nklrwhy we celebrate the 4th of july!

[JSherlockHolmes@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/6/00 6:29:06 AM Canada Central Standard Time, DSN_klr650@egroups.com writes: > In Cali, the red reflector tape may very well be illegal, the blue may be also. The reason for this, is because of the reflective safety dots/tabs installed in the roadway to separate lanes and to identify safety zones/lanes. If you shine a light on the back side of these reflectors, they will normally shine red which is supposed to indicate that you are traveling the wrong way on the road. I believe I saw some blue ones when I was moving from Cali to Oki. I think these were around on ramps. It is best to check with local law enforcement or your motor vehicle department. Jim Sherlock

[JSherlockHolmes@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/6/00 6:29:06 AM Canada Central Standard Time, DSN_klr650@egroups.com writes: > I am not entirely sure that I agree with this concept. I use GIVI bags on the sides and on the top. Then I use the passenger seat section for other items that won't fit in the GIVI bags. I have never experienced a true problem when fully loaded. Maybe it is because I am a big guy, in the front saddle (280lbs.) I don't know. What I will concede to is, when I first put the bags on, I thought the front end felt a little light or twitchy at speed. Once I replaced the front fender with an Acerbis Baja unit, this feeling went completely away. I theorize that the aero effects of the front sail of a fender, that is stock on the KLR, is exacerbated when the KLR is loaded down. (I seemed to have the light front end problem when I had a passenger and no bags, as well) Eliminating the stock front fender has appeared to completely eliminate that twitchy/light front end feeling. So, if you change your front fender to a different style like the Baja or even the Superbike style, you will probably not feel these effects. Of course, your heaviest stuff should be mounted as low as possible. This is to keep the CG as low as possible. The tank bag and top rear bag should be used for the lightest stuff in your ensemble. The truth is, your loaded down KLR is not going to ride like your unloaded KLR. It simply cannot happen. The KLR was not designed to be loaded down like a Goldwing. We do it, because the KLR can do it, with some caution and common sense applied. Use your tank panniers, use your passenger seat, and use whatever side bags strike your fancy. Just remember to keep the CG as low as possible and remember to adapt your riding style to the KLR when its loaded down. It is a different animal when loaded down, but it is still a blast. Have fun. Jim Sherlock

[Adam Stahnke]

I think Stu is set for a rendition of Sting's "Englishman in New York"(with a few changes) at next year's Moab Rally. "Seeing me riding down First Avenue my KLR is my ride I drive it everywhere I go I'm an Englishman in Riverside"