Wilsons Sandbox

I want to thank those of you that responded to my query about the interchangeability of KLR body parts. I also want to thank the lister that provided me with part numbers for all of the different years. But, lastly, I want to thank Arne for the hard work he is putting into managing this list. I remember when I first subscribed to this list about 2 1/2 years ago. I was receiving all the e-mail listings in individual form. The vast amount of mail received overwhelmed me to the point that I almost unsubscribed. Then someone suggested that I try the digest mode. For me, a vast improvement. I simply cannot envision constantly dealing with the volume of e-mail that this list generates. Considering this, I think it is commendable that someone like Arne is willing to dedicate his time, without pay, to provide the rest of us with a decent forum to discuss and share information, viewpoints, humor, bench racing stories, touring tips, camping stories, etc. Think about it, all the rest of us have to do is access our e-mail and read what we like. Then we turn off our machine and walk away, sometimes for days or weeks. Arne doesn't do this. Even though I have never met the man, my hat goes off to him for his dedication and efforts. Concerning the virus posting's, maybe he made a mistake or two, maybe he didn't. Personally, I didn't pay any attention to it because it was a posting and not an executable file or attachment. Perhaps this attitude would make me unsuitable as a list manager, who knows. However, I think it takes more of a man to admit a possible mistake and apologize than it does to continue to bitch and complain that you weren't understood. It is over and done with, so let's move on to something else. One of the things I like so much about this list, is its diversity of personnel. We have representatives from mechanical engineering, computer sciences, chemical engineering, law enforcement, sales, customer service, quality control, physics, mathematics, military, motorcycle mechanics, motorcycle accessory folks, and the list goes on (sorry if I missed your career calling). Yet, we have all chosen to ride the same bike. This bike has drawn all of us, from different walks of life, to this list. I have learned so much from the people on this list, both KLR related and not KLR related. I for one do not want to see it's format changed. Let me make a suggestion. If we find it necessary to "flame" someone personally for something they posted, then perhaps we should send them an e-mail directly and keep our response off of the list. In this manner, peoples ego's won't get bruised and the subsequent feeling/perception of embarrassment won't occur. If we keep negative discussions between the exact people involved, then the list will be free from negativity. I don't mean the list should be "politically correct." Diversity of opinion is an American right and responsibility. Debate and good natured argument should be encouraged, not denied. However, negative replies and personality conflicts should not be on the list. If someone says something that makes you angry, by all means let them know, but do it between ourselves, off list. I too, have been guilty, on occasion, for getting irate at a poster, and I wrongly posted my negative and heated responses to the list. I am just suggesting an alternative method that might smooth some feathers and keep this list highly enjoyable. Sorry for the lengthy preach, I'll get off my pulpit now. Long live the KLR list. Have a good weekend. Jim Sherlock

I can believe the sold out thing, my A14 (just purchased last Friday) was the last here in the Tampa Bay Area (according to Mr Dealer). By the way, when they first came out I didn't like the green, Now I'm hooked on the Swampy Green! Swampy