) of a dirt bike? The latter I know is easy to find but was hoping a lister can just squirt me the answers..... TIA Tom +------------------------------------+ | CycoActive Products tel (206) 323-2349 | 701 34th Ave fax (206) 325-6016 | Seattle, WA 98122 USA | webpage: http://www.cycoactive.com | e-mail: TomMyers@cycoactive.com +------------------------------------+ ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 10:43:59 -0700 From: "Kurt Simpson" Subject: (klr650) Airbox venting >I was thinking about that while contemplating my stage 2 upgrade. Part of >the open air box will be completely exposed (not even protected by the side >cover) if the cover is removed. Do people just trim the top portion of the >filter cover or drill holes elcewhere in the air box, or what? Any stage >two guys with experience / commentary on this? > >BG I drilled 12 1" holes in the top of the box and filled them with unifilters...I had to split the backbone to get the airbox out... Kurt ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 09:44:40 -0800 From: Tom Myers Subject: Re: (klr650)NKLR oil changes Jeff, >Hey, I don't want to stir any hornets nests, and don't want to debate, I >just want the straight dope. On the "oil hobby", there is no straight dope. As Skip says, there are "too many variables". And there's no way to mess with a hornets nest without "stirring it". There's engines with *no filters* that outlast the most babied hobby machine. Other babied engines "wear out" not because of a lubrication problem but because the owner needs to justify tearing his engine apart. And everything in between....... Basically, if you change your oil often, your KLR probabl;y run great for 50,000 miles. Here's my basic rule of thumb, which I've picked from various sources over about 30 years. Change your filter per the manufacturers recommendations but change your oil twice as often. Tom +------------------------------------+ | CycoActive Products tel (206) 323-2349 | 701 34th Ave fax (206) 325-6016 | Seattle, WA 98122 USA | webpage: http://www.cycoactive.com | e-mail: TomMyers@cycoactive.com +------------------------------------+ ------------------------------ End of klr650-digest V2 #131 ****************************