Page 1 of 2
considering a klr650...
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2003 7:33 am
by Anthony Mrse
Hi folks:
I've thinking about purchasing a KLR650, and since this seems to be
THE place for opinions on this bike, I was wondering if the group
could help me answer a question or two. I have been looking for a
bike which will be used primarily as a commuter (20 mi/day, every
day on the interstate) and can function as a medium distance touring
bike (on the order of 400-600 miles over a weekend). Correct me if I
am wrong, but the KLR seems appropriate for this type of riding, and
gives me the ability to kick around some sand in the desert every
few months... a very nice bonus. Also, because I am fairly tall
(6'4"), I find the high seat and long reach of the bike very
comfortable. The main thing I am concerned about is handlebar
vibration. I have carpal tunnels syndrome in my right
wrist, which makes excessive vibration difficult for me to
tolerate. I presently ride a '91 Honda Nighthawk CB750, and
originally found the bike to be buzzier than I would have liked, but
since I have upgraded the handgrips to Kuryakyn IsoGrips, I haven't
had any hand-numbing problems. I've also had a few hours of
experience on an HD Road King and found that once it got going, the
vibration level was acceptable... although the RK is a touring bike
and as such should be significantly smoother than HDs other
offerings. I doubt I would have lasted as long on a Sportster...
So, my question to the group is how pronounced are the handlebar
vibrations on the KLR? So far I have gathered mixed information:
some riders seem to have major problems while others tour the world
without a hitch. Should people sensitive to handlebar vibrations
look elsewhere? I realize thumper vibrations are different from
those of my I-4 CB750, but any help on the matter would be
appreciated.
Many thanks for your suggestions,
Tony
considering a klr650...
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2003 8:24 am
by Glen Harness
> So, my question to the group is how pronounced are the handlebar
> vibrations on the KLR? So far I have gathered mixed information:
> some riders seem to have major problems while others tour the world
> without a hitch. Should people sensitive to handlebar vibrations
> look elsewhere? I realize thumper vibrations are different from
> those of my I-4 CB750, but any help on the matter would be
> appreciated.
There was a message in here the other day about a fellow whose
handlebars vibrated so much they made his hands numb. Last night on a
ride, I paid attention to the vibration, and didn't really think it was
that much. I use a pair of Thor motocross gloves which don't have any
padding in the palm, so there's no padding to absorb it. You might need
to do something about the mirror vibration. In my case, a pair of $5
vibration elimators from JCWhitney did the trick.
Glen
considering a klr650...
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2003 9:08 am
by Arden Kysely
Tony,
I'm on my second KLR and have never found the handlebar vibration to
be a problem. I've got the 714 Rally Grips and don't notice much
buzz. There's recently been a vibration thread here, with solutions
including new bars, filling the bar with RTV, and filling the bar
with lead shot.
Where do you live? Perhaps there's a Lister nearby who will let you
give his KLR a try before you buy.
__Arden
--- In
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Anthony Mrse"
wrote:
> Hi folks:
>
> I've thinking about purchasing a KLR650, and since this seems to be
> THE place for opinions on this bike, I was wondering if the group
> could help me answer a question or two. I have been looking for a
> bike which will be used primarily as a commuter (20 mi/day, every
> day on the interstate) and can function as a medium distance
touring
> bike (on the order of 400-600 miles over a weekend). Correct me if
I
> am wrong, but the KLR seems appropriate for this type of riding,
and
> gives me the ability to kick around some sand in the desert every
> few months... a very nice bonus. Also, because I am fairly tall
> (6'4"), I find the high seat and long reach of the bike very
> comfortable. The main thing I am concerned about is handlebar
> vibration. I have carpal tunnels syndrome in my right
> wrist, which makes excessive vibration difficult for me to
> tolerate. I presently ride a '91 Honda Nighthawk CB750, and
> originally found the bike to be buzzier than I would have liked,
but
> since I have upgraded the handgrips to Kuryakyn IsoGrips, I haven't
> had any hand-numbing problems. I've also had a few hours of
> experience on an HD Road King and found that once it got going, the
> vibration level was acceptable... although the RK is a touring
bike
> and as such should be significantly smoother than HDs other
> offerings. I doubt I would have lasted as long on a Sportster...
>
> So, my question to the group is how pronounced are the handlebar
> vibrations on the KLR? So far I have gathered mixed information:
> some riders seem to have major problems while others tour the world
> without a hitch. Should people sensitive to handlebar vibrations
> look elsewhere? I realize thumper vibrations are different from
> those of my I-4 CB750, but any help on the matter would be
> appreciated.
>
> Many thanks for your suggestions,
>
> Tony
considering a klr650...
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2003 9:39 am
by Rick Kubik
haven't noticed vibes to be a problem even on all day rides. Maybe having accessory handguards (Maeier, Acerbis, UFO whatever) installed helps, because the little bit of extra weight on the bar ends probably helps damp some vibrations. Plus they add protection you will like anyway.
One thing that may be pertinenet to your CTS is sitting with your arms outstretched for long periods, especially throttleside. You may want to talk to your doctor or trainer at a gym to see if there are special stretches that may help. I asked while I was taking some weight training classes, and they recommended a thing where you lay your forearm flat on a surface, hold a light dumbell (5 lb or so, 1500 lb if you want to be real macho:) and bend you wrist up and down to stretch and strengthen. I'm too lazy to actually do it, but it could help.
PS also see a dirt ridin' doctor's riding tips at
http://www.docwong.com/dirtclin/drt-tech.htm
Ride and enjoy, it's a great bike!
Rick Kubik
Calgary A14
_____________________________________________________________
Get 25MB, POP3, Spam Filtering with LYCOS MAIL PLUS for $19.95/year.
http://login.mail.lycos.com/brandPage.shtml?pageId=plus&ref=lmtplus
considering a klr650...
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2003 10:07 am
by Arden Kysely
One $10 gadget that's handy for long highway rides is the Throttle
Rocker. I love mine, and it doesn't get in the way on dirt roads. If
it does, you can easily remove it and put it in your pocket. Others
have installed the Vista cruise control system.
__Arden
--- In
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Kubik"
wrote:
> haven't noticed vibes to be a problem even on all day rides. Maybe
having accessory handguards (Maeier, Acerbis, UFO whatever) installed
helps, because the little bit of extra weight on the bar ends
probably helps damp some vibrations. Plus they add protection you
will like anyway.
>
> One thing that may be pertinenet to your CTS is sitting with your
arms outstretched for long periods, especially throttleside. You may
want to talk to your doctor or trainer at a gym to see if there are
special stretches that may help. I asked while I was taking some
weight training classes, and they recommended a thing where you lay
your forearm flat on a surface, hold a light dumbell (5 lb or so,
1500 lb if you want to be real macho:) and bend you wrist up and down
to stretch and strengthen. I'm too lazy to actually do it, but it
could help.
considering a klr650...
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2003 11:09 am
by S. B. Lawrence
Such differences of opinion are based in "what you're used to or
willing to get used to." IF a rider was weaned on certain bikes from
back in the 60's and 70's that literally were known to vibrate
fillings out of teeth, then the KLR650 is a Lexus on 2 wheels.
OTOH if they've never ridden any small bike except on a cone course
and went straight from MSF class to a Goldwing, then to them the KLR
is a crude paintshaker for backroads that has neither the mass nor
geometry to be suitable for real highways.
IMO it's a "passable" interstate commuter/tourer, probably the best
IF you want to stay in the $5K price range *and* kick around in the
desert too. But if you can drop the last requirement out the bike
you've already got suits your purposes better IMO. In that case keep
it unless you just want a different bike--and hey ain't nothing wrong
with that either
--- In
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Anthony Mrse"
wrote:
> Hi folks:
>
> I've thinking about purchasing a KLR650, and since this seems to be
> THE place for opinions on this bike, I was wondering if the group
> could help me answer a question or two. I have been looking for a
> bike which will be used primarily as a commuter (20 mi/day, every
> day on the interstate) and can function as a medium distance
touring
> bike (on the order of 400-600 miles over a weekend). Correct me if
I
> am wrong, but the KLR seems appropriate for this type of riding,
and
> gives me the ability to kick around some sand in the desert every
> few months... a very nice bonus. Also, because I am fairly tall
> (6'4"), I find the high seat and long reach of the bike very
> comfortable. The main thing I am concerned about is handlebar
> vibration. I have carpal tunnels syndrome in my right
> wrist, which makes excessive vibration difficult for me to
> tolerate. I presently ride a '91 Honda Nighthawk CB750, and
> originally found the bike to be buzzier than I would have liked,
but
> since I have upgraded the handgrips to Kuryakyn IsoGrips, I haven't
> had any hand-numbing problems. I've also had a few hours of
> experience on an HD Road King and found that once it got going, the
> vibration level was acceptable... although the RK is a touring
bike
> and as such should be significantly smoother than HDs other
> offerings. I doubt I would have lasted as long on a Sportster...
>
> So, my question to the group is how pronounced are the handlebar
> vibrations on the KLR? So far I have gathered mixed information:
> some riders seem to have major problems while others tour the world
> without a hitch. Should people sensitive to handlebar vibrations
> look elsewhere? I realize thumper vibrations are different from
> those of my I-4 CB750, but any help on the matter would be
> appreciated.
>
> Many thanks for your suggestions,
>
> Tony
considering a klr650...
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2003 9:13 pm
by kdxkawboy@aol.com
Tony,
For me the only problem with vibration was due to the stock handlebars. They
pronated my wrists and my arms would go numb and my hands would cramp.
Switching to a better suited bar bend took care of the problem. Once I got
the grips where my hands wanted to be I was able to keep a relaxed grip again
and no more problem.
I would second the suggestion about the throttle rocker. When it is adjusted
right for cruising speeds it uses your wrist as a poor mans cruise control so
you can loosen your grip.
Pat
G'ville, Nv
In a message dated 2003-03-26 5:50:19 AM Pacific Standard Time,
shimstack@... writes:
> Hi folks:
>
> I've thinking about purchasing a KLR650, and since this seems to be
> THE place for opinions on this bike, I was wondering if the group
> could help me answer a question or two. I have been looking for a
> bike which will be used primarily as a commuter (20 mi/day, every
> day on the interstate) and can function as a medium distance touring
> bike (on the order of 400-600 miles over a weekend). Correct me if I
> am wrong, but the KLR seems appropriate for this type of riding, and
> gives me the ability to kick around some sand in the desert every
> few months... a very nice bonus. Also, because I am fairly tall
> (6'4"), I find the high seat and long reach of the bike very
> comfortable. The main thing I am concerned about is handlebar
> vibration. I have carpal tunnels syndrome in my right
> wrist, which makes excessive vibration difficult for me to
> tolerate. I presently ride a '91 Honda Nighthawk CB750, and
> originally found the bike to be buzzier than I would have liked, but
> since I have upgraded the handgrips to Kuryakyn IsoGrips, I haven't
> had any hand-numbing problems. I've also had a few hours of
> experience on an HD Road King and found that once it got going, the
> vibration level was acceptable... although the RK is a touring bike
> and as such should be significantly smoother than HDs other
> offerings. I doubt I would have lasted as long on a Sportster...
>
> So, my question to the group is how pronounced are the handlebar
> vibrations on the KLR? So far I have gathered mixed information:
> some riders seem to have major problems while others tour the world
> without a hitch. Should people sensitive to handlebar vibrations
> look elsewhere? I realize thumper vibrations are different from
> those of my I-4 CB750, but any help on the matter would be
> appreciated.
>
> Many thanks for your suggestions,
>
> Tony
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
considering a klr650...
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2003 9:48 am
by Ken Clark
Hey, not so quick, I rode a Goldwing over 60k last year. Just got back from a a two days business trip of over 700 miles on the
Wing, arriving home last night. After arriving home I jumped ont he KLR for a short romp.
Today I am comuting on the KLR, no vibration to bother me, and I am used to the Wing ride.
Kenn
Today
"S. B. Lawrence" wrote:
> Such differences of opinion are based in "what you're used to or
> willing to get used to." IF a rider was weaned on certain bikes from
> back in the 60's and 70's that literally were known to vibrate
> fillings out of teeth, then the KLR650 is a Lexus on 2 wheels.
>
> OTOH if they've never ridden any small bike except on a cone course
> and went straight from MSF class to a Goldwing, then to them the KLR
> is a crude paintshaker for backroads that has neither the mass nor
> geometry to be suitable for real highways.
>
> IMO it's a "passable" interstate commuter/tourer, probably the best
> IF you want to stay in the $5K price range *and* kick around in the
> desert too. But if you can drop the last requirement out the bike
> you've already got suits your purposes better IMO. In that case keep
> it unless you just want a different bike--and hey ain't nothing wrong
> with that either
>
> --- In
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Anthony Mrse"
> wrote:
> > Hi folks:
> >
> > I've thinking about purchasing a KLR650, and since this seems to be
> > THE place for opinions on this bike, I was wondering if the group
> > could help me answer a question or two. I have been looking for a
> > bike which will be used primarily as a commuter (20 mi/day, every
> > day on the interstate) and can function as a medium distance
> touring
> > bike (on the order of 400-600 miles over a weekend). Correct me if
> I
> > am wrong, but the KLR seems appropriate for this type of riding,
> and
> > gives me the ability to kick around some sand in the desert every
> > few months... a very nice bonus. Also, because I am fairly tall
> > (6'4"), I find the high seat and long reach of the bike very
> > comfortable. The main thing I am concerned about is handlebar
> > vibration. I have carpal tunnels syndrome in my right
> > wrist, which makes excessive vibration difficult for me to
> > tolerate. I presently ride a '91 Honda Nighthawk CB750, and
> > originally found the bike to be buzzier than I would have liked,
> but
> > since I have upgraded the handgrips to Kuryakyn IsoGrips, I haven't
> > had any hand-numbing problems. I've also had a few hours of
> > experience on an HD Road King and found that once it got going, the
> > vibration level was acceptable... although the RK is a touring
> bike
> > and as such should be significantly smoother than HDs other
> > offerings. I doubt I would have lasted as long on a Sportster...
> >
> > So, my question to the group is how pronounced are the handlebar
> > vibrations on the KLR? So far I have gathered mixed information:
> > some riders seem to have major problems while others tour the world
> > without a hitch. Should people sensitive to handlebar vibrations
> > look elsewhere? I realize thumper vibrations are different from
> > those of my I-4 CB750, but any help on the matter would be
> > appreciated.
> >
> > Many thanks for your suggestions,
> >
> > Tony
>
> List sponsored by Dual Sport News at
www.dualsportnews.com. List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at:
www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html
> Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to:
>
DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com .
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
considering a klr650...
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2003 10:18 am
by S. B. Lawrence
Yes, I forgot to say "and the only thing that will be consistent
about such opinion is the presence of exceptions"
You can get off a Goldwing onto a KLR and not be bothered by the
vibration. I can get off a Harley Superglide onto the KLR and I do
notice the vibration (but wouldn't go so far as to say it's terribly
bothersome). Now the Dynas are smooth bikes as bigbore V-twins go,
but I sure don't think the conclusion to draw here is that they're
smoother than Goldwings!
Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder and saddle comfort is in
the arse of the buttholder, I think the only truth here is that
objectionable grip vibration is in the palms of the bar-holder.
--- In
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, Ken Clark wrote:
> Hey, not so quick, I rode a Goldwing over 60k last year. Just got
back from a a two days business trip of over 700 miles on the
> Wing, arriving home last night. After arriving home I jumped ont
he KLR for a short romp.
>
> Today I am comuting on the KLR, no vibration to bother me, and I am
used to the Wing ride.
>
> Kenn
considering a klr650...
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2003 12:14 am
by Anthony Mrse
Thanks for the reply... and very interesting. Now my question to
you is: have you ridden bikes where the handlebar vibrations have
bothered you or were quite noticeable? If so, which bikes were they?
Never-the-less, its still interesting that a Wing rider would speak
highly of a thumper. Says a lot about how far singles have come.
Best wishes,
Tony
--- In
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, Ken Clark wrote:
> Hey, not so quick, I rode a Goldwing over 60k last year. Just got
back from a a two days business trip of over 700 miles on the
> Wing, arriving home last night. After arriving home I jumped ont
he KLR for a short romp.
>
> Today I am comuting on the KLR, no vibration to bother me, and I
am used to the Wing ride.