carb adjustment, the harley rant, & upcoming wrenchfest

[mksquire68]

Hi Everyone, Moved from Calgary, Alberta to Newfoundland and been having trouble with my KLR 650. It has what I would call a surge, or hesitation in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear just off idle and detonation in 5th low rpm and under strain. Is this cause by jetting lean or is it the result of 87 octane gas? I'm not sure if the Dealer made an altitude adjustment when I was in Calgary or is there such a thing for the KLR? (Calgary +3500ft from sea level). Is there anyone out there who knows this bike inside and out who may be able to shed some light on the subject? I'm afraid to use it too much because I may burn it up! Please help!! Mike 1996 KLR 650 Stock

[James]

I re-adjusted the carb again today (didn't ride yet) but just turned the set screw in a 1/2 turn. It is now 2 1/2 turns out. Tipped the carb a little sideways and got to it that way. I'll ride tomorrow to the shop and see how it goes. Good--no, great rant. I didn't have eough paper to print it or I would have. I got a t-shirt from Dennis Kirk a couple years ago that had an ocean scene on it. Above was the bottom hull of a boat. Leading down to the bottom was a huge chain. At the end of the chain was a nice blue full dresser. Caption was "Function before style." I have worn it to a few bike rallies. No reaction from the *faithfull*. The wrenchfest is on a Saturday? I will be working Sat. Sunday; what is going on that day? I would be riding in from Pittsburgh on the KLR. I have a triptik from AAA and it gets me in the area. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]