[dsn_klr650] klr 650 comfort mods

[notanymoore]

Also forgot, anti-vibe bar-ends - $20.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "notanymoore" wrote: > > Oh yeah, forgot to mention the CrampBuster throttle rocker ($10). Throttle locks scare me. > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Jeff Khoury wrote: > > > > I went with the Kawi tall windshield plus the Laminar Lip. Works well for me. If you're any shorter than me, you probably could get a no-wind ride. As I sit, the wind just barely hits the top 1.5 inches of my helmet, being 6'0". if you have a dished seat, you're definitely out of the wind. > > > > I'd also add the Kaoko Throttle Lock so you can take your hand off the throttle side once in a while, or just relax your hand a bit on the highway. > > > > The Wal-Mart seat cover definitely got rid of the tailbone hot spot, however you still need to shift your riding position from time-to-time. It really helps, but it's no "Russell Day-Long". > > > > > > -Jeff Khoury > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "notanymoore" > > To: "DSN KLR650" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> > > Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2010 2:25:04 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific > > Subject: [DSN_KLR650] KLR 650 Comfort Mods > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Based on recent E-Mails -I thought I'd start a thread on making the KLR 650 comfortable for us "normal" riders. I loved the light bike, easy handling and decent all-around performance that didn't cost a lot of money. But after 2 seasons riding a totally stock 2006 KLR 650 (90% street/highway), I was getting ready to trade in for a WeeStrom. My basic complaints: > > > > - Squirrelly highway handling, rideability > > - Buzzing, topping out at 75 MPH > > - "Numb buns" / "hot buns" after about an hour or so > > - Numb hands after an hour or so; even with gel gloves > > - Wind buffeting, wind fatigue > > > > Here's my upgrade list gleaned from various posts: > > - Grip Puppies ($10) > > - Wal-Mart ATV Seat Cover ($18) > > - Acerbis mini front fender ($20) > > - 16 Tooth front sprocket ($20) > > - MRA Smoked Grey Windshield ($110 from Twisted Throttle) > > - X-Ring Superbike Chain ($129 installed) > > - Bridgestone TrailWings ($279 installed) > > - Nerf Bars ($289) > > > > 1) Handling and rideability: replacing OEM knobbies was paramount. Bridgestone TW's are a reasonable compromise between street and trail. Replacing the OEM chain had more impact then I expected in smoothing out the drive train. > > > > 2) Highspeed wind buffeting (both bike and rider) comes from two things - two much front fender, not enough windshield. The Acerbis mini-front fender made a big difference offloading wind resistance from the handlebars. The MRA windshield from Twisted Throttle is better than stock, better than the Kaw large screen and slopes more to improve handling by putting downward pressure on the frame (not handlebars) while removing wind from the riders chest. > > > > 3) The 16 tooth front sprocket lowers highways revs by 500 RPM. I've noticed no dropoff in mid-high speed performance. Combined with the ATV seatcover and Grip Puppy foam handgrips it makes a huge difference in long rides. Nerf bars protect the bike from laydowns and highway footpegs allow changing seat position which also can improve highway ride over the long haul. > > > > Add a JC Whitney trunk and tankbag; and now I've got a decent highway cruiser to keep up with the big boys that can still explore the backroads they can't. > > >

[waxnator]

Has anyone tried the "KLR 650 Gel Seat Kit" from Dual Star. They have in on sale for $119 and was considering getting the kit. http://www.dual-star.com/index2/Brand/Kawasaki/klr%20650%20gel%20seat.htm 07 KLR Craig Wax

[Greg May]

[Jud Jones]

The dip sits only a little higher than stock. It looks low, and isn't too wide, but it does not squash down at all, unlike the stock seat, which puts your ass right on the pan. On 5/14/10 7:09 AM, "roncriswell@..." wrote:

> People advised me to get the flat instead of the dip, so I with 29 inch > inseam, I was a dip and got the flat, which really even though it is lower > than stock, you can't put your feet on the ground very easily as the seat is > wider than stock. Mine needs to be recovered and I am just wondering if it can > be modified by say a local recover specialist or me to make it narrower up > front. It is great for hwy. > > Criswell > (riding with stock right now with feet on the ground) > On May 14, 2010, at 5:17 AM, Jud wrote: > >> >> >> --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, RobertWichert wrote: >>> >>> What about the Corbin seats. Are they the best bet? >>> >>> >> >

[Jud]

Gotta disagree here. The natural reaction when you need to slow down is to roll off the throttle, not to let go. It makes absolutely no difference in normal use if the throttle is spring loaded. The only time I can imagine it would matter is if you get shot and have to let go. I have put almost 400,000 miles on a BMWs with throttles that stay put when you let go. I can rest my right hand at any time, or even ride no-handed. For years, Harleys had throttles that stayed where you left them. For all I know, they still do. It's been a while, but I have never ridden a Harley with a throttle that snaps back. Guzzis and Jawas, just to name a couple, had drag screws that allowed you to set the throttle. I consider it the norm, not an oddity. It used to annoy me to ride a bike that slowed down when you took your right hand off the bars. I have adapted, but only because the throttle action on my Asian dual sports is so light.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "notanymoore" wrote: > > A throttle lock requires positive action to slow down whereas a rocker acts more like a "dead man" switch. The normal accelerator action. > > I just don't like having to (re-)grip the accelerator in case of emergency when the standard reaction is to simply rotate the wrist and let go. It's just not the natural reaction; and anything that slows down reaction time on a motorcycle ain't good. > > I suppose a throttle lock makes more sense on a Goldwing riding thru Nebraska, South Dakota and Montana; but not on a KLR650 around a major metro area (Chicago). > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Fred Hink" wrote: > > > > Have you ever used one? What "scares" you about them? A Throttle Lock does not "Lock" the throttle. It has an adjustable friction point that will let you turn the throttle closed easily if need be. Once adjusted, they work well and will give both hands a real rest on flat ground. Not much good in hilly terrain. > > > > Fred > > http://www.arrowheadmotorsports.com > > > > > > > > > > From: notanymoore > > Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:36 PM > > To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com > > Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: KLR 650 Comfort Mods > > > > > > > > Oh yeah, forgot to mention the CrampBuster throttle rocker ($10). Throttle locks scare me. > > > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Jeff Khoury wrote: > > > > > > I went with the Kawi tall windshield plus the Laminar Lip. Works well for me. If you're any shorter than me, you probably could get a no-wind ride. As I sit, the wind just barely hits the top 1.5 inches of my helmet, being 6'0". if you have a dished seat, you're definitely out of the wind. > > > > > > I'd also add the Kaoko Throttle Lock so you can take your hand off the throttle side once in a while, or just relax your hand a bit on the highway. > > > > > > The Wal-Mart seat cover definitely got rid of the tailbone hot spot, however you still need to shift your riding position from time-to-time. It really helps, but it's no "Russell Day-Long". > > > > > > > > > -Jeff Khoury > > > > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: "notanymoore" > > > To: "DSN KLR650" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> > > > Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2010 2:25:04 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific > > > Subject: [DSN_KLR650] KLR 650 Comfort Mods > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Based on recent E-Mails -I thought I'd start a thread on making the KLR 650 comfortable for us "normal" riders. I loved the light bike, easy handling and decent all-around performance that didn't cost a lot of money. But after 2 seasons riding a totally stock 2006 KLR 650 (90% street/highway), I was getting ready to trade in for a WeeStrom. My basic complaints: > > > > > > - Squirrelly highway handling, rideability > > > - Buzzing, topping out at 75 MPH > > > - "Numb buns" / "hot buns" after about an hour or so > > > - Numb hands after an hour or so; even with gel gloves > > > - Wind buffeting, wind fatigue > > > > > > Here's my upgrade list gleaned from various posts: > > > - Grip Puppies ($10) > > > - Wal-Mart ATV Seat Cover ($18) > > > - Acerbis mini front fender ($20) > > > - 16 Tooth front sprocket ($20) > > > - MRA Smoked Grey Windshield ($110 from Twisted Throttle) > > > - X-Ring Superbike Chain ($129 installed) > > > - Bridgestone TrailWings ($279 installed) > > > - Nerf Bars ($289) > > > > > > 1) Handling and rideability: replacing OEM knobbies was paramount. Bridgestone TW's are a reasonable compromise between street and trail. Replacing the OEM chain had more impact then I expected in smoothing out the drive train. > > > > > > 2) Highspeed wind buffeting (both bike and rider) comes from two things - two much front fender, not enough windshield. The Acerbis mini-front fender made a big difference offloading wind resistance from the handlebars. The MRA windshield from Twisted Throttle is better than stock, better than the Kaw large screen and slopes more to improve handling by putting downward pressure on the frame (not handlebars) while removing wind from the riders chest. > > > > > > 3) The 16 tooth front sprocket lowers highways revs by 500 RPM. I've noticed no dropoff in mid-high speed performance. Combined with the ATV seatcover and Grip Puppy foam handgrips it makes a huge difference in long rides. Nerf bars protect the bike from laydowns and highway footpegs allow changing seat position which also can improve highway ride over the long haul. > > > > > > Add a JC Whitney trunk and tankbag; and now I've got a decent highway cruiser to keep up with the big boys that can still explore the backroads they can't. > > > > > >

[Jud]

There are maybe 3 guys in all of KLRdom who like those things, and lots of guy who hate them. Maybe worth trying at $35.00, but your $119 is halfway to a used Corbin, or a fifth of the way to a new Russell. It's your money; you get to decide how to spend it.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "waxnator" wrote: > > Has anyone tried the "KLR 650 Gel Seat Kit" from Dual Star. They have in on sale for $119 and was considering getting the kit. > > http://www.dual-star.com/index2/Brand/Kawasaki/klr%20650%20gel%20seat.htm > > 07 KLR > > Craig Wax >

[Craig W]

Greg thanks for the feedback.  A friend has the flat Corbin seat and it does not do anything for me.  His seat does not appear to lock in at the base of the tank like the stock not sure if this is by design.. just does not seem right.  My stock cover is not in the best shape this seems like a nice step up from stock for the $ with a bit more comfort.  Most of my longer rides so far have been around 6-8 hours and have not had much discomfort.  I am sure a several day trip would tell me more. Craig [b]From:[/b] Greg May [b]To:[/b] waxnator ; DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [b]Sent:[/b] Fri, May 14, 2010 2:58:17 PM [b]Subject:[/b] Re: [DSN_KLR650] Re: KLR 650 Comfort Mods   Hi Craig,   I have the get seat kit from Saddlemen ( www.saddlemen. com ) which I believe is the maker of the kit shown on your link. For the money I'm pretty happy with it. The foam is very firm starting out but seems to break in the more you ride. The quality seems quite high and installation is not bad but you need a good stapler as well as slightly longer staple then they recommend. This will be the 3rd riding season and it still looks like new and even though it looks like it should get wet and stay that way it seems to be waterproof. Hope this helps and have a great evening..... Greg [b]From:[/b] waxnator [b]To:[/b] DSN_KLR650@yahoogro ups.com [b]Sent:[/b] Fri, May 14, 2010 4:45:14 PM [b]Subject:[/b] [DSN_KLR650] Re: KLR 650 Comfort Mods   Has anyone tried the "KLR 650 Gel Seat Kit" from Dual Star. They have in on sale for $119 and was considering getting the kit. http://www.dual- star.com/ index2/Brand/ Kawasaki/ klr%20650% 20gel%20seat. htm 07 KLR Craig Wax