Wilsons Sandbox

Posted: **Sat Aug 20, 2005 8:48 am**

Hey all, I just bought my 06 KLX last week, but during my first outing on the machine I found that the handling in the sand was really bad, and very erratic. I have many hours on a dirt bike as I live in the Mojave Desert, so this seemed really crazy. Other than that, I love the machine very much. Grips have got to go, but it is very enjoyable none the less. Any help you can give me on this sand problem would be most appreciated. Thanks, Jagster __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Posted: **Sat Aug 20, 2005 12:33 pm**

john guy wrote:

>I just bought my 06 KLX last week, but during my first outing on the machine I found that the handling in the sand was really bad, and very erratic. >

I assume you mean KLR, since this is the KLR list (a KLX is a totally diferent bike, and no longer made AFAIK). Tires. The OEM tires are nick-named "Deathwings", because they're pretty useless for anything other than pavement. That said, a 400 pound hog like the KLR is always going to be rather iffy in mud and sand compared to a 250 pound dirt bike. If you wanted a dirt bike with lights, you should have bought one of Suzuki's little 400cc jobbers. The KLR is no dirt bike, though it'll handle dirt (albeit like pushing a pig around) if properly set up. Adjust your expectations accordingly, and you'll have a lot more fun, whether on street or dirt. Expect it to handle deep sand and deep mud like a 250 pound dirt bike, though, and you're bound to be disappointed. -E

Posted: **Sat Aug 20, 2005 12:46 pm**

The stock tires are pretty bad in sand. Something like a Kenda Trackmaster or Dunlop D606 on the rear and maybe an MT21 front would be a lot better. Guys ride their KLR's all over the desert and in dunes even, with practice, and better tires. Also, just for giggles, make sure the suspension is setup for what it can be at least. Be sure your fork tubes are flush with the top triples and not still in shipping position 3" over the triples. Still getting used to mine in loose sand...it ain't a DRZ heh.

On 8/20/05, Eric Lee Green wrote: > john guy wrote: > > >I just bought my 06 KLX last week, but during my first outing on the machine I found that the handling in the sand was really bad, and very erratic. > >

Posted: **Sat Aug 20, 2005 1:00 pm**

Jag, Yup the deep sand is a workout and a test of nerve on a KLR, but it can be done, it's just not very pretty. The same rules apply, weight back, accelerate through, look well ahead for obstructions, and don't expect to make any sharp direction changes. If you know you will be spending a lot of time in the sand then I would suggest getting the proper tires, a fork brace and perhaps some front suspension upgrades. Keeping fuel level to a minimum helps also. Momentum is also key here as are many technical situations on a KLR. If I see a sand section comming up I try to slow a bit before entering then hammer it through to lighten the front end. If the sand wash is big then the pucker factor kicks in as you are now rolling along at a pretty good clip and one false move results in a spectacular get off, did I mention wear protective gear? As tough as the KLR is in sand it can be done it's just at one ragged edge of the KLR's wide range of capabilities. It all part of the ride, even the freeway home in my case. --Jim A-15 I found that the handling in the sand was really bad, and very erratic.

> Jagster

Posted: **Sat Aug 20, 2005 1:18 pm**

Jag, Believe EVERY word Jim just offered, then ask him about a notable loooong sand wash we all rode (endured?) last ESR. But let me add just one other point - do get used to picking the bike up alone! If you can do it with a smile, all the better. Remember, it doesn't count unless your ride buddies record it on camera.

Pat M Pac NW

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Jim" wrote: > Jag, > Yup the deep sand is a workout and a test of nerve on a KLR, but it > can be done, it's just not very pretty. The same rules apply, weight > back, accelerate through, look well ahead for obstructions, and don't > expect to make any sharp direction changes. If you know you will be > spending a lot of time in the sand then I would suggest getting the > proper tires, a fork brace and perhaps some front suspension upgrades. > Keeping fuel level to a minimum helps also. Momentum is also key > here as are many technical situations on a KLR. If I see a sand > section comming up I try to slow a bit before entering then hammer it > through to lighten the front end. If the sand wash is big then the > pucker factor kicks in as you are now rolling along at a pretty good > clip and one false move results in a spectacular get off, did I > mention wear protective gear? As tough as the KLR is in sand it can > be done it's just at one ragged edge of the KLR's wide range of > capabilities. It all part of the ride, even the freeway home in my case. > --Jim > A-15 > > > I found that the handling in the sand was really bad, and very erratic. > > Jagster

Posted: **Sat Aug 20, 2005 1:52 pm**

Dropped mine for the first time just yesterday, I was on the pavement coming to a Y intersection. The road I was on has 2 cut throughs that are dirt, I've taken one of them several times, how different can the other one be? EXTREMELY, I slowed downed and turned left, it was like going into powder, the front pushed through the turn and of course I was going left so the bike laid right down. Nothing got broke but DANG is this thing heavy!!!!!!!! I was astonished as to how hard it was to get up. I'm also rehabbing(LOL) a broken shoulder blade and clavical, the Doc just told me last week after removing a pin not to lift much weight because the clavical will sometimes pop back into before it mends all the way. That's all that was going through my head so maybe I wasn't trying that hard. John A-18 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Posted: **Sun Aug 21, 2005 5:22 am**

Hey all, Thanks a bunch for the advice on sand riding. I guess that I will check everything out and change the tires when they wear down a bit. I do enjoy the KLR alot though. I also have a Harley FXDWG, and the two are so different, but both are fun! Take care to all. Jagster