nklr - a lister and a gentleman

[TexasThumpin@aol.com]

In a message dated 3/8/02 9:10:22 PM Central Standard Time, DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com writes:

> In his Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, Chris Scott mentions "the current > LKR/KLX650 models are snazzy street bikes: light, fast and small tanked, > they're not suited for an overland biker's needs". Is the 2001 KLR650 of > this breed? > > > Good day and thanks for any help, > Jean-Philippe Valois >

Your gentleman author doesn't know what he is talking about, at least not here in the US. We get the big tanks, high fenders, and smallish fairing. Nothing wrong with the 2001 that wasn't there in say 1997. The KLR 650 is the ultimate pallet for your enjoyment. You can do all sorts of things to it to make it personal, an extension of yourself. Yes, the KLR is quite stealthy on the street with the stock tires. I can't count how many sport bike riders I irritated on Highway 33 in California because they could not shake me, and in some cases, they were trying to catch me. If you prefer the US model to the European model, then just specify you want what we get down under. Our bikes take us all over the globe. The entrance fee is pretty small, but once lust sets in, there is a whole bunch of goodies for the US KLR. Jim Texas Thumpin [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Frosty]

Gotta agree with ya thumper. Here in AZ there's a ton of Harley boys that see little more than my tail lights on a regular basis. That is until they finally catch up a few miles down the road and I hop off into the desert.... Man some of those guys are huge!! -----Original Message----- From: TexasThumpin@... [mailto:TexasThumpin@...] Sent: Friday, March 08, 2002 11:59 PM To: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [DSN_klr650] KLR's Got Guts In a message dated 3/8/02 9:10:22 PM Central Standard Time, DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com writes:

> In his Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, Chris Scott mentions "the current > LKR/KLX650 models are snazzy street bikes: light, fast and small tanked, > they're not suited for an overland biker's needs". Is the 2001 KLR650 of > this breed? > > > Good day and thanks for any help, > Jean-Philippe Valois >

Your gentleman author doesn't know what he is talking about, at least not here in the US. We get the big tanks, high fenders, and smallish fairing. Nothing wrong with the 2001 that wasn't there in say 1997. The KLR 650 is the ultimate pallet for your enjoyment. You can do all sorts of things to it to make it personal, an extension of yourself. Yes, the KLR is quite stealthy on the street with the stock tires. I can't count how many sport bike riders I irritated on Highway 33 in California because they could not shake me, and in some cases, they were trying to catch me. If you prefer the US model to the European model, then just specify you want what we get down under. Our bikes take us all over the globe. The entrance fee is pretty small, but once lust sets in, there is a whole bunch of goodies for the US KLR. Jim Texas Thumpin [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Checkout Dual Sport News at http://www.dualsportnews.com Be part of the Adventure! Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Post message: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com Subscribe: DSN_klr650-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Unsubscribe: DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com List owner: DSN_klr650-owner@yahoogroups.com Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[Ian S.]

"Smallish Tank" .. "SMALLLISSH TANKKK".. - its 6 gallons for gosh sakes. Ok, i am calm now. I love the klr like a friend. It goes anywhere, does anything, is fast, pretty (imho) and versatile. It is VERY suitable for touring - or rtw touring. Slap a good seat, some luggage, and your ready to go! You can take my dignity, my freedom, but NEVER ME BIKE. (said in scottish accent). Ian

----- Original Message ----- From: To: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Friday, March 08, 2002 10:59 PM Subject: Re: [DSN_klr650] KLR's Got Guts > In a message dated 3/8/02 9:10:22 PM Central Standard Time, > DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com writes: > > > > In his Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, Chris Scott mentions "the current > > LKR/KLX650 models are snazzy street bikes: light, fast and small tanked, > > they're not suited for an overland biker's needs". Is the 2001 KLR650 of > > this breed? > > > > > > Good day and thanks for any help, > > Jean-Philippe Valois > > > Your gentleman author doesn't know what he is talking about, at least not > here in the US. We get the big tanks, high fenders, and smallish fairing. > Nothing wrong with the 2001 that wasn't there in say 1997. The KLR 650 is the > ultimate pallet for your enjoyment. You can do all sorts of things to it to > make it personal, an extension of yourself. Yes, the KLR is quite stealthy on > the street with the stock tires. I can't count how many sport bike riders I > irritated on Highway 33 in California because they could not shake me, and in > some cases, they were trying to catch me. If you prefer the US model to the > European model, then just specify you want what we get down under. Our bikes > take us all over the globe. The entrance fee is pretty small, but once lust > sets in, there is a whole bunch of goodies for the US KLR. > > Jim > Texas Thumpin > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > Checkout Dual Sport News at > http://www.dualsportnews.com > Be part of the Adventure! > > Visit the KLR650 archives at > http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 > > Post message: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com > Subscribe: DSN_klr650-subscribe@yahoogroups.com > Unsubscribe: DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > List owner: DSN_klr650-owner@yahoogroups.com > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ >

[hens_p]

I agree with most of your points, but.... "fast"? The KLR is pretty far from being fast, I think. I would even say that it is slow. Still love the bike, though! Pat --- In DSN_klr650@y..., "Ian S." wrote:> I love the klr like a friend. It goes anywhere, does anything, is fast,

> pretty (imho) and versatile.

[rbaugh70]

> > > > In his Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, Chris Scott

mentions "the

> current > > > LKR/KLX650 models are snazzy street bikes: light, fast and

small tanked,

> > > they're not suited for an overland biker's needs". Is the

2001 KLR650

> of > > > this breed?

I believe Chris Scott knows what he is talking about, particularly after 4,000 miles riding a Canadian KLR-A up into the Yukon and NWT with Tom Grenon. Problem is, most of his reading audience (Europe) can only purchase a "C" model, and that's the model he refers to. Both in his "Call of The Wild" video, and on his Desert Riders website ( http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com/riders ) you can tell he has a high respect for the KLR-A. In other words ..... the KLR-A is proven and endorsed by the best of us. Roger Baugh a-15

[Jean-Philippe Valois]

Thanks to all for helping to sort out my questions and worries regarding the 2001 KLR650-A/C. I think indeed, Chris Scott was referring to the European version of the bike...The ones I've been looking at are definitely "A" types. I think I'm going out to get one tomorow! Can't wait! Thanks Jean-Philippe --- rbaugh70 a crit : > >

> > > > In his Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, Chris > Scott > mentions "the > > current > > > > LKR/KLX650 models are snazzy street bikes: > light, fast and > small tanked, > > > > they're not suited for an overland biker's > needs". Is the > 2001 KLR650 > > of > > > > this breed? > > I believe Chris Scott knows what he is talking > about, particularly > after 4,000 miles riding a Canadian KLR-A up into > the Yukon and > NWT with Tom Grenon. > > Problem is, most of his reading audience (Europe) > can only > purchase a "C" model, and that's the model he refers > to. > > Both in his "Call of The Wild" video, and on his > Desert Riders

... ===== S.V.P. r pondez / please reply to : jpvalois@... __________________________________________________________ Obtenez votre adresse @... gratuite et en fran ais ! courriel.yahoo.ca

[Frosty]

Sure 100 mph is slow, on a road, but I'd like to see the average lifespan of anyone that does that even on a fire road. ON a trail, well, that's a different story. For me, dual sporting - the darn thing is plenty fast. No crotch rockets here... Frosty -----Original Message----- From: hens_p [mailto:IronJungle@...] Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2002 9:51 PM To: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com Subject: [DSN_klr650] Re: KLR's Got Guts I agree with most of your points, but.... "fast"? The KLR is pretty far from being fast, I think. I would even say that it is slow. Still love the bike, though! Pat --- In DSN_klr650@y..., "Ian S." wrote:> I love the klr like a friend. It goes anywhere, does anything, is fast,

> pretty (imho) and versatile.

Checkout Dual Sport News at http://www.dualsportnews.com Be part of the Adventure! Visit the KLR650 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 Post message: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com Subscribe: DSN_klr650-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Unsubscribe: DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com List owner: DSN_klr650-owner@yahoogroups.com Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[Guest]

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., "rbaugh70" wrote:

> > > > > > In his Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, Chris Scott > mentions "the > > current > > > > LKR/KLX650 models are snazzy street bikes: light, fast and > small tanked, > > > > they're not suited for an overland biker's needs". Is the > 2001 KLR650 > > of > > > > this breed? > > I believe Chris Scott knows what he is talking about, particularly > after 4,000 miles riding a Canadian KLR-A up into the Yukon and > NWT with Tom Grenon. > > Problem is, most of his reading audience (Europe) can only > purchase a "C" model, and that's the model he refers to. > > Both in his "Call of The Wild" video, and on his Desert Riders > website ( http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com/riders ) you > can tell he has a high respect for the KLR-A. > > In other words ..... the KLR-A is proven and endorsed by the best > of us. > > Roger Baugh > a-15

Here is what Chris' book, Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, has to say about the KLR650. -- Marc, KLR650 A12, Loveland, Colorado USA Adv. Touring: Humphrey on KLR 650 (KLR650) From pps 36-37 of "Adventure Motorcycling Handbook" , Fourth Edition, by Chris Scott, Trailblazer Publications, The Old Manse, Tower Rd. Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6SU, UK, 2001. ISBN 1-873756-37-2. http://www.trailblazer-guides.com info@... "The KLR 650 has never been as popular in the UK and France as it has been in the US and Germany. Production began in 1987, superseding the rather fragile KLR 600. In Europe the KLR gave way to the Tengai which is similar, but with a larger and more brittle plastic fairing and an upraated twin pot floating caliper front brake. The KLR 650 is still a current model in the USA and Canda, while in Europe it has evolved through the showy motocross-styled KLR 650 and back to a budget green- laner, similar to the original KLR but equipped with a small fuel tank and fairing." "In my view, the original KLR 650 still sold in North America makes the best adventure tourer. The general construction and quality is good. The exhaust is all stainless steel so it lasts the life of the bike. The fuel tank has a capacity of 23 litres (18 to reserve) allowing a range of up to 300 miles / 450 km. The fairing is small and flexible, and yet does a reasonably good job of keeping the wind off the rider. The frame, subframe, and wheels are strong, so should not need any alteration to cope with the hammering imposed on them by lengthy rides over rough terrain." "The KLR does have weak points though. Like most dual purpose mounts, the seat is painfully uncomfortable. To increase comfort fit a Corbin seat that is wider and firmer. The motor is basically tremendously strong, but it is let down by the balancer mechanism. I'd recommend replacing the balancer chain at a belt 'n' braces 30,000 miles / 50,000 km, and to check the balancer sprockets very carefully at the same time. To get an idea of the condition of the balancer sprockets, take a look at the mesh oil strainer behind the right-hand engine cover: if it's full of bits of rubber, you're better off replacing the balancer chain sprockets and guides. Valve- stem oil seals fail fairly quickly, so replace them before setting off on a big trip and while you're there get the valves shimmed; they should last 20-25,000 miles / 30 to 40,000 km without needing attention. The gearbox output shaft can suffer on early early models, so check to make sure the splines are in good condition. If they are damaged, they'll get worse quickly so, it'll be necessary to replace the output shaft -- only $120 in the US but of course requiring the whole engine to be stripped." "The KLR also has design faults. The sidestand cut-out switch is bound to fail sooner or later, so bypass it by bridging the two wires to the switch on the loom side. The clutch safety switch prevents the motor from being started while in gear, so disconnect this too, as it'll prove to be a handicap when you stall in soft sand." "If you're planning to cover vast distances on metalled roads, it makes sense to fit a larger 140mm radial tyre that'll last, so eliminating the need to cary a spare. I like the Bridgestone 140/80 R1769H TW152." "Some are put off by the water cooling, but the fact that the KLR is water-cooled has not increased its weight compared with similar machines. The KLR weighs 180 kg set, while an XT 600E weighs 175 kg, but the KLR's carrying more fuel. In the event of a tumble, the loss of coolant would be a problem if water was scarce. However, there are advantages. Because the KLR's operating temperature is more precisely controlled, tolerances are finer, which leads to a more eficient motor. There's a fan to help reduce coolant temperature when necessary. I don't think the cooling system needs modification, but a larger radiator could be fitted, as could an oil cooler." "All components of the electrical system have proven to be remarkably reliable. On the earliest model, the KLR 650 A1, the lower mounting point of the fairing subframe was solid, rather then rubber mounted as on the later model. This caused the headlight bulb to fail regularly. To overcome this, cut a gasket from an old inner tube and install it onto the bulb so that the retaining spring is isolated. It's not easy to modify the subframe." "The rear shock will overheat and die if worked too hard. Wind it up to maximum and it'll last. The front forks are not performanc items, but are capable enough. The simplist improvement to cope with extra weight is to add a 25-35mm spacer between the top of the spring and the fork cap, and to use a 15 W fork oil." "Carb removal is a horrible job, but if you replace the float- bowl retaining screws with Allen bolts it's then possible to remove the float-bowl without removing the carb." "Avoid abused or high milage despatched examples. Age is not such an important factor, as most are old anyway. Be careful if you are buying second hand in Germany, as they got the very gutless 27hp version as well as the usual 48hp version that was sold in the rest of Europe." "The standard gearing using a 15-tooth front and a 43-tooth rear sprocket is a good compromise that provides an indicated top speed of over 100 mph / 160 kph with the ability to plow through soft sand and mud." "Other tips" "Because of the shape of the fuel tank, the last few centilitres of petrol are unable to find their way into the carb. So by lying the bike over on its left-hand side, you'll be able to recover the last few drops to ride a few extra kilometres before having to push." "It can be quite difficult to fit the standard foam air filter correctly so that no abrasive dust can find its way into the motor. Because of this I like to use a K&N air filter." "EBC pads work well in my experience and a stainless steel braided front brake line is a worthwihle mprovement." "It's possible to relocate the fuse holder behind the left- hand side panel, so that it's accessible without having to remove both sidepanels and the seat." "I've found that WD 40 is very good for drive chains. It prevents the links seizing, and being a light lubricant it attracts less grit." -- Rupert Humphrey

[mokan710]

George- You are a consummate and gracious gentleman (funny too!). Now if I could only display your kind of grace... "Mokan"

> Dave and all other Members > > My apologies to the List for what I send... It is > interesting to note that I have never before been able to upset both

KLR

> members in Canada and the U. S., that's pretty good for an early

Sunday

> morning, even if it was done accidently. Again my apology. > > George > Escondido, CA