> I think Tengais (used to own one, sold it to a riding buddy who still
> rides it) sit about 1.5 inches lower.
That's what I had assumed, an inch or so. Makes all the difference in
the world when you're shorter but don't want a "little bike". Like I said,
I had a KLR650, loved it, but I did have to stand tippy-toe a lot. I don't
have a lot of weight to push the seat down, either.
Shorter rear shock and a
> different front end make the difference.
I know there are lowering kits. But can one just buy a Tengai rear shock
and bolt it to an otherwise stock KLR, and lower the fork tubes in the
clamps (as I saw described in some webpage somewhere), and not screw the
whole thing up?
I can live with the height, but I'd be more comfortable with it a bit
lower.
I can buy a standard KLR pretty easy around here used, and quite a bit
cheaper than the prices people seem to get (or ask) for the Tengai. But the
Tengai is nice looking...................
Better (two piston) brake
> up front.
In other words, a better caliper? If so, that's no problem. The stock
one on my '89 was adequate for my weight and use, and if replacement was
required sometime along the line I could always change it then, right? Or
won't it bolt up?
> One of the Marks on the list knows a lot about them, he
> also owns one. I think they are sweet bikes. I imagine the lowering
> kit for the KLR would do you the same thing for hieght.
I just didn't like adding the "links" if just switching the shock
absorber did the same thing. The lowering kit I saw advertized somewhere
had a set of links to effectively shorten the shock. I personally would
feel safer just adding a shorter shock if that's the case.
I believe
> the plastic bodywork should be carefully inspected prior to actual
> purchase, it tends to crack in spots.
This is no big deal for me. When it's bad I fix it, otherwise I can live
with it. If I buy new, it better be perfect (until I use it,anyway). But
if I get used, I expect some signs of use. I've owned and ridden some
pretty ratty heaps, but never overpaid for any of them. If I buy it cheap,
I expect some "wear".
Handlebars are one inch
> narrower.
Nothing a hacksaw can't fix.
Seriously, this doesn't matter to me
either. I actually like the wider handlebars. The few bikes I have ridden
with narrow bars I did not think were good handling.
Frame and subframe are almost identical (lugs differ).
Here I'm lost. What do you mean by the "lugs"?
Thanks again,
Chuck F.
NE PA
TIA for any help.
Chuck F.
NE PA