Wilsons Sandbox

Most everyone here probably knows this stuff already but I thought I would post my opinion of the latest mods to my KLR for the archives, at least. I ordered from Fred at Arrowhead a Fastline SS front brake line and a D.I.D X ring Gold chain (and assorted other smaller bits). The stock chain was throwing off o-rings rather regularly at 9,400 mi so I decided to go top-of-the-line with the X-ring Gold (it was spendy at $111.00+) but it is absoultly gorgeous! I love the trick racy look it gives the bike and it was an easy 10 min. swap with the correct cahin breaker for removing the stock chain. I also installed the SS front brake line everyone recommends and now I know why!!! Absolutley amazing performance increase under panic braking! I found it impossible to lock the front wheel (not that this practice is a normally desirable thing to do but as a test to see if you are getting everything out of your brakes and tires)with the stock brake line and now it will lock at will! One thing I don't recall noticing in archive posting about this mod though is that under NORMAL daily riding and stopping (easing up to stop lights etc.) there is very little noticable difference. A little more firmness to the lever that's about it. But when the braking really counts, look out 'cause this baby relly stops now! Also my stable of Kawi dual sports is up to three now. Two weeks ago I found a 1990 KLR 250 with 700 miles on it in Bellvue WA. (A 3 hour drive from my place in Portland OR)I paid, what I think is a little bit of a premium price for it, $2,400 but they are so rare around this part of the country and it really is in near mint condition. But the real reason for springing for it is ever since I made the mistake of letting my oldest son (almost 15) ride my KLR 650 he has been dinging me to sell the Montesa COTA 123 trials bike he had been riding and get him a "real" bike. I wanted to get him something he could ride on the road next year with me but would not be too big a handful for his first ride. I think the KLR 250 is perfect. I'm hoping to put up my own web site soon displaying my Kawasaki collection and my family's adventures on them. P.S. Anyone on the list from the NW comming to the "Black Dog Dual Sport" (AMA/Suzuki sponsored) in the MT. Hood national forest July 8-9? John S. "Rider" 1996 KLR 650 2000 Super Sherpa (wife's) 1990 KLR 250 1986 Montesa COTA 123 (For sale) 1979 Yamaha DT 125