--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "revmaaatin" wrote:
>
> Our forum owner, Fred at Arrowhead Sports sells a replacement spring.
> I have used this replacement SPRING on OEM shocks for nearly 10 years and find it to be a huge upgrade to the stock shock. I have this set up on two KLR's and find it very adequate for my riding style.
>
>
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/
>
> Disclaimer: no association, just a very pleased customer.
>
> Shocks and springs:
> I tend to wear out a shock in 15-20K miles (YMMV) and I switch out the spring to the replacement shock (= usually a takeoff from someone who buys an expensive shock; Ebay purchase, etc)
>
> I have the spring removed and replaced at a place that changes auto struts. = alignment shope; Cost ~$10.
> Pay attention to this process or you could LOSE a finger. DO NOT use a rube-Goldberg apparatus to change the spring (or at great peril to your body)
>
> It is very important that you get the right spring
> otherwise you will not have much rear suspension.
> In a nut shell, the spring rate should be stiff enough to keep you from bottoming out every time you hit a hole, but soft enough that it will compress so that you only occasionally bottom out.
>
> Call Fred; describe your riding style, body weight, and the amount of kitchen sink you will be carrying.
> Don't guess.
> Load up you bike and weigh it.
> This can be done at a feed store or grain elevator
> or--
> You can weigh your bike by using bathroom scales;
> Use a scrap of wood to build a slight ramp = 2x4/plywood/flake board scrap
> and then roll the bike up on the scale. The ramp protects the scale from an uneven pressure as you position the front and rear wheel and will keep you from dropping the bike on yourself as you find the mass of your bike. cough.
>
> Weigh the front wheel,
> Weigh the back wheel,
> and then weigh your self with riding gear.
> Add them all together.
> Remember fuel weighs 6# gal if the tank is not full, etc. etc.
>
> Call Fred: He will then help you get the right spring
> Do not overestimate your riding style...if you get a to much spring, you will have a pretty rough ride.
>
> revmaaatin.
>
> ps
> as a compliment to Fred,
> He (as well as other vendors) will sell you anything you 'want',
> However, if you ask Fred questions, you will discover as I have,
> He has never sold me something that did not work,
> And after conversation about how I ride,
> has kept me from buying things that would not work well for me,
> = steering me to the product that has given me great service.
>
> pps.
> You might already be doing this---
> Look at your bike and armor anything that will break when the bike takes a nap. IMO, this:
> =lever protectors ("barkkbusters" or equivalent)
> Mirror isolators (gives the mirror stalk some flex
> Rear brake billet
> Rear brake master cylinder armor
> Off road foot pegs = DRZ650 foot pegs.
>
> Buy this items once and you will likely never have to replace the items they protect. If you ride a KLR, you will drop the bike and break 'stuff'.
>
> revmaaatin. who has never needed his spare levers for over 10 years. shrug.
> the armor works!
>
>
>
>
_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Michael" wrote:
> >
> > Well, I am doing my rebuild on my 2009. Really enjoying the process so far. Even repainting the parts all matte black. Going to look really good till the first off road riding I am sure.
> >
> > Before hand I made sure to do the "Doo" and the Progressive Front Suspension Springs. Make sure that I "Started" without a bunch of issues. Also, picked up from Craigslist a bunch of parts including the "Doo" parts, SW Motech Bars, Skid plate, etc. Really wanted to do some upgrades... now the bike will be almost what I wanted to begin with, a bike that is both my daily driver and my Zombie Attack Vehicle
> >
> > Been taking pictures of the process and will post when I complete it, this is a learning process. First I wanted to learn how to do much of this work and second the bike was due of some serious maintenance and cleaning for the new year coming up. And being both poor and cheap, doing it myself is the only option. Besides it is easier learning to do this work in the Driveway than on the side of the road somewhere... at night... in the rain...
> >
> > Here is a question I have. Anyone tried to UPGRADE their Shock/Shock Spring to something more like for someone heavy like myself that carries a lot of gear when I travel. Any recommendations, suggestions, or can me tell you about your past experiences? I have heard a company called "Top Gun" is selling a replacement for the KLR that is rated 350lbs, any thoughts? Anyone heard of them?
> >
> > Also, I want to say thank you to each of you. This group as been a real gift, I have learned so much and have always had someone(s) offering to help with advice etc. I am proud to know you guys.
> >
> > Michael
> >
>
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