two brother's exhaust

[Bogdan Swider]

> Is there any dimensional difference that counts between standard and > o-ring chain? Put another way, if stranded someplace, could a non o-ring > chain be put on the OEM (o-ring) sprockets to get home? > Or are the sprockets different widths for standard and o-ring chains? > Thanks. > Bob Kaub >

Bob, I believe they're interchangeable. One of the old MCN staffers had a klr and wrote about his experiences with it. This guy had more time than money; or maybe he was just cheap. He figured out that standard chains were more economical that O-Ring even accounting for the fact that they had to be changed more often. After the original bit the dust, he only used standards. Bogdan

[Bob Conklin]

A while back I wrote saying that I would be recieving the first exhaust systems made by Two Brothers Racing specifically for the KLR. They used my bike as a template for measurements and in return I would recieve a free system. Well the KLR project got put on the low priority section of the things to do list at TBR but I'm happy to report that these units are now in production. I recieved mine Thurs.,installed it on Fri.,and did a 100mi 50/50 ride with it on Sat. Here are my impressions. Description - TBR will only be making a slip-on system (no header pipe) for the KLR. The unit is listed as a KLR Slip-On with C-2 Oval AL. The part no. is 005-630406. The cost is $289.98 with the quiet tip. Figure on about $25 less without the tip. The exhaust is of the highest quality and features a highly polished aluminum finish throughout. The unit is compact in size and includes everything needed for installation. Installation - I am a decent mechanic but by no means an expert. It took me a realistic 20 min.to remove the old system and install the TBR setup. The fit was very good and there proved to be adequate clearance for rear wheel travel and the side panel without a lot of experimenting. The weight difference is substantial but not having a scale handy I can't say how much is actually saved. Once on the bike you can't help but admire the way it looks. Its a beauty - the picture on the TBR site doesn't do it justice. Performance - This is a loud system even with the quiet tip. It was definitely louder than the KTM Adventure R equiped with a stock Supertrapp that belonged to my riding partner. I personally favor quiet pipes so I was a little disappointed with this aspect of the exhaust but I think I can live with it if I remember not to get on the gas hard in residential areas. Actually,the tone is pretty sweet - much sexier than any Supertrapp I've ever heard. I havn't heard a Big Gun on a KLR but I imagine from what I've read that they are probably similar as far as the noise factor goes. As far as performance gains,its hard to tell by seat of the pants. Two Brothers decided not to dyno the bike for whatever reasons so there is no real numbers to go by. My bike with 5200 mi.(equiped with a K&N filter in a drilled airbox with a Dynojet kit - 140 main) feels somewhat stronger and more robust but keeping the front wheel on the ground is not a problem. A nice improvement,but not huge. Cons - This system will have to be repacked occasionally. Additionally,repacking will require drilling out the 6 rivets that hold the endcap in place and then reriveting it back when finished. We've done this on my brother's TBR equiped Cagiva Elefant and its not a difficult task although it is a little more labor intensive than simply unbolting the endcap. Two Brothers sells rivet kits but whatever is needed should be available at the nearest Home Depot. To conclude I would have to say that dependent on your needs this system could represent a serious alternative when considering aftermarket exhaust system.