Wilsons Sandbox

I have a friend who is lusting for a DS bike and is over the moon with the BMW f650 PD. While I would like a another riding partner I also know this guy and he does not have the mechanical mindset needed to fully enjoy this hobby, IMHO. Never the less we stopped at the shop to check out an '03 BMW F650 PD. I did notice when checking out the F650 that there is a factory fork brace, the monoshock preload adjustment can be make from the saddle with bare hands, and the seat(very comfy)is removed with a pull release under the rear lock box exposing the airbox, battery, fuses, tools etc. There is no guard for the rear master cylinder, no boots to cover the front fork sliders, and the valve adjusmtent is with shims. Now the sticker price is around $8.5 to $9K out the door which for me is not gonna happen despite the nice design features, but thats just me as I am a self proclaimed tight wad and quasi Luddite. My friend to whom money is no object despite having large credit card balances and forever dealing with creditors, will probably wind up getting one after his lust becomes uncontrollable. You see he is one of those who rationalizes that if you're gonna go then go all the way, get the best and don't look back. His garage is full of top of the line toys he rarely uses and refuses to part with. I suspect there may be some onemanship in the spirit of friendly competition going on as well but I won't delve into the psychology of that here. The salesman did offer a test ride on his GS but I did'nt have my gear. I may take him up on it some day soon after all it's free and I would like to compare the ride. For me the KLR is right where I am, the perfect position of function and form, freedom and committment, cost and benefit, beauty and the beast. --Jim A-15

Having some carb or some such problem. Heading south to Tierra del Fuego, and wouldn't you know the problem arrives AFTER I cross the Mexican border. But BEFORE adding any Pemex gas! Wondering if anyone may have had a similar prob or has any ideas. Here it is: There is suddenly NO mid-range. 98 KLR 650 ran fine until Rosarita, then the next day at some point in the drive it became sluggish around 2K to 4.9K RPMs. Starts and idles perfect. But real sluggish until 5K RPMs when all kicks in and it nearly tosses me back off the seat with the power. Doesn't matter, warm or cold. 2 thru 5th gear exactly the same. Exactly at 5K. Called Dynojet and they had no idea. Pulled the needle seat out and it was clean, checked the aircleaner - it was clean, put some carb cleaner in the gas, ran it, rested it, still the exact same? What's left? Any thoughts or ideas? I have Supertrapp pipe, dynojet kit and K&N filter if that helps... ran fine before... nothing changed... well something did, but I don't know it...