sad ebay listing, must say goodbye !
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:03 pm
Hello to everyone !
Back in '03 my son gave me his Kawasaki EX500 to ride for the season
and I had a great time being on two wheels again. I had some issues
with that bike; foot pegs, not where I like them non-adjustable
handlebars. I loved the engine; amazed at how fast a 500cc could be.
If Kawasaki had made a bike with that engine and set up like a 650
Bonny I would have bought it in 2003. Over the winter I started doing
research to find out which bike I was going to buy in 2004. Having
owned a Triumph 650 in the `70s, I wanted something around the same
weight and power. In the 80s I had purchased a Suzuki 650 Savage and
put 900 miles on it, breaking it in for the wife, I owned a BMW R100
at the time. I was impressed with the power of the 650 single. Back
to winter research . Seating position, adjustable handlebars, foot
peg location, weight, 650cc single, price and the same model made
since the 80s; the KLR 650 was looking like a good choice. I spent
many hours on the "klr650.net" forum reading about KLR issues and how
they could be customized and decided to get one. Great group of people
on that site.
Because of the forum I was an informed consumer and got a great deal,
60 miles from home.
I started customizing it soon after I got it home. This machine was
intended for 100% road use and NYC driving, which some might consider
off road [read potholes]. Lowering it was first ! ! Driving home from
the dealer I hade a laugh at every stoplight when I put my feet down
and didn't make contact with the ground as usual, toes only. Next
were the handlebars too wide for the city, the mirrors, relocated to
the faring made the bike slim enough [29"] to fit almost anywhere.
The Break-in was a real test of patience but it was worth doing it
right. I changed the "DOO" shortly after break-in and street tires
made a big difference in the ride. Other Mods included "Progressive
Suspension" Fork Springs, "Happy Trails" - K-9 Fork Brace, Low Front
Fender, Lowering Links, Shortened Side Stand with a larger footprint,
stronger Shift Lever.
Carb. Modification.
I fabricated a `Vertical Headlight Adjustment' from outside the
faring, using a long 6mm Allen wrench and a special adjusting bolt.
I was very pleased with the results of the transformation from Dual
Sport to City Sport.
I had other Mods planned, but then the medical problems started with
the right hip and the left wrist and left elbow; operating the clutch
becomes painful after 75+ shifts.
I never intended to sell this machine, especially after the successful
transformation; I thought I would ride it to motorcycle heaven one
day. Looks like, if I'm going to ride on two wheels, it's going to be
a maxi-scooter.
With a heavy heart, I placed her on eBay. She needs someone who will
take her out more often. I will miss her.
Still has a year to go on the Kawasaki Good Times Protection Plan -
Expires 5/15/2009............
http://img379.imageshack.us/img379/1025/fender4ii9.jpg
eBay --- Item number: 260230802063
Thanks for the time and keep safe !
Tom
I had a lot of trouble with one hip with the stock seat and built my own
that's quite a bit wider than stock. It's not perfect but my hip doesn't
bother me anymore. Alan A13 Iowa
revmaaatin wrote:
