Wilsons Sandbox

Several good questions, and I do ride with Gs1150's etal, so here goes. Mike Torst Las Vegas -----Original Message----- From: Larry Keith [mailto:lskbike@...] Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 5:13 PM To: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com Subject: [DSN_klr650] KLR's Capabilities I have joined this list because I am looking to purchase a "Thumper" dual purpose bike and the KLR looks like the best buy in this category. I also love the way it looks! I am requesting your help in making this purchase decision... I have 30+ years experience with long distance touring on BMWs (1,000 ccs and larger) and with sport riding Ducatis. I have a friend who is planning a trip from Indiana to Alaska and back and I am toying with the idea of joining him. If I do join him, I plan on doing it on a suitable dual purpose bike... He rides a BMW R1150GS and feels anything less couldn't do the job. I have had enough of the conventional and the cost of the "legendary motorcycles from Germany" and would like to consider a single cylinder 650 and preferably NOT the BMW 650... Can anyone advise me on the KLR 650's ability in accomplishing this goal?

>I do it and it is AOK.

Could a KLR keep up with a 1150 BMW GS on the interstate?

>Stock bikes w/ a 16t front sprocket can easily run 80 mph w/ 100 pounds of >gear and a 200 lb rider. My modified KLR650 w/ 100 pounds of

non->aerodynamic gear and my large 240 pound (w/ riding gear) carcass and a 11+ >inch Clearview windscreen runs easily at 85- 90 and topped out at just

>under 100 mph near Baker, CA 2 weekends ago. W/o the baggage, I hit near >110mph, w/ my 16t front sprocket.

Would long distances on the interstate at 80 MPH fully loaded be too much for this bike?

>No, unless you really, really big.

Are they comfortable for 800+ miles in the saddle per day?

>Easy w/ a Mayer or Russell seat. I have done it on my Mayer seat.

Are they reliable? (I have been reading about KLRs having problems with parts of the balancer failing and destroying the engine. ????)

>DO the doohickey, set the valuve clearance, and run JASO MA spec oil and a >good x-ring chain like D.I.D.

Do you have any suggested modifications I should consider making to this bike to make this trip! ie; Corbin/Sargent saddle? Jesse's bags...etc...etc!!! Are there any replacement parts I should purchase take along?

>A tube for the front wheel ( can be used out back if needed), a good >collection tools - work out w/ your buddy who carries what - the weight of >the tools and spares is larger than everything else I carry, so work it >out. >Spare 12 gauge wire, a butane soldering gun and solder, metal repair paste, >etc.. Basically - figure what can go wrong and solve for it based on >probability. Also,CB radios, etc - a great cellular provider covering the >corridor of travel, etc..

Any input and/or suggestions you could provide would be greatly appreciated....

>SO much has been posted on long distance travel - In summary, when you are >going uphill into a headwind, even on a modified KLR, you will make only 75 >mph. If your GS buddy demands higher speed, buy a Suzuki 1000 V-strom.

Thanks! L. Keith, Southeastern Indiana