Wilsons Sandbox

From: Van Tran Subject: [DSN_klr650] Help me like my KLR again!

> I have just ridden to the Post TT race meeting at Mallory Park in the UK.

It

> is a great little circuit with good views. Much of the way is 70 mph > twisties and compared to my 1997 DR650 (now stolen) on which I journeyed > last year, the 98 KLR650C handles like a jelly!! The DR had standard > suspension, but I had put on 17" rims, if anything that would have made

any

> probs with the suspension more apparent....but it felt much more settled

in

> corners, and seemed to have a livlier motor.

While there are others on this list who are more qualified than I to respond to this, as I have not owned both of these machines... I'll say a couple of things... The 17" wheels you put on your DR will 'improve' the road handling... not hamper it and bring suspension problems to light. The 1997 DR650 also had a punchier motor than the 1996 and previous versions. A friend of mine used to have a '96 and unloaded it because it was gutless... I understand Suzuki improved this condition in '97. The KLR650 'will' wallow as the rear sub-frame is not as rigid as the Suzuki. I fixed mine with a couple braces. The suspension is also easily addressed on a budget. These two things will make a big difference in the handling. What kind of tires were you running on the two machines? This too will make a big difference. Just my $.02 worth... =-) Arne